bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Magnesium Sulfate/Polymer Composites for Seasonal, Thermochemical Energy Storage
Authors: Kallenberger Paul A. , Brieler Felix J. , Posern Konrad , Fröba Michael
Published: February 2016

A magnesium sulfate/polymer composite has been synthesized as active material for seasonal, thermochemical heat storage. It was found that the salt can store heat in the process of hydration/dehydration and the porous polymer matrix contributes due to adsorption and desorption of water. The composite shows high water uptake and a high gravimetric as well as volumetric heat storage capacity. The presented concept can be adapted to different salts and particle sizes of the respective salt within the matrix to investigate possible effects of particle size on heat of hydration and kinetic effects.
Optimal design of hydraulic capsule pipelines transporting spherical capsules
Authors: Asim Taimoor , Mishra Rakesh
Published: February 2016

The scarcity of fossil fuels affects the efficiency of established modes of cargo transport within the transportation industry. Extensive research is being carried out on improving the efficiency of existing modes of cargo transport, as well as developing alternative means of transporting goods. One such alternative method is using energy contained within fluid flowing in pipelines to transfer goods from one place to another. The present study focuses on the use of advanced numerical modelling tools to simulate the flow within hydraulic capsule pipelines (HCPs) transporting spherical capsules with an aim of developing design equations. “Hydraulic capsule pipeline” refers to the transport of goods in hollow containers (“capsules”), typically spherical or cylindrical in shape, which are carried along the pipeline by water. HCPs are used in mineral industries and have potential for use in oil and gas sectors. A novel modelling technique was employed to investigate various geometric and flow conditions within HCPs. Both qualitative and quantitative flow analyses were carried out on the flow of spherical capsules in an HCP for both onshore and offshore applications. Furthermore, based on the least‐cost principle, an optimization methodology was developed for the design of single‐stage HCPs. The input to the optimization model is the solid throughput required from the system, and the outputs are the optimal diameter of the HCPs and the pumping requirements for the capsule transporting system.
Where There's Smoke, There's Fire? Significance of Atrial Fibrillation in Young Patients
Authors: Wutzler Alexander , von Ulmenstein Sophie , Attanasio Philipp , Huemer Martin , Parwani Abdul Shokor , Völk Katharina , Blaschke Florian , Boldt Leif‐Hendrik , Haverkamp Wilhelm
Published: February 2016

Background

Atrial fibrillation (AF), a disease of the elderly, occasionally occurs at younger age. Pathophysiology of AF in younger patients is diverse, including channelopathies and cardiomyopathies. Data on the significance and complications of AF in young patients are scarce.

Hypothesis

Atrial fibrillation is the first manifestation of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in young patients.

Methods

From 11 888 patients in a university hospital database, patients age ≤35 years were identified. A composite of stroke/transient ischemic attack, thromboembolic events, major bleeding, and death was the primary endpoint. Stroke/transient ischemic attack, thromboembolic events, major bleeding, death, AF during follow‐up, diagnosis of arrhythmia other than AF, and new diagnosis of any CVD were secondary endpoints.

Endpoints were compared between patients with and without comorbidities.

Results

We identified 124 patients (29.1± 5 years). Of those, 84 were followed over 48.4 ± 39.8 months. Comorbidities were present in 40.5%. Incidence of the primary endpoint was not different between the groups. Arrhythmias other than AF were more common in patients without comorbidities (36% vs 14.7%; P = 0.032). A supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) was found in 57.1% of patients who underwent electrophysiological testing and was treated with catheter ablation. None of those patients had AF during follow‐up.

Conclusions

Atrial fibrillation occurs in young patients with and without structural heart disease. Young AF patients without comorbidities rarely develop CVD during the first years after diagnosis. Yet, an SVT is found in a high proportion of young AF patients; AF may be first manifestation of SVT. Therefore, young patients should undergo further evaluation for SVT
Molecular evolution of troponin I and a role of its N‐terminal extension in nematode locomotion
Authors: Barnes Dawn E. , Hwang Hyundoo , Ono Kanako , Lu Hang , Ono Shoichiro
Published: February 2016

The troponin complex, composed of troponin T (TnT), troponin I (TnI), and troponin C (TnC), is the major calcium‐dependent regulator of muscle contraction, which is present widely in both vertebrates and invertebrates. Little is known about evolutionary aspects of troponin in the animal kingdom. Using a combination of data mining and functional analysis of TnI, we report evidence that an N‐terminal extension of TnI is present in most of bilaterian animals as a functionally important domain. Troponin components have been reported in species in most of representative bilaterian phyla. Comparison of TnI sequences shows that the core domains are conserved in all examined TnIs, and that N‐ and C‐terminal extensions are variable among isoforms and species. In particular, N‐terminal extensions are present in all protostome TnIs and chordate cardiac TnIs but lost in a subset of chordate TnIs including vertebrate skeletal‐muscle isoforms. Transgenic rescue experiments in Caenorhabditis elegans striated muscle show that the N‐terminal extension of TnI (UNC‐27) is required for coordinated worm locomotion but not in sarcomere assembly and single muscle‐contractility kinetics. These results suggest that N‐terminal extensions of TnIs are retained from a TnI ancestor as a functional domain. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Incidence and incidence trends of the most frequent cancers in adolescent and young adult Americans, including “nonmalignant/noninvasive” tumors
Authors: Barr Ronald D. , Ries Lynn A. G. , Lewis Denise R. , Harlan Linda C. , Keegan Theresa H. M. , Pollock Bradley H. , Bleyer W. Archie ,   for the US National Cancer Institute Science of Adolescent and Young Adult Oncology Epidemiology Working Group
Published: February 2016

BACKGROUND

Incidence rates and trends of cancers in adolescents and young adults (AYAs) ages 15 to 39 years were reexamined a decade after the US National Cancer Institute AYA Oncology Progress Review Group was established.

METHODS

Data from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results program through 2011 were used to ascertain incidence trends since the year 2000 of the 40 most frequent cancers in AYAs, including tumors with nonmalignant/noninvasive behavior.

RESULTS

Seven cancers in AYAs exhibited an overall increase in incidence; in 4, the annual percent change (APC) exceeded 3 (kidney, thyroid, uterus [corpus], and prostate cancer); whereas, in 3, the APC was between 0.7 and 1.4 (acute lymphoblastic leukemia and cancers of the colorectum and testis). Eight cancers exhibited statistically significant decreases in incidence among AYAs: Kaposi sarcoma (KS), fibromatous neoplasms, melanoma, and cancers of the anorectum, bladder, uterine cervix, esophagus, and lung, each with an APC less than −1. AYAs had a higher proportion of noninvasive tumors than either older or younger patients.

CONCLUSIONS

An examination of cancer incidence patterns in AYAs observed over the recent decade reveal a complex pattern. Thyroid cancer by itself accounts for most of the overall increase and is likely caused by overdiagnosis. Reductions in cervix and lung cancer, melanoma, and KS can be attributed to successful national prevention programs. A higher proportion of noninvasive tumors in AYAs than in children and older adults indicates a need to revise the current system of classifying tumors in this population. Cancer 2016;122:1000–1008. © 2016 American Cancer Society
Satisfaction with cancer care among underserved racial‐ethnic minorities and lower‐income patients receiving patient navigation
Authors: Jean‐Pierre Pascal , Cheng Ying , Wells Kristen J. , Freund Karen M. , Snyder Frederick R. , Fiscella Kevin , Holden Alan E. , Paskett Electra D. , Dudley Donald J. , Simon Melissa A. , Valverde Patricia A. ,   for the Patient Navigation Research Program
Published: February 2016

BACKGROUND

Patient navigation is a barrier‐focused program of care coordination designed to achieve timely and high‐quality cancer‐related care for medically underserved racial‐ethnic minorities and the poor. However, to the authors' knowledge, few studies to date have examined the relationship between satisfaction with navigators and cancer‐related care.

METHODS

The authors included data from 1345 patients with abnormal cancer screening tests or a definitive cancer diagnosis who participated in the Patient Navigation Research Program to test the efficacy of patient navigation. Participants completed demographic questionnaires and measures of patient satisfaction with cancer‐related care (PSCC) and patient satisfaction with interpersonal relationship with navigator (PSN‐I). The authors obtained descriptive statistics to characterize the sample and conducted regression analyses to assess the degree of association between PSN‐I and PSCC, controlling for demographic and clinical factors. Analyses of variance were conducted to examine group differences controlling for statistically significant covariates.

RESULTS

Statistically significant relationships were found between the PSCC and PSN‐I for patients with abnormal cancer screening tests (1040 patients; correlation coefficient (r), 0.4 [P<.001]) and those with a definitive cancer diagnosis (305 patients; correlation coefficient, 0.4 [P<.001]). The regression analysis indicated that having an abnormal colorectal cancer screening test in the abnormal screening test group and increased age and minority race‐ethnicity status in the cancer diagnosis group were associated with a higher satisfaction with cancer care (P<.01).

CONCLUSIONS

Satisfaction with navigators appears to be significantly associated with satisfaction with cancer‐related care. Information regarding the patient‐navigator relationship should be integrated into patient navigation programs to maximize the likelihood of reducing caner disparities and mortality for medically underserved racial‐ethnic minorities and the poor. Cancer 2016;122:1060–1067. © 2016 American Cancer Society
Gender and Environmental Sustainability: A Longitudinal Analysis
Authors: Kassinis George , Panayiotou Alexia , Dimou Andreas , Katsifaraki Georgia
Published: February 2016

In this paper, we investigate the relationship between gender and environmental sustainability. Based on a sample of 296 firms, drawn from the population of US publicly traded firms over a five‐year period, we empirically test whether firms that have (1) more gender diverse boards of directors and (2) more policies and practices that enable or reinforce gender diversity throughout the organization, adopted more environmentally responsible policies and practices. We find that both ‘demographic’ and ‘structural’ gender diversity are significant predictors of a firm's environmental sustainability initiatives. Our findings show gender diversity is a sustainability issue as well. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.
Levulinic Acid Biorefineries: New Challenges for Efficient Utilization of Biomass
Authors: Pileidis Filoklis D. , Titirici Maria‐Magdalena
Published: February 2016

Levulinic acid is a sustainable platform molecule that can be upgraded to valuable chemicals and fuel additives. This article focuses on the catalytic upgrading of levulinic acid into various chemicals such as levulinate esters, δ‐aminolevulinic acid, succinic acid, diphenolic acid, γ‐valerolactone, and γ‐valerolactone derivatives such valeric esters, 5‐nonanone, α‐methylene‐γ valerolactone, and other various molecular‐weight alkanes (C9 and C18–C27 olefins).
Granulocyte colony‐stimulating factor (G‐CSF) plays an important role in immune complex‐mediated arthritis
Authors: Christensen Anne D. , Haase Claus , Cook Andrew D. , Hamilton John A.
Published: February 2016

Neutrophils are an abundant cell type in many chronic inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA); however, their contribution to the pathology of RA has not been widely studied. A key cytokine involved in neutrophil development and function is granulocyte‐colony stimulating factor (G‐CSF). In this study we used the K/BxN serum‐transfer arthritis (STA) model, mimicking the effector phase of RA, to investigate the importance of G‐CSF in arthritis development and its relation to neutrophils. Here, we show for the first time in this model that G‐CSF levels are increased both in the serum and in inflamed paws of arthritic mice and importantly that G‐CSF blockade leads to a profound reduction in arthritis severity, as well as reduced numbers of neutrophils in blood. Moreover, CXCL1 and CXCL2 levels in the arthritic joints were also lowered. Our data demonstrate that G‐CSF is a pivotal driver of the disease progression in the K/BxN STA model and possibly acts in part by regulating neutrophil numbers in the circulation. Therefore, our findings suggest that G‐CSF might be a suitable target in RA, and perhaps in other immune complex‐driven pathologies.
Mechanism and Kinetics of Oligosilsesquioxane Growth in the In Situ Water Production Sol–Gel Route: Dependence on Water Availability
Authors: Borovin Evgeny , Callone Emanuela , Ribot Francois , Diré Sandra
Published: February 2016

Thiol‐functionalized nanobuilding blocks (NBBs) were synthesized from 3‐mercaptopropyltrimethoxysilane by using the in situ water production (ISWP) process in which the water needed to hydrolyze the precursor was provided by means of an esterification reaction. In the present study the reaction between 1‐propanol and chloroacetic acid was used. Whereas the growth of the Si oligomers was followed at room temperature and 100 °C using 1D 29Si and 2D 1H–29Si heteronuclear single quantum correlation (HSQC) NMR spectroscopic experiments, the amount of water delivered along the process was followed by means of 1H NMR spectroscopy. The results show a good correlation between the evolution of the degree of condensation and the amount of water produced in situ. They also point to the preferential formation of cagelike structures and the narrowing of the species distribution over long reaction times. The average size of the growing oligomers was estimated from their diffusion coefficient, which was measured by means of 1H diffusion‐ordered NMR spectroscopy (DOSY NMR). Like gel permeation chromatography, DOSY NNR showed a plateau between 70 to 100 hours in the growth of the oligomers, a time at which, according to 29Si NMR spectroscopy, the well‐defined octakis(3‐mercaptopropylsilsesquioxane) is the major species.
Binary B4S4 Rhombic Clusters as Promising Inorganic Ligands for ­Triple‐Decker Sandwich Complexes
Authors: Li Da‐Zhi , Zhang Shi‐Guo , Dong Chen‐Chu
Published: February 2016

Designing new forms of ligands and their sandwich‐type analogs is the beginning of building multidecker metallic sandwich clusters and their infinite one‐dimensional molecular wires. Here, we report on two binary B–S clusters: C2v B4S4 (1, 1A1) and D2h B4S4– (2, 2B2u) with rhombic B2S2 as the core are their global minimum structures based upon global searches and electronic structure calculations at the B3LYP and coupled‐cluster theory [CCSD(T)] levels. The global‐minimum structures 1 and 2 can be formulated as B2S2(BS)2 and feature B2S2 four‐membered rings as the core, with two –BS terminal groups attached terminally, closely resembling B2S2H2 with a rhombic B2S2 core and obtainable from the latter by isovalent BS/H substitution. Bonding analyses reveal a 4c–4e o‐bond in C2v B4S4 (1, 1A1), which is 4π systems in the nonbonding/bonding combination, in contrast to the antibonding/bonding combination in a classical 4π antiaromatic hydrocarbon such as cyclobutadiene (C4H4). The electronic properties of the global‐minimum 1 and 2 clusters are predicted. C2v B4S4 (1, 1A1) is predicted to be effective as an inorganic ligand to form triple‐decker sandwich‐type transition‐metal complexes, such as D2h (B4S4)3M2 (M = Ni, Pd, and Pt). These complexes, considering the formation energies, are found to be particularly stable. The sandwich structural pattern developed in this work expands the transition‐metal complexes by introducing inorganic C2v B4S4 (1, 1A1) into traditional triple‐decker sandwich structures and may be extended to form one‐dimensional transition‐metal sandwich polymers [M(B4S4)]∞ (M = Ni, Pd, and Pt).
Sr2Pd4Al5: Synthesis, Crystal and Electronic Structures, and Chemical Bonding of a Polar Intermetallic Compound
Authors: Stegemann Frank , Benndorf Christopher , Touzani Rachid St. , Fokwa Boniface P. T. , Janka Oliver
Published: February 2016

The new intermetallic compound Sr2Pd4Al5 was prepared from the elements by reaction in niobium ampoules. The structure was refined from single‐crystal data, which indicate the formation of a new structure type in the orthorhombic crystal system [a = 1814.49(10), b = 431.64(4), c = 1102.47(4) pm] with space group Pnma (wR2 = 0.0251, 1666 F2 values, 68 parameters). Full ordering of the transition‐metal and aluminum sites was observed. The compound can be described as a polar intermetallic phase with a polyanionic [Pd4Al5]δ– network; however, a quite unique bonding situation was found within this framework. In addition to the usual Pd–Al bonding, significant contributions to the stability of the framework caused by homoatomic Pd–Pd and Al–Al interactions can also be found. Structural relaxation confirmed the electronic stability and predicted the compound to be a metallic conductor.
Gold‐Mediated Isomerization of ­Cyclooctyne to Ring Fused Olefinic Bicycles
Authors: Das Animesh , Hua Yuanda , Yousufuddin Muhammed , Cundari Thomas R. , Jeon Junha , Dias H. V. Rasika
Published: February 2016

Isomerization reactions of cyclooctyne mediated by N‐heterocyclic carbene supported gold(I) leading to ring‐contraction and the formation of 5/5‐fused bicyclic alkenes have been observed. Isolation and complete characterization, including X‐ray structural data of the cationic gold(I) complexes featuring the precursor alkyne and the product alkenes are also described.
A Straightforward Synthesis of 5‐Methylaaptamine from Eugenol, Employing a 6π‐Electrocyclization Reaction of a 1‐Azatriene
Authors: Heredia Daniel A. , Larghi Enrique L. , Kaufman Teodoro S.
Published: February 2016

Aaptamine, isolated from tropical marine sponges of the Demospongiae class, is the most prominent member of a growing family of natural products. Many aaptaminoids have been shown to have interesting biological activity. The efficient access to 5‐methylaaptamine, an unnatural analogue of aaptamine, was achieved by using economic and naturally‐occurring eugenol as the starting material. The synthesis involved the preparation of a 5‐aminoeugenol derivative through successive nitration, O‐methylation, and nitro group reduction reactions. An Elderfield–Johnson sequence was employed to synthesize the N‐tosyl‐5‐allyl‐7,8‐dimethoxydihydro‐1H‐quinolin‐4‐one ring system. A catalytic double‐bond isomerization followed by a carbonyl methoximation and 6‐π electrocyclization of the 1‐azatriene motif afforded the 2,3‐dihydro‐1H‐benzo[de][1,6]naphthyridine tricyclic intermediate, which underwent a reductive desulfonylation and catalytic dehydrogenation to afford the target product.
Pain self‐management training increases self‐efficacy, self‐management behaviours and pain and depression outcomes
Authors: Damush T.M. , Kroenke K. , Bair M.J. , Wu J. , Tu W. , Krebs E.E. , Poleshuck E.
Published: February 2016

Background

Self‐management practices among patients with medical and psychiatric comorbidity is not well understood. We assessed the effects of a combined pharmacological and behavioural intervention on self‐efficacy to manage symptoms and self‐management behaviours in patients with pain and comorbid depression.

Methods

Longitudinal analysis of self‐management behaviours and their relationship with outcomes in a 12‐month trial of 250 primary care patients with chronic musculoskeletal pain and comorbid depression. Participants were randomized to either usual care or an intervention that consisted of optimized antidepressant therapy followed by six sessions of a pain self‐management (PSM) programme.

Results

Participants in the intervention group significantly increased the time spent performing self‐management behaviours including strengthening and stretching exercises, progressive muscle relaxation and visualization at 12 months. Moreover, intervention participants reported greater self‐efficacy to manage their pain and depression. The number of pain self‐management sessions received showed a dose–response relationship with improvement in both pain and depression severity.

Conclusion

A combined intervention increased patient self‐management behaviours and self‐efficacy to manage symptoms among primary care patients with chronic musculoskeletal pain and depression. Receipt of the full dose of the entire PSM programme was related to improvements in pain interference and depression severity.

What does this study add?

A nurse‐led six‐session PSM programme increased self‐efficacy as well as specific behaviours such as strengthening and stretching exercises, progressive muscle relaxation and visualization.

There was a dose–response in that attending a greater proportion of the PSM sessions led to greater improvement in both pain and depression outcomes.
Association between catechol‐O‐methyl transferase gene polymorphisms and fibromyalgia in a Korean population: A case–control study
Authors: Park D.J. , Kim S.H. , Nah S.S. , Lee J.H. , Kim S.K. , Lee Y.A. , Hong S.J. , Kim H.S. , Lee H.S. , Kim H.A. , Joung C.I. , Kim S.H. , Lee S.S.
Published: February 2016

Background

Although polymorphisms of the catechol‐O‐methyl transferase (COMT) gene have been implicated in altered pain sensitivity, results concerning the association between COMT gene polymorphisms and fibromyalgia (FM) are equivocal. We assessed the associations between COMT single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) and FM risk and symptom severity.

Methods

In total, 409 FM patients and 423 controls were enrolled. Alleles and genotypes at five positions [rs6269 (A>G), rs4633 (C>T), rs4818 (C>G), rs4680 (C>G) and rs165599 (A>G)] in the COMT gene were genotyped from peripheral blood DNA.

Results

Alleles and genotypes of the rs4818 COMT gene polymorphism were significantly associated with increased susceptibility to FM. The rs4818 GG genotype was more strongly associated with FM compared to the CC genotype (OR = 1.680, 95% CI: 1.057, 2.672, p = 0.027). Although allele and genotype frequencies did not differ among groups, the rs4633 CT genotype was not associated with the presence of FM following adjustment for age and sex (OR = 0.745; 95% CI: 0.558, 0.995; p = 0.046). However, no association was observed between clinical measures and individual COMT SNPs. In haplotype analysis, there was a significant association between ACG haplotype and FM susceptibility sex (OR = 2.960, 95% CI: 1.447, 6.056, p = 0.003) and the number of tender points (p = 0.046).

Conclusions

This large‐scale study suggests that polymorphisms of the COMT gene may be associated with FM risk and pain sensitivity in Korean FM patients. However, our results differed to those of previous studies, suggesting ethnic variation in COMT gene polymorphisms in FM.

What does this study add

By contrast to Caucasian and Latin‐American populations, the COMT gene polymorphisms are associated with FM risk and pain sensitivity in Korean FM patients, suggesting ethnic variation in COMT gene polymorphisms.
Analysis of Electrochemical Reduction Process of Graphene Oxide and its Electrochemical Behavior
Authors: Gao Mingming , Xu Yanyan , Wang Xinhua , Sang Yuanhua , Wang Shuguang
Published: February 2016

In this study, the electrochemical reduction process of GO was investigated with structural and electrochemical analysis on a series of step‐reduced ERGOs. Firstly, the disorder of ERGO decreased and its electron conductivity increased significantly at the initial reduction period, from 0 to −0.5 V, together with the desorption of hydroxyl and the formation of carboxyl. Then OCOH was completely reduced to CO at the potential between −1.0 V and −1.4 V. Finally, reduction of CO was observed from −1.6 V to −1.8 V. On the other hand, the step‐reduced ERGO with gradually varying surficial electrochemical properties gave the opportunity for the analysis of a given redox system. The [Fe(CN)6]3−/4− redox reaction was sensitive to the conductivity of modified ERGOs, but insensitive to the oxy‐functional groups. Oppositely, the Q/HQ redox reaction was mainly effected by the quantity of carboxyl. The oxidation of AA was affected by both the conductivity and oxy‐functional groups. Otherwise, electrostatic interaction was exhibited between reactant and ERGOs for all these three reactions.
Fabrication and performance evaluation of Faujasite zeolite composite ultrafiltration membrane by separation of trivalent ions from aqueous solution
Authors: Basumatary Ashim Kumar , Adhikari Partha Pratim , Ghoshal Aloke Kumar , Pugazhenthi G.
Published: February 2016

This study deals with the separation of trivalent salts (FeCl3 and AlCl3) from aqueous solution using Faujasite (FAU) zeolite composite ultrafiltration membrane. The ceramic support was prepared by a facile uniaxial compaction method and sintered at 950°C. The FAU coating on the ceramic support was done at 75°C by hydrothermal method. The structural properties of FAU powder and the composite membrane were performed with X‐ray diffraction, zeta potential measurements, and field emission scanning electron microscope. The porosity of ceramic support and the composite membrane is found to be 47% and 33%, respectively. With the pure water permeation test, the average pore size of the FAU zeolite membrane and ceramic support is evaluated to be 0.153 and 1.0 µm, respectively. Finally, the FAU zeolite composite membrane is employed for separation assessment of trivalent salt solutions. A maximum rejection of 81% for FeCl3 and 75% for AlCl3 is obtained at an applied pressure of 276 kPa for the feed concentration of 250 ppm. © 2016 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 35: 1047–1054, 2016
Synergistic Effects of Carbon Fillers of Phenolic Resin Based Composite Bipolar Plates on the Performance of PEM Fuel Cell
Authors: Gautam R. K. , Kar K. K.
Published: February 2016

The most essential and costly component of polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells is the bipolar plate. The production of suitable composite bipolar plates for polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell with good mechanical properties and high electrical conductivity is scientifically and technically very challenging. This paper reports the development of composite bipolar plates using exfoliated graphite, carbon black, and graphite powder in resole‐typed phenol formaldehyde. The exfoliated graphite with maximum exfoliated volume of 570 ± 10 mL g−1 used in this study was prepared by microwave irradiation of chemically intercalated natural flake graphite in a few minutes. The composite plates were prepared by varying exfoliated graphite content from 10 to 35 wt.% in phenolic resin along with fixed weight percentage of carbon black (5 wt.%) and graphite powder (3 wt.%) by compression molding. The composite plates with filler weight percentage of 35/5/3/exfoliated graphite/carbon black/graphite powder offer in‐plane and trough‐plane electrical conductivities of 374.42 and 97.32 S cm−1, bulk density 1.58 g cm−3, compressive strength 70.43 MPa, flexural strength 61.82 MPa, storage modulus 10.25 GPa, microhardness 73.23 HV and water absorption 0.22%. Further, I–V characteristics notify that exfoliated graphite/carbon black/graphite powder/resin composite bipolar plates in unit fuel cell shows better cell performance compared exfoliated graphite/resin composite bipolar plates. The composite plates own desired mechanical properties with low bulk density, high electrical conductivity, and good thermal stability as per the U.S. department of energy targets at low filler concentration and can be used as bipolar plates for proton exchange membrane fuel cells.
Late Triassic orogenic collapse and Palaeo‐Pacific slab roll‐back beneath central South China: constraints from mafic granulite xenoliths and structural features
Authors: Li Xiyao , Zheng Jianping , Li Sanzhong , Liu Bo , Xiang Lu , Wang Yongming , Liu Xin
Published: February 2016

East Asia suffered an important transformation from the Tethys to the Pacific tectonic domain during the early Mesozoic. Moreover, the South China Block (SCB) in East Asia has an obvious change from an Indosinian syn‐orogenic compression to a post‐orogenic extensional tectonic setting. The dynamic evolution of the SCB that caused this change is still unclear. Here, we combine the petrology and whole‐rock geochemistry of the Daoxian mafic granulite xenoliths in basalts from South Hunan Province and the structural features of the Xuefengshan tectonic belt, to propose a late Triassic tectonic model in the central SCB. The Daoxian region is located in the eastern part of the Xuefengshan basement uplift belt. The Daoxian mafic granulite xenoliths, forming in the late Triassic, have high Mg# value, high MgO and low SiO2 contents. They have flat REE patterns with a positive Eu anomaly, enriched in Rb, Ba, and depleted in Th, U, Nb, Zr and Hf. These xenoliths are the product of pyroxene and plagioclase accumulation of the mafic melts. The mafic melts originated from the asthenosphere and then underplated to the bottom of the lower crust. In the Xuefengshan belt, it is observed that the unconformities during the Late Triassic changed from high‐angle unconformity, through low‐angle unconformity and para‐unconformity, to conformity, from the central to western parts of the SCB. The detachment layer beneath the Xuefengshan belt displaying NW‐trending thrusts cross‐cuts the late Palaeozoic strata. We suggest that orogenic collapse happened beneath the central SCB during the Late Triassic, which was accompanied by lithospheric extension and asthenospheric upwelling. These dynamic processes induced different effects on the SCB. Beneath the central SCB, the mantle‐derived melt underplated the lower crust, and subsequently influenced the deep crust. From central to western SCB, the regular westward change of the stratal unconformities is related to the weakening of the lithospheric extension. In the central and eastern SCB, the orogenic collapse and the subsequent asthenosphere upwelling could have contributed to the mantle disturbance to enhance the roll‐back of the Palaeo‐Pacific slab. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Dark microglia: A new phenotype predominantly associated with pathological states
Authors: Bisht Kanchan , Sharma Kaushik P. , Lecours Cynthia , Gabriela Sánchez Maria , El Hajj Hassan , Milior Giampaolo , Olmos‐Alonso Adrián , Gómez‐Nicola Diego , Luheshi Giamal , Vallières Luc , Branchi Igor , Maggi Laura , Limatola Cristina , Butovsky Oleg , Tremblay Marie‐Ève
Published: February 2016

The past decade has witnessed a revolution in our understanding of microglia. These immune cells were shown to actively remodel neuronal circuits, leading to propose new pathogenic mechanisms. To study microglial implication in the loss of synapses, the best pathological correlate of cognitive decline across chronic stress, aging, and diseases, we recently conducted ultrastructural analyses. Our work uncovered the existence of a new microglial phenotype that is rarely present under steady state conditions, in hippocampus, cerebral cortex, amygdala, and hypothalamus, but becomes abundant during chronic stress, aging, fractalkine signaling deficiency (CX3CR1 knockout mice), and Alzheimer's disease pathology (APP‐PS1 mice). Even though these cells display ultrastructural features of microglia, they are strikingly distinct from the other phenotypes described so far at the ultrastructural level. They exhibit several signs of oxidative stress, including a condensed, electron‐dense cytoplasm and nucleoplasm making them as “dark” as mitochondria, accompanied by a pronounced remodeling of their nuclear chromatin. Dark microglia appear to be much more active than the normal microglia, reaching for synaptic clefts, while extensively encircling axon terminals and dendritic spines with their highly ramified and thin processes. They stain for the myeloid cell markers IBA1 and GFP (in CX3CR1‐GFP mice), and strongly express CD11b and microglia‐specific 4D4 in their processes encircling synaptic elements, and TREM2 when they associate with amyloid plaques. Overall, these findings suggest that dark microglia, a new phenotype that we identified based on their unique properties, could play a significant role in the pathological remodeling of neuronal circuits, especially at synapses. GLIA 2016;64:826–839
Saving Newborn Babies – The Benefits of Interventions in Neonatal Care in Norway over More Than 40 Years
Authors: Grytten Jostein , Monkerud Lars , Skau Irene , Eskild Anne , Sørensen Rune J. , Saugstad Ola Didrik
Published: February 2016

The aim of this study was to examine the effect that the introduction of new medical interventions at birth has had on mortality among newborn babies in Norway during the period 1967–2011. During this period, there has been a significant decline in mortality, in particular for low birth weight infants. We identified four interventions that together explained about 50% of the decline in early neonatal and infant mortality: ventilators, antenatal steroids, surfactant and insure. The analyses were performed on a large set of data, encompassing more than 1.6 million deliveries (Medical Birth Registry of Norway). The richness of the data allowed us to perform several robustness tests. Our study indicates that the introduction of new medical interventions has been a very important channel through which the decline in mortality among newborn babies occurred during the second half of the last century. © 2016 The Authors. Health Economics published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Temporal course and predictive factors of analgesic opioid requirement for chemoradiation‐induced oral mucositis in oropharyngeal cancer
Authors: Alfieri Salvatore , Ripamonti Carla I. , Marceglia Sara , Orlandi Ester , Iacovelli Nicola A. , Granata Roberta , Cavallo Anna , Pozzi Paolo , Boffi Roberto , Bergamini Cristiana , Imbimbo Martina , Pala Laura , Resteghini Carlo , Mirabile Aurora , Locati Laura D. , Licitra Lisa , Bossi Paolo
Published: February 2016

Background

Oral mucositis (OM)‐related pain affects most patients with head and neck cancer during treatments, but its management is not standardized.

Methods

We retrospectively collected data about the opioid therapy used for OM‐induced pain in all patients with oropharyngeal cancer treated with chemoradiotherapy (CRT) between 2009 and 2013. To compare the different opioids, a conversion into oral morphine equivalent daily dose (OMEDD) was performed. The highest OMEDD (h‐OMEDD) and the opioids' weekly increase were associated with patient, tumor, or treatment‐related characteristics in order to identify predictive factors of opioid consumption.

Results

Ninety‐seven percent of patients received opioids. The h‐OMEDD was significantly correlated with a higher OM‐grade and a lower smoking history. The weekly opioids' increase was higher in patients with lower smoking history and human papillomavirus (HPV) positivity.

Conclusion

Opioid therapy remains the mainstay for OM‐related pain management during CRT. The role of previous smoking and HPV on opioid use needs further confirmations. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 38: E1521–E1527, 2016
Successful detection of a minute tonsillar cancer lesion on transoral examination with narrow band imaging: A report of 2 cases
Authors: Ebisumoto Koji , Okami Kenji , Sakai Akihiro , Sugimoto Ryousuke , Iida Masahiro
Published: February 2016

Background

The improvement of optical enhancement devices, such as narrow band imaging (NBI), has enabled us to visualize lesions that cannot be seen upon macroscopic examination. NBI is useful for detecting subtle lesions, including the primary sites of occult primary cancer.

Methods and Results

We describe 2 cases of tiny tonsillar cancer with positive p16 staining. Case 1 was as an occult primary cancer, and case 2 had a foreign body sensation of the pharynx. With transoral examination using a flexible video‐laryngoscope with NBI, we successfully detected tonsillar cancer. These patients were treated with surgery, and the patients are currently alive with no evidence of disease more than 1 year posttreatment.

Conclusion

We detected a small primary lesion in the palatine tonsil through transoral examination with NBI, which is a simple and noninvasive method. This approach may be useful to detect subtle lesions, especially in patients with human papillomavirus (HPV)‐related tonsillar cancer. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 38: E2421–E2424, 2016
Development and validation of a noninvasive prediction model for nonalcoholic steatohepatitis resolution after lifestyle intervention
Authors: Vilar‐Gomez Eduardo , Yasells‐Garcia Ali , Martinez‐Perez Yadina , Calzadilla‐Bertot Luis , Torres‐Gonzalez Ana , Gra‐Oramas Bienvenido , Gonzalez‐Fabian Licet , Villa‐Jimenez Oscar , Friedman Scott L. , Diago Moises , Romero‐Gomez Manuel
Published: February 2016

Liver biopsy is the gold standard method to assess nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) resolution after therapeutic interventions. We developed and validated a simple and noninvasive scoring system to predict NASH resolution without fibrosis worsening after 1 year of lifestyle intervention. This was a prospective cohort study conducted in 261 patients with histologically proven NASH who were treated with lifestyle changes for 52 weeks and underwent a second liver biopsy to confirm NASH resolution. We divided the data into development (140 subjects) and validation (121 individuals) sets. NASH resolution occurred in 28% (derivation group) and 27% (validation group). At the multivariable analysis, weight loss (odds ratio [OR] = 2.75, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.65‐4.58; P < 0.01), type 2 diabetes (OR = 0.04, 95% CI 0.005‐0.49; P = 0.01), normal levels of alanine aminotransferase at the end of intervention (OR = 9.84, 95% CI 2.21‐44.1; P < 0.01), age (OR = 0.89, 95% CI 0.83‐0.97; P = 0.01), and a nonalcoholic fatty liver activity score ≥5 (OR = 0.08, 95% CI 0.01‐0.43; P < 0.01) were independent predictors of NASH resolution. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of the selected model was 0.956 and 0.945 in the derivation and validation cohorts, respectively. Using a score threshold of ≤46.15, negative predictive values were 92% in the derivation and validation groups, respectively. By applying a cutoff ≥69.72, positive predictive values were 92% and 89% in the derivation and validation groups, respectively. Using both cutoffs, a liver biopsy would have been avoided in 229 (88%) of 261 patients, with a correct prediction in 209 (91%) Conclusions: A noninvasive prediction model including weight loss, type 2 diabetes, alanine aminotransferase normalization, age, and a nonalcoholic fatty liver activity score ≥5 may be useful to identify NASH resolution in patients under lifestyle intervention. (Hepatology 2016;63:1875‐1887)
Cancer Stem cells and their cellular origins in primary liver and biliary tract cancers
Authors: Oikawa Tsunekazu
Published: February 2016

Liver and biliary tract cancers are highly aggressive, are heterogeneous in their phenotypic traits, and result in clinical outcomes that are difficult to manage. Cancers have subpopulations of cells termed “cancer stem cells” (CSCs) that share common intrinsic signaling pathways for self‐renewal and differentiation with normal stem cells. These CSCs likely have the potential to evolve over time and to give rise to new genetically and functionally diverse subclones by accumulating genetic mutations. Extrinsic signaling from the tumor microenvironment, including the CSC niche, has been implicated in tumor initiation/progression and heterogeneity through dynamic crosstalk. CSCs have become recognized as pivotal sources of tumor initiation/progression, relapse/metastasis, and chemoresistance. Conclusion: The origins of CSCs are hypothesized to derive from the transformation of normal stem/progenitors and/or from the reprogramming of adult cells that converts them to stem/progenitor traits; however, the precise mechanisms have not yet been fully elucidated. (Hepatology 2016;64:645‐651)
Evaluation of impacts of climate change and human activities on streamflow in the Poyang Lake basin, China
Authors: Zhang Qiang , Liu Jianyu , Singh Vijay P. , Gu Xihui , Chen Xiaohong
Published: February 2016

Variations in streamflows of five tributaries of the Poyang Lake basin, China, because of the influence of human activities and climate change were evaluated using the Australia Water Balance Model and multivariate regression. Results indicated that multiple regression models were appropriate with precipitation, potential evapotranspiration of the current month, and precipitation of the last month as explanatory variables. The NASH coefficient for the Australia Water Balance Model was larger than 0.842, indicating satisfactory simulation of streamflow of the Poyang Lake basin. Comparison indicated that the sensitivity method could not exclude the benchmark‐period human influence, and the human influence on streamflow changes was overestimated. Generally, contributions of human activities and climate change to streamflow changes were 73.2% and 26.8% respectively. However, human‐induced and climate‐induced influences on streamflow were different in different river basins. Specifically, climate change was found to be the major driving factor for the increase of streamflow within the Rao, Xin, and Gan River basins; however, human activity was the principal driving factor for the increase of streamflow of the Xiu River basin and also for the decrease of streamflow of the Fu River basin. Meanwhile, impacts of human activities and climate change on streamflow variations were distinctly different at different temporal scales. At the annual time scale, the increase of streamflow was largely because of climate change and human activities during the 1970s–1990s and the decrease of streamflow during the 2000s. At the seasonal scale, climate change was the main factor behind the increase of streamflow in the spring and summer season. Human activities increase the streamflow in autumn and winter, but decrease the streamflow in spring. At the monthly scale, different influences of climate change and human activities were detected. Climate change was the main factor behind the decrease of streamflow during May to June and human activities behind the decrease of streamflow during February to May. Results of this study can provide a theoretical basis for basin‐scale water resources management under the influence of climate change and human activities. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Field Evaluation of Irrigation Scheduling Strategies using a Mechanistic Crop Growth Model
Authors: Seidel Sabine J. , Werisch Stefan , Barfus Klemens , Wagner Michael , Schütze Niels , Laber Hermann
Published: February 2016

In a field experiment with white cabbage (Brassica oleracea L. var. capitata (L.) alef.) in Germany, three irrigation scheduling approaches were tested: (i) three sprinkler irrigation schedules based on soil water balance calculations using different development‐dependent crop coefficients; (ii) automatic drip irrigation based on soil water tension thresholds; (iii) irrigation scheduling by real‐time application of a partially calibrated mechanistic crop growth model. Multi‐objective calibration was applied to derive a fully calibrated model as a diagnostic tool to identify the water loss terms of the individual irrigation strategies.The results of the experiment showed that: (i) high yields can be achieved with relatively low amounts of irrigation water (~100 mm), provided the optimal irrigation strategy and technique are applied; (ii) automated tension threshold‐based drip irrigation outperformed soil water balance or crop growth model‐based strategies; (iii) the soil water balance calculation approach relying on recommended Kc factors led to an enormous overirrigation; (iv) the application of a partially calibrated crop growth model led to an underestimation of the crop water requirements in conjunction with an incorrect timing of irrigation events and therefore resulted in the lowest yields. The diagnostic model identified percolation, for the wet sprinkler irrigation treatments, and canopy evaporation, for the dry and model‐based treatments, as major water loss sources; only minimal additional water was lost in the tension‐controlled treatment. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Endoscopic ultrasound‐guided antegrade treatment of bile duct stone in patients with surgically altered anatomy: a multicenter retrospective cohort study
Authors: Iwashita Takuji , Nakai Yousuke , Hara Kazuo , Isayama Hiroyuki , Itoi Takao , Park Do Hyun
Published: February 2016

Background

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) for management of bile duct stone (BDS) in patients with surgically altered anatomy is challenging even when applying enteroscopy. Endoscopic ultrasound‐guided antegrade treatments (EUS‐AG) for BDS have been developed but have not been well studied yet. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the feasibility and safety of EUS‐AG for BDS in patients with surgically altered anatomy as a multicenter retrospective cohort study.

Methods

A retrospective database analysis was performed to identify patients with surgically altered anatomy who underwent EUS‐AG for the management of BDS at four academic care centers. Basic characteristics of the patients and details of the procedures were determined and the success rates and adverse event rates were evaluated.

Results

EUS‐AG for BDS was attempted in 29 patients. Successful BDS removal was achieved in 72% (21/29) of patients. Reasons for failed EUS‐AG were unsuccessful bile duct puncture in six, unsuccessful guidewire manipulation in one, and unsuccessful stone removal using a retrieval balloon in one. Adverse events occurred in five (17%) but were successfully managed conservatively.

Conclusion

EUS‐AG for BDS is a feasible and safe alternative in patients with surgically altered anatomy, although further evaluation and development of dedicated devices are needed.