bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Safety and efficacy of a novel abluminal groove‐filled biodegradable polymer sirolimus‐eluting stent for the treatment of de novo coronary lesions: Two‐year results from a prospective patient‐level pooled analysis of TARGET trials
Authors: Gao Zhan , Zhang Ruiyan , Xu Bo , Yang Yuejin , Ma Changsheng , Li Hui , Chen Shaoliang , Han Yaling , Yuan Zuyi , Lansky Alexandra J. , Guan Changdong , Leon Martin B. , Gao Runlin ,   for the TARGET Investigators
Published: February 2015

Objectives

We aimed to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of the novel abluminal groove‐filled biodegradable polymer‐coated sirolimus‐eluting FIREHAWK stent (MicroPort Medical, Shanghai, China) in a large cohort of patients.

Background

Trials on the FIREHAWK stent allowing targeted sirolimus release were not individually powered to reliably estimate low‐frequency safety endpoints such as stent thrombosis (ST) or to examine long‐term safety and efficacy. Additionally, the China Food and Drug Administration requires an objective performance criterion (OPC) study for new drug‐eluting stents. Methods: The primary endpoint, target lesion failure (TLF), was defined as the composite of cardiac death, target vessel myocardial infarction (MI), or clinically indicated target lesion revascularization at 12 months. Patient‐level data from 1,007 patients with de novo native coronary lesions exclusively treated with the FIREHAWK stent in the TARGET serial studies (I and II) were prospectively collected, pooled and analyzed throughout a 2‐year follow‐up.

Results

The 12‐month rate of TLF in 1,003 patients (follow‐up rate, 99.6%) was 3.9% (upper 95% confidence interval (CI): 5.3%), which was significantly lower than the performance goal of 9.0% (P < 0.0001). The 24‐month rates of TLF, PoCE (a composite of all‐cause death, all MI, or any revascularization), and ARC definite or probable ST were 4.6%, 7.8% and 0.1%, respectively. In subgroup analysis, long lesion (≥30 mm) was an independent predictor of TLF within 2 years (hazard ratio [95%CI]: 2.44 [1.32, 4.53],P < 0.01).

Conclusions

This pooled, patient‐level analysis indicates that the FIREHAWK stent exhibits a promising 2‐year efficacy and safety profile. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Impact of age on access site‐related outcomes in 469,983 percutaneous coronary intervention procedures: Insights from the British Cardiovascular Intervention Society
Authors: Anderson Simon G. , Ratib Karim , Myint Phyo K. , Keavney Bernard , Kwok Chun Shing , Zaman Azfar , Ludman Peter F. , de Belder Mark A. , Nolan James , Mamas Mamas A. ,   on behalf of the British Cardiovascular Intervention Society and the National Institute for Cardiovascular Outcomes Research
Published: February 2015

We investigate adoption of the TRA in different age groups and study the relationship between age and access site related outcomes in a national cohort of patients undergoing PCI in the UK. Previous studies have reported conflicting data on radial access site adoption between different age groups, with age an independent predictor of failure of procedures undertaken through the radial approach. Age and access site related outcomes (based on transradial (TRA) and transfemoral (TFA) access) were studied in 469,983 PCI procedures undertaken in the UK from 2006 to 2012 in the age groups; <60, 60–<70, 70–<80, and ≥80 in the British Cardiovascular Intervention Society database. We studied access site practice in 469,983 patients who underwent PCI procedures in the United Kingdom. TRA utilization increased from 17.5% to 65.6% in the age group <60, and 16.6% to 54.5% in the age group ≥80 between 2006 and 2012. TRA was independently associated with decreased 30‐day mortality in all age groups (<60: OR 0.64; 95% CI 0.54–0.74, P < 0.0001; 60–<70: OR 0.65; 95% CI 0.57–75, P < 0.0001, 70–<80: OR 0.58 (0.52–0.65, P < 0.0001 and ≥80: OR 0.65 (0.57–0.73, P < 0.0001). Adoption of the TRA for PCI has occurred least in older patients in the UK despite similar associations between TRA use and decreased 30‐day mortality observed in all age groups. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Multidisciplinary management of hypohydrotic ectodermal dysplasia – a case report
Authors: Joseph Suja , Cherackal George J. , Jacob Jose , Varghese Alex K.
Published: February 2015

Key Clinical Message

Hypohydrotic ectodermal dysplasia is a hereditary disorder, which affects ectodermal derivatives. It manifests several abnormalities of the teeth, and is commonly inherited through female carriers. This case report presents a patient with compromised esthetics and function. A multidisciplinary approach was planned involving an oral pathologist, endodontist, orthodontist and a prosthodontist.
Life‐threatening necrotizing myometritis, due to Group A streptococcus – still a life‐threatening condition
Authors: Boie Sidsel , Krog Jan , Tørring Sofus , Bor Isil Pinar
Published: February 2015

Key Clinical Message

Puerperal infection with Group A streptococcus (GAS) can present with few symptoms and rapidly progress to a life‐threatening condition. Often, the infection can be treated with antibiotics. Delay in diagnosis increases risk of sepsis, multiorgan failure, and death. GAS infection is a differential diagnose for all postpartum women with unexplained symptoms.
Graphene‐Supported Substoichiometric Sodium Tantalate as a Methanol‐Tolerant, Non‐Noble‐Metal Catalyst for the Electroreduction of Oxygen
Authors: Sebastián David , Baglio Vincenzo , Sun Shuhui , Tavares Ana C. , Aricò Antonino S.
Published: February 2015

For the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) in acidic medium, a good combination of an active and stable catalyst highly dispersed on a conductive and durable support is required. Moreover, for direct methanol fuel‐cell applications, a suitable tolerance to methanol poisoning is also necessary. In this communication, we report on a new graphene‐supported sodium tantalate (Na2Ta8O21−x) electrocatalyst obtained at high temperature and characterized by significant substoichiometry. The synthesis includes the precipitation of tantalum oxide on a high surface area graphene and subsequent thermal treatment at 900 °C. A novel sodium tantalate phase with oxygen vacancies is thereafter obtained. This catalyst formulation shows promising activity towards the ORR especially in the presence of a high methanol concentration, as evidenced by a high tolerance to methanol poisoning. Accelerated stress tests and chemical leaching experiments also show the remarkable stability of the catalyst. This material presents good perspectives for application in cost‐effective fuel cells.
A Study of the Electrochemical Properties of a New Graphitic Material: GUITAR
Authors: Gyan Isaiah O. , Wojcik Peter M. , Aston D. Eric , McIlroy David N. , Cheng I. Francis
Published: February 2015

Previous studies of graphite from the University of Idaho thermolyzed asphalt reaction (GUITAR) indicated two unique properties that distinguish this material from other sp2 hybridized carbon electrodes. In property i, the standard heterogeneous rate constant across the basal plane (BP) of GUITAR with Fe(CN)63−/4− of 0.01 cm s−1 was 2–7 orders of magnitude greater than for BP‐graphite and graphene. With property ii, the anodic potential limit exceeds other graphite forms by 500 mV. Two new properties are now described. In iii, the hydrogen overpotential in 1 M H2SO4 exceeds other graphitic materials by 500 mV. The combination of ii and iii gives a 3 V window in 1 M H2SO4, which is the largest reported for a graphitic material and competitive with diamond electrodes. In iv, effects of air oxidation on the edge planes (EPs) is reversed by mild cathodic reduction and does not allow for electrolyte intercalation. Based on these characteristics and on atomic force micrographs, we hypothesize that GUITAR may be a new allotrope of carbon. Coupled with expected low costs, GUITAR will find a myriad of applications in electrochemical sensors, water purification, as well as energy storage and conversion.
Molecular Engineering of Boryl Oxasmaragdyrins through Peripheral Modification: Structure–Efficiency Relationship
Authors: Mane Sandeep B. , Hung Chen‐Hsiung
Published: February 2015

Expanded porphyrins with the absorption profile down to the infrared region through increased π‐conjugation are suitable candidates for a low energy sensitizer. Oxasmaragdyrin boron complexes, a class of aromatic‐core‐modified expanded porphyrin with 22 π‐electrons, have been recently utilized as an efficient low energy sensitizer in dye‐sensitized solar cells. In this paper, we have prepared a series of eight novel boryl oxasmaragdyrins through molecular engineering on the periphery and their overall photovoltaic performances in dye‐sensitized solar cells are evaluated. With the help of photophysical, electrochemical, and photovoltaic studies, it is revealed that molecular structure, especially the number and position of the donor–acceptor groups play a pivotal role in their photovoltaic performance. Presence of the two well‐separated split Soret bands in the 400–500 nm region of UV/Vis spectrum ensures broader coverage of absorption wavelengths. Even though the two‐anchoring‐group dyes (SM5–SM8) bind strongly to TiO2 compared to one‐anchoring‐group dyes (SM1–SM4), the latter have superior photovoltaic performance than the former. Dye SM1, with two hexyloxyphenyl donors and one carboxylic acid anchor showed the best overall conversion efficiency of 4.36 % (JSC=10.91 mA cm−2; VOC=0.59 V; FF=0.68). This effective modulation of photovoltaic performance through structural engineering of the dyes will serve as a guideline for the future design of efficient low energy light‐harvesting sensitizers.
CaO as Drop‐In Colloidal Catalysts for the Synthesis of Higher Polyglycerols
Authors: Kirby Fiona , Nieuwelink Anne‐Eva , Kuipers Bonny W. M. , Kaiser Anton , Bruijnincx Pieter C. A. , Weckhuysen Bert M.
Published: February 2015

Glycerol is an attractive renewable building block for the synthesis of polyglycerols, which find application in the cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries. The selective etherification of glycerol to higher oligomers was studied in the presence of CaO colloids and the data are compared with those obtained from NaOH and CaO. The materials were prepared by dispersing CaO, CaCO3, or Ca(OH)2 onto a carbon nanofiber (CNF) support. Colloidal nanoparticles were subsequently dispensed from the CNF into the reaction mixture to give CaO colloids that have a higher activity than equimolar amounts of bulk CaO and NaOH. Optimization of the reaction conditions allowed us to obtain a product with Gardner color number <2, containing no acrolein and minimal cyclic byproducts. The differences in the CaO colloids originating from CNF and bulk CaO were probed using light scattering and conductivity measurements. The results confirmed that the higher activity of the colloids originating from CaO/CNF was due to their more rapid formation and smaller size compared with colloids from bulk CaO. We thus have developed a practical method for the synthesis of polyglycerols containing low amounts of Ca.
Direct Spectroscopic Evidence of the Mechanism behind the Phase Transition of [2,2]‐Paracyclophane
Authors: Wolf Hilke , Lock Nina , Parker Stewart F. , Stalke Dietmar
Published: February 2015

[2,2]‐Paracyclophane undergoes phase transitions at 45 and 60 K. Based on simultaneous Raman spectroscopy and inelastic neutron scattering experiments (12–70 K), it was shown that a twisting motion of the ethylene bridge perpendicular to the plane of the aromatic rings drives the phase transition. The low‐temperature (<45 K) and high‐temperature (>60 K) conformers only differ by this twisting motion, which freezes out below 45 K and is thermally averaged above 60 K. Between 45 and 60 K, the system gains energy until the phase transition is complete.
Reactivity and Operational Stability of N‐Tailed TAMLs through Kinetic Studies of the Catalyzed Oxidation of Orange II by H2O2: Synthesis and X‐ray Structure of an N‐Phenyl TAML
Authors: Warner Genoa R. , Mills Matthew R. , Enslin Clarissa , Pattanayak Shantanu , Panda Chakadola , Panda Tamas Kumar , Gupta Sayam Sen , Ryabov Alexander D. , Collins Terrence J.
Published: February 2015

The catalytic activity of the N‐tailed (“biuret”) TAML (tetraamido macrocyclic ligand) activators [Fe{4‐XC6H3‐1,2‐(NCOCMe2NCO)2NR}Cl]2− (3; N atoms in boldface are coordinated to the central iron atom; the same nomenclature is used in for compounds 1 and 2 below), [X, R=H, Me (a); NO2, Me (b); H, Ph (c)] in the oxidative bleaching of Orange II dye by H2O2 in aqueous solution is mechanistically compared with the previously investigated activator [Fe{4‐XC6H3‐1,2‐(NCOCMe2NCO)2CMe2}OH2]− (1) and the more aggressive analogue [Fe(Me2C{CON(1,2‐C6H3‐4‐X)NCO}2)OH2]− (2). Catalysis by 3 of the reaction between H2O2 and Orange II (S) occurs according to the rate law found generally for TAML activators (v=kIkII[FeIII][S][H2O2]/(kI[H2O2]+kII[S]) and the rate constants kI and kII at pH 7 both decrease within the series 3 b>3 a>3 c. The pH dependency of kI and kII was investigated for 3 a. As with all TAML activators studied to‐date, bell‐shaped profiles were found for both rate constants. For kI, the maximal activity was found at pH 10.7 marking it as having similar reactivity to 1 a. For kII, the broad bell pH profile exhibits a maximum at pH about 10.5. The condition kI≪kII holds across the entire pH range studied. Activator 3 b exhibits pronounced activity in neutral to slightly basic aqueous solutions making it worthy of consideration on a technical performance basis for water treatment. The rate constants ki for suicidal inactivation of the active forms of complexes 3 a–c were calculated using the general formula ln([S0]/[S∞])=(kII/ki)[FeIII]; here [FeIII], [S0], and [S∞] are the total catalyst concentration and substrate concentration at time zero and infinity, respectively. The synthesis and X‐ray characterization of 3 c are also described.
Oxygen‐Atom Transfer Chemistry and Thermolytic Properties of a Di‐tert‐Butylphosphate‐Ligated Mn4O4 Cubane
Authors: Van Allsburg Kurt M. , Anzenberg Eitan , Drisdell Walter S. , Yano Junko , Tilley T. Don
Published: February 2015

[Mn4O4{O2P(OtBu)2}6] (1), an Mn4O4 cubane complex combining the structural inspiration of the photosystem II oxygen‐evolving complex with thermolytic precursor ligands, was synthesized and fully characterized. Core oxygen atoms within complex 1 are transferred upon reaction with an oxygen‐atom acceptor (PEt3), to give the butterfly complex [Mn4O2{O2P(OtBu)2}6(OPEt3)2]. The cubane structure is restored by reaction of the latter complex with the O‐atom donor PhIO. Complex 1 was investigated as a precursor to inorganic Mn metaphosphate/pyrophosphate materials, which were studied by X‐ray absorption spectroscopy to determine the fate of the Mn4O4 unit. Under the conditions employed, thermolyses of 1 result in reduction of the manganese to MnII species. Finally, the related butterfly complex [Mn4O2{O2P(pin)}6(bpy)2] (pin=pinacolate) is described.
Pd0‐Catalyzed Intramolecular α‐Arylation of Sulfones: Domino Reactions in the Synthesis of Functionalized Tetrahydroisoquinolines
Authors: Solé Daniel , Pérez‐Janer Ferran , Mancuso Raffaella
Published: February 2015

A new strategy for the synthesis of tetrahydroisoquinolines based on the Pd0‐catalyzed intramolecular α‐arylation of sulfones is reported. The combination of this Pd‐catalyzed reaction with intermolecular Michael and aza‐Michael reactions allows the development of two‐ and three‐step domino processes to synthesize diversely functionalized scaffolds from readily available starting materials.
A Surprising Substituent Effect Provides a Superior Boronic Acid Catalyst for Mild and Metal‐Free Direct Friedel–Crafts Alkylations and Prenylations of Neutral Arenes
Authors: Ricardo Carolynne L. , Mo Xiaobin , McCubbin J. Adam , Hall Dennis G.
Published: February 2015

The development of more general and efficient catalytic processes for Friedel–Crafts alkylations is an important objective of interest toward the production of pharmaceuticals and commodity chemicals. Herein, 2,3,4,5‐tetrafluorophenylboronic acid was identified as a potent air‐ and moisture‐tolerant metal‐free catalyst that significantly improves the scope of direct Friedel–Crafts alkylations of a variety of slightly activated and neutral arenes, including polyarenes, with allylic and benzylic alcohols. This method also provides a simple alternative for the direct installation of prenyl units commonly found in naturally occurring arenes. Alkylations with benzylic alcohols occur under exceptionally mild conditions.
Simultaneous Induction of Axial and Planar Chirality in Arene–Chromium Complexes by Molybdenum‐Catalyzed Enantioselective Ring‐Closing Metathesis
Authors: Kamikawa Ken , Arae Sachie , Wu Wei‐Yi , Nakamura Chihiro , Takahashi Tamotsu , Ogasawara Masamichi
Published: February 2015

The molybdenum‐catalyzed asymmetric ring‐closing metathesis of the various Cs‐symmetric (π‐arene)chromium substrates provides the corresponding bridged planar‐chiral (π‐arene)chromium complexes in excellent yields with up to >99 % ee. With a bulky and unsymmetrical substituent, such as N‐indolyl or 1‐naphthyl, at the 2‐positions of the η6‐1,3‐diisopropenylbenzene ligands, both biaryl‐based axial chirality and π‐arene‐based planar chirality are simultaneously induced in the products. The axial chirality is retained even after the removal of the dicarbonylchromium fragment, and the chiral biaryl/heterobiaryl compounds are obtained with complete retention of the enantiopurity.
Eine Geschichte von Pech und Schwefel
Authors: Hübner Karl
Published: February 2015

Autoreifen, Taucheranzüge, Einmalhandschuhe, Dichtungen und vieles, vieles mehr. Ein Leben ohne Gummi ist heute schwer vorstellbar. Doch es war ein schwieriger Weg, ehe man solche Elastomere herstellen konnte. Denn der Ausgangsstoff, Naturkautschuk, ist heikel – und die aus ihm hergestellten Produkte alles andere als form‐ und temperaturstabil. Es war Charles Goodyear, dem es 1839 gelang, die langen Polymerketten im Naturkautschuk miteinander zu vernetzen.
Chemie, die uns guttut
Authors: Harrer Roswitha
Published: February 2015

Neben Nähen und Klammern kann verletztes Gewebe auch geklebt werden. Nach wie vor werden aber Klebstoffe gesucht, die ungiftig und nicht auswaschbar sind und auch dynamisches Gewebe wie den Herzmuskel nach Verletzung schnell und zuverlässig verschließen können.
Macrolidantibiotika gegen Methicillin‐resistente Staphylokokken
Authors: Hille‐Rehfeld Annette
Published: February 2015

Sekundärmetabolite von Bakterien, z. B. Polyketide, sind potentielle Leitstrukturen für die Entwicklung neuer Wirkstoffe. Die Modulbauweise der Synthesemaschinerie dieser Substanzen bzw. die Anordnung der zugrundeliegenden Gene in Syntheseclustern ermöglicht die gezielte Suche nach potentiellen Wirkstoffproduzenten durch Genome Mining (Prospektion des Genoms).
Assessing the performance of uv/H2O2 as a pretreatment process in TOC removal of an actual petroleum refinery wastewater and its inhibitory effects on activated sludge
Authors: Bustillo‐Lecompte Ciro Fernando , Knight Mark , Mehrvar Mehrab
Published: February 2015

The treatment of a petroleum refinery wastewater is studied using a bench scale UV/H2O2 photoreactor in batch mode. The average initial total organic carbon (TOC) concentration is 42 mg/L. Moreover, the initial H2O2 concentrations are 345, 690, and 1023 mg/L for initial H2O2/TOC molar ratios of 2.9, 5.8, and 8.6, respectively. The results reveal that the highest treatment efficiency of 78.38 % for the removal of TOC from the refinery wastewater using the bench scale UV/H2O2 photoreactor occurs at the reaction time of 45 min and a pH of 5.0. A three‐factor analysis of variance (ANOVA) is used to verify the statistical significance of the initial H2O2/TOC molar ratio, reaction time, and pH on the bench scale UV/H2O2 photoreactor. Furthermore, the respirometry analysis shows that the pretreated refinery wastewater by the UV/H2O2 process is inhibitory on activated sludge (AS) microorganisms. Thus, the UV/H2O2 process is found to be currently not suitable as a pretreatment process for refinery wastewater treatment at these operational conditions.
Analysis of 4‐Component Borehole Strain Observation Based on Strain Invariant
Authors: Xu‐Yan LIU , Zi‐Yan WANG , Ying‐Feng JI
Published: February 2015

We offered 5 groups of formulae to compute strain invariant of 4‐component borehole strain stations in China and the United States with Mohr's circle model in this paper. 5 groups of the principal strain and its directions of 25 stations are computed and analyzed with the methods of correlation and regression. The result shows that strain invariant changes smoothly in 1–2 years after installation; the principal strain and the principal direction are becoming more and more equal to each other; the correlation coefficient and regression coefficient between 5 groups of maximum and minimum principal strain is close to 1. These showed that borehole strain gauge data objectively record the nominal strain. However, 5 groups of principal directions are very different, the reason for this phenomenon is that the maximum root mean square errors of principal strain obtained by error propagation law are limited, but maximum root mean square errors of principal strain directions are unlimited. Finally, some factors that affect the borehole strain invariant consistency are given. The result shows that the borehole strain observation technology has made important progress after half a century of practice, but there are still some technical problems to be solved because of its special difficulties.
A Differential Effective Medium Model of Multiple‐Porosity Rock and Its Analytical Approximations for Dry Rock
Authors: Hong‐Bing LI , Jia‐Jia ZHANG
Published: February 2015

The classic differential effective medium (DEM) theory can be used to determine the elastic properties of the porous medium, but the final elastic properties of multiple‐porosity rock depend on the order of adding the different pore‐type inclusions due to the lack of DEM equations for multiple‐porosity rock. This paper first derives the differential equations of both Zimmermann's and Norris's versions for multiple‐porosity rock from the Kuster‐Toksöz theory. The elastic moduli predicted by the DEM equations of Norris's version never violate Hashin‐Shtrikman bounds while those predicted by the DEM equations of Zimmermann's version violate bounds in some cases. Then, we derive analytical solutions of the bulk and shear moduli for dry rock from the differential equations of Norris's version by applying an analytical approximation for dry‐rock modulus ratio, in order to decouple these equations. The validity of these analytical approximations is tested by integrating the full DEM equation numerically. The analytical formulae give good estimates of the numerical results over the whole porosity range. The analytical formulae have been used to predict the elastic moduli for the sandstone experimental data by assuming that the porous rock contains dual‐porosity of both cracks and pores. The results show that they can accurately predict the variations of elastic moduli with porosity for dry sandstones. We also apply nonlinear global optimization algorithm to find the best estimate for the pore volume percentage of both cracks and pores by minimizing the error between theoretical predictions and experimental measurements based on the dual‐porosity DEM analytical model. The inversion results of the sandstone experimental data show that there is no direct correlation between the crack volume percentage and clay volume.
Preparation of the Free‐Air Gravity Anomaly Map in the Land and Seas of China and Adjacent Areas Using Multi‐Source Gravity Data and Interpretation of the Gravity Field
Authors: Jin‐Yu YANG , Xun‐Hua ZHANG , Fei‐Fei ZHANG , Bo HAN , Zhen‐Xing TIAN
Published: February 2015

Multi‐source gravity data including measurements on land, shipboard surveys, satellite altimetry, Bouguer gravity anomalies and EGM2008 global gravity model data were collected and analyzed for compiling the free‐air gravity anomaly map on a scale of 1:5000000 in the land and seas of China and adjacent areas. The data merging and integration method was established based on analysis of the accuracy and resolution of different sources of gravity data. Evenly distributed land gravity data was gridded in flat land areas. A synthetic method using Bouguer gravity and high precision topographic data to calculate the free‐air gravity data was proposed to fill the land areas where the gravity measurement is hardly or impossible to implement due to complex terrain. Data comparison between the synthetic free‐air gravity data, measured data and EGM2008 data proves that using the synthetic data is a better choice for filling the areas lacking real data. This method was also applied to the continental and island areas outside mainland China where there are no real data collected. The STD analysis method was applied to the northern part of the South China Sea to compare the accuracy of three independent gravity data, the shipboard gravity data and two kinds of satellite altimetry derived gravity data, the SS series from Scripps, US and DNSC08GRA from DTU, Denmark. SSV18.1 and DNSC08GRA data, which show very good consistence in terms of accuracy and resolution. The standard deviation of the latest two satellite gravity data in the SCS is less than 2 mGal, which is a major improvement compared with the previous SS16.1. With the rectification of shipboard gravity data, the wide coverage of satellite gravity data could be used for small‐scale free‐air gravity mapping. In the coastal zone, the EGM2008 global potential model was used as a reference field providing a seamless gravity transition from land to ocean. Wavelet transform and multiscale analyses were applied to decompose the free‐air gravity field in China and its adjacent areas to help gravity field interpretation. Eight anomaly areas were demarcated by three horizontal and four vertical first‐order gravity gradient belts. Anomaly subareas and the second‐order gravity gradient belts were delineated in the gravity field to provide evidence for establishing the tectonic framework in the block tectonic scheme.
Variable selection for inhomogeneous spatial point process models
Authors: Yue Yu (Ryan) , Loh Ji Meng
Published: February 2015

In this work, we consider variable selection when modelling the intensity and clustering of inhomogeneous spatial point processes, integrating well‐known procedures in the respective fields of variable selection and spatial point process modelling to introduce a simple procedure for variable selection in spatial point process modelling. Specifically, we consider modelling spatial point data with Poisson, pairwise interaction and Neyman–Scott cluster models, and incorporate LASSO, adaptive LASSO, and elastic net regularization methods into the generalized linear model framework for fitting these point models. We perform simulation studies to explore the effectiveness of using each of the three‐regularization methods in our procedure. We then use the procedure in two applications, modelling the intensity and clustering of rainforest trees with soil and geographical covariates using a Neyman–Scott model, and of fast food restaurant locations in New York City with Census variables and school locations using a pairwise interaction model.The Canadian Journal of Statistics43: 288–305; 2015 © 2015 Statistical Society of Canada
Premature Ventricular Contraction–Induced Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Saurav Alok , Smer Aiman , Abuzaid Ahmed , Bansal Ojas , Abuissa Hussam
Published: February 2015

Premature ventricular contractions are of common occurrence in routine clinical practice. Though generally perceived as of benign consequence in healthy people in the absence of heart disease, their presence can be a harbinger of fatal ventricular tachyarrhythmia in individuals with structural heart disease. With some of the latest insights into the treatment of ventricular tachyarrhythmia, especially with the advent of catheter ablation, there has been renewed interest in premature ventricular contractions, not only as a predictor of arrhythmia, but also for their potential etiological association with cardiomyopathy.
The time is now: Assessing and addressing the needs of cancer caregivers
Authors: Deshields Teresa L. , Applebaum Allison J.
Published: February 2015

Informal caregivers are essential to the current system of delivery for cancer care, yet research indicates that these caregivers are distressed and endorse many unmet needs. Further research is needed to identify how to best address the supportive care needs of this population.
Sentinel lymph node biopsy is indicated for patients with thick clinically lymph node‐negative melanoma
Authors: Yamamoto Maki , Fisher Kate J. , Wong Joyce Y. , Koscso Jonathan M. , Konstantinovic Monique A. , Govsyeyev Nicholas , Messina Jane L. , Sarnaik Amod A. , Cruse C. Wayne , Gonzalez Ricardo J. , Sondak Vernon K. , Zager Jonathan S.
Published: February 2015

BACKGROUND

Sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) is indicated for the staging of clinically lymph node‐negative melanoma of intermediate thickness, but its use is controversial in patients with thick melanoma.

METHODS

From 2002 to 2012, patients with melanoma measuring ≥4 mm in thickness were evaluated at a single institution. Associations between survival and clinicopathologic characteristics were explored.

RESULTS

Of 571 patients with melanomas measuring ≥4 mm in thickness and no distant metastases, the median age was 66 years and 401 patients (70.2%) were male. The median Breslow thickness was 6.2 mm; the predominant subtype was nodular (45.4%). SLNB was performed in 412 patients (72%) whereas 46 patients (8.1%) presented with clinically lymph node‐positive disease and 113 patients (20%) did not undergo SLNB. A positive SLN was found in 161 of 412 patients (39.1%). For SLNB performed at the study institution, 14 patients with a negative SLNB developed disease recurrence in the mapped lymph node basin (false‐negative rate, 12.3%). The median disease‐specific survival (DSS), overall survival (OS), and recurrence‐free survival (RFS) for the entire cohort were 62.1 months, 42.5 months, and 21.2 months, respectively. The DSS and OS for patients with a negative SLNB were 82.4 months and 53.4 months, respectively; 41.2 months and 34.7 months, respectively, for patients with positive SLNB; and 26.8 months and 22 months, respectively, for patients with clinically lymph node‐positive disease (P<.0001). The median RFS was 32.4 months for patients who were SLNB negative, 14.3 months for patients who were SLNB positive, and 6.8 months for patients with clinically lymph node‐positive disease (P<.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

With an acceptably low false‐negative rate, patients with thick melanoma and a negative SLNB appear to have significantly prolonged RFS, DSS, and OS compared with those with a positive SLNB. Therefore, SLNB should be considered as indicated for patients with thick, clinically lymph node‐negative melanoma. Cancer 2015;121:1628–1636. © 2015 American Cancer Society.
Predicting early mortality in resectable pancreatic adenocarcinoma: A cohort study
Authors: Sohal Davendra P.S. , Shrotriya Shiva , Glass Kate Tullio , Pelley Robert J. , McNamara Michael J. , Estfan Bassam , Shapiro Marc , Wey Jane , Chalikonda Sricharan , Morris‐Stiff Gareth , Walsh R. Matthew , Khorana Alok A.
Published: February 2015

BACKGROUND

Survival after surgical resection for pancreatic cancer remains poor. A subgroup of patients die early (<6 months), and understanding factors associated with early mortality may help to identify high‐risk patients. The Khorana score has been shown to be associated with early mortality for patients with solid tumors. In the current study, the authors evaluated the role of this score and other prognostic variables in this setting.

METHODS

The current study was a cohort study of patients who underwent surgical resection for pancreatic cancer from January 2006 through June 2013. Baseline (diagnosis ±30 days) parameters were used to define patients as high risk (Khorana score ≥3). Statistically significant univariable associations and a priori prognostic variables were tested in multivariable models; adjusted hazard ratios (HR) were calculated.

RESULTS

The study population comprised 334 patients. The median age was 67 years, 50% of the study population was female, and 86% of the patients were white. The pancreatic head was the primary tumor site for 73% of patients; 67% of tumors were T3 and 63% were N1. The median Khorana score was 2; 152 patients (47%) were determined to be high risk. Adjunctive treatment included chemotherapy (70%) and radiotherapy (40%). The postoperative (30‐day) mortality rate was 0.9%. The 6‐month mortality rate for the entire cohort was 9.4%, with significantly higher rates observed for high‐risk patients (13.4% vs 5.6%; P = .02). On multivariable analyses (examining a total of 326 patients), the Khorana score (HR for high risk, 2.31; P = .039) and elevated blood urea nitrogen (HR, 4.34; P<.001) were associated with early mortality.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients at high risk of early mortality after surgical resection of pancreatic adenocarcinoma can be identified using simple baseline clinical and laboratory parameters. Future studies should address preoperative interventions in these patients at high risk of early mortality. Cancer 2015;121:1779–1784. © 2015 American Cancer Society.
Cytogenesis in the adult monkey motor cortex: Perivascular NG2 cells are the major adult born cell type
Authors: Stanton Gregory B. , Kohler Shawn J. , Boklweski Jennifer , Cameron Judy L. , Greenough William T.
Published: February 2015

We used confocal microscopy and immunohistochemistry (IHC) to look for new cells in the motor cortex of adult macaque monkeys that might form the cellular bases of improved brain function from exercise. Twenty‐four female Macaca fascicularis monkeys divided into groups by age (10–12 years, 15–17 years), postexercise survival periods, and controls, received 10 weekly injections of the thymidine analog, bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) to mark new cells. Sixteen monkeys survived 15 weeks (5 weeks postexercise) and 8 monkeys survived 27 weeks (12 weeks postexercise) after initial BrdU injections. Additionally, five Macaca mulatta female monkeys (∼5.5–7 years) received single injections of BrdU and survived 2 days, 2 weeks, and 6 weeks after BrdU injections. Neural and glial antibodies were used to identify new cell phenotypes and to look for changes in proportions of these cells with respect to time and experimental conditions. No BrdU+/DCx+ cells were found but about 7.5% of new cells were calretinin‐positive (Cr+). BrdU+/GABA+ (gamma‐aminobutyric acid) cells were also found but no new Cr+ or GABA+ cells colabeled with a mature neuron marker, NeuN or chondroitin sulfate antibody, NG2. The proportion of new cells that were NG2+ was about 85% for short and long survival monkeys of which two, newly described perivascular phenotypes (Pldv and Elu) and a small percentage of pericytes (2.5%) comprised 44% and 51% of the new NG2+ cells, respectively. Proportions of NG2+ phenotypes were affected by post‐BrdU survival periods, monkey age, and possibly a postexercise sedentary period but no direct effect of exercise was found. J. Comp. Neurol. 523:849–868, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Noncovalent Functionalization of Thiopyridyl Porphyrins with Ruthenium Phthalocyanines
Authors: Lourenço Leandro M. O. , Hausmann Anita , Schubert Christina , Neves Maria G. P. M. S. , Cavaleiro José A. S. , Torres Tomás , Guldi Dirk M. , Tomé João P. C.
Published: February 2015

Preconditions for the design of efficient organic solar‐light‐converting systems are strong absorptions across the visible region, the capacity to funnel excited state energy by intermolecular energy transfer, and alternative association processes in the photoinduced electron transfer. In this context, thiopyridyl porphyrins (PorSPy) and ruthenium phthalocyanines (RuPcs) proved to be versatile building blocks for the construction of novel supramolecular Por–Pc hybrid systems (PorSPy–RuPc) by axial coordination at ruthenium. The thiopyridyl groups placed at the bay region of the porphyrins coordinate the RuPc dye. A notable redistribution of the electron density in the new heterochromophore structures evidences the electron‐donating/‐accepting communication between the two dyes in the supramolecular hybrids. These structural hybrids were investigated physicochemically by means of their ground and excited state reactivities. Photophysical investigation by time‐resolved transient absorption, mainly fluorescence and femtosecond spectroscopy, evidenced efficient intermolecular energy transfer from the photoexcited central porphyrin to the peripheral phthalocyanines in the supramolecular multichromophore ensembles. The findings may give impetus for the design of interesting materials for solar‐light‐converting systems.
Control of Spatial Organization of Electrospun Fibers in a Carbon Felt for Enhanced Bioelectrode Performance
Authors: Both Engel Adriana , Cherifi Aziz , Bechelany Mikhael , Tingry Sophie , Cornu David
Published: February 2015

Invited for this month’s cover are collaborating researchers from the DM3 group at the European Membrane Institute of Montpellier, France. The cover picture shows an artistic view of the bioelectrochemical production of sustainable electricity. Laccase enzymes immobilized on aligned electrospun carbon fibers can efficiently reduce dissolved oxygen, and be used in the cathode compartment of an electrical biogenerator. Read the full text of the article at 10.1002/cplu.201402324
Justification of noninferiority margin: Methodology considerations in an exposure–response analysis
Authors: Wang Y , Harigaya Y , Cavaillé‐Coll M , Colangelo P , Reynolds KS
Published: February 2015

The pivotal clinical trial to support the indication of liver transplantation for everolimus was based on a noninferiority trial design. The unique trial design made it impossible to estimate the noninferiority margin at the design stage. Even though the trial was conducted based on a noninferiority margin of 12% for the primary efficacy endpoint, the lack of consensus on this margin made the efficacy results difficult to interpret. A novel pharmacometric approach was applied to derive a new margin. Even though it was smaller than 12%, the new margin was large enough so that the observed efficacy results became interpretable. This novel analysis was an important contributor to the “totality of evidence” approach that led to the approval of everolimus for the new indication. This approval represents the approval of a new drug in more than 10 years for the indication of liver transplantation.
The concept of fraction of drug transported (ft) with special emphasis on BBB efflux of CNS and antiretroviral drugs
Authors: Prasad B , Unadkat JD
Published: February 2015

The fraction of drug transported (ft) into or out of a tissue is a concept useful to understand the impact of transporters on absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion (ADME) and tissue distribution of a drug. Here, ft is utilized to explain the impact of transporters on central nervous system (CNS) distribution of drugs, drug interactions (DDI), and to predict the unbound brain concentration (Cu,b) of the drug. The latter is important to ascertain if Cu,b is sufficient for efficacy.
Synthesis of nanoflakes‐based self‐assembling crossed structure of stannous oxide and photocatalysis property
Authors: Cui Yongkui , Wang Fengping , Iqbal M. Zubair , Li Yan , Toufiq Arbab Mohammad , Wang Ziya , Wang Zhiyuan , Ali Shujaat
Published: February 2015

Self‐assembling nanoflakes‐based crossed architectures of stannous oxide (SnO) were successfully synthesized via template‐free hydrothermal growth method by using SnCl2·2H2O and KOH as precursors. Crystal structures, morphology, chemical composition and optical properties were examined by X‐ray diffraction (XRD), field‐emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), energy dispersive X‐ray analysis, and Raman spectroscopy, respectively. The results indicate that the as‐synthesized product belongs to tetragonal phase SnO with crossed morphology self‐assembled by nanoflakes. Furthermore, UV‐vis spectrophotometry was used to determine optical band gap of the SnO nanostructures and the direct band gap of 2.90 eV was obtained. The photocatalysis of the product has been evaluated with methyl orange and the high degradation ratio of 87% is obtained in 240 minutes under the measuring condition which is attributed to the wide band gap and large specific surface area of the nanoflakes‐based crossed SnO architectures. A possible growth mechanism is proposed in the end.
Cuprous oxide microcrystals via hydrothermal approach: morphology evolution and photocatalytic properties
Authors: Chai Chunxia , Peng Peng , Wang Xinjun , Li Ke
Published: February 2015

Cuprous oxide (Cu2O) microcrystals with various morphologies were prepared under mild hydrothermal condition. The samples were characterized by means of XRD, SEM, and UV/DRS. The morphology of the as‐prepared Cu2O microcrystals typically had cubic symmetry and the morphology evolution from radial, six hollow branches to truncated octahedra (again cubic) were realized by adding acetic acid. The peak relative intensity of XRD pattern shows that the exposed planes of samples is consistent with their morphology. A possible growth mechanism of Cu2O microcrystals is also proposed. The behavior of adsorption and photocatalysis of Cu2O microcrystals was investigated by degrading methyl orange (MO) in aqueous solution. The results show that the as‐prepared Cu2O radial six hollow branches microcrystals with exposed {110} planes have higher degradation efficiency to methyl orange (MO) than cubic ones with exposed {100} planes and truncated octahedral with exposed {111} planes microcrystals.
Perovskite–Nitrogen‐Doped Carbon Nanotube Composite as Bifunctional Catalysts for Rechargeable Lithium–Air Batteries
Authors: Park Hey Woong , Lee Dong Un , Park Moon Gyu , Ahmed Raihan , Seo Min Ho , Nazar Linda F. , Chen Zhongwei
Published: February 2015

Developing an effective bifunctional catalyst is a significant issue, as rechargeable metal–air batteries are very attractive for future energy systems. In this study, a facile one‐pot process is introduced to prepare an advanced bifunctional catalyst (op‐LN) incorporating nitrogen‐doped carbon nanotubes (NCNTs) into perovskite La0.5Sr0.5Co0.8Fe0.2O3 nanoparticles (LSCF‐NPs). Confirmed by half‐cell testing, op‐LN exhibits synergistic effects of LSCF‐NP and NCNT with excellent bifunctionality for both the oxygen reduction reaction and the oxygen evolution reaction. Furthermore, op‐LN exhibits comparable performances in these reactions to Pt/C and Ir/C, respectively, which highlights its potential for use as a commercially viable bifunctional catalyst. Moreover, the results obtained by testing op‐LN in a practical Li–air battery demonstrate improved and complementary charge/discharge performance compared to those of LSCF‐NP and NCNT, and this confirms that simply prepared op‐LN is a promising candidate as a highly effective bifunctional catalyst for rechargeable metal–air batteries.
Co‐solvent Pretreatment Reduces Costly Enzyme Requirements for High Sugar and Ethanol Yields from Lignocellulosic Biomass
Authors: Nguyen Thanh Yen , Cai Charles M. , Kumar Rajeev , Wyman Charles E.
Published: February 2015

We introduce a new pretreatment called co‐solvent‐enhanced lignocellulosic fractionation (CELF) to reduce enzyme costs dramatically for high sugar yields from hemicellulose and cellulose, which is essential for the low‐cost conversion of biomass to fuels. CELF employs THF miscible with aqueous dilute acid to obtain up to 95 % theoretical yield of glucose, xylose, and arabinose from corn stover even if coupled with enzymatic hydrolysis at only 2 mgenzyme gglucan−1. The unusually high saccharification with such low enzyme loadings can be attributed to a very high lignin removal, which is supported by compositional analysis, fractal kinetic modeling, and SEM imaging. Subsequently, nearly pure lignin product can be precipitated by the evaporation of volatile THF for recovery and recycling. Simultaneous saccharification and fermentation of CELF‐pretreated solids with low enzyme loadings and Saccharomyces cerevisiae produced twice as much ethanol as that from dilute‐acid‐pretreated solids if both were optimized for corn stover.
Sonophotodeposition of Bimetallic Photocatalysts Pd–Au/TiO2: Application to Selective Oxidation of Methanol to Methyl Formate
Authors: Colmenares Juan C. , Lisowski Paweł , Łomot Dariusz , Chernyayeva Olga , Lisovytskiy Dmytro
Published: February 2015

The aim of this work is to develop bimetallic Pd–Au/TiO2 P90 systems, which are highly active and selective for the photocatalytic oxidation of methanol to form methyl formate. Modification of commercial TiO2 P90 with Pd–Au nanoparticles was successfully achieved for the first time by means of a sonophotodeposition (SPD) method. The prepared materials were characterized by TEM, UV/Vis spectroscopy, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and powder XRD. The Pd–Au bimetallic nanoparticles supported on titania exhibited remarkably enhanced catalytic activity in selective methanol oxidation to form methyl formate due to the synergism of Au and Pd particles, as well as the strong interaction between TiO2 and Pd–Au. SPD is a green methodology that can be used to prepare well‐defined bimetallic surfaces on semiconductor supports with great promise for catalytic applications, in which selectivity can be tuned through adjustment of the surface composition.
Lewis Acid Activation of Pyridines for Nucleophilic Aromatic Substitution and Conjugate Addition
Authors: Abou‐Shehada Sarah , Teasdale Matthew C. , Bull Steven D. , Wade Charles E. , Williams Jonathan M. J.
Published: February 2015

A clean, mild and sustainable method for the functionalization of pyridines and their analogues is reported. A zinc‐based Lewis acid is used to activate pyridine and its analogues towards nucleophilic aromatic substitution, conjugate addition, and cyclization reactions by binding to the nitrogen on the pyridine ring and activating the pyridine ring core towards further functionalization.
Sunlight Absorption Engineering for Thermophotovoltaics: Contributions from the Optical Design
Authors: Míguez Hernán
Published: February 2015

Nowadays, solar thermophotovoltaic systems constitute a platform in which sophisticated optical material designs are put into practice with the aim of achieving the long sought after dream of developing an efficient energy conversion device based on this concept. Recent advances demonstrate that higher efficiencies are at reach using photonic nanostructures amenable to mass production and scale‐up.
The Solar Textile Challenge: How It Will Not Work and Where It Might
Authors: Krebs Frederik C. , Hösel Markus
Published: February 2015

Solar textiles are highlighted as a future technology with transformative power within the fields of both textiles and solar cells provided that developments are made in critical areas. Specifically, these are fundamental solutions to materials and material combinations with mechanical stability and flexibility imposed by textile architectures, scientific solutions to achieve high carrier transport efficiency and optical transmission in a textile topology, technical solutions to controlling the physical disposition of the anode and cathode along with their specific and error‐free contacting and, finally, practical solutions to fast and efficient manufacture and integration. The areas of application and the penetration of solar textiles into our everyday life are expected to be explosive pending efficient developments within these four key areas. A shortcoming in one or more of these will, however, lead to the solar textiles being banned to academic existence.