bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Preparation and Photoelectronic and Electrochemical Properties of Oligo[(1,1‐diisopropyl‐3,4‐diphenyl‐2,5‐silolene)‐co‐(alkylphenylsilylene)]s
Authors: Jung Young Min , Baek Seong‐Ho , Park Young Tae
Published: January 2017

We oligomerized 2,5‐dibromo‐1,1‐diisopropyl‐3,4‐diphenyl‐2,5‐silole with dichloroalkylphenylsilanes utilizing n‐BuLi to yield conjugated oligo[(1,1‐diisopropyl‐3,4‐diphenyl‐2,5‐silolene)‐co‐(alkylphenylsilylene)]s. Gel permeation chromatography measurements confirm that the synthesized materials are oligomeric. In addition, the prepared oligomers show characteristic diene stretching bands at 1579–1599 cm−1 in their FT‐IR spectra. Furthermore, the oligomers are highly soluble in common organic solvents such as tetrahydrofuran and chloroform. In tetrahydrofuran, the oligomers show strong maximum electronic absorption bands at 253–292 nm with molar absorptivities of 1.61 × 102 to 2.57 × 104 /cm M in their UV–vis electronic absorption spectra, indicating that the maxima are red‐shifted by 5–8 nm compared to the 2,5‐dibromo‐1,1‐diisopropyl‐3,4‐diphenyl‐2,5‐silole monomer, strong maximum electronic excitation bands at 292–312 nm, and strong maxima electronic emission bands at 385–396 nm in the emission fluorescence spectra. The emission and absorption spectra strongly suggest that the prepared silole‐containing oligomers may be conjugated through the oligomer backbone. In particular, cyclic voltammetry measurements of oligo[(1,1‐diisopropyl‐3,4‐diphenyl‐2,5‐silolene)‐co‐(diphenylsilylene)] deposited on a glassy carbon electrode in 1.0 M aqueous hydrogen chloride show two oxidation potentials at 0.98 and 1.61 V vs. Ag/Ag+, and two reduction potentials at 0.00 and −1.93 V vs. Ag/Ag+. The oligomers were stable on heating to 200 °C under nitrogen, as determined by thermogravimetric analysis, losing between 4% and 23% of their starting weights.
Women's responses to stereotypical media portrayals: An fMRI study of sexualized and domestic images of women
Authors: Vezich I. Stephanie , Gunter Benjamin C. , Lieberman Matthew D.
Published: January 2017

Women tend to be portrayed in a sexualized or domestic manner in mainstream advertising; importantly this trend holds not only for ads targeting men but also for those targeting women themselves. Such a focus on sexualized portrayals in particular may not seem strategic given a wealth of evidence suggesting that women evaluate these portrayals quite negatively. Consumer attitudes toward domestic portrayals are more mixed but, unsurprisingly, vary according to how much a woman identifies as traditional. If female consumers do not evaluate these common portrayals positively, why might they persist? Past work suggests a disconnect between reported attitudes toward general visual sexual stimuli and physiological and neural responses; therefore, it is plausible that neural responses to stereotypical female portrayals in advertising may be at odds with reported attitudes and may have a bigger impact on consumer behavior. The current study exposed women to sexualized, domestic, and control images in a functional magnetic resonance imaging scanner as an initial test of this idea. We found that participants reported liking both domestic and control images more than sexualized images. In contrast, they showed more activity in regions associated with reward and arousal (ventral striatum and amygdala, respectively) while viewing sexualized images relative to both control and domestic images. Surprisingly, ventral striatum response to sexualized ads was stronger for women who endorsed traditional attitudes than those who reported less traditional attitudes. These results suggest that despite reporting negative attitudes toward sexualized portrayals, women may in fact have a favorable response to these images. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A Peptide‐Based Electrochemical Biosensor for Facile Measurement of Whole‐Blood Heparin
Authors: Meng Fanyu , Liang Weiguo , Sun Haixuan , Wu Ligang , Gong Xiao , Miao Peng
Published: January 2017

The first peptide‐based electrochemical biosensor for the measurement of the anti‐coagulant heparin using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy is reported. The peptide immobilized on the electrode interface specially captures heparin with high affinity. The composites formed on the electrode can thus effectively repel electrochemical species, leading to an increase in interfacial charge transfer resistance. After analyzing the electrochemical signals, a linear detection range from 0.05 to 10.0 μg/mL is obtained. The detection limit is calculated to be 0.01 μg/mL, which is extremely low with such a simple sensing mechanism. Moreover, the proposed method has potential application for sensitive and separation‐free detection of heparin in whole‐blood samples.
Dual‐Confined Sulfur in Hybrid Nanostructured Materials for Enhancement of Lithium‐Sulfur Battery Cathode Capacity Retention
Authors: Zegeye Tilahun Awoke , Kuo Chung‐Feng Jeffrey , Chen Hung‐Ming , Tripathi Alok Mani , Lin Ming‐Hsien , Cheng Ju‐Hsiang , Duma Alemayehu Dubale , Su Wei‐Nien , Hwang Bing‐Joe
Published: January 2017

Herein, we report a dual‐confined sulfur cathode with a nanostructure where sulfur (72.5 wt %) is first encapsulated in microporous carbon (MC) cores and embedded by graphene (G) shells. Larger and soluble polysulfide intermediates (Li2Sx, 4≤x≤8) are trapped by the graphene shells and thus to refrain from dissolution into the organic electrolyte, so that a stable cycling performance can be achieved. Moreover, the graphene shell and hollow space in‐between also help to ensure the integrity of the hybrid cathode against the volume expansion upon cycling. On the other hand, MC confines smaller sulfur molecules (S2‐4) within its small pores and suppresses the formation of soluble polysulfides. The resulting electrode delivers a high initial discharge capacity of 982 mAh g−1 with enhanced capacity retention of 85.4 % after 100th cycles at 0.2 C rates. More importantly, it exhibits a high discharge capacity of 886 mAh g−1, which is maintained at 601 mAh g−1 after 500 cycles at 0.5 C with a coulombic efficiency of nearly 100 %, which is the best performance among reported cycle stabilities.
Quinoline‐Derived Two‐Photon Sensitive Quadrupolar Probes
Authors: Tran Christine , Berqouch Nawel , Dhimane Hamid , Clermont Guillaume , Blanchard‐Desce Mireille , Ogden David , Dalko Peter I.
Published: January 2017

Quadrupolar probes derived from 8‐dimethylamino‐quinoline (8‐DMAQ) having a pegylated fluorene core were prepared and studied under “one‐photon” (λ=365 nm) and “two‐photon” (TP) (λ=730 nm) irradiation conditions. Compound 1 a was identified as the most efficient probe by UV activation that showed sequential release of acetic acid as a model. Although the probe showed high two‐photon absorption it stayed inert under femtosecond irradiation conditions. Fast and selective photolysis was observed, however, by using picosecond irradiation conditions with a remarkably high TP uncaging cross‐section (δu=2.3 GM).
Tuning the Electronic Bandgap: An Efficient Way To Improve the Electrocatalytic Activity of Carbon‐Supported Co3O4 Nanocrystals for Oxygen Reduction Reactions
Authors: Liu Hongcan , Long Wujie , Song Weiwei , Liu Jingjun , Wang Feng
Published: January 2017

The achievement of crystal‐lattice tuning along low Miller index planes to decrease the bandgap of spinel transition‐metal oxides may be an effective way to enhance their electrocatalytic activity for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). Herein, we have prepared spherical Co3O4 nanoparticles with a preferred orientation along the (111) plane by direct nucleation and growth of the oxide on graphitized carbon black (GCB). The formation of the preferred (111) oxide is attributed to a unique chemical interaction at the interface between Co3O4 and carbon, which results in covalent C‐O‐Co bonds in the hybrid. Electrocatalysis experiments in an alkaline environment revealed that the electrocatalytic activity for ORR on the preferred (111) oxide increased as a function of the degree of crystal‐lattice orientation, which implies a closely intrinsic correlation between the predominant (111) plane and the catalytic activity. Because Co2+ cations are enriched in this plane, they possess a narrow bandgap and unfilled conduction bands at low energy with respect to Co3+ ions in the preferred (111) Co3O4, which can contribute to the absorption and activation of active oxygen and lead to improved ORR activity
Fluorescence in situ hybridization in surgical pathology: principles and applications
Authors: Cheng Liang , Zhang Shaobo , Wang Lisha , MacLennan Gregory T , Davidson Darrell D
Published: January 2017

Identification of recurrent tumour‐specific chromosomal translocations and novel fusion oncogenes has important diagnostic, therapeutic and prognostic implications. Over the past decade, fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) analysis of tumour samples has been one of the most rapidly growing areas in genomic medicine and surgical pathology practice. Unlike traditional cytogenetics, FISH affords a rapid analysis of formalin‐fixed, paraffin‐embedded cells within a routine pathology practice workflow. As more diagnostic and treatment decisions are based on results of FISH, demand for the technology will become more widespread. Common FISH‐detected alterations are chromosome deletions, gains, translocations, amplifications and polysomy. These chromosome alterations may have diagnostic and therapeutic implications for many tumour types. Integrating genomic testing into cancer treatment decisions poses many technical challenges, but rapid progress is being made to overcome these challenges in precision medicine. FISH assessment of chromosomal changes relevant to differential diagnosis and cancer treatment decisions has become an important tool for the surgical pathologist. The aim of this review is to provide a theoretical and practical survey of FISH detected translocations with a focus on strategies for clinical application in surgical pathology practice.
Lysine‐Based α‐Peptide/β‐Peptoid Peptidomimetics: Influence of Hydrophobicity, Fluorination, and Distribution of Cationic Charge on Antimicrobial Activity and Cytotoxicity
Authors: Molchanova Natalia , Hansen Paul R. , Damborg Peter , Nielsen Hanne M. , Franzyk Henrik
Published: January 2017

Multidrug‐resistant bacteria pose a serious threat to public health worldwide. Previously, α‐peptide/β‐peptoid hybrid oligomers were found to display activity against Gram‐negative multidrug‐resistant bacteria. In the present work, the influence of hydrophobicity, fluorination, and distribution of cationic/hydrophobic residues on antimicrobial, hemolytic, and cytotoxic properties of α‐peptide/β‐peptoid hybrids were investigated. An array of 22 peptidomimetics was tested. Analogues with enhanced hydrophobicity were found to exhibit increased activity against Gram‐positive bacteria. Incorporation of fluorinated residues into the peptidomimetics conferred increased potency against Gram‐positive bacteria, while hemolytic properties and activity against Gram‐negative bacteria depended on the degree and type of fluorination. Generally, shorter oligomers were less potent than the corresponding longer analogues. However, some short analogues exhibited equal or higher antimicrobial activity. The alternating hydrophobic/cationic design proved superior to other distribution patterns of cationic side chains and hydrophobic moieties.
Computational modeling of tracheal angioedema due to swelling of the submucous tissue layer
Authors: Gou Kun , Pence Thomas J.
Published: January 2017

Angioedema is a tissue‐swelling pathology due to rapid change in soft tissue fluid content. Its occurrence in the trachea is predominantly localized to the soft mucous tissue that forms the innermost tracheal layer. The biomechanical consequences, such as airway constriction, are dependent upon the ensuing mechanical interactions between all of the various tissues that comprise the tracheal tube. We model the stress interactions by treating the trachea organ as a three‐tissue system consisting of swellable mucous in conjunction with nonswelling cartilage and nonswelling trachealis musculature. Hyperelastic constitutive modeling is used by generalizing the standard anisotropic, incompressible soft tissue framework to incorporate the swelling effect. Finite element stress analysis then proceeds with swelling of the mucous layer providing the driving factor for the mechanical analysis. The amount of airway constriction is governed by the mechanical interaction between the three predominant tissue types. The detailed stress analysis indicates the presence of stress concentrations near the various tissue junctions. Because of the tissue's nonlinear mechanical behavior, this can lead to material stiffness fluctuations as a function of location on the trachea. Patient specific modeling is presented. The role of the modeling in the interpretation of diagnostic procedures and the assessment of therapies is discussed.
Combining habitat loss and agricultural intensification improves our understanding of drivers of change in avian abundance in a North American cropland anthrome
Authors: Quinn John E. , Awada Tala , Trindade Federico , Fulginiti Lilyan , Perrin Richard
Published: January 2017

Identification of means to accommodate demand for food, fiber, and fuel while protecting biodiversity is essential. Given the scales of change associated with agriculture, effective analysis of the impact of biomass production on species abundance requires science and practice to address multiple measures of agricultural change. We analyzed the response of avian species abundance to multiple measures of agricultural change over a 40‐year period along the 41st parallel in the central United States, an area that is perhaps the most agriculturally expansive, intensive, and productive in the world. We prepared indexes of change for area farmed, chemicals used, and biomass produced. Competing singular and additive model combinations were evaluated using Akaike's information criterion model selection and used to estimate abundance of fifty‐five species of birds. The negative response of among grassland birds to both agricultural expansion and intensification suggests successful conservation in highly productive agroecoregions must consider elements of both land‐sparing and land‐sharing approaches. The response of nongrassland obligates to intensification and expansion was mixed, and conservation efforts may need to combine local and regional data to design successful management strategies. Inclusion of multiple processes of agricultural change provides greater insight for researchers, practitioners, and policymakers. These data provide evidence that a more comprehensive analysis of the relationship between North American biodiversity and agricultural production is necessary to improve conservation decision‐making and regional conservation prioritization.
Time‐restricted flight ability influences dispersal and colonization rates in a group of freshwater beetles
Authors: Iversen Lars Lønsmann , Rannap Riinu , Briggs Lars , Sand‐Jensen Kaj
Published: January 2017

Variation in the ability to fly or not is a key mechanism for differences in local species occurrences. It is increasingly acknowledged that physiological or behavioral mechanisms rather than morphological differences may drive flight abilities. However, our knowledge on the seasonal variability and stressors creating nonmorphological differences in flight abilities and how it scales to local and regional occurrences is very limited particularly for small, short‐lived species such as insects. Here, we examine how flight ability might vary across seasons and between two closely related genera of freshwater beetles with similar geographical ranges, life histories, and dispersal‐related morphology. By combining flight experiments of >1,100 specimens with colonization rates in a metacommunity of 54 ponds in northern and eastern Europe, we have analyzed the relationship between flight ability and spatio‐environmental distribution of the study genera. We find profound differences in flight ability between the two study genera across seasons. High flight ability for Acilius (97% of the tested individuals flew during the experiments) and low for Graphoderus (14%) corresponded to the different colonization rates of newly created ponds. Within a 5‐year period, 81 and 31% of the study ponds were colonized by Acilius and Graphoderus, respectively. While Acilius dispersed throughout the season, flight activity in Graphoderus was restricted to stressed situations immediately after the emergence of adults. Regional colonization ability of Acilius was independent of spatial connectivity and mass effect from propagule sources. In contrast, Graphoderus species were closely related to high connectivity between ponds in the landscape. Our data suggest that different dispersal potential can account for different local occurrences of Acilius and Graphoderus. In general, our findings provide some of the first insights into the understanding of seasonal restrictions in flight patterns of aquatic beetles and their consequences for species distributions.
Development of an Osmium Redox Polymer Mediated Bioanode and Examination of its Performance in Gluconobacter oxydans Based Microbial Fuel Cell
Authors: Aslan Sema , Conghaile Peter Ó , Leech Dónal , Gorton Lo , Timur Suna , Anik Ulku
Published: January 2017

Gluconobacter oxydans (G. oxydans) cells together with an osmium redox polymer (ORP) [Osmium (2,2’‐bipyridine)2(poly‐vinylimidazole)10Cl]Cl were combined with a glassy carbon paste electrode (GCPE) to form a bioanode for a microbial fuel cell (MFC) based on G. oxydans. Although there are G.oxydans/ ORP combined bioanode in the literature, as far as it is known, this system is the first one where G.oxydans/ORP bioanode is combined with a cathode and a MFC is formed. After the optimization of experimental parameters, analytical characteristics of ORP/G. oxydans/GCPE bioanode were investigated. ORP/G. oxydans/GCPE showed two linear ranges for ethanol substrate as 1.0–30 mM (R2=0.902) and 30–500 mM (R2=0.997) and analytical range as 1.0–1000 mM. Limit of detection (3.0 s/m) and limit of quantification (10 s/m) values were calculated as 1.29 mM and 4.30 mM respectively where the RSD value was 1.16 % for n=5. Combining the developed bioanode in the presence of 5.0 mM K3Fe(CN)6 mediator with a Pt wire cathode a double compartment MFC was obtained via a salt bridge. G. oxydans/GCPE bioanode based MFC had maximum power density of 0.133 μW cm−2 (at 33.5 mV), maximum current density as 8.73 μA cm−2 and OCP value of 156 mV. On the other hand, ORP/G. oxydans/GCPE based MFC showed maximum power density as 0.26 μW cm−2 (at 46.8 mV), maximum current density as 15.079 μA cm‐2 and OCP value of 176 mV.
Characterising deep vadose zone water movement and solute transport under typical irrigated cropland in the North China Plain
Authors: Min Leilei , Shen Yanjun , Pei Hongwei , Jing Bingdan
Published: January 2017

Understanding the dynamics and mechanisms of soil water movement and solute transport is essential for accurately estimating recharge rates and evaluating the impacts of agricultural activities on groundwater resources. In a thick vadose zone (0–15 m) under irrigated cropland in the piedmont region of the North China Plain, soil water content, matric potential, and solute concentrations were measured. Based on these data, the dynamics of soil water and solutes were analysed to investigate the mechanisms of soil water and solute transport. The study showed that the 0–15‐m vadose zone can be divided into three layers: an infiltration and evaporation layer (0–2 m), an unsteady infiltration layer (2–6 m), and a quasi‐steady infiltration layer (6–15 m). The chloride, nitrate, and sulphate concentrations all showed greater variations in the upper soil layer (0–1 m) compared to values in the deep vadose zone (below 2 m). The average concentrations of these three anions in the deep vadose zone varied insignificantly with depth and approached values of 125, 242, and 116 mg/L. The accumulated chloride, sulphate, and nitrate were 2,179 ± 113, 1,760 ± 383, and 4,074 ± 421 kg/ha, respectively. The soil water potential and solute concentrations indicated that uniform flow and preferential flow both occurred in the deep vadose zone, and uniform flow was the dominant mechanism of soil water movement in this study. The piston‐like flow velocity of solute transport was 1.14 m per year, and the average value of calculated leached nitrate nitrogen was 107 kg/ha∙year below the root zone. The results can be used to better understand recharge processes and improve groundwater resources management.
Protein‐ion Interactions: Simulations of Bovine Serum Albumin in Physiological Solutions of NaCl, KCl and LiCl
Authors: Becconi Olga , Ahlstrand Emma , Salis Andrea , Friedman Ran
Published: January 2017

Specific interactions that depend on the nature of electrolytes are observed when proteins and other molecules are studied by potentiometric, spectroscopic and theoretical methods at high salt concentrations. More recently, it became clear that such interactions may also be observed in solutions that can be described by the Debye‐Hückel theory, i.e., at physiological (0.1 mol dm−3) and lower concentrations. We carried out molecular dynamics simulations of bovine serum albumin in physiological solutions at T=300 and 350 K. Analysis of the simulations revealed some differences between LiCl solutions and those of NaCl and KCl. The binding of Li+ ions to the protein was associated with a negative free energy of interaction whereas much fewer Na+ and K+ ions were associated with the protein surface. Interestingly, unlike other proteins BSA does not show a preference to Na+ over K+. Quantum chemical calculations identified a significant contribution from polarisation to the hydration of Li+ and (to a lesser degree) Na+, which may indicate that polarisable force‐fields will provide more accurate results for such systems.
Lymphatic Endothelial Cells Produce M-CSF, Causing Massive Bone Loss in Mice
Authors: Wang Wensheng , Wang Hua , Zhou Xichao , Li Xing , Sun Wen , Dellinger Michael , Boyce Brendan F , Xing Lianping
Published: January 2017

Gorham-Stout disease (GSD) is a rare bone disorder characterized by aggressive osteolysis associated with lymphatic vessel invasion within bone marrow cavities. The etiology of GSD is not known, and there is no effective therapy or animal model for the disease. Here, we investigated if lymphatic endothelial cells (LECs) affect osteoclasts (OCs) to cause a GSD osteolytic phenotype in mice. We examined the effect of a mouse LEC line on osteoclastogenesis in co-cultures. LECs significantly increased receptor activator of NF-κB ligand (RANKL)-mediated OC formation and bone resorption. LECs expressed high levels of macrophage colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF), but not RANKL, interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor (TNF). LEC-mediated OC formation and bone resorption were blocked by an M-CSF neutralizing antibody or Ki20227, an inhibitor of the M-CSF receptor, c-Fms. We injected LECs into the tibias of wild-type (WT) mice and observed massive osteolysis on X-ray and micro-CT scans. Histology showed that LEC-injected tibias had significant trabecular and cortical bone loss and increased OC numbers. M-CSF protein levels were significantly higher in serum and bone marrow plasma of mice given intra-tibial LEC injections. Immunofluorescence staining showed extensive replacement of bone and marrow by podoplanin+ LECs. Treatment of LEC-injected mice with Ki20227 significantly decreased tibial bone destruction. In addition, lymphatic vessels in a GSD bone sample were stained positively for M-CSF. Thus, LECs cause bone destruction in vivo in mice by secreting M-CSF, which promotes OC formation and activation. Blocking M-CSF signaling may represent a new therapeutic approach for treatment of patients with GSD. Furthermore, tibial injection of LECs is a useful mouse model to study GSD. © 2017 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Predicting core level binding energies shifts: Suitability of the projector augmented wave approach as implemented in VASP
Authors: Pueyo Bellafont Noèlia , Viñes Francesc , Hieringer Wolfgang , Illas Francesc
Published: January 2017

Here, we assess the accuracy of various approaches implemented in Vienna ab initio simulation package code to estimate core‐level binding energy shifts (ΔBEs) using a projector augmented wave method to treat core electrons. The performance of the Perdew–Burke–Ernzerhof (PBE) and the Tao–Perdew–Staroverov–Scuseria (TPSS) exchange‐correlation density functionals is examined on a dataset of 68 molecules containing B→F atoms in diverse chemical environments, accounting for 185 different 1s core level binding energy shifts, for which both experimental gas‐phase X‐ray photoemission (XPS) data and accurate all electron ΔBEs are available. Four procedures to calculate core‐level shifts are investigated. Janak–Slater transition state approach yields mean absolute errors of 0.37 (0.21) eV at PBE (TPSS) level, similar to highly accurate all electron ΔSCF approaches using same functionals, and close to XPS experimental accuracy of 0.1 eV. The study supports the use of these procedures to assign ΔBEs of molecular moieties on material surfaces of interest in surface science, nanotechnology, and heterogeneous catalysis. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Microresonator Kerr frequency combs with high conversion efficiency
Authors: Xue Xiaoxiao , Wang Pei‐Hsun , Xuan Yi , Qi Minghao , Weiner Andrew M.
Published: January 2017

Microresonator‐based Kerr frequency comb (microcomb) generation can potentially revolutionize a variety of applications ranging from telecommunications to optical frequency synthesis. However, phase‐locked microcombs have generally had low conversion efficiency limited to a few percent. Here we report experimental results that achieve conversion efficiency ( on‐chip comb power excluding the pump) in the fiber telecommunication band with broadband mode‐locked dark‐pulse combs. We present a general analysis on the efficiency which is applicable to any phase‐locked microcomb state. The effective coupling condition for the pump as well as the duty cycle of localized time‐domain structures play a key role in determining the conversion efficiency. Our observation of high efficiency comb states is relevant for applications such as optical communications which require high power per comb line.

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Bimodal Ultrahigh Molecular Weight Polyethylenes Produced from Supported Catalysts: The Challenge of Using a Combined Catalyst System
Authors: Liu Hao , Bastiaansen Cees W. M. , Goossens Johannes G. P. , Schenning Albertus P. H. J. , Severn John R.
Published: January 2017

Molecular precatalysts complexes (nBuCp)2ZrCl2 (Zr) and (η1:η5‐Me2NCH2CH2C5Me4)CrCl2 (Cr) have been successfully supported on silica nanoparticles, via a single support (SS) or a double support (DS) strategy. These catalyst systems have been successfully used to produce bimodal polyethylenes with an ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene content in a single reactor. The SS and DS catalyst systems have been fully evaluated under an identical polymerization condition to assess the challenges in tailoring the molecular weight distribution. The results show that a detrimental interaction exists between Zr and Cr catalysts, part of the Cr catalyst species is deactivated during polymerization in the both DS and SS systems. The detrimental interaction in the DS system is reduced because the catalysts are supported on separate nanoparticles. But, surprisingly the two catalysts in the DS system are still able to “communicate” to each other via cocatalyst‐induced catalyst leaching or other potential reasons.

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Rise and Fall: Poly(phenyl vinyl ketone) Photopolymerization and Photodegradation under Visible and UV Radiation
Authors: Reeves Jennifer A. , Allegrezza Michael L. , Konkolewicz Dominik
Published: January 2017

Vinyl ketone polymers, including phenyl vinyl ketone (PVK), are an important class of polymers due to their ability to degrade upon irradiation with ultraviolet light which makes them useful for a variety of applications. However, traditional radical methods for synthesizing PVK polymers give rise to poor control or are unable to produce block copolymers. This work uses reversible addition‐fragmentation chain transfer polymerization (RAFT) and photochemistry to polymerize PVK. When visible blue radiation of 440 ± 10 nm is used as the light source for the photopolymerization, rapid polymerization and well‐defined polymers are created. This RAFT method uses PVK as both monomer and radical initiator, exciting the PVK mono­mer by 440 ± 10 nm irradiation to avoid the use of an additional radical initiator. Once the poly­mer is synthesized, it is stable against degradation by blue light (440 ± 10 nm), but upon exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation (310 ± 20 nm) significant decrease in molecular weight is observed. The degradation is observed for all poly(PVK) materials synthesized.

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Understanding the Molecular Mechanisms of the Interplay Between Herbal Medicines and Gut Microbiota
Authors: Xu Jun , Chen Hu‐Biao , Li Song‐Lin
Published: January 2017

Herbal medicines (HMs) are much appreciated for their significant contribution to human survival and reproduction by remedial and prophylactic management of diseases. Defining the scientific basis of HMs will substantiate their value and promote their modernization. Ever‐increasing evidence suggests that gut microbiota plays a crucial role in HM therapy by complicated interplay with HM components. This interplay includes such activities as: gut microbiota biotransforming HM chemicals into metabolites that harbor different bioavailability and bioactivity/toxicity from their precursors; HM chemicals improving the composition of gut microbiota, consequently ameliorating its dysfunction as well as associated pathological conditions; and gut microbiota mediating the interactions (synergistic and antagonistic) between the multiple chemicals in HMs. More advanced experimental designs are recommended for future study, such as overall chemical characterization of gut microbiota‐metabolized HMs, direct microbial analysis of HM‐targeted gut microbiota, and precise gut microbiota research model development. The outcomes of such research can further elucidate the interactions between HMs and gut microbiota, thereby opening a new window for defining the scientific basis of HMs and for guiding HM‐based drug discovery.
The lateral calcaneal artery as an alternative recipient vessel option for heel and lateral foot reconstruction
Authors: Woo Kyong‐Je , Park Jin‐Woo , Mun Goo‐Hyun
Published: January 2017

Background

Clinical outcomes of consecutive use of the lateral calcaneal artery (LCA) as a recipient vessel for microsurgical reconstruction have not been reported. This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility and safety of the LCA as a recipient vessel for microsurgical foot reconstruction based on anatomical study of CT angiography and clinical results of using this vessel as the recipient.

Methods

Anatomic study was performed using CT angiography of 61 lower extremities (31 patients). The emerging point, course, and diameter of the LCA were evaluated using 3‐D reconstructed images. The LCA was used as the recipient artery in 17 consecutive patients with a mean age of 59 years (range: 23–77 years). Thoracodorsal artery perforator flap was used in most cases (16 of 17), and clinical outcomes were evaluated.

Results

The LCA emerged 31.1 ± 9.8 mm proximal and 14.7 ± 5.0 mm posterior to the tip of the fibula and traversed 13.9 ± 2.7 mm posterior to the posterior margin of the lateral malleolus. The accompanying vein was used for venous outflow in five patients and the small saphenous vein was used in the remaining cases. Emergent re‐operation was performed in one case due to venous thrombosis, and salvage was successful. All flaps except for one with partial flap necrosis completely survived. During a mean follow‐up of 13 months, all but one of the patients were able to wear shoes and walk.

Conclusions

The LCA may be safely used as a recipient vessel for microsurgical heel and lateral foot reconstruction.

Level of evidence

IV
Perineal reconstruction with multiple perforator flaps based on anatomical divisions
Authors: Hong Joon P. , Kim Chang G. , Suh Hyun S. , Kim Hoon , Yoon Chi S. , Kim Kyu N.
Published: January 2017

Purpose

Reconstruction of perineal defects remains a challenge because such defects can be extensive, complex, and three‐dimensional. This report presents a retrospective review of our past 5 years of experience in perineal reconstruction, and suggests a simple algorithmic approach according to anatomical divisions with multiple pedicled perforator flaps for extensive perineal defects.

Methods

From January 2011 to December 2015, 16 patients, including 5 men and 11 women, underwent reconstruction of extensive perineal defects. The defect size varied from 11 × 10 cm2 to 23 × 28 cm2. A total of 37 perforator flaps were used in 16 cases, which included Fournier's gangrene in 4 cases, extramammary Paget's disease in 4, and skin cancer in 8. The defects were categorized according to anatomical location, and were covered by multiple pedicled perforator flaps using the closest perforators based on the perforasome theory.

Results

All of the defects achieved tension‐free primary closure. An average of 2.31 flaps (range, 2–3 flaps) was used for each patient. All of the flaps survived without partial or total loss, though temporary flap congestion occurred in three patients and minor wound dehiscence occurred in one case. There were no donor–site complications. During an average follow‐up of 11.06 months (range, 10–12 months), the reconstructed areas achieved good functional and aesthetic outcomes.

Conclusions

Multiple pedicled perforator flaps could supply sufficient dimension to cover extensive perineal defects and achieve tension‐free closure. In addition, our simple algorithmic approach according to anatomical divisions could be easily applied to extensive perineal defects. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microsurgery 37:394–401, 2017.
Simultaneous fluoroscopic and nuclear imaging: impact of collimator choice on nuclear image quality
Authors: van der Velden Sandra , Beijst Casper , Viergever Max A. , de Jong Hugo W. A. M.
Published: January 2017

Purpose

X‐ray‐guided oncological interventions could benefit from the availability of simultaneously acquired nuclear images during the procedure. To this end, a real‐time, hybrid fluoroscopic and nuclear imaging device, consisting of an X‐ray c‐arm combined with gamma imaging capability, is currently being developed (Beijst C, Elschot M, Viergever MA, de Jong HW. Radiol. 2015;278:232–238). The setup comprises four gamma cameras placed adjacent to the X‐ray tube. The four camera views are used to reconstruct an intermediate three‐dimensional image, which is subsequently converted to a virtual nuclear projection image that overlaps with the X‐ray image. The purpose of the present simulation study is to evaluate the impact of gamma camera collimator choice (parallel hole versus pinhole) on the quality of the virtual nuclear image.

Methods

Simulation studies were performed with a digital image quality phantom including realistic noise and resolution effects, with a dynamic frame acquisition time of 1 s and a total activity of 150 MBq. Projections were simulated for 3, 5, and 7 mm pinholes and for three parallel hole collimators (low‐energy all‐purpose (LEAP), low‐energy high‐resolution (LEHR) and low‐energy ultra‐high‐resolution (LEUHR)). Intermediate reconstruction was performed with maximum likelihood expectation‐maximization (MLEM) with point spread function (PSF) modeling. In the virtual projection derived therefrom, contrast, noise level, and detectability were determined and compared with the ideal projection, that is, as if a gamma camera were located at the position of the X‐ray detector. Furthermore, image deformations and spatial resolution were quantified. Additionally, simultaneous fluoroscopic and nuclear images of a sphere phantom were acquired with a physical prototype system and compared with the simulations.

Results

For small hot spots, contrast is comparable for all simulated collimators. Noise levels are, however, 3 to 8 times higher in pinhole geometries than in parallel hole geometries. This results in higher contrast‐to‐noise ratios for parallel hole geometries. Smaller spheres can thus be detected with parallel hole collimators than with pinhole collimators (17 mm vs 28 mm). Pinhole geometries show larger image deformations than parallel hole geometries. Spatial resolution varied between 1.25 cm for the 3 mm pinhole and 4 cm for the LEAP collimator. The simulation method was successfully validated by the experiments with the physical prototype.

Conclusion

A real‐time hybrid fluoroscopic and nuclear imaging device is currently being developed. Image quality of nuclear images obtained with different collimators was compared in terms of contrast, noise, and detectability. Parallel hole collimators showed lower noise and better detectability than pinhole collimators.
Systematic in vitro and in vivo characterization of Leukemia‐inhibiting factor‐ and Fibroblast growth factor‐derived porcine induced pluripotent stem cells
Authors: Secher Jan O. , Ceylan Ahmet , Mazzoni Gianluca , Mashayekhi Kaveh , Li Tong , Muenthaisong Suchitra , Nielsen Troels T. , Li Dong , Li Shengting , Petkov Stoyan , Cirera Susanna , Luo Yonglun , Thombs Lori , Kadarmideen Haja N. , Dinnyes Andras , Bolund Lars , Roelen Bernard A.J. , Schmidt Mette , Callesen Henrik , Hyttel Poul , Freude Kristine K.
Published: January 2017

Derivation and stable maintenance of porcine induced pluripotent stem cells (piPSCs) is challenging. We herein systematically analyzed two piPSC lines, derived by lentiviral transduction and cultured under either leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) or fibroblast growth factor (FGF) conditions, to shed more light on the underlying biological mechanisms of porcine pluripotency. LIF‐derived piPSCs were more successful than their FGF‐derived counterparts in the generation of in vitro chimeras and in teratoma formation. When LIF piPSCs chimeras were transferred into surrogate sows and allowed to develop, only their prescence within the embryonic membranes could be detected. Whole‐transcriptome analysis of the piPSCs and porcine neonatal fibroblasts showed that they clustered together, but apart from the two pluripotent cell populations of early porcine embryos, indicating incomplete reprogramming. Indeed, bioinformatic analysis of the pluripotency‐related gene network of the LIF‐ versus FGF‐derived piPSCs revealed that ZFP42 (REX1) expression was absent in both piPSC‐like cells, whereas it was expressed in the porcine inner cell mass at Day 7/8. A second striking difference was the expression of ATOH1 in piPSC‐like cells, which was absent in the inner cell mass. Moreover, our gene expression analyses plus correlation analyses of known pluripotency genes identified unique relationships between pluripotency genes in the inner cell mass, which are to some extent, in the piPSC‐like cells. This deficiency in downstream gene activation and divergent gene expression may be underlie the inability to derive germ line‐transmitting piPSCs, and provides unique insight into which genes are necessary to achieve fully reprogrammed piPSCs. 84: 229–245, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Effect of aging on region‐specific functional role and muscle geometry along human rectus femoris muscle
Authors: Watanabe Kohei , Kouzaki Motoki , Moritani Toshio
Published: January 2017

Introduction

We compared the region‐specific neuromuscular activation and muscle morphology along the rectus femoris (RF) muscle between young and elderly.

Methods

Ratios of surface electromyography amplitude between hip flexion and knee extension (HF/KE) were compared among regions along the muscle for 9 young and 9 elderly men. Muscle thickness was also compared among the regions.

Results

HF/KE in the proximal region was significantly greater than in the middle and distal regions for both the young and elderly (P < 0.05). However, a significant difference in HF/KE between the middle and distal regions was found in the young (P < 0.05), but not in the elderly (P > 0.05). A difference in the region‐specific muscle thickness was observed between the young and elderly.

Conclusion

These findings suggest that functional role and muscle morphology are regionally affected by aging along the RF muscle. Muscle Nerve 56: 982–986, 2017
Clarity in reporting terminology and definitions of set endpoints in resistance training
Authors: Steele James , Fisher James , Giessing Jürgen , Gentil Paulo
Published: January 2017

Previous resistance training (RT) recommendations and position stands have addressed variables that can be manipulated when producing RT interventions. However, 1 variable that has received little discussion is set endpoints (i.e., the endpoint of a set of repetitions). Set endpoints in RT are often considered to be proximity to momentary failure and are thought to be a primary variable determining effort in RT. Further, there has been ambiguity in the use and definition of terminology that has created issues in interpretation of research findings. The purpose of this paper was to: (1) provide an overview of the ambiguity in historical terminology around set endpoints; (2) propose a clearer set of definitions related to set endpoints; and (3) highlight the issues created by poor terminology and definitions. It is hoped this may permit greater clarity in reporting, interpretation, and application of RT interventions for researchers and practitioners.Muscle Nerve56: 368–374, 2017
A Review of the Evidence for Melanoma in Nine Inca Mummies
Authors: Mark S.
Published: January 2017

An often cited statement in the medical literature is that nine Inca mummies (c.400 bc) had skin and osseous lesions from melanoma. However, a review of the pattern and type of osseous lesions exhibited by these individuals and the age of at least one of them indicate the data are inconsistent with a diagnosis of melanoma. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
An Overview of the Changing Landscape of Treatment for Advanced Melanoma
Authors: Lee Chung‐Shien , Thomas Christan M. , Ng Kimberly E.
Published: January 2017

Melanoma—the deadliest form of skin cancer—leads to thousands of deaths each year. Although melanoma is less common than basal cell and squamous cell skin cancers, melanoma is more dangerous because it is more likely to spread to other parts of the body, such as lymph nodes, if not diagnosed and treated early. Data from the National Cancer Institute indicate a steady rise in new cases of melanoma and, unfortunately, a steady rate in the number of deaths through 2013. Ninety percent of melanomas are linked to inadequate sun protection from ultraviolet rays or the tanning habits of young adults. Over the past 5 years, however, there have been a variety of new pharmacologic treatments for advanced melanoma including immunotherapy, targeted agents (BRAF and MEK inhibitors), and oncolytic viral therapy. In this article, we review the current literature on the treatment of melanoma, with a focus on emerging therapies.
Identifying Potentially Avoidable Readmissions: A Medication‐Based 15‐Day Readmission Risk Stratification Algorithm
Authors: Dorajoo Sreemanee Raaj , See Vincent , Chan Chen Teng , Tan Joyce Zhenyin , Tan Doreen Su Yin , Abdul Razak Siti Maryam Binte , Ong Ting Ting , Koomanan Narendran , Yap Chun Wei , Chan Alexandre
Published: January 2017

Background

Stratifying patients according to 15‐day readmission risk would be useful in identifying those who may benefit from targeted interventions during and/or following hospital discharge that are designed to reduce the likelihood of readmission.

Methods

A prediction model was derived via a case–control analysis of patients discharged from a tertiary hospital in Singapore using multivariate logistic regression. The model was validated in two independent external cohorts separated temporally and geographically. Model discrimination was assessed using the C‐statistic, while calibration was assessed using the Hosmer‐Lemeshow χ2 and the Brier score statistics.

Results

A total of 1291 patients were included with 670, 101, and 520 patients in the derivation, temporal, and geographical validation cohorts, respectively. Age (odds ratio [OR] 1.02, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.01–1.03, p=0.008), anemia (OR 2.08, 95% CI 1.15–8.05, p=0.015), malignancy (OR 3.37, 95% CI 1.16–9.80, p=0.026), peptic ulcer disease (OR 3.05, 95% CI 1.12–8.26, p=0.029), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (OR 3.16, 95% CI 1.24–8.05, p=0.016), number of discharge medications (OR 1.06, 95% CI 1.01–1.12, p=0.026), discharge to nursing homes (OR 3.57, 95% CI 1.57–8.34, p=0.003), and premature discharge against medical advice (OR 5.05, 95% CI 1.20–21.23, p=0.027) were independent predictors of 15‐day readmission risk. The model demonstrated reasonable discrimination on the temporal and geographical validation cohorts with a C‐statistic of 0.65 and 0.64, respectively. Model miscalibration was observed in both validation cohorts.

Conclusion

A 15‐day readmission risk prediction model is proposed and externally validated. The model facilitates the targeting of interventions for patients who are at high risk of an early readmission.
Confined crystallization behaviors in polyethylene/silica nanocomposites: Synergetic effects of interfacial interactions and filler network
Authors: Zhao Weiwei , Su Yunlan , Gao Xia , Qian Qingyun , Chen Xin , Wittenbrink Robert , Wang Dujin
Published: January 2017

The confinement effects introduced by nanoparticles have been reported to influence the phase behaviors thus the properties of polymer nanocomposites. In this study, molecular dynamics and crystallization behaviors of polyethylene (PE) composited with three types of silica (SiO2) nanoparticles, namely unmodified SiO2, hydrophobically modified SiO2, SiO2‐APTES (3‐aminopropyltriethoxysilane) and SiO2‐PTES (n‐propyltriethoxysilane), were systematically investigated via a combination of DSC, XRD and 1H solid‐state NMR measurements. The suppressions in crystallization and chain mobilities of PE rank in the order of unmodified SiO2 < SiO2‐APTES < SiO2‐PTES due to the increasing interfacial interactions between PE and SiO2 nanoparticles. Additionally, independent of polymer–nanoparticle interactions, a silica network forms for all three kinds of nanocomposites when SiO2 content reaches 83 wt %. The mobilities of polymer chains are severely restricted by such a percolated network structure, leading to a turning point in the crystallization ability of nanocomposites and a new crystallization peak at 45 °C lower than that of pure PE. The synergetic effects of interfacial interactions and filler network on polymer crystallization have been thoroughly studied in this work, which will provide guidance on modifying and designing nanocomposites with controlled properties. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2017, 55, 498–505