bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cervical cancer: A global health crisis
Authors: Small William , Bacon Monica A. , Bajaj Amishi , Chuang Linus T. , Fisher Brandon J. , Harkenrider Matthew M. , Jhingran Anuja , Kitchener Henry C. , Mileshkin Linda R. , Viswanathan Akila N. , Gaffney David K.
Published: May 2017

Cervical cancer is the fourth most common malignancy diagnosed in women worldwide. Nearly all cases of cervical cancer result from infection with the human papillomavirus, and the prevention of cervical cancer includes screening and vaccination. Primary treatment options for patients with cervical cancer may include surgery or a concurrent chemoradiotherapy regimen consisting of cisplatin‐based chemotherapy with external beam radiotherapy and brachytherapy. Cervical cancer causes more than one quarter of a million deaths per year as a result of grossly deficient treatments in many developing countries. This warrants a concerted global effort to counter the shocking loss of life and suffering that largely goes unreported. This article provides a review of the biology, prevention, and treatment of cervical cancer, and discusses the global cervical cancer crisis and efforts to improve the prevention and treatment of the disease in underdeveloped countries. Cancer 2017;123:2404–12. © 2017 American Cancer Society.
A prospective evaluation of short‐term dysphagia after transoral robotic surgery for squamous cell carcinoma of the oropharynx
Authors: Albergotti William G. , Jordan Jessica , Anthony Keely , Abberbock Shira , Wasserman‐Wincko Tamara , Kim Seungwon , Ferris Robert L. , Duvvuri Umamaheswar
Published: May 2017

BACKGROUND

Transoral robotic surgery (TORS) for oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) has been associated with improved long‐term dysphagia symptomatology compared with chemoradiation. Dysphagia in the perioperative period has been inadequately characterized. The objective of this study was to characterize short‐term swallowing outcomes after TORS for OPSCC.

METHODS

Patients undergoing TORS for OPSCC were enrolled prospectively. The Eating Assessment Tool 10 (EAT‐10) was used as a measure of swallowing dysfunction (score >2) and was administered on postoperative day (POD) 1, 7, and 30. Patient demographics, weight, pain level, and clinical outcomes were recorded prospectively and focused on time to oral diet, feeding tube placement, and dysphagia‐related readmissions.

RESULTS

A total of 51 patients were included with pathologic T stages of T1 (n = 24), T2 (n = 20), T3 (n = 3), and Tx (n = 4). Self‐reported preoperative dysphagia was unusual (13.7%). The mean EAT‐10 score on POD 1 was lower than on POD 7 (21.5 vs 26.6; P = .005) but decreased by POD 30 (26.1 to 12.2; P < .001). Forty‐seven (92.1%) patients were discharged on an oral diet, but 57.4% required compensatory strategies or modification of liquid consistency. Ninety‐eight percent of patients were taking an oral diet by POD 30. There were no dysphagia‐related readmissions.

CONCLUSION

This prospective study shows that most patients who undergo TORS experience dysphagia for at least the first month postoperatively, but nearly all can be started on an oral diet. The dysphagia‐associated complication profile is acceptable after TORS with a minority of patients requiring temporary feeding tube placement. Aggressive evaluation and management of postoperative dysphagia in TORS patients may help prevent dysphagia‐associated readmissions. Cancer 2017;123:3132–40. © 2017 American Cancer Society.
Pd/C in Propylene Carbonate: A Sustainable Catalyst–Solvent System for the Carbonylative Suzuki–Miyaura Cross‐Coupling Using N‐Formylsaccharin as a CO Surrogate
Authors: Gautam Prashant , Gupta Rashi , Bhanage Bhalchandra M.
Published: May 2017

This work documents the first Pd/C‐catalyzed carbonylative Suzuki–Miyaura cross‐coupling of aryl iodides with N‐formylsaccharin as a CO surrogate. In contrast to previous reaction protocols, which make use of toxic and hazardous solvents, the reaction could be advantageously performed in propylene carbonate as an environmentally benign and sustainable polar aprotic solvent. A range of biaryl ketones, including (4‐methoxyphenyl)(3,4,5‐trimethoxyphenyl)methanone, an antineoplastic belonging to the phenstatin family, could be synthesized under cocatalyst‐free, additive‐free and ligand‐free conditions. The Pd/C could be recycled up to five times under CO surrogacy with only a marginal decrease in catalytic activity. The reaction could also be scaled up to gram‐scale syntheses.
Chances and Limitations of Video Games in the Fight against Childhood Obesity—A Systematic Review
Authors: Mack Isabelle , Bayer Carolin , Schäffeler Norbert , Reiband Nadine , Brölz Ellen , Zurstiege Guido , Fernandez‐Aranda Fernando , Gawrilow Caterina , Zipfel Stephan
Published: May 2017

Objective and Method

A systematic literature search was conducted to assess the chances and limitations of video games to combat and prevent childhood obesity. This search included studies with video or computer games targeting nutrition, physical activity and obesity for children between 7 and 15 years of age.

Results

The study distinguished between games that aimed to (i) improve knowledge about nutrition, eating habits and exercise; (ii) increase physical activity; or (iii) combine both approaches. Overall, the games were well accepted. On a qualitative level, most studies reported positive effects on obesity‐related outcomes (improvement of weight‐related parameters, physical activity or dietary behaviour/knowledge). However, the observed effects were small. The games did not address psychosocial aspects.

Conclusions

Using video games for weight management exclusively does not deliver satisfying results. Video games as an additional guided component of prevention and treatment programs have the potential to increase compliance and thus enhance treatment outcome. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and Eating Disorders Association.
Linking speciation to extinction: Diversification raises contemporary extinction risk in amphibians
Authors: Greenberg Dan A. , Mooers Arne Ø.
Published: May 2017

Many of the traits associated with elevated rates of speciation, including niche specialization and having small and isolated populations, are similarly linked with an elevated risk of extinction. This suggests that rapidly speciating lineages may also be more extinction prone. Empirical tests of a speciation-extinction correlation are rare because assessing paleontological extinction rates is difficult. However, the modern biodiversity crisis allows us to observe patterns of extinction in real time, and if this hypothesis is true then we would expect young clades that have recently diversified to have high contemporary extinction risk. Here, we examine evolutionary patterns of modern extinction risk across over 300 genera within one of the most threatened vertebrate classes, the Amphibia. Consistent with predictions, rapidly diversifying amphibian clades also had a greater share of threatened species. Curiously, this pattern is not reflected in other tetrapod classes and may reflect a greater propensity to speciate through peripheral isolation in amphibians, which is partly supported by a negative correlation between diversification rate and mean geographic range size. This clustered threat in rapidly diversifying amphibian genera means that protecting a small number of species can achieve large gains in preserving amphibian phylogenetic diversity. Nonindependence between speciation and extinction rates has many consequences for patterns of biodiversity and how we may choose to conserve it.
Mutation patterns in genes encoding interferon signaling and antigen presentation: A pan‐cancer survey with implications for the use of immune checkpoint inhibitors
Authors: Budczies Jan , Bockmayr Michael , Klauschen Frederick , Endris Volker , Fröhling Stefan , Schirmacher Peter , Denkert Carsten , Stenzinger Albrecht
Published: May 2017

Blockade of immune checkpoints has become a powerful tool in cancer medicine, which is effective across various solid cancer types and hematologic malignancies. While immunohistochemical detection of PD‐L1 expression in tumor cells, immune cells, or both has been introduced as predictive biomarker in several clinical trials, shortcomings and limitations of this approach were quickly recognized. As a single biomarker is unlikely to adequately reflect the complex interplay between immune cells and cancer, various genetic determinants of therapy success, including microsatellite instability, mutational burden, and PD‐L1 amplification, are being investigated. Very recent work indicates that mutations in B2M, JAK1, and JAK2 render melanoma resistant to immune checkpoint blockade, thus serving as negative response predictors. Using the TCGA dataset, we performed a pan‐cancer analysis of potentially damaging mutations in key genes implicated in antigen presentation and interferon‐gamma signaling and investigated associations with transcript levels of immune checkpoint genes, cytolytic activity, and mutational burden. For B2M, JAK1, and JAK2, we observed overall mutation frequencies of 1.8%, 2%, and 2.6%, respectively, and found significant associations with mutational burden. On pathway level, melanoma as well as bladder, gastric, and lung cancer were most frequently affected by putative resistance mutations with mutation rates of 27%‐50% in the antigen presentation pathway and of 16%‐21% in the interferon signaling pathway. Our analysis suggests that a significant number of tumors harbor mutations that may negatively interfere with immune checkpoint inhibition, or confer a higher likelihood of resistance for which a second hit is ultimately required. Since these mutations are prevalent in treatment‐naïve tumors, genetic screening prior to therapy might complement current approaches at predicting response to immune checkpoint blockade.
Acetyl‐coenzyme A carboxylase inhibition reduces de novo lipogenesis in overweight male subjects: A randomized, double‐blind, crossover study
Authors: Stiede Kathryn , Miao Wenyan , Blanchette Heather S. , Beysen Carine , Harriman Geraldine , Harwood H. James , Kelley Heather , Kapeller Rosana , Schmalbach Tess , Westlin William F.
Published: May 2017

NDI‐010976, an allosteric inhibitor of acetyl‐coenzyme A carboxylases (ACC) ACC1 and ACC2, reduces hepatic de novo lipogenesis (DNL) and favorably affects steatosis, inflammation, and fibrosis in animal models of fatty liver disease. This study was a randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, crossover trial evaluating the pharmacodynamic effects of a single oral dose of NDI‐010976 on hepatic DNL in overweight and/or obese but otherwise healthy adult male subjects. Subjects were randomized to receive either NDI‐010976 (20, 50, or 200 mg) or matching placebo in period 1, followed by the alternate treatment in period 2; and hepatic lipogenesis was stimulated with oral fructose administration. Fractional DNL was quantified by infusing a stable isotope tracer, [1‐13C]acetate, and monitoring 13C incorporation into palmitate of circulating very low‐density lipoprotein triglyceride. Single‐dose administration of NDI‐010976 was well tolerated at doses up to and including 200 mg. Fructose administration over a 10‐hour period stimulated hepatic fractional DNL an average of 30.9 ± 6.7% (mean ± standard deviation) above fasting DNL values in placebo‐treated subjects. Subjects administered single doses of NDI‐010976 at 20, 50, or 200 mg had significant inhibition of DNL compared to placebo (mean inhibition relative to placebo was 70%, 85%, and 104%, respectively). An inverse relationship between fractional DNL and NDI‐010976 exposure was observed with >90% inhibition of fractional DNL associated with plasma concentrations of NDI‐010976 >4 ng/mL. Conclusion: ACC inhibition with a single dose of NDI‐010976 is well tolerated and results in a profound dose‐dependent inhibition of hepatic DNL in overweight adult male subjects. Therefore, NDI‐010976 could contribute considerable value to the treatment algorithm of metabolic disorders characterized by dysregulated fatty acid metabolism, including nonalcoholic steatohepatitis. (Hepatology 2017;66:324–334).
How healthy are the “Healthy volunteers”? Penetrance of NAFLD in the biomedical research volunteer pool
Authors: Takyar Varun , Nath Anand , Beri Andrea , Gharib Ahmed M. , Rotman Yaron
Published: May 2017

Healthy volunteers are crucial for biomedical research. Inadvertent inclusion of subjects with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) as controls can compromise study validity and subject safety. Given the rising prevalence of NAFLD in the general population, we sought to identify its prevalence and potential impact in volunteers for clinical trials. We conducted a cross‐sectional study of subjects who were classified as healthy volunteers between 2011 and 2015 and had no known liver disease. Subjects were classified as presumed NAFLD (pNF; alanine aminotransferase [ALT] level ≥ 20 for women or ≥ 31 for men and body mass index [BMI] > 25 kg/m2), healthy non‐NAFLD controls (normal ALT and BMI), or indeterminate. A total of 3160 subjects participated as healthy volunteers in 149 clinical trials (1‐29 trials per subject); 1732 of these subjects (55%) had a BMI > 25 kg/m2 and 1382 (44%) had abnormal ALT. pNF was present in 881 subjects (27.9%), and these subjects were older than healthy control subjects and had higher triglycerides, low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol, and HbA1c and lower high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (P < 0.001 for all). The 149 trials included 101 non‐interventional, 33 interventional, and 15 vaccine trials. The impact on study validity of recruiting NAFLD subjects as controls was estimated as likely, probable, and unlikely in 10, 41, and 98 trials, respectively. The proportion of pNF subjects (28%‐29%) did not differ by impact. Only 14% of trials used both BMI and ALT for screening. ALT cutoffs for screening were based on local reference values. Grade 3‐4 ALT elevations during the study period were rare but more common in pNF subjects than in healthy control subjects (4 versus 1). Conclusion: NAFLD is common and often overlooked in volunteers for clinical trials, despite its potential impact on subject safety and validity of study findings. Increased awareness of NAFLD prevalence and stricter ALT cutoffs may ameliorate this problem. (Hepatology 2017;66:825–833)
Erratum: High speed sCMOS‐based oblique plane microscopy applied to the study of calcium dynamics in cardiac myocytes
Authors: Sikkel Markus B. , Kumar Sunil , Maioli Vincent , Rowlands Christina , Gordon Fabiana , Harding Sian E. , Lyon Alexander R. , MacLeod Kenneth T. , Dunsby Chris
Published: May 2017

In the article by M.B. Sikkel et al. (doi: 10.1002/jbio.201500193), published in J. Biophotonics 9, 311–323 (2016), an error occurred in the computer code that was used to generate Figure 3. This erratum is published to correct Figure 3, the calculated value of tgeom and the experimentally determined value of toptics in the text of the article.
Bioglass incorporation improves mechanical properties and enhances cell‐mediated mineralization on electrochemically aligned collagen threads
Authors: Nijsure Madhura P. , Pastakia Meet , Spano Joseph , Fenn Michael B. , Kishore Vipuil
Published: May 2017

Bone tissue engineering mandates the development of a functional scaffold that mimics the physicochemical properties of native bone. Bioglass 45S5 (BG) is a highly bioactive material known to augment bone formation and restoration. Hybrid scaffolds fabricated using collagen type I and BG resemble the organic and inorganic composition of the bone extracellular matrix and hence have been extensively investigated for bone tissue engineering applications. However, collagen–BG scaffolds developed thus far do not recapitulate the aligned structure of collagen found in native bone. In this study, an electrochemical fabrication method was employed to synthesize BG‐incorporated electrochemically aligned collagen (BG‐ELAC) threads that are compositionally similar to native bone. Further, aligned collagen fibrils within BG‐ELAC threads mimic the anisotropic arrangement of collagen fibrils in native bone. The effect of BG incorporation on the mechanical properties and cell‐mediated mineralization on ELAC threads was investigated. The results indicated that BG can be successfully incorporated within ELAC threads, without disturbing collagen fibril alignment. Further, BG incorporation significantly increased the ultimate tensile stress (UTS) and modulus of ELAC threads (p < 0.05). SBF conditioning showed extensive mineralization on BG‐ELAC threads that increased over time demonstrating the bone bioactivity of BG‐ELAC threads. Additionally, BG incorporation into ELAC threads resulted in increased cell proliferation (p < 0.05) and deposition of a highly dense and continuous mineralized matrix. In conclusion, incorporation of BG into ELAC threads is a viable strategy for the development of an osteoconductive material for bone tissue engineering applications. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 105A: 2429–2440, 2017.
Intermittent Parathyroid Hormone After Prolonged Alendronate Treatment Induces Substantial New Bone Formation and Increases Bone Tissue Heterogeneity in Ovariectomized Rats
Authors: Altman-Singles Allison R , Jeong Yonghoon , Tseng Wei-Ju , de Bakker Chantal MJ , Zhao Hongbo , Lott Carina , Robberts Juhanna , Qin Ling , Han Lin , Kim Do-Gyoon , Liu X Sherry
Published: May 2017

Postmenopausal osteoporosis is often treated with bisphosphonates (eg, alendronate, [ALN]), but oversuppression of bone turnover by long-term bisphosphonate treatment may decrease bone tissue heterogeneity. Thus, alternate treatment strategies after long-term bisphosphonates are of great clinical interest. The objective of the current study was to determine the effect of intermittent parathyroid hormone (PTH) following 12 weeks of ALN (a bisphosphonate) treatment in 6-month-old, ovariectomized (OVX) rats on bone microarchitecture, bone remodeling dynamics, and bone mechanical properties at multiple length scales. By using in vivo μCT and 3D in vivo dynamic bone histomorphometry techniques, we demonstrated the efficacy of PTH following ALN therapy for stimulating new bone formation, and increasing trabecular thickness and bone volume fraction. In healthy bone, resorption and formation are coupled and balanced to sustain bone mass. OVX results in resorption outpacing formation, and subsequent bone loss and reduction in bone tissue modulus and tissue heterogeneity. We showed that ALN treatment effectively reduced bone resorption activity and regained the balance with bone formation, preventing additional bone loss. However, ALN treatment also resulted in significant reductions in the heterogeneity of bone tissue mineral density and tissue modulus. On the other hand, PTH treatment was able to shift the bone remodeling balance in favor of formation, with or without a prior treatment with ALN. Moreover, by altering the tissue mineralization, PTH alleviated the reduction in heterogeneity of tissue material properties induced by prolonged ALN treatment. Furthermore, switching to PTH treatment from ALN improved bone's postyield mechanical properties at both the whole bone and apparent level compared to ALN alone. The current findings suggest that intermittent PTH treatment should be considered as a viable treatment option for patients with prior treatment with bisphosphonates. © 2017 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
The discounting model selector: Statistical software for delay discounting applications
Authors: Gilroy Shawn P. , Franck Christopher T. , Hantula Donald A.
Published: May 2017

Original, open‐source computer software was developed and validated against established delay discounting methods in the literature. The software executed approximate Bayesian model selection methods from user‐supplied temporal discounting data and computed the effective delay 50 (ED50) from the best performing model. Software was custom‐designed to enable behavior analysts to conveniently apply recent statistical methods to temporal discounting data with the aid of a graphical user interface (GUI). The results of independent validation of the approximate Bayesian model selection methods indicated that the program provided results identical to that of the original source paper and its methods. Monte Carlo simulation (n = 50,000) confirmed that true model was selected most often in each setting. Simulation code and data for this study were posted to an online repository for use by other researchers. The model selection approach was applied to three existing delay discounting data sets from the literature in addition to the data from the source paper. Comparisons of model selected ED50 were consistent with traditional indices of discounting. Conceptual issues related to the development and use of computer software by behavior analysts and the opportunities afforded by free and open‐sourced software are discussed and a review of possible expansions of this software are provided.
Effect of CO2 laser power intensity on the surface morphology and friction behavior of alumina ceramic brackets
Authors: Rabiee Sayed Mahmood , Eftekhari Seyedeh Zeinab , Arash Valiollah , Amozegar Nadereh , Fathi Alireza , Tavanafar Saeid , Bijani Ali
Published: May 2017

Objective

This study aims at reducing frictional resistance of the ceramic brackets by using CO2 laser irradiation.

Methods

Forty‐two polycrystalline Al2O3 ceramic brackets were randomly divided into six groups of seven samples: a control group B0 (not subjected to laser irradiation) and five groups subjected to irradiation with intensities of 10 (B10), 30 (B30), 70 (B70), 90 (B90), and 110 (B110) J/cm2. After irradiation, two samples from each group were evaluated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM), while the remaining five samples were tested for frictional resistance. The sliding friction of stainless steel wires (SS‐wires) in the brackets was measured using a universal testing machine.

Results

Samples from the first set (groups B0, B10, and B30) were significantly more resistant to wire sliding than the samples from the second set (groups B70, B90, and B110). The SEM analysis shows different degrees of blister formation on the bracket surfaces subjected to laser irradiation and no changes in their grain sizes. The AFM results indicate more consistent blister formation for groups B70, B90, and B110 than for other groups.

Conclusion

Different CO2 laser power intensities significantly affect frictional resistances of SS‐wires in Al2O3 ceramic brackets.
A genotype–phenotype association approach to reveal thermal adaptation in Daphnia galeata
Authors: Herrmann Maike , Henning‐Lucass Nicole , Cordellier Mathilde , Schwenk Klaus
Published: May 2017

Altering thermal environments impose strong selection pressures on organisms, whose local persistence depends on adaptive phenotypic plastic and genetic responses. Thus far, adaptive change is monitored using phenotypic shifts or molecular markers, although inevitable obstacles are inherent in both methods. In order to circumvent these, it is necessary to find a causal link between adaptive alleles and fitness. Combining both approaches by linking genetic analyses and life‐history measurements, a potential genotype–phenotype relationship can be assessed and adaptation at the molecular level demonstrated. For our study, clonal lineages of the freshwater keystone species D. galeata from seven different populations distributed along a latitudinal gradient across Europe were tested for local thermal adaptation in common garden experiments. Fitness‐related life‐history responses were quantified under different thermal regimes and experimental clones were genotyped at three candidate gene marker loci to investigate a potential genotype–phenotype association. The analyses of the life‐history data showed a significant temperature effect on several fitness‐related life‐history traits recorded in our experiments. However, we could not detect evidence for a direct association at neither candidate gene locus between genotypes and life‐history traits. The observed phenotypic shifts might therefore not be based on the tested marker loci EA, M and TF, or in general not coding sequence‐based and thus rather reveal phenotypic plasticity in response to thermal variation. Nonetheless, we revealed significant genotype by environment (GxE) interactions at all tested loci, potentially reflecting a contribution of marker loci to certain life‐history trait values and contribution of multiple genetic loci to phenotypic traits.
Advanced Routes in Synthesis and Reactions of Lawsone Molecules (2‐Hydroxynaphthalene‐1,4‐dione)
Authors: Hamama Wafaa S. , Hassanien Alaa El‐Din E. , Zoorob Hanafi H.
Published: May 2017

Lawsone (2‐hydroxynaphthalene‐1,4‐dione ) is a natural product which shows significant biological activity. Lawsone has been found as a component of many dyes as well as a constituent of medicinal herbal treatments. So, this review aimed to document the publications concerning the synthesis and chemical reactivity and reactions of lawsone reported by research groups.
Synthesis of Some 4‐Quinolinyl Pyridines and their Antimicrobial and Docking Studies
Authors: Kumar Ramesh , Khanna Radhika , Kumar Parvin , Kumar Vikas , Kamboj Ramesh C.
Published: May 2017

A series of some substituted diethyl 4‐(2‐chloroquinolin‐3‐yl)‐2,6‐dimethylpyridine‐3,5‐dicarboxylates has been synthesized from substituted diethyl4‐(2‐chloroquinolin‐3‐yl)‐1,4‐dihydro‐2,6‐dimethylpyridine‐3,5‐dicarboxylates (1,4‐DHPs) by treating the latter with SiO2–HNO3 which proved to be a better oxidant in terms of product yield, reaction time, and cost. Further, these compounds were screened for their antimicrobial activity. All the diethyl 4‐(2‐chloroquinolin‐3‐yl)‐2,6‐dimethylpyridine‐3,5‐dicarboxylates exhibited more potent activities than the corresponding 1,4‐DHPs. Further, docking simulation of the most active and least active compounds 3e and 2e into Escherichia coli topoisomerase II DNA Gyrase B was also performed.
Interdecadal variation of summer monsoon over the southern part of South Asia in mid‐1990s
Authors: Choi Jae‐Won , Cha Yumi , Lu Riyu
Published: May 2017

ABSTRACT

The time‐series of South Asian summer monsoon index for 1974–2013 showed distinct interdecadal variation thereby revealing a characteristic of reduction in the index since 1994. Thus, this study analysed mean differences between 1995–2013 period and 1974–1994 period. In the difference in outgoing longwave radiation between the two periods, convection was strengthened in the Arabian Sea in the southern part of South Asia and was weakened in Indian subcontinent and the Indochina peninsula. In the difference in 850 hPa stream flows between the two periods, anomalous anticyclonic circulations extended from the western North Pacific to the Indian subcontinent via the Indochina Peninsula. Moreover, anomalous cyclonic circulations were strengthened in the western sea of Australia and anomalous warm southeasterlies that crossed the Equator from the circulations were headed towards the Arabian Sea. In the difference in 200 hPa stream flows between the two periods, the Arabian Sea was affected by anomalous cold northwesterlies. Thus, considering the circulations at the upper and lower troposphere, convection was weakened in recent years due to the effect of anomalous anticyclone over the regions from the western North Pacific via the Indochina Peninsula to the Indian subcontinent at the lower troposphere whereas convection was strengthened in the Arabian Sea due to the formation of vertical thermal instability. After defining land and sea areas in the west of the southern part of South Asia and land and sea areas in the east of the southern part of South Asia, differences between sensible heat flux in land area and sea surface temperature in sea area were analysed. A difference between land and sea areas in the west of the southern part South Asia was increased in the west of the southern part of South Asia since the mid‐1990s whereas that in the east of the southern part of South Asia tended to be clearly decreased since the mid‐1990s.
Impacts of cloud cover on long‐term changes in light rain in Eastern China
Authors: Wu Jian , Zhang Liya , Gao Yanchun , Zhao Deming , Zha Jinlin , Yang Qidong
Published: May 2017

ABSTRACT

Daily sunshine duration data from 384 stations in Eastern China was used to separate light rain in the warm season during the period 1979–2009 into light rain occurred in overcast and partly cloudy weather. Light rain reduction over past 30 years mainly happened in partly cloudy weather, which accounted for 84% of the decrease of total light rain days and amount in the warm seasons over Eastern China during the period 1979–2009. The primary cause of the significant reduction of light rain in partly cloudy weather was the relative humidity decrease in the low troposphere, which was induced by both the air temperature increase and water vapour content (WVC) decrease, while warming played a much more important role compared with the WVC in the change of light rain in most regions of Eastern China.
Microcalcification of lumbar spine intervertebral discs and facet joints is associated with cartilage degeneration, but differs in prevalence and its relation to age
Authors: Hawellek Thelonius , Hubert Jan , Hischke Sandra , Rolvien Tim , Krause Matthias , Püschel Klaus , Rüther Wolfgang , Niemeier Andreas
Published: May 2017

Cartilage calcification (CC) is associated with degeneration in non‐vertebral joints, but little is known about CC and lumbar vertebral joints. The goal of this study was to analyze the prevalence of CC in lumbar facet joints (FJ) and intervertebral discs (IVD) and its relation to cartilage degeneration and age in a non‐selected cohort of the general population. The segment L4/5 of 85 consecutive donors (mean age 61.9 years) was analyzed by high‐resolution imaging digital‐contact radiography (DCR). Quantification was achieved by measuring CC in % of total cartilage area. Histological degeneration of FJs and IVDs was determined by OARSI and Boos scores. Prevalence of CC was 36.5% for FJ (95%CI (0.26, 0.48)) and 100% for IVD (95%CI (0.96, 1.00)). The amount of IVD CC (3.36% SD ± 7.14) was 16.3 times higher (p < 0.001) than that of the FJ (0.23% SD ± 0.53) and independent of each other (p = 0.07). The amount of FJ CC correlated significantly with FJ and IVD degeneration (FJ r = 0.44, p = 0.01, IVD r = 0.49, p = 0.006) while the amount of IVD CC correlated only with IVD degeneration (r = 0.54, p < 0.001). Age correlated with IVD CC (rs = 0.35, p < 0.001), but not FJ CC (rs = 0.04, p = 0.85). We conclude that IVD fibrocartilage is particularly prone to calcification. A causal relationship between lumbar CC and degeneration is possible, but the clear differences in IVD fibrocartilage CC and FJ synovial joint CC in regard to prevalence and in relation to age point to a differential role of CC in single compartments of the respective motion segment in lumbar spine degeneration. © 2017 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 35:2692–2699, 2017.
Cover Image, Volume 97, Issue 8
Authors: Shimamura Yuko , Iio Misako , Urahira Tomoko , Masuda Shuichi
Published: May 2017

The cover image, by Yuko Shimamura et al, is based on the Research Article Inhibitory effects of Japanese horseradish (Wasabia japonica) on the formation and genotoxicity of a potent carcinogen, acrylamide, DOI: 10.1002/jsfa.8055.

image
Adsorption structure and adhesion strength of aqueous copolymer lubricant films on Si surface
Authors: Lin Bingjing , Tieu A. Kiet , Zhu Hongtao , Kosasih Buyung , Novareza Oyong
Published: May 2017

The adsorption structure of aqueous triblock copolymer polypropylene oxide‐polyethylene oxide‐polypropylene oxide, PPO‐PEO‐PPO, on the Si surface was studied using neutron reflectometer. It is found that PEO blocks formed the outer layer of the adsorbed PPO‐PEO‐PPO film, while PPO blocks formed the inner layer and served as the anchor blocks. The adhesion strength of adsorbed PPO‐PEO‐PPO copolymer film was evaluated using atomic force microscopy and scratch tests. The results revealed that the molecular structure of triblock copolymer had a considerable effect on the adhesion strength. The triblock copolymer with a longer PPO chain and a higher weight percentage of PPO exhibited stronger adhesion and better lubrication performance.
Automated ablation of dental composite using an IR pulsed laser coupled to a plume emission spectral feedback system
Authors: Jang Andrew T. , Chan Kenneth H. , Fried Daniel
Published: May 2017

Objective

The purpose of this study is to assemble a laser system for the selective removal of dental composite from tooth surfaces, that is feasible for clinical use incorporating a spectral feedback system, a scanning system, articulating arm and a clinical hand‐piece, and evaluate the performance of that system on extracted teeth.

Methods

Ten extracted teeth were collected and small fillings were placed on the occlusal surface of each tooth. A clinical system featuring a CO2 laser operating at 50 Hz and spectral optical feedback was used to remove the composite. Removal was confirmed using a cross polarized optical coherence tomography (CP‐OCT) system designed for clinical use.

Results

The system was capable of rapidly removing composite from small preparations on tooth occlusal surfaces with a mean loss of enamel of less than 20 μm.

Conclusion

We have demonstrated that spectral feedback can be successfully employed in an automated system for composite removal by incorporating dual photodiodes and a galvanometer controlled CO2 laser. Additionally, the use of registered OCT images presents as a viable method for volumetric benchmarking. Overall, this study represents the first implementation of spectral feedback into a clinical hand‐piece and serves as a benchmark for a future clinical study. Lasers Surg. Med. 49:658–665, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Forecasts of extreme precipitation in the western Balkans in May 2014: model skill and sensitivity to the vertical co‐ordinate
Authors: Marjanović Dragana , Veljovic Katarina , Zaric Miroljub
Published: May 2017

This study examines the simulation of the catastrophic precipitating event that occurred on 14–16 May 2014 over the western Balkans, using two regional models, the Eta model and the Weather Research and Forecasting Non‐hydrostatic Mesoscale Model (WRF‐NMM). This case was an extreme precipitation event with very large precipitation totals exceeding 200 mm in 72 h. The Eta model was run in two variants, switched to use the eta co‐ordinate with sloping steps and switched to use the sigma co‐ordinate. The aim of this study was to analyse the ability of the regional model to forecast heavy precipitation successfully as well as the impact of the vertical co‐ordinate on the forecasting of extreme precipitation events based on realistic model simulation. Experiments show the ability of regional models to reproduce extreme accumulations for 2 days of heavy precipitation with bias adjusted equitable threat score ranging from 0.3 to 0.5 for precipitation greater than the analysed threshold values (25–55 mm day−1), whereby the Eta model exhibits a slight advantage over the WRF‐NMM and the run of the Eta model switched to the eta co‐ordinate has the smallest frequency bias. For larger observed accumulations exceeding 50 mm day−1 all forecasts tend to be more biased. The root mean square precipitation difference varies insignificantly between the three forecasts. The results of the experiment indicate that, in the case of the extreme precipitation considered in this study, scores of the forecasts of the Eta model for 10 m wind speed and 2 m temperature show a small dependence on the vertical co‐ordinate and in favour of the run with the eta co‐ordinate.
Autologous breast reconstruction in the postbariatric patient population
Authors: Bauder Andrew R. , Samra Fares , Kanchwala Suhail K. , Serletti Joseph M. , Kovach Stephen J. , Wu Liza C.
Published: May 2017

Background

Over 175,000 Americans underwent bariatric surgery in 2013 alone, resulting in rapid growth of the massive weight loss population. As obesity is a known risk factor for breast cancer, plastic surgeons are increasingly challenged to reconstruct the breasts of massive weight loss patients after oncologic resection. The goal of this study is to assess the outcomes of autologous breast reconstruction in postbariatric surgery patients at a single institution.

Methods

Patients who underwent autologous breast reconstruction between 2008 and 2014 were identified. Those with a history of bariatric surgery were compared to those without a history of bariatric surgery. Analysis included age, ethnicity, BMI, comorbidities, flap type, operative complications, and reoperation rates. Propensity matched analysis was also conducted to control for preoperative differences between the two cohorts.

Results

Fourteen women underwent breast reconstruction following bariatric surgery, compared to 1,012 controls. Outcomes analysis revealed significant differences in breast revisions (1.35 vs. 0.61, P = .0055), implant placements (0.42 vs. 0.08, P = .0003), and total OR visits (2.78 vs. 1.67, P = .0007). There was no significant difference noted in delayed healing of the breast (57.4% vs. 33.7%, P = .087) or donor site (14.3% vs. 15.8%, P = 1.00).

Conclusions

As the rise in bariatric surgery mirrors that of obesity, an increasing amount of massive weight loss patients undergo treatment for breast cancer. We demonstrate profound differences in this patient population, particularly in regards to revision rates, which affects operative planning, patient counseling, and satisfaction.
Investigation of sub‐micron size cenosphere fillers and filler loading on the mechanical and tribological peculiarity of polyester composites
Authors: Singh Akant Kumar , Siddhartha  , Yadav Sanjay
Published: May 2017

This paper investigates the effect of sub‐micron size cenosphere filler and filler loading on mechanical and dry sliding wear property of polyester composites. Composites are fabricated by filling with 10 and 20 wt% of 800 and 200‐nm size of cenosphere filler particles. Neat polyester composite is also prepared for comparison analysis. Dry sliding wear test is conducted for these composites over a range of sliding distance with different sliding velocities and applied loads on a pin‐on‐disc wear test machine. Taguchi methodology and analysis of variance (ANOVA) is used to analyze the friction and wear characteristics of the composites. The artificial neural network (ANN) approach is implemented to the friction and wear data for corroboration. In this work, mechanical properties of composites such as hardness, tensile strength, tensile modulus, flexural strength, and compressive strength revealed that mechanical properties and wear resistance of the composites increase with a decrease in the particle size. The measured Young's moduli are comparable to standard theoretical prediction models. The morphology of worn composite specimens has been examined by scanning electron microscopy to understand the dominant wear mechanisms. Finally, optimal factor settings are determined using a genetic algorithm (GA). Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Inline rheological behavior of dispersed water in a polyester matrix with a twin screw extruder
Authors: Goger A. , Thompson M.R. , Pawlak J.L. , Arnould M.A. , Klymachyov A. , Sheppard R. , Lawton D.J.W.
Published: May 2017

Solvent‐free extrusion emulsification (SFEE) is a complex process using twin‐screw extrusion to prepare solid‐liquid dispersions of high viscosity polymers and has received little study to date on its inherent mechanisms. To gain rheological insights into the earliest stage of SFEE as the interfacial boundary between water and polymer grows, prior to phase inversion, an inline orifice‐plate type viscometer is introduced to monitor transient behavior over a wide range of viscosities. The presented work examines rheological changes of a polyester‐water system produced by varying two factors thought to significantly control the final state of the dispersion, specifically polar group contributions to surface energy and viscosity. A processing modifier was combined with the polyester to study the influence of these two factors. The inline viscometer revealed an abrupt transition in viscosity occurred with the developed state of water dispersion, confirming observations of a prior batch study. Analysis of the rheological response indicated that a higher polar surface energy contribution had the greatest influence on the state of this transition, and that a steeper transition was related to greater incorporation of water within the polyester matrix. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2017. © 2017 Society of Plastics Engineers
Cure behavior and kinetic study of diglycidyl ether of bisphenol A with a tertiary amine salt by differential scanning calorimetry
Authors: Ortiz Vélez Alejandra , Siles Alvarado Samuel , Avendaño‐Gómez Juan Ramón
Published: May 2017

To favor the curing process of epoxy resin by cross‐linking and not by vitrification, the use of a tertiary amine salt is proposed. The curing reaction between diglycidyl ether of bisphenol A and tris‐(dimethylaminomethyl) phenol tri(2‐ethyl hexanoate) is studied by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Studies are carried out at different concentrations of amine salt: 5, 7.5, and 10 wt%. The vitrification is observed at low concentrations of the amine salt in curing experimental assessments. Furthermore, the experimental characterization of the glass transition temperature at different amine salt concentration allows inferring the polymer network connectivity. Later, the Kissinger method is used to calculate the activation energy. Finally, a reaction mechanism between the epoxy resin and the curing agent is proposed. The reaction mechanism is based on four reactions that may occur. In the most likely reaction happening in the curing, the 2‐ethyl hexanoate behaves as a catalyst through three types of esterification. The characterization and mechanism of the curing reaction of the epoxy resin DER 331 and the amine salt tris‐(dimethylaminomethyl) phenol tri(2‐ethyl hexanoate) have not been reported previously, so it is a novel support of technological relevance for the cure of epoxy community. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2017. © 2017 Society of Plastics Engineers
Energy forecast for mobile photovoltaic systems with focus on trucks for cooling applications
Authors: Kühnel Meike , Hanke Benedikt , Geißendörfer Stefan , von Maydell Karsten , Agert Carsten
Published: May 2017

For a viable and commercial attractive integration of vehicle integrated photovoltaic applications (ViPVs) energy forecasting is required as a foundation for business case calculation. The developed algorithm facilitates the forecast of annual power distribution and solar energy yield along any given track tested on a German use case. A high temporal and spatial resolution of the meteorological database providing ambient temperature, wind speed, and global horizontal irradiance was determined as a necessity to preserve the irradiance distribution and consequently the power distribution available throughout the year. For ViPV module temperature, respectively, module efficiency benefits strongly from head wind. As a consequence, the performance of ViPV under motion was identified as superior to non‐mobile PV installations. The potential annual energy yield of the three showcasing commercial semi‐trailer lorries operating in Germany is identified to be 3–7 MWh depending on the used cell technology. The potential energy gain due to head wind cooling is estimated to be 20–75 kWh per trailer and year. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Proteome profile of spinneret from the silkworm, Bombyx mori
Authors: Wang Xin , Li Yi , Liu Qingsong , Xia Qingyou , Zhao Ping
Published: May 2017

The silkworm spinneret is an important tissue for silk fibrillogenesis and spinning. All biochemical processes during silk fibrillogenesis are correlated with silk properties. Understanding the role of spinneret in silk fibrillogenesis may help to reveal the mechanism of silk fibrillogenesis as well as improve silk quality for commercial purposes. Thus, we profiled the proteome of silkworm spinneret. A total of 1572 proteins and 232 differential abundance proteins were identified. Silk fibrillogenesis‐related proteins, such as cuticle proteins, ion‐transporting proteins, muscular proteins, and energy metabolic proteins, were abundant in spinneret. Metabolic pathway and GO enrichment analyses revealed that the identified proteins were involved in energy metabolism, chitin binding, and cuticle construction. Active energy metabolism may provide abundant energy for the muscle contraction as well as ion and water exchange. The chitin binding and cuticle construction process may provide sufficient shear forces for silk formation. Our data suggest that silkworm spinneret provides a suitable physiological and biochemical environment for silk fibrillogenesis. These proteins are potential targets for improving silk quality in the silk industry. Data are available via ProteomeXchange with identifier PXD004455.
A method for rapid and sensitive negative staining of proteins in SDS‐PAGE using 2′,7′‐dichlorofluorescein
Authors: Zhang Yuan , Yu Dongdong , Dai Jiangbo , Wang Xu , Zhu Zhongxin , Huang Yewei , Sun Jia , Chen Zhiwei , Jin Litai , Wang Yang
Published: May 2017

We report here a rapid and sensitive technique for negative visualization of protein in 1D and 2D SDS‐PAGE by using 2′, 7′‐dichlorofluorescein (DCF), which appeared as transparent and colorless bands in an opaque gel matrix background. For DCF stain, down to 0.1–0.2 ng protein could be easily visualized within 7 min by only two steps, and the staining is fourfold more sensitive than that of Eosin Y (EY) negative stain and glutaraldehyde (GA) silver stain, and eightfold more sensitive than that of the commonly used imidazole‐zinc (IZ) negative stain. Furthermore, DCF stain provided good reproducibility, linearity, and MS compatibility compared with those of IZ stain. In addition, the potential staining mechanism was investigated by colorimetric experiment and molecular docking, and the results demonstrated that the interaction between DCF and protein occurs mainly via van der waals force, electrostatic interaction, and hydrogen bonding.
A facile approach to fabricate hierarchically structured poly(3‐hexylthiophene‐2,5‐diyl) films
Authors: Zhang Weihua , Zong Chuanyong , Xie Jixun , Wang Juanjuan , Ji Haipeng , Lu Conghua , Li Hongfei , Andreasen Jens Wenzel , Jiang Shichun
Published: May 2017

Microstructured surfaces have great potentials to improve the performances and efficiency of optoelectronic devices. In this work, a simple robust approach based on surface instabilities was presented to fabricate poly(3‐hexylthiophene‐2,5‐diyl) (P3HT) films with ridge‐like/wrinkled composite microstructures. Namely, the hierarchically patterned films were prepared by spin coating the P3HT/tetrahydrofuran (THF) solution on a polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) substrate to form stable ridge‐like structures, followed by solvent vapor swelling to create surface wrinkles with the orientation guided by the ridge‐like structures. During spin coating of the P3HT/THF solution, the ridge‐like structures were generated by the in‐situ template of the THF swelling‐induced creasing structures on the PDMS substrate. To our knowledge, it is the first report that the creasing structures are used as a recoverable template for patterning films. The crease‐templated ridge‐like structures were well modulated by the THF swelling time, the modulus of the PDMS substrate, the P3HT/THF solution concentration and the selective/blanket exposure of the PDMS substrate to O2 plasma. UV–vis and fluorescence spectrometry measurements indicated that the light absorption and fluorescent emission were improved on the hierarchically patterned P3HT films, which can be utilized to enhance the efficiencies of organic solar cells. Furthermore, this simple versatile method based on the solvent swelling‐induced crease as the in‐situ recoverable template has been extended to pattern other spin‐coated films with different compositions. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2017, 55, 928–939