bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Investigation of the collapse of bubbles after the impact of a piston on a liquid free surface
Authors: Daou Maya Mounir , Igualada Elena , Dutilleul Hugo , Citerne Jean‐Marie , Rodríguez‐Rodríguez Javier , Zaleski Stéphane , Fuster Daniel
Published: March 2017

A novel technique based on the impact of a piston on a liquid confined in a vessel is described. Pressure measurements reveal that strong pressure variations (up to 100 atmospheres) with a rich content of frequencies are efficiently transmitted to the liquid. High‐speed camera visualizations show that pre‐existing millimetric bubbles always collapse during the first instants of the impact whereas the behavior of submillimetric bubbles depends on the features of the pressure evolution in the system. In addition to the impact velocity, the amount of gas/vapor trapped between the piston and the liquid's surface plays an important role on how pressure evolves. Only when negative pressure occurs tiny bubbles grow significantly and collapse. The violent collapse of bubbles promote turbulence and mixing at very small length‐scales which renders this technique interesting to intensify processes limited by heat and mass diffusion. © 2017 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 63: 2483–2495, 2017
Clinical presentation and outcomes of patients with type 1 monoclonal cryoglobulinemia
Authors: Sidana Surbhi , Rajkumar S. Vincent , Dispenzieri Angela , Lacy Martha Q. , Gertz Morie A. , Buadi Francis K. , Hayman Suzanne R. , Dingli David , Kapoor Prashant , Gonsalves Wilson I. , Go Ronald S. , Hwa Yi Lisa , Leung Nelson , Fonder Amie L. , Hobbs Miriam A. , Zeldenrust Steven R. , Russell Stephen J. , Lust John A. , Kyle Robert A. , Kumar Shaji K.
Published: March 2017

We describe a series of 102 patients diagnosed from January 1, 1990 to December 31, 2015 with Type 1 monoclonal cryoglobulinemia (MoC). Symptoms were seen in 89 (87%) patients, including: cutaneous symptoms in 64 (63%) patients, with purpura (n = 43, 42%) and ulcers/gangrene (n = 35, 34%) being most common; neurological findings in 33 (32%) patients, most frequently sensory neuropathy (n = 24, 24%); vasomotor symptoms, mainly Raynaud's phenomenon in 25 (25%); arthralgias in 24 (24%); and renal manifestations, primarily glomerulonephritis in 14 (14%) patients. An underlying lymphoproliferative disorder was identified in 94 (92%) subjects; MGUS—39, myeloma—20, lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma—21 and others—14. Treatment was initiated in 73 (72%) patients, primarily for cryoglobulinemia‐related symptoms in 57. Treatment regimens consisted of: steroids ± alkylating agents in 29 (40%), novel myeloma therapies in 16 (22%), rituximab with alkylating agents in 12 (16%) and rituximab ± steroids in 11 (15%) patients; 22 patients received plasmapheresis. Six patients underwent autologous stem cell transplant. Cryocrit at treatment initiation, change in cryocrit and time to nadir cryocrit were predictive of symptom improvement. Treatment directed toward the underlying clonal disorder resulted in improvement (n = 47) or stabilization (n = 16) of symptoms in the majority of patients and disappearance of cryoglobulin in over one‐half.
“Molecular Activity Painting”: schaltbare, lichtgesteuerte Manipulation in lebenden Zellen
Authors: Chen Xi , Venkatachalapathy Muthukumaran , Kamps Dominic , Weigel Simone , Kumar Ravi , Orlich Michael , Garrecht Ruben , Hirtz Michael , Niemeyer Christof M. , Wu Yao‐Wen , Dehmelt Leif
Published: March 2017

Die akute subzelluläre Rekrutierung von Proteinen ist eine leistungsfähige Methode zur Untersuchung biologischer Netzwerke. Hoch‐dynamische Signalprozesse an der Plasmamembran können bisher jedoch nur bedingt räumlich und zeitlich untersucht werden. Insbesondere durch laterale Diffusion an der Plasmamembran ist eine anhaltende lokale Steuerung molekularer Funktionen schwer zu realisieren. Hier wird die “Molekulare‐Aktivitäts‐Malerei” (Molecular Activity Painting, MAP) vorgestellt, eine neuartige Technik, die photoaktivierbare chemisch induzierte Dimerisierung (pCID) mit immobilisierten künstlichen Rezeptoren kombiniert. Die Immobilisierung der künstlichen Rezeptoren durch oberflächengebundene Antikörper hemmt die laterale Diffusion. Hierdurch wird schnelles und stabiles Malen (Painting) von Signalmolekülen und deren Aktivität an der Plasmamembran im Mikrometermaßstab ermöglicht. Stabiles Malen des RhoA‐Myosin‐Aktivators GEF‐H1 kann kontraktile Actomyosin‐Strukturen in lebenden Zellen induzieren.
Li47B3P14N42—A Lithium Nitridoborophosphate with [P3N9]12−, [P4N10]10−, and the Unprecedented [B3P3N13]15− Ion
Authors: Bertschler Eva‐Maria , Bräuniger Thomas , Dietrich Christian , Janek Jürgen , Schnick Wolfgang
Published: March 2017

Li47B3P14N42, the first lithium nitridoborophosphate, is synthesized by two different routes using a Li3N flux enabling a complete structure determination by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction data. Li47B3P14N42 comprises three different complex anions: a cyclic [P3N9]12−, an adamantane‐like [P4N10]10−, and the novel anion [P3B3N13]15−. [P3B3N13]15− is the first species with condensed B/N and P/N substructures. Rietveld refinement, 6Li, 7Li, 11B, and 31P solid‐state NMR spectroscopy, FTIR spectroscopy, EDX measurements, and elemental analyses correspond well with the structure model from single‐crystal XRD. To confirm the mobility of Li+ ions, their possible migration pathways were evaluated and the temperature‐dependent conductivity was determined by impedance spectroscopy. With the Li3N flux route we gained access to a new class of lithium nitridoborophosphates, which could have a great potential for unprecedented anion topologies with interesting properties.
Palladium‐Catalyzed Fluorosulfonylvinylation of Organic Iodides
Authors: Zha Gao‐Feng , Zheng Qinheng , Leng Jing , Wu Peng , Qin Hua‐Li , Sharpless K. Barry
Published: March 2017

A palladium‐catalyzed fluorosulfonylvinylation reaction of organic iodides is described. Catalytic Pd(OAc)2 with a stoichiometric amount of silver(I) trifluoroacetate enables the coupling process between either an (hetero)aryl or alkenyl iodide with ethenesulfonyl fluoride (ESF). The method is demonstrated in the successful syntheses of eighty‐eight otherwise difficult to access compounds, in up to 99 % yields, including the unprecedented 2‐heteroarylethenesulfonyl fluorides and 1,3‐dienylsulfonyl fluorides.
Consensus Control of Fractional‐Order Systems Based on Delayed State Fractional Order Derivative
Authors: Liu Xueliang , Zhang Zhi , Liu Huazhu
Published: March 2017

In this paper, the delayed state fractional order derivative (DSFOD) is introduced into the existing traditional consensus protocol aiming to improve the robustness of fractional‐order multi‐agent systems against communication time delay. Both of communication channels with time‐delay and without time‐delay cases are considered. Based on the frequency‐domain analysis and algebraic graph theory, it is shown that properly choosing the intensity of DSFOD can improve the robustness of fractional‐order multi‐agent systems against communication delay. Finally, a simulated example with simulations is presented to confirm the correctness and effectiveness of the theoretical results.
X‐ray selection of Compton‐Thick AGN at high redshift
Authors: Lanzuisi G.
Published: March 2017

Compton‐Thick (CT) active galactic nuclei (AGN) are a key ingredient of cosmic X‐ray background (CXB) synthesis models, but are still an elusive component of the AGN population beyond the local universe. Multiwavelength surveys are the only way to find them at z > ∼ 0.1, and a deep X‐ray coverage is crucial in order to clearly identify them among star‐forming galaxies. As an example, the deep and wide COSMOS survey allowed us to select a total of 34 CT sources. This number is computed from the 64 nominal CT candidates, each counted for its NH probability distribution function. For each of these sources, rich multiwavelength information is available, which is used to confirm their obscured nature by comparing the expected AGN luminosity from spectral energy distribution fitting with the absorption‐corrected X‐ray luminosity. While Chandra is more efficient, for a given exposure, in detecting CT candidates in current surveys (by a factor ∼ 2), deep XMM–Newton pointings of bright sources are vital to fully characterize their properties, for example, NH distribution above 1025 cm− 2, reflection intensity, etc., all crucial parameters of CXB models. Since luminous CT AGN at high redshift are extremely rare, the future of CT studies at high redshift will have to rely on the large‐area surveys currently under way, such as XMM‐XXL and Stripe82, and will then require dedicated follow‐up with XMM–Newton, while waiting for the advent of the ESA mission Athena.
A unified framework for weighted parametric multiple test procedures
Authors: Xi Dong , Glimm Ekkehard , Maurer Willi , Bretz Frank
Published: March 2017

We describe a general framework for weighted parametric multiple test procedures based on the closure principle. We utilize general weighting strategies that can reflect complex study objectives and include many procedures in the literature as special cases. The proposed weighted parametric tests bridge the gap between rejection rules using either adjusted significance levels or adjusted p‐values. This connection is made by allowing intersection hypotheses of the underlying closed test procedure to be tested at level smaller than α. This may be also necessary to take certain study situations into account. For such cases we introduce a subclass of exact α‐level parametric tests that satisfy the consonance property. When the correlation is known only for certain subsets of the test statistics, a new procedure is proposed to fully utilize this knowledge within each subset. We illustrate the proposed weighted parametric tests using a clinical trial example and conduct a simulation study to investigate its operating characteristics.
A chiral LC‐MS/MS method for the enantioselective determination of R‐(+)‐ and S‐(–)‐pantoprazole in human plasma and its application to a pharmacokinetic study of S‐(–)‐pantoprazole sodium injection
Authors: Jiao Huiwen , Li Yueqi , Sun Luning , Zhang Hongwen , Yu Liyuan , Yu Lei , Yuan Ziqingyun , Xie Lijun , Chen Juan , Wang Yongqing
Published: March 2017

Pantoprazole, a proton pump inhibitor, is clinically used for the treatment of peptic diseases. An enantioselective LC‐MS/MS method was developed and validated for the simultaneous determination of pantoprazole enantiomers in human plasma. Pantoprazole enantiomers and the internal standard were extracted from plasma using acetonitrile. Chiral separation was carried on a Chiralpak IE column using the mobile phase consisted of 10 mm ammonium acetate solution containing 0.1% acetic acid–acetonitrile (28 : 72, v/v). MS analysis was performed on an API 4000 mass spectrometer. Multiple reactions monitoring transitions of m/z 384.1→200.1 and 390.1→206.0 were used to quantify pantoprazole enantiomers and internal standard, respectively. For each enantiomer, no apparent matrix effect was found, the calibration curve was linear over 5.00–10,000 ng/mL, the intra‐ and inter‐day precisions were below 10.0%, and the accuracy was within the range of –5.6% to 0.6%. This method was applied to the stereoselective pharmacokinetic studies in human after intravenous administration of S‐(–)‐pantoprazole sodium injections. No chiral inversion was observed during sample storage, preparation procedure and analysis. While R‐(+)‐pantoprazole was detected in human plasma with a slightly high concentration, which implied that S‐(–)‐pantoprazole may convert to R‐(+)‐pantoprazole in some subjects.
Rho‐kinase regulates extracellular matrix‐mediated osteogenic differentiation of periodontal ligament cells
Authors: Ugawa Yuki , Yamamoto Tadashi , Kawamura Mari , Yamashiro Keisuke , Shimoe Masayuki , Tomikawa Kazuya , Hongo Shoichi , Maeda Hiroshi , Takashiba Shogo
Published: March 2017

The periodontal ligament (PDL) cells contain heterogeneous mesenchymal cell populations, which have the ability to differentiate into cells that produce adjacent mineralized tissues and abundant extracellular matrix (ECM). ECM is essential not only for the homeostasis of the periodontal tissue, but also for controlling the differentiation of the PDL cells. The process of differentiation involves mechanotransduction, which links the ECM to the cytoskeleton. The present study investigated the roles of Rho‐associated coiled‐coil containing protein kinase (ROCK) signaling, a crucial regulator of the cytoskeleton, during ECM‐mediated osteogenic differentiation of PDL cells in vitro. The PDL cells were isolated from human periodontal ligaments of extracted teeth and cultured in osteogenic medium with or without Y‐27632, a pharmacological inhibitor of ROCK. ECM‐coated plates were used for ECM‐mediated differentiation. The osteogenic phenotype was evaluated at different time points by real‐time RT‐PCR for the gene encoding alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and an ALP activity assay. The effects of ROCK on cytoskeletal changes and ECM synthesis were examined by immunofluorescence analysis. Y‐27632 significantly inhibited ALP at the mRNA and protein activity levels in the late stage of differentiation; concomitantly, the actin filament content and the extracellular levels of collagen‐I and fibronectin were markedly decreased by Y‐27632. Exogenous collagen‐I and fibronectin temporally increased ALP activity, with fibronectin showing a more pronounced effect. Importantly, ECM‐mediated differentiation was almost completely inhibited by Y‐27632. These findings indicated that ECM‐mediated differentiation is dependent on ROCK signaling, and ROCK signaling contributes to the establishment of the ECM microenvironment for PDL cell differentiation.
Involuntary movements of pelvic stump
Authors: García‐Cabo Fernández Carmen , Martínez‐Rodríguez Laura , Oliva‐Nacarino Pedro , de la Tassa Germán Morís
Published: March 2017

Key Clinical Message

Although involuntary movements of stumps are less frequent than phantom sensation or other neurological sequelae of limb amputation, they represent a phenomenon that has been known for many years. The pathophysiology remains unknown, but it seems to be related to damage to the peripheral nervous system. Treatment is not standardized, but antimyoclonic drugs seem to be useful.
Rare multiple bronchial abnormalities in a patient with congenital heart disease
Authors: Chatzis Andrew C. , Sofianidou Joanne , Kousi Theofili , Karapanagiotou Olga , Kanakis Meletios A.
Published: March 2017

Key Clinical Message

Although many variations regarding lobar or segmental bronchial subdivisions have been described, abnormal bronchi originating from the trachea or main bronchi are relatively rare. These abnormalities can remain undetectable as they usually do not present with symptoms; however, they may pose major obstacles during surgery especially when accompanied by bronchial wall abnormalities.
Nanostructured Pt Surfaces with Ir Submonolayers for Enhanced NH3 Electro‐oxidation
Authors: Fomena Nadège Nzone , Garbarino Sébastien , Gaudet Julie , Roué Lionel , Guay Daniel
Published: March 2017

Preferentially (100)‐oriented nanostructured platinum films were modified by subsequent surface functionalization with iridium through pulsed electrodeposition. The Ir surface coverage was adjusted by varying the number of applied electrodeposition pulses, and was found to modify the reactivity towards NH3 oxidation. Deposition of minute amount of Ir atoms ([Ir]=6 at%) at the surface of preferentially (100)‐oriented Pt leads to a decrease in the NH3 oxidation onset potential (from −430 to −500 mV vs. Hg/HgO), an increase in the current density (at −0.30 V) from 0.55 to 0.67 mA cm−2, and an increase in the poisoning resistance over polarization at constant potential. This is attributed to the preferential adsorption of Ir atoms at Pt(100) step sites close to the Pt(100) terraces that are known to be the more active for the electro‐oxidation of NH3.
Self‐Supported PtAuCu@Cu2O/Pt Hybrid Nanobranch as a Robust Electrocatalyst for the Oxygen Reduction Reaction
Authors: Gong Hongyu , Cao Xuecheng , Mendes Rafael Gregorio , Rummeli Mark H. , Zhang Jingyu , Yang Ruizhi
Published: March 2017

Three‐dimensional self‐supported metallic structures are attractive for their unique properties of high porosity, good flexibility, large surface area per unit volume, and open‐pore structure, which promote their broad application in fuel cells. Here, for the first time, a self‐supported PtAuCu alloy and Pt supported over Cu2O, as two effective independent strategies, are combined into a single system, which leads to an enhanced electrochemical performance for the oxygen reduction reaction as compared to the commercial Pt/C. After cyclic voltammetry for 2000 cycles between 0.03 and 1.40 V, PtAuCu@Cu2O/Pt maintains high activity, whereas Pt/C shows a half‐wave potential loss of around 20 mV. This work provides an effective strategy for rational design of highly active and stable catalysts for fuel cell applications and beyond.
Electronic Control on Linear versus Branched Alkylation of 2‐/3‐Aroylbenzofurans with Acrylates: Combined DFT and Synthetic Studies
Authors: Srinivas Kolluru , Dangat Yuvraj , Kommagalla Yadagiri , Vanka Kumar , Ramana Chepuri V.
Published: March 2017

Investigations on the factors that govern unusual branched alkylation of 2‐aroylbenzofurans with acrylates by Ru‐catalyzed carbonyl‐directed C−H activation has been carried out by calculating the kinetics associated with the two key steps—the coordination of the acrylate with the intermediate ruthenacycle and the subsequent migratory insertion reaction—studied with the help of DFT calculations. Eight possible orientations for each mode of alkylation have been considered for the calculations. From these calculations, it has been understood that there is a synergistic operation of the steric and electronic effects favoring the branched alkylation. Further DFT investigations on the alkylation of the isomeric 3‐aroylbenzofurans indicated a preference for the linear alkylation and this has been verified experimentally. Overall, the observed/calculated complementary selectivity in the alkylation of 2‐/3‐aroylbenzofurans with acrylates reveals that the substrate‐dependent charge distribution of the Ru−C bond in the intermediate ruthenacycle is an important determining factor and thus the current work opens up a new domain of substrate design for controlling regioselectivity.
Hybrid Lipids Inspired by Extremophiles and Eukaryotes Afford Serum‐Stable Membranes with Low Leakage
Authors: Koyanagi Takaoki , Cao Kevin J. , Leriche Geoffray , Onofrei David , Holland Gregory P. , Mayer Michael , Sept David , Yang Jerry
Published: March 2017

This paper presents a new hybrid lipid that fuses the ideas of molecular tethering of lipid tails used by archaea and the integration of cholesterol groups used by eukaryotes, thereby leveraging two strategies employed by nature to increase lipid packing in membranes. Liposomes comprised of pure hybrid lipids exhibited a 5–30‐fold decrease in membrane leakage of small ions and molecules compared to liposomes that used only one strategy (lipid tethering or cholesterol incorporation) to increase membrane integrity. Molecular dynamics simulations reveal that tethering of lipid tails and integration of cholesterol both reduce the disorder in lipid tails and time‐dependent variance in area per lipid within a membrane, leading to tighter lipid packing. These hybrid lipid membranes have exceptional stability in serum, yet can support functional ion channels, can serve as a substrate for phospholipase enzymes, and can be used for liposomal delivery of molecules into living cells.
MOF‐Templated Assembly Approach for Fe3C Nanoparticles Encapsulated in Bamboo‐Like N‐Doped CNTs: Highly Efficient Oxygen Reduction under Acidic and Basic Conditions
Authors: Aijaz Arshad , Masa Justus , Rösler Christoph , Antoni Hendrik , Fischer Roland A. , Schuhmann Wolfgang , Muhler Martin
Published: March 2017

Developing high‐performance non‐precious metal catalysts (NPMCs) for the oxygen‐reduction reaction (ORR) is of critical importance for sustainable energy conversion. We report a novel NPMC consisting of iron carbide (Fe3C) nanoparticles encapsulated in N‐doped bamboo‐like carbon nanotubes (b‐NCNTs), synthesized by a new metal‐organic framework (MOF)‐templated assembly approach. The electrocatalyst exhibits excellent ORR activity in 0.1 m KOH (0.89 V at −1 mA cm−2) and in 0.5 m H2SO4 (0.73 V at −1 mA cm−2) with a hydrogen peroxide yield of below 1 % in both electrolytes. Due to encapsulation of the Fe3C nanoparticles inside porous b‐NCNTs, the reported NPMC retains its high ORR activity after around 70 hours in both alkaline and acidic media.
How to quantify plant tolerance to loss of biomass?
Authors: de Jong Tom J. , Lin Tiantian
Published: March 2017

In some plant species the whole shoot is occasionally removed, as a result of specialist herbivory, grazing, mowing, or other causes. The plant can adapt to defoliation by allocating more to tolerance and less to growth and defense. Plant tolerance to defoliation (TOL1) is typically measured as the ratio between the average dry weight of a group of damaged plants and a control group of undamaged plants, both measured some time after recovery. We develop a model to clarify what TOL1 actually measures. We advocate keeping regrowth (REG2) and shoot–root ratio, both elements of TOL1, separate in the analysis. Based on a resource trade‐off, exotic Jacobaea vulgaris plants from populations in the USA (no specialist herbivory) are expected to grow faster and be less tolerant than native Dutch populations (with specialist herbivory). Indeed Dutch plants had both a significantly larger fraction biomass in roots and faster regrowth (REG2), while US plants attained the highest weight in the control without defoliation. Using key‐factor analysis, we illustrate how growth rates, regrowth, and shoot–root ratio each contribute to final biomass (plant fitness). Our proposed method gives more insight in the mechanisms that underly plant tolerance against defoliation and how tolerance contributes to fitness.
A Biofuel Cell Based on Biocatalytic Reactions of Lactate on Both Anode and Cathode Electrodes – Extracting Electrical Power from Human Sweat
Authors: Koushanpour Ashkan , Gamella Maria , Katz Evgeny
Published: March 2017

Electrodes composed of carbon fibers were modified with graphene nano‐sheets in order to increase their surface area and facilitate electrochemical reactions. Electrocatalytic species, such as Meldola's blue (MB) and hemin were immobilized on the graphene surface due to their π‐π stacking and then used for electrocatalytic oxidation of NADH and reduction of H2O2, respectively. Further modification of these electrodes with enzymes producing NADH and H2O2 in situ (lactate dehydrogenase, LDH, and lactate oxidase, LOx, respectively), allowed assembling of a biofuel cell operating in the presence of lactate, oxygen and NAD+. The cathode of the biofuel cell required lactate and O2 for its operation, while the anode operated in the presence of lactate and NAD+. Notably, both bioelectrocatalytic electrodes operated in the presence of lactate, one producing H2O2 in the reaction catalyzed by LOx in the presence of O2, second producing NADH in the reaction catalyzed by LDH in the presence of NAD+. Both reactions were performed in the biofuel cell without separation of the cathodic and anodic solutions and with no need of a membrane. The biofuel cell was tested in solutions mimicking human sweat and then in real human sweat samples, demonstrating substantial power release being able to activate electronic devices.
A novel dielectrophoresis potential spectroscopy for colloidal nanoparticles
Authors: Huang Hao , Ou‐Yang H. Daniel
Published: March 2017

Dielectrophoresis (DEP) has been widely used to manipulate nanoparticles in microfluidic applications. However, determination of the DEP force of nanoparticles by theoretical models is not easy due to complications caused by the polarization of electrical double layer. Additionally, there is a lack of suitable experimental techniques to quantify the DEP force of nanoparticles. This article reports a statistical mechanics‐based experimental method to determine the DEP potential energy of a single particle by measuring the equilibrium number density of particles in a DEP force field. Results show that at high frequencies, the measured potentials agree with the Maxwell‐Wagner‐O'Konski (MWO) theory. At frequencies lower than the crossover frequency (ωco), the measured potential values are larger than MWO theory's predictions. When an effective particle radius (particle radius plus Debye length) is used to replace the particle radius, MWO theory fits better with the measured potentials on both sides of ωco. Also, the measured ωco was found inversely proportional to the effective particle radius, which agrees with MWO theory. The new DEP potential spectroscopy is not limited to the size or shape of particles, opening doors to investigate the DEP response functions of quantum dots and proteins in an alternating current electric field.
Systematic review and meta‐analysis of venous thromboembolism in otolaryngology–head and neck surgery
Authors: Moubayed Sami P. , Eskander Antoine , Mourad Moustafa W. , Most Sam P.
Published: March 2017

Background

The purpose of this study was to present our systematic review and meta‐analysis of the data on venous thromboembolism (VTE; deep venous thrombosis [DVT] and/or pulmonary embolism [PE]) in otolaryngology–head and neck surgery (OHNS).

Methods

PubMed and Scopus databases were searched for studies reporting VTE in OHNS. Incidence of VTE and bleeding is reported and meta‐analyzed overall and for chemoprophylaxis and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC)/free flap subgroups.

Results

A total of 23 studies were included with a total of 618,264 patients. Incidence of VTE was 0.4%. The incidence of bleeding complications was 0.9%. The addition of chemoprophylaxis did not result in a decreased VTE incidence (odds ratio [OR], 0.86), but produced an increased risk of bleeding (OR, 3.78). The overall OR for VTE in SCC/free flap cases was 6.28.

Conclusion

Chemoprophylaxis may not be necessary in the OHNS non‐SCC or free flap patient population and must be balanced against an increased risk of bleeding. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 39: 1249–1258, 2017
A Network Meta‐Analysis of Non‐Melanoma Skin Cancer (NMSC) Treatments: Efficacy and Safety Assessment
Authors: Lv Renrong , Sun Qian
Published: March 2017

The mainstream treatments for non‐melanoma skin cancer (NMSC) include photodynamic therapy (PDT), surgery excision (SE), cryotherapy (CT), imiquimod (IM), radiotherapy (RT), 5‐fluorouracil (FU), and vehicle (VE). Our network meta‐analysis (NMA) was aimed at evaluating the efficacy and safety of these seven treatments and providing superior ones. After searching the trials from Embase and PubMed and screening with our criteria, we conducted the NMA with software R 3.2.3 and STATA 13.0. Complete lesion response (CLR), complete lesion clearance (CLC), cumulative recurrence probabilities (CRP), and adverse effects (AEs) were considered as outcomes and displayed as odds ratios (ORs) and 95% credible intervals (CrI). The surface under the cumulative ranking curve (SUCRA) was calculated to rank each treatment on each index. The consistency of direct and indirect evidence was also assessed by node‐splitting and heat plot methods. Data from 18 trials with 3706 patients were included. Both IM and SE were demonstrated significantly higher CLR rate than VE (OR = 9.12, 95% CrI = 1.92–47.5; OR = 26.1, 95% CrI = 1.92‐347; respectively), while only IM was proved to be statistically better than VE in CLC rate (OR = 7.03, 95% CrI = 1.51–32.8). No significant difference was observed concerning CRP, and IM was more likely to induce AEs than VE (OR = 4.44, 95% CrI = 1.58–13.9). The SUCRA results indicated that SE was the treatment with best ranking in the entire three efficacy indexes and a relatively high safety. Taking efficacy and safety into account, our study recommended SE as the optimal regimen for NMSC with high efficacy considering CLR, CLC, and CRP and moderate AEs when compared with other interventions. J. Cell. Biochem. 118: 3686–3695, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Texture analysis of parasitological liver fibrosis images
Authors: Moraru Luminiţa , Moldovanu Simona , Culea‐Florescu Anisia‐Luiza , Bibicu Dorin , Ashour Amira S. , Dey Nilanjan
Published: March 2017

Liver fibrosis accurate staging is vital to define the state of the Schistosomiasis disease for further treatment. The present work analyzed the microscopic liver images to identify and to differentiate between healthy, cellular, fibrocellular, and fibrous liver pathologies by proposing a fast, robust, and highly discriminative method based on texture analysis. The multiclass classification based on the “one–versus– all” method that built a voting rule approach to classify the liver images based on the liver state. Specifically, quantitative parameters, such as the anisotropy and laminarity are proposed based on the relative orientation of the pixel pairs in a global and local coherence of gradient vectors approach. Analysis of the tissue texture data using both gradient vector and gradient angle co‐occurrence matrix approaches facilitated more definitive identification of the abnormal tissue. The experimental results established that the local anisotropy based texture measures are appropriated for the microtexture analysis in order to discriminate between pathologies. Macrotexture description using the global features provided only integral anisotropy coefficient that has a confidence level similar to those provided by the local feature.
Role of ApoB‐516C/T promoter gene polymorphism in the risk of Hepatitis C virus infection in Egyptian patients and in gender susceptibility
Authors: Khalifa Rania H. , Labib Dalia A. , Kamel Mohamed A. , Shahin Rasha Mohamad Hosny , Bahgat Dina M. Rasheed , Riad Nermine Magdi , El Khateeb Engy , El‐deeb Amr M. , Hassan Marwa
Published: March 2017

At least 1 in 10 of the Egyptian population aged 15‐59 is burdened with hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, stamping Egypt the highest country harboring HCV worldwide. Considerable evidence supported the involvement of host genetic factors in the pathogenesis of HCV and the possibility of implementation in target therapies. ApoB gene polymorphisms are postulated to affect the susceptibility of HCV infection. Hence, we aimed to evaluate the relationship between ApoB‐516C/T promoter gene polymorphism and HCV infection in a cohort of Egyptian patients and to explore whether higher levels of low‐density lipoprotein (LDL) might compete with lipoviral particles (LVP) in the binding to LDL receptor (LDLR), thus escaping infection. Ninety‐seven HCV patients and 96 matched controls were enrolled in this study. We genotyped ApoB‐516C/T using PCR‐RFLP method. ApoB concentrations were measured by immunoturbidimetric assay. The genotype and the allele frequencies of ApoB‐516C/T promoter gene polymorphism in cases were statistically insignificant compared with healthy individuals (P = 0.109, 0.125, respectively). Sex stratification showed significantly lower counts of C/T genotype in female patients compared with female controls (P = 0.011, OR = 0.132, 95% CI = 0.026‐0.657). Significantly higher levels of LDL and ApoB were detected in the control group (P < 0.001). This study shows that the ApoB‐516C/T promoter gene polymorphism has no impact on the risk of HCV infection. However, the C/T genotype may be a protective factor for our female cohort. Further studies with larger samples are needed to verify this genetic gender diversity. Additionally, high levels of LDL and ApoB might prevent HCV infection.
Kinetics of the Absorption of Pure CO2 by Mixtures of Diisopropanolamine and Triethanolamine in Aqueous Solution
Authors: López Ana B. , Pacheco Rafael , La Rubia M Dolores , Sánchez Antonio , Sánchez Sebastián , Camacho Fernando
Published: March 2017

This study analyzes the absorption of pure carbon dioxide in aqueous solutions of mixtures of di‐isopropanolamine (DIPA) and triethanolamine (TEA). A stirred tank batch reactor was used with a known flat interface area. The variables considered were temperature within the range 288–313 K and concentration in the interval 5–20% (in weight), being DIPA/TEA relations 75/25, 50/50, and 25/75. The temperature control for the DIPA/TEA 75/25, 50/50, 25/75 systems in the absorption experiments, at all the concentrations and temperatures assayed, showed no differences between that of the liquid phase with respect to the operation, implying that the processes occurred under isothermal conditions. The results show that for the DIPA/TEA 75/25 CO2 was absorbed in a moderately fast reaction regime, following a second‐order reaction for the total alkanolamine and a first‐order reaction for the CO2, whereas for the DIPA/TEA 50/50 and 25/75 systems the process followed first‐order kinetics with respect to CO2 and the mixture of alkanolamines, in a moderately fast reaction regime.
Implementing Modularization in Professional Services—The Influence of Varied Knowledge Environments
Authors: Nätti Satu , Ulkuniemi Pauliina , Pekkarinen Saara
Published: March 2017

Professional services represent a specific type of business service, one that is strongly based on the knowledge of individual professionals and organizational processes to harness that knowledge. Modularization can help in coordinating creation of the offering and enhancing the cost‐effectiveness of processes. However, utilizing modularity in services, and particularly in professional service firms, is still a field that deserves specific studies. While the product modularity literature has developed definitions, metrics, and a number of hypotheses about modularity, in the field of professional services, we still have to clarify how firms can use modularity.

While professional services are often generated from expert‐embedded and even tacit knowledge, which is hard to transfer, implementing modularity may offer one way to facilitate knowledge sharing related to service offerings, organizational processes, and practices. However, when considering the strategic importance of modularity for a professional service firm, it is also necessary to define what the characteristics are in the knowledge base of the organization. Not all professional service firms are alike. The purpose of the present study is to examine how service modularity can be employed within the context of professional services. More specifically, (1) what knowledge‐related characteristics vary between different types of professional service firms? (2) How do these characteristics influence modularization implementation? Two company cases are analyzed to reveal how modularity can be implemented in varying professional service firm environments. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Controlling fluorescence emission with split‐ring‐resonator‐based plasmonic metasurfaces
Authors: Luo Si , Li Qiang , Yang Yuanqing , Chen Xingxing , Wang Wei , Qu Yurui , Qiu Min
Published: March 2017

Metasurfaces, which consist of resonant metamaterial elements in the form of two‐dimensional thin planar structures, retain great capabilities in manipulating electromagnetic wave and potential applications in modifying interaction with fluorescent molecules. The metasurfaces with magnetic responses are favorable to weakening fluorescence quenching while less investigated in controlling fluorescence. In this paper, we demonstrate control over fluorescence emission by engineering the magnetic and electric modes in plasmonic metasurfaces consisting of 45‐nm‐thick gold split‐ring‐resonators (SRRs). The fluorescence emission exhibits an enhancement factor of ∼18 and is predominantly x‐polarized with assistance of the magnetic mode excited by oblique incidence with an x‐polarized electric field. The magnetic and electric modes excited by oblique incidence with a y‐polarized electric field contribute to the rotation of emission polarization with respect to the incident polarization. The results demonstrate manipulating the interaction of fluorescent emitters with different resonant modes of the SRR‐based metasurface at the nanoscale by the polarization of incident light, providing potential applications of metasurfaces in a wide variety of areas, including optical nanosources, fluorescence spectroscopy and compact biosensors.

image
Well‐Defined Poly(Ortho Ester Amides) for Potential Drug Carriers: Probing the Effect of Extra‐ and Intracellular Drug Release on Chemotherapeutic Efficacy
Authors: Yan Guoqing , Wang Jun , Qin Jiejie , Hu Liefeng , Zhang Panpan , Wang Xin , Tang Rupei
Published: March 2017

To compare the chemotherapeutic efficacy determined by extra‐ and intracellular drug release strategies, poly(ortho ester amide)‐based drug carriers (POEAd‐C) with well‐defined main‐chain lengths, are successfully constructed by a facile method. POEAd‐C3‐doxorubicin (DOX) can be rapidly dissolved to release drug at tumoral extracellular pH (6.5–7.2), while POEAd‐C6‐DOX can rapidly release drug following gradual swelling at intracellular pH (5.0–6.0). In vitro cytotoxicity shows that POEAd‐C3‐DOX exhibits more toxic effect on tumor cells than POEAd‐C6‐DOX at extracellular pH, but POEAd‐C6‐DOX has stronger tumor penetration and inhibition in vitro and in vivo tumor models. So, POEAd‐C6‐DOX with the intracellular drug release strategy has stronger overall chemotherapeutic efficacy than POEAd‐C3‐DOX with extracellular drug release strategy. It is envisioned that these poly(ortho ester amides) can have great potential as drug carriers for efficient chemotherapy with further optimization.

image
An analysis of the fourth‐order PDEs – ‘patterns’ and ‘di‐block polymers’
Authors: Phidane T. , Kara A. H. , Wang Gangwei
Published: March 2017

We analyze some fourth‐order partial differential equations that model the ‘propagation of hexagonal patterns’ and the ‘microphase separation of di‐block copolymers’. The underlying invariance properties and conservation laws of the models and related partial differential equations are studied. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A global existence and uniqueness result for a stochastic Allen–Cahn equation with constraint
Authors: Bauzet C. , Bonetti E. , Bonfanti G. , Lebon F. , Vallet G.
Published: March 2017

This paper addresses the analysis of a time noise‐driven Allen–Cahn equation modelling the evolution of damage in continuum media in the presence of stochastic dynamics. The nonlinear character of the equation is mainly due to a multivoque maximal monotone operator representing a constraint on the damage variable, which is forced to take physically admissible values. By a Yosida approximation and a time‐discretization procedure, we prove a result of global‐in‐time existence and uniqueness of the solution to the stochastic problem. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Long‐term effects of systemic gene therapy in a canine model of myotubular myopathy
Authors: Elverman Matthew , Goddard Melissa A. , Mack David , Snyder Jessica M. , Lawlor Michael W. , Meng Hui , Beggs Alan H. , Buj‐Bello Ana , Poulard Karine , Marsh Anthony P. , Grange Robert W. , Kelly Valerie E. , Childers Martin K.
Published: March 2017

Introduction

X‐linked myotubular myopathy (XLMTM), a devastating pediatric disease caused by the absence of the protein myotubularin, results from mutations in the MTM1 gene. While there is no cure for XLMTM, we previously reported effects of MTM1 gene therapy using adeno‐associated virus (AAV) vector on muscle weakness and pathology in MTM1‐mutant dogs. Here, we followed 2 AAV‐infused dogs over 4 years.

Methods

We evaluated gait, strength, respiration, neurological function, muscle pathology, AAV vector copy number (VCN), and transgene expression.

Results

Four years following AAV‐mediated gene therapy, gait, respiratory performance, neurological function and pathology in AAV‐infused XLMTM dogs remained comparable to their healthy littermate controls despite a decline in VCN and muscle strength.

Conclusions

AAV‐mediated gene transfer of MTM1 in young XLMTM dogs results in long‐term expression of myotubularin transgene with normal muscular performance and neurological function in the absence of muscle pathology. These findings support a clinical trial in patients. Muscle Nerve 56: 943–953, 2017
Polyphenylene sulfide‐based adsorption resins: synthesis, characterization and adsorption performance for Hg(II) and As(V)
Authors: Shao Gonglei , Yao Huajie , Liu Ao , Zhang Zhonglu , Huang Jiajia , Yuan Siguo
Published: March 2017

A series of novel adsorption resins were synthesized via the chloromethylation of polyphenylene sulfide (PPS) resin and subsequent functional group conversion reaction. Their chemical structure, thermal stability, and morphology were systematically characterized by the Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, elemental analysis, Raman spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, scanning electron microscope, and energy dispersive spectrometer, respectively. The experimental results showed that the thioureido, mercapto, aminopyridine, and quaternary ammonium groups had been respectively introduced into PPS matrix, the functional group content of PPS‐based mercapto resin (HS‐PPS), aminopyridine resin (AP‐PPS), and quaternary ammonium resin (QA‐PPS) were about 2.20, 1.71, and 2.61 mmol g−1, respectively. The adsorptive performance for Hg (II) and As (V) were studied by batch adsorptive method; the adsorption capacities of the HS‐PPS and AP‐PPS resin for Hg (II) were 210.65 and 169.06 mg g−1. The adsorption capacity of the QA‐PPS resin was 88 mg g−1 for As (V). Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Measuring executive function in Indian mothers and their 4‐year‐old daughters
Authors: von Suchodoletz Antje , Slot Pauline L. , Shroff Delshad M.
Published: March 2017

Executive function (EF), including cognitive flexibility, attention shifting, and inhibitory control, has been linked to a range of outcomes across the lifespan, such as school readiness and academic functioning, job performance, health, and social‐emotional well‐being. Yet, research investigating links between parent EF and child EF is still limited. This is partly due to challenges in measuring the same EF abilities in parents and their children. The current study investigated the applicability of a computer‐based battery of various EF tasks for use with both mothers and children. The battery included the following EF tasks: Dimensional Change Card Sort, Hearts and Flowers, and Fish Flanker. Participants were 80 Indian mothers and their 4‐year‐old daughters. EF was measured with regard to accuracy scores, response time, and inverse efficiency (IE) scores of the most complex blocks of each task. Scoring patterns indicated that children's task performance appeared to be determined by their ability to recognize the cue indicating which task to perform at any given trial and to inhibit an incorrect response. In contrast, mothers’ performance appeared to be determined by response time, that is, their ability to be quick in giving the correct response. However, for both children and mothers, IE scores best captured individual differences in EF performance between participants. Furthermore, confirmatory factor analyses found that, for both children and mothers, all EF measures loaded on a latent factor, suggesting that the measures shared common variance in EF. There appeared to be no significant association between mothers’ and children's EF scores, controlling for several background variables. Directions for further research include examining the applicability of the EF task battery to reliably describe developmental trajectories of EF abilities over time, and further examining variability in the parent–child EF association across the lifespan.
Studying transcription initiation by RNA polymerase with diffusion‐based single‐molecule fluorescence
Authors: Alhadid Yazan , Chung SangYoon , Lerner Eitan , Taatjes Dylan J. , Borukhov Sergei , Weiss Shimon
Published: March 2017

Over the past decade, fluorescence‐based single‐molecule studies significantly contributed to characterizing the mechanism of RNA polymerase at different steps in transcription, especially in transcription initiation. Transcription by bacterial DNA‐dependent RNA polymerase is a multistep process that uses genomic DNA to synthesize complementary RNA molecules. Transcription initiation is a highly regulated step in E. coli, but it has been challenging to study its mechanism because of its stochasticity and complexity. In this review, we describe how single‐molecule approaches have contributed to our understanding of transcription and have uncovered mechanistic details that were not observed in conventional assays because of ensemble averaging.
Consensus of second‐order discrete‐time multi‐agent systems with relative‐state‐dependent noises
Authors: Wang Bo , Tian Yu‐Ping
Published: March 2017

This paper studies the consensus problem of second‐order discrete‐time multi‐agent systems with relative‐state‐dependent noises. Directed switching topologies are considered. Firstly, for a kind of switching topology with each digraph containing a spanning tree, we give a weak consensus result on the basis of the mode‐dependent average dwell time method. Then, if all digraphs in a switching topology are strongly connected and the corresponding Laplacian matrices have a common left eigenvector for zero eigenvalue, we prove that the mean square and almost sure consensus can always be guaranteed for an arbitrary switching sequence with some constant distributed control gains, and we also give the statistic properties of the final consensus points. Numerical examples are presented to illustrate the effectiveness of our results. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Rotating‐Electric‐Field‐Induced Carbon‐Nanotube‐Based Nanomotor in Water: A Molecular Dynamics Study
Authors: Rahman Md. Mushfiqur , Chowdhury Mokter Mahmud , Alam Md. Kawsar
Published: March 2017

Using molecular dynamics simulations, it is shown that a carbon nanotube (CNT) suspended in water and subjected to a rotating electric field of proper magnitude and angular speed can be rotated with the aid of water dipole orientations. Based on this principle, a rotational nanomotor structure is designed and the system is simulated in water. Use of the fast responsiveness of electric‐field‐induced CNT orientation in water is employed and its operation at ultrahigh‐speed (over 1011 r.p.m.) is shown. To explain the basic mechanism, the behavior of the rotational actuation, originated from the water dipole orientation, is also analyzed . The proposed nanomotor is capable of rotating an attached load (such as CNT) at a precise angle as well as nanogear‐based complex structures. The findings suggest a potential way of using the electric‐field‐induced CNT rotation in polarizable fluids as a novel tool to operate nanodevices and systems.
From Added Values to Augmented Realities. Introducing the Special Issue of Management and Functional Differentiation
Authors: Roth Steffen
Published: March 2017

In this reintroduction to the concept of functional differentiation, we present historical evidence that the perceived proliferation of moral communication in management and organization research and practice is at odds with the principles of management and organization. We show that there is neither direct need nor direct way to derive decision premises from values as decisions and values cancel each other if they are not moderated by functional differentiation. We conclude that the future of management and organization be in decision‐making without values and introduce a broad scope of tools and domains for value‐free management by functional differentiation. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.