bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Global observational diagnosis of soil moisture control on the land surface energy balance
Authors: Gallego‐Elvira Belen , Taylor Christopher M. , Harris Phil P. , Ghent Darren , Veal Karen L. , Folwell Sonja S.
Published: March 2016

An understanding of where and how strongly the surface energy budget is constrained by soil moisture is hindered by a lack of large‐scale observations, and this contributes to uncertainty in climate models. Here we present a new approach combining satellite observations of land surface temperature and rainfall. We derive a Relative Warming Rate (RWR) diagnostic, which is a measure of how rapidly the land warms relative to the overlying atmosphere during 10 day dry spells. In our dry spell composites, 73% of the land surface between 60°S and 60°N warms faster than the atmosphere, indicating water‐stressed conditions, and increases in sensible heat. Higher RWRs are found for shorter vegetation and bare soil than for tall, deep‐rooted vegetation, due to differences in aerodynamic and hydrological properties. We show how the variation of RWR with antecedent rainfall helps to identify different evaporative regimes in the major nonpolar climate zones.
The dry season intensity as a key driver of NPP trends
Authors: Murray‐Tortarolo Guillermo , Friedlingstein Pierre , Sitch Stephen , Seneviratne Sonia I. , Fletcher Imogen , Mueller Brigitte , Greve Peter , Anav Alessandro , Liu Yi , Ahlström Anders , Huntingford Chris , Levis Sam , Levy Peter , Lomas Mark , Poulter Benjamin , Viovy Nicholas , Zaehle Sonke , Zeng Ning
Published: March 2016

We analyze the impacts of changing dry season length and intensity on vegetation productivity and biomass. Our results show a wetness asymmetry in dry ecosystems, with dry seasons becoming drier and wet seasons becoming wetter, likely caused by climate change. The increasingly intense dry seasons were consistently correlated with a decreasing trend in net primary productivity (NPP) and biomass from different products and could potentially mean a reduction of 10–13% in NPP by 2100. We found that annual NPP in dry ecosystems is particularly sensitive to the intensity of the dry season, whereas an increase in precipitation during the wet season has a smaller effect. We conclude that changes in water availability over the dry season affect vegetation throughout the whole year, driving changes in regional NPP. Moreover, these results suggest that usage of seasonal water fluxes is necessary to improve our understanding of the link between water availability and the land carbon cycle.
Exchangeable cation composition of the smectite‐rich plate boundary fault at the Japan Trench
Authors: Kameda Jun , Inaoi Chisaki , Conin Marianne
Published: March 2016

To better understand physicochemical processes in smectite‐rich fault zones, we examined exchangeable cation composition of samples from the slip zone of the 2011 Tohoku‐oki earthquake (Mw9.0) recovered by the Integrated Ocean Drilling Program Expedition 343. Our chemical analyses revealed that the exchangeable Ca2+ and Mg2+ are enriched in the slip zone, while Na+ is depleted. K+ shows a complicated depth profile probably due to K fixation. Based on fluid chemistry data, we estimated apparent selectivity coefficients of exchange reactions in the ternary Ca2+‐Mg2+‐Na+ system. The results suggest that the Na+ to Mg2+ exchange reaction on smectite might have progressed in the slip zone. One explanation for this feature is local progress of the reaction triggered by coseismic thermogenesis during the earthquake. Considering that the frictional property of smectite gouge is dependent on the exchangeable cation composition, chemical processes as observed in this study are intimately linked to physical aspect of smectite‐bearing faults.
Active Foot Synovitis in Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis: Unstable Remission Status, Radiographic Progression, and Worse Functional Outcomes in Patients With Foot Synovitis in Apparent Remission
Authors: Wechalekar Mihir D. , Lester Susan , Hill Catherine L. , Lee Anita , Rischmueller Maureen , Smith Malcolm D. , Walker Jennifer G. , Proudman Susanna M.
Published: March 2016

Objective

To determine whether foot synovitis is associated with adverse radiographic and functional outcomes after 3 years in an inception rheumatoid arthritis (RA) cohort receiving treat‐to‐target combination disease‐modifying antirheumatic drug therapy.

Methods

Disease activity was assessed in early RA patients (n = 266) using the Disease Activity Score in 28 joints, Clinical Disease Activity Index (CDAI), and Simplified Disease Activity Index (SDAI). Radiographic outcomes were assessed with annual hand and feet radiographs and quality of life with the Short Form 36 (SF‐36). The prevalence of remission and foot synovitis was calculated using marginal binomial generalized estimating equations, transition between remission and nonremission states by a multistate Markov model, and changes in radiographic scores by a negative binomial mixed regression log‐link model. Population‐matched SF‐36 data were analyzed by mixed‐effects linear regression.

Results

Disease activity scores that omit foot joints were modest in their ability to capture foot synovitis. Despite the relative stringency of the SDAI and CDAI for remission, 25–36% of patients in remission had foot synovitis. In patients in remission, foot synovitis predicted transition from remission into relapse by up to 2‐fold. The sustainability of remission markedly influenced the progression of erosion scores (P = 0.006). After adjusting for disease activity, foot synovitis was associated with worse SF‐36 physical functioning scores (P = 0.025).

Conclusion

Disease activity measures that omit foot joints capture foot synovitis poorly. When it is used to define remission, foot synovitis is found in a substantial proportion of patients, which predicts relapse and worse physical function. Foot synovitis influences the sustainability of remission, which in turn markedly influences radiographic progression. Regardless of remission status, persistent foot synovitis should prompt therapy escalation in order to improve long‐term outcomes.
Effect of Knee Extensor Strength on Incident Radiographic and Symptomatic Knee Osteoarthritis in Individuals With Meniscal Pathology: Data From the Multicenter Osteoarthritis Study
Authors: Thorlund Jonas B. , Felson David T. , Segal Neil A. , Nevitt Michael C. , Niu Jingbo , Neogi Tuhina , Lewis Cora E. , Guermazi Ali , Roemer Frank , Englund Martin
Published: March 2016

Objective

High knee extensor strength may be important to protect against the development of knee osteoarthritis (OA) in populations at elevated risk, such as individuals with meniscal pathology. We investigated the extent to which high knee extensor muscle strength was associated with a decreased risk of developing radiographic or symptomatic knee OA in individuals with medial meniscal pathology.

Methods

We studied knees that at the baseline visit of the Multicenter Osteoarthritis Study had medial meniscal pathology but did not have radiographic knee OA (373 knees in 373 participants) or symptomatic knee OA (combination of radiographic knee OA and frequent knee symptoms; 531 knees in 531 participants). Isokinetic knee extensor strength was measured at baseline, and participants were followed for development of incident radiographic knee OA or incident symptomatic knee OA at 84 months. Separate binomial regression analyses with robust SEs adjusted for age, history of knee surgery, physical activity level, and clinic site were conducted for men and women.

Results

High knee extensor strength (normalized by allometric scaling) was associated with a reduced risk of radiographic knee OA in women (relative risk [RR] 0.52, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 0.29–0.94) but not in men (RR 0.56, 95% CI 0.27–1.16). High knee extensor strength did not protect against the development of symptomatic knee OA, either in women or men.

Conclusion

The results only partly confirm the hypothesis that high knee extensor muscle strength protects against later development of knee OA in individuals with medial meniscal pathology.
Epidemiology of Chronic Low Back Pain in US Adults: Data From the 2009–2010 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey
Authors: Shmagel Anna , Foley Robert , Ibrahim Hassan
Published: March 2016

Objective

To describe the epidemiologic characteristics and associations with increased health care utilization in US adults with chronic low back pain (LBP).

Methods

The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2009–2010 was administered to adults ages 20–69 years (n = 5,103). Chronic LBP was defined as pain in the area between the lower posterior margin of the rib cage and the horizontal gluteal fold, with a history of pain lasting almost every day for at least 3 months. Demographic and behavioral characteristics were compared between those with chronic LBP and those without. Factors associated with ≥10 health care visits per year were evaluated in the chronic LBP subgroup (n = 700).

Results

Chronic LBP associations with adjusted odds ratios (ORadj) ≥2 included age 50–69 years, less than high school education, annual household income <$20,000, income from disability, depression, sleep disturbances, and medical comorbidities. Subjects with chronic LBP were more likely to be covered by government‐sponsored insurance plans (ORadj 3.23 [95% confidence interval (95% CI) 2.19–4.75] for Medicaid and ORadj 2.25 [95% CI 1.57–3.22] for Medicare; P < 0.0001), and visited health care providers more frequently (ORadj 3.35 [95% CI 2.40–4.67] for ≥10 health care visits in the past year; P < 0.0001). In the chronic LBP subgroup, adjusted ORs ≥2 were found for associations between ≥10 visits per year and unemployment, income from disability, depression, and sleep disturbances.

Conclusion

US adults with chronic LBP are socioeconomically disadvantaged, make frequent health care visits, and are often covered by government‐sponsored health insurance. The clustering of behavioral, psychosocial, and medical issues should be considered in the care of Americans with chronic LBP.
Quality of Community‐Based Osteoarthritis Care: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Hagen Kåre B. , Smedslund Geir , Østerås Nina , Jamtvedt Gro
Published: March 2016

Objective

To evaluate the state of quality of care for osteoarthritis (OA) by summarizing studies that have assessed the care provided to patients.

Methods

A systematic review of community‐based observational studies of actual clinical practice treating people with OA compared with quality indicators (QIs) was performed. Four databases were searched from January 2000 to November 2015. Two reviewers independently determined study eligibility, assessed risk of bias, and extracted study data. The outcome was adherence to the QIs (pass rate). The overall pass rate (the total number of indicators passed divided by the total number of indicators for which the patients were eligible) was extracted from each study. When at least 50% of the studies had comparable individual QIs, the data were pooled with proportion meta‐analyses.

Results

Fifteen studies comprising 16,103 patients were included, and the median overall pass rate across studies was 41% (range 22–65%). The pooled pass rates for individual QIs were “referral to orthopedic surgeon if no response to other therapy”: 59.4% (95% confidence interval [95% CI] 47.5–70.3); “paracetamol or acetaminophen first drug used”: 46.0% (95% CI 26.6–66.7); “assessed for pain and/or function”: 45.5% (95% CI 33.9–57.6); “referral or recommendation to exercise”: 38.7% (28.9–49.5); “offered education and self‐management”: 35.4% (95% CI 27.8–44.0); and “informed about potential risks if NSAIDs prescribed”: 34.1% (95% CI 24.7–44.9).

Conclusion

There is room for improvement in community‐based OA care.
Electroluminochromic Materials and Devices
Authors: Sun Jingwei , Chen Yani , Liang Ziqi
Published: March 2016

Modulation of luminescent color or intensity by varying external stimuli, such as temperature, light, ion concentration, etc., has received increasing attention recently because of numerous applications such as sensors, bioanalysis, optical imaging and memories. For instance, electrically induced luminescent switching — electroluminochromism (ELC) — is one of the most powerful and promising approaches to implement controllable emission due to its facile and precise operation. Recent years have witnessed significant advances in ELC research in the context of materials development and device optimizations. This feature article reviews the fundamentals and recent progress in this emerging field, focusing on working mechanisms, materials, devices and performance improvements. Perspectives for future ELCs are also outlined.
Upconverting Nanoparticle Relays for Resonance Energy Transfer Networks
Authors: LaBoda Craig D. , Dwyer Chris L.
Published: March 2016

Networks of fluorophores arranged at the nanoscale can perform basic computation using resonance energy transfer (RET) to transport and manipulate information in the form of excitons. As excitons travel through RET circuits, they are red‐shifted due to vibrational energy loss at each transfer event. This loss prohibits RET circuits from being cascaded to form larger, more computationally complex systems. To address this issue, a nanoassembly capable of converting three or more low energy excitons into a single high energy exciton is designed and fabricated. Deemed the RET relay, this device uses upconverting nanoparticles to achieve anti‐Stokes energy transfer from near‐infrared excited fluorophores to visibly excited fluorophores. In this work, the relay is explored by first breaking it into its halves. Each fluorophore's ability to donate energy to or from the nanoparticle is characterized by a series of photoluminescence experiments. The adsorption of these fluorophores to the particle is modeled as a Langmuir process, revealing the fractional occupancy of each dye that optimizes energy transfer. A fully functional relay is then demonstrated by exciting the near‐infrared dye and extracting the visible dye's fluorescence. Lastly, the performance of the entire construct is optimized over a small sampling of assembly reaction coordinates.
Diamond‐Nanoneedle‐Array‐Facilitated Intracellular Delivery and the Potential Influence on Cell Physiology
Authors: Zhu Xiaoyue , Yuen Muk Fung , Yan Li , Zhang Zhenyu , Ai Fujin , Yang Yang , Yu Peter K. N. , Zhu Guangyu , Zhang Wenjun , Chen Xianfeng
Published: March 2016

Vertical arrays of nanostructures can provide access to the cell cytoplasma and probe intracellular molecules. Here, the simple combination of diamond nanoneedle arrays with centrifugation‐induced supergravity is shown to efficiently deliver drugs and biomaterials into the cytosol within several minutes, negotiating the endocytososomal system. The potential influence of the technique on cell metabolism is thoroughly studied. By detecting the phosphorylated histone variant H2AX (pH2AX) in the nucleus, it is proved that the operating process will not lead to DNA double‐strand breaks. However, the mechanical disruption can temporarily improve the permeability of the cell membranes. Nanoneedle treatment affects cell metabolism at multiple points. The treatment can slightly elevate the apoptotic signal in A549 cells and can significantly increase the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in cells, particularly if combined with anticancer drugs. Meanwhile, the activity of cytosolic glucose 6‐phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) is also raised to counterbalance the elevated ROS content. A detected depolarization of the mitochondrial membrane potential suggests mitochondrial involvement in the intracellular redox reactions and cell apoptosis which are induced by diamond nanoneedle treatment. Overall this study provides a novel understanding on the intracellular delivery mediated by nanoneedles, especially the impact on cell physiology.
Nanoparticle Targeting of Neutrophils for Improved Cancer Immunotherapy
Authors: Chu Dafeng , Zhao Qi , Yu Jian , Zhang Faya , Zhang Hui , Wang Zhenjia
Published: March 2016

Cancer immunotherapy using tumor‐specific monoclonal antibodies presents a novel approach for cancer treatment. A monoclonal antibody TA99 specific for gp75 antigen of melanoma initiates neutrophil recruitment in tumor responsible for cancer therapy. Here, a strategy is reported for hijacking neutrophils in vivo using nanoparticles (NPs) to deliver therapeutics into tumor. In a mouse model of melanoma, it is shown that systemically delivered albumin NPs increase in tumor when TA99 antibody is injected; and the NP tumor accumulation is mediated by neutrophils. After the administration of pyropheophorbide‐a loaded albumin NPs and TA99, photodynamic therapy significantly suppresses the tumor growth and increases mouse survival compared with treatment with the NPs or TA99. The study reveals a new avenue to treat cancer by NP hitchhiking of immune systems to enhance delivery of therapeutics into tumor sites.
Underwater Superoleophobic Membrane with Enhanced Oil–Water Separation, Antimicrobial, and Antifouling Activities
Authors: Zhao Yanhua , Zhang Mei , Wang Zuankai
Published: March 2016

Despite extensive progress in the development of robust artificial membranes addressing the oil pollution issue, the current solutions are susceptible to limited functionalities, such as inability to separate small emulsions and poor resistance to notorious biological contaminants and fouling as a result of the complexity in their operating environments. Here a facile one‐step approach is reported to engineer a novel composite membrane that spans a wide range of functional properties. By tailoring the surface structure, chemical composition, and harnessing the synergistic cooperation of nonadhesion ability of polyethylene glycol (PEG) and silver nanoparticles embedded in the PEG matrixes (PEG‐Ag NPs membrane), the designed membrane allows for high separation efficiency (>99.9%) in a wide range of operating conditions, as well as enhanced antimicrobial and antimarine fouling activities. It is anticipated that the facile fabrication and multifunctional performances will bring this membrane a step closer to practical applications including the clean‐up of oil spills, waste water treatment, fuel purification, and the separation of commercially relevant emulsions.
Revealing Rate Limitations in Nanocrystalline Li4Ti5O12 Anodes for High‐Power Lithium Ion Batteries
Authors: Wang Jie , Zhao Hailei , Li Zhaolin , Wen Yeting , Xia Qing , Zhang Yang , Yushin Gleb
Published: March 2016

Li4Ti5O12 is a promising anode material for lithium ion batteries due to its high safety, excellent cycling stability, environmental friendliness, and low cost. Strategies of incorporation with a conductive component (such as carbon) and constructing nano‐structure are frequently adopted to improve the rate‐capability of Li4Ti5O12 by means of enhancing the electronic conductivity and promoting the lithium ion transport within electrodes, respectively. However, which charge carrier transport process is the limiting step for Li4Ti5O12 electrode reactions still remains unclear, and this limits the abilities to rationally design high performance Li4Ti5O12 materials. In this work, the nanosized Li4Ti5O12 and Li4Ti5O12/C materials are prepared with nearly identical particle size and morphology. The results demonstrate that the synthesized single phase Li4Ti5O12 delivers a higher specific capacity and superior rate‐capability than Li4Ti5O12/C composite. As such, in contrast to a popular belief, it is lithium ion transport that restricts kinetics of the electrochemical reactions on Li4Ti5O12. The synthesized single phase Li4Ti5O12 shows a specific capacity of ≈160 mAh g−1 at 0.5 C and 130 mAhg−1 at 50 C rates, respectively. This rate‐capability is the best reported for Li4Ti5O12 anodes. The single phase Li4Ti5O12 also demonstrated remarkable stability at high‐temperature (50 °C), showing cycling life of over 4000 cycles at 1 C.
Ultrafast and Robust UV Luminescence from Cu‐Doped ZnO Nanowires Mediated by Plasmonic Hot Electrons
Authors: Huang Xiaohu , Chen Rui , Zhang Chen , Chai Jianwei , Wang Shijie , Chi Dongzhi , Chua Soo Jin
Published: March 2016

Leveraging on plasmonic hot electrons is regarded as an emerging strategy for electron–hole separation toward efficient photovoltaics and photocatalysis, but its application in electron–hole recombination for illumination is rarely explored. Herein, a significantly improved ultraviolet luminescence is reported from Cu‐doped ZnO nanowires (NWs) through dopant mediated generation and transfer of plasmonic hot electrons. Through coupling the Cu dopants‐correlated green luminescence in Cu‐doped ZnO NWs with the localized surface plasmon resonance of Au nanoparticles (NPs), UV emission from the NWs is enhanced by a factor of ≈280 and its lifetime drops from 2.45 ns to about 18 ps after covering the NWs with Au NPs. Moreover, robust UV emission sustains from room temperature to low temperature. This work extends the applications of plasmonic hot electrons and provides an appealing route toward achieving intense, ultrafast, and temperature‐robust luminescence, which holds great potential in light‐emitting diode and laser diodes for illumination, optical communication, and biomedical applications.
Tandem Copper‐Catalyzed N‐Arylation–Condensation and van Leusen Reaction: Synthesis of 1,4‐Benzodiazepines and Imidazobenzodiazepines (ImBDs)
Authors: Murugesh V. , Harish Battu , Adiseshu Minam , Babu Nanubolu Jagadeesh , Suresh Surisetti
Published: March 2016

A straightforward, tandem, copper‐catalyzed N‐arylation–condensation has been developed using chiral cyclic 1,2‐diamines and ortho‐haloaryl aldehydes or ketones. The corresponding chiral tricyclic 1,4‐benzodiazepines were synthesized in high yields. Subsequently, the 1,4‐diazepines have been converted to a new class of tetracyclic N‐fused imidazobenzodiazepines (ImBDs) using the van Leusen reaction. A one‐pot sequential strategy has also been demonstrated for the synthesis of ImBDs. The synthetic utility of 1,4‐benzodiazepines and ImBDs is described.

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One‐Pot and Regioselective Gold‐Catalyzed Synthesis of 2‐Imidazolyl‐1‐pyrazolylbenzenes from 1‐Propargyl‐1H‐benzotriazoles, Alkynes and Nitriles through α‐Imino Gold(I) Carbene Complexes
Authors: González Jairo , Santamaría Javier , Suárez‐Sobrino Ángel L. , Ballesteros Alfredo
Published: March 2016

A three‐component gold(I)‐catalyzed synthesis of 2‐imidazoyl‐1‐pyrazolylbenzenes from 1‐propargyl‐1H‐benzotriazoles is described here. Initially the benzotriazole derivative suffers an intramolecular 5‐endo‐dig cyclization to form a triazapentalene. This dipolar compound is able to perform an intermolecular and regioselective attack to a gold‐activated alkyne. After triazole breakage, the pyrazole ring and an α‐imino gold carbene complex are formed. Finally, the iminocarbene is captured by a nitrile to form an imidazole ring.

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Structure and Growth Control of Organic–Inorganic Halide Perovskites for Optoelectronics: From Polycrystalline Films to Single Crystals
Authors: Chen Yani , He Minhong , Peng Jiajun , Sun Yong , Liang Ziqi
Published: March 2016

Recently, organic–inorganic halide perovskites have sparked tremendous research interest because of their ground‐breaking photovoltaic performance. The crystallization process and crystal shape of perovskites have striking impacts on their optoelectronic properties. Polycrystalline films and single crystals are two main forms of perovskites. Currently, perovskite thin films have been under intensive investigation while studies of perovskite single crystals are just in their infancy. This review article is concentrated upon the control of perovskite structures and growth, which are intimately correlated for improvements of not only solar cells but also light‐emitting diodes, lasers, and photodetectors. We begin with the survey of the film formation process of perovskites including deposition methods and morphological optimization avenues. Strategies such as the use of additives, thermal annealing, solvent annealing, atmospheric control, and solvent engineering have been successfully employed to yield high‐quality perovskite films. Next, we turn to summarize the shape evolution of perovskites single crystals from three‐dimensional large sized single crystals, two‐dimensional nanoplates, one‐dimensional nanowires, to zero‐dimensional quantum dots. Siginificant functions of perovskites single crystals are highlighted, which benefit fundamental studies of intrinsic photophysics. Then, the growth mechanisms of the previously mentioned perovskite crystals are unveiled. Lastly, perspectives for structure and growth control of perovskites are outlined towards high‐performance (opto)electronic devices.
Lanthanide‐Doped Upconversion Nanoparticles: Emerging Intelligent Light‐Activated Drug Delivery Systems
Authors: Bagheri Ali , Arandiyan Hamidreza , Boyer Cyrille , Lim May
Published: March 2016

The development of drug delivery systems (DDSs) using near infrared (NIR) light and upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) has generated intensive interest over the past five years. These NIR‐initiated DDSs not only offer a high degree of spatial and temporal determination of therapeutic release but also provide precise control over the released dosage. Furthermore, these nanoplatforms confer several advantages over conventional light‐based DDSs—NIR offers better tissue penetration depth and a reduced risk of cellular photo‐damage caused by exposure to light at high‐energy wavelengths (e.g., ultraviolet light, <400 nm). The development of DDSs that can be activated by low intensity NIR illumination is highly desirable to avoid exposing living tissues to excessive heat that can limit the in vivo application of these DDSs. This encompasses research in three directions: (i) enhancing the quantum yield of the UCNPs; (ii) incorporation of photo‐responsive materials with red‐shifted absorptions into the UCNPs; and (iii) tuning the UCNPs excitation wavelength. This review focuses on recent advances in the development of NIR‐initiated DDS, with emphasis on the use of photo‐responsive compounds and polymeric materials conjugated onto UCNPs. The challenges that limit UCNPs clinical applications, alongside with the aforementioned techniques that have emerged to overcome these limitations, are highlighted.
Impact of Monovalent Cation Halide Additives on the Structural and Optoelectronic Properties of CH3NH3PbI3 Perovskite
Authors: Abdi‐Jalebi Mojtaba , Dar M. Ibrahim , Sadhanala Aditya , Senanayak Satyaprasad P. , Franckevičius Marius , Arora Neha , Hu Yuanyuan , Nazeeruddin Mohammad Khaja , Zakeeruddin Shaik M. , Grätzel Michael , Friend Richard H.
Published: March 2016

The influence of monovalent cation halide additives on the optical, excitonic, and electrical properties of CH3NH3PbI3 perovskite is reported. Monovalent cation halide with similar ionic radii to Pb2+, including Cu+, Na+, and Ag+, have been added to explore the possibility of doping. Significant reduction of sub‐bandgap optical absorption and lower energetic disorder along with a shift in the Fermi level of the perovskite in the presence of these cations has been observed. The bulk hole mobility of the additive‐based perovskites as estimated using the space charge limited current method exhibits an increase of up to an order of magnitude compared to the pristine perovskites with a significant decrease in the activation energy. Consequentially, enhancement in the photovoltaic parameters of additive‐based solar cells is achieved. An increase in open circuit voltage for AgI (≈1.02 vs 0.95 V for the pristine) and photocurrent density for NaI‐ and CuBr‐based solar cells (≈23 vs 21 mA cm−2 for the pristine) has been observed. This enhanced photovoltaic performance can be attributed to the formation of uniform and continuous perovskite film, better conversion, and loading of perovskite, as well as the enhancement in the bulk charge transport along with a minimization of disorder, pointing towards possible surface passivation.
Investigating the dynamics of cylindrical particles in a rotating drum using multiple radioactive particle tracking
Authors: Rasouli Majid , Dubé Olivier , Bertrand François , Chaouki Jamal
Published: March 2016

The behavior of granular flows inside rotating drums is an ongoing area of research. Only a few studies have investigated non‐spherical particles despite the fact that particle shape is known to have a significant impact on flow behavior. In addition, the experimental techniques limit the interpretation of the results of these studies. In this work, we compared the flow behavior of cylindrical and spherical particles using the multiple radioactive particle tracking technique to capture the positions and orientations of cylindrical particles simultaneously. We analyzed two important components of the transverse flow dynamics, that is, the boundary between the active and passive layers, and the velocity profile on the free surface. For the cylindrical particles, two general models are proposed to calculate the velocity profiles on the free surface and the effective particle sizes in the active and passive layers. © 2016 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 62: 2622–2634, 2016
Oxygen transport kinetics of MIEC membranes coated with different catalysts
Authors: Liu Yan , Zhu Yue , Li Mingrun , Zhu Xuefeng , Yang Weishen
Published: March 2016

Oxygen permeation through mixed ionic‐electronic conducting membrane may be controlled by oxygen bulk diffusion and/or oxygen interfacial exchange kinetics. In this article, we chose BaCe0.05Fe0.95O3‐δ (BCF) as a representative to study the oxygen transport resistances of the membrane coated with different porous catalysts, including BCF itself, Ba0.5Sr0.5Co0.8Fe0.2O3‐δ (BSCF) and Sm0.5Sr0.5CoO3‐δ (SSC). The oxygen transport resistances of bulk, gas‐solid interfaces of feed‐side and sweep‐side of the catalyst‐coated membranes can be separately obtained through a linear regression of experimental data according to an oxygen permeation model. The three resistances of the membrane coated with BCF catalyst are smaller than those of the membrane coated with BSCF and SSC catalysts, although BSCF catalyst itself has the fastest bulk diffusion and interfacial exchange kinetics. The catalytic activities of BSCF and SSC catalysts on BCF membranes are impacted by the transport kinetics of catalysts, microstructure of catalyst layers, and cationic inter‐diffusion between the membrane and catalysts. © 2016 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 62: 2803–2812, 2016
Analysis of asymmetric morphology evolutions in iPP molded samples induced by uneven temperature field
Authors: Liparoti Sara , Titomanlio Giuseppe , Sorrentino Andrea
Published: March 2016

Mold surface temperature has a strong effect on the amount of molecular orientation and morphology developed in a non‐isothermal flowing polymer melt. In this work, a well‐characterized isotactic polypropylene was injected in a rectangular mold cavity asymmetrically conditioned by a thin electric heater specifically designed. The cavity surface was heated at temperatures ranging from 80 to 160°C for different times (0.5, 8, and 18 s) after the first contact with the polymer. Asymmetrical thermal conditions have a strong influence on the melt flow, by changing its distribution along the cavity thickness, and final part deformation. The morphology distribution of the molded samples was found strongly asymmetric with complex and peculiar features. Optical and Electron microscopy confirmed the complete reorganization of the crystalline structures along the sample thickness. X‐rays analysis reveals that molecular orientation of the sample surface decreases with the mold temperature and the heating time. © 2016 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 62: 2699–2712, 2016
Optimization and simulation of the Sabatier reaction process in a packed bed
Authors: Hou Baolin , Huang Yanqiang , Wang Xiaodong , Yang Xiaofeng , Duan Hongming , Zhang Tao
Published: March 2016

The Sabatier reaction in a testing packed bed was investigated experimentally and theoretically, and was used to convert waste carbon dioxide and hydrogen to provide needed water for closing the life‐support loop on orbit in space. A three‐dimensional model including fluid flow, gas dispersion, heat and mass transfer, and chemical reaction was developed by coupling some semi‐empirical correlated equations in chemical engineering science into computational fluid dynamics theory. Good agreements between the simulating results and experimental data for the effect of some parameters on reaction verified this model, for example, heat exchange between reactor and atmosphere, the material property of reactor, the catalyst deactivated and gas mass flux and so on. By using this model as the designing tools, an optimized packed bed is proposed. Compared with the testing packed bed, the relevant reactor length can be reduced from 220 to 150 mm with the same hydrogen conversion and lower pressure drop. © 2016 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 62: 2879–2892, 2016
Long‐term efficacy and safety results of taliglucerase alfa up to 36 months in adult treatment‐naïve patients with Gaucher disease
Authors: Zimran Ari , Durán Gloria , Mehta Atul , Giraldo Pilar , Rosenbaum Hanna , Giona Fiorina , Amato Dominick J. , Petakov Milan , Muñoz Eduardo Terreros , Solorio‐Meza Sergio Eduardo , Cooper Peter A. , Varughese Sheeba , Chertkoff Raul , Brill‐Almon Einat
Published: March 2016

Taliglucerase alfa is an intravenous enzyme replacement therapy approved for treatment of type 1 Gaucher disease (GD), and is the first available plant cell–expressed recombinant therapeutic protein. Herein, we report long‐term safety and efficacy results of taliglucerase alfa in treatment‐naïve adult patients with GD. Patients were randomized to receive taliglucerase alfa 30 or 60 U/kg every other week, and 23 patients completed 36 months of treatment. Taliglucerase alfa (30 U/kg; 60 U/kg, respectively) resulted in mean decreases in spleen volume (50.1%; 64.6%) and liver volume (25.6%; 24.4%) with mean increases in hemoglobin concentration (16.0%; 35.8%) and platelet count (45.7%; 114.0%), and mean decreases in chitotriosidase activity (71.5%; 82.2%). All treatment‐related adverse events were mild to moderate in intensity and transient. The most common adverse events were nasopharyngitis, arthralgia, upper respiratory tract infection, headache, pain in extremity, and hypertension. These 36‐month results of taliglucerase alfa in treatment‐naïve adult patients with GD demonstrate continued improvement in disease parameters with no new safety concerns. These findings extend the taliglucerase alfa clinical safety and efficacy dataset. www.clinicaltrials.gov identifier NCT00705939. Am. J. Hematol. 91:656–660, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Histologically benign, clinically aggressive: Progressive non‐optic pathway pilocytic astrocytomas in adults with NF1
Authors: Strowd Roy E. , Rodriguez Fausto J. , McLendon Roger E. , Vredenburgh James J. , Chance Aaron B. , Jallo George , Olivi Alessandro , Ahn Edward S. , Blakeley Jaishri O.
Published: March 2016

Although optic pathway gliomas are the most common brain tumors associated with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1), extra‐optic gliomas occur and may behave more aggressively with outcomes that differ by age. A retrospective case‐control study was designed to describe the clinical course of adult NF1 patients with progressive extra‐optic pilocytic astrocytomas (PAs) and compare to a pediatric cohort. Data for patients treated at the Johns Hopkins Comprehensive Neurofibromatosis Center from 2003 to 2013 were reviewed to identify cases (adults, age >18) and controls (pediatric, age <18) with clinically or radiographically progressive extra‐optic PAs. Demographic, clinical, histologic, and radiographic data were collected. Three adult NF1 cases and four pediatric NF1 controls were identified. Mean age was 32.3 ± 9.5 years, 66% male (cases); 12.8 ± 4.2 years, 100% male (controls). Symptomatic progression occurred in two‐of‐three adults (67%) while the majority of pediatric patients presented with isolated radiographic progression (n = 3, 75%). Onset tended to be more rapid in adults (4 ± 1 vs. 14 ± 8.3 months, P = 0.10). Subtotal resection was the treatment for all pediatric patients. Radiotherapy (n = 2), chemotherapy (n = 2), and targeted, biologic agents (n = 2) were administered in adults. Although all pediatric patients are living, outcomes were universally poor in adults with progression to death in all (median survival 17.1 months, range 6.6–30.3). In conclusion, despite grade I histology, all three adult NF1 patients with progressive extra‐optic PAs suffered an aggressive clinical course which was not seen in pediatric patients. Clinicians should be aware of this clinico‐histologic discrepancy when counseling and managing adult NF1 patients with progressive extra‐optic PAs. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Postnatal microcephaly and pain insensitivity due to a de novo heterozygous DNM1L mutation causing impaired mitochondrial fission and function
Authors: Sheffer Ruth , Douiev Liza , Edvardson Simon , Shaag Avraham , Tamimi Khaled , Soiferman Devorah , Meiner Vardiella , Saada Ann
Published: March 2016

An emerging class of mitochondrial disorders is caused by mutations in nuclear genes affecting mitochondrial dynamics and function. One of these is the DNM1L gene encoding the dynamin‐related protein 1 (DRP1), which is pivotal in the mitochondrial fission process. Here, we describe a patient with a novel dominant‐negative, de novo DNM1L mutation, which expands the clinical spectrum. The patient reported here exhibits a chronic neurological disorder, characterized by postnatal microcephaly, developmental delay, and pain insensitivity. Muscle biopsy disclosed decreased respiratory chain complex IV activity. Exome sequencing showed a de novo heterozygous c.1084G>A (p.G362S) mutation. Subsequent studies of patient skin fibroblasts showed markedly impaired mitochondrial fission and a partial respiratory chain defect while peroxisomal morphology remained intact. Human foreskin fibroblasts over‐expressing the mutant DNM1L gene displayed aberrant mitochondrial morphology. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Unusually long duration and delayed penetrance in a family with FTD and mutation in MAPT (V337M)
Authors: Domoto‐Reilly Kimiko , Davis Marie Y. , Keene C. Dirk , Bird Thomas D.
Published: March 2016

Mutations in the MAPT gene coding for the tau protein are one of the most common causes of familial frontotemporal dementia (FTD). In a previously described family with the V337M mutation in MAPT, we now report an affected woman who died at age 92 with a >40 year duration of symptoms, more than three times the mean disease duration in her family (13.8 years). Neuropathology showed the typical findings of a diffuse tauopathy. Conversely, her 67‐year‐old son with the same mutation remains asymptomatic more than 15 years beyond the mean age of onset in the family (51.5 years). These two cases demonstrate the marked variability in onset and duration of familial FTD and underscore the difficulties of discussing these issues with patients and families. The presumed genetic and environmental factors influencing these parameters remain largely unknown. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Rare UNC13B variations and risk of schizophrenia: Whole‐exome sequencing in a multiplex family and follow‐up resequencing and a case–control study
Authors: Egawa Jun , Hoya Satoshi , Watanabe Yuichiro , Nunokawa Ayako , Shibuya Masako , Ikeda Masashi , Inoue Emiko , Okuda Shujiro , Kondo Kenji , Saito Takeo , Kaneko Naoshi , Muratake Tatsuyuki , Igeta Hirofumi , Iwata Nakao , Someya Toshiyuki
Published: March 2016

Rare genomic variations inherited in multiplex schizophrenia families are suggested to play a role in the genetic etiology of the disease. To identify rare variations with large effects on the risk of developing schizophrenia, we performed whole‐exome sequencing (WES) in two affected and one unaffected individual of a multiplex family with 10 affected individuals. We also performed follow‐up resequencing of the unc‐13 homolog B (Caenorhabditis elegans) (UNC13B) gene, a potential risk gene identified by WES, in the multiplex family and undertook a case–control study to investigate association between UNC13B and schizophrenia. UNC13B coding regions (39 exons) from 15 individuals of the multiplex family and 111 affected offspring for whom parental DNA samples were available were resequenced. Rare missense UNC13B variations identified by resequencing were further tested for association with schizophrenia in two independent case–control populations comprising a total of 1,753 patients and 1,602 controls. A rare missense variation (V1525M) in UNC13B was identified by WES in the multiplex family; this variation was present in five of six affected individuals, but not in eight unaffected individuals or one individual of unknown disease status. Resequencing UNC13B coding regions identified five rare missense variations (T103M, M813T, P1349T, I1362T, and V1525M). In the case–control study, there was no significant association between rare missense UNC13B variations and schizophrenia, although single‐variant meta‐analysis indicated that M813T was nominally associated with schizophrenia. These results do not support a contribution of rare missense UNC13B variations to the genetic etiology of schizophrenia in the Japanese population. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Outcomes of modified endoscopic Lothrop in aspirin‐exacerbated respiratory disease with nasal polyposis
Authors: Morrissey David K. , Bassiouni Ahmed , Psaltis Alkis J. , Naidoo Yuresh , Wormald Peter‐John
Published: March 2016

Background

Patients with aspirin‐exacerbated respiratory disease (AERD) and chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) are often reported to be recalcitrant to standard medical and surgical intervention. Failure rates of standard endoscopic sinus surgery in these patients are reported to be as high as 90%. We review the outcomes for our cohort of AERD patients undergoing endoscopic sinus surgery and endoscopic modified Lothrop procedure (EMLP).

Methods

Data was collected prospectively between January 2001 and December 2013. Information including demographics, asthma status, aspirin sensitivity, 22‐item Sino‐Nasal Outcome Test (SNOT‐22), Lund‐Mackay scores, and endoscopic ostium assessment were collected for up to 5 years. Minimum follow‐up was 6 months.

Results

A total of 31 AERD patients underwent complete sphenoethmoidectomy, maxillary antrostomy and EMLP during the study period with an average follow‐up of 36 months. Polyp recurrence was seen in a total of 18 patients (58%). Seven patients required revision EMLP following initial surgery demonstrating a failure rate of 22.5%. AERD patients had a statistically significant increased risk of both nasal polyps recurrence and need for revision surgery. Revision EMLP was needed due to recurrence of nasal polyps in 6 cases and frontal ostium stenosis in a single case. Time to revision EMLP was similar between the groups.

Conclusion

Complete sphenoethmoidectomy, maxillary antrostomy, and EMLP is successful in a significant majority of patients with AERD and CRSwNP. It is well tolerated with a low complication rate and facilitates successful ongoing medical management of the condition in patients with AERD.
Placebo‐controlled assessment of somnolence effect of cetirizine: a meta‐analysis
Authors: Du Qiong , Zhou Yingchun
Published: March 2016

Background

It has been found that the most common adverse reaction which occurs more frequently on cetirizine than on placebo is somnolence. However, the somnolence rate varied widely among different studies. The objective of this study was to assess the somnolence effect of cetirizine 10 mg daily compared to placebo in patients aged 6 years and older using meta‐analysis and explore the sources of heterogeneity among different studies.

Methods

Databases were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of cetirizine published before 2015. Overall risk differences (RDs) were determined by meta‐analyses of 13 trials using the DerSimonian and Laird (D&L) method based on fixed‐effects and random‐effect models, respectively. The Q statistic, H statistic, and I2were calculated for heterogeneity analysis. Subgroup analysis, Galbraith plot, sensitivity analysis, and meta‐regression were also performed to explore the sources of heterogeneity.

Results

Various analyses showed that heterogeneity existed among the 13 trials and the placebo run‐in period was the cause of heterogeneity. For RCTs without and with placebo run‐in period, the overall RDs were 6.51% (95% CI, 4.47% to 8.56%) and 1.03% (95% CI, −0.13% to 2.19%), respectively, which indicated that the difference in somnolence rate between cetirizine 10 mg daily and placebo was not statistically significant for the subgroup with placebo run‐in.

Conclusion

The meta‐analysis showed that the RDs between cetirizine 10 mg daily and placebo on somnolence rate were different for studies with and without a placebo run‐in period. The results for studies with a placebo run‐in period suggested that cetirizine 10 mg daily has no somnolence effect compared to placebo.
Clinical implications of mucosal remodeling from chronic rhinosinusitis
Authors: Do Timothy Q. , Barham Henry P. , Earls Peter , Sacks Raymond , Christensen Jenna M. , Rimmer Janet , Harvey Richard J.
Published: March 2016

Background

Prognostic implications of mucosal remodeling in chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) remain unclear. Remodeling of respiratory mucosa in asthma is associated with greater medication use and decreased function. This study investigates the implications of mucosal remodeling on long‐term clinical outcomes in patients with CRS.

Methods

A case‐control study of adult patients with CRS undergoing endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) was performed. Mucosal remodeling was defined by squamous metaplasia, subepithelial fibrosis, and/or basement membrane thickening. The presence of remodeling changes were assessed relative to clinical and treatment outcomes at a minimum of 12 months postoperatively. Clinical outcomes were assessed at baseline and 12 months using a Nasal Symptom Score (NSS) and 22‐item Sino‐Nasal Outcome Test (SNOT‐22). Treatment outcomes were assessed by oral corticosteroid usage (burst/continuous), topical corticosteroid irrigation frequency, and further surgical intervention.

Results

A total of 110 patients (48.73 ± 14.75 years, 48.2% female) were assessed. Significant improvements where seen for the entire population, in both NSS (2.64 ± 1.06 to 1.34 ± 1.08, p < 0.001) and SNOT‐22 (2.05 ± 0.96 to 1.06 ± 0.79, p < 0.001). Patients with remodeling (n = 88) were younger (47.2 ± 14.8 vs 54.7 ± 13.5 years, p = 0.03), but had similar symptom scores. Remodeling was seen in CRS with nasal polyposis (CRSwNP) (54.5%) and eosinophilic chronic rhinosinusitis (eCRS) (59.8%). Symptom improvement at 12 months was similar between remodeled and non‐remodeled groups (NSS: Δ1.34 ± 1.20 vs Δ1.12 ± 1.31, p = 0.395; SNOT‐22: Δ1.05 ± 0.91 vs Δ0.73 ± 0.95, p = 0.124); however, patients with remodeling had greater corticosteroid irrigation frequency (64.0% vs 31.6% daily use, Kendall's tau‐b p = 0.004).

Conclusion

Established mucosal remodeling predicts a greater reliance on topical therapies to reach similar clinical endpoints as those without remodeling.