bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Room‐Temperature Processing of Printed Oxide FETs Using Ultraviolet Photonic Curing
Authors: Garlapati Suresh Kumar , Gebauer Julia Susanne , Dehm Simone , Bruns Michael , Winterer Markus , Hahn Horst , Dasgupta Subho
Published: July 2017

Oxide semiconductors are highly suitable materials for solution‐processed/printed electronics (PE); the growing interest in them can be related to their excellent intrinsic properties, such as high mobility, optical transparency, thermal and environmental stability, and so on. However, high process temperatures remain as the foremost challenge that may limit the compatibility of printed oxide electronics to inexpensive flexible substrates. Here, the possibility of using photonic curing methods to lower the process temperature is investigated, even down to room temperature (RT). Two distinct ultraviolet (UV) curing techniques, involving UV–visible light pulses and continuous‐wave UV lasers are exercised and compared. Combining UV curing with oxide nanoparticulate channel layer and electrolytic gate insulators, it is demonstrated that high performance field‐effect transistors (FETs) with device mobility as high as 12 cm2 V−1 s−1 can be processed entirely at room temperature and realized on plastic substrates. The fabrication steps include printing of a heavily stabilized semiconducting nanoparticulate channel layer, followed by decomposition and removal of the semi‐insulating polymer ligands using UV‐photon energies. The curing process is found to be fast and high‐throughput manufacturing technique compatible. At the same time, the energy requirement to remove the polymer stabilizers is insignificant, thereby ensuring no temperature rise of the parent substrates.
Low‐Cost Metallic Anode Materials for High Performance Rechargeable Batteries
Authors: Wang Meng , Zhang Fan , Lee Chun‐Sing , Tang Yongbing
Published: July 2017

The ever‐growing market of portable electronic devices and electric vehicles has significantly stimulated research interests on new‐generation rechargeable battery systems with high energy density, satisfying safety and low cost. With unique potentials to achieve high energy density and low cost, rechargeable batteries based on metal anodes are capable of storing more energy via an alloying/de‐alloying process, in comparison to traditional graphite anodes via an intercalation/de‐intercalation process. However, the drawbacks of metal anodes such as high initial capacity loss and short cycling life need to be solved before commercialization. Herein, we mainly dedicate the attention on recent progresses in the metallic materials (e.g., Al, Sn, Mg, Zn, Sb and Bi) which have the best likelihood of being applied in commercial batteries and the advanced modification strategies including nanosizing, composite design, and alloy/intermetallic construction for better battery performance. In addition, the investigations of such metal anodes in some new battery systems such as sodium‐ion batteries, aluminum‐ion batteries, zinc‐ion batteries, magnesium‐ion batteries, and dual‐ion batteries are further briefly reviewed.
The Council of Emergency Medicine Residency Directors Speaker Evaluation Form for Medical Conference Planners
Authors: Phillips Andrew W. , Diller David , Williams Sarah , Park Yoon Soo , Fisher Jonathan , Biese Kevin , Ufberg Jacob
Published: July 2017

Objectives

No summative speaker evaluation form with validity and reliability evidence currently exists in the English medical education literature specifically to help conference planners make future decisions on speakers. We seek to perform a proof‐of‐concept evaluation of a concise, effective evaluation form to be filled out by audience members to aid conference planners.

Methods

We created the Council of Emergency Medicine Residency Directors (CORD‐EM) form, a novel, three‐question speaker evaluation form for the CORD‐EM national conference and evaluated it for proof of concept. The CORD‐EM form was analyzed with three evaluators and randomized to select only two evaluators’ ratings to make results more generalizable to a generic audience evaluating the speaker.

Results

Forty‐six total evaluations ranged from 6 to 9 (mean ± standard deviation = 8.1 ± 1.2). The form demonstrated excellent internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha = 0.923) with good inter‐rater reliability (intraclass correlation = 0.617) in the conference context.

Conclusions

The CORD‐EM speaker evaluation form is, to our knowledge, the first evaluation form with early reliability and validity evidence specifically designed to help conference planners. Our results suggest that a short speaker evaluation form can be an effective instrument in the toolbox for conference planners.
Prospective evaluation of chronic organ damage in adult sickle cell patients: A seven‐year follow‐up study
Authors: van Tuijn Charlotte F. J. , Schimmel Marein , van Beers Eduard J. , Nur Erfan , Biemond Bart J.
Published: July 2017

Organ damage in sickle cell disease (SCD) is a crucial determinant for disease severity and prognosis. In a previous study, we analyzed the prevalence of SCD‐related organ damage and complications in adult sickle cell patients. We now describe a seven‐year follow‐up of this cohort.All patients from the primary analysis in 2006 (n = 104), were included for follow‐up. Patients were screened for SCD‐related organ damage and complications (microalbuminuria, renal failure, elevated tricuspid regurgitation flow velocity (TRV) (≥2.5 m/seconds), retinopathy, iron overload, cholelithiasis, avascular osteonecrosis, leg ulcers, acute chest syndrome (ACS), stroke, priapism and admissions for vaso‐occlusive crises (VOC) biannually. Upon 7 years of follow‐up, progression in the prevalence of avascular osteonecrosis (from 12.5% to 20.4%), renal failure (from 6.7% to 23.4%), retinopathy (from 39.7% to 53.8%) was observed in the whole group. In HbSS/HbSβ0‐thal patients also progression in microalbuminuria (from 34% to 45%) and elevated TRV (from 40% to 48%) was observed while hardly any progression in the prevalence of cholelithiasis, priapism, stroke or chronic ulcers was seen. The proportion of patients with at least one episode of ACS increased in the group of HbSS/HbSβ0‐thal patients from 32% to 49.1%. In conclusion, 62% of the sickle cell patients in this prospective cohort study developed a new SCD‐related complication in a comprehensive care setting within 7 years of follow‐up. Although the hospital admission rate for VOC remained stable, multiple forms of organ damage increased substantially. These observations underline the need for continued screening for organ damage in all adult patients with SCD.
Scaling children's waist circumference for differences in body size
Authors: Nevill Alan M , Duncan Michael J. , Lahart Ian M , Davies Paul , Ramirez‐Velez Robinson , Sandercock Gavin
Published: July 2017

Objectives

Both waist circumference (WC) and body size (height) increase with age throughout childhood. Hence, there is a need to scale WC in children to detect differences in adiposity status (eg, between populations and different age groups), independent of body size/height.

Methods

Using two culturally different samples, 1 English (10–15.9 years n = 9471) and 2 Colombian (14–15 years, n = 37,948), for WC to be independent of height (HT), a body shape index was obtained using the allometric power law WC = a.HTb. The model was linearized using log‐transformation, and multiple regression/ANCOVA to estimate the height exponents for WC controlling for age, sex, and any other categorical/population differences.

Results

In both samples, the power‐law height exponent varied systematically with age. In younger children (age 10–11 years), the exponent was approximately unity, suggesting that pre‐pubertal children might be geometrically similar. In older children, the height exponent declined monotonically to 0.5 (ie, HT0.5) in 15+ year‐olds, similar to the exponent observed in adults. UK children's height‐adjusted WC revealed a “u” shaped curve with age that appeared to reach a minimum at peak‐height velocity, different for boys and girls. Comparing the WC of two populations (UK versus Colombian 14–15‐year‐old children) identified that the gap in WC between the countries narrowed considerably after scaling for height.

Conclusions

Scaling children's WC for differences in height using allometric modeling reveals new insights into the growth and development of children's WC, findings that might well have been be overlooked if body size/height had been ignored.
Total Synthesis of (−)‐N‐Methylwelwitindolinone B Isothiocyanate
Authors: Reyes Julius R. , Xu Jiasu , Kobayashi Kenichi , Bhat Vikram , Rawal Viresh H.
Published: July 2017

The asymmetric synthesis of (−)‐N‐methylwelwitindolinone B isothiocyanate is reported. Critical challenges overcome through these studies include the stereoselective installation of the sterically congested C13 alkyl chloride and control of the wayward reactivity of the indole unit to standard oxidants. A Pt‐catalyzed hydrosilylation helped stymie unwanted rearrangements facilitated by vinyl group participation during the chloride installation step, and a new FeII‐catalyzed oxidation accomplished the problematic conversion of indole into 2‐indolinone.
Synthesis and evaluation of hyaluronic acid hydrogels modified with various crosslinkers as biodegradable polymers
Authors: Obata H. , Yamazaki Y. , Matsunaga T. , Sato T.
Published: July 2017

Hyaluronic acid (HA), a high‐molecular‐weight natural polysaccharide, is often used in medical devices for regenerative medicine as it can undergo biodegradation via enzymatic action in the human body. HA exhibits both viscoelasticity and high biocompatibility and has therefore been used for ocular surgery. In particular, HA‐based hydrogels have been utilized as cell scaffold materials and devices in ophthalmological treatments. In this study, four hydrogels have been synthesized from HA derivatives with methacrylate groups and modified with crosslinkers such as adipic acid dihydrazide, divinyl sulfone, and dithiothreitol. Each of the synthesized hydrogels exhibits high transparency and strength as well as biodegradabilityin vitro. Hence, these HA‐based hydrogels demonstrate potential for applications as drug delivery systems and implants. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci.2017,134, 45453.
Electromagnetic interference properties of carbon nanofiber–reinforced acrylonitrile–styrene–acrylate/natural graphite composites
Authors: Song Jianbin , Zhang Qixing , Hu Haibin , Jiang Yifan , Zhang Huiliang , Zhang Mingxin , Yuan Zhanhui
Published: July 2017

Acrylonitrile–styrene–acrylate/natural graphite/carbon nanofiber composites (ASA/NG/CNF) were prepared using a melting blending method. The effects of CNFs on the morphology, rheological properties, dynamical mechanical properties, electrical resistivity, and electromagnetic interference shielding effectiveness (EMI SE) were studied using a scanning electron microscope, a rotational rheometer, and dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA). The addition of CNFs changed the oriented and laminated structure of the ASA/NG composite. The flexural strength of the ASA composite reached a maximum at 6% CNF, and then it began to decrease. The addition of CNFs did not alter the glass‐transition temperature of ASA, but it largely increased the storage modulus of the composite in DMA tests. In the rheological measurements, the complex viscosity and storage modulus of the composite increased as CNF content increased, and the resistance to creep of the composites was significantly increased by the addition of CNFs. The electrical resistivity of the ASA composites decreased from 49.8 Ω cm to 2.3 Ω cm as the CNF content was increased from 0 to 12%. At the same time, the EMI properties of the composites rose from 15 dB to 30 dB in the frequency range 30–1500 MHz. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017, 134, 45455.
Understanding the role of internal microstructure in capsule‐based healing of polymeric composites
Authors: Tripathi Manorama , Kumar Devendra , Roy Prasun Kumar
Published: July 2017

The efficacy of microcapsules possessing varied internal microstructure toward introducing extrinsic self‐healing functionality in epoxy has been compared. Unsaturated polyester was encapsulated in microcapsules by adopting different methodologies. Microcapsules formed using dispersion polymerization exhibited “reservoir” microstructure while solvent evaporation led to the formation of “monolithic” microcapsules. Theoretical model was developed to predict the amount of healant released in the event of microcapsule rupture, which clearly highlighted the benefits associated with reservoir type microcapsules, especially at lower core contents. At larger core contents (≥50% vol/vol), all the micro‐droplets within the monolithic structure coalesced to form a healant reservoir. Self‐healing composites were prepared by introducing both types of microcapsules in an epoxy matrix and the healing efficiency was quantified. In line with the theoretical predictions, reservoir type microcapsules led to much higher healing efficiencies in comparison to monolithic microcapsules. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017, 134, 45471.
Effects of two‐dimensional programming on microstructures and thermal properties of shape memory polymer‐based composites
Authors: Shen Dongya , Shi Shuang , Xu Tao
Published: July 2017

To evaluate the effects of two‐dimensional (2D) programming on thermal properties of shape memory polymer (SMP)‐based composites when exposed to high temperature, the specimens of composites were prepared and programmed. Then the morphology, thermal properties, dynamic evolution, and constituents of released gaseous products were characterized. Results indicate that the programmed composite is more compacted, but the proportion of interconnected voids is larger than that in the nonprogrammed sample. 2D programming causes molecular or segmental orientations in SMP, and leads to the decrease in the char yield from 16.1 to 8.1%. The programmed sample shows a lower thermal stability. Further, the melting enthalpy of nonprogrammed composite is 1012 J/g which is lower than 1100 J/g of the programmed sample. The prestored stress in oriented molecules or segments of SMP is more prone to cause the chain scissions. The dynamic evolution and constituents of released volatiles from nonprogrammed and programmed samples are similar, but the release amount of volatiles from the latter is larger. Finally, the more compacted charring layer of nonprogrammed composite is more efficient to prevent volatiles from releasing out. The 2D programming has a slight influence on the elemental contents of O, Si, and C in the charring layer. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017, 134, 45480.
Sea turtles bycatch in the Adriatic Sea set net fisheries and possible hot‐spot identification
Authors: Lucchetti Alessandro , Vasapollo Claudio , Virgili Massimo
Published: July 2017

Bycatch resulting from fishing activities is the main threat for the conservation of sea turtles in the Mediterranean Sea. Fixed nets are a matter of concern for sea turtles mainly in coastal areas during the neritic stage when both juvenile and adult life stages are affected. Mortality caused by entanglement in set nets is related to forced apnoea due to the high soak time of the nets and consequent drowning.

This study investigated the loggerhead turtle bycatch in set net coastal fisheries in the northern Adriatic Sea (General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean Geographical Sub‐Area 17, [GSA 17]) through an interview‐based approach, to understand the potential contribution of these fisheries to the general decline of the sea turtle population. A second goal was to identify a possible hot‐spot turtle bycatch area through on‐board observations.

The study estimates that more than 5400 turtles are caught in the west GSA 17 each year with the largest number in the summer. A hot‐spot for entanglement was also identified in an area located south of the River Po delta (41.5–69 m depth) during the summer. Sixty‐four turtles were caught over a period of 30 fishing days by either trammel nets and gillnets (0.7 and 0.5 turtle per km of net respectively) and was the greatest number that has been observed anywhere in the Mediterranean.

Possible management strategies to reduce bycatch include technical modification to gear setting (such as reducing netting slack and using small meshes), bycatch reducer devices (such as LED UV), and area and seasonal gear restrictions to small‐scale fisheries in areas of greatest concern in the northern Adriatic Sea.
Acetamide Derivatives of Chromen‐2‐ones as Potent Cholinesterase Inhibitors
Authors: Prasad Suchita , Kumar Bipul , Kumar Shiv , Chand Karam , Kamble Shashank S. , Gautam Hemant K. , Sharma Sunil K.
Published: July 2017

Alzheimer's disease (AD), a neurodegenerative disorder, is a serious medical issue worldwide with drastic social consequences. Inhibition of cholinesterase is one of the rational and effective approaches to retard the symptoms of AD and, hence, consistent efforts are being made to develop efficient anti‐cholinesterase agents. In pursuit of this, a series of 19 acetamide derivatives of chromen‐2‐ones were synthesized and evaluated for their acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) inhibitory potential. All the synthesized compounds exhibited significant anti‐AChE and anti‐BChE activity, with IC50 values in the range of 0.24–10.19 μM and 0.64–30.08 μM, respectively, using donepezil hydrochloride as the standard. Out of 19 compounds screened, 3 compounds, viz. 22, 40, and 43, caused 50% inhibition of AChE at 0.24, 0.25, and 0.25 μM, respectively. A kinetic study revealed them to be mixed‐type inhibitors, binding with both the CAS and PAS sites of AChE. The above‐selected compounds were found to be effective inhibitors of AChE‐induced and self‐mediated Aβ1–42 aggregation. ADMET predictions demonstrated that these compounds may possess suitable blood–brain barrier (BBB) permeability. Hemolytic assay results revealed that these compounds did not lyse human RBCs up to a thousand times of their IC50 value. MTT assays performed for the shortlisted compounds showed them to be negligibly toxic after 24 h of treatment with the SH‐SY5Y neuroblastoma cells. These results provide insights for further optimization of the scaffolds for designing the next generation of compounds as lead cholinesterase inhibitors.
Characterizing cross‐subject spatial interaction patterns in functional magnetic resonance imaging studies: A two‐stage point‐process model
Authors: Lee Adél , Särkkä Aila , Madhyastha Tara M. , Grabowski Thomas J.
Published: July 2017

We develop a two‐stage spatial point process model that introduces new characterizations of activation patterns in multisubject functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) studies. Conventionally multisubject fMRI methods rely on combining information across subjects one voxel at a time in order to identify locations of peak activation in the brain. The two‐stage model that we develop here addresses shortcomings of standard methods by explicitly modeling the spatial structure of functional signals and recognizing that corresponding cross‐subject functional signals can be spatially misaligned. In our first stage analysis, we introduce a marked spatial point process model that captures the spatial features of the functional response and identifies a configuration of activation units for each subject. The locations of these activation units are used as input for the second stage model. The point process model of the second stage analysis is developed to characterize multisubject activation patterns by estimating the strength of cross‐subject interactions at different spatial ranges. The model uses spatial neighborhoods to account for the cross‐subject spatial misalignment in corresponding functional units. We applied our methods to an fMRI study of 21 individuals who performed an attention test. We identified four brain regions that are involved in the test and found that our model results agree well with our understanding of how these regions engage with the tasks performed during the attention test. Our results highlighted that cross‐subject interactions are stronger in brain areas that have a more specific function in performing the experimental tasks than in other areas.
Culprit plaque characteristics in younger versus older patients with acute coronary syndromes: An optical coherence tomography study from the FORMIDABLE registry
Authors: Barbero Umberto , Scacciatella Paolo , Iannaccone Mario , D'Ascenzo Fabrizio , Niccoli Giampaolo , Colombo Francesco , Ugo Fabrizio , Colangelo Salvatore , Mancone Massimo , Calcagno Simone , Sardella Gennaro , Amabile Nicolas , Motreff Pascal , Toutouzas Konstantinos , Garbo Roberto , Tamburino Corrado , Montefusco Antonio , Omedè Pierluigi , Moretti Claudio , D'amico Maurizio , Souteyrand Geraud , Gaita Fiorenzo , Templin Christian
Published: July 2017

Objectives

Culprit plaque characteristics in young patients who experience an Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS) evaluated by OCT (Optical Coherence Tomography) have to be defined. The OCT‐FORMIDABLE is a multicentre retrospective registry enrolling consecutive patients with ACS who performed OCT in 9 European centres.

Methods

Patients were divided in two groups according to age at presentation: juvenile‐ACS (age ≤ 50 years) and not juvenile‐ACS (age > 50 years). Primary end‐point was the prevalence of plaque rupture (PR). Secondary end point was the prevalence of thin cap fibro atheroma (TCFA), fibrocalcific and fibrotic plaque.

Results

285 patients were included, 71 (24.9%) in juvenile‐ACS group and 215 (75.1%) in not juvenile‐ACS group. Younger patients showed a trend for a higher prevalence of TCFA (70 vs. 58%, P = 0.06) and thrombus presence (62 vs. 51%, P = 0.1), while no statistical difference concerning PR (70 vs. 64%, P = 0.29). Of interest patients younger that 35 years showed a higher prevalence of PR compared to patients aged between 35 and 45 or 45 and 50 years (100 vs. 72 vs. 55%, P = 0.03). Culprit plaque in juvenile‐ACS group showed more frequently a reduced mean cap thickness (119 ± 66 vs. 155 ± 95 nm, P = 0.05) and less frequently fibrotic (32 vs. 57%, P < 0.001) or fibrocalcific (17 vs. 36%, P = 0.003) characteristics.

Conclusion

young patients with ACS show a trend for a higher prevalence of culprit PR, a thinner cap and less fibrotic or fibrocalcific components.
Recurrent myocardial infarction in a 47‐year‐old woman with a mechanical mitral valve prosthesis: Atherosclerosis, embolism, or spasm?
Authors: Claessen Bimmer E. , van den Boogert Thomas P. W. , Piek Jan J.
Published: July 2017

We present a case of a 47‐year‐old woman with a mechanical mitral valve prosthesis and recurrent myocardial infarction. The most common etiology of spontaneous myocardial infarction is an acute coronary syndrome caused by rupture or erosion of an atherosclerotic plaque. However, the differential diagnosis in the patient described below also included infarction due to embolization or coronary spasm. It can be challenging to discriminate between the different causes of myocardial infarction based on interpretation of symptoms, physical examination, laboratory tests, and electrocardiography alone. This report illustrates the value of coronary angiography with invasive coronary spasm provocation testing using intracoronary acetylcholine to identify the etiology of her recurrent myocardial infarctions.
Intra‐procedural continuous dialysis to facilitate interventional catheterization in pediatric patients with severe renal failure
Authors: Opina Angeline D. , Qureshi Athar M. , Brewer Eileen , Elenberg Ewa , Swartz Sarah , Michael Mini , Justino Henri
Published: July 2017

Background

Interventional catheterization procedures may be needed for patients with severe renal failure who are dependent on dialysis. To avoid the risk of fluid overload and electrolyte derangement during complex procedures in this oliguric/anuric patient population, we performed intra‐procedural dialysis, either continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) or continous cycling peritoneal dialysis (CCPD).

Methods

We performed a retrospective review of a cohort of pediatric patients, ages 0–18 years, with dialysis‐dependent renal failure who received CRRT or CCPD during catheterization procedures from January 2013 to March 2016.

Results

Eight patients underwent a total of nine interventional catheterization procedures while receiving intra‐procedural dialysis. Median age was 4.5 years (range 8 months to 17 years) and weight, 11.6 kg (11.2–62.6 kg). Six patients had end‐stage renal disease (ESRD) and two patients had acute kidney injury (AKI), one due to hepatorenal syndrome and one due to multifactorial causes associated with congenital heart disease. The most common reason for catheterization was occlusive venous thrombosis requiring recanalization. CRRT was used during five cases and CCPD during four cases. Median procedure time was 337 min (95–651 min) and median contrast dose 4.2 mL kg−1 (1.2–8.2 mL kg−1). Euvolemia was maintained based on pre‐ and post‐catheterizations weights, and no significant electrolyte abnormalities occurred based on lab monitoring during and post‐procedure.

Conclusions

Intra‐procedural dialysis using CRRT or CCPD enables even small pediatric patients with severe renal failure to undergo long and complex interventional catheterizations by reducing the risk of fluid overload and electrolyte abnormalities. Collaboration between nephrology, cardiology, and dialysis teams is necessary for successful management of this challenging patient population.
Aminocarbonylation of Aryl Halides to Produce Primary Amides by Using NH4HCO3 Dually as Ammonia Surrogate and Base
Authors: Wang Dong‐Liang , Liu Huan , Yang Da , Wang Peng , Lu Yong , Liu Ye
Published: July 2017

An efficient and clean protocol was developed for rapid production of primary aromatic amides by aminocarbonylation with NH4HCO3. Without addition of auxiliary base, the use of solid and cheap NH4HCO3 dually as ammonia surrogate and base not only promoted aminocarbonylation over subsequent dehydration and hydrolysis of amides owing to its weak basicity, and it also made the reaction manipulation clean and simplified without the presence of stinky NH3 or organic amines. The Xantphos ligand with relatively intensive π‐acceptor character (1J31P–77Se=758 Hz) and wide natural bite angle (βn=111°) was found to be indispensable for the high efficiency of this reaction.
Intermacrocyclic Interaction Triggers Facile One‐Pot Synthesis of a Chlorin–Porphyrin Heterodimer
Authors: Pandit Younis Ahmad , Sanfui Sarnali , Rath Sankar Prasad
Published: July 2017

This work reports a highly facile one‐pot synthesis of a new series of fully π‐conjugated unsymmetric chlorin–porphyrin heterodimers with quantitative yields by utilizing intermacrocyclic interactions. One‐electron oxidations of dicopper(II) and dipalladium(II) porphyrin dimers using mild oxidants such as iodine at room temperature resulted in the formation of a strongly interacting cofacial mixed‐valent π‐cation radical dimers. The radical, being highly reactive, drives spontaneous and rapid transformation involving a new N=C bond formation, 1,2‐ethyl migration, and the generation of a new indolizinium ring that bridges between the two macrocycles. X‐ray structural characterization of the heterodimers reveals that the two macrocycles are nearly coplanar and thereby extends the π‐conjugation from one end to the other. DFT calculations that reproduce the experimental results are also reported.
Experimental study of gas pressure drop in rotating packed bed with rotational‐stationary packing
Authors: Liu Xuewu , Jing Manjun , Chen Shuhua , Du Leilei
Published: July 2017

Rotating packed bed (RPB) with rotational‐stationary packing is a novel instrument that could greatly enhance mass transfer compared with the conventional packed columns. The structure of rotational‐stationary packing makes the gas repeatedly enter the packing to increase the end effect. Meanwhile, owing to the resistance of the packing to the gas, the gas pressure drop of rotating packed bed with rotational‐stationary packing becomes the necessary factor that can evaluate the equipment. The gas pressure drop of the dry bed and wet bed were determined at various operating variables, including the rotational speed, the gas flow rate, and the liquid flow rate. In this work, the gas pressure drop was classified on the basis of the gas flow path and the corresponding theoretical formulas were provided. The pressure drop of the dry bed increased with increasing rotational speed and gas flow rate was observed, and the liquid flow rate had little influence on the pressure drop of the wet bed. Finally, the experimental values were fitted to the theoretical formula and the relationship between total pressure drop and rotational speed, gas flow rate in a RPB with rotational‐stationary packing was presented. The theoretical calculated values agreed well with the experimental data with a deviation within 6 %. These will provide the gas pressure drop theoretical calculation formula for a kind of RPB with rotational‐stationary packing.
Native kinesin‐1 does not bind preferentially to GTP‐tubulin‐rich microtubules in vitro
Authors: Li Qiaochu , King Stephen J. , Xu Jing
Published: July 2017

Molecular motors such as kinesin‐1 work in small teams to actively shuttle cargos in cells, for example in polarized transport in axons. Here, we examined the potential regulatory role of the nucleotide state of tubulin on the run length of cargos carried by multiple kinesin motors, using an optical trapping‐based in vitro assay. Based on a previous report that kinesin binds preferentially to GTP‐tubulin‐rich microtubules, we anticipated that multiple‐kinesin cargos would run substantially greater distances along GMPCPP microtubules than along GDP microtubules. Surprisingly, we did not uncover any significant differences in run length between microtubule types. A combination of single‐molecule experiments, comparison with previous theory, and classic microtubule affinity pulldown assays revealed that native kinesin‐1 does not bind preferentially to GTP‐tubulin‐rich microtubules. The apparent discrepancy between our observations and the previous report likely reflects differences in post‐translational modifications between the native motors used here and the recombinant motors examined previously. Future investigations will help shed light on the interplay between the motor's post‐translational modification and the microtubule's nucleotide‐binding state for transport regulation in vivo.
Disparities in location of death of adolescents and young adults with cancer: A longitudinal, population study in California
Authors: Rajeshuni Nitya , Johnston Emily E. , Saynina Olga , Sanders Lee M. , Chamberlain Lisa J.
Published: July 2017

BACKGROUND

Patients with a terminal illness should have access to their chosen location of death. Cancer is the leading cause of non‐accidental death among adolescents and young adults (AYAs; those aged 15‐39 years). Although surveys have suggested that a majority of these patients prefer a home death, to the authors' knowledge, little is known regarding their barriers to accessing their preferred location of death. As a first step, the authors sought to determine, across a large population, 20‐year trends in the location of death among AYA patients with cancer.

METHODS

Using the Vital Statistics Death Certificate Database of the California Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development, the authors performed a retrospective, population‐based analysis of California patients with cancer aged 15 to 39 years who died between 1989 and 2011. Sociodemographic and clinical factors associated with hospital death were examined using multivariable logistic regression.

RESULTS

Of 30,573 AYA oncology decedents, 57% died in a hospital, 33% died at home, and 10% died in other locations (eg, hospice facility or nursing facility). Between 1989 and 1994, hospital death rates decreased from 68.3% to 53.6% and at‐home death rates increased from 16.8% to 35.5%. Between 1995 and 2011, these rates were stable. Those individuals who were more likely to die in a hospital were those aged <30 years, of minority race, of Hispanic ethnicity, who lived ≤10 miles from a specialty center, and who had a diagnosis of leukemia or lymphoma.

CONCLUSIONS

Overall, the majority of AYA cancer deaths occurred in a hospital, with a 5‐year shift to more in‐home deaths that abated after 1995. In‐hospital deaths were more common among younger patients, patients of minority race/ethnicities, and those with a leukemia or lymphoma diagnosis. Further study is needed to determine whether these rates and disparities are consistent with patient preferences. Cancer 2017;123:4178–4184. © 2017 American Cancer Society.
Targeted content dissemination in mobile social networks taking account of resource limitation
Authors: Ravaei Bahman , Sabaei Masoud , Pedram Hossein , Valaee Shahrokh
Published: July 2017

Mobile social networks are presenting new opportunities for content dissemination. User location, mobility, and social communities can be used to deliver delay‐tolerant content. Most existing dissemination methods either fail to consider the user's interest in their protocol design or just allow exchange of contents between nodes that have a similar interest. If nodes with similar interest never encounter each other, then contents might not be exchanged with them. In this paper, we propose a method in which user location, mobility, and interest as well as certain limiting factors such as relay buffer size and communication overhead are used to select a set of relays for targeted advertisement distribution. Besides, our method does not depend on nodes with similar interest encountering one another. In the proposed method, a distribution agent exploits user location, mobility, and social networks as well as the interest of destinations to select a group of relays to carry content to the targeted destinations. Users move among social communities and carry advertisements to their peers in other communities. We have also developed an optimization problem for advertisement selection and scheduling. Since the problem is NP‐hard, we propose a heuristic solution. Evaluation of the proposed approach shows that the algorithm is not sensitive to network resource variation and readily outperforms popular methods reported in the literature in terms of delay, delivery ratio, and interest compatibility.
Maximum linear matching: Intelligent and automatic wavelength calibration method
Authors: Yang Lu , Song Qing , Wang Zhihui , Zhang Shihui
Published: July 2017

Wavelength calibration is a necessary means to ensure the normal operation of the spectrometer. In general, calibration light sources that can emit fixed wavelength (such as mercury‐argon lamp) are utilized to generate spectral line on the linear array charge‐coupled device detector. Thus, it is a prerequisite for wavelength calibration to match the pixel position of the well‐divided spectral line with light of different wavelength emitted by calibration light source correctly. In this paper, we aim to present a method to make calibration procedure intelligent and automatic by machine. We establish a pixel‐wavelength model based on bipartite graph and propose the maximum linear matching (MLM) algorithm to find the correct set of pixel‐wavelength automatically. Meanwhile, we calculate precision and recall to measure the effectiveness of MLM and analyze the practical application of MLM by comparing it with conventional artificial methods. Experiments show that the autocalibration method based on MLM can calibrate many types of grating spectrometer more accurately and more reliably. With MLM, we report 98.33% precision and 94.59% recall on 8 groups of experiments.
Genesis of a Co–Salicylaldimine Complex on Silica Followed in Situ by FTIR and XAS
Authors: Ferri Davide , Gaur Abhijeet , Grunwaldt Jan‐Dierk
Published: July 2017

Several strategies have been proposed to replace soluble metallorganic complexes in organic solvents by similar molecular entities immobilized on non‐reactive solids. The characterization of these complexes at atomic and molecular level during synthesis is demanding but essential to guide rational design. In the present work, the formation of cobalt salicylaldimine complex on γ‐aminopropyl modified silica (SiO2) was monitored in ethanol on‐line by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and in situ X‐ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) simultaneously using two independent cells. The organic ligand was monitored by FTIR to follow the stepwise synthesis of the Co–salicylaldimine complex. The oxidation state of Co, obtained by XANES, was found to be +2, while different coordination environments were observed in the presence or absence of the pendant organic ligand produced in situ on SiO2. EXAFS analysis inferred that the oxidation state and the local structure of the Co2+ ion on the modified SiO2 surface was similar to that of a salen‐complex with four Co‐O/N bonds.
Precision Medicine in Inflammatory Bowel Diseases
Authors: Fischer Sarah , Neurath Markus F.
Published: July 2017

Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) are a lifelong condition of chronic, recurrent inflammation in the gut. The introduction of immunomodulators and biologic agents markedly improved the treatment of IBDs. Therefore, the use of biologics became an essential element in the rational therapy of IBDs. Various substances are currently evaluated in clinical trials, addressing different target structures and offering further approaches in the field of IBD. Regarding the growing number of treatment options, the need for prediction of therapy response became a necessity and is the subject of the present research.
Strategies for building a successful ultrasound guided FNA practice in department of pathology—Experience at a university hospital
Authors: Wu Maoxin , Shroyer Kenneth R.
Published: July 2017

Introduction

Although pathology services focused on fine needle aspiration (FNA) biopsy of superficial palpable masses with on‐site cytological evaluation are available in a wide range of clinical and academic settings, the addition of ultrasound (US) guidance into FNA practice by a cytopathologist group can be challenging. An US‐FNA service provided by a cytopathologist in the department of Pathology is a relatively new practice in the field of medicine. This report summarizes our experience and strategies in achieving this objective and our successful preliminary results.

Materials and Methods

The US‐FNA service includes (1) an FNA procedure to be performed by a cytopathologist under US guidance; (2) onsite adequacy evaluation and diagnosis to be done by the same cytopathologist; and immediate patient consultation and sample triaging carried out by the same cytopathologist in an FNA suite within the department of Pathology. The FNA suite including a procedure room equipped with a portable US machine, an exam/procedure table, a mobile cabinet with FNA supplies, a counter with sink, and a reception room with waiting area is set‐up.

Results

The establishment of the US‐FNA service is successful. There is an incremental growth of the service over the first 8 months. Among the 114 cases performed during the first 8 months, the case type distribution is shown to be 50% thyroid nodules, 33% lymph nodes, 5.5% salivary gland masses, 3.5% breast masses, and 8% soft tissue masses.

Conclusions

The authors' initial 8 months experience and strategies in setting up a new US‐FNA practice in a new institution are discussed to highlight obstacles encountered and approaches that promoted the successful establishment of a new service. A conservative approach, focusing on building partnerships with existing clinical services, can be successfully implemented in most institutions, if appropriate strategies are applied. The main strategy is to ensure that the best interests of patients remain the primary focus and that everything possible is done to improve the quality and effectiveness of patient care by providing the best possible diagnostic US‐FNA service, to enable optimal clinical management.
Solution‐Phase Synthesis of Branched Oligonucleotides with up to 32 Nucleotides and the Reversible Formation of Materials
Authors: Schwenger Alexander , Birchall Nicholas , Richert Clemens
Published: July 2017

A linear solution‐phase synthesis of branched oligonucleotides with adamantane as core has been developed. The method uses conventional phosphoramidites only, achieves chain assembly without chromatography of intermediates, and overcomes the low reactivity of adamantane‐1,3,5,7‐tetraol as core. The assembly of four‐arm hybrids with up to 32 nucleotides total was performed, with monodisperse products of up to 10 kDa in size. Overall yields of 20 % over 19 steps (hexamer arms) and 11 % over 25 steps (octamer arms) of HPLC‐purified compounds were obtained. The adamantane‐based hybrids show more DNA‐dominated assembly properties than their analogues with larger lipophilic cores. Reversible formation of macroscopic amounts of materials through hybridization was achieved, both for self‐complementary systems and two‐hybrid systems with two non‐self‐complementary DNA sequences.
Synthesis, Spectroscopic Properties, and DFT Calculations of Imine‐Bridged meso–meso‐ and β‐meso‐Linked Porphyrin–Corrole Dyads
Authors: Temelli Baris , Ozasik Ozgun , Yüksel Dilek
Published: July 2017

The first imine‐bridged meso–meso‐ and β‐meso‐linked porphyrin–corrole dyads were prepared, and their photophysical properties were investigated by UV/Vis and fluorescence spectroscopy. To gain more insights into the geometric structures and the frontier molecular orbitals of the newly synthesized structures, DFT calculations at the B3LYP/6‐311G(d,p) level in the gas phase and with toluene as the solvent were performed. The theoretical results indicate that the imine‐bridged dyads possess well‐defined charge separation between the porphyrin and corrole moieties; therefore, intramolecular electron transfer from the corrole to the porphyrin ring is favoured.
Electrochemical Determination of Natural Drug Colchicine in Pharmaceuticals and Human Serum Sample and its Interaction with DNA
Authors: Stanković Dalibor M. , Švorc Ľubomir , Mariano José F. M. L. , Ortner Astrid , Kalcher Kurt
Published: July 2017

Colchicine (COLC) is a natural toxic product and secondary metabolite most commonly used to treat gout. In this study, its electrochemical behavior and determination was investigated by employing modification‐free boron‐doped diamond electrode (BDDE). Besides, its interaction with DNA was monitored using electrochemical methods. It was found that oxidation of this compound proceeds in two steps, where first sharp and well defined oxidation peak occurs at potential of around 1.19 V, and second one at around 1.37 V, in Britton‐Robinson buffer solution at pH 7.5. Wide dynamic range from 1 to 100 μM was obtained with a detection limit (3σintercept/slope) of a 0.26 μM, based on the evaluation of first oxidation peak using differential pulse voltammetry. The proposed method was also found to be suitable for monitoring interaction of this drug with DNA as important segment for medical use. Concerning the validation, the analytical procedure shows excellent selectivity and sensitivity toward COLC detection and after method development it was successfully used for its quantification in pharmaceutical preparation and human serum sample, with satisfactory recovery. Obviously, this approach can be promising replacement for time‐consuming and expensive separation methods.
Estimating environment impacts on housing prices
Authors: Montero José‐María , Fernández‐Avilés Gema , Mínguez Román
Published: July 2017

Housing is understood to be a necessity good, whereas the environment is still viewed as a luxury good, which implies that environmental factors significantly impact on housing prices. This impact is usually measured via aspatial linear hedonic models, but this article goes further, extending those traditional analyses to incorporate spatial autocorrelation, spatial heterogeneity, and nonlinearity. A set of competing parametric and semiparametric spatial models, some of which are new proposals, are estimated in order to measure the impact of the environment on such prices. The percentage of residents who declare that the neighborhood has serious pollution problems is used as a (subjective) environmental factor. One of the reasons why this measure was chosen is because the hedonic method only captures people's willingness to pay for perceived rather than measured differences in environmental attributes. We use a massive database containing the price and characteristics of 10,512 homes in Madrid (Q1 2010). The results obtained suggest that the environment has a significant impact on housing prices; however, when the model includes a drift and/or areal variables, these components absorb a substantial part of the environmental impact.
Gaussian likelihood inference on data from trans‐Gaussian random fields with Matérn covariance function
Authors: Yan Yuan , Genton Marc G.
Published: July 2017

Gaussian likelihood inference has been studied and used extensively in both statistical theory and applications due to its simplicity. However, in practice, the assumption of Gaussianity is rarely met in the analysis of spatial data. In this paper, we study the effect of non‐Gaussianity on Gaussian likelihood inference for the parameters of the Matérn covariance model. By using Monte Carlo simulations, we generate spatial data from a Tukey g‐and‐h random field, a flexible trans‐Gaussian random field, with the Matérn covariance function, where g controls skewness and h controls tail heaviness. We use maximum likelihood based on the multivariate Gaussian distribution to estimate the parameters of the Matérn covariance function. We illustrate the effects of non‐Gaussianity of the data on the estimated covariance function by means of functional boxplots. Thanks to our tailored simulation design, a comparison of the maximum likelihood estimator under both the increasing and fixed domain asymptotics for spatial data is performed. We find that the maximum likelihood estimator based on Gaussian likelihood is overall satisfying and preferable than the non‐distribution‐based weighted least squares estimator for data from the Tukey g‐and‐h random field. We also present the result for Gaussian kriging based on Matérn covariance estimates with data from the Tukey g‐and‐h random field and observe an overall satisfactory performance.
In vitro release and permeation kinetics of Melaleuca alternifolia (tea tree) essential oil bioactive compounds from topical formulations
Authors: Sgorbini Barbara , Cagliero Cecilia , Argenziano Monica , Cavalli Roberta , Bicchi Carlo , Rubiolo Patrizia
Published: July 2017

Melaleuca alternifolia essential oil (tea tree oil, TTO) is well known for its antimicrobial, antifungal and anti‐inflammatory properties, which it is currently used as an active ingredient in skin care products. This study investigates and evaluates the permeation and release kinetics of TTO marker compounds from several semisolid formulations (creams, ointments, gels) containing TTO in different percentages (5–30% w/w). In vitro permeation and release tests were run in vertical Franz diffusion cells with synthetic and pig‐skin membranes for different times (from 10 minutes to 50 hours). The recovered receiving phases were analyzed by Headspace Solid‐Phase Microextraction (HS‐SPME) in combination with Gas Chromatography coupled with Mass Spectrometry (GC–MS). The method adopted is completely automatic and provides on‐line monitoring of the release and permeation kinetics, while avoiding time‐consuming solvent extraction. The study examined both the total amount of essential oil and some selected markers known to be responsible for TTO's biological activities, i.e. 1,8‐cineole, 4‐terpineol and α‐terpineol. The results of in vitro release and permeation tests demonstrated that all compounds show the same kinetics profiles, although amount released differs significantly. The markers were quantified by external calibration curves constructed through HS‐SPME‐GC–MS. Some preliminary experiments were also run to monitor the presence of the above markers within the skin.