bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A PC‐based simulation platform for a quadcopter system with self‐tuning fuzzy PID controllers
Authors: Abu Rmilah Moayad H. Y. , Hassan Mohsen A. , Bin Mardi Noor Azizi
Published: September 2016

Nowadays, engineers rely on simulation environments to get fast, accurate results to develop complex engineering systems. This paper presents a simulation platform that is useful for students to investigate quadcopter systems. Based on real‐time simulation results, the performance of the quadcopter under self‐tuning fuzzy PID controllers was compared and further investigated. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Comput Appl Eng Educ 24:934–950, 2016; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com/journal/cae; DOI 10.1002/cae.21769
Endovascular “neobranching” to manage acute aortic syndrome
Authors: Vandormael Isabelle L. , Salmasi Mohammad Y. , Yeh James S‐M , Nienaber Christoph A.
Published: September 2016

Acute aortic syndrome was coined in 2001 to describe a spectrum of acute aortic wall pathologies. The syndrome represents a cluster of aortic conditions such as aortic dissection, intramural hematoma and penetrating atherosclerotic ulcer. Acute aortic dissection is more common than the latter two pathologies with an incidence of up to 6 cases per 100,000 per year. The following report focuses on an unusual case presentation emphasizing the newest management techniques including “neobranching” whilst dealing with challenging patient anatomy and refractory hypertension. We believe this case report eventually broadens our understanding of acute aortic syndrome whilst addressing an entry tear outside the aorta by placing “neobranches”. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Reversible Selectivity Modulation of Gasoline and Diesel by a Facile Metal‐Salt‐Modified Fischer–Tropsch Synthesis Strategy
Authors: Wang Hao , Xu Ke , Cheng Yi , Pei Yan , Yan Shirun , Qiao Minghua , Li Zhen Hua , Zong Baoning
Published: September 2016

It has long been known that inorganic additives enhance the product selectivity in organic catalytic transformations. However, the potential of this facile approach in the industrially significant Fischer–Tropsch synthesis (FTS) has not been well explored. Herein, after examining the promotion effects of a diversified range of metal sulfates on product distribution over an active and recyclable Ru/P25 catalyst in the aqueous‐phase, low‐temperature FTS, we show that whereas enhancing the selectivity to diesel is a general feature for most metal sulfates, nickel sulfate is unique in enhancing the selectivity to gasoline. Moreover, this strategy enables the reversible boosting of the selectivity to gasoline or diesel with ease and thus provides access to a FTS process with unprecedented versatility. Probe reactions and theoretical studies point to the scenario that metal sulfates modify the reaction pathway by affecting the stability of the endogenous α‐olefins, which hence alters the probability of chain growth and product distribution.
Redox‐Assisted Self‐Assembly of a Water‐Soluble Cyanido‐Bridged Mixed Valence {CoIII/FeII}2 Square
Authors: Alcázar Laura , Aullón Gabriel , Ferrer Montserrat , Martínez Manuel
Published: September 2016

The facile redox‐assisted assembly of a water‐soluble, extremely robust, cyanide‐bridged mixed‐valence [{CoIII{(Me)2(μ‐ET)cyclen}}2{(μ‐NC)2FeII(CN)4}2]2− square is reported. The preparation process involved the use of the enhanced lability of inert CoIII synthons triggered by outer‐sphere redox processes. Characterization of the final compounds has been carried out by NMR, UV/Vis, electrochemistry, and ICP analyses. DFT calculations have been conducted to optimize a structure that has the same hydrodynamic radius as that obtained from DOSY experiments. The new compound is extremely robust, surviving in aqueous solution within the 0–12 pH range for months. The species shows a high affinity for both protons and hydroxo ions in aqueous medium.
Nickel‐Catalyzed [2+2+2] Cycloaddition of Alkyne‐Nitriles with Alkynes Assisted by Lewis Acids: Efficient Synthesis of Fused Pyridines
Authors: You Xu , Xie Xin , Wang Gaonan , Xiong Meijun , Sun Renhong , Chen Haoyi , Liu Yuanhong
Published: September 2016

A Ni/BPh3 catalyzed [2+2+2] cycloaddition of alkyne‐nitriles with alkynes has been developed, which provides an efficient route to fused pyridines under mild reaction conditions. Mechanistic studies indicate that an azanickelacycle via heterocoupling of an alkyne with a nitrile moiety is possibly formed as a key reaction intermediate. The Lewis acid catalyst is crucial to the successful transformation, which is suggested to promote the oxidative cyclization process.
Bridging C−H Activation: Mild and Versatile Cleavage of the 8‐Aminoquinoline Directing Group
Authors: Berger Martin , Chauhan Rajan , Rodrigues Catarina A. B. , Maulide Nuno
Published: September 2016

8‐Aminoquinoline has emerged as one of the most powerful bidentate directing groups in history of C−H activation within the last decade. However, cleavage of its robust amide bond has shown to be challenging in several cases, thus jeopardizing the general synthetic utility of the method. To overcome this limitation, we herein report a simple oxidative deprotection protocol. This transformation rapidly converts the robust amide to a labile imide, allowing subsequent cleavage in a simple one‐pot fashion to rapidly access carboxylic acids or amides as final products.
A review of personalized blood glucose prediction strategies for T1DM patients
Authors: Oviedo Silvia , Vehí Josep , Calm Remei , Armengol Joaquim
Published: September 2016

This paper presents a methodological review of models for predicting blood glucose (BG) concentration, risks and BG events. The surveyed models are classified into three categories, and they are presented in summary tables containing the most relevant data regarding the experimental setup for fitting and testing each model as well as the input signals and the performance metrics. Each category exhibits trends that are presented and discussed. This document aims to be a compact guide to determine the modeling options that are currently being exploited for personalized BG prediction.
The Reaction Pathway of Cellulose Pyrolysis to a Multifunctional Chiral Building Block: The Role of Water Unveiled by a DFT Computational Investigation
Authors: Marforio Tainah Dorina , Bottoni Andrea , Calvaresi Matteo , Fabbri Daniele , Giacinto Pietro , Zerbetto Francesco
Published: September 2016

LAC (hydroxylactone (1R,5S)‐1‐hydroxy‐3,6‐dioxabicyclo[3.2.1]octan‐2‐one) is one of the most interesting products of the pyrolysis of cellulose and represents a useful chiral building block in organic synthesis. A computational investigation at the DFT level on the mechanism of formation of LAC shows that this species can be obtained following two reaction paths, path A and path B, starting from a well‐known pyrolysis product (ascopyrone P). A series of internal rearrangements involving in all cases a proton transfer leads directly to LAC (path B). An alternative path (path A) can be also followed. From this path, via a “gate” connecting the two reaction channels, it is possible to reach path B and form LAC. In both cases, the rate‐determining step of the process is the initial keto‐enol isomerization. We found that water, which is present in the reaction mixture, “catalyzes” the reaction by assisting the proton transfers present in all the steps of the process. In particular, water lowers the barrier of the rate‐determining step that becomes 40.9 kcal mol−1 (79.4 kcal mol−1 in the absence of water). The corresponding computed rate constant is 4.3×10 s−1 at 500 °C, a value which is consistent with the presence of LAC in the absence of metal catalysts. The results of this study on the non‐catalyzed process underpin the important role played by water in the formation of pyrolysis products of cellulose where proton transfer is a key mechanistic step.
14N Solid‐State NMR Spectroscopy of Amino Acids
Authors: Veinberg Stanislav L. , Friedl Zachary W. , Lindquist Austin W. , Kispal Brianna , Harris Kristopher J. , O'Dell Luke A. , Schurko Robert W.
Published: September 2016

14N ultra‐wideline solid‐state NMR (SSNMR) spectra were obtained for 16 naturally occurring amino acids and four related derivatives by using the WURST–CPMG (wideband, uniform rate, and smooth truncation Carr–Purcell–Meiboom–Gill) pulse sequence and frequency‐stepped techniques. The 14N quadrupolar parameters were measured for the sp3 nitrogen moieties (quadrupolar coupling constant, CQ, values ranged from 0.8 to 1.5 MHz). With the aid of plane‐wave DFT calculations of the 14N electric‐field gradient tensor parameters and orientations, the moieties were grouped into three categories according to the values of the quadrupolar asymmetry parameter, ηQ: low (≤0.3), intermediate (0.31–0.7), and high (≥0.71). For RNH3+ moieties, greater variation in N−H bond lengths was observed for systems with intermediate ηQ values than for those with low ηQ values (this variation arose from different intermolecular hydrogen‐bonding arrangements). Strategies for increasing the efficiency of 14N SSNMR spectroscopy experiments were discussed, including the use of sample deuteration, high‐power 1H decoupling, processing strategies, high magnetic fields, and broadband cross‐polarization (BRAIN‐CP). The temperature‐dependent rotations of the NH3 groups and their influence on 14N transverse relaxation rates were examined. Finally, 14N SSNMR spectroscopy was used to differentiate two polymorphs of l‐histidine through their quadrupolar parameters and transverse relaxation time constants. The strategies outlined herein permitted the rapid acquisition of directly detected 14N SSNMR spectra that to date was not matched by other proposed methods.
Theoretical Study of the Substituent Effects on the Nonlinear Optical Properties of a Room‐Temperature‐Stable Organic Electride
Authors: Sun Wei‐Ming , Li Xiang‐Hui , Li Ying , Ni Bi‐Lian , Chen Jing‐Hua , Li Chun‐Yan , Wu Di , Li Zhi‐Ru
Published: September 2016

Excess‐electron compounds can be considered as novel candidates for nonlinear optical (NLO) materials because of their large static first hyperpolarizabilities (β0). A room‐temperature‐stable, excess‐electron compound, that is, the organic electride Na@(TriPip222), was successfully synthesized by the Dye group (J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2005, 127, 12416). In this work, the β0 of this electride was first evaluated to be 1.13×106 au, which revealed its potential as a high‐performance NLO material. In particular, the substituent effects of different substituents on the structure, electride character, and NLO response of this electride were systemically studied for the first time by density functional theory calculations. The results revealed that the β0 of Na@(TriPip222) could be further increased to 8.30×106 au by introducing a fluoro substituent, whereas its NLO response completely disappeared if one nitryl group was introduced because the nitro‐group substitution deprived the material of its electride identity. Moreover, herein the dependence of the NLO properties on the number of substituents and their relative positions was also detected in multifluoro‐substituted Na@(TriPip222) compounds.
Solvation Structure of Uracil in Ionic Liquids
Authors: Norman Sarah E. , Turner Adam H. , Holbrey John D. , Youngs Tristan G. A.
Published: September 2016

The local solvation environment of uracil dissolved in the ionic liquid 1‐ethyl‐3‐methylimidazolium acetate has been studied using neutron diffraction techniques. At solvent:solute (ionic liquid:uracil) ratios of 3:1 and 2:1, little perturbation of the ion–ion correlations compared to those of the neat ionic liquid are observed. We find that solvation of the uracil is driven predominantly by the acetate anion of the solvent. While short distance correlations exist between uracil and the imidazolium cation, the geometry of these contacts suggest that they cannot be considered as hydrogen bonds, in contrast to other studies by Araújo et al. (J. M. Araújo, A. B. Pereiro, J. N. Canongia‐Lopes, L. P. Rebelo, I. M. Marrucho, J. Phys. Chem. B 2013, 117, 4109–4120). Nevertheless, this combination of interactions of the solute with both the cation and anion components of the solvents helps explain the high solubility of the nucleobase in this media. In addition, favourable uracil–uracil contacts are observed, of similar magnitude to those between cation and uracil, and are also likely to aid dissolution.
Alternative fluorescent labeling strategies for characterizing gram‐positive pathogenic bacteria: Flow cytometry supported counting, sorting, and proteome analysis of Staphylococcus aureus retrieved from infected host cells
Authors: Hildebrandt Petra , Surmann Kristin , Salazar Manuela Gesell , Normann Nicole , Völker Uwe , Schmidt Frank
Published: September 2016

Staphylococcus aureus is a Gram‐positive opportunistic pathogen that is able to cause a broad range of infectious diseases in humans. Furthermore, S. aureus is able to survive inside nonprofessional phagocytic host cell which serve as a niche for the pathogen to hide from the immune system and antibiotics therapies. Modern OMICs technologies provide valuable tools to investigate host‐pathogen interactions upon internalization. However, these experiments are often hampered by limited capabilities to retrieve bacteria from such an experimental setting. Thus, the aim of this study was to develop a labeling strategy allowing fast detection and quantitation of S. aureus in cell lysates or infected cell lines by flow cytometry for subsequent proteome analyses. Therefore, S. aureus cells were labeled with the DNA stain SYTO® 9, or Vancomycin BODIPY® FL (VMB), a glycopeptide antibiotic binding to most Gram‐positive bacteria which was conjugated to a fluorescent dye. Staining of S. aureus HG001 with SYTO 9 allowed counting of bacteria from pure cultures but not in cell lysates from infection experiments. In contrast, with VMB it was feasible to stain bacteria from pure cultures as well as from samples of infection experiments. VMB can also be applied for histocytochemistry analysis of formaldehyde fixed cell layers grown on coverslips. Proteome analyses of S. aureus labeled with VMB revealed that the labeling procedure provoked only minor changes on proteome level and allowed cell sorting and analysis of S. aureus from infection settings with sensitivity similar to continuous gfp expression. Furthermore, VMB labeling allowed precise counting of internalized bacteria and can be employed for downstream analyses, e.g., proteomics, of strains not easily amendable to genetic manipulation such as clinical isolates. © 2016 International Society for Advancement of Cytometry
Lanthanoid Complexation by a Tris‐Tetrazole‐Functionalised Calix[4]arene
Authors: D'Alessio Daniel , Skelton Brian W. , Sobolev Alexandre N. , Krause‐Heuer Anwen M. , Fraser Benjamin H. , Massi Massimiliano , Ogden Mark I.
Published: September 2016

The synthesis and characterization of 5,11,17,23‐tetra‐tert‐butyl‐25‐hydroxy‐26,27,28‐tris(tetrazol‐5‐ylmethoxy)calix[4]arene is reported. Purification of the macrocycle required the use of preparative HPLC techniques. The macrocycle was found to be a poorer ligand for complexation of lanthanoid cations than the bis(tetrazole) analogue, but somewhat more effective than the tetrakis(tetrazole)‐substituted derivative. Two metal complexes of the tris(tetrazole)–calixarene were structurally characterised. A polymeric sodium salt of the tris(tetrazole)–calixarene was isolated from a solution containing yttrium and a sodium acetate buffer. A praseodymium complex was isolated in the presence of an ammonium acetate buffer, where the calixarene acts as a unidentate ligand, bound to the metal atom through one tetrazole N‐atom. Increasing the amount of buffer resulted in the crystallisation of a metal‐free ammonium salt of the calixarene.
ortho‐Lithiation Reactions of O‐(3,n‐Dihalophenyl) N,N‐Diethylcarbamates: Synthesis of Dihalosalicylamides and 2,3,n‐Trihalophenol Derivatives
Authors: Feberero Claudia , Velasco Rocío , Sanz Roberto
Published: September 2016

New dihalosalicylamides and trihalophenol derivatives have been synthesized from easily available O‐(3,n‐dihalophenyl) N,N‐diethylcarbamates by using a directed ortho‐metalation (DoM) strategy. The o‐lithiation reactions with sBuLi take place regioselectively at the doubly activated C‐2 position, which demonstrates the ability of O‐carbamates as directed metalating groups. In addition, highly functionalized arylnitriles were accessed from organolithium intermediates by using a tandem transnitrilation/SNAr reaction sequence.
Easy Access to Difluoromethylene‐Containing Arene Analogues through Palladium‐Catalysed C–H Olefination
Authors: Shao Changdong , Shi Guangfa , Zhang Yanghui
Published: September 2016

An efficient palladium‐catalysed ortho‐C–H olefination of α,α‐difluorophenylacetic acid derivatives using 8‐aminoquinoline as a bidentate directing group has been developed. A range of olefinated arenes can thus be synthesized in a concise way. This reaction provides an easy and straightforward route to a panel of difluoromethylated arene analogues in moderate to good yields, with a satisfactory tolerance of common functional groups. Transformation of the products into a variety of other difluoromethylene‐containing compounds demonstrates the utility of this method.
Rhodium(III)‐Catalysed Carbenoid C(sp2)–H Functionalisation of Aniline Substrates with α‐Diazo Esters: Formation of Oxindoles and Characterisation/Utility of an Intermediate‐Like Rhodacycle
Authors: Allu Srinivasarao , Ravi Manjula , Kumara Swamy K. C.
Published: September 2016

An efficient RhIII‐catalysed reaction of 2‐anilinopyridines with sulfonylated α‐diazo esters under mild conditions gave oxindole derivatives, while an analogous reaction of anilinopyrimidine precursors using α‐diazo esters led to the ortho‐alkylation products. The carbenoid coupling reaction was successfully extended to 6‐anilinopurine/purine nucleosides, and the ortho‐alkylated 6‐anilinopurines could be obtained in excellent yields. Proof of the involvement of an Rh–C‐bonded species comes from the characterisation of an intermediate‐like rhodacycle (which is also an active catalyst) by single‐crystal X‐ray crystallography.
Carbon Nanotube Modified V2O5 Porous Microspheres as Cathodes for High‐Performance Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Li Qian , Chen Yuanfu , He Jiarui , Fu Fei , Qi Fei , Lin Jie , Zhang Wanli
Published: September 2016

For the first time, V2O5/carbon nanotube (CNT) porous microspheres (VCMs) constructed from V2O5 particles homogenously wrapped in highly conductive CNTs have been synthesized through a facile spray‐drying route by using commercial V2O5 and CNTs as starting materials. Compared with bare commercial V2O5 particles, the electrochemical performance of VCM is significantly enhanced: it exhibits a large specific capacity of 242.3 mAh g−1, which is about 69 % higher than that of bare commercial V2O5 (145.4 mAh g−1); the capacity remains 223.8 mAh g−1 at 0.2 C (1 C=294 mAh g−1) after 80 cycles with a high capacity retention of 92.3 %. The C‐rate capacities at 1, 2, 5, and 10 C are 180.8, 154.1, 134.8, and 109.3 mAh g−1, respectively; these values indicate excellent rate performance. The remarkable performance enhancement is attributed to the interconnected network of conductive CNTs, which guarantees high conductivity and enables fast electron transport between CNTs and V2O5 of the uniformly dispersed VCM. Moreover, VCM provides a hierarchical template to accommodate the structural degradation and delamination of V2O5 particles during electrochemical cycling. The proposed spray‐drying strategy is facile, effective, and easy to realize on a large scale for the low‐cost industrial production of V2O5/CNT composite cathodes, which can be extended to produce other high‐capacity electrode materials with large volume variations and low electrical conductivities.
Microbial fuel cell: optimizing pH of anolyte and catholyte by using taguchi method
Authors: Kumar Pradeep , Mungray Arvind Kumar
Published: September 2016

In this study, the Taguchi method was used to optimize pH of anolyte and catholyte in terms of obtaining maximum power density of a microbial fuel cell (MFC). The anolyte pH and catholyte pH were selected as operating parameters, with their corresponding levels. L16 orthogonal array was selected for the experimental design. Each of experiments was repeated two times for calculating the signal‐to‐noise (S/N) ratio. However, based on Taguchi method, optimum anolyte and catholyte pH were observed 8 and 1, respectively. A confirmation experiment was done with the optimum conditions and based on that, maximum power density was observed at 2491.42 mW/m3. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was carried to recognize the percentage contributions of operating parameters in the process and accordingly it was found 53.59% for anolyte and 46.40% for catholyte pH. The optimization study of both pH suggests low internal resistances and high Coulombic efficiency that favored for both high power density. © 2016 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 36: 120–128, 2017
Cathode modification to enhance the performance of in‐situ fenton oxidation in microbial fuel cells
Authors: Asghar Anam , Salihoudin Addin , Aziz Abdul Raman Abdul , Mohd Ashri Wan Daud Wan
Published: September 2016

Microbial fuel cell (MFC) is a sustainable and energy efficient technology, which uses graphite as cathode for hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) production often with simultaneous power production. Nevertheless, slow kinetics of oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) at the surface of graphite often results in poor performance of MFC. In an attempt to improve the performance of MFC for in‐situ H2O2 production, a treatment of graphite cathode using nitric acid was performed. The treatment was conducted in three steps (i) heat treatment at 450°C for 2 h; (ii) acid treatment with concentrated nitric acid for 5 h; and (iii) drying at 120°C for 2 h. After the treatment, four times increase in surface area of treated cathode (GR‐HA) was observed. Energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDX) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) analysis revealed the presence of nitrogen and quinone based functional groups on the surface of GR‐HA. Cyclic voltammetric (CV) analysis of GR‐HA cathode further confirmed the production of H2O2 at the peak current value of −3.7 mA and on‐set potential of −0.1 V. Following CV analysis, H2O2 production experiments were performed in a dual chamber MFC using GR‐HA as cathode. Maximum 150 mg/L of H2O2 was produced with simultaneous power production of 36.438 mW/m2. Approximately, 25% increase in both H2O2 and power production was observed in the case of G cathode. Subsequently, Fenton oxidation experiments were performed (with GR‐HA and GR‐CA cathodes) to determine the efficacy of in‐situ produced H2O2. This resulted in an increase of 8.28%, 11.04%, and 31.32% in decolorization, chemical oxygen demand (COD), and Total Organic Carbon (TOC) removal efficiency, respectively. © 2016 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 36: 382–393, 2017
Benchmark Forecast and Error Modeling
Authors: Chen Zhao‐Guo , Wu Ka Ho
Published: September 2016

For a target socioeconomic variable with data from two sources, benchmarking is a process which uses less frequent and more reliable data, called benchmarks, to adjust more frequent and less reliable data. Consequently, forecasts of unknown benchmarks are obtained. The regression method of benchmarking may lead to better results than widely used numerical methods, but the model for the error of the more frequent data is supposed to be known. By properly choosing a first‐order autoregressive model as ‘working model’ for the error, the regression method may work well in reality. We present two new error modeling procedures via inside‐data‐period benchmark forecasts. The performance of several modeling procedures is compared. These results may provide analysts with guidelines for choosing working models for the error in developing and applying benchmarking software. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Liver serine palmitoyltransferase activity deficiency in early life impairs adherens junctions and promotes tumorigenesis
Authors: Li Zhiqiang , Kabir Inamul , Jiang Hui , Zhou Hongwen , Libien Jenny , Zeng Jianying , Stanek Albert , Ou Peiqi , Li Kailyn R. , Zhang Shane , Bui Hai H. , Kuo Ming‐Shang , Park Tae‐Sik , Kim Benjamin , Worgall Tilla S. , Huan Chongmin , Jiang Xian‐Cheng
Published: September 2016

Serine palmitoyltransferase is the key enzyme in sphingolipid biosynthesis. Mice lacking serine palmitoyltransferase are embryonic lethal. We prepared liver‐specific mice deficient in the serine palmitoyltransferase long chain base subunit 2 gene using an albumin‐cyclization recombination approach and found that the deficient mice have severe jaundice. Moreover, the deficiency impairs hepatocyte polarity, attenuates liver regeneration after hepatectomy, and promotes tumorigenesis. Importantly, we show that the deficiency significantly reduces sphingomyelin but not other sphingolipids in hepatocyte plasma membrane; greatly reduces cadherin, the major protein in adherens junctions, on the membrane; and greatly induces cadherin phosphorylation, an indication of its degradation. The deficiency affects cellular distribution of β‐catenin, the central component of the canonical Wnt pathway. Furthermore, such a defect can be partially corrected by sphingomyelin supplementation in vivo and in vitro. Conclusion: The plasma membrane sphingomyelin level is one of the key factors in regulating hepatocyte polarity and tumorigenesis. (Hepatology 2016;64:2089‐2102).
Hepatitis C virus double‐stranded RNA is the predominant form in human liver and in interferon‐treated cells
Authors: Klepper Arielle , Eng Francis J. , Doyle Erin H. , El‐Shamy Ahmed , Rahman Adeeb H. , Fiel M. Isabel , Avino Gonzalo Carrasco , Lee Moonju , Ye Fei , Roayaie Sasan , Bansal Meena B. , MacDonald Margaret R. , Schiano Thomas D. , Branch Andrea D.
Published: September 2016

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is unique among RNA viruses in its ability to establish chronic infection in the majority of exposed adults. HCV persists in the liver despite interferon (IFN)‐stimulated gene (ISG) induction; robust induction actually predicts treatment failure and viral persistence. It is unclear which forms of HCV RNA are associated with ISG induction and IFN resistance during natural infections. To thoroughly delineate HCV RNA populations, we developed conditions that fully separate the strands of long double‐stranded RNA (dsRNA) and allow the released RNAs to be quantified in reverse transcription/polymerase chain reaction assays. These methods revealed that dsRNA, a pathogen‐associated molecular pattern (PAMP), comprised 52% (standard deviation, 28%) of the HCV RNA in the livers of patients with chronic infection. HCV dsRNA was proportionally higher in patients with the unfavorable IL28B TT (rs12979860) genotype. Higher ratios of HCV double‐stranded to single‐stranded RNA (ssRNA) correlated positively with ISG induction. In Huh‐7.5 cells, IFN treatment increased the total amount of HCV dsRNA through a process that required de novo viral RNA synthesis and shifted the ratio of viral dsRNA/ssRNA in favor of dsRNA. This shift was blocked by ribavirin (RBV), an antiviral drug that reduces relapse in HCV patients. Northern blotting established that HCV dsRNA contained genome‐length minus strands. Conclusion: HCV dsRNA is the predominant form in the HCV‐infected liver and has features of both a PAMP and a genomic reservoir. Interferon treatment increased rather than decreased HCV dsRNA. This unexpected finding suggests that HCV produces dsRNA in response to IFN, potentially to antagonize antiviral defenses. (Hepatology 2017;66:357–370).
Affinity maturation of a broadly neutralizing human monoclonal antibody that prevents acute hepatitis C virus infection in mice
Authors: Keck Zhen‐Yong , Wang Yong , Lau Patrick , Lund Garry , Rangarajan Sneha , Fauvelle Catherine , Liao Grant C. , Holtsberg Frederick W. , Warfield Kelly L. , Aman M. Javad , Pierce Brian G. , Fuerst Thomas R. , Bailey Justin R. , Baumert Thomas F. , Mariuzza Roy A. , Kneteman Norman M. , Foung Steven K.H.
Published: September 2016

Direct‐acting antivirals (DAAs) have led to a high cure rate in treated patients with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, but this still leaves a large number of treatment failures secondary to the emergence of resistance‐associated variants (RAVs). To increase the barrier to resistance, a complementary strategy is to use neutralizing human monoclonal antibodies (HMAbs) to prevent acute infection. However, earlier efforts with the selected antibodies led to RAVs in animal and clinical studies. Therefore, we identified an HMAb that is less likely to elicit RAVs for affinity maturation to increase potency and, more important, breadth of protection. Selected matured antibodies show improved affinity and neutralization against a panel of diverse HCV isolates. Structural and modeling studies reveal that the affinity‐matured HMAb mediates virus neutralization, in part, by inducing conformational change to the targeted epitope, and that the maturated light chain is responsible for the improved affinity and breadth of protection. A matured HMAb protected humanized mice when challenged with an infectious HCV human serum inoculum for a prolonged period. However, a single mouse experienced breakthrough infection after 63 days when the serum HMAb concentration dropped by several logs; sequence analysis revealed no viral escape mutation. Conclusion: The findings suggest that a single broadly neutralizing antibody can prevent acute HCV infection without inducing RAVs and may complement DAAs to reduce the emergence of RAVs. (Hepatology 2016;64:1922‐1933).
Mortality and survival patterns of childhood lymphomas: geographic and age‐specific patterns in Southern‐Eastern European and SEER/US registration data
Authors: Karalexi Maria A. , Georgakis Marios K. , Dessypris Nick , Ryzhov Anton , Zborovskaya Anna , Dimitrova Nadya , Zivkovic Snezana , Eser Sultan , Antunes Luis , Sekerija Mario , Zagar Tina , Bastos Joana , Demetriou Anna , Agius Domenic , Florea Margareta , Coza Daniela , Bouka Evdoxia , Dana Helen , Hatzipantelis Emmanuel , Kourti Maria , Moschovi Maria , Polychronopoulou Sophia , Stiakaki Eftichia , Pourtsidis Apostolos , Petridou Eleni Th.
Published: September 2016

Childhood (0‐14 years) lymphomas, nowadays, present a highly curable malignancy compared with other types of cancer. We used readily available cancer registration data to assess mortality and survival disparities among children residing in Southern‐Eastern European (SEE) countries and those in the United States. Average age‐standardized mortality rates and time trends of Hodgkin (HL) and non‐Hodgkin (NHL; including Burkitt [BL]) lymphomas in 14 SEE cancer registries (1990‐2014) and the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Program (SEER, United States; 1990‐2012) were calculated. Survival patterns in a total of 8918 cases distinguishing also BL were assessed through Kaplan‐Meier curves and multivariate Cox regression models. Variable, rather decreasing, mortality trends were noted among SEE. Rates were overall higher than that in SEER (1.02/106), which presented a sizeable (−4.8%, P = .0001) annual change. Additionally, remarkable survival improvements were manifested in SEER (10 years: 96%, 86%, and 90% for HL, NHL, and BL, respectively), whereas diverse, still lower, rates were noted in SEE. Non‐HL was associated with a poorer outcome and an amphi‐directional age‐specific pattern; specifically, prognosis was inferior in children younger than 5 years than in those who are 10 to 14 years old from SEE (hazard ratio 1.58, 95% confidence interval 1.28‐1.96) and superior in children who are 5 to 9 years old from SEER/United States (hazard ratio 0.63, 95% confidence interval 0.46‐0.88) than in those who are 10 to 14 years old. In conclusion, higher SEE lymphoma mortality rates than those in SEER, but overall decreasing trends, were found. Despite significant survival gains among developed countries, there are still substantial geographic, disease subtype‐specific, and age‐specific outcome disparities pointing to persisting gaps in the implementation of new treatment modalities and indicating further research needs.
Application of an Algal Bloom Control Technique using Large Zooplankton Predators in An Eutrophic Agricultural Reservoir: A Preliminary Study
Authors: Nam Gui‐Sook , Lee Eui‐Haeng , Chang Kwang‐Hyeon
Published: September 2016

Massive nuisance algal blooms are a primary concern for the management of eutrophic reservoirs. The effects of biomanipulation using trophic cascade effects in the aquatic food chain vary with the conditions of applied water bodies and are controversial. However, this mode of biomanipulation has long been considered an ecosystem‐friendly approach for the management of algal blooms. In the present study, herbivorous Daphnia similoides were artificially proliferated using a large culture system and were used to control algal blooms in a eutrophic agricultural reservoir. Introduced predators proliferated rapidly in the culture tanks, and high densities were subsequently sustained. Predators were then released into the reservoir at 1‐week intervals during early summer and autumn, and 84.4% algal removal efficiency was observed and mean values of chlorophyll a concentration decreased from 219 to 34.2 mg m−3 during the algal bloom period in autumn. However, no apparent effects were observed during early summer when fish predation and water temperatures were high. These data suggest that continuous release of predators from our culture facility efficiently facilitates early expansion of zooplankton populations and maintenance of their populations in the reservoir. The effects of introduced zooplankton may be maximized with concurrent management of resident zooplanktivorous fish. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effects of Flow Path Geometrical Parameters on Flow Characteristics and Hydraulic Performance of Drip Irrigation Emitters
Authors: Zhangzhong Lili , Yang Peiling , Li Yunkai , Ren Shumei
Published: September 2016

In this paper, 13 fractal flow paths were designed and the effects of flow path geometric parameters on the internal flow characteristics and hydraulic performance explored. The results showed as the flow path width increased from 0.9 to 1.3 mm, the flow velocity followed from 1.83 to 2.43 m s−1. There was significant difference in the turbulence intensity. The flow velocity (about 2.14 m s−1) and turbulence intensity distribution (5.6–48.1%) in flow paths with different depths were approximately the same. Different flow path lengths would obviously affect the values of the flow characteristics, while the distributions were similar. The length increased from 128 to 256 mm, the flow velocity decreased from 2.52 to 1.84 m s−1 and the maximum turbulence intensity dropped from 55.6 to 40.1%. As for hydraulic performance, the flow regime indexes were all about 0.49. The flow coefficient was obviously positively related to flow path width and depth, but very negatively correlated with flow path length and a prediction model of flow coefficient was constructed (R2 = 0.94). After comprehensive consideration, the optimized flow path width was about 1.0 mm, the length should be less than 224 mm, and a series of emitters with different flow rates could be developed by changing the depth. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Exacerbation of innate immune response in mouse primary cultured sertoli cells caused by nanoparticulate TiO2 involves the TAM/TLR3 signal pathway
Authors: Wu Nan , Hong Fashui , Zhou Yingjun , Wang Yajing
Published: September 2016

Sertoli cells provide appropriate mitogens, differentiation factors and sources of energy for developing germ cells throughout the lifetime of males, and protect these germ cells from harmful agents and from the host's own immune system. Therefore, reductions in the rate and quality of spermatogenesis caused by nanoparticulate titanium dioxide (nano‐TiO2) may be closely involved in the immunoregulation of Sertoli cells. However, the underlying mechanism of this response is still unclear. To address this issue, we used mouse primary cultured Sertoli cells to examine the toxic effects of nano‐TiO2 via alterations in morphology, cell viability, and activation of the TAM/TLR3 signal pathway. The results demonstrated that nano‐TiO2 could cross the cytomembrane into the cytoplasm or nucleus, decrease Sertoli cell viability, damage morphology (such as elongated fusiform, cellular and nuclear shrinkage) and induce the expression of various immune mediators and inflammatory cytokines, including TLR3(+0.31‐fold to +0.81‐fold), IL‐lβ(+0.33‐fold to +5.0‐fold), NF‐κB(+0.22‐fold to +3.65‐fold), IL‐6(+0.47‐fold to +3.53‐fold), TNF‐α(+0.14‐fold to +2.44‐fold), IFN‐α(+0.17‐fold to +2.27‐fold), and IFN‐β(+0.09‐fold to +2.29‐fold), and suppress the expression of Tyro3(−9.33% to −61.93%), Axl(−19.03% to −60.67%), Mer(−8.04% to −59.16%), and IκB(−34.35% to −86.59%) in primary cultured Sertoli cells. These results suggest that testicular innate immune responses to pathogens caused by nano‐TiO2 may be involved in the regulatory mechanisms of TAM/TLR3 signaling in testicular Sertoli cells. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 105A: 198–208, 2017.
Morphological examination of highly porous polylactic acid/Bioglass® scaffolds produced via nonsolvent induced phase separation
Authors: Rezabeigi Ehsan , Wood‐Adams Paula M. , Drew Robin A. L.
Published: September 2016

In this study, we produce highly porous (up to ∼91%) composite scaffolds of polylactic acid (PLA) containing 2 wt % sol‐gel‐derived 45S5 Bioglass® particles via nonsolvent induced phase separation at −23°C with no sacrificial phases involved. Before the incorporation of the bioglass with PLA, the particles are surface modified with a silane coupling agent which effectively diminishes agglomeration between them leading to a better dispersion of bioactive particles throughout the scaffold. Interestingly, the incorporation route (via solvent dichloromethane or nonsolvent hexane) of the surface modified particles in the foaming process has the greatest impact on porosity, crystallinity, and morphology of the scaffolds. The composite scaffolds with a morphology consisting of both mesopores and large macropores, which is potentially beneficial for bone regeneration applications, are examined further. SEM images show that the surface modified bioglass particles take‐up a unique configuration within the mesoporous structure of these scaffolds ensuring that the particles are well interlocked but not completely covered by PLA such that they can be in contact with physiological fluids. The results of preliminary in vitro tests confirm that this PLA/bioglass configuration promotes the interaction of the bioactive phase with physiological fluids. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 105B: 2433–2442, 2017.
Reactions of 2,2,6‐Trimethyl‐1,3‐dioxin‐4‐one with the Aryl Aldimines Prepared from Thiophene‐2‐carbaldehyde
Authors: Koser İlayda , Ocal Nuket , Erden Ihsan
Published: September 2016

The reactions of aryl aldimines derived from thiophene‐2‐carbaldehyde (5–9) with 2,2,6‐trimethyl‐1,3‐dioxin‐4‐one (1) were investigated. The new 1,3‐oxazin‐4‐ones and thienylidene acetoacetamides were obtained in good yields. The synthetic utility of the latter via an intramolecular tandem Friedel–Crafts alkylation–acylation to give tetracyclic heterocyclic rings was also explored.
Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Symptoms, Intimate Partner Violence, and Relationship Functioning: A Meta‐Analytic Review
Authors: Birkley Erica L. , Eckhardt Christopher I. , Dykstra Rita E.
Published: September 2016

This meta‐analysis was the first study of which we are aware to investigate the association between Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (4th ed., text rev.; DSM‐IV‐TR; American Psychiatric Association, 2000) PTSD symptom clusters and parent, child, family, and marital/partner functioning problems (e.g., intimate partner violence [IPV] and intimacy). Of the 23 studies that met inclusion criteria, the sample was predominantly male (83.8%), Caucasian (65.0%), and from the military (98.9%). The average age was 43.65 years old (SD = 6.27); the average sample size was 397.4 (SD = 416.9; total N = 9,935). PTSD symptom clusters were assessed primarily by self‐report (87.0%), with 8.7% using a rating by a clinician. We used fixed analysis following Fisher's r to z transformation and an unbiased weighing and summing of effect sizes within samples and across studies. We found a small association between hyperarousal and IPV (z = .20). We also found two moderate associations for the emotional numbing and avoidance symptom clusters: (a) with parent, child, and family functioning (z = .32, z = .28, respectively); and (b) with intimacy problems (z = .35, z = .42, respectively). We found two large associations for emotional numbing: marital and parent problems (z = .47) and parent, child, and family functioning problems (z = .32, respectively). Our findings suggested that treatments aim to lessen the effect on those who have close relationships with the individual with PTSD.
Breastfeeding improvement following tongue‐tie and lip‐tie release: A prospective cohort study
Authors: Ghaheri Bobak A. , Cole Melissa , Fausel Sarah C. , Chuop Maria , Mace Jess C.
Published: September 2016

Objectives/Hypothesis

Numerous symptoms may arise that prevent mother‐infant dyads from maintaining desired breastfeeding intervals. Investigations into treatments that positively influence breastfeeding outcomes allow for improved patient counseling for treatment decisions to optimize breastfeeding quality. This investigation aimed to determine the impact of surgical tongue‐tie/lip‐tie release on breastfeeding impairment.

Study Design

Prospective, cohort study from June 2014 to April 2015 in a private practice setting.

Methods

Study participants consisted of breastfeeding mother–infant (0–12 weeks of age) dyads with untreated ankyloglossia and/or tethered maxillary labial frenula who completed preoperative, 1 week, and 1 month postoperative surveys consisting of the Breastfeeding Self‐Efficacy Scale‐Short Form (BSES‐SF), visual analog scale (VAS) for nipple pain severity, and the revised Infant Gastroesophageal Reflux Questionnaire (I‐GERQ‐R). Breastmilk intake was measured preoperatively and 1 week postoperatively.

Results

A total of 237 dyads were enrolled after self‐electing laser lingual frenotomy and/or maxillary labial frenectomy. Isolated posterior tongue‐tie was identified in 78% of infants. Significant postoperative improvements were reported between mean preoperative scores compared to 1 week and 1 month scores of the BSES‐SF (F(2) = 212.3; P < .001), the I‐GERQ‐R (F(2) = 85.3; P < .001), and VAS pain scale (F(2) = 259.8; P < .001). Average breastmilk intake improved 155% from 3.0 (2.9) to 4.9 (4.5) mL/min (P < .001).

Conclusions

Surgical release of tongue‐tie/lip‐tie results in significant improvement in breastfeeding outcomes. Improvements occur early (1 week postoperatively) and continue to improve through 1 month postoperatively. Improvements were demonstrated in both infants with classic anterior tongue‐tie and less obvious posterior tongue‐tie. This study identifies a previously under‐recognized patient population that may benefit from surgical intervention if abnormal breastfeeding symptoms exist.

Level of Evidence

2c Laryngoscope, 127:1217–1223, 2017
Prognostic factors for facial nerve palsy in a pediatric population: A retrospective study and review
Authors: Wolfovitz Amit , Yehudai Noam , Luntz Michal
Published: September 2016

Objectives/Hypothesis

To identify and analyze factors influencing the outcome of facial nerve palsy (FNP) in a pediatric population.

Study Design

Retrospective study.

Methods

Sixty‐seven pediatric patients (72 consecutive cases) diagnosed with and treated for FNP were divided into two severity subgroups. Associations between recovery in these groups and categorical variables were assessed using the Fisher exact test and for age using the t test.

Results

Mean age on admission was 12.0 ± 4.5 years. Neither FNP outcome (graded by severity) nor improvement rates (expressed as the percentage of patients achieving a higher FNP grade over time) were influenced by gender, affected side, presence of polyneuropathy, etiology, or recurrent or familial FNP. In cases with comparable final outcome, improvement rates of those diagnosed with severe FNP on presentation (38.9% of cases) were significantly higher than mild‐to‐moderate FNP. Of the 47 patients who attended a follow‐up examination 2 months after discharge, 70.2% have already recovered (by at least one House‐Brackmann [H‐B] grade) by the time they were discharged, whereas 90.9% achieved H‐B grade ≤2, and 72.3% fully recovered (H‐B grade 1) 2 months postdischarge. Adding antiviral medication did not affect FNP improvement rates or outcomes.

Conclusions

Rates of infectious and traumatic etiology in our patients were higher than reported for adults, but the most common etiology—as in those adults—was idiopathic. Routine extended diagnostic workup was not helpful, and antiviral medications were ineffective. The prognosis of FNP in pediatric patients is excellent, with 90% recovery by 2 months after initial presentation.

Level of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 127:1175–1180, 2017
A not‐so‐harmless experiment in predatory open access publishing
Authors: Martin Alexandre , Martin Tristan
Published: September 2016

Key points

Publishing articles in predatory or low quality open-access journals has been proven to be easy.

In the presented case study, the editor replaced the entire submitted manuscript with plagiarized texts, without explicitly informing the authors.

When strongly motivated to publish, editors and publishers may fraudulently change articles to make them more publishable.

Replacing the entire content of an article cannot be interpreted as a misguided attempt to improve article quality.

Plagiarism should not be solely blamed on authors when editors may be the culprits.
Exploiting Bisphosphonate–Bioactive‐Glass Interactions for the Development of Self‐Healing and Bioactive Composite Hydrogels
Authors: Diba Mani , An Jie , Schmidt Stephan , Hembury Mathew , Ossipov Dmitri , Boccaccini Aldo R. , Leeuwenburgh Sander C. G.
Published: September 2016

Hydrogels are widely recognized as promising candidates for various biomedical applications, such as tissue engineering. Recently, extensive research efforts have been devoted to the improvement of the biological and mechanical performance of hydrogel systems by incorporation of functional groups and/or inorganic particles in their composition. Bisphosphonates are a class of drugs, commonly used for treatment of osteoporosis, which exhibit a strong binding affinity for hydroxyapatite. In this study, the binding affinity of a bisphosphonate‐functionalized polymer, hyaluronan, toward a bioactive glass (i.e., 45S5 Bioglass) is evaluated using force–distance measurements with atomic force microscopy. The strong interaction between bisphosphonate and bioactive glass is then exploited to develop organic–inorganic composite hydrogels and the viscoelastic and self‐healing ability of these materials are investigated. Finally, the stability and mineralization behavior of these hydrogels are evaluated in simulated body fluid. Following this approach, injectable, bioactive and self‐healing organic–inorganic composite hydrogels are produced, which mineralize abundantly and rapidly in simulated body fluid. These properties render these composite gels suitable for applications in bone‐tissue engineering.

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