bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Researcher–Practitioner Partnership on Remedial Math Contextualization in Career and Technical Education Programs
Authors: Wang Xueli , Wang Yan , Prevost Amy
Published: June 2017

This chapter documents a partnership between university‐based researchers and community college instructors and practitioners in their collective pursuit to improve student success in manufacturing programs at a large urban 2‐year technical college, presenting an example of a contextualized instructional approach to teaching developmental math, tightly coupled with research activities that inform instructional practices.
An Evolving Entrepreneurship Simulation as a Vehicle for Career and Technical Education
Authors: Troudt Edgar E. , Schulman Stuart A. , Winkler Christoph
Published: June 2017

This paper explores the model of a pedagogical system for business and entrepreneurship education and discusses the effects of its evolution on the balance between fidelity of implementation and ease of adoption.
The Case for Evaluating Student Outcomes and Equity Gaps to Improve Pathways and Programs of Study
Authors: Bragg Debra D.
Published: June 2017

When linked to program review and improvement, program evaluation can help practitioners to ensure that career‐technical education (CTE) and science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) programs offer equitable access and outcomes for underserved student groups.
Unwelcoming Classroom Climates: The Role of Gender Microaggressions in CTE
Authors: Lester Jaime , Struthers Brice , Yamanaka Aoi
Published: June 2017

This chapter reviews the literature, gender and CTE, classroom climate, and faculty–student interactions and presents results of a qualitative study on gender microaggressions in community college CTE classrooms.
Designing an Effective Metal‐Free Lewis Acid Catalyst for Ammonia‐Borane Dehydrogenation: A DFT Investigation on Triarylboranes
Authors: Bhunya Sourav , Paul Ankan
Published: June 2017

The catalytic dehydrogenation of ammonia‐borane (NH3BH3) is dominated largely by transition‐metal catalysts. Metal‐free catalysis for NH3BH3 dehydrogenation is a rarity. It is well known that mono‐boron‐based Lewis acids are largely ineffective to facilitate the catalytic dehydrogenation of NH3BH3. Herein, through theoretical investigations, we have identified the routes with catalytic potential for B(C6F5)3 and its congeners and also the factors that are likely to prevent effective catalysis for these systems. Our findings reveal for triarylboranes that potential catalytic dehydrogenation routes comprise of two main events: ion pair formation from NH3BH3 in the presence of a catalyst assisted by a nucleophile and subsequent H2 release from the ion pair. Donor solvents and the B−H hydride of NH3BH3 act as a nucleophile to facilitate ion‐pair formation from NH3BH3 and the Lewis acid catalyst in donor and nondonor solvents, respectively. A good nucleophilic solvent decreases the activation barrier of ion‐pair formation but it increases the activation barrier associated with the subsequent H2 release process. The reverse is true for nondonor solvents, in which case NH3BH3 acts as a nucleophile. Our studies reveal that by the careful tuning of the hydride affinity of the Lewis acid catalyst in combination with nondonor solvents, rate‐limiting barriers for dehydrogenation can be reduced to approximately 19–20 kcal mol−1, which would enable catalytic turnovers at room temperature.
In Situ Diffraction of Fischer–Tropsch Catalysts: Cobalt Reduction and Carbide Formation
Authors: Paterson James , Peacock Mark , Ferguson Ewen , Purves Russell , Ojeda Manuel
Published: June 2017

This publication highlights the effect of CO treatments on both calcined and reduced catalysts by using novel in situ techniques to track particle transformations, which are so vital to catalyst performance and activity. Cobalt carbide formation has been shown to occur readily with CO treatments on metallic cobalt particles, and in this study we have used in situ XRD and temperature‐programmed reduction (TPR) techniques to track the evolution of the carbide. We were able to show a dependence on CO partial pressures and the formation of a single hexagonal phase of cobalt as a result of the carbide step. The stability of cobalt carbide was studied and its reduction in hydrogen to cobalt metal was observed. CO was also used as the reducing gas and by using TPR and in situ XRD we were able to demonstrate the reduction of cobalt oxide (Co3O4) to cobalt carbide (Co2C) via both oxide (CoO) and metal (Co) intermediates.
Versatile Self‐Assembly and Biosensing Applications of DNA and Carbon Quantum Dots Coordinated Cerium Ions
Authors: Wang Ling , Wang Yitong , Sun Xiaofeng , Zhang Geping , Dong Shuli , Hao Jingcheng
Published: June 2017

Self‐assembly exploits noncovalent interactions to offer a facile and effective method for the construction of soft materials with multifunctionalities and diversity. In this work, fluorescence carbon quantum dots coordinated by Ce3+ ions (CQDCe) have been synthesized and exploited as building blocks to generate a series of hierarchical structures through the ionic self‐assembly of CQDCe and biomolecules, namely DNA, myoglobin (Mb), and hyaluronic acid (HA). In particular, vesicles can be constructed by the simple mixing of oppositely charged CQDCe and DNA in water. The formation of unusual vesicles can be explained by the self‐assembly of CQDCe with a rearranged structure and the rigid DNA biomolecular scaffolds. This facile noncovalent self‐assembly method has inspired the innovative use of virgin DNA as a building block to construct vesicles rather than resorting to a sophisticated synthesis. The self‐assembly of CQDCe–biopolymers was accompanied by aggregation‐induced photoluminescence (PL) quenching. The biosensing platform was designed to detect polypeptides and deoxyribonuclease I through competitive binding of CQDCe and enzymatic hydrolysis of the DNA backbone, respectively. We believe that the integrative self‐assembly of CQDCe and DNA will enrich the theoretical study of vesicle formation by DNA molecules and extend the application of fluorescence carbon quantum dots in the biological field.
Nitrato‐Functionalized Task‐Specific Ionic Liquids as Attractive Hypergolic Rocket Fuels
Authors: Wang Yi , Huang Shi , Zhang Wenquan , Liu Tianlin , Qi Xiujuan , Zhang Qinghua
Published: June 2017

Hypergolic ionic liquids (HILs) as potential replacements for hydrazine derivatives have attracted increasing interest over the last decade. Previous studies on HILs have mostly concentrated on the anionic innovations of ionic liquids to shorten the ignition delay (ID) time, but little attention has been paid to cationic modifications and their structure–property relationships. In this work, we present a new strategy of cationic functionalization by introducing the energetic nitrato group into the cationic units of HILs. Interestingly, the introduction of oxygen‐rich nitrato groups into the cationic structure significantly improved the combustion performance of HILs with larger flame diameters and duration times. The density‐specific impulse (ρIsp) of these novel HILs are all above 279.0 s g cm−3, much higher than that of UDMH (215.7 s g cm−3). In addition, the densities of these HILs are in the range of 1.22–1.39 g cm−3, which is much higher than that of UDMH (0.79 g cm−3), showing their higher loading capacity than hydrazine‐derived fuels in a propellant tank. This promising strategy of introducing nitrato groups into the cationic structures has provided a new platform for developing high‐performing HILs with improved combustion properties.
The role of thyroid FNA cytology in pediatric malignant lesions: An overview of the literature
Authors: Rossi Esther Diana , Martini Maurizio , Cenci Tonia , Capodimonti Sara , Larocca Luigi Maria
Published: June 2017

When one is dealing with pediatric thyroid lesions, fine‐needle aspiration is the first diagnostic tool for the correct characterization of these nodules. Despite the apparent infrequency of thyroid cancers in children, recent data from the National Cancer Institute prove that the incidence has been increasing, especially in adolescents. With the same data, a higher prevalence of well‐differentiated cancers can be estimated, with 90% diagnosed as papillary thyroid cancer. Nonetheless, some publications have demonstrated that some specific malignant variants are more frequent in children and have a more aggressive behavior that justifies the increased number of surgical procedures. For this reason, the American Thyroid Association recommends the performance of neck ultrasonography and fine‐needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) for the evaluation of pediatric thyroid nodules. Accordingly, as reported in adult thyroid series, several authors have documented the high sensitivity and diagnostic accuracy of FNAC in pediatric series; they have also shared the same problematic issues encountered in adult populations, mostly in the diagnosis of indeterminate lesions. To provide precise clinical and/or surgical management, the correct cytological identification of specific malignant histotypes/entities should be mandatory because lymph nodes, distant metastases, and extrathyroidal infiltration are more frequent within specific histotypes. A perusal of the literature shows that their identification has not been extensively studied and investigated in cytological samples. This review focuses on the analysis of data from the literature on the evaluation of malignancies and specific morphological features in pediatric thyroid lesions. Cancer Cytopathol 2017;125:594‐603. © 2017 American Cancer Society.
A scalable sequence encoding for collaborative editing
Authors: Nédelec Brice , Molli Pascal , Mostéfaoui Achour
Published: June 2017

Distributed real‐time editors made real‐time editing easy for millions of users. However, main stream editors rely on Cloud services to mediate sessions raising privacy and scalability issues. Decentralized editors tackle privacy issues, but scalability issues remain. We aim to build a decentralized editor that allows real‐time editing anytime, anywhere, whatever is the number of participants. In this study, we propose an approach based on a massively replicated sequence data structure that represents the shared document. We establish an original trade‐off on communication, time, and space complexity to maintain this sequence over a network of browsers. We prove a sublinear upper bound on communication complexity while preserving an affordable time and space complexity. To validate this trade‐off, we built a full working editor and measured its performance on large‐scale experiments involving up till 600 participants. As expected, the results show a traffic increasing as
where I is the number of insertions in the document, and R the number of participants.
High‐Performance Ruthenium Sensitizers Containing Imidazolium Counterions for Efficient Dye Sensitization in Water
Authors: Li Xiaoyu , Li Shiqing , Gao Ge , Wu Di , Lan Jingbo , Wang Ruilin , You Jingsong
Published: June 2017

A new type of water‐soluble ruthenium sensitizers incorporating imidazolium counterions, denoted [DMPI]2−Ru and [DMHI]2−Ru, has been developed, which can be efficiently adsorbed onto TiO2 photoanodes in aqueous solution. Owing to the good thermal stability of imidazolium, [DMPI]2−Ru adsorbed on TiO2 has a higher decomposition temperature than N719 dye [di(tetrabutylammonium) cis‐di(thiocyanato)bis(2,2′‐bipyridine‐4,4′‐dicarboxylato)ruthenium(II)]. When using organic solvent‐based I−/I3− electrolytes, solars cell based on [DMPI]2−Ru‐sensitized TiO2 in water show high power conversion efficiencies (PCE) of up to 10.2 %, which is higher than that of N719 (9.9 %) under the common conditions for dye sensitization in organic solvent. [DMHI]2−Ru, with poorer water solubility than [DMPI]2−Ru, gives a smaller dye‐adsorption amount on TiO2 and thus a lower PCE of 9.4 %. From the viewpoint of safety and environmental impact, the fabrication of dye‐sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) by using water as solvent is undoubtedly a preferable strategy. Although the [DMPI]2−Ru‐based device fabricated by using water as the solvent for both the dye‐sensitization process and the electrolyte gives a relatively low efficiency, it provides a promising approach for the practical application of DSSCs.
Introduction to quantum electromagnetic circuits
Authors: Vool Uri , Devoret Michel
Published: June 2017

The article is a short opinionated review of the quantum treatment of electromagnetic circuits, with no pretension to exhaustiveness. This review, which is an updated and modernized version of a previous set of Les Houches School lecture notes, has three main parts. The first part describes how to construct a Hamiltonian for a general circuit, which can include dissipative elements. The second part describes the quantization of the circuit, with an emphasis on the quantum treatment of dissipation. The final part focuses on the Josephson nonlinear element and the main linear building blocks from which superconducting circuits are assembled. It also includes a brief review of the main types of superconducting artificial atoms, elementary multi‐level quantum systems made from basic circuit elements. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Interactive effects of predator and prey harvest on ecological resilience of rocky reefs
Authors: Dunn Robert P. , Baskett Marissa L. , Hovel Kevin A.
Published: June 2017

A major goal of ecosystem‐based fisheries management is to prevent fishery‐induced shifts in community states. This requires an understanding of ecological resilience: the ability of an ecosystem to return to the same state following a perturbation, which can strongly depend on species interactions across trophic levels. We use a structured model of a temperate rocky reef to explore how multi‐trophic level fisheries impact ecological resilience. Increasing fishing mortality of prey (urchins) has a minor effect on equilibrium biomass of kelp, urchins, and spiny lobster predators, but increases resilience by reducing the range of predator harvest rates at which alternative stable states are possible. Size‐structured predation on urchins acts as the feedback maintaining each state. Our results demonstrate that the resilience of ecosystems strongly depends on the interactive effects of predator and prey harvest in multi‐trophic level fisheries, which are common in marine ecosystems but are unaccounted for by traditional management.
Parental guided self‐help family based treatment for adolescents with anorexia nervosa: A feasibility study
Authors: Lock James , Darcy Alison , Fitzpatrick Kathleen Kara , Vierhile Molly , Sadeh‐Sharvit Shiri
Published: June 2017

Objective

Family‐based treatment (FBT) is an evidence‐based treatment for adolescent anorexia nervosa (AN), but many families cannot access it. This study evaluated feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary treatment effects of a parental guided self‐help (GSH) version of FBT for adolescent AN.

Method

This was a case‐series design. Parents of medically stable adolescents (11–18 years) with DSM‐5 AN were recruited over 12 months. Parents received online training in parental GSH FBT and 12 20–30 min GSH sessions by phone or online over 6 months. Recruitment, dropout, changes in weight, and eating‐related psychopathology were assessed. Analyses used mixed modeling that included all data for all participants.

Results

Of the 19 families that participated, most were white (94%) and from intact families (88%). Baseline median BMI (mBMI) percent was 85.01% (SD = 4.31). Participants’ mBMI percent increased to 97.31% (SD ± 7.48) at the end of treatment (EOT) (ES = 2.06; CI= 0.13–3.99). Eating‐related psychopathology improved by EOT (ES = 0.58; CI=.04–1.21). Dropout rate was 21% during treatment and 33% during follow‐up.

Discussion

Parental GSH‐FBT is feasible and acceptable to families willing to undertake online treatment. Follow‐up data was only available for nine families (47%); thus further systematic evaluation is required before reaching conclusions about the efficacy of this approach.
The blubber adipocyte index: A nondestructive biomarker of adiposity in humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae)
Authors: Castrillon Juliana , Huston Wilhelmina , Bengtson Nash Susan
Published: June 2017

The ability to accurately evaluate the energetic health of wildlife is of critical importance, particularly under conditions of environmental change. Despite the relevance of this issue, currently there are no reliable, standardized, nonlethal measures to assess the energetic reserves of large, free‐roaming marine mammals such as baleen whales. This study investigated the potential of adipocyte area analysis and further, a standardized adipocyte index (AI), to yield reliable information regarding humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) adiposity. Adipocyte area and AI, as ascertained by image analysis, showed a direct correlation with each other but only a weak correlation with the commonly used, but error prone, blubber lipid‐percent measure. The relative power of the three respective measures was further evaluated by comparing humpback whale cohorts at different stages of migration and fasting. Adipocyte area, AI, and blubber lipid‐percent were assessed by binary logistic regression revealing that adipocyte area had the greatest probability to predict the migration cohort with a high level of redundancy attributed to the AI given their strong linear relationship (r = −.784). When only AI and lipid‐percent were assessed, the performance of both predictor variables was significant but the power of AI far exceeded lipid‐percent. The sensitivity of adipocyte metrics and the rapid, nonlethal, and inexpensive nature of the methodology and AI calculation validate the inclusion of the AI in long‐term monitoring of humpback whale population health, and further raises its potential for broader wildlife applications.
Late graft failure in heart transplant recipients: incidence, risk factors and clinical outcomes
Authors: López‐Sainz Ángela , Barge‐Caballero Eduardo , Barge‐Caballero Gonzalo , Couto‐Mallón David , Paniagua‐Martin María J. , Seoane‐Quiroga Leticia , Iglesias‐Gil Carmen , Herrera‐Noreña José M. , Cuenca‐Castillo José J. , Vázquez‐Rodríguez José M. , Crespo‐Leiro María G.
Published: June 2017

Aim

To analyse the incidence, risk factors and clinical outcomes of late graft failure after heart transplantation.

Methods and results

We conducted an observational, single‐centre study based on 547 patients who underwent cardiac transplantation from 1991 to 2014 and who survived the in‐hospital postoperative period. Late graft failure was defined as the first hospitalization due to this condition after discharge. Over a mean follow‐up of 8.4 ± 6 years, 178 (32.5%) patients were hospitalized due to late graft failure [incidence rate: 3.6 cases per 100 patient‐years, 95% confidence interval (CI) 3.1–4.2]. Pre‐transplant diabetes, higher pre‐transplant transpulmonary pressure gradient and lower donor–recipient weight ratio were independently associated with higher risk of graft failure. Cardiac allograft vasculopathy, cellular rejection grade ≥1R, and antibody‐mediated rejection grade ≥1 were detected in 50.6%, 44.9% and 19.2% patients, respectively, admitted due to graft failure. Left ventricular ejection fraction was ≥50% in 60.1% of these patients. Re‐transplant free survival 1, 5, 10 and 15 years after the diagnosis of late graft failure was 72.2%, 38.4%, 18.4%, and 7.5%, respectively; the incidence rate of re‐hospitalization due to decompensated heart failure was 40.9 episodes per 100 patient‐years (95% CI 36.6–46.1). The need for inotropes, the presence of cardiac allograft vasculopathy, higher creatinine serum levels, lower ejection fraction and lower sodium serum levels were independent predictors of worse outcomes.

Conclusions

Late graft failure is frequent after heart transplantation, as it is associated with poor outcomes. Rejection and cardiac allograft vasculopathy are the most frequent underlying causes.
Mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist pattern of use in heart failure with reduced ejection fraction: findings from BIOSTAT‐CHF
Authors: Ferreira João Pedro , Rossignol Patrick , Machu Jean‐Loup , Sharma Abhinav , Girerd Nicolas , Anker Stefan D. , Cleland John G. , Dickstein Kenneth , Filippatos Gerasimos , Hillege Hans L. , Lang Chim C. , ter Maaten Jozine M. , Metra Marco , Ng Leong , Ponikowski Piotr , Samani Nilesh J. , van Veldhuisen Dirk J. , Zwinderman Aeilko H. , Voors Adriaan , Zannad Faiez
Published: June 2017

Aims

Mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (MRAs) are recommended (unless contraindicated) to all patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). However, MRAs are still largely underused in routine clinical practice. This study aims to describe the determinants and pattern of use of MRAs in HFrEF.

Methods and results

BIOSTAT‐CHF is a European multicentre, prospective study which enrolled patients suboptimally treated with angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitors/angiotensin receptor blockers (ACEi/ARBs) and/or beta‐blockers, with the aim of optimizing guideline‐based use of these agents. From the original 2516 subjects, this retrospective post hoc analysis included the 1325 patients with an indication for MRA therapy (i.e. left ventricular ejection fraction ≤35%, estimated glomerular filtration rate ≥30 mL/min/1.73 m2, K+ ≤5.0 mmol/L). The mean age was 66.1 ± 12.2 years. At baseline an MRA was prescribed to 741 (56%) patients. Patients who were prescribed MRAs at baseline were younger, more often male, had higher body mass index, lower sodium, higher proportion of hypertension history and ACEi/ARB prescription (all P < 0.05). Of the 1049 patients who completed the baseline plus the 9 month visit, 585 (56%) had an MRA prescribed at baseline and 662 (63%) had an MRA prescribed at 9 months. Among the 585 patients with MRA at baseline, 91 (16%) had discontinued therapy and among the 461 (44%) patients without MRA at baseline 168 (36%) had initiated therapy subsequently. MRA discontinuation was more likely in subjects with higher left ventricular ejection fraction and NYHA class III/IV (P < 0.05 for both). MRA prescription both at baseline and 9 months was not associated with the outcome of death or heart failure hospitalization (adjusted hazard ratio 1.02, 95% confidence interval 0.66–1.58; P = 0.93).

Conclusions

In this prospective observational study across Europe, MRAs were largely under‐prescribed and frequently discontinued. Owing to these dynamic changes, outcome inferences are inconclusive.
Heterobimetallic Alkoxides [CdIIMV(OiPr)7]2 (M = Nb, Ta) as Potential Precursors to Pyrochlore Cd2M2O7
Authors: Garg Rishabh , Hegemann Corinna , Mathur Sanjay
Published: June 2017

Attempts to synthesize Cd–M (M = Nb, Ta) heterobimetallic complexes by salt metathesis reaction resulted in the unexpected structural motif [I2CdII2MV(OiPr)7]2 [M = Nb (2), Ta (3)]. Multinuclear NMR analysis revealed the coexistence of multiple products in solution. Donor solvents influenced the formation of different intermediate species in solution, as was proven by 113Cd NMR spectroscopic data. The isolation of trimetallic [I2Cd{Ta(OiPr)6}K(HOiPr)2]4 (4) and the adduct [I2CdTa(OiPr)5(thf)] (5) provided insight into the reaction mechanism. By exploiting the Lewis acidic nature of cadmium alkoxides, different compounds could be synthesized and thoroughly characterized by spectroscopic methods and single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction studies. Heterobimetallic compounds with the formula [CdIIMV(OiPr)7]2 [M = Nb (6), Ta (7)] produced pyrochlore phases from an amorphous ceramic homogenate, which indicates their potential as single‐source precursors, as was confirmed by thermogravimetric/differential thermal analysis, which showed that complexes 6 and 7 undergo facile two‐step thermal decomposition at 600 °C to produce Cd2Nb2O7 and Cd2Ta2O7, respectively. Variable‐temperature X‐ray diffraction analysis of 6 additionally proved the formation of crystalline Cd2Nb2O7 phase.
Geometries of 11‐Vertex Carborane Monoanion Radicals with 2n+3 Skeletal Electron Counts
Authors: Patel Natasha C. D. , Oliva‐Enrich Josep M. , Fox Mark A.
Published: June 2017

While geometries of 12‐ and 13‐vertex dicarbaborane (carborane) radicals with rare 2n+3 skeletal electrons (SEs) have been determined elsewhere, the geometries of the 11‐vertex dicarbaborane monoanion radicals with 2n+3 SEs are established here for the first time by computations in agreement with observed electrochemical and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy data.
Three Properties in One Coordination Complex: Chirality, Spin Crossover, and Dielectric Switching
Authors: Ru Jing , Yu Fei , Shi Ping‐Ping , Jiao Cheng‐Qi , Li Cheng‐Hui , Xiong Ren‐Gen , Liu Tao , Kurmoo Mohamedally , Zuo Jing‐Lin
Published: June 2017

In the search for multifunctional molecular materials, we designed an enantiopure pair of FeII complexes with chiral, chelating (R)/(S)‐4,5‐pinenepyridyl‐2‐pyrazine ligands exhibiting three inherent physical properties: chirality, spin crossover, and dielectric switching. The geometrical change resulted in coupling of the spin‐crossover transition at 187 K to dielectric switching. Both compounds were found to display light‐induced spin crossover that was thermally unstable above ca. 40 K. The coupling of two hysteretic properties, electric and magnetic, renders these compounds as potential switching devices.
Monolithic columns: A historical overview
Authors: Svec Frantisek
Published: June 2017

This review article is an updated and extended version of the previous review that has been published 14 years ago . Although history does not change, its interpretation may. Therefore, I took the liberty to revisit the original work and added some of my new thoughts that could be interesting for the generation of scientists who are entering the intriguing arena of monoliths and may want to know the roots of the field. The current monolithic columns that are well applicable for efficient separations, were first described less than 30 years ago, and their advent represented the initial step to their present widespread appearance. At the beginning, the monolithic columns dominated the academic studies. However, several monolithic materials have later been materialized in commercial products. In order to stay within a reasonable size of this contribution, its focus is placed on developments achieved in the previous century. The very early reports are described in more detail since it might be difficult to find the original source.
Hollow‐Fiber‐Supported Gold and Zirconium‐Doped Faujasite Catalytic Membranes for Hydrogen Purification
Authors: Zhu Feng , Peng Li , Yao Xun , Zhang Yuting , Zhang Chun , Gu Xuehong
Published: June 2017

Hollow‐fiber‐supported Au‐Zr/faujasite (FAU, NaY) catalytic membranes were prepared and used as a flow‐through catalytic membrane reactor for CO preferential oxidation (CO‐PROX) in H2‐rich gas. The catalytic membranes were prepared by the modification of FAU zeolite membranes with Zr4+ and Au3+ by ion‐exchange, then activation. The obtained catalytic membranes were characterized by using TEM, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, temperature‐programmed reduction, and temperature‐programmed desorption and their catalytic activity toward CO‐PROX was tested. The results showed that the activation conditions affected the size and oxidation states of the resulting Au nanoparticles strongly, and therefore, affected the catalytic activity strongly. The catalytic activity of the Au nanoparticles can be improved by the doping of Zr to form surface oxygen vacancies and the synergetic effect of Au‐Zr. Meanwhile, the presence of the zeolite framework allows the stabilization of small Au nanoparticles. The Au‐Zr/FAU catalytic membrane prepared under the optimized conditions showed a high catalytic performance (CO conversion above 95 %, turnover frequency>0.4 s−1) and outstanding stability (up to 450 h) below 80 °C, which made it a promising candidate for H2 purification.
Comparison of greenhouse gas emissions relative to two frying processes for homemade potato chips
Authors: Carvalho Monica , Grilo Maria Mayara de Souza , Abrahao Raphael
Published: June 2017

This study presents a comparative life cycle assessment (LCA) for two homemade processes for obtaining potato chips: hot‐air frying versus conventional stovetop deep frying. LCA evaluates the environmental impacts associated with a product or process by analyzing the product life cycle from the extraction of raw materials from nature to the disposal of the final product. A highly specialized LCA software was employed to obtain the results according to the standardization established by ISO 14040. The results were expressed in kilograms of carbon dioxide equivalent (kg CO2‐eq) using the IPCC 2013 GWP 100y method, due to concerns on climate change and to facilitate comparisons with existing scientific literature. The results presented herein demonstrated that homemade potato chips present lower CO2‐eq emissions when hot‐air frying equipment is utilized, which indicates that this equipment is an appropriate option for Brazilian settings. The consumption of electricity was responsible for an important amount of these emissions. From an environmental point of view, the utilization of refined soybean oil for deep frying potato chips was penalized, with considerably higher emissions than hot‐air frying. © 2017 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 37: 481–487, 2018
Eucalyptus oil inhalation–induced seizure: A novel, underrecognized, preventable cause of acute symptomatic seizure
Authors: Mathew Thomas , Kamath Vikram , Kumar R. Shiva , Srinivas Meghana , Hareesh Prarthana , Jadav Rakesh , Swamy Sreekanta
Published: June 2017

Eucalyptus oil (EO) is an essential oil that is widely used across the globe as an over‐the‐counter remedy for common ailments. EO‐induced seizure (EOIS) has not been recognized as an entity, and physicians rarely ask the history of exposure to eucalyptus oil when seeing a patient with first episode of seizure. Here we report 10 cases of EO inhalation–induced seizures seen over the past 2 years in three tertiary care hospitals. Eight patients had GTCS and two had CPS. We aim to raise awareness of seizures induced by exposure to eucalyptus oil.
Exploring Methods for Developing Behaviorally Anchored Rating Scales for Evaluating Structured Interview Performance
Authors: Kell Harrison J. , Martin‐Raugh Michelle P. , Carney Lauren M. , Inglese Patricia A. , Chen Lei , Feng Gary
Published: June 2017

Behaviorally anchored rating scales (BARS) are an essential component of structured interviews. Use of BARS to evaluate interviewees' performance is associated with greater predictive validity and reliability and less bias. BARS are time‐consuming and expensive to construct, however. This report explores the feasibility of gathering participants' responses to structured interview questions through an online crowdsourcing platform and using those responses to develop BARS. We describe the development of 12 structured interview questions to assess four applied social skills, elicitation of responses to these questions in the form of critical incidents from 68 respondents, and the creation of BARS from these critical incidents. Results indicate online participants are able to produce responses of sufficient quality to generate BARS for evaluating structured interview performance. We conclude by discussing limitations to this approach and future directions for research and practice.
Captisol®: an efficient carrier and solubilizing agent for essential oils and their components
Authors: Kfoury Miriana , Pipkin J.D. , Antle Vince , Fourmentin Sophie
Published: June 2017

Essential oils (EOs) and their individual components have several biological properties and are used in cosmetics, food and pharmaceutical industries. However, their application still presents a challenge owing mainly to their volatility and their poor aqueous solubility and stability. The aim of this study was to evaluate, for the first time, the ability of Captisol® (sulfobutylether‐β‐cyclodextrin, SBE‐β‐CD) and Captisol‐G® (sulfobutylether‐γ‐cyclodextrin, SBE‐γ‐CD) to encapsulate the main volatile components of six essential oils (EOs), to enhance the aqueous solubility of these EOs and to generate controlled release systems. The performance of these CDs was compared to hydroxypropyl‐β‐cyclodextrin (HP‐β‐CD) and γ‐cyclodextrin (γ‐CD), respectively. Formation constants (Kf) of the 40 inclusion complexes were determined by Static Headspace‐Gas Chromatography (SH‐GC). Then, Total Organic Carbon (TOC) was used to explore and quantify the efficiency of Captisol® and HP‐β‐CD to enhance the solubility of the six EOs. Finally, multiple headspace extraction (MHE) was applied to perform release studies. Kf values underlined the best binding potential of Captisol® towards all guests. Phase solubility diagrams showed that both Captisol® and HP‐β‐CD greatly increased the apparent solubility of EOs. The solubilizing potential was inversely proportionate to the EOs intrinsic solubility (SEO). Results indicated that Captisol® can successfully encapsulate EOs, increase their apparent aqueous solubility and decrease their release kinetics. Thus, Captisol® could be considered as a promising carrier to enlarge the application of EOs and their components.
Do futures prices help forecast the spot price?
Authors: Jin Xin
Published: June 2017

This study proposes a futures‐based unobserved components model for commodity spot prices. Prices quoted at the same time incorporate the same information, but are affected differently, resulting in the different shapes of futures curves. This model utilizes information from part of the futures curve to improve forecasting accuracy of the spot price. Applying this model to oil market data, I find that the model forecasts outperform the literature benchmark (the no‐change forecast) and futures prices forecasts in multiple dimensions, with smaller average error variation over the sample period and higher chance of smaller absolute error in each period.
Region‐based association tests for sequencing data on survival traits
Authors: Chien Li‐Chu , Bowden Donald W. , Chiu Yen‐Feng
Published: June 2017

Family‐based designs enriched with affected subjects and disease associated variants can increase statistical power for identifying functional rare variants. However, few rare variant analysis approaches are available for time‐to‐event traits in family designs and none of them applicable to the X chromosome. We developed novel pedigree‐based burden and kernel association tests for time‐to‐event outcomes with right censoring for pedigree data, referred to FamRATS (family‐based rare variant association tests for survival traits). Cox proportional hazard models were employed to relate a time‐to‐event trait with rare variants with flexibility to encompass all ranges and collapsing of multiple variants. In addition, the robustness of violating proportional hazard assumptions was investigated for the proposed and four current existing tests, including the conventional population‐based Cox proportional model and the burden, kernel, and sum of squares statistic (SSQ) tests for family data. The proposed tests can be applied to large‐scale whole‐genome sequencing data. They are appropriate for the practical use under a wide range of misspecified Cox models, as well as for population‐based, pedigree‐based, or hybrid designs. In our extensive simulation study and data example, we showed that the proposed kernel test is the most powerful and robust choice among the proposed burden test and the existing four rare variant survival association tests. When applied to the Diabetes Heart Study, the proposed tests found exome variants of theJAK1gene on chromosome 1 showed the most significant association with age at onset of type 2 diabetes from the exome‐wide analysis.
Neurosteroid dehydroepiandrosterone enhances activity and trafficking of astrocytic GLT‐1 via σ1 receptor‐mediated PKC activation in the hippocampal dentate gyrus of rats
Authors: Chen Tingting , Tanaka Motoki , Wang Ya , Sha Sha , Furuya Kishio , Chen Ling , Sokabe Masahiro
Published: June 2017

Neurosteroid dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) has been reported to exert a potent neuroprotective effect against glutamate‐induced excitotoxicity. However, the underlying mechanism remains to be elucidated. One of the possible mechanisms may be an involvement of astrocytic glutamate transporter subtype‐1 (GLT‐1) that can quickly clear spilled glutamate at the synapse to prevent excitotoxicity. To examine the effect of DHEA on GLT‐1 activity, we measured synaptically induced glial depolarization (SIGD) in the dentate gyrus (DG) of adult rats by applying an optical recording technique to the hippocampal slices stained with voltage‐sensitive dye RH155. Bath‐application of DHEA for 10 min dose‐dependently increased SIGD without changing presynaptic glutamate releases, which was sensitive to the GLT‐1 blocker DHK. Patch‐clamp recordings in astrocytes showed that an application of 50 μM DHEA increased glutamate‐evoked inward currents (Iglu) by approximately 1.5‐fold, which was dependent on the GLT‐1 activity. In addition, the level of biotinylated GLT‐1 protein in the surface of astrocytes was significantly elevated by DHEA. The DHEA‐increased SIGD, Iglu, and GLT‐1 translocation to the cell surface were blocked by the σ1R antagonist NE100 and mimicked by the σ1R agonist PRE084. DHEA elevated the phosphorylation level of PKC in a σ1R‐dependent manner. Furthermore, the PKC inhibitor chelerythrine could prevent the DHEA‐increased SIGD, Iglu, and GLT‐1 translocation. Collectively, present results suggest that DHEA enhances the activity and translocation to cell surface of astrocytic GLT‐1 mainly via σ1R‐mediated PKC cascade.
Prognostic value of lymphovascular invasion of the primary tumor in hypopharyngeal carcinoma after total laryngopharyngectomy
Authors: Saito Yuki , Omura Go , Yasuhara Kazuo , Rikitake Ryoko , Akashi Ken , Fukuoka Osamu , Yoshida Masafumi , Ando Mizuo , Asakage Takahiro , Yamasoba Tatsuya
Published: June 2017

Background

We aimed to determinate the prognostic value of lymphovascular invasion in the specimens resected during total laryngopharyngectomy for hypopharyngeal carcinoma.

Methods

Patients who underwent total laryngopharyngectomy at our institution between 2004 and 2014 were included in this study and retrospectively analyzed. We then discriminated for vascular invasion and lymphatic invasion of the primary tumor in all cases.

Results

We reviewed 135 records (120 men and 15 women; age range, 36–84 years). Tumors with lymphatic invasion tended to be associated with more metastatic lymph nodes and extracapsular spread (ECS) of metastatic lymph nodes. Tumors with vascular invasion tended to be associated with nonpyriform sinus locations. In a multivariate analysis, nonpyriform sinus locations, >3 metastatic lymph nodes, and vascular invasion remained significant prognostic factors for overall survival (OS); in recursive partitioning analysis, ECS and vascular invasion remained important categorical variables for OS.

Conclusion

Vascular invasion is a strong prognostic biomarker for advanced hypopharyngeal carcinoma. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 39: 1535–1543, 2017
Morphologic and topographic radiologic features of human papillomavirus‐related and –unrelated oropharyngeal carcinoma
Authors: Chan Michael W. , Yu Eugene , Bartlett Eric , O'Sullivan Brian , Su Jie , Waldron John , Ringash Jolie , Bratman Scott V. , Chen Yingming Amy , Irish Jonathan , Kim John , Gullane Patrick , Gilbert Ralph , Chepeha Douglas , Perez‐Ordonez Bayardo , Weinreb Ilan , Hansen Aaron , Tong Li , Xu Wei , Huang Shao Hui
Published: June 2017

Background

The purpose of this study was to compare the clinicoradiologic characteristics of human papillomavirus (HPV)‐related (HPV‐positive) and HPV‐unrelated (HPV‐negative) oropharyngeal carcinoma (OPC).

Methods

Primary tumor and lymph node features of HPV‐positive and HPV‐negative OPCs from 2008 to 2013 were compared on pretreatment CT/MRI. Intrarater/interrater concordance was assessed. Multivariable analyses identified factors associated with HPV‐positivity to be used in nomogram construction.

Results

Compared to HPV‐negative (n = 194), HPV‐positive (n = 488) tumors were more exophytic (73% vs 63%; p = .02) with well‐defined border (58% vs 47%; p = .033) and smaller axial dimensions; lymph node involvement predominated (89% vs 69%; p < .001) with cystic appearance (45% vs 32%; p = .009) but similar topography. Intrarater/interrater concordance varied (fair to excellent). Nomograms combining clinical (age, sex, smoking pack‐years, subsite, T/N classification) and/or radiologic (nonnecrotic tumor and cystic lymph node) features were used to weigh the likelihood of HPV‐driven tumors (area under the curve [AUC] = 0.84).

Conclusion

HPV‐positive OPC has different radiologic tumor (exophytic/well‐defined border/smaller axial dimension) and lymph node (cystic) features but similar lymph node topography.
Multiple single nucleotide polymorphism analysis and association of specific genotypes in FHIT, SAMD4A, and ANKRD17 in Indian patients with oral cancer
Authors: D'Souza Wendy , Pradhan Sultan , Saranath Dhananjaya
Published: June 2017

Background

Oral cancer has a high incidence primarily because of tobacco chewing habits. However, a small proportion of habitués develop oral cancer, implying a role for genomic variants in its susceptibility.

Methods

Thirteen single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in an Indian cohort comprising patients with oral cancer (n = 500) and healthy controls (n = 500) were genotyped using allelic discrimination real‐time polymerase chain reaction (PCR).

Results

Prevalence of SNPs rs11130760, rs1957358, rs2306058, rs4883543, rs12637722, rs1457115, rs2353292, rs709821, rs2194861, rs4789378, rs3827538, rs2667552, and rs2886093 was determined in the Indian cohort. A significant association of rs11130760 GG (odds ratio [OR] 1.41; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.08‐1.84) and rs1957358 TT (OR 1.44; 95% CI 1.10‐1.90) indicated increased risk; whereas rs1957358 TC (OR 0.67; 95% CI 0.53‐0.87) and rs2306058 CT (OR 0.72; 95% CI 0.56‐0.93) reflected decreased risk. The SNP rs11130760 wild‐type (WT) allele G indicated an increased risk for oral cancer (OR 1.38; 95% CI 1.09‐1.73), whereas SNP allele T indicated a decreased risk (OR 0.73; 95% CI 0.58‐0.92) for oral cancer.

Conclusion

Our study identified SNPs with susceptibility to oral cancer in high‐risk populations.
Case report of a primary effusion lymphoma successfully treated with oral valganciclovir after failing chemotherapy
Authors: Marquet Juan , Velazquez‐Kennedy Kyra , López Sandra , Benito Amparo , Blanchard María‐Jesús , Garcia‐Vela Jose Antonio
Published: June 2017

Primary effusion lymphoma is a rare non‐Hodgkin lymphoma that presents with pleural effusions and lacking of tumour mass. It is universally associated with human herpesvirus 8 (HHV8) and is more frequent among immunosuppressed patients. There is no standard treatment, chemotherapy and anti‐HIV therapy have been used with poor results, but there is still no strong evidence supporting the use of valganciclovir. We present the case of a HIV positive man that presented with pleural effusion compatible with primary effusion lymphoma and positivity for HHV8 DNA in blood. Bortezomib‐containing treatment protocol was started, but the disease progressed within the chemotherapy. Therefore, treatment with oral valganciclovir was decided and the patient achieved a sustained radiological complete response. HHV8 DNA turned negative 6 months after starting the treatment with valganciclovir.
Three‐dimensional patterning in biomedicine: Importance and applications in neuropharmacology
Authors: Vikram Singh Ajay , Gharat Tanmay , Batuwangala Madu , Park Byung‐Wook , Endlein Thomas , Sitti Metin
Published: June 2017

Nature manufactures biological systems in three dimensions with precisely controlled spatiotemporal profiles on hierarchical length and time scales. In this article, we review 3D patterning of biological systems on synthetic platforms for neuropharmacological applications. We briefly describe 3D versus 2D chemical and topographical patterning methods and their limitations. Subsequently, an overview of introducing a third dimension in neuropharmacological research with delineation of chemical and topographical roles is presented. Finally, toward the end of this article, an explanation of how 3D patterning has played a pivotal role in relevant fields of neuropharmacology to understand neurophysiology during development, normal health, and disease conditions is described. The future prospects of organs‐on‐a‐‐like devices to mimic patterned blood–brain barrier in the context of neurotherapeutic discovery and development for the prioritization of lead candidates, membrane potential, and toxicity testing are also described. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 106B: 1369–1382, 2018.
In vitroevaluation of a basic fibroblast growth factor‐containing hydrogel toward vocal fold lamina propria scar treatment
Authors: Erndt‐Marino Josh D. , Jimenez‐Vergara Andrea C. , Diaz‐Rodriguez Patricia , Kulwatno Jonathan , Diaz‐Quiroz Juan Felipe , Thibeault Susan , Hahn Mariah S.
Published: June 2017

Scarring of the vocal fold lamina propria can lead to debilitating voice disorders that can significantly impair quality of life. The reduced pliability of the scar tissue—which diminishes proper vocal fold vibratory efficiency—results in part from abnormal extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition by vocal fold fibroblasts (VFF) that have taken on a fibrotic phenotype. To address this issue, bioactive materials containing cytokines and/or growth factors may provide a platform to transition fibrotic VFF within the scarred tissue toward an anti‐fibrotic phenotype, thereby improving the quality of ECM within the scar tissue. However, for such an approach to be most effective, the acute host response resulting from biomaterial insertion/injection likely also needs to be considered. The goal of the present work was to evaluate the anti‐fibrotic and anti‐inflammatory capacity of an injectable hydrogel containing tethered basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) in the dual context of scar and biomaterial‐induced acute inflammation. Anin vitroco‐culture system was utilized containing both activated, fibrotic VFF and activated, pro‐inflammatory macrophages (MΦ) within a 3D poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate (PEGDA) hydrogel containing tethered bFGF. Following 72 h of culture, alterations in VFF and macrophage phenotype were evaluated relative to mono‐culture and co‐culture controls. In our co‐culture system, bFGF reduced the production of fibrotic markers collagen type I, α smooth muscle actin, and biglycan by activated VFF and promoted wound‐healing/anti‐inflammatory marker expression in activated MΦ. Cumulatively, these data indicate that bFGF‐containing hydrogels warrant further investigation for the treatment of vocal fold lamina propria scar. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 106B: 1258–1267, 2018.