bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Demonstrating soil moisture remote sensing with observations from the UK TechDemoSat‐1 satellite mission
Authors: Chew Clara , Shah Rashmi , Zuffada Cinzia , Hajj George , Masters Dallas , Mannucci Anthony J.
Published: March 2016

The ability of spaceborne Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) bistatic radar receivers to sense changes in soil moisture is investigated using observations from the low Earth orbiting UK TechDemoSat‐1 satellite (TDS‐1). Previous studies using receivers on aircraft or towers have shown that ground‐reflected GNSS signals are sensitive to changes in soil moisture, though the ability to sense this variable from space has yet to be quantified. Data from TDS‐1 show a 7 dB sensitivity of reflected signals to temporal changes in soil moisture. If the effects of surface roughness and vegetation on the reflected signals can be quantified, spaceborne GNSS bistatic radar receivers could provide soil moisture on relatively small spatial and temporal scales.
Subsolar magnetopause observation and kinetic simulation of a tripolar guide magnetic field perturbation consistent with a magnetic island
Authors: Eriksson S. , Cassak P. A. , Retinò A. , Mozer F. S.
Published: March 2016

The Polar satellite recorded two reconnection exhausts within 6 min on 1 April 2001 across a subsolar magnetopause that displayed a symmetric plasma density, but different out‐of‐plane magnetic field signatures for similar solar wind conditions. The first magnetopause crossing displayed a bipolar guide field variation in a weak external guide field consistent with a symmetric Hall field from a single X line. The subsequent crossing represents the first observation of a tripolar guide field perturbation at Earth's magnetopause in a strong guide field. This perturbation consists of a significant guide field enhancement between two narrow guide field depressions. A particle‐in‐cell simulation for the prevailing conditions across this second event resulted in a magnetic island between two simulated X lines across which a tripolar guide field developed consistent with the observation. The simulated island supports a scenario whereby Polar encountered the asymmetric quadrupole Hall magnetic fields between two X lines for symmetric conditions across the magnetopause.
Charged particle behavior in the growth and damping stages of ultralow frequency waves: Theory and Van Allen Probes observations
Authors: Zhou Xu‐Zhi , Wang Zi‐Han , Zong Qiu‐Gang , Rankin Robert , Kivelson Margaret G. , Chen Xing‐Ran , Blake J. Bernard , Wygant John R. , Kletzing Craig A.
Published: March 2016

Ultralow frequency (ULF) electromagnetic waves in Earth's magnetosphere can accelerate charged particles via a process called drift resonance. In the conventional drift resonance theory, a default assumption is that the wave growth rate is time independent, positive, and extremely small. However, this is not the case for ULF waves in the real magnetosphere. The ULF waves must have experienced an earlier growth stage when their energy was taken from external and/or internal sources, and as time proceeds the waves have to be damped with a negative growth rate. Therefore, a more generalized theory on particle behavior during different stages of ULF wave evolution is required. In this paper, we introduce a time‐dependent imaginary wave frequency to accommodate the growth and damping of the waves in the drift resonance theory, so that the wave‐particle interactions during the entire wave lifespan can be studied. We then predict from the generalized theory particle signatures during different stages of the wave evolution, which are consistent with observations from Van Allen Probes. The more generalized theory, therefore, provides new insights into ULF wave evolution and wave‐particle interactions in the magnetosphere.
Geoeffective jets impacting the magnetopause are very common
Authors: Plaschke F. , Hietala H. , Angelopoulos V. , Nakamura R.
Published: March 2016

The subsolar magnetosheath is penetrated by transient enhancements in dynamic pressure. These enhancements, also called high‐speed jets, can propagate to the magnetopause, causing large‐amplitude yet localized boundary indentations on impact. Possible downstream consequences of these impacts are, e.g., local magnetopause reconnection, impulsive penetration of magnetosheath plasma into the magnetosphere, inner magnetospheric and boundary surface waves, drop outs and other variations in radiation belt electron populations, ionospheric flow enhancements, and magnetic field variations observed on the ground. Consequently, jets can be geoeffective. The extend of their geoeffectiveness is influenced by the amount of mass, momentum, and energy they transport, i.e., by how large they are. Their overall importance in the framework of solar wind‐magnetosphere coupling is determined by how often jets of geoeffective size hit the dayside magnetopause. In this paper, we calculate such jet impact rates for the first time. From a large data set of Time History of Events and Macroscale Interactions during Substorms (THEMIS) multispacecraft jet observations, we find distributions of scale sizes perpendicular and parallel to the direction of jet propagation. They are well modeled by an exponential function with characteristic scales of 1.34RE (perpendicular) and 0.71RE (parallel direction), respectively. Using the distribution of perpendicular scale sizes, we derive an impact rate of jets with cross‐sectional diameters larger than 2RE on a reference area of about
of the subsolar magnetopause. That rate is about 3 per hour in general, and about 9 per hour under low interplanetary magnetic field cone angle conditions (<30°), which are favorable for jet occurrence in the subsolar magnetosheath.
Too (mentally) busy to chill: Cognitive load and inhibitory cues interact to moderate triggered displaced aggression
Authors: Vasquez Eduardo A. , Howard‐Field Joanna
Published: March 2016

Inhibitory information can be expected to reduce triggered displaced aggression by signaling the potential for negative consequences as a result of acting aggressively. We examined how cognitive load might interfere with these aggression‐reducing effects of inhibitory cues. Participants (N = 80) were randomly assigned to a condition in a 2 (cognitive load: high/low) × 2 (inhibiting cues: yes/no) between‐subjects design. Following procedures in the TDA paradigm, participants received an initial provocation from the experimenter and a subsequent triggering annoyance from another individual. In the inhibitory cue condition, participants were told, before they had the opportunity to aggress, that others would learn of their aggressive responses. In the high cognitive load condition, participants rehearsed a 10‐digit number while aggressing. Those in the low cognitive load condition rehearsed a three digit number. We found significant main effects of cognitive load and inhibitory cue, which were qualified by the expected load × inhibitory cue interaction. Thus, inhibitory cues reduced displaced aggression under low‐cognitive load. However, when participants in the inhibitory cue condition were under cognitive load, aggression increased, suggesting that mental busyness interfered with the full use of inhibitory information. Aggr. Behav. 42:598–604, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Specialty Tier‐Level Cost Sharing and Biologic Agent Use in the Medicare Part D Initial Coverage Period Among Beneficiaries With Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Doshi Jalpa A. , Hu Tianyan , Li Pengxiang , Pettit Amy R. , Yu Xinyan , Blum Marissa
Published: March 2016

Objective

To examine associations between specialty tier‐level cost sharing and use of biologic agents for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) during Medicare Part D's initial coverage period (ICP).

Methods

This was a retrospective study using 2007–2010 5% sample Medicare files to examine RA patients with use of a Part D RA biologic agent in the prior year. Patients without low‐income subsidies (non‐LIS group), who faced specialty tier‐level cost sharing, were compared to a control group of low‐income subsidy patients (LIS group), who faced nominal out‐of‐pocket costs in the ICP. Outcomes included use of a Part D or Part B RA biologic agent during the ICP and presence of a ≥30‐day continuous gap in treatment among Part D biologic agent users in the ICP. Risk‐adjusted outcomes were estimated using logistic regressions, controlling for patient demographic, clinical, and Part D plan characteristics.

Results

On average, a 30‐day Part D biologic agent supply cost the non‐LIS group $484 out of pocket (29.9% cost sharing) versus $5 (0.3% cost sharing) for the LIS group. The non‐LIS group was less likely to fill Part D biologic agents (61.2% versus 72.7%, odds ratio [OR] 0.58 [95% confidence interval (95% CI) 0.46–0.72]; P < 0.001), more than twice as likely to receive Part B biologic agents (9.9% versus 4.4%, OR 2.41 [95% CI 1.61–3.60]; P < 0.001), and less likely to use any biologic agent (70.1% versus 76.9%, OR 0.69 [95% CI 0.55–0.88]; P = 0.002). The non‐LIS subgroup filling Part D biologic agents had approximately twice the odds of a gap in both Part D biologic agent and any biologic agent availability.

Conclusion

Specialty tier‐level cost sharing was associated with interruptions in RA biologic agent treatment among Medicare patients.
Cost‐Effectiveness of Triple Therapy Versus Etanercept Plus Methotrexate in Early Aggressive Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Jalal Hawre , O'Dell James R. , Bridges S. Louis , Cofield Stacey , Curtis Jeffrey R. , Mikuls Ted R. , Moreland Larry W. , Michaud Kaleb
Published: March 2016

Objective

To evaluate the cost‐effectiveness of all 4 interventions in the Treatment of Early Aggressive Rheumatoid Arthritis (TEAR) clinical trial: immediate triple (IT), immediate etanercept (IE), step‐up triple (ST), and step‐up etanercept (SE). Step‐up interventions started with methotrexate and added either etanercept or sulfasalazine plus hydroxychloroquine to patients with persistent disease activity.

Methods

We built a Markov cohort model that uses individual‐level data from the TEAR trial, published literature, and supplemental clinical data. Costs were in US dollars, benefits in quality‐adjusted life years (QALYs), perspective was societal, and the time horizon was 5 years.

Results

The immediate strategies were more efficacious than step‐up strategies. SE and IE were more costly than ST and IT, primarily due to treatment cost differences. In addition, IT was the least expensive and most effective strategy when the time horizon was 1 and 2 years. When the time horizon was 5 years, IE was marginally more effective than IT (3.483 versus 3.476 QALYs), but IE was substantially more expensive than IT ($148,800 versus $52,600), producing an incremental cost‐effectiveness ratio of $12.5 million per QALY. These results were robust to both one‐way deterministic and joint probabilistic sensitivity analyses.

Conclusion

IT was highly cost‐effective in the majority of scenarios. Although IE was more effective in 5 years, a substantial reduction in the cost of biologic agents was required in order for IE to become cost‐effective in early aggressive RA under willingness‐to‐pay thresholds that most health care settings may find acceptable.
Epidemiology and Characteristics of Kikuchi‐Fujimoto Disease in the African‐Descent Population of Martinique, French West Indies
Authors: Moinet Florence , Molinié Vincent , Béraud Guillaume , Polomat Katlyne , Cordel Nadège , Sainte‐Marie Dominique , Duffas Olivier , Duflo Suzy , Bomahou Charlène , Arfi Serge , Deligny Christophe
Published: March 2016

Objective

To provide an epidemiologic description of Kikuchi‐Fujimoto disease (KFD), and to describe its relationship with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in a population of sub‐Saharan origin.

Methods

Patients were retrospectively included on the basis of lymph node histology compatible with KFD reported in Martinique from 1991 until 2013. In order to describe the characteristics of the disease in a larger cohort, we subsequently included more patients of Afro‐Caribbean origin from Guadeloupe and French Guiana.

Results

In Martinique, mean annual incidence between 1991 and 2013 was 2.78 cases for 1 million inhabitants (95% confidence interval 1.73–3.93). A total of 36 Afro‐Caribbean patients from the 3 French American regions were included. Mean age was 30.5 years (range 5–59 years) and the female:male ratio was 3:1. The main characteristics were cervical adenopathies (88.8%), fever (83.3%), asthenia (73.0%), weight loss (64.4%), and recurrence in 33.3%. KFD was associated with lupus (n = 9 for SLE, n = 2 for cutaneous lupus) in 36.6% (11 of 30).

Conclusion

We report the first epidemiologic description of KFD in a population of sub‐Saharan origin. According to our data, this disease is present in the black African diaspora and is strongly associated with autoimmune diseases, particularly lupus.
Transforming Common III–V and II–VI Semiconductor Compounds into Topological Heterostructures: The Case of CdTe/InSb Superlattices
Authors: Liu Qihang , Zhang Xiuwen , Abdalla L. B. , Zunger Alex
Published: March 2016

Currently, known topological insulators (TIs) are limited to narrow gap compounds incorporating heavy elements, thus severely limiting the material pool available for such applications. It is shown via first‐principle calculations that a heterovalent superlattice made of common semiconductor building blocks can transform its non‐TI components into a topological nanostructure, illustrated by III–V/II–VI superlattice InSb/CdTe. The heterovalent nature of such interfaces sets up, in the absence of interfacial atomic exchange, a natural internal electric field that along with the quantum confinement leads to band inversion, transforming these semiconductors into a topological phase while also forming a giant Rashba spin splitting. The relationship between the interfacial stability and the topological transition is revealed, finding a “window of opportunity” where both conditions can be optimized. Once a critical InSb layer thickness above ≈1.5 nm is reached, both [111] and [100] superlattices have a relative energy of 1.7–9.5 meV Å–2, higher than that of the atomically exchanged interface and an excitation gap up to ≈150 meV, affording room‐temperature quantum spin Hall effect in semiconductor superlattices. The understanding gained from this study could broaden the current, rather restricted repertoire of functionalities available from individual compounds by creating next‐generation superstructured functional materials.
Unconventional Carbon: Alkaline Dehalogenation of Polymers Yields N‐Doped Carbon Electrode for High‐Performance Capacitive Energy Storage
Authors: Zhang Guoxin , Wang Lin , Hao Yongchao , Jin Xiuyan , Xu Yuqi , Kuang Yun , Dai Liming , Sun Xiaoming
Published: March 2016

Polymers are important precursors for the fabrication of carbon materials. Herein, halogenated polymers are explored as precursors for the synthesis of high‐quality carbon materials via alkaline dehalogenation. It is found that the halogen elements (F, Cl) connecting to vinylidene units are highly reactive so that dehalogenation can take place a few seconds at room temperature by simple hand grinding in the presence of strong inorganic alkaline. Furthermore, the halogen element‐leaving sites are shown to be susceptible to heteroatom doping (e.g., N doping) to become stable capacitive sites for charge storage (e.g., ions). By using a mixture of NaOEt and KOH as dehalogenation reagents, abundant hierarchical pores (macro/meso/micropores) in the resultant doped carbon matrix for fast mass transportation can be created. Very high capacitance (328 F g−1 at 0.5 A g−1) and rate capability (75.3% retention at 50 A g−1 and 62.5% retention at 100 A g−1) are observed for the newly developed halogenated polymer‐derived doped carbon materials.
Inherent Role of Water in Damage Tolerance of the Prismatic Mineral–Organic Biocomposite in the Shell of Pinna Nobilis
Authors: Bayerlein Bernd , Bertinetti Luca , Bar‐On Benny , Blumtritt Horst , Fratzl Peter , Zlotnikov Igor
Published: March 2016

The combination of high stiffness, strength, and toughness of many biological tissues is achieved through complex 3D arrangement of hard and soft components. While the hard building blocks are associated with the general stiffness of these biocomposite structures, the soft organic constituents provide the necessary flexibility and toughness and are susceptible to moisture uptake. Because many biological materials reside in humid environments, water is an inherent component of their microstructure. Hence, many studies have emphasized the effect of moisture content on mechanical performance of these materials. High toughness is indeed reported in materials, such as bone, teeth, mollusk shells, and glass sponges, when measured in high relative humidities, nevertheless, not much is known about the exact mechanisms that are responsible for this phenomenon. In the present work, newly developed environmentally controlled nanomechanical characterization techniques are employed to probe the prismatic layer in the shell of Pinna nobilis consisting of hard calcitic blocks surrounded by 1 μm thick organic matrix. Using spatially resolved mechanical data, it is demonstrated that water not only strongly affects the mechanical properties of the biocomposite tissue and its constituents but also is an integral part of explicit intrinsic and extrinsic toughening mechanisms revealed in this study.
Beryllium‐Assisted p‐Type Doping for ZnO Homojunction Light‐Emitting Devices
Authors: Chen Anqi , Zhu Hai , Wu Yanyan , Chen Mingming , Zhu Yuan , Gui Xuchun , Tang Zikang
Published: March 2016

A key step in realization of a ZnO homojunction light‐emitting diode is the effective p‐type doping in ZnO:N. In this article, a feasible route is demonstrated to enhance hole doping in ZnO:N films by the assistance of Beryllium. The newly synthesized p‐type ZnO is applied in light‐emitting devices. The corresponding p–i–n junction exhibits excellent diode characteristics, and strong near band edge ultraviolet emissions is also observed even at temperatures as high as 400 K under the injection of continuous current. The results represent a critical advance toward the development of high‐efficiency and stabilized p‐type ZnO, which is also a desirable key step for future ZnO‐based optoelectronic applications.
Repairing Peripheral Nerves: Is there a Role for Carbon Nanotubes?
Authors: Oprych Karen M. , Whitby Raymond L. D. , Mikhalovsky Sergey V. , Tomlins Paul , Adu Jimi
Published: March 2016

Peripheral nerve injury continues to be a major global health problem that can result in debilitating neurological deficits and neuropathic pain. Current state‐of‐the‐art treatment involves reforming the damaged nerve pathway using a nerve autograft. Engineered nerve repair conduits can provide an alternative to the nerve autograft avoiding the inevitable tissue damage caused at the graft donor site. Commercially available nerve repair conduits are currently only considered suitable for repairing small nerve lesions; the design and performance of engineered conduits requires significant improvements to enable their use for repairing larger nerve defects.

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are an emerging novel material for biomedical applications currently being developed for a range of therapeutic technologies including scaffolds for engineering and interfacing with neurological tissues. CNTs possess a unique set of physicochemical properties that could be useful within nerve repair conduits. This progress report aims to evaluate and consolidate the current literature pertinent to CNTs as a biomaterial for supporting peripheral nerve regeneration. The report is presented in the context of the state‐of‐the‐art in nerve repair conduit design; outlining how CNTs may enhance the performance of next generation peripheral nerve repair conduits.
Organic Semiconductors based on Dyes and Color Pigments
Authors: Gsänger Marcel , Bialas David , Huang Lizhen , Stolte Matthias , Würthner Frank
Published: March 2016

Organic dyes and pigments constitute a large class of industrial products. The utilization of these compounds in the field of organic electronics is reviewed with particular emphasis on organic field‐effect transistors. It is shown that for most major classes of industrial dyes and pigments, i.e., phthalocyanines, perylene and naphthalene diimides, diketopyrrolopyrroles, indigos and isoindigos, squaraines, and merocyanines, charge‐carrier mobilities exceeding 1 cm2 V−1 s−1 have been achieved. The most widely investigated molecules due to their n‐channel operation are perylene and naphthalene diimides, for which even values close to 10 cm2 V−1 s−1 have been demonstrated. The fact that all of these π‐conjugated colorants contain polar substituents leading to strongly quadrupolar or even dipolar molecules suggests that indeed a much larger structural space shows promise for the design of organic semiconductor molecules than was considered in this field traditionally. In particular, because many of these dye and pigment chromophores demonstrate excellent thermal and (photo‐)chemical stability in their original applications in dyeing and printing, and are accessible by straightforward synthetic protocols, they bear a particularly high potential for commercial applications in the area of organic electronics.
One‐Step In‐Situ Growth of Core–Shell SiC@Graphene Nanoparticles/Graphene Hybrids by Chemical Vapor Deposition
Authors: N'Diaye Jeanne , Hmam Ons , Zidi Mansouria , Tavares Ana C. , Izquierdo Ricardo , Szkopek Thomas , Siaj Mohamed
Published: March 2016

A one‐step in‐situ route to free standing core–shell silicon carbide in graphene nanoparticles on monolayer graphene is presented. The core–shell SiC@Graphene nanoparticle growth is realized by a simple chemical vapor deposition (CVD) process where carbon and silica precursors are simultaneously introduced into the growth chamber. This process permits the synthesis of a monolayer graphene sheet dressed with silicon carbide nanoparticles in a single CVD step, with the product controlled by growth temperature and the carbon/SiO2 exposure time. Growth of a high density SiC@Graphene distribution on a continuous graphene layer requires long exposure times (>1 h) and high temperature (1000 °C). The growth process proceeds by a carbothermal mechanism. The simultaneous growth of graphene and SiC nanoparticles enables uniform core–shell SiC@Graphene nanoparticle formation rather than SiC/carbon nanofiber growth. As a proof of concept, the functionalization of preformed nanoparticle graphene surface with a diazonium salt is studied, demonstrating an increase in grafting rate with increasing nanoparticle population. This work provides a general procedure for one‐step synthesis, with further investigation required to develop precursors for hybrid core–shell CVD material growth.
Nanofibrous Co3O4/PPy Hybrid with Synergistic Effect as Bifunctional Catalyst for Lithium‐Oxygen Batteries
Authors: Liu Lili , Hou Yuyang , Wang Jun , Chen Jun , Liu Hua‐Kun , Wu Yuping , Wang Jiazhao
Published: March 2016

Co3O4 nanocrystals strongly coupled with a 3D structured polypyrrole (PPy) nanoweb via a rapid hydrothermal method are presented for the first time as a bifunctional synergetic catalyst for Li‐O2 batteries. The obtained Co3O4/PPy hybrid material shows improved oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER) performances, specifically, a larger discharge/charge capacity of 3585/2784 mAh g−1, respectively, at a current density of 100 mA g−1, and lower recharge overpotential, as well as better rate capability compared to pristine PPy cathode. Rotating disk electrode measurements and electrocatalytic testing, as well as characterization after cycling, shows that the pristine PPy can act as a good support and good ORR catalyst, but only as a poor OER catalyst, with Li2O2 and Li2CO3 as its main discharge products, while the nanofibrous Co3O4/PPy hybrid can catalyze reversible Li2O2 formation and decomposition in Li‐O2 batteries. The improved performance is attributed to the synergistic effects from the PPy matrix with its highly conductive 3D nanoweb structure and the Co3O4 nanoparticles with intrinsically high catalytic activity.
Recent Advances in Gold‐Catalyzed N‐ and O‐Functionalizations of Alkynes with Nitrones, Nitroso, Nitro and Nitroxy Species
Authors: Huple Deepak B. , Ghorpade Satish , Liu Rai‐Shung
Published: March 2016

Nitrone and nitroso species are versatile compounds to react with alkenes or butadienes to access five‐ and six‐membered nitroxy (NO) containing heterocycles, to offer further access to acyclic 1,3‐ and 1,4‐amino alcohols after facile cleavage of the NO bonds. The N‐ and O‐functionalizations of alkynes with nitrones or nitroso species have been explored less well than the corresponding alkene reactions. In recent decades, gold catalysts have enabled the electrophilic activation of alkynes with weak nucleophiles. This review summarizes recent progress to implement N‐ and O‐functionalizations of alkynes with common NO containing species including nitrone, nitroso, nitro and other nitroxy derivatives. Reported reactions include the following three topics: (i) 1,2‐difunctionalizations, (ii) cyclizations and (iii) cycloaddition or annulation reactions. The review is organized according to the types of nucleophiles, followed by reactions of the mentioned types. Enantioselective functionalizations of alkynes with these nitroxy nucleophiles are also included.

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Mesoscopic Framework Enables Facile Ionic Transport in Solid Electrolytes for Li Batteries
Authors: Ma Cheng , Cheng Yongqiang , Chen Kai , Li Juchuan , Sumpter Bobby G. , Nan Ce‐Wen , More Karren L. , Dudney Nancy J. , Chi Miaofang
Published: March 2016

Li‐ion‐conducting solid electrolytes can simultaneously overcome two grand challenges for Li‐ion batteries: the severe safety concerns that limit the large‐scale application and the poor electrolyte stability that forbids the use of high‐voltage cathodes. Nevertheless, the ionic conductivity of solid electrolytes is typically low, compromising the battery performances. Precisely determining the ionic transport mechanism(s) is a prerequisite for the rational design of highly conductive solid electrolytes. For decades, the research on this subject has primarily focused on the atomic and microscopic scales, where the main features of interest are unit cells and microstructures, respectively. Here, it is shown that the largely overlooked mesoscopic scale lying between these extremes could be the key to fast ionic conduction. In a prototype system, (Li0.33La0.56)TiO3, a mesoscopic framework is revealed for the first time by state‐of‐the‐art scanning transmission electron microscopy. Corroborated by theoretical calculations and impedance measurements, it is demonstrated that such a unique configuration maximizes the number of percolation directions and thus most effectively improves the ionic conductivity. This discovery reconciles the long‐standing structure–property inconsistency in (Li0.33La0.56)TiO3 and also identifies mesoscopic ordering as a promising general strategy for optimizing Li+ conduction.
Apert and Crouzon syndromes—Cognitive development, brain abnormalities, and molecular aspects
Authors: Fernandes Marilyse B. L. , Maximino Luciana P. , Perosa Gimol B. , Abramides Dagma V. M. , Passos‐Bueno Maria Rita , Yacubian‐Fernandes Adriano
Published: March 2016

Apert and Crouzon are the most common craniosynostosis syndromes associated with mutations in the fibroblast growth factor receptor 2 (FGFR2) gene. We conducted a study to examine the molecular biology, brain abnormalities, and cognitive development of individuals with these syndromes. A retrospective longitudinal review of 14 patients with Apert and Crouzon syndromes seen at the outpatient Craniofacial Surgery Hospital for Rehabilitation of Craniofacial Anomalies in Brazil from January 1999 through August 2010 was performed. Patients between 11 and 36 years of age (mean 18.29 ± 5.80), received cognitive evaluations, cerebral magnetic resonance imaging, and molecular DNA analyses. Eight patients with Apert syndrome (AS) had full scale intelligence quotients (FSIQs) that ranged from 47 to 108 (mean 76.9 ± 20.2), and structural brain abnormalities were identified in five of eight patients. Six patients presented with a gain‐of‐function mutation (p.Ser252Trp) in FGFR2 and FSIQs in those patients ranged from 47 to78 (mean 67.2 ± 10.7). One patient with a gain‐of‐function mutation (p.Pro253Arg) had a FSIQ of 108 and another patient with an atypical splice mutation (940–2A →G) had a FSIQ of 104. Six patients with Crouzon syndrome had with mutations in exons IIIa and IIIc of FGFR2 and their FSIQs ranged from 82 to 102 (mean 93.5 ± 6.7). These reveal that molecular aspects are another factor that can be considered in studies of global and cognitive development of patients with Apert and Crouzon syndrome (CS). © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The influence of house dust mite sublingual immunotherapy on the TSLP‐OX40L signaling pathway in patients with allergic rhinitis
Authors: Meng Qingxiang , Liu Xiaolong , Li Peng , He Long , Xie Jinghua , Gao Xionghui , Wu Xiaozhong , Su Fang , Liang Yong
Published: March 2016

Background

This study aimed to investigate the clinical efficacy of sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) with house dust mite (HDM) extract and to examine T helper 2 (Th2)‐type immune responses mediated by the thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP‐OX40L) signaling pathway in patients with moderate to severe allergic rhinitis (AR) after 12‐month HDM SLIT.

Methods

Forty‐six cases of HDM‐sensitized patients with persistent AR in southern China were enrolled in this study. Clinical efficacy of SLIT was assessed by determining the individual nasal symptom score (INSS) and total nasal symptom score (TNSS) after 12‐month HDM SLIT. Moreover, the TSLP‐OX40L signaling pathway was investigated through measurements of TSLP by enzyme‐labeled immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and OX40L by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR) and flow cytometry.

Results

After 12 months of HDM SLIT, TNSS and INSS were significantly decreased overall compared with baseline values (p < 0.001). By the end of the 12‐month HDM SLIT, TNSS had declined by ∼50% compared with baseline, and the corresponding level of TSLP in nasal lavage decreased significantly (p < 0.05). The level of OX40L messenger RNA (mRNA) in blood was markedly decreased significantly after 12‐month HDM SLIT compared with baseline (t = 12.300, p < 0.05). Furthermore, significant decreases in OX40L expression on the surface of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) (t = 13.100, p < 0.05) and OX40L expression on the surface of CD11c+CD86+ cells in PBMCs (t = 9.946, p < 0.05) after 12‐month HDM SLIT were observed.

Conclusion

HDM SLIT downregulated Th2‐type immune responses mediated by the TSLP‐OX40L signaling pathway in patients with persistent moderate to severe AR.
Transparent Films from CO2‐Based Polyunsaturated Poly(ether carbonate)s: A Novel Synthesis Strategy and Fast Curing
Authors: Subhani Muhammad Afzal , Köhler Burkhard , Gürtler Christoph , Leitner Walter , Müller Thomas E.
Published: March 2016

Transparent films were prepared by cross‐linking polyunsaturated poly(ether carbonate)s obtained by the multicomponent polymerization of CO2, propylene oxide, maleic anhydride, and allyl glycidyl ether. Poly(ether carbonate)s with ABXBA multiblock structures were obtained by sequential addition of mixtures of propylene oxide/maleic anhydride and propylene oxide/allyl glycidyl ether during the polymerization. The simultaneous addition of both monomer mixtures provided poly(ether carbonate)s with AXA triblock structures. Both types of polyunsaturated poly(ether carbonate)s are characterized by diverse functional groups, that is, terminal hydroxy groups, maleate moieties along the polymer backbone, and pendant allyl groups that allow for versatile polymer chemistry. The combination of double bonds substituted with electron‐acceptor and electron‐donor groups enables particularly facile UV‐ or redox‐initiated free‐radical curing. The resulting materials are transparent and highly interesting for coating applications.
Physical aging and mechanical performance of poly(l‐lactide)/ZnO nanocomposites
Authors: Lizundia Erlantz , Pérez‐Álvarez Leyre , Sáenz‐Pérez Míriam , Patrocinio David , Vilas José Luis , León Luis Manuel
Published: March 2016

In this work nanocomposites based on poly (l‐lactide) (PLLA) and zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles with a concentration up to 5 wt % have been prepared by solvent‐precipitation followed by compression moulding at 200 °C. Structural evolution of nanocomposites as a function of time and nanoparticle concentration has been monitored by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Results reveal a marked reduction of the enthalpy relaxation rate βH from 3.273 J/g for neat polymer to 0.912 J/g for its 0.25 wt % reinforced counterpart, revealing slower aging dynamics induced by zinc oxide. It is shown by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE‐SEM) that concentrations larger than 1 wt % yield nanoparticle agglomeration. These large aggregates decrease the amount of nanoparticle surfaces exposed to PLLA chains, notably reducing the efficiency of ZnO nanoparticles to delay the physical aging of its hosting matrix. Mechanical tests show an increased stiffness upon ZnO loading as denoted by the increase in modulus from 2310 MPa to 2780 MPa for the 1 wt % nanocomposite. Obtained findings through this work lead the way for the development of nanocomposites based on renewable polymers and natural fillers to be used in packaging applications, where the use of nonbiodegradable materials for short‐term applications is extended. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016, 133, 43619.
Population structure, residency patterns and movements of whale sharks in Southern Leyte, Philippines: results from dedicated photo‐ID and citizen science
Authors: Araujo Gonzalo , Snow Sally , So Catherine Lee , Labaja Jessica , Murray Ryan , Colucci Anna , Ponzo Alessandro
Published: March 2016

The whale shark, Rhincodon typus, is a charismatic umbrella species whose highly mobile nature is not yet fully understood. Whale sharks roam the Philippine archipelago with two major aggregations known to occur at Donsol and at a provisioning site in Cebu.

This is the first description of a previously identified aggregation occurring off Panaon Island, Southern Leyte through the use of photographic identification. In total, 93 individual whale sharks were identified, with significant male bias (58%). The mean estimated total length of individuals was 5.72 ± 1.02 m S.D., indicating a juvenile aggregation.

Partial or complete fin amputations, potentially resulting from fishing lines, boat propellers or net entanglement, were observed on 27% of animals, highlighting some of the risks human activities can have on this threatened species. Multiple parallel scars, identified as propeller impact, were observed on 45% of animals.

Dedicated research seasons in 2013 and 2014 yielded very different whale shark encounters with 366 in 2013 and 12 in 2014, yet highlighted the recurrence of individuals at the study site. Complemented by data collected through citizen science, maximum likelihood methods were used to model mean residency of whale sharks at Panaon Island of 27.04 days. The modelled lagged identification rate showed that many whale sharks return to the study site over time.

Whale sharks from Panaon Island were identified through photo‐ID and citizen science at other sites in the Philippines, as well as a match to Taiwan, representing the first international match through photo‐ID in South‐east Asia with a minimum distance covered of 1600 km.

Given the highly mobile nature and recent exploitation of this species, management is recommended as a single unit regionally in South‐east Asia. Additional research is needed to focus on the drivers of variation in encounters at whale shark aggregation sites.

Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Updated Projected Prevalence of Self‐Reported Doctor‐Diagnosed Arthritis and Arthritis‐Attributable Activity Limitation Among US Adults, 2015–2040
Authors: Hootman Jennifer M. , Helmick Charles G. , Barbour Kamil E. , Theis Kristina A. , Boring Michael A.
Published: March 2016

Objective

To update the projected prevalence of arthritis and arthritis‐attributable activity limitations among US adults, using a newer baseline for estimates.

Methods

Baseline prevalence data were obtained from the 2010–2012 National Health Interview Survey. Arthritis was defined as an answer of “yes” to the question “Have you ever been told by a doctor or other health professional that you have some form of arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, gout, lupus or fibromyalgia?” Arthritis‐attributable activity limitation was defined as an answer of “yes” to the question “Are you limited in any way in any of your usual activities because of arthritis or joint symptoms?” The baseline prevalence of arthritis and arthritis‐attributable activity limitation was stratified according to age and sex and was statistically weighted to account for the complex survey design. The projected prevalence of doctor‐diagnosed arthritis and arthritis‐attributable activity limitation was calculated by multiplying the age‐ and sex‐stratified population estimates projected for 2015–2040 (in 5‐year intervals; provided by the US Census Bureau) by the baseline estimates. Age‐ and sex‐specific prevalences were summed to provide the total prevalence estimates for each year.

Results

In 2010–2012, 52.5 million adults in the US (22.7% of all adults) had doctor‐diagnosed arthritis, and 22.7 million (9.8%) had arthritis‐attributable activity limitation. By 2040, the number of US adults with doctor‐diagnosed arthritis is projected to increase 49% to 78.4 million (25.9% of all adults), and the number of adults with arthritis‐attributable activity limitation will increase 52% to 34.6 million (11.4% of all adults).

Conclusion

Updated projections suggest that arthritis and arthritis‐attributable activity limitation will remain large and growing problems for clinical and public health systems, which must plan and create policies and resources to address these future needs.
The vertebrate Hox gene regulatory network for hindbrain segmentation: Evolution and diversification
Authors: Parker Hugo J. , Bronner Marianne E. , Krumlauf Robb
Published: March 2016

Hindbrain development is orchestrated by a vertebrate gene regulatory network that generates segmental patterning along the anterior–posterior axis via Hox genes. Here, we review analyses of vertebrate and invertebrate chordate models that inform upon the evolutionary origin and diversification of this network. Evidence from the sea lamprey reveals that the hindbrain regulatory network generates rhombomeric compartments with segmental Hox expression and an underlying Hox code. We infer that this basal feature was present in ancestral vertebrates and, as an evolutionarily constrained developmental state, is fundamentally important for patterning of the vertebrate hindbrain across diverse lineages. Despite the common ground plan, vertebrates exhibit neuroanatomical diversity in lineage‐specific patterns, with different vertebrates revealing variations of Hox expression in the hindbrain that could underlie this diversification. Invertebrate chordates lack hindbrain segmentation but exhibit some conserved aspects of this network, with retinoic acid signaling playing a role in establishing nested domains of Hox expression.
Response to transarterial chemoembolization as a selection criterion for resection of hepatocellular carcinomas
Authors:   Liver Surgery Group, Lei J Y , Zhong J J , Yan L N , Zhu J Q , Wang W T , Zeng Y , Li B , Wen T F , Yang J Y
Published: March 2016

Background

Liver resection for intermediate (Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) stage B) hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains controversial. This study attempted to demonstrate the effectiveness of preresection transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) as a selection criterion for BCLC-B HCC.

Methods

The study included patients with BCLC-B HCC who underwent liver resection after TACE. The tumour response to TACE was evaluated according to the modified Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumours (mRECIST). Patients with a complete or partial response comprised the responder group, whereas those with stable or progressive disease were classified as non-responders.

Results

A total of 242 patients were included. After between one and eight sessions of TACE, 141 patients were included in the responder group: 37 patients (15·3 per cent) who achieved a complete response and 104 who had a partial response. The cumulative 1-, 3- and 5-year overall survival rates were 97·2, 88·7 and 75·2 per cent respectively in the responder group, compared with 90·1, 67·3 and 53·5 per cent among 101 non-responders (P < 0·001). Tumour-free survival rates were also better among responders than non-responders (P < 0·001). In multivariable analysis, independent predictors of overall and tumour-free survival were response to TACE and microvascular invasion (all P < 0·001).

Conclusion

mRECIST may represent selection criterion for intermediate HCC for surgical treatment.
Severe mitral regurgitation and biventricular heart failure successfully treated with biventricular percutaneous axial flow pumps as a bridge to mitral valve surgery
Authors: Renard Brian M. , Hanson Ivan D. , Goldstein James A.
Published: March 2016

Prompt recognition of acute right ventricular failure is essential in order to provide timely hemodynamic support. We report a case of a patient with severe mitral regurgitation complicated by cardiogenic shock that failed to improve with left ventricular support alone. The recognition of concomitant right ventricular failure led to the addition of a right ventricular support device, resulting in dramatic hemodynamic improvement. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Impact of crossing technique on the incidence of periprocedural myocardial infarction during chronic total occlusion percutaneous coronary intervention
Authors: Stetler Jeffrey , Karatasakis Aris , Christakopoulos Georgios E. , Tarar Muhammad Nauman J. , Amsavelu Suwetha , Patel Krishna , Rangan Bavana V. , Roesle Michele , Resendes Erica , Grodin Jerrold , Abdullah Shuaib , Banerjee Subhash , Brilakis Emmanouil S.
Published: March 2016

Objectives

We sought to evaluate the impact of crossing strategy on the incidence of periprocedural myocardial infarction (PMI) during chronic total occlusion (CTO) percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Background: The optimal technique for crossing coronary CTOs remains controversial. Methods: We retrospectively examined the incidence of PMI among 184 consecutive patients who underwent CTO PCI at our institution between 2012 and 2015. Creatine kinase‐myocardial band fraction (CK‐MB) and troponin were measured before and after PCI in all patients. PMI was defined as CK‐MB increase ≥3× upper limit of normal (ULN). Results: Mean age was 65 ± 8 years, 98% of patients were men, 57% had diabetes mellitus, 36% were current smokers, 38% had prior heart failure, 31% had prior coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG), and 55% had prior PCI. The retrograde approach was used in 38% of cases. As compared with antegrade wire escalation and antegrade dissection/re‐entry, use of the retrograde approach was associated with higher J‐CTO (Multicenter CTO Registry of Japan) scores (P < 0.0001), higher frequency of moderate or severe calcification (P = 0.0061), longer CTO length (P < 0.0001), more frequent proximal cap ambiguity (P < 0.0001), and lower technical (P = 0.0007) and procedural (P = 0.0014) success. The frequency of PMI for the antegrade‐only and retrograde cases was 10% and 33%, respectively (P = 0.0001). On multivariate analysis, use of the retrograde approach and moderate/severe calcification were independently associated with higher incidence of PMI. Conclusions: As compared with antegrade‐only crossing techniques, the retrograde approach is used in patients with more complex anatomy but may carry higher risk for PMI. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Substitution of Lithium for Magnesium, Zinc, and Aluminum in Li15Si4: Crystal Structures, Thermodynamic Properties, as well as 6Li and 7Li NMR Spectroscopy of Li15Si4 and Li15−xMxSi4 (M=Mg, Zn, and Al)
Authors: Baran Volodymyr , van Wüllen Leo , Fässler Thomas F.
Published: March 2016

An investigation into the substitution effects in Li15Si4, which is discussed as metastable phase that forms during electrochemical charging and discharging cycles in silicon anode materials, is presented. The novel partial substitution of lithium by magnesium and zinc is reported and the results are compared to those obtained for aluminum substitution. The new lithium silicides Li14MgSi4 (1) and Li14.05Zn0.95Si4 (2) were synthesized by high‐temperature reactions and their crystal structures were determined from single‐crystal data. The magnetic properties and thermodynamic stabilities were investigated and compared with those of Li14.25Al0.75Si4 (3). The substitution of a small amount of Li in metastable Li15Si4 for more electron‐rich metals, such as Mg, Zn, or Al, leads to a vast increase in the thermodynamic stability of the resulting ternary compounds. The 6,7Li NMR chemical shift and spin relaxation time T1‐NMR spectroscopy behavior at low temperatures indicate an increasing contribution of the conduction electrons to these NMR spectroscopy parameters in the series for 1–3. However, the increasing thermal stability of the new ternary phases is accompanied by a decrease in Li diffusivity, with 2 exhibiting the lowest activation energy for Li mobility with values of 56, 60, and 62 kJ mol−1 for 2, Li14.25Al0.75Si14, and 1, respectively. The influence of the metastable property of Li15Si4 on NMR spectroscopy experiments is highlighted.
ChemInform Abstract: KINETIC STUDY OF THE THERMAL DECOLORATION OF PHOTOCHROMIC 1,3‐BENZODITHIOLESPIROPYRANS. COMPARISON WITH THEIR BENZOTHIAZOLINE ANALOGS
Authors: APPRIOU PIERRE , GUILLEREZ JEAN , GARNIER FRANCIS , GUGLIELMETTI ROBERT
Published: March 2016

Es wird die reversible (thermische) Bildung z.B. der Spiropyrane (I) und (II) aus den entsprechenden Merocyaninen untersucht, die auf photolytischem Wege aus den Spiropyranen erhalten werden.
ChemInform Abstract: REACTIVITY AND TOXICITY OF CYCLIC SULFURIC ACID ESTERS
Authors: FISCHER GERHARD W. , JENTZSCH RENATE , KASANZEWA VALENTINA , RIEMER FRITZ
Published: March 2016

Zur Einschätzung des Alkylierungsvermögens der cyclischen Schwefelsäureester (I) wurde die Kinetik ihrer Umsetzung mit dem Pyridin (IV) [Bildung der Betaine (V); nachfolgende Deprotonierung mit Basen gibt Farbstoffe] in Acetophenon bei 20‐50°C gemessen und analog ermittelten Parametern der Verbindungen (II) und (III) gegenübergestellt.
ChemInform Abstract: PREPARATION OF MONO‐ AND DIIODOCYCLOPROPENE
Authors: SEPIOL J. , SOULEN R. L.
Published: March 2016

Trichloracetat (I) und Trichlor= äthylen (II) liefern das Pentachlorcyclopropan (III), das alkalisch zum Tetrachlorcyclopropen (IV) dehydrochloriert wird.
ChemInform Abstract: SYNTHESIS OF O‐ARENESULFONYL‐ AND O‐ARENECARBONYLHYDROXYLAMINES
Authors: KING F. D. , WALTON D. R. M.
Published: March 2016

N,O‐Bis‐(trimethylsilyl)‐hydroxylamin (I) wird mit Butyllithium unter Umlagerung zu (II) metalliert, das mit aromatischen Sulfochloriden (III) bzw. Benzoylchloriden (VI) zu den O‐substituierten Hydroxylaminen (IV) bzw. (VII) reagiert.
ChemInform Abstract: HIGH YIELD ROUTE TO BENZOBARRELENE AND SUBSTITUTED DERIVATIVES
Authors: HALES N. J. , HEANEY H. , HOLLINSHEAD J. H.
Published: March 2016

Hexachlorbenzol (I) wird mit n‐Butyllithium in Tetrachlordehydrobenzol (II) übergeführt, das mit Benzo1‐Derivaten (III) zu Tetrachlorbenzobarrelenen (IV) abgefangen wird.
ChemInform Abstract: SYNTHESIS OF N‐SUBSTITUTED ISOINDOLINES
Authors: CHIMENTI F. , VOMERO S.
Published: March 2016

Die durch Umsetzung von Phthalimid‐ Kalium mit Chloralkyl‐Verbindungen erhaltenen Phthalimide (I) werden mit Lithiumaluminiumhydrid zu den Isoindolinen (III) reduziert und ggf. zu den Derivaten (IV) und (V) verestert.