bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Bandung neurosurgery patient outcomes project, Indonesia (Part I): Methods, participant characteristics, and pre‐discharge outcomes
Authors: McAllister Susan , Ganefianty Amelia , Faried Ahmad , Sutiono Agung Budi , Sarjono Kalih , Melia Regina , Sumargo Sheila , Arifin Muhammad Zafrullah , Derrett Sarah
Published: March 2017

Introduction

Little is known about neurosurgery patient outcomes in Indonesia. Our study sought to describe patient characteristics, health care pathways, health‐related quality of life, and health/rehabilitation care needs of patients admitted to, and discharged from, a major neurosurgery department.

Methods

Eligible patients were aged ≥18 years admitted to the Neurosurgery Department in a regional referral hospital in Bandung, Indonesia. Baseline data was collected on admission. An in‐person interview (in the Indonesian language) was held 1 to 2 days pre‐discharge. Sociodemographic along with clinical characteristics, Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS), and EQ‐5D‐5L data were collected.

Results

A total of 217 patients were admitted, 37 died before discharge, and a pre‐discharge interview was undertaken by 178 (82%). Almost half (48%) were admitted because of injury, 38% brain tumour, 10% acute illness, and 4% other conditions. The mean age was 41 years. On admission, 63% had a mild Glasgow Coma Scale, 31% moderate, and 3% severe. The average hospital stay was 8 days for injury and 24 days for illness patients. Prior to discharge, one‐third, or less, of the 178 patients interviewed reported “no problems” in the EQ‐5D dimensions of mobility (32%), self‐care (27%), usual activities (16%), and pain/discomfort (32%), whereas 70% reported “no problems” with anxiety/depression.

Conclusion

A large proportion of patients are being discharged with considerable levels of difficulty in four of the five EQ‐5D dimensions. This stresses the importance of providing good follow‐up and support of patients and their families.
Fracture Risk After Bariatric Surgery: Roux‐en‐Y Gastric Bypass Versus Adjustable Gastric Banding
Authors: Yu Elaine W , Lee Moa P , Landon Joan E , Lindeman Katherine G , Kim Seoyoung C
Published: March 2017

The long‐term consequences of bariatric surgery on fracture risk are unclear but are likely to vary by procedure type. In physiologic studies, Roux‐en‐Y gastric bypass (RYGB) and adjustable gastric banding (AGB) have differential effects on rates of bone loss. Therefore, our objective was to compare fracture risk in obese adults after RYGB and AGB procedures. Using claims data from a US commercial health plan, we analyzed rates of nonvertebral fractures within a propensity score–matched cohort (n = 15,032) of morbidly obese adults who received either RYGB or AGB surgery between 2005 and 2013. A total of 281 nonvertebral fractures occurred during a mean follow‐up time of 2.3 ± 1.9 years. RYGB patients had an increased risk of nonvertebral fracture (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.43, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.13–1.81) compared with AGB patients. In fracture site–specific analyses, RYGB patients had increased risk of fracture at the hip (HR = 1.54, 95% CI 1.03–2.30) and wrist (HR = 1.45, 95% CI 1.01–2.07). Nonvertebral fracture risk associated with RYGB manifested >2 years after surgery and increased in subsequent years, with the highest risk in the fifth year after surgery (HR = 3.91, 95% CI 1.58–9.64). In summary, RYGB is associated with a 43% increased risk of nonvertebral fracture compared with AGB, with risk increasing >2 years after surgery. Fracture risk should be considered in risk/benefit discussions of bariatric surgery, particularly among patients with high baseline risk of osteoporosis who are deciding between RYGB and AGB procedures. © 2017 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Urolithin B, a newly identified regulator of skeletal muscle mass
Authors: Rodriguez Julie , Pierre Nicolas , Naslain Damien , Bontemps Françoise , Ferreira Daneel , Priem Fabian , Deldicque Louise , Francaux Marc
Published: March 2017

Background

The control of muscle size is an essential feature of health. Indeed, skeletal muscle atrophy leads to reduced strength, poor quality of life, and metabolic disturbances. Consequently, strategies aiming to attenuate muscle wasting and to promote muscle growth during various (pathological) physiological states like sarcopenia, immobilization, malnutrition, or cachexia are needed to address this extensive health issue. In this study, we tested the effects of urolithin B, an ellagitannin‐derived metabolite, on skeletal muscle growth.

Methods

C2C12 myotubes were treated with 15 μM of urolithin B for 24 h. For in vivo experiments, mice were implanted with mini‐osmotic pumps delivering continuously 10 μg/day of urolithin B during 28 days. Muscle atrophy was studied in mice with a sciatic nerve denervation receiving urolithin B by the same way.

Results

Our experiments reveal that urolithin B enhances the growth and differentiation of C2C12 myotubes by increasing protein synthesis and repressing the ubiquitin–proteasome pathway. Genetic and pharmacological arguments support an implication of the androgen receptor. Signalling analyses suggest a crosstalk between the androgen receptor and the mTORC1 pathway, possibly via AMPK. In vivo experiments confirm that urolithin B induces muscle hypertrophy in mice and reduces muscle atrophy after the sciatic nerve section.

Conclusions

This study highlights the potential usefulness of urolithin B for the treatment of muscle mass loss associated with various (pathological) physiological states.
Implications of Vertebrate Craniodental Evo‐Devo for Human Oral Health
Authors: Boughner Julia C.
Published: March 2017

Highly processed diets eaten by postindustrial modern human populations coincide with higher frequencies of third molar impaction, malocclusion, and temporomandibular joint disorders that affect millions of people worldwide each year. Current treatments address symptoms, not causes, because the multifactorial etiologies of these three concerns mask which factors incline certain people to malocclusion, impaction, and/or joint issues. Deep scientific curiosity about the origins of jaws and dentitions continues to yield rich insights about the developmental genetic mechanisms that underpin healthy craniodental morphogenesis and integration. Mounting evidence from evolution and development (Evo‐Devo) studies suggests that function is another mechanism important to healthy craniodental integration and fit. Starting as early as weaning, softer diets and thus lower bite forces appear to relax or disrupt integration of oral tissues, alter development and growth, and catalyze impaction, malocclusion, and jaw joint disorders. How developing oral tissues respond to bite forces remains poorly understood, but biomechanical feedback seems to alter balances of local bone resorption and deposition at the tooth–bone interface as well as affect tempos and amounts of facial outgrowth. Also, behavioral changes in jaw function and parafunction contribute to degeneration and pain in joint articular cartilages and masticatory muscles. The developmental genetic contribution to craniodental misfits and disorders is undeniable but still unclear; however, at present, human diet and jaw function remain important and much more actionable clinical targets. New Evo‐Devo studies are needed to explain how function interfaces with craniodental phenotypic plasticity, variation, and evolvability to yield a spectrum of healthy and mismatched dentitions and jaws.
Field‐assisted paper spray mass spectrometry for therapeutic drug monitoring: 1. the case of imatinib in plasma
Authors: D'Aronco S. , Dall'Armi M. , Crotti S. , Calandra E. , Traldi P. , Di Marco V. , Buonadonna A. , Corona G. , Giodini L. , Marangon E. , Posocco B. , Toffoli G. , Agostini M.
Published: March 2017

The field‐assisted paper spray (FAPS) – mass spectrometric method has been employed to quantify the imatinib (IMT) plasma levels in treated patients. The quantitative measurements have been performed on the collisionally generated fragment atm/z394 of the protonated molecules of IMT and deuterated IMT (d3‐IMT), used as internal standard. The FAPS‐tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) method exhibits some limitations, because of the high number of operative parameters that need to be carefully controlled. For this aim, papers of different geometry, thickness, and porosity were tested. To obtain a more focalized and intense electrical field, a stainless steel needle was mounted axially and placed at 4 kV voltage. The variability observed in the measurements was ascribed either to the inter‐individual variability (e.g. the concomitant presence of other compounds such as proteins, lipids, drugs and/or salts in the plasma of different patients) or to the uncontrollable variables in the instrumental set‐up (e.g. sample deposition, changes in paper spray conditions). Furthermore, the manual sample deposition and solvent dripping strongly affects the measure reproducibility. Despite this, it is interesting to observe that, once applied in blind on 24 real plasma samples, FAPS‐MS/MS led to results analogous to those obtained by the well‐consolidated liquid chromatography‐MS/MS, even if the mean coefficient of variation % (CV%) values of 20.4% and 2.6% were observed for the two methods, respectively. In conclusion, despite CV values are relatively high, it is worth noting that the FAPS‐MS/MS method is much more straightforward, rapid and economical than the liquid chromatography‐MS/MS one, and it appears therefore very promising for applications where a high precision is not always a required task, as e.g. in some cases of therapeutic drug monitoring. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Seroprevalence of Kaposi's sarcoma‐associated herpesvirus among HIV‐infected Uygurs in Xinjiang, China
Authors: Liu Zhenqiu , Fang Qiwen , Zhou Sujuan , Minhas Veenu , Wood Charles , He Na , Zhang Tiejun
Published: March 2017

Kaposi's sarcoma‐associated herpesvirus (KSHV) is the etiological agent of Kaposi's sarcoma (KS), which primarily affects human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)‐infected adults with advanced immunodeficiency. Xinjiang province in China is an endemic area for Kaposi's sarcoma (KS), however, currently, only limited data for KSHV infection among HIV‐infected individuals living in this endemic area is available. A cross‐sectional study of 86 HIV positive participants was conducted in Xinjiang, China from 2014 through 2015. Plasma samples were collected and screened for KSHV and HIV infection. HIV pol gene and KSHV ORF‐K1 gene were amplified and sequenced, genotypes were determined by phylogenetic analysis. Over all, prevalence was 48.9% (42/86; 95%CI 38.4‐59.3%) for KSHV. Only CRF07_BC subtype has been identified among all these HIV positive individuals, while the subtype A and C of KSHV were detected in the participants. Meanwhile, we found that those with high CD4 counts (>500) showed a lower anti‐KSHV titer, compared with other groups. Our study indicated a high prevalence of KSHV among HIV positive individuals in Xinjiang, China. Thus, management of HIV/AIDS patients should include KSHV screen and should consider the risk of KSHV‐associated malignancies.
Hypolipidaemic effect and mechanism of paprika seed oil on Sprague–Dawley rats
Authors: Chen Xuhui , Ding Yongbo , Song Jiaxin , Kan Jianquan
Published: March 2017

BACKGROUND

Details regarding the functional properties of paprika seed oil are relatively scarce. In this study the hypolipidaemic effects and mechanisms of paprika seed oil on Sprague–Dawley rats are explored, which may improve the usage of paprika seed source and provide a theoretical basis of paprika seed oil for the alleviation of hyperlipidaemia.

RESULTS

In capsaicin and paprika seed oil (PSO) groups, total cholesterol (TC) and total triglyceride (TG) in serum and liver lipids of rats were significantly decreased (P < 0.05). The contents of serum HDL cholesterol were increased and the contents of serum LDL cholesterol were decreased (P < 0.05). Real‐time PCR analyses revealed that the hepatic mRNA expression of fatty acid synthetase (FAS) is decreased and the expression levels of HSL is increased (P < 0.05). The mRNA expression of 3‐hydroxy‐3‐methylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG‐CoA) is decreased and the expression levels of low‐density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) is significantly improved (P < 0.05). The cholesterol 7‐hydroxylase (CYP7A1) expression is regulated to control the cholesterol‐to‐bile acid transformation and cholesterol excretion is promoted. Capsaicin and unsaturated fatty acid PSO can activate and improve the mRNA expression of transient receptor potential vanilloid type‐1 (TRPV1) and peroxisome proliferators‐activated receptors (PPARα).

CONCLUSION

The hypolipidaemic effects of paprika seed oil (PSO) may be attributed to the inhibition of lipid synthesis via suppressing the expression of HMG‐CoAR, CYP7A1 and FAS, meanwhile, promoting the metabolism and excretion of lipids via up‐regulating the expression of LDLR, HSL, TRPV1 and PPARα. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
The role of adjuvant platinum‐based chemotherapy in esophagogastric cancer patients who received neoadjuvant chemotherapy prior to definitive surgery
Authors: Saunders John H. , Bowman Christopher R. , Reece‐Smith Alex M. , Pang Vincent , Dorrington Matthew S. , Mumtaz Errum , Soomro Irshad , Kaye Philip , Madhusudan Srinivasan , Parsons Simon L.
Published: March 2017

Background and Objectives

For patients with operable esophagogastric cancer, peri‐operative chemotherapy confers a significant overall survival benefit compared to surgery alone, however only 30‐40% of patients demonstrate histopathological response. It is unclear whether those with no neoadjuvant chemotherapy response should go onto receive adjuvant chemotherapy, as no further benefit may be conferred.

Methods

Esophagogastric cancers were prospectively captured with associated histopathological tumor regression grades following neoadjuvant chemotherapy. This cohort was then interrogated for clinico‐pathological and survival outcomes.

Results

Following neoadjuvant chemotherapy and surgery, patients with chemotherapy responsive cancers, who were administered adjuvant chemotherapy gained a significant overall survival benefit. Multivariate Cox analysis, demonstrated a final adjusted hazard ratio for adjuvant therapy of 0.509; (95%CI 0.28‐0.93); P = 0.028. In contrast, patients with non‐responsive tumors, who underwent adjuvant chemotherapy, did not show any survival benefit. Chemotherapy toxicity was prevalent and contributed to only half of patients receiving adjuvant chemotherapy.

Conclusions

These results suggest the benefit of the adjuvant portion of chemotherapy is limited to those who demonstrate a histopathological response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy. The administration of the adjuvant portion of chemotherapy to patients without a response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy may not provide any survival benefit, while potentially causing increased morbidity.
Vermicompost and Gypsum Amendments Improve Aggregate Formation in Bauxite Residue
Authors: Zhu Feng , Hou Jingtao , Xue Shengguo , Wu Chuan , Wang Qiongli , Hartley William
Published: March 2017

Improving aggregate formation and stability of bauxite residue is essential for the development of a soil on the residue. Effects of gypsum and vermicompost on related chemical and physical conditions of bauxite residue were studied in a laboratory incubation experiment. The addition of gypsum at 2% and 4% w/w reduced pH and exchangeable sodium percentage while increasing exchangeable calcium content. The addition of vermicompost reduced bulk density while significantly increasing porosity and total organic carbon. Vermicompost had a positive effect on the formation and stabilization of water‐stable aggregates in the residue, while gypsum was more beneficial to silt‐sized microaggregate flocculation. Amendments also enhanced the erosion resistance of bauxite residue. Furthermore, wet sieving using the modified Le Bissonnais' method revealed that in comparison with differential clay swelling and mechanical breakdown, slaking was the major disaggregation mechanism of residue aggregates. The combination of gypsum and vermicompost converted the residue from a sheet‐like structure to a granular macroaggregated structure while converting microaggregates from a grain to a granular or prismatic structure. The findings of this work suggest that application of gypsum and vermicompost to bauxite residue may directly influence aggregate size distribution and its micromorphology, resulting in the improvement of both aggregate stability and structure. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Calanus hyperboreus and the lipid pump
Authors: Visser Andre W. , Grønning Josephine , Jónasdóttir Sigrún Huld
Published: March 2017

Lipid‐fuelled overwintering by copepods can be a regionally important contribution to carbon sequestration in the deep oceans. Here, we estimate the contribution for Calanus hyperboreus, found in abundance in the northern reaches of the North Atlantic and Arctic Ocean. Estimates for regions with high overwintering populations, Fram Strait, Greenland Sea and Iceland Sea lie between 3.5 gC m−2 yr−1 and 6.0 gC m−2 yr−1 at depths of 1000–3000 m, comparable to the flux of detrital organic carbon at commensurate depths. Apart from the variation in the abundance of overwintering populations, these estimates are most sensitive to mortality rates. We present a general model based on metabolic theory and isomorphism that can be used to constrain estimates for data poor species in other parts of the global ocean.
Novel Anti‐Biofouling Soft Contact Lens: l‐Cysteine Conjugated Amphiphilic Conetworks via RAFT and Thiol–Ene Click Chemistry
Authors: Zhang Chengfeng , Liu Ziyuan , Wang Haiye , Feng Xiaofeng , He Chunju
Published: March 2017

A unique l‐cysteine conjugated antifouling amphiphilic conetwork (APCN) is synthesized through end‐crosslinking of well‐defined triblock copolymers poly(allyl methacrylate)‐b‐poly(ethylene glycol)‐b‐poly(allyl methacrylate) via a combination of reversible addition‐fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization and thiol–ene “click” chemistry. The synthesized poly(ethylene glycol) macro‐RAFT agent initiates the polymerization of allyl methacrylate in a controlled manner. The vinyl pendant groups of the precursor partially conjugate with l‐cysteine and the rest fully crosslink with mercaptopropyl‐containing siloxane via thiol–ene click chemistry under UV irradiation into APCNs, which show distinguished properties, that is, excellent biocompatibility, more than 39.6% water content, 101 barrers oxygen permeability, optimized mechanical properties, and more than 93% visible light transmittance. What's more, the resultant APCNs exhibit eminent resistance to protein adsorption, where the bovine serum albumin and lysozyme adsorption are decreased to 12 and 21 µg cm−2, respectively. The outstanding properties of APCNs depend on the RAFT controlled method, which precisely designs the hydrophilic/hydrophobic segments and eventually greatly improves the crosslinking efficiency and homogeneity. Meantime, the l‐cysteine monolayer can effectively reduce the surface hydrophobicity and prevent protein adsorption, which exhibits the viability for antifouling surface over and under ophthalmic devices, suggesting a promising soft contact lens.

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Enhanced Charge Carrier Mobility and Tailored Luminescence of n‐Type Organic Semiconductor through Block Copolymer Supramolecular Assembly
Authors: Kumari Pallavi , Khawas Koomkoom , Bera Manas Kumar , Hazra Sunit , Malik Sudip , Kuila Biplab Kumar
Published: March 2017

Herein, a novel and viable strategy to fabricate fully solution processable nanostructured n‐type organic semiconducting material through block copolymer supramolecular assembly consisting of polystyrene‐b‐poly(4‐vinyl pyridine) (PS‐b‐P4VP) and an asymmetric perylenebisimide (PBI) has been demonstrated. The block copolymer supramolecular assemblies show hierarchical structure formation in two length scales (lamella within lamella) from synergistic phase separation of block copolymer and PBI molecule inside the comb block. The optical and luminescent studies clearly evidence that the nature of aggregation of the PBI molecules inside the P4VP domain through facial π–π stacking is modified with tailored luminescent properties compared to its pure state. The block copolymer supramolecular assembly with 1:1 mole ratio (4‐vinyl pyridine:PBI) shows almost three‐order enhancement of charge carrier mobility compared to pristine PBI though it has only (0.571) of PBI weight fraction. It is believed that the organic semiconductor polymeric system described here will be useful for preparing luminescent materials, organic electronic and optoelectronic devices.

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Bithiazole: An Intriguing Electron‐Deficient Building for Plastic Electronic Applications
Authors: Su Haw‐Lih , Sredojevic Dusan N. , Bronstein Hugo , Marks Tobin J. , Schroeder Bob C. , Al‐Hashimi Mohammed
Published: March 2017

The heterocyclic thiazole unit has been extensively used as electron‐deficient building block in π‐conjugated materials over the last decade. Its incorporation into organic semiconducting materials is particularly interesting due to its structural resemblance to the more commonly used thiophene building block, thus allowing the optoelectronic properties of a material to be tuned without significantly perturbing its molecular structure. Here, we discuss the structural differences between thiazole‐ and thiophene‐based organic semiconductors, and the effects on the physical properties of the materials. An overview of thiazole‐based polymers is provided, which have emerged over the past decade for organic electronic applications and it is discussed how the incorporation of thiazole has affected the device performance of organic solar cells and organic field‐effect transistors. Finally, in conclusion, an outlook is presented on how thiazole‐based polymers can be incorporated into all‐electron deficient polymers in order to obtain high‐performance acceptor polymers for use in bulk‐heterojunction solar cells and as organic field‐effect transistors. Computational methods are used to discuss some newly designed acceptor building blocks that have the potential to be polymerized with a fused bithiazole moiety, hence propelling the advancement of air‐stable n‐type organic semiconductors.

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The first description of a hormone‐sensitive lipase from a basidiomycete: Structural insights and biochemical characterization revealed Bjerkandera adusta BaEstB as a novel esterase
Authors: Sánchez‐Carbente María del Rayo , Batista‐García Ramón Alberto , Sánchez‐Reyes Ayixón , Escudero‐Garcia Angela , Morales‐Herrera Catalina , Cuervo‐Soto Laura I. , French‐Pacheco Leidys , Fernández‐Silva Arline , Amero Carlos , Castillo Edmundo , Folch‐Mallol Jorge Luis
Published: March 2017

The heterologous expression and characterization of a Hormone‐Sensitive Lipases (HSL) esterase (BaEstB) from the Basidiomycete fungus Bjerkandera adusta is reported for the first time. According to structural analysis, amino acid similarities and conservation of particular motifs, it was established that this enzyme belongs to the (HSL) family. The cDNA sequence consisted of 969 nucleotides, while the gene comprised 1133, including three introns of 57, 50, and 57 nucleotides. Through three‐dimensional modeling and phylogenetic analysis, we conclude that BaEstB is an ortholog of the previously described RmEstB‐HSL from the phylogenetically distant fungus Rhizomucor miehei. The purified BaEstB was characterized in terms of its specificity for the hydrolysis of different acyl substrates confirming its low lipolytic activity and a noticeable esterase activity. The biochemical characterization of BaEstB, the DLS analysis and the kinetic parameters determination revealed this enzyme as a true esterase, preferentially found in a dimeric state, displaying activity under alkaline conditions and relative low temperature (pH = 10, 20°C). Our data suggest that BaEstB is more active on substrates with short acyl chains and bulky aromatic moieties. Phylogenetic data allow us to suggest that a number of fungal hypothetical proteins could belong to the HSL family.
Mitochondrial DNA and primary mitochondrial dysfunction in Parkinson's disease
Authors: Giannoccaro Maria Pia , La Morgia Chiara , Rizzo Giovanni , Carelli Valerio
Published: March 2017

In 1979, it was observed that parkinsonism could be induced by a toxin inhibiting mitochondrial respiratory complex I. This initiated the long‐standing hypothesis that mitochondrial dysfunction may play a key role in the pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease (PD). This hypothesis evolved, with accumulating evidence pointing to complex I dysfunction, which could be caused by environmental or genetic factors. Attention was focused on the mitochondrial DNA, considering the occurrence of mutations, polymorphic haplogroup‐specific variants, and defective mitochondrial DNA maintenance with the accumulation of multiple deletions and a reduction of copy number. Genetically determined diseases of mitochondrial DNA maintenance frequently manifest with parkinsonism, but the age‐related accumulation of somatic mitochondrial DNA errors also represents a major driving mechanism for PD. Recently, the discovery of the genetic cause of rare inherited forms of PD highlighted an extremely complex homeostatic control over mitochondria, involving their dynamic fission/fusion cycle, the balancing of mitobiogenesis and mitophagy, and consequently the quality control surveillance that corrects faulty mitochondrial DNA maintenance. Many genes came into play, including the PINK1/parkin axis, but also OPA1, as pieces of the same puzzle, together with mitochondrial DNA damage, complex I deficiency and increased oxidative stress. The search for answers will drive future research to reach the understanding necessary to provide therapeutic options directed not only at limiting the clinical evolution of symptoms but also finally addressing the pathogenic mechanisms of neurodegeneration in PD. © 2017 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Synthesis of insoluble polystyrene‐supported flavins and their catalysis in aerobic reduction of olefins
Authors: Arakawa Yukihiro , Kawachi Risa , Tezuka Yoshihiko , Minagawa Keiji , Imada Yasushi
Published: March 2017

2′,4′‐p‐Vinylbenzylideneriboflavin (2′,4′‐PVBRFl) was prepared as a flavin‐containing monomer and copolymerized with divinylbenzene and styrene or its p‐substituted derivatives such as 4‐acetoxystyrene, 4‐vinylbenzyl alcohol, and 4‐vinylbenzoic acid to give the corresponding non‐functionalized and functionalized PS‐DVB‐supported flavins PS(H)‐DVB‐Fl, PS(OAc)‐DVB‐Fl, PS(CH2OH)‐DVB‐Fl, and PS(COOH)‐DVB‐Fl, respectively. PS(OH)‐DVB‐Fl was also prepared by hydrolysis of PS(OAc)‐DVB‐Fl under basic conditions. These novel flavin‐containing insoluble polymers exhibited characteristic fluorescence in solid state, except PS(OH)‐DVB‐Fl, and different catalytic activities in aerobic reduction of olefins by in situ generated diimide from hydrazine depending on their pendant functional group. For example, PS(H)‐DVB‐Fl was found to be particularly effective for neutral hydrophobic substrates, which could be readily recovered by a simple filtration and reused more than 10 times without loss in catalytic activity. On the other hand, PS(OH)‐DVB‐Fl and PS(COOH)‐DVB‐Fl proved to be highly active for phenolic substrates known to be less reactive in the reaction with conventional non‐supported flavin catalysts. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2017, 55, 1706–1713
Synthesis of poly(oxyethylene phosphoramidate)s and glycopolymers via Staudinger reaction: Multivalent binding studies with Concanavalin A
Authors: Todorova Zornica , Koseva Neli , Ugrinova Iva , Troev Kolio
Published: March 2017

A new method for the preparation of poly(oxyethylene phosphoramidate)s and glycopolymers is developed via modification of poly(oxyethylene H‐phosphonate) which is a biodegradable, biocompatible and low toxic polymer. The phosphonate groups of the precursor are converted into tri‐coordinated phosphorus species yielding poly(oxyethylene trimethylsilyl phosphite). The latter is then reacted with different azides, including sugar azides, via Staudinger reaction to furnish the desired poly(oxyethylene phosphoramidate)s and such containing sugar moieties in the side chains attached to the P‐centers. 2002P NMR spectroscopy is applied as a powerful tool for determination of the conversion and structure of the reaction products. Studies on Concanavalin A binding to the obtained glycopolymers are performed using dynamic light scattering and analytical ultracentrifugation techniques. The viability of Human Embryonic Kidney 293 cell line is slightly affected when exposed to polyphosphoramidate glucoconjugate over a broad range of concentrations. The results obtained are encouraging for further investigations on the clustering and bio‐recognition properties of the synthesized glycopolymers. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2017, 55, 1730–1741
Psychological morbidity among Australian rural and urban support persons of haematological cancer survivors: Results of a national study
Authors: Carey Mariko , Sanson‐Fisher Rob , Paul Christine , Bradstock Kenneth , Williamson Anna , Campbell H. Sharon
Published: March 2017

Objective

To compare the prevalence of anxiety, depression, and stress among rural and urban support persons of haematological cancer survivors and explore factors associated with having one or more of these outcomes.

Methods

Haematological cancer survivors were identified via 1 of 5 state‐based cancer registries and invited to take part in a survey. Those who agreed were asked to pass on a questionnaire package to their support person. Measures included the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale, Support Persons' Unmet Need Survey, and sociodemographic questions.

Results

Nine‐hundred and eighty‐nine (66%) participating survivors had a participating support person. There were no significant differences in the proportion of urban versus rural support persons who reported elevated levels of depression (21% vs 23%), anxiety (16% vs 17%), or stress (16% vs 20%), P > .05. Odds of reporting at least 1 indicator of psychological morbidity increased by 10% to 17% for each additional high or very high unmet need and by 2% for those who had relocated from their usual place of residence for the survivor to receive treatment and was decreased by 5% to 54% for those support persons who reported that they had no chronic health conditions.

Conclusions

Psychological outcomes for rural and urban support persons are similar. Those who have poor health, have had to relocate, and who have multiple unmet needs are particularly vulnerable to poor psychological outcomes. These factors should be assessed to enable early intervention for those at risk of poor outcomes.
The influences of sputtered AlN buffer layer on AlInGaN based blue and near‐ultraviolet light emitting diodes
Authors: Wang Jiaxing , Chen Zhen , Xing Yuchen , Wang Lai , Luo Yi
Published: March 2017

Instead of conventional GaN buffer layer, a sputtered AlN buffer layer is utilized on the patterned sapphire substrate in AlInGaN based 450‐nm blue and 380‐nm near‐ultraviolet light emitting diodes (LEDs). As a result, the full‐width at half maximum (FWHM) of GaN (002) and (102) X‐ray diffraction rocking curve decrease from 220 to 135 arcsec and from 245 to 172 arcsec, respectively. Consequently, peak external quantum efficiency (EQE) of 380‐nm LED is enhanced by 18–66%, while the EQE of the 450‐nm one shows inconspicuous improvement. This phenomenon implies that the radiative recombination efficiency is more sensitive to dislocation density in 380‐nm LED. Fitting results of temperature‐dependent photoluminescence spectra indicate that the carrier localization effect is weakened as indium composition decreases in the active region, which is regarded as one ordinary explanation. Moreover, carrier lifetimes in 450‐ and 380‐nm LEDs are also measured. The shorter carrier lifetime in 380‐nm LED is considered as another key factor.
Effects of the surface heterogeneities on the local climate of a fragmented landscape in Amazonia using a tile approach in the Eta/Noah‐MP model
Authors: Pilotto Isabel L. , Rodríguez Daniel A. , Chan Chou Sin , Tomasella Javier , Sampaio Gilvan , Gomes Jorge L.
Published: March 2017

This study evaluates the use of tiles to estimate the effects of surface heterogeneities in simulations of local climate in a landscape‐fragmented region of Amazonia. Three experiments using the Eta/Noah‐MP model were designed as follows: two experiments with a spatial resolution of 5 km with and without the use of the tile approach. The third experiment used a finer spatial resolution of 2 km without the use of the tile approach (high‐resolution experiment). Simulations were carried out for the rainy and dry seasons, which correspond to the months of March and September 2003, respectively. In general, the magnitude of surface fluxes is significantly affected by the introduction of tiles. In the dry season, the use of tiles in the simulation increases the magnitude of precipitation (about 7 mm day−1), skin temperature (about 4 °C), sensible heat flux (about 80 W m−2) and surface albedo (about 0.7). It reduces the latent heat flux (about 30 W m−2) and net radiation (about 40 W m−2). On the other hand, in the rainy season, the model produces excessive precipitation. This may have partly masked the signs of the land fragmentation impact. The tile experiment generates a warmer and drier boundary layer during the dry season. The impact of the surface heterogeneity representation is higher in the dry season than in the rainy season. The results suggest that the degree of impact of the subgrid process representation on the local climate is related to the spatial scale of the fragmentation. The use of the tile approach improves the representation of the effects of landscape heterogeneity on the spatial distribution of surface flux variability in fragmented areas. Comparison against measured data from flux towers in the region show that the model can simulate diurnal and seasonal variations in the local fluxes, despite the biases.
Preservation of replaced left hepatic artery during robotic‐assisted minimally invasive esophagectomy: A case series
Authors: Hess Nicholas R. , Rizk Nabil P. , Luketich James D. , Sarkaria Inderpal S.
Published: March 2017

Objective

Finding of a significant replaced left hepatic artery (RLHA) during esophagectomy is relatively rare, with an incidence of approximately 5%. Sparing of the artery may be required to avoid complications of liver ischemia. Robotic assistance during esophagectomy may provide a technically superior method of artery preservation with minimally invasive approaches.

Methods

This is a retrospective case series of patients undergoing robotic‐assisted minimally invasive esophagectomy (RAMIE) identified to have a significant RLHA at time of surgery.

Results

Five patients with a significant RLHA were identified from a series of over 100 RAMIE operations. Preservation of RLHA was accomplished in all cases without need for conversion, no intra‐operative complications, and no post‐operative liver dysfunction. The stomach was suitable and used for conduit reconstruction in all patients.

Conclusions

Sparing of the RLHA during RAMIE is feasible and effective. The robotic assisted approach may obviate the need for open conversion during these complex minimally invasive operations.
Novel Porous Materials Obtained from Technical Lignins and Their Methacrylate Derivatives Copolymerized with Styrene and Divinylbenzene
Authors: Podkościelna Beata , Gordobil Oihana , Riazanova Anastasia V. , Dobele Galina , Labidi Jalel , Lindström Mikael E. , Gun'ko Vladimir M. , Sevastyanova Olena
Published: March 2017

The increasing availability of various types of technical lignins as result of the emergence of new biorefinery technologies has boosted the interest in the commercialization of lignin‐based materials. Here we suggest a novel method for the preparation of uniform porous microspheres through emulsion‐suspension polymerization of various technical lignins and related methacrylates with styrene (St) and divinylbenzene (DVB). Obtained microspheres have diameters in the range of 5–50 μm, with a more uniform shape for copolymers that contains lignin derivatives. Nitrogen sorption with DFT theory indicates that the microspheres are mesoporous materials with specific surface areas in the range of 230–270 m2g−1 but with significant differences in pore volume, especially in the mesopores size range (0–0.65 cm3g−1). Theoretical modeling of lignin alone and in St‐DVB composites shows changes in polarity of the structures, which have become mosaics with hydrophilic and hydrophobic functionalities. This structure affects the properties of the interfacial water and, therefore, can affect the adsorption of both polar and nonpolar adsorbates in solid‐phase extraction.
Green Synthesis of Electrospun Porous Carbon Nanofibers from Sucrose and Doping of Ag Nanoparticle with Improved Electrical and Electrochemical Properties
Authors: Chakravarty Amrita , Maiti Sandipan , Mahanty Sourindra , De Goutam
Published: March 2017

Porous carbon nanofibers (CNF) with high surface area were synthesized by electrospinning a mixture of polymerized sucrose and poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) in water. This green method provides an excellent environment friendly alternative to the toxic polymers and solvents commonly used for synthesis of CNF/metal nanoparticle composites. Stabilization at 350 °C and subsequent carbonization of the electrospun polymer at 950 °C in reducing environment formed semi‐graphitic CNF. In situ doping of Ag nanoparticles in CNF resulted in a ten‐fold increase in electrical conductivity of CNF for as low as 0.1 wt% Ag doping. When tested as electrode in aqueous electrochemical supercapacitor, the positive effect of Ag‐doping is revealed by two‐fold improvement in capacitance over the pristine CNF at a high current density of 5.0 A g‐1. Interestingly, a continuous increase in capacitance by ∼65% was observed during 5000 continuous cycling which is attributed to increase in active charge storage sites due to gradual opening up of the pores and increasing diffusion of electrolyte ions triggered by enhanced wettability of the electrodes.
Crystallographic Characterization of Trilostane and Derivatives
Authors: Jopp Melanie , Becker Jonathan , Lerch Markus , Miska Andreas , Hausmann Heike , Neiger Reto , Schindler Siegfried
Published: March 2017

Trilostane, 2α‐cyano‐4α,5α‐epoxy‐17β‐hydroxyandrostan‐3‐one, as a synthetic steroid analogue, competitively inhibits the synthesis of several steroids, including cortisol and aldosterone. In veterinary medicine, trilostane has been used successfully to treat hypercortisolism. Trilostane is metabolized by the liver, producing the major metabolite ketotrilostane, 2α‐cyano‐4α,5α‐epoxyandrostane‐3,17‐dione, which is excreted by the liver. The parent compound and the major metabolite undergo metabolic interconversion. Pyridinium chlorochromate oxidation gave the α,β‐unsaturated cyanoketone, which was hydrogenated to yield ketotrilostane. For the first time, all steroids were structurally characterized by X‐ray crystallography. Furthermore, a new derivative of trilostane could be synthesized and was structurally characterized.
In Situ Growth of Fe(Ni)OOH Catalyst on Stainless Steel for Water Oxidation
Authors: Tang Ding , Mabayoje Oluwaniyi , Lai Yanqing , Liu Yexiang , Mullins C. Buddie
Published: March 2017

Stainless steel contains the elements Fe, Ni, Cr and Mn, which are known as active centers of oxygen evolution reaction (OER) catalysts. The high conductivity of stainless steel also makes it an ideal substrate for OER. These facts imply that stainless steel should be a suitable candidate as an OER electrode. Here, we report a simple solution treatment approach that enables stainless steel to be an efficient and stable OER electrode. It was found that a uniform brown film with highly rippled sheet structure could be in situ grown on stainless steel at room temperature by immersing it in an alkaline oxidant solution containing NaOH and (NH4)2S2O8. The composition of the brown film was found to include Fe(Ni)OOH by Raman and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analyses. In 1 M KOH electrolyte, the prepared OER electrode exhibited good electrocatalytic performance with a relatively low overpotential of 300 mV at a benchmark current density of 10 mA/cm2 and a small Tafel slope of 34 mV/decade. Moreover, this OER electrode showed excellent long‐term stability. This work highlights the possibility of potentially converting accessible materials into useful catalysts through simple chemical treatments.
The Colour of the Argentinean Flag
Authors: Romano Rosana M. , Stephani Rodrigo , Cappa de Oliveira Luiz F. , Védova Carlos O. Della
Published: March 2017

One of the historical, recurrently discussed questions in Argentina and South America is related to the original colour of the Argentinean flag. In this paper, the colouring of one of the oldest preserved Argentinean flags, the flag of 1814 of the Temple of San Francisco, Province of Tucumán, was determined, which was ordered in a timely manner by the trustee and later first governor of the Province of Tucumán, Bernabé Aráoz. The flag, made of silk, has inscriptions in a yellow colour due to crocoite, and the presence of lapis lazuli pigment in its upper and lower parts conveys a blue tonality to the year of its origin. Moreover, due to its homogeneous distribution found on the analysed samples a preservation work by means of a Sn containing compound might be inferred in this study, which used spectroscopy and chemistry to solve a singular historical question.
Copper (I) Catalyzed Sp3 C‐H Arylation of N‐Arylglycine Ester Derivatives under Aerobic Conditions
Authors: Ramana Daggupati V. , Chowhan L. Raju , Chandrasekharam Malapaka
Published: March 2017

A copper catalyzed cross‐dehydrogenative coupling reaction between N‐arylglycine ester derivatives and 3, 4‐ethylenedioxythiophene or N, N‐dimethylaniline was developed under very mild conditions. This efficient and environmentally benign approach works devoid of additives or external oxidant and delivered various non‐natural‐α‐amino acid derivatives 3 or 5 in moderate to good yields under aerobic condition. High para‐selectivity was observed with N,N‐dialkylaniline functionalizations.
Identifying evolution patterns: a metrics‐based approach for external library reuse
Authors: Constantinou Eleni , Stamelos Ioannis
Published: March 2017

Software development highly depends on using functionality of external libraries and frameworks because of the inherent benefits of software reuse. As projects evolve over time, it is a common and beneficial task to upgrade the external libraries to their latest versions because bugs are solved or new functionality is implemented. Nonetheless, external libraries evolve as well and undergo architectural and structural changes and therefore, impact the projects that use them in the case of library upgrades. In this paper, we propose a metrics‐based approach in order to identify evolution patterns of candidate reuse libraries and ultimately, assist in selecting new libraries for reuse or upgrading existing libraries. We propose a metrics suite that measures structural and behavioral attributes of software systems' evolution that affect their possible reuse by other projects. The proposed metrics measure the overall stability of software systems in terms of their structural consistency and resilience to introducing new bugs, maintainers' focus on resolving the existing bugs and their focus on preserving the system's structural complexity low. Next, we identify patterns in the metrics' behavior during projects' evolution in order to provide insight about the implications in the case of their reuse. We present our findings of a set of nine popular projects, six of which are maintained by the Apache Software Foundation, and report the results concerning the derived metrics' values and the studied library evolution patterns. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Pattern‐based GUI testing: Bridging the gap between design and quality assurance
Authors: Moreira Rodrigo M. L. M. , Paiva Ana Cristina , Nabuco Miguel , Memon Atif
Published: March 2017

Software systems with a graphical user interface (GUI) front end are typically designed using user interface (UI) Patterns, which describe generic solutions (with multiple possible implementations) for recurrent GUI design problems. However, existing testing techniques do not take advantage of this fact to test GUIs more efficiently. In this paper, we present a new pattern‐based GUI testing (PBGT) approach that formalizes the notion of UI Test Patterns, which are generic test strategies to test UI patterns over their different implementations. The PBGT approach is evaluated via 2 case studies. The first study involves 2 fielded Web application subjects; findings show that PBGT is both practical and useful, as testing teams were able to find real bugs in a reasonable time interval. The second study allows deeper analysis by studying software subjects seeded with artificial faults; the findings show that PBGT is more effective than a manual model‐based test case generation approach.
A spatial and temporal correlation analysis of aggregate wind power in an ideally interconnected Europe
Authors: Malvaldi A. , Weiss S. , Infield D. , Browell J. , Leahy P. , Foley A. M.
Published: March 2017

Studies have shown that a large geographic spread of installed capacity can reduce wind power variability and smooth production. This could be achieved by using electricity interconnections and storage systems. However, interconnections and storage are not totally flexible, so it is essential to understand the wind power correlation in order to address power system constraints in systems with large and growing wind power penetrations. In this study, the spatial and temporal correlation of wind power generation across several European Union countries was examined to understand how wind ‘travels’ across Europe. Three years of historical hourly wind power generation data from 10 countries were analysed. The results of the analysis were then compared with two other studies focused on the Nordic region and the USA. The findings show that similar general correlation characteristics do exist between European country pairs. This is of particular importance when planning and operating interconnector flows, storage optimization and cross‐border power trading. Copyright © 2017 The Authors Wind Energy Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd
Identification of loading conditions resulting in roller slippage in gearbox bearings of large wind turbines
Authors: Dąbrowski Dariusz , Natarajan Anand
Published: March 2017

The dynamic loads on the rollers inside the bearings of large wind turbine gearboxes operating under transient conditions are presented with a focus on identifying conditions leading to slippage of rollers. The methodology was developed using a multi‐body model of the drivetrain coupled with aeroelastic simulations of the wind turbine system. A 5 MW reference wind turbine is considered for which a three‐stage planetary gearbox is designed on the basis of upscaling of an actual 750 kW gearbox unit. Multi‐body dynamic simulations are run using the ADAMS software using a detailed model of the gearbox planetary bearings to investigate transient loads inside the planet bearing. It was found that assembly and pre‐loading conditions have significant influence on the bearing's operation. Also, the load distribution in the gearbox bearings strongly depends on wind turbine operation. Wind turbine start‐up and shut‐down under normal conditions are shown to induce roller slippage, as characterized by loss of contacts and impacts between rollers and raceways. The roller impacts occur under reduced initial pre‐load on opposite sides of the load zone followed by stress variation, which can be one of the potential reasons leading to wear and premature bearing failures. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.