bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fouling evaluation of polyethersulfone (PES)/sulfonated cation exchange resin (SCER) membrane for BSA separation
Authors: Shoparwe Noor Fazliani , Otitoju Tunmise Ayode , Ahmad Abdul Latif
Published: October 2017

In this study, antifouling membranes were prepared through dry wet‐phase inversion method. The incorporation of electrostatistically charged group of sulfonate cation exchange resins (SCER) into polyethersulfone membrane matrix attempts to give a synergistic combination of properties for bovine serum albumin (BSA) removal. The effect of different composition of SCER into the blend membranes were characterized using scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, porosimeter, attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and goniometer. All the prepared membranes were evaluated for BSA separation. The membrane resistance of all membranes decreases with increase in SCER loading. Among all membranes, P3 membrane shows a better fouling, reversible and irreversible resistance for BSA, signifying that the attached BSA on the membrane surface can be easily removed by physical cleaning. The improvement in hydrophilicity of P3 membrane was found to be the dominant factor in mitigating BSA fouling. The results demonstrated that BSA fouling could be alleviated by varying SCER concentration in the polyethersulfone matrix. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018, 135, 45854.
Adaptive Nonlinear Control of Reduced‐Part three‐Phase Shunt Active Power Filters
Authors: Abouelmahjoub Younes , Giri Fouad , Abouloifa Abdelmajid , Chaoui Fatima‐Zahra , Kissaoui Mohammed
Published: October 2017

The problem of controlling reduced‐part three‐phase shunt active power filters is addressed in the presence of nonlinear loads. The control objective is twofold: (i) compensation of the current harmonics and the reactive power absorbed by the nonlinear load in order to ensure a satisfactory power factor correction (PFC) at the grid‐filter connection point; (2) regulation of the DC bus voltage at the inverter input. The considered control problem entails several difficulties including: (1) the high dimension and strong nonlinearity of the system; (ii) the numerous state variables that are inaccessible to measurements; (iii) the system parameter uncertainty. The problem is dealt with by designing a nonlinear adaptive controller with cascade structure including two control loops. The inner‐loop regulator is designed using the Lyapunov technique to ensure the PFC objective, while the outer‐loop involves a linear PI type control law for DC bus voltage regulation. The controller also includes an adaptive observer estimating the grid voltages and impedances parameters. The resulting control performances are formally analyzed using the averaging theory. Simulation results are presented illustrating the performances and the strong robustness of the proposed control strategy.
An index tracking model with stratified sampling and optimal allocation
Authors: Wang Meihua , Xu Fengmin , Dai Yu‐Hong
Published: October 2017

This paper investigates the portfolio strategy problem for passive fund management. We propose a novel portfolio strategy that combines the existing stratified strategy and optimized sampling strategy. The proposed method enables one to include adequate practical information in portfolio decision making, and promotes better out‐of‐sample performance. A mixed‐integer program model is built that captures the stratification information, the cardinality requirement, and other practical constraints. The corresponding model is able to forecast and generate optimal tracking portfolios with high performance, especially in out‐of‐sample time period. As mixed‐integer program is a well‐known NP‐hard problem, to tackle the computational challenge, we propose a stratified hybrid genetic algorithm, in which a novel crossover operator is introduced. To evaluate the proposed strategy and algorithm, we conduct numerical tests on real data sets collected from China Stock Exchange Markets. The experimental results show that the algorithm runs efficiently and the portfolio strategy performs significantly better than other existing strategies.
An optimization‐based web application for synthesis and analysis of biomass‐to‐fuel strategies
Authors: Ng Rex T. L. , Patchin Sean , Wu Wenzhao , Sheth Nihar , Maravelias Christos T.
Published: October 2017

We develop an optimization‐based web application for assessing biomass‐to‐fuels strategies based on the Biomass Utilization Superstructure (BUS) framework. This web application allows researchers with limited knowledge of optimization to assess different technologies employed at different strategies and identify the major cost drivers. The user must only provide the necessary parameters and create an optimization run after identifying the question to be addressed and the assessment metric. The web application generates visual representations of the results once the optimal solution is obtained. Finally, we demonstrate the applicability of the web application through an example. © 2017 The Authors. Biofuels, Bioproducts and Biorefining published by Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Untargeted GC‐MS Metabolomics Reveals Changes in the Metabolite Dynamics of Industrial Scale Batch Fermentations of Streptoccoccus thermophilus Broth
Authors: Khakimov Bekzod , Christiansen Lene D. , Heins Anna‐Lena , Sørensen Klavs M. , Schöller Charlotte , Clausen Anders , Skov Thomas , Gernaey Krist V. , Engelsen Søren B.
Published: October 2017

An industrial scale biomass production using batch or fed‐batch fermentations usually optimized by selection of bacterial strains, tuning fermentation media, feeding strategy, and temperature. However, in‐depth investigation of the biomass metabolome during the production may reveal new knowledge for better optimization. In this study, for the first time, the authors investigated seven fermentation batches performed on five Streptoccoccus thermophilus strains during the biomass production at Chr. Hansen (Denmark) in a real life large scale fermentation process. The study is designed to investigate effects of batch fermentation, fermentation time, production line, and yeast extract brands on the biomass metabolome using untargeted GC‐MS metabolomics. Processing of the raw GC‐MS data using PARAFAC2 revealed a total of 90 metabolites out of which 64 are identified. Partitioning of the data variance according to the experimental design was performed using ASCA and revealed that batch and fermentation time effects and their interaction term were the most significant effects. The yeast extract brand had a smaller impact on the biomass metabolome, while the production line showed no effect. This study shows that in‐depth metabolic analysis of fermentation broth provides a new tool for advanced optimization of high‐volume‐low‐cost biomass production by lowering the cost, increase the yield, and augment the product quality.
The Immunosuppressant Brasilicardin: Determination of the Biosynthetic Gene Cluster in the Heterologous Host Amycolatopsis japonicum
Authors: Schwarz Paul N. , Buchmann Anina , Roller Luisa , Kulik Andreas , Gross Harald , Wohlleben Wolfgang , Stegmann Evi
Published: October 2017

Nocardia terpenica IFM 0406 is the producer of the immunosuppressants brasilicardins A‐D. Brasilicardin is a promising compound because of its unique mode of action and its higher potency and reduced toxicity compared to today's standard drugs. However, production of brasilicardin is so far hampered as Nocardia terpenica IFM 0406 synthesizes brasilicardin in only low amounts and represents a human pathogen (biosafety level 2 BSL2). In order to achieve a safe and high yield production of brasilicardin A (BraA), the authors heterologously express the brasilicardin gene cluster in the nocardioform actinomycete Amycolatopsis japonicum (A. japonicum::bcaAB01), which is fast growing, genetically accessible and closely related to N. terpenica IFM 0406. In A. japonicum::bcaAB01, four brasilicardin congeners, intermediates of the BraA biosynthesis, are produced. Investigation of the genes flanking the previously defined brasilicardin biosynthetic gene cluster revealed two novel genes (bra0, bra12), which are involved in brasilicardin biosynthesis: bra12 encodes a transcriptional activator of the brasilicardin gene cluster. bra0 codes for a dioxygenase involved in methoxylation of brasilicardin. Based on this finding the authors are able to revise the proposed brasilicardin biosynthesis.
Characteristic component profiling and identification of different Uncaria species based on high‐performance liquid chromatography–photodiode array detection tandem ion trap and time of flight mass spectrometry coupled with rDNA ITS sequence
Authors: Zhao Bingqiang , Huang Yanjun , Chen Qiulan , Chen Qizhao , Miao Hui , Zhu Shuang , Zeng Changqing
Published: October 2017

Uncaria is a multi‐source herb and its species identification has become a bottleneck in quality control. To study the identification method of different Uncaria species herbs through HPLC–MS coupled with rDNA Internal Transcribed Spacer (rDNA ITS) sequence, both plant morphological traits and molecular identification were used to determine the species of every collected Uncaria herb. The genetic analysis of different Uncaria species was performed using their rDNA ITS sequence as a molecular marker. Meanwhile, the phylogenetic relationships of 22 samples from six Uncaria species were divided and classified clearly. By optimizing the chromatographic conditions, a practical HPLC method to differentiate various varieties of Uncaria herbs was set up based on a set of characteristic components across each species. A high‐performance liquid chromatography–photodiode array detector tandem ion trap and time of flight mass spectrometry technique combined with reference substances was utilized to derive 21 characteristic compounds containing six groups of six Uncaria species in China. Thus, this study provides a feasible method to solve the current problem of confusion in Uncaria species, and makes a significant step forward in the appropriate clinical use, in‐depth research and further utilization of different Uncaria species.
Revising the paradigm for jail diversion for people with mental and substance use disorders: Intercept 0
Authors: Abreu Dan , Parker Travis W. , Noether Chanson D. , Steadman Henry J. , Case Brian
Published: October 2017

A conceptual model for community‐based strategic planning to address the criminalization of adults with mental and substance use disorders, the Sequential Intercept Model has provided jurisdictions with a framework that overcomes traditional boundaries between the agencies within the criminal justice and behavioral health systems. This article presents a new paradigm, Intercept 0, for expanding the utility of the Sequential Intercept Model at the front end of the criminal justice system. Intercept 0 encompasses the early intervention points for people with mental and substance use disorders before they are placed under arrest by law enforcement. The addition of Intercept 0 creates a conceptual space that enables stakeholders from the mental health, substance use, and criminal justice systems to consider the full spectrum of real‐world interactions experienced by people with mental and substance use disorders with regard to their trajectories, or lack thereof, through the criminal justice system.
miR‐1 suppresses the proliferation and promotes the apoptosis of esophageal carcinoma cells by targeting Src
Authors: Liao Zhicong , Wang Xiaojun , Liang Hongwei , Yu Ao , ur Rehman Uzair , Fan Qian , Hu Yue , Wang Chen , Zhou Zhen , Wang Tao
Published: October 2017

Nonreceptor tyrosine kinase c‐Src, also known as Src, is a potent oncogene involved in a series of biological processes including cell growth, differentiation, and apoptosis; however, its expression pattern and function in esophageal cancer is poorly addressed. In this study, abnormal overexpression of Src protein was observed in esophageal cancer tissues, which fuelled the speculation that microRNA‐mediated posttranscriptional regulatory mechanism might be involved. Bioinformatic analyses were applied to identify miRNAs that could potentially target Src. miR‐1 was predicted and further validated as a direct repressor of Src. Moreover, we manipulated knockdown and overexpression experiment on TE‐1 and TE‐10 cells to demonstrate miR‐1 suppressed proliferation and promoted apoptosis in esophageal cancer cells by inhibiting Src. Taken together, this study underlines a negative regulatory mechanism in which miR‐1 serves as a suppressor of Src in esophageal cancer cells and may provide insights into novel therapeutic approaches for esophageal cancer.
Nationwide trends in chemotherapy use and survival of elderly patients with metastatic pancreatic cancer
Authors: van der Geest Lydia G. M. , Haj Mohammad Nadia , Besselink Marc G. H. , Lemmens Valery E. P. P. , Portielje Johanneke E. A. , van Laarhoven Hanneke W. M. , Wilmink J. (Hanneke) W. ,   the Dutch Pancreatic Cancer Group
Published: October 2017

Despite an aging population and underrepresentation of elderly patients in clinical trials, studies on elderly patients with metastatic pancreatic cancer are scarce. This study investigated the use of chemotherapy and survival in elderly patients with metastatic pancreatic cancer. From the Netherlands Cancer Registry, all 9407 patients diagnosed with primary metastatic pancreatic adenocarcinoma in 2005–2013 were selected to investigate chemotherapy use and overall survival (OS), using Kaplan–Meier and Cox proportional hazard regression analyses. Over time, chemotherapy use increased in all age groups (<70 years: from 26 to 43%, 70–74 years: 14 to 25%, 75–79 years: 5 to 13%, all P < 0.001, and ≥80 years: 2 to 3% P = 0.56). Median age of 2,180 patients who received chemotherapy was 63 years (range 21–86 years, 1.6% was ≥80 years). In chemotherapy‐treated patients, with rising age (<70, 70–74, 75–79, ≥80 years), microscopic tumor verification occurred less frequently (91‐88‐87‐77%, respectively, P = 0.009) and OS diminished (median 25‐26‐19‐16 weeks, P = 0.003). After adjustment for confounding factors, worse survival of treated patients ≥75 years persisted. Despite limited chemotherapy use in elderly age, suggestive of strong selection, elderly patients (≥75 years) who received chemotherapy for metastatic pancreatic cancer exhibited a worse survival compared to younger patients receiving chemotherapy.
Know how to navigate personnel management in a unionized environment
Authors: O'Brien Timothy
Published: October 2017

Athletics administrators generally value the ability to be creative and to tailor responses and approaches to the operation of an athletics department based on a strategic plan, unique circumstances, or even recent developments that suggest some kind of change or immediate action is necessary. Similarly, they appreciate the ability to treat each coach and staff member in an individual manner based on each one's relative level of productivity and success. The ability to do things quickly and on an individualized basis are often viewed as important and essential aspects of leadership within an athletics department.
Interventional cardiologists: Beware and be aware: An updated report of radiation‐induced cutaneous cancers
Authors: Eagan John T. , Jones Carolynn T. , Roubin Gary S.
Published: October 2017

We describe 5 years of follow‐up of a previously reported case of disabling ionizing radiation (IR)‐related cutaneous cancer in a high‐volume interventional cardiologist. This case illustrates the cycle of exposure, disease, remission, and re‐exposure that demonstrates the cause‐and‐effect relationship between radiation exposure and cutaneous cancer. Prior cautions for working in environments with radiation exposure emphasized strict adherence to the ALARA principle and called for improved radiation protection equipment. New studies stress that radiation exposure should be as near to zero as possible and place a call for research and technologies that mitigate the use of IR for all interventionists.
Corkscrew collaterals in atherosclerosis obliterans
Authors: Fujii Yuichi , Ueda Tomohiro , Uchimura Yuko , Teragawa Hiroki
Published: October 2017

Key Clinical Message

Marked calcifications in the femoral artery obscured imaging of the artery in computed tomography (CT) and duplex ultrasonography. The presence of corkscrew collateral arteries in patients with Atherosclerosis obliterans (ASO) indicates total artery occlusion.
An 88‐year‐old patient with ADPKD: underscoring the importance of risk factor modification
Authors: Koratala Abhilash , Malpartida Freddy R , Kazory Amir
Published: October 2017

Key Clinical Message

The mean age of onset of end‐stage renal disease (ESRD) in autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) is between 56 and 69. Our case represents one of the oldest patients with ADPKD, whose chronic kidney disease (CKD) progression rate could be successfully reduced by optimal risk factor modification.
Asymptomatic giant retroperitoneal mass detected at a medical checkup
Authors: Takeda Tsutomu , Asaoka Daisuke , Fukumura Yuki , Watanabe Sumio
Published: October 2017

Key Clinical Message

The differential diagnosis of retroperitoneal mass includes liposarcoma, leiomyosarcoma, malignant fibrous histiocytoma, neurofibroma, stromal tumor, teratoma, and lymphoma. Leiomyosarcoma is rare with poorer prognosis than other soft tissue sarcomas. Soft tissue sarcoma of retroperitoneal origin often remains asymptomatic until tumor enlargement, leading to diagnosis at advanced stages.
Unique Reactivity of Dihydrosilanes under Catalysis by Supported Gold Nanoparticles: cis‐1,2‐Dehydrogenative Disilylation of Alkynes
Authors: Saridakis Iakovos , Kidonakis Marios , Stratakis Manolis
Published: October 2017

In contrast to monohydrosilanes (R3SiH), which in the presence of supported gold nanoparticles primarily undergo typical β‐(E)‐hydrosilylation reactions with alkynes, dihydrosilanes (R2SiH2) under catalysis of Au/TiO2 lead to cis‐1,2‐dehydrogenative disilylation reactions at room temperature with high selectivity. The disilyl adducts can be further functionalized through a one‐pot procedure, catalyzed by the same catalyst, to form substituted 2,5‐dihydro‐1,2,5‐oxadisiloles or 1,4‐disila‐2,5‐cyclohexadienes.
Electrochemical Faradaic Spectroscopy
Authors: Jadreško Dijana , Guziejewski Dariusz , Mirčeski Valentin
Published: October 2017

For the purpose of simplification of the electrochemical study under conditions of square‐wave voltammetry (SWV), a simplified form of potential modulation is proposed by replacing the staircase potential ramp with a constant potential. The resulting potential modulation, which could be considered as a pulse form of a chronoamperometric experiment (i. e., square‐wave chronoamperometry), is provisionally termed as electrochemical faradaic spectroscopy, considering the fact that the main tool in the kinetic analysis is the frequency of the potential pulses applied. The proposed technique is illustrated with theoretical analysis of a simple, kinetically controlled electrode reaction of a dissolved redox couple and experimentally verified with the Eu3+(aq)/Eu2+(aq) redox couple at a mercury electrode. The square‐wave chronoamperometry exhibits unique features of the response absent in both conventional SWV and chronoamperometry, widening the range of accessible electrode kinetics.
Molecular ReI Cages: Structural and Luminescent Properties
Authors: Tzeng Biing‐Chiau , Chao An , Lin Mei‐Chun , Lee Gene‐Hsiang , Kuo Ting‐Shen
Published: October 2017

Versatile building block [{Re(CO)4}3(C3N3S3)] (1 a; C3N3S3=cyanurate trianion) reacts with linear dipyridyl ligands [i.e., pyrazine (pz), 4,4′‐bipyridine (bpy), 1,2‐bis(4‐pyridyl)ethylene (bpe), bis(4‐pyridyl)acetylene (bpa), and 1,4‐bis(pyridyl‐4‐ylethynyl)benzene (bpb)] and a tripyridyl ligand [1,3,5‐tris(4‐pyridylethynyl)benzene (tpb)] to afford a series of molecular cages [{Re(CO)3}6(L)3(C3N3S3)2] [L=pz (2), bpy (3), bpe (4), bpa (5), bpb (6)] and [{Re(CO)3}9(tpb)3(C3N3S3)3] (7) under solvothermal conditions. Various structural dimensions and motifs can be systematically tuned and obtained by using different dipyridyl and tripyridyl ligands in the reactions. The molecular cages of hexanuclear complexes 2–6 containing dipyridyl ligands feature interesting trigonal‐prismatic structures with different dimensions. Furthermore, nonanuclear complex 7 has a novel triangular‐star structure, and three benzene rings of tpb ligands form a triple‐decker arrangement with significant π⋅⋅⋅π interactions having distances of 3.490(1) and 3.528(1) Å. In addition, molecular cages 1–3 and 5–7 exhibit luminescence in the solid state, and their luminescent properties were also studied.
Everything You Always Wanted to Know about Poly‐l‐lysine Dendrigrafts (But Were Afraid to Ask)
Authors: Francoia Jean‐Patrick , Vial Laurent
Published: October 2017

Less than a decade ago, dendrigrafts of poly‐l‐lysine (DGLs) joined the family of polycationic dendritic macromolecules. Resulting from the iterative polycondensation of an N‐carboxyanhydride in water, four generations of the dendrigraft can be obtained on a multigram scale and without chromatographic purification. DGLs share features with both dendrimers and hyperbranched polymers, but turned out to have unique biophysical and bioactive properties. The macromolecules—in their native form or functionalized—have been extensively characterized by various analytical and computational methods, and have already found numerous applications in the biomedical field, such as drug and gene delivery, biomaterials, tissue engineering, bioimaging, and biosensing. Despite a growing interest for DGLs, there is still plenty of room for further exciting developments that could result from a better exposure of these macromolecules, which is the ambition of this short review.
Immobilised Electrocatalysts: Nafion Particles Doped with Ruthenium(II) Tris(2,2′‐bipyridyl)
Authors: Yang Haiying , Li Xiuting , Batchelor‐McAuley Christopher , Sokolov Stanislav V. , Kätelhön Enno , Compton Richard G.
Published: October 2017

Nafion particles doped with ruthenium(II) tris(2,2′‐bipyridyl) are synthesized by using a re‐precipitation method. Characterization including SEM sizing and quantification of Ru(bpy)32+ in the Nafion particles using UV/Vis spectroscopy was conducted. The synthesized Ru‐Nafion particles were investigated electrochemically at both ensemble and single particle levels. Voltammetry of the drop‐cast Ru‐Nafion particles evidences the successful incorporation of Ru(bpy)32+ into the Nafion particle but only a small fraction of the incorporated Ru(bpy)32+ was detected due at least in part to the formation of the likely agglomerated and irregular “mat” associated with the dropcast technique. In contrast, nano‐impact experiments provided a quantitative determination of the amount of Ru(bpy)32+ in single Ru‐Nafion particles. Finally, oxidation of solution‐phase oxalate mediated by Ru(bpy)32+ within individual Nafion particles was observed, showing the electrocatalytic properties of the Ru‐Nafion particles.
Back Cover: Highly Efficient Photocatalytic Remediation of Simulated Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) Contaminated Wastewater under Visible Light Irradiation by Graphene Oxide Enwrapped Ag3PO4 Composite (Chin. J. Chem. 10/2017)
Authors: Yang Xiaolong , Cai Haoyuan , Bao Mutai , Yu Jianqiang , Lu Jinren , Li Yiming
Published: October 2017

The back cover picture shows a photocatalytic remediation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) from wastewater with graphene oxide (GO) enwrapped silver phosphate as visible light‐driven photocatalysts. PAHs are a class of highly mutagenic and carcinogenic organic pollutants that pose serious threats to human health and the ecosystem. GO/Ag3PO4 was synthesized by a simple precipitation method. The photocatalysts exhibited superior photocatalytic activity and stability. The degradation efficiency of naphthalene, phenanthrene and pyrene could reach 49.7%, 100.0% and 77.9%, respectively within 5 min irradiation. Meanwhile, the efficiencies of 44.6%, 95.2% and 83.8% were achieved for naphthalene, phenanthrene and pyrene degradation even after 5 times of recycling in the GO/Ag3PO4‐PAHs photocatalysis system. More details are discussed in the article by Bao et al. on page 1549–1558.

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The Distribution and Enrichment of Trace Metals in the Rainfall‐Driven Supratidal Wetlands of Tianjin, China
Authors: Liu Fude , Zhang Sen , Dong Yufeng , Zheng Yi , Li Desheng , Wang Minghua
Published: October 2017

Soil and plant samples are collected from three rainfall‐driven supratidal wetlands in Duliujian River Estuary (DRE) and Yongdingxin River Estuary (YRE) of Tianjin, China. Trace metal concentrations (As, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, Sr, and Zn) and other soil properties are measured. Results show that rainfall‐driven waterlogging has no significant effects on trace metals distribution. However, supratidal wetlands in DRE have higher Ni and Zn, but lower Cr, Pb, and Sr than in YRE. Regardless of initial metal levels in soils, Suaeda salsa in sandy soil has a high bioconcentration factor and translocated more trace metals to the upper parts of plant. The results also show that high salinity in soil is disadvantageous for enrichment and translocation of trace metals in plants. Similarly, soil fertility has diluent effects on trace metal concentrations in plants. Multivariate analysis indicates that Cr, Pb, and Sr might originate from oil pollution and industrial wastewater. However, Zn most probably originates from aquaculture wastewater. Likewise, As and Ni have common sources, which probably originate from parent rocks and atmospheric deposition. Although the ecological risk index for all trace metals are slight, moderate As pollution is found in all habitats according to the sediment quality guideline of China. In addition, enrichment factors of Cr, Pb, and Zn are found to be >1, suggesting slightly polluted for those metals in supratidal regions.
Effect of Pore Size on the Carbon Dioxide Adsorption Behavior of Porous Liquids Based on Hollow Silica
Authors: Shi Ting , Zheng Yaping , Wang Tianyu , Li Peipei , Wang Yudeng , Yao Dongdong
Published: October 2017

Porous liquids are an expanding class of material that has huge potential in gas separation and gas adsorption. Pore size has a dramatic influence on the gas adsorption of porous liquids. In this article, we chose hollow silica nanoparticles as cores, 3‐(trihydroxysilyl)‐1‐propanesulfonic acid (SIT) as corona, and inexpensive industrial reagent polyether amine (M2070) as canopy to obtain a new type of porous liquids. Hollow silica nanospheres with different pore sizes were chosen to investigate the influence of porosity size on CO2 adsorption capacity of porous liquids. Their chemical structure, morphology, thermal behavior and possible adsorption mechanism are discussed in detail. It was proved that with similar grafting density, porous liquid that has bigger pore size possesses a better CO2 adsorption capacity (2.182 mmol g−1 under 2.5 MPa at 298 K). More than that, this article demonstrates a more facile and low‐cost method to obtain porous liquids with good CO2 adsorption capacity, recyclability, and huge variability.
Innovation Incentives and Biomarkers
Authors: Stern Ariel D. , Alexander Brian M. , Chandra Amitabh
Published: October 2017

Previously, we have discussed the importance of economic incentives in shaping markets for precision medicines. Here we consider incentives for biomarker development, including discovery and establishment. Biomarkers can reveal valuable information regarding diagnosis and prognosis, predict treatment efficacy or toxicity, serve as markers of disease progression, and serve as auxiliary endpoints for clinical trials. Some have multiple uses, while others have a specialized role, resulting in diverse incentives across players in the healthcare system.
FUCA: Fuzzy‐based unequal clustering algorithm to prolong the lifetime of wireless sensor networks
Authors: Agrawal Deepika , Pandey Sudhakar
Published: October 2017

Wireless sensor network comprises billions of nodes that work collaboratively, gather data, and transmit to the sink. “Energy hole” or “hotspot” problem is a phenomenon in which nodes near to the sink die prematurely, which causes the network partition. This is because of the imbalance of the consumption of energy by the nodes in wireless sensor networks. This decreases the network's lifetime. Unequal clustering is a technique to cope up with this issue. In this paper, an algorithm, “fuzzy‐based unequal clustering algorithm,” is proposed to prolong the lifetime of the network. This protocol forms unequal clusters. This is to balance the energy consumption. Cluster head selection is done through fuzzy logic approach. Input variables are the distance to base station, residual energy, and density. Competition radius and rank are the two output fuzzy variables. Mamdani method is employed for fuzzy inference. The protocol is compared with well‐known algorithms, like low‐energy adaptive clustering hierarchy, energy‐aware unequal clustering fuzzy, multi‐objective fuzzy clustering algorithm, and fuzzy‐based unequal clustering under different network scenarios. In all the scenarios, the proposed protocol performs better. It extends the lifetime of the network as compared with its counterparts.
Load‐bearing capacity of slender unreinforced masonry compression members under biaxial bending
Authors: Förster Valentin
Published: October 2017

Dedicated to Prof. Dr.‐Ing. Carl‐Alexander Graubner on the occasion of his 60th birthday

Masonry members have to resist vertical loads and bending moments about the weak axis due to rotation of adjacent slabs. If the compression member is part of the bracing system, there are also bending moments about the strong axis. This paper deals with the load‐bearing capacity of biaxially eccentrically compressed unreinforced compression members with rectangular cross‐sections. For linear‐elastic material, the principles of an analytical model is presented, which considers geometrical and physical (cracking) non‐linearity. The deflections of the wall can be determined by using moment‐curvature relations, making possible the analytical analysis of compression members considering the effects of 2nd order theory. For a non‐linear stress‐strain relation, the calculation of the load carrying capacity of rectangular compression members under biaxial bending is complex and has to be determined numerically. The good accordance of the results of the analytical model with the numeric calculations is also shown for various eccentricities. In addition, a simplified proposal for the calculation of the load‐bearing capacity of biaxially eccentrically compressed unreinforced compression members is shown. The proposal is based on the load‐bearing capacity of uniaxially eccentrically compressed unreinforced compression members. Therefore it is possible to use the proposal considering existing models, for example according to Eurocode 2 or 6.
Adamantinoma‐like Ewing sarcoma of the parotid gland: Cytopathologic findings and differential diagnosis
Authors: Lilo Mohammed T , Bishop Justin A , Olson Matthew T , Ali Syed Z
Published: October 2017

Adamantinoma‐like Ewing sarcoma (AES) is a rare variant of Ewing sarcoma family of tumors (EFTs), primarily affecting bone and soft tissue. AES has mixed features of Ewing sarcoma (ES)/primitive neuroectodermal tumor (PNET) and adamantinoma with a complex immunoprofile and EWSR1 gene rearrangements. Herein, we report a 72‐year‐old male who presented with left parotid mass, right neck mass and thyroid nodules. Fine needle aspiration of the left parotid mass displayed nests of monotonous epithelioid cells with basaloid features in a background of small round blue cells and lymphocytes. AES can involve head and neck region and is characterized by groups of primitive small round blue cells admixed with groups of epithelioid cells with amphophilic cytoplasm and focal squamous differentiation. The proportion of these components can be variable, creating diagnostic challenges, particularly in unusual anatomic sites such as the parotid gland. However, when additional material is available, CD99 and/or FLI1 immunostains need to be included for diagnostic confirmation.
Fast IRMS screening of pseudoendogenous steroids in doping analyses
Authors: de la Torre Xavier , Colamonici Cristiana , Curcio Davide , Botrè Francesco
Published: October 2017

The detection of the abuse of pseudoendogenous steroids (testosterone and/or its precursors) is currently based, when possible, on the application of the steroid module of the World Anti‐Doping Agency (WADA), athlete biological passport (ABP), implemented through the global database, ADAMS. When a suspicious sample is detected, the confirmation by isotope ratio mass spectrometry (IRMS) is required. It is well known that this confirmation procedure is time consuming and expensive and can be only applied on a reduced number of samples. In previous studies we have demonstrated that the longitudinal evaluation of the IRMS data is able to detect positive samples that otherwise will be evaluated as negative, improving the efficacy of the fight against doping in sport. This would require the analysis of a much larger volume of samples by IRMS. The aim of the present work is to describe an IRMS screening method allowing to increase the throughput of samples that can be analyzed by IRMS. The detection efficacy of the method is compared with the confirmation method in use, and to assess its robustness and applicability, all the samples of a major cycling stage competition were analyzed, with the agreement of the testing authority, under routine conditions and response times. The results obtained permit to conclude that the IRMS screening method here proposed has adequate selectivity and produces results that overlap with the already validated method currently in use permitting to analyze a much higher volume of samples even during a major event without compromising the detection capacity. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Detection of autologous blood transfusions using a novel dried blood spot method
Authors: Cox Holly D. , Miller Geoffrey D. , Lai Auriella , Cushman Dan , Eichner Daniel
Published: October 2017

In doping control laboratories, autologous blood transfusions are currently detected using an indirect method that monitors changes in an athlete's hemoglobin concentration [Hb] and reticulocyte percent (Ret%) over time. The method is limited by the need for a phlebotomist to collect venous blood and the limited blood stability which requires temperature‐controlled shipment and analysis within 72 hours. These limitations significantly reduce the number of samples collected from each athlete and thus the utility of the method. We have recently developed a method to measure immature reticulocytes (IRC) and red blood cells (RBC) in dried blood spots, which could replace the current venous blood method. In the DBS method, cell‐specific proteins are digested with trypsin and measured by mass spectrometry. Two proteins, CD71 and Band3, are measured to count IRC and RBC, respectively. The method was tested in an autologous transfusion study consisting of 15 subjects who received blood and 11 subjects who received saline. After transfusion, the average CD71/Band3 ratio in the blood group was statistically different from the saline group at days 5, 6, 13, and 20. The average CD71/Band3 ratio decreased to a minimum of 61 ± 8% of baseline, while Ret% decreased to 75 ± 5% of baseline. Based on experimentally defined criteria, the CD71/Band3 ratio could detect 7 out of 10 blood transfusion subjects, while Ret% could detect 3 out of 10. Thus, the DBS method could improve detection of autologous transfusion and allow increased sample collection.
A simple validated multi‐analyte method for detecting drugs in oral fluid by ultra‐performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC–MS/MS)
Authors: Zheng Yufang , Sparve Erik , Bergström Mats
Published: October 2017

Oral fluid sampling offers several advantages compared to other methods of detecting drugs in biological matrices due to its easy sampling procedure and simple supervision. Hence, the use of oral fluid for drug testing is increasing in workplaces and in roadside testing. As a result, more laboratories are required to perform analyses of drugs in oral fluid.

A multi‐method using ultra performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC–MS/MS) for tracing drugs in oral fluid was developed. Oral fluid was collected using the collection device Oral‐Eze. Samples were prepared by dilution with acetonitrile and methanol followed by centrifugation prior to UPLC–MS/MS analysis. The UPLC separation was achieved by using a BEH‐C18 column. Mass detection was performed in positive ion mode, and the most common drugs/metabolites were detected for amphetamines, benzodiazepines, cocaine, benzoylecgonine, opiates, opioids, phencyclidine, and Δ9‐ tetrahydrocannabinol.

Thirty‐seven analytes were validated using the developed UPLC–MS/MS multi‐analyte method with a total run time of 5 minutes. Calibration curves were linear for all analytes over the concentration range 1.5–600 ng/mL. Within‐ and between‐day CVs varied from 1.2% to 20% and from 0.7% to 20%, respectively, for most substances. Extraction recoveries from the oral fluid device were >70%, a few had a yield of 50%.

The developed multi‐method was successfully validated and applied in a clinical routine laboratory to detect drugs in oral fluid samples that were sent from different workplaces and clinics. High sensitivity, simple sample pretreatment and short analysis time are advantages of this method.
Low oxytocin levels are related to alexithymia in anorexia nervosa
Authors: Schmelkin Cindy , Plessow Franziska , Thomas Jennifer J. , Gray Emily K. , Marengi Dean A. , Pulumo Reitumetse , Silva Lisseth , Miller Karen K. , Hadjikhani Nouchine , Franko Debra L. , Eddy Kamryn T. , Lawson Elizabeth A.
Published: October 2017

Objective

Anorexia nervosa is associated with social‐emotional functioning deficits and low levels of the social neurohormone oxytocin, even after weight gain. The relationship between low oxytocin levels and social‐emotional functioning impairment has not been studied.

Method

We performed a cross‐sectional study of 79 women (19 who were less than 85% of ideal body weight [IBW] with anorexia nervosa [AN], 26 who were 90–120% IBW with a history of AN [AN‐WR], and 34 who were 90–120% IBW with no eating disorder history [H]). We administered the Eating Disorder Examination–Questionnaire (EDE‐Q), Leibowitz Social Anxiety Scale–Self Report (LSAS‐SR), Dimensional Assessment of Personality Pathology–Basic Questionnaire (DAPP‐BQ; suspiciousness and insecure attachment subscales), and the Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS‐20). We also analyzed fasting serum oxytocin levels.

Results

Most measures of social‐emotional functioning showed impairment in women with AN and AN‐WR compared to H. Oxytocin levels were low in AN‐WR compared to H. Across groups, low oxytocin levels were associated with difficulty identifying feelings (r = −.45, p = .008) and overall alexithymia (r = −.34, p = .0489).

Discussion

We speculate that low oxytocin levels may contribute to alexithymia in women with anorexia nervosa.
Reinvestigation of the Synthesis of Hydroxy‐Functionalized Diazapentacene: Unexpected Formation of a Phenoxazinone
Authors: Müller Lisa , Hübner Eike G. , Burzlaff Nicolai
Published: October 2017

In 1982, Buckley et al. reported on the hydroxy‐functionalized derivative of 6,13‐diazapentacene (DAP), namely 5,12‐dihydroxo‐6,13‐diazapentacene. In an attempt to reproduce the synthetic procedure, 1H NMR and 13C{1H} NMR spectroscopic data revealed the formation of a constitutional isomer of the supposed compound. A single‐crystal X‐ray structure determination revealed that the actual structure of the dark‐violet product was 6‐amino‐5H‐dibenzo[a,h]phenoxazin‐5‐one (2), a benzo[a]phenoxazine derivative. These kinds of compounds are, along with a wide range of pharmacological applications, known for their specific fluorescent properties, which were analyzed for compound 2. Furthermore, it was shown that 2 can be utilized as reagent for the synthesis of other benzo[a]phenoxazine derivatives, herein 6‐(dimethylamino)‐5H‐dibenzo[a,h]phenoxazin‐5‐one (3).
First and Highly Stereoselective Synthesis of Both Enantiomers of Octahydroindole‐2‐phosphonic Acid (OicP)
Authors: Viveros‐Ceballos José Luis , Martínez‐Toto Erick Iván , Eustaquio‐Armenta César , Cativiela Carlos , Ordóñez Mario
Published: October 2017

We report the first stereoselective synthesis of (2R,3aR,7aR)‐ and (2S,3aS,7aS)‐octahydroindole‐2‐phosphonic acid 2 (OicP derivatives). The key points are the highly diastereoselective synthesis of cis‐fused bicyclic (3aR,7aR)‐ and (3aS,7aS)‐pyrrolidin‐2‐ones 4 through a dynamic kinetic resolution of racemic γ‐keto acid (±)‐5 with (R)‐ and (S)‐phenylglycinol via Meyers' bicyclic lactams, and the highly diastereoselective addition of trimethyl phosphite to the N‐acyliminium ions 3 obtained from 4.
Efficacy, tolerability and safety of cannabis‐based medicines for chronic pain management – An overview of systematic reviews
Authors: Häuser W. , Petzke F. , Fitzcharles M.A.
Published: October 2017

Medicinal cannabis has already entered mainstream medicine in some countries. This systematic review (SR) aimed at evaluating the efficacy, acceptability and safety of cannabis‐based medicines for chronic pain management. Qualitative systematic review of SRs of randomized controlled trials with cannabis‐based medicines for chronic pain management. The Cochrane databases of SRs, Database of Abstracts of Reviews of Effects and PubMed were searched for SR published in the period January 2009 to January 2017. Assessment of the methodological quality of SR was performed by the AMSTAR checklist. Out of 748 papers identified, 10 SRs met the inclusion criteria. The methodological quality was high in four and moderate in six SRs. There were inconsistent findings of four SRs on the efficacy of cannabis‐based medicines in neuropathic pain and of one SR for painful spasms in multiple sclerosis. There were consistent results that there was insufficient evidence of any cannabis‐based medicine for pain management in patients with rheumatic diseases (three SRs) and in cancer pain (two SRs). Cannabis‐based medicines undoubtedly enrich the possibilities of drug treatment of chronic pain conditions. It remains the responsibility of the health care community to continue to pursue rigorous study of cannabis‐based medicines to provide evidence that meets the standard of 21st century clinical care.

Significance

We provide an overview of systematic reviews on the efficacy, tolerability and safety of cannabis‐based medicines for chronic pain management. There are inconsistent findings of the efficacy of cannabinoids in neuropathic pain and painful spasms in multiple sclerosis. There are inconsistent results on tolerability and safety of cannabis‐based medicines for any chronic pain.
High Volumetric Hydrogen Storage Capacity using Interpenetrated Metal–Organic Frameworks
Authors: Balderas‐Xicohténcatl Rafael , Schmieder Phillip , Denysenko Dmytro , Volkmer Dirk , Hirscher Michael
Published: October 2017

Metal–organic frameworks with extremely large specific surface areas can reach very high gravimetric hydrogen storage capacities. However, these ultra‐porous materials possess typically a very low density and, therefore, a poor volumetric hydrogen storage capacity. Here we study experimentally the influence of interpenetration on the volumetric and gravimetric hydrogen storage capacity by comparing two metal–organic frameworks of the MFU‐4 family, non‐interpenetrated MFU‐4l and CFA‐7 with an interpenetrated structure. At 77 K the absolute volumetric hydrogen uptake of CFA‐7 is more than twice that of MFU‐4l.
Models and methods for low‐carbon footprint analysis of grid‐connected photovoltaic generation from a distribution network planning perspective
Authors: Luo Fengzhang , Zhang Tianyu , Wei Wei , Li Fangxing , Bai Linquan , Tan Chin‐Woo , Liu Yanzhang , Liu Guangyi
Published: October 2017

Solar energy is a clean energy resource, so the large‐scale deployment of photovoltaic (PV) power generation is of great significance for achieving carbon emission reductions in the electric power industry. This paper proposes models and methods for evaluation of the low‐carbon benefits of grid‐connected PV power generation projects. The carbon emission (or emission reduction) characteristics and the economic benefits of PV generation are analyzed using the following four metrics: generation capacity revenue, PV cost, loss efficiency improvement, and reserve capacity cost. The corresponding low‐carbon benefit models and economic benefit models are then established. By combining the low‐carbon and economic characteristics of photovoltaic power generation, a model is proposed for evaluating the low‐carbon comprehensive benefits (LCBs) of photovoltaic power generation and the concept of a carbon emission payback period (CPP) is put forward. Examples with typical operating data from real‐world applications are used to verify the validity of the models and methods proposed in this paper. The analysis results show that photovoltaic power generation has great potential in terms of low‐carbon comprehensive benefits compared with conventional power generation.
On equity risk prediction and tail spillovers
Authors: Pouliasis Panos , Kyriakou Ioannis , Papapostolou Nikos
Published: October 2017

This paper studies the impact of modelling time‐varying variances of stock returns in terms of risk measurement and extreme risk spillover. Using a general class of regime‐dependent models, we find that volatility can be disaggregated into distinct components: a persistent stable process with low sensitivity to shocks and a high volatility process capturing rather short‐lived rare events. Out‐of‐sample forecasts show that, once regime shifts are accounted for, accuracy is improved compared to the standard generalized autoregressive conditional heteroscedasticity or the historical volatility model. Volatility plays an important role in controlling and monitoring financial risks. Therefore, by means of a risk management application, we illustrate the economic value and the practical implications of risk control ability of the models in terms of value at risk. Finally, tests for predictability in co‐movements in the tails of stock index returns suggest that large losses are strongly correlated, supporting asymmetric transmission processes for financial contagion in the left tail of return distributions, whereas contagion in reverse direction (gains) is weak.
Citric Acid‐catalyzed Synthesis of 2,4‐Disubstituted Thiazoles from Ketones via C–Br, C–S, and C–N Bond Formations in One Pot: A Green Approach
Authors: Gundala Trivikram Reddy , Godugu Kumar , Nallagondu Chinna Gangi Reddy
Published: October 2017

An improved and greener protocol has been developed for the synthesis of 2,4‐disubstituted thiazoles via C–Br, C–S, and, C–N bond formations in a single step from readily available ketones,N‐bromosuccinimide (NBS), and thiourea catalyzed by citric acid in a mixture of ethanol and water (3:1) under reflux conditions. This method has the advantages of freedom from the isolation of lachrymatory α‐bromoketones, ease of carrying out, cleaner reaction profile, broad substrate scope, freedom from chromatographic purification, and suitability for large‐scale synthesis.