bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The concurrent validity and reliability of the Leg Motion system for measuring ankle dorsiflexion range of motion in older adults
Authors: Romero Morales Carlos , Calvo Lobo César , Rodríguez Sanz David , Sanz Corbalán Irene , Ruiz Ruiz Beatriz Beatriz , López López Daniel
Published: January 2017

Background

New reliable devices for range of motion (ROM) measures in older adults are necessary to improve knowledge about the functional capability in this population. Dorsiflexion ROM limitation is associated with ankle injuries, foot pain, lower limb disorders, loss of balance, gait control disorders and fall risk in older adults. The aim of the present study was to assess the validity and reliability of the Leg Motion device for measuring ankle dorsiflexion ROM in older adults.

Methods

Adescriptive repeated-measures study was designed to test the reliability of Leg Motion in thirty-three healthy elderly patients older than 65 years. The subjects had to meet the following inclusion and exclusion criteria in their medical records: older than 65 years; no lower extremity injury for at least one year prior to evaluation (meniscopathy, or fractures) and any chronic injuries (e.g., osteoarthritis); no previous hip, knee or ankle surgery; no neuropathic alterations and no cognitive conditions (e.g., Alzheimer’s disease or dementia). Participants were recruited through the person responsible for the physiotherapist area from a nursing center. The subjects were evaluated in two different sessions at the same time of day, and there was a break of two weeks between sessions. To test the validity of the Leg Motion system, the participants were measured in a weight-bearing lunge position using a classic goniometer with 1° increments, a smartphone with an inclinometer standard app (iPhone 5S®) with 1° increments and a measuring tape that could measure 0.1 cm. All testing was performed while the patients were barefoot. The researcher had ten years of experience as a physiotherapist using goniometer, tape measure and inclinometer devices.

Results

Mean values and standard deviations were as follows: Leg Motion (right 5.15 ± 3.08; left 5.19 ± 2.98), tape measure (right 5.12 ± 3.08; left 5.12 ± 2.80), goniometer (right 45.87° ± 4.98; left 44.50° ± 5.54) and inclinometer app (right 46.53° ± 4.79; left 45.27° ± 5.19). The pairedt-test showed no significant differences between the limbs or between the test and re-test values. The test re-test reliability results for Leg Motion were as follows: the standard error of the measurement ranged from 0.29 to 0.43 cm, the minimal detectable difference ranged from 0.79 to 1.19 cm, and the intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) values ranged from 0.97 to 0.98.

Conclusions

The results of the present study indicated that the Leg Motion device is a valid, reliable, accessible and portable tool as an alternative to the classic weight-bearing lunge test for measuring ankle dorsiflexion ROM in older adults.
Metabolic phenotype of clinical and environmentalMycobacterium aviumsubsp.hominissuisisolates
Authors: Sanchini Andrea , Dematheis Flavia , Semmler Torsten , Lewin Astrid
Published: January 2017

Background

Mycobacterium aviumsubsp.hominissuis(MAH) is an emerging opportunistic human pathogen. It can cause pulmonary infections, lymphadenitis and disseminated infections in immuno-compromised patients. In addition, MAH is widespread in the environment, since it has been isolated from water, soil or dust. In recent years, knowledge on MAH at the molecular level has increased substantially. In contrast, knowledge of the MAH metabolic phenotypes remains limited.

Methods

In this study, for the first time we analyzed the metabolic substrate utilization of ten MAH isolates, five from a clinical source and five from an environmental source. We used BIOLOG Phenotype MicroarrayTMtechnology for the analysis. This technology permits the rapid and global analysis of metabolic phenotypes.

Results

The ten MAH isolates tested showed different metabolic patterns pointing to high intra-species diversity. Our MAH isolates preferred to use fatty acids such as Tween, caproic, butyric and propionic acid as a carbon source, and L-cysteine as a nitrogen source. Environmental MAH isolates resulted in being more metabolically active than clinical isolates, since the former metabolized more strongly butyric acid (p = 0.0209) and propionic acid (p = 0.00307).

Discussion

Our study provides new insight into the metabolism of MAH. Understanding how bacteria utilize substrates during infection might help the developing of strategies to fight such infections.
Uma Análise da Gestão de Projetos de Extensão de uma Instituição Federal de Ensino
Authors: Silva Rafael Rodrigues , Teixeira Maria Rafaela Soares , Rodrigues Flavia Tatiane Ribeiro de Lima
Published: January 2017

Este trabalho se propõe a analisar a gestão dos projetos de extensão de uma instituição federal de ensino localizada no nordeste brasileiro. Sabe-se que gerenciar projetos é aplicar conhecimentos, habilidades, ferramentas e técnicas às atividades do projeto a fim de atender aos requisitos. Portanto, foi realizada uma pesquisa qualitativa, que detalhou os processos de gerenciamento dos projetos de extensão baseando-se nas definições do Project Management Body of Knowlegde (PMBOK). Sendo assim, esta pesquisa caracteriza-se como um estudo de caso, no qual se realizaram análises dos editais de seleção dos projetos e entrevista com o coordenador de extensão do campus. Os resultados mostraram que a instituição está em consonância com um guia que contém boas práticas de gerenciamento de projetos, o PMBOK; entretanto, existem alguns aspectos que precisam ser melhorados.
Avaliação de Marcas de Luxo: Um Estudo Experimental com Dois Fatores Moderadores
Authors: Pizzinatto Andrea Kassouf , Lopes Evandro Luiz , Strehlau Suzane , Pizzinatto Nadia Kassouf
Published: January 2017

O marketing de marcas de luxo apresenta algumas particularidades em relação ao utilizado em outros mercados. O objetivo principal deste estudo é identificar os efeitos do endossamento de celebridades e do país de origem na avaliação de marcas de luxo. Para tanto, realizaram-se dois experimentos, nos quais as variáveis foram manipuladas por meio de anúncios publicitários desenvolvidos para este fim. Os resultados indicam que a) a avaliação da marca de luxo não é favorecida pela utilização de endossamentos, mesmo de celebridades, e b) existem indícios quanto ao efeito país de origem na moderação da avaliação realizada pelos consumidores em determinadas circunstâncias.
Planejamento Participativo da Paisagem na Cidade Digital: Análise de Potencialidades Em Curitiba, Paraná
Authors: Klein Regina Maria Martins de Araujo , Hardt Letícia Peret Antunes , Rezende Denis Alcides
Published: January 2017

As tecnologias e serviços aplicados em ambiente virtual oferecem alternativas de inclusão dos cidadãos no processo de qualificação de cenas urbanas, sendo, portanto, oportunos para a prevenção da falta de articulação da temática paisagística na esfera da administração pública. Diante desses pressupostos, a questão central da pesquisa é voltada à interpretação das reais possibilidades de incorporação do tema e da factual participação da população na gestão municipal por meio de recursos tecnológicos de informação. Nesse contexto, o objetivo geral da investigação é analisar o potencial do planejamento participativo da paisagem na cidade digital. Assim, é apoiada em estudo documental sobre a realidade de Curitiba, Paraná. A unidade de observação abrangeu a legislação interveniente na composição das áreas verdes, definidas como recortes relevantes dos componentes paisagísticos da malha urbanizada. As normas legais foram associadas tanto a parâmetros qualiquantitativos de elementos morfológicos e compositivos, quanto a perspectivas de interface com a comunidade. Os resultados obtidos demonstram a insuficiência de efetiva integração dos citadinos nos atuais processos de ordenamento desses espaços na capital paranaense. Não obstante as limitações dos procedimentos adotados, conclui-se pela existência de capacidade de ampliação dessa conexão no âmbito da cidade digital. Este fato é diagnosticado pela identificação de oportunidades de intensificação do envolvimento virtual dos munícipes e de diversidades de opções tecnológicas para esta finalidade.
Mental Health Literacies for Interprofessional Collaboration: Youth Workers’ Perspectives on Constraining and Supporting Factors
Authors: Ranahan Patti , Thomas Tieja
Published: January 2017

Interprofessional relationships between youth workers and mental health service providers are now understood as an integral aspect of mental health literacy and care provision. This paper reports on findings from an online survey exploring youth workers’ (N = 74) perceptions of mental health literacy, specifically in regards to interprofessional relationships in Canada. Discourse analysis of participants’ qualitative responses revealed three themes: constructing us/them binaries, differential positioning contributing to collaboration, and hierarchical differential positioning contributing to learned helplessness. Constraining and supporting conditions for collaboration include organizational structures and policies that support the development of interprofessional relationships, knowledge of different professions’ roles and responsibilities, and respectful experiences during collaboration.
Enteral administration of protein supplement and valproate: A potential pharmacokinetic interaction
Authors: VandenBerg Amy , Broadway Jessica
Published: January 2017

Background: Valproic acid (VPA) and its derivatives are highly protein bound. Certain highly protein bound medications (eg, phenytoin) have specific administration instructions for patients on enteral nutrition supplements to optimize absorption of the medication. Pharmacokinetic interactions between VPA and enteral nutrition or protein supplements demonstrating impaired absorption have not been published to date.

Case Report: A patient receiving enteral VPA syrup via percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy tube experienced a clinically significant decrease in serum concentration when enteral protein supplement was initiated. Other sources of interactions were ruled out, and VPA serum concentration increased when doses were separated from protein supplement by 2 hours.

Discussion: This is the first published case of enteral protein supplementation affecting absorption of enteral VPA. Enteral feeds are known to interact with other highly protein bound medications, and clinical practice for these medications may be used to guide administration when an interaction with VPA is suspected.

Conclusion: When using enteral protein supplements concomitantly with enteral VPA, clinicians may consider separating doses to avoid potential interaction or impaired absorption.
Valproate serum concentrations in patients with hypoalbuminemia and medical complications
Authors: VandenBerg Amy , Broadway Jessica , Lalich Callie , Kennedy Rachel , Williams Kristen
Published: January 2017

Introduction: Valproic acid (VPA) and its derivatives are highly protein bound with free fraction increasing with dose and serum concentration. Consensus guidelines regarding dose adjustment for hypoalbuminemia are not available.

Methods: A literature search was performed using PubMed to identify articles with the following key terms: “valproate,” “valproic acid,” “protein binding,” “albumin,” and “hypoalbuminemia.” We report our findings as well as 5 cases involving pharmacokinetic impact of hypoalbuminemia on valproate.

Results: A previously published model for normalizing VPA serum concentration for hypoalbuminemia in patients with epilepsy was compared to results for 5 cases (4 female, 1 male) in which VPA was used for psychiatric illness. Only 1 of the cases had free serum concentrations in the range that would be expected with the model. Free concentrations ranged from 22% to 83% with no clear relationship to other factors (weight, age, serum creatinine, or dose). Female patients with similar albumin had higher free fractions than the 1 male patient.

Discussion: Due to the variability in pharmacokinetic impact of hypoalbuminemia, it is important to monitor patients closely for signs of VPA toxicity in cases involving altered albumin levels. It would be prudent to use free serum VPA concentrations when patients experience fluctuations in albumin or have unexpected response to medication.
Ketamine for the treatment of major depressive disorder and bipolar depression: A review of the literature
Authors: Grady Sarah E. , Marsh Travis A. , Tenhouse Allison , Klein Kelsey
Published: January 2017

Introduction: Over the past decade, ketamine has been studied for major depressive disorder and bipolar depression. Ketamine is believed to exert its antidepressant properties through N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor antagonism.

Methods: Study authors completed a literature review of seven randomized controlled trials of ketamine usage in major depressive disorder and bipolar depression.

Results: Ketamine demonstrated a statistically significant improvement over placebo or midazolam in major depressive disorder. Ketamine also exhibited a statistically significant improvement over placebo in bipolar depression.

Discussion: Ketamine has shown promise in quickly reducing symptoms in patients with treatment resistant depression and bipolar depression. Using ketamine may be helpful for patients that have exhausted other therapeutic options.
Clinical potential of psilocybin as a treatment for mental health conditions
Authors: Daniel Jeremy , Haberman Margaret
Published: January 2017

Psilocybin, a classic hallucinogen, is a chemical produced by more than 100 species of mushrooms worldwide. It has high affinity for several serotonin receptors, including 5-HT1A, 5-HT2A, and 5-HT2C, located in numerous areas of the brain, including the cerebral cortex and thalamus. With legislation introduced in 1992, more work is being done to further understand the implications of psilocybin use in a number of disease states. Certain mental health disease states and symptoms have been studied, including depressed mood, anxiety disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder, alcohol use disorder, and tobacco use disorder. This article provides an in-depth review of the study design and results of psilocybin in each of these conditions and discusses the clinical potential for use.
Evidence for the use of “medical marijuana” in psychiatric and neurologic disorders
Authors: Noel Christopher
Published: January 2017

Introduction: Cannabis is listed as a Schedule I substance under the Controlled Substances Act of 1970, meaning the US federal government defines it as an illegal drug that has high potential for abuse and no established medical use; however, half of the states in the nation have enacted “medical marijuana” (MM) laws. Clinicians must be aware of the evidence for and against the use of MM in their patients who may consider using this substance.

Methods: A PubMed database search was performed using the text string: “Cannabis”[Mesh] OR “Marijuana Abuse”[Mesh] OR “Medical Marijuana”[Mesh] OR “Marijuana Smoking”[Mesh] OR “cannabi*” OR “tetrahydrocannabinol.” The search was further limited to randomized clinical trial publications in English on human subjects to identify articles regarding the therapeutic use of phytocannabinoids for psychiatric and neurologic disorders. Commercially available products (ie, dronabinol, nabilone, nabiximols) and synthetic cannabinoids were excluded from the review.

Results: Publications were identified that included patients with dementia, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson disease, Huntington disease, schizophrenia, social anxiety disorder, depression, tobacco use disorder, and neuropathic pain.

Discussion: There is great variety concerning which medical conditions are approved for treatment with MM for either palliative or therapeutic benefit, depending on the state law. It is important to keep an evidence-based approach in mind, even with substances considered to be illegal under US federal law. Clinicians must weigh risks and benefits of the use of MM in their patients and should ensure that patients have tried other treatment modalities with higher levels of evidence for use when available and appropriate.
Stochastic estimation of hydraulic transmissivity fields using flow connectivity indicator data
Authors: Freixas G. , Fernàndez‐Garcia D. , Sanchez‐Vila X.
Published: January 2017

Most methods for hydraulic test interpretation rely on a number of simplified assumptions regarding the homogeneity and isotropy of the underlying porous media. This way, the actual heterogeneity of any natural parameter, such as transmissivity (
), is transferred to the corresponding estimates in a way heavily dependent on the interpretation method used. An example is a long‐term pumping test interpreted by means of the Cooper‐Jacob method, which implicitly assumes a homogeneous isotropic confined aquifer. The estimates obtained from this method are not local values, but still have a clear physical meaning; the estimated
represents a regional‐scale effective value, while the log‐ratio of the normalized estimated storage coefficient, indicated by
, is an indicator of flow connectivity, representative of the scale given by the distance between the pumping and the observation wells. In this work we propose a methodology to use
, together with sampled local measurements of transmissivity at selected points, to map the expected value of local
values using a technique based on cokriging. Since the interpolation involves two variables measured at different support scales, a critical point is the estimation of the covariance and crosscovariance matrices. The method is applied to a synthetic field displaying statistical anisotropy, showing that the inclusion of connectivity indicators in the estimation method provide maps that effectively display preferential flow pathways, with direct consequences in solute transport.
Particle flux in the oceans: Challenging the steady state assumption
Authors: Giering Sarah L. C. , Sanders Richard , Martin Adrian P. , Henson Stephanie A. , Riley Jennifer S. , Marsay Chris M. , Johns David G.
Published: January 2017

Atmospheric carbon dioxide levels are strongly controlled by the depth at which the organic matter that sinks out of the surface ocean is remineralized. This depth is generally estimated from particle flux profiles measured using sediment traps. Inherent in this analysis is a steady state assumption that export from the surface does not significantly change in the time it takes material to reach the deepest trap. However, recent observations suggest that a significant fraction of material in the mesopelagic zone sinks slowly enough to bring this into doubt. We use data from a study in the North Atlantic during July/August 2009 to challenge the steady state assumption. An increase in biogenic silica flux with depth was observed which we interpret, based on vertical profiles of diatom taxonomy, as representing the remnants of the spring diatom bloom sinking slowly (<40 m d−1). We were able to reproduce this behavior using a simple model using satellite‐derived export rates and literature‐derived remineralization rates. We further provide a simple equation to estimate “additional” (or “excess”) particulate organic carbon supply to the dark ocean during nonsteady state conditions, which is not captured by traditional sediment trap deployments. In seasonal systems, mesopelagic net organic carbon supply could be wrong by as much as 25% when assuming steady state. We conclude that the steady state assumption leads to misinterpretation of particle flux profiles when input fluxes from the upper ocean vary on the order of weeks, such as in temperate and polar regions with strong seasonal cycles in export.
MeltMigrator: A MATLAB‐based software for modeling three‐dimensional melt migration and crustal thickness variations at mid‐ocean ridges following a rules‐based approach
Authors: Bai Hailong , Montési Laurent G. J. , Behn Mark D.
Published: January 2017

MeltMigrator is a MATLAB®‐based melt migration software developed to process three‐dimensional mantle temperature and velocity data from user‐supplied numerical models of mid‐ocean ridges, calculate melt production and melt migration trajectories in the mantle, estimate melt flux along plate boundaries, and predict crustal thickness distribution on the seafloor. MeltMigrator is also capable of calculating compositional evolution depending on the choice of petrologic melting model. Programmed in modules, MeltMigrator is highly customizable and can be expanded to a wide range of applications. We have applied it to complex mid‐ocean ridge model settings, including transform faults, oblique segments, ridge migration, asymmetrical spreading, background mantle flow, and ridge‐plume interaction. In this technical report, we include an example application to a segmented mid‐ocean ridge. MeltMigrator is available as a supplement to this paper, and it is also available from GitHub and the University of Maryland Geodynamics Group website.
Acid weathering of basalt and basaltic glass: 2. Effects of microscopic alteration textures on spectral properties
Authors: Smith Rebecca J. , Horgan Briony H. N. , Mann Paul , Cloutis Edward A. , Christensen Philip R.
Published: January 2017

Acid alteration has long been proposed for the Martian surface, and so it is important to understand how the resulting alteration textures affect surface spectra. Two basaltic materials of varying crystallinity were altered in two different H2SO4 solutions (pH 1 and pH 3) for 220 days. The unaltered and altered samples were studied in the visible and near infrared (VNIR) and thermal infrared (TIR), and select samples were chosen for scanning electron microscopy analysis. Materials altered in pH 3 solutions showed little to no physical alteration, and their spectral signatures changed very little. In contrast, all materials altered in pH 1 acid displayed silica‐rich alteration textures, and the morphology differed based on starting material crystallinity. The more crystalline material displayed extensive alteration reaching into the sample interiors and had weaker silica spectral features. The glass sample developed alteration layers tens of microns thick, exhibiting amorphous silica‐rich spectral features that completely obscured the substrate. Thus, the strong absorption coefficient of silica effectively decreases the penetration depth of TIR spectral measurements, causing silica abundances to be grossly overestimated in remote sensing data. Additionally, glass samples with silica layers exhibited distinct concave up blue spectral slopes in the VNIR. Spectra from the northern lowland plains of Mars are modeled with high abundances of amorphous silica and exhibit concave up blue spectral slopes and are thus consistent with acid altered basaltic glass. Therefore, we conclude that large regions of the Martian surface may have formed through the interaction of basaltic glass with strongly acidic fluids.
Phase Decomposition of a Single‐Phase AlTiVNb High‐Entropy Alloy after Severe Plastic Deformation and Annealing
Authors: Schuh Benjamin , Völker Bernhard , Maier‐Kiener Verena , Todt Juraj , Li Jiehua , Hohenwarter Anton
Published: January 2017

An equiatomic AlTiVNb high‐entropy alloy is deformed by high pressure torsion inducing a nanocrystalline microstructure. The samples then are subjected to isochronal heat treatments between 300 °C and 1000 °C. The hardness increase from ≈7.4 GPa for the as‐ processed state to 10.4 GPa for an annealing temperature of 700 °C, while for higher temperatures the hardness starts to decrease. Furthermore, the reduced modulus increases after annealing treatments as well. It will be shown that the unusual annealing response can be related to the formation of intermetallic phases creating a multi‐phase nanocomposite material during annealing. The results give new insights into the thermodynamic stability of this alloy, which are also relevant for coarser‐grained microstructures.
Al‐Doped Black Phosphorus p–n Homojunction Diode for High Performance Photovoltaic
Authors: Liu Yuanda , Cai Yongqing , Zhang Gang , Zhang Yong‐Wei , Ang Kah‐Wee
Published: January 2017

2D layered materials based p–n junctions are fundamental building block for enabling new functional device applications with high efficiency. However, due to the lack of controllable doping technique, state‐of‐the‐art 2D p–n junctions are predominantly made of van der Waals heterostructures or electrostatic gated junctions. Here, the authors report the demonstration of a spatially controlled aluminum doping technique that enables a p–n homojunction diode to be realized within a single 2D black phosphorus nanosheet for high performance photovoltaic application. The diode achieves a near‐unity ideality factor of 1.001 along with an on/off ratio of ≈5.6 × 103 at a low bias of 2 V, allowing for low‐power dynamic current rectification without signal decay or overshoot. When operated under a photovoltaic regime, the diode's dark current can be significantly suppressed. The presence of a built‐in electric field additionally gives rise to temporal short‐circuit current and open‐circuit voltage under zero external bias, indicative of its enriched functionalities for self‐powered photovoltaic and high signal‐to‐noise photodetection applications.
Electrowetting‐Induced Morphological Evolution of Metal‐Organic Inverse Opals toward a Water‐Lithography Approach
Authors: Liu Junchao , Wan Lun , Zhang Manbo , Jiang Kejian , Song Kai , Wang Jingxia , Ikeda Tomiki , Jiang Lei
Published: January 2017

This paper presents a unique morphological evolution of metal‐organic inverse opals (Pb(NO3)2‐poly(St‐MMA‐AA)) subjected to an electrowetting process. The morphology of the building blocks changes from interconnected pores to separated hollow spheres during the electrowetting process, accompanied by an unusual blue‐shift of the stopband position and the decreased wettability of the film. This morphology evolution is attributed to the simultaneous collapse/reconstruction of the metal‐organic frame owing to the partial dissolution of the metal salt and the interfacial assembly of the metal‐organic coordination around the skeleton. The adjustable morphology can be developed as a novel and simple water‐lithography approach for the creation of the photonic crystal pattern.
Poly(tetramethylene oxide) (PTMO)‐grafted carbon nanotubes for preparing PTMO‐based polyurethane films with enhanced storage moduli
Authors: Behniafar Hossein , Yazdi Mojtaba
Published: January 2017

In this article, multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (CNT's) were coated by poly(tetramethylene oxide) (PTMO) soft layer. PTMO was used for preparing segmented polyurethane (PU) films as well. PTMO‐grafted CNT was utilized for loading into the PTMO‐based segmented PU films in three different contents, i.e., 0.2, 0.4, and 0.8 wt.%. All PU‐CNT nanocomposites were characterized by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE‐SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and X‐ray diffraction (XRD) techniques. The resulting nanocomposites were also investigated by thermogravimetric analysis (TG/DTG), differential thermal analysis (DTA), and dynamic mechanical thermal analysis (DMTA). DTMA results showed a significant increase in the storage moduli, especially at temperatures <Tg values. At the beginning temperature of E′–T analysis this increase was 1.05 GPa for the sample possessing 0.2 wt.% of the filler.
Thermally Activated Delayed Fluorescence Organic Dots (TADF Odots) for Time‐Resolved and Confocal Fluorescence Imaging in Living Cells and In Vivo
Authors: Li Tingting , Yang Dongliang , Zhai Liuqing , Wang Suiliang , Zhao Baomin , Fu Nina , Wang Lianhui , Tao Youtian , Huang Wei
Published: January 2017

The fluorophores with long‐lived fluorescent emission are highly desirable for time‐resolved fluorescence imaging (TRFI) in monitoring target fluorescence. By embedding the aggregates of a thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF) dye, 2,3,5,6‐tetracarbazole‐4‐cyano‐pyridine (CPy), in distearoyl‐sn‐glycero‐3‐phosphoethanolamine‐poly(ethylene glycol) (DSPE‐PEG2000) matrix, CPy‐based organic dots (CPy‐Odots) with a long fluorescence lifetime of 9.3 μs (in water at ambient condition) and high brightness (with an absolute fluorescence quantum efficiency of 38.3%) are fabricated. CPy‐Odots are employed in time‐resolved and confocal fluorescence imaging in living Hela cells and in vivo. The green emission from the CPy‐Odots is readily differentiated from the cellular autofluorescence background because of their stronger emission intensities and longer lifetimes. Unlike other widely studied DSPE‐PEG2000 encapsulated Odots which are always distributed in cytoplasm, CPy‐Odots are located mainly in plasma membrane. In addition, the application of CPy‐Odots as a bright microangiography agent for TRFI in zebrafish is also demonstrated. Much broader application of CPy‐Odots is also prospected after further surface functionalization. Given its simplicity, high fluorescence intensity, and wide availability of TADF materials, the method can be extended to develop more excellent TADF Odots for accomplishing the challenges in future bioimaging applications.
The Mechanical Properties of Nanowires
Authors: Wang Shiliang , Shan Zhiwei , Huang Han
Published: January 2017

Applications of nanowires into future generation nanodevices require a complete understanding of the mechanical properties of the nanowires. A great research effort has been made in the past two decades to understand the deformation physics and mechanical behaviors of nanowires, and to interpret the discrepancies between experimental measurements and theoretical predictions. This review focused on the characterization and understanding of the mechanical properties of nanowires, including elasticity, plasticity, anelasticity and strength. As the results from the previous literature in this area appear inconsistent, a critical evaluation of the characterization techniques and methodologies were presented. In particular, the size effects of nanowires on the mechanical properties and their deformation mechanisms were discussed.
Removal of NO from flue gas using UV/S2 process in a novel photochemical impinging stream reactor
Authors: Liu Yangxian , Zhang Jun
Published: January 2017

A novel photochemical impinging stream reactor was developed for the first time. Removal process of NO from flue gas using sulfate radical (
·) and hydroxyl radical (·OH) from UV‐light activation of persulfate (UV/S2
advanced oxidation process) was investigated in the novel reactor. Experiments were conducted to evaluate the effects of S2
concentration, solution pH, UV power, solution temperature, liquid‐gas ratio, flue gas flow, NO, SO2,and O2 concentrations on removal of NO. Mechanism and kinetics of NO removal were also studied. The results show that increasing UV power, solution temperature, S2
concentration, or solution circulation rate promotes NO removal. Increasing solution pH (1.2–11.9), NO concentration or flue gas flow weakens NO removal. O2 concentration has no significant effect on NO removal.
· and ·OH were the major active species for NO removal. Absorption rate equation and kinetic parameters of NO removal were obtained. © 2017 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 63: 2968–2980, 2017
Cobalt‐Catalyzed Alkylation–Peroxidation of Alkenes with 1,3‐Dicarbonyl Compounds and T‐Hydro
Authors: Lu Shenglin , Qi Longying , Li Zhiping
Published: January 2017

A method for the cobalt‐catalyzed alkylation–peroxidation of alkenes with 1,3‐dicarbonyl compounds and T‐hydro (tert‐butyl hydroperoxide solution) was developed. This approach provides practical and selective access to γ‐carbonyl peroxides in a single step by starting from readily available starting materials. In addition, gram‐scale syntheses demonstrated that the protocol is practical and useful for organic synthesis.
Synthesis, Antioxidative and Whitening Effects of Novel Cysteine Derivatives
Authors: Ha Ji Hoon , Kim Kyoung Mi , Jeong Yoon Ju , Park Young Min , Lee Jae‐Young , Park Jino , Park Soo Nam
Published: January 2017

Recently, development of biocompatibility functional cosmetic agents as antioxidant or whitening agent has increased. In this study, synthetic cysteine derivatives (DBLS‐21, ‐24, and ‐33) were developed containing syringic acid and cysteine moieties (l‐cysteine ethyl ester, N‐acetyl cysteine methyl ester, and N‐acetyl cysteine ethyl ester), and their antioxidative and whitening activities were evaluated. The cellular protective effect (τ50) of DBLS‐21 was 51.1 min at 50 μM on
1O2
‐induced hemolysis of erythrocytes. This activity was slightly higher than that of α‐tocopherol (43.6 min) as a lipophilic antioxidant. In the melanogenesis inhibitory effect, DBLS‐21, ‐24, and ‐33 was 1.6‐, 1.8‐, and 2.5‐fold higher than arbutin, respectively. In particular, DBLS‐21 and ‐33 was 112.8‐ and 6.1‐fold higher than arbutin, respectively (293.4 μM) on tyrosinase inhibition activity (IC50
). But DBLS‐24 had no tyrosinase inhibitory activity. These results suggest that cysteine derivatives possess potential for use as an antioxidant agent (DBLS‐21) and whitening agents (all derivatives) in cosmetics.
Quantitative imaging biomarkers for dural sinus patterns in idiopathic intracranial hypertension
Authors: Zur Dinah , Anconina Reut , Kesler Anat , Lublinsky Svetlana , Toledano Ronen , Shelef Ilan
Published: January 2017

Objective

To quantitatively characterize transverse dural sinuses (TS) on magnetic resonance venography (MRV) in patients with idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH), compared to healthy controls, using a computer assisted detection (CAD) method.

Materials and Methods

We retrospectively analyzed MRV studies of 38 IIH patients and 30 controls, matched by age and gender. Data analysis was performed using a specially developed Matlab algorithm for vessel cross‐sectional analysis. The cross‐sectional area and shape measurements were evaluated in patients and controls.

Results

Mean, minimal, and maximal cross‐sectional areas as well as volumetric parameters of the right and left transverse sinuses were significantly smaller in IIH patients than in controls (p < .005 for all). Idiopathic intracranial hypertension patients showed a narrowed segment in both TS, clustering near the junction with the sigmoid sinus. In 36% (right TS) and 43% (left TS), the stenosis extended to >50% of the entire length of the TS, i.e. the TS was hypoplastic. Narrower vessels tended to have a more triangular shape than did wider vessels.

Conclusion

Using CAD we precisely quantified TS stenosis and its severity in IIH patients by cross‐sectional and volumetric analysis. This method can be used as an exact tool for investigating mechanisms of IIH development and response to treatment.
Palladium‐Catalysed Cross‐Coupling Reactions Controlled by Noncovalent Zn⋅⋅⋅N Interactions
Authors: Kadri Mohamed , Hou Jingran , Dorcet Vincent , Roisnel Thierry , Bechki Lazhar , Miloudi Abdellah , Bruneau Christian , Gramage‐Doria Rafael
Published: January 2017

Non‐covalent interactions between halopyridine substrates and catalytically inert building blocks, namely zinc(II)–porphyrins and zinc(II)–salphens, influence the catalytic outcome of Suzuki–Miyaura and Mizoroki–Heck palladium‐catalysed cross‐coupling reactions. The weak Zn⋅⋅⋅N interactions between halopyridine substrates and zinc(II)‐containing porphyrins and salphens, respectively, were studied by a combination of 1H NMR spectroscopy, UV/Vis studies, Job‐Plot analysis and, in some cases, X‐ray diffraction studies. Additionally, the former studies revealed unique supramolecular polymeric and dimeric rearrangements in the solid state featuring weak Br⋅⋅⋅N (halogen bonding), C−H⋅⋅⋅π, Br⋅⋅⋅π and π⋅⋅⋅π interactions. The reactivity of halopyridine substrates in homogeneous palladium‐catalysed cross‐coupling reactions was found to correlate with the binding strength between the zinc(II)‐containing scaffolds and the corresponding halopyridine. Such observation is explained by the unfavourable formation of inactive over‐coordinated halopyridine⋅⋅⋅palladium species. The presented approach is particularly appealing for those cases in which substrates and/or products deactivate (or partially poison) a transition‐metal catalyst.
What a Difference a Methyl Group Makes: The Selectivity of Monoamine Oxidase B Towards Histamine and N‐Methylhistamine
Authors: Maršavelski Aleksandra , Vianello Robert
Published: January 2017

Monoamine oxidase (MAO) enzymes catalyze the degradation of a very broad range of biogenic and dietary amines including many neurotransmitters in the brain, whose imbalance is extensively linked with the biochemical pathology of various neurological disorders. Although sharing around 70 % sequence identity, both MAO A and B isoforms differ in substrate affinities and inhibitor sensitivities. Inhibitors that act on MAO A are used to treat depression, due to their ability to raise serotonin concentrations, whereas MAO B inhibitors decrease dopamine degradation and improve motor control in patients with Parkinson disease. Despite this functional importance, the factors affecting MAO selectivity are poorly understood. Here, we used a combination of molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, molecular mechanics with Poisson–Boltzmann and surface area solvation (MM‐PBSA) binding free energy evaluations, and quantum mechanical (QM) cluster calculations to address the unexpected, yet challenging MAO B selectivity for N‐methylhistamine (NMH) over histamine (HIS), differing only in a single methyl group distant from the reactive ethylamino center. This study shows that a dominant selectivity contribution is offered by a lower activation free energy for NMH by 2.6 kcal mol−1, in excellent agreement with the experimental ΔΔG≠EXP=1.4 kcal mol−1, together with a more favorable reaction exergonicity and active‐site binding. This study also confirms the hydrophobic nature of the MAO B active site and underlines the important role of Ile199, Leu171, and Leu328 in properly orienting substrates for the reaction.
Absolute Bioavailability and Pharmacokinetic Comparability of Sirukumab Following Subcutaneous Administration by a Prefilled Syringe or an Autoinjector
Authors: Zhuang Y. , de Vries D. E. , Marciniak S. J. , Liu H. , Zhou H. , Davis H. M. , Leon F. , Raible D. , Xu Z.
Published: January 2017

This phase 1, randomized, open‐label study assessed the absolute bioavailability and pharmacokinetic comparability of sirukumab, a human anti–interleukin‐6 monoclonal antibody, following subcutaneous (SC) administration via Prefilled Syringe‐UltraSafe Passive® Delivery System (PFS‐U) or Prefilled Syringe‐SmartJect® Autoinjector (PFS‐AI; Janssen Research & Development, LLC, Spring House, Pennsylvania). A total of 144 healthy male subjects were randomized to 5 single‐dose treatment groups: sirukumab 50 mg and 100 mg (each by PFS‐U and PFS‐AI) and sirukumab 100 mg intravenous (IV) infusion. Pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated using noncompartmental analysis. Following SC administration, maximum serum concentrations (Cmax) and area under the concentration‐vs‐time curve (AUC) increased in an approximately dose‐proportional manner. Median time to reach Cmax was 5 days, and mean half‐life ranged from 16 to 19 days. Mean absolute bioavailability of sirukumab by PFS‐AI and PFS‐U, respectively, was estimated at 92.4% and 81.4% with 100 mg and 88.4% and 94.7% with 50 mg. Ratios of geometric means (90% confidence intervals) of Cmax and AUC0‐77d for PFS‐AI:PFS‐U were 1.13 (1.03, 1.25) and 1.14 (1.05, 1.24), respectively, indicating comparable systemic exposures of sirukumab following a single 100‐mg SC dose by PFS‐U or PFS‐AI. The incidence of antibodies to sirukumab was low (1.4%). No new safety concerns associated with sirukumab were identified at either dose.
Syringaresinol: A Renewable and Safer Alternative to Bisphenol A for Epoxy‐Amine Resins
Authors: Janvier Marine , Hollande Louis , Jaufurally Abdus Samad , Pernes Miguel , Ménard Raphaël , Grimaldi Marina , Beaugrand Johnny , Balaguer Patrick , Ducrot Paul‐Henri , Allais Florent
Published: January 2017

A renewable bisepoxide, SYR‐EPO, was prepared from syringaresinol, a naturally occurring bisphenol deriving from sinapic acid, by using a chemo‐enzymatic synthetic pathway. Estrogenic activity tests revealed no endocrine disruption for syringaresinol. Its glycidylation afforded SYR‐EPO with excellent yield and purity. This biobased, safe epoxy precursor was then cured with conventional and renewable diamines for the preparation of epoxy‐amine resins. The resulting thermosets were thermally and mechanically characterized. Thermal analyses of these new resins showed excellent thermal stabilities (Td5 %=279–309 °C) and Tg ranging from 73 to 126 °C, almost reaching the properties of those obtained with the diglycidylether of bisphenol A (DGEBA), extensively used in the polymer industry (Td5 %=319 °C and Tg=150 °C for DGEBA/isophorone diamine resins). Degradation studies in NaOH and HCl aqueous solutions also highlighted the robustness of the syringaresinol‐based resins, similar to bisphenol A (BPA). All these results undoubtedly confirmed the potential of syringaresinol as a greener and safer substitute for BPA.
Synthesis of Renewable Triketones, Diketones, and Jet‐Fuel Range Cycloalkanes with 5‐Hydroxymethylfurfural and Ketones
Authors: Li Shanshan , Chen Fang , Li Ning , Wang Wentao , Sheng Xueru , Wang Aiqin , Cong Yu , Wang Xiaodong , Zhang Tao
Published: January 2017

A series of renewable C9–C12 triketones with repeating [COCH2CH2] units were synthesized in high carbon yields (ca. 90 %) by the aqueous‐phase hydrogenation of the aldol‐condensation products of 5‐hydroxylmethylfurfural (HMF) and ketones over an Au/TiO2 catalyst. Compared with the reported routes, this new route has many advantages such as being environmentally friendly, having fewer steps, using a cheaper and reusable catalyst, etc. The triketones as obtained can be used as feedstocks in the production of conducting or semi‐conducting polymers. Through a solvent‐free intramolecular aldol condensation over solid‐base catalysts, the triketones were selectively converted to diketones, which can be used as intermediates in the synthesis of useful chemicals or polymers. As another application, the tri‐ and diketones can also be utilized as precursors for the synthesis of jet‐fuel range branched cycloalkanes with low freezing points (224–248 K) and high densities (ca. 0.81 g mL−1).
A novel ensembled technique for anomaly detection
Authors: Garg Sahil , Batra Shalini
Published: January 2017

Anomaly detection is a technique that works to detect those instances of data that do not comply with the data model. In this paper the problem of anomaly detection in networked traffic data is considered, and a novel ensembled technique for anomaly detection is proposed. The proposed technique uses a combination of fuzzy K‐means clustering algorithm, extended Kalman filter, and support vector machines to detect the anomalies. In the proposed technique, fuzzy membership functions are used instead of crisp clusters to compute the best set of features by fuzzy k‐means algorithm. These features are then optimized with a nonlinear Bayesian approach known as extended Kalman filter. The resultant optimized set of features is then provided as an input to the support vector machine classifier that detects the network anomalies. The proposed technique is validated by using 2 benchmark datasets, ie, DARPA 1998 and KDD CUP 1999. Experimental results indicate that the proposed technique performs quite well as compared to its traditional counterparts in accuracy, detection rate, false positive rate, and F‐score.
Pd Nanoparticle Assemblies as Efficient Catalysts for the Hydrogen Evolution and Oxygen Reduction Reactions
Authors: Liu Suli , Mu Xueqin , Duan Huiyu , Chen Changyun , Zhang Hui
Published: January 2017

Developing bifunctional catalysts for both the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) is crucial for obtaining hydrogen easily by water splitting to promote electrochemical energy conversion in fuel cells. In this paper, we report a facile approach for the synthesis of Pd nanoparticle assemblies (NPAs) with porous structure as catalysts for both the HER and the ORR with desirable electrocatalytic activities and long‐term stability. For the HER, the porous Pd NPAs exhibit a low onset potential, a small Tafel slope of 30 mV dec–1, and an exceptionally low overpotential of about 80 mV at a current density of 100 mA cm–2, and these porous Pd NPAs maintain their catalytic activity for at least 1000 cyclic voltammetry (CV) cycles of durability in 0.5 m H2SO4. As for the ORR, the porous Pd NPAs offer a remarkable catalytic activity with a diffusion‐limiting current density of 3.85 mA cm–2, a half‐potential of 0.837 V, and an onset potential of 0.926 V at 1600 rpm with a scan rate of 5 mV s–1. This study enables the design of novel bifunctional electrocatalysts in the renewable energy field.
Saving two birds with one stone: solving the quandary of introduced, threatened species
Authors: Gibson Luke , Yong Ding Li
Published: January 2017

The international wildlife trade has spread numerous species across the planet and reduced populations of many of these same species in their native ranges. In some cases, the intentional or accidental release of traded organisms has led to the establishment of populations beyond their native ranges, in urban centers or adjacent wilderness and often with negative environmental consequences. Here, we describe examples of the conservation dilemma posed by introduced, threatened species and highlight ways to mitigate the threats presented by introduced populations – as well as the threats facing native populations – of the same species. Managing introduced populations – either by using them as substitutes to help offset the demand for wild‐caught organisms or by translocating them in an effort to reinforce imperiled populations within their native ranges – represents a currently underutilized solution to two pressing conservation problems. Alternatively, naturalized populations could serve as research surrogates to facilitate an understanding of the natural history of the species in its native range. Such creative conservation strategies could help stem the continuing worldwide degradation of biodiversity.