bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Outcomes of Three Types of Native Arteriovenous Fistula in a Single Center
Authors: Chisci Emiliano , Harris Linda M. , Menici Francesco , Frosini Pierfrancesco , Romano Eugenio , Troisi Nicola , Ercolini Leonardo , Michelagnoli Stefano
Published: August 2017

Objective

To study the outcomes of three different types of native arteriovenous fistula (AVF), the distal (D: radial-cephalic), middle-arm (MA: radial-cephalic) and proximal (P: brachial-cephalic) AVF access creation for hemodialysis patients in a single center.

Methods

An 8-year retrospective review, from 2006 to 2014, was conducted at a single institution in which the surgical outcomes for three different types of native AVF creation were reviewed. Preoperative duplex vein mapping was obtained in all patients to choose the best vein and site for access.

Results

There were 317 patients identified with 41 D-AVFs, 120 MA-AVFs and 156 P-AVFs. Younger patients with a lower Charlson's Index were more frequent in the D-AVF group (p = 0.02). Mean operating room time was 15 minutes longer for the MA-AVF group than the two others (p = 0.018). Early failure (thrombosis at 30-day), one-year patency, one-year primary AVF functional patency for the D-AVF, MA-AVF, and P-AVF groups were 2.4% (n = 1), 8% (n = 1), 3.8% (n = 6), (p = 0.14); 97.6% (n = 39), 99% (n = 117), 89% (n = 129), (p<0.001); 80.5% (n = 33), 75.8% (n = 91), and 61.5% (n = 96) (p<0.001), respectively. Reintervention for fistula maturation was required in 17% (n = 7), 23% (n = 28), and 24% (n = 38) (p<0.01). The one-year venipuncture hematoma and steal syndrome occurrences were 9.7% (n = 4), 6.7% (n = 8), 3.8% (n = 6) (p = 0.06); and 0%, 0% and 3.8% (n = 6) (p = 0.04), respectively. In case of failure of either MA-AVF or D-AVF, a P-AVF was always feasible as a second native AVF hemodialysis access.

Conclusions

D-AVF is still the gold-standard access for hemodialysis. If D-AVF is not possible, MA-AVF should be always investigated before committing to a P-AVF.
The Sleeve Method for Creation of Radiocephalic Arteriovenous Fistulas in Patients with Calcified Vessels
Authors: Gołębiowski Tomasz , Weyde Wacław , Letachowicz Krzysztof , Kusztal Mariusz , Augustyniak-Bartosik Hanna , Penar Jan , Madziarska Katarzyna , Zmonarski Sławomir , Krajewska Magdalena , Klinger Marian
Published: August 2017

Introduction

Creation of an arteriovenous fistula (AVF) in patients with advanced atherosclerotic changes of the artery is often a challenge for the physician due to difficulties in suturing the vein to the side of the frangible artery. The sleeve technique relies on advancing the end of the artery into the lumen of the vein and protecting the anastomosis by adventitial sutures.

Material and Methods

The sleeve technique was performed in 23 patients with chronic kidney disease stage IV and V and included hemodialysis patients. Their mean age was 60.8 ± 14.8 years and hemodialysis treatment time 49.8 ± 40.2 months. The most frequent causes of chronic kidney disease are ischemic nephropathy (43%, n = 10) and type l diabetes (21%, n = 5). Only patients with extremely advanced atherosclerotic were recruited and analyzed.

Results

The primary patency rate was 67%, 59%, 44% and 28% at 6, 12, 24, and 36 months, respectively. The secondary patency rate was 67%, 61%, 50% and 37% at 6, 12, 24, and 36 months, respectively. In three patients the AVF failed directly after the operation. Delayed fistula failure occurred in seven patients. The overall success in the creation of a functioning fistula was achieved in 15 of the 23 patients (65%). No serious complications were observed.

Conclusions

In patients with calcified atherosclerotic plaques, which constitute a barrier or make it difficult to suture the vein to the side of the artery, the sleeve method may be considered as an alternative before abandoning the creation of a fistula on the forearm. The technique is much simpler than the standard end-to-side or side-to-side anastomosis.
Health-Related Quality of Life of Cancer Patients with Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter: A Pilot Study
Authors: Kang Junren , Chen Wei , Sun Wenyan , Ge Ruibin , Li Hailong , Ma Enling , Su Qingxia , Cheng Fang , Hong Jinhua , Zhang Yuanjuan , Lei Cheng , Wang Xinchuan , Jin Aiyun , Liu Wanli
Published: August 2017

Introduction

This pilot exploratory study aimed to compare the health-related quality of life (HRQOL) among patients diagnosed with different types of cancer receiving peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs).

Methods

A multicenter cross-section study of cancer patients with PICCs was performed from February 1, 2013 to April 24, 2014. The primary objective of this study was to compare HRQOL in different cancer type patients with PICC. HRQOL was examined based on European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality-of-Life Questionnaire-Core 30 (EORTC QLQ-C30). Multiple linear regression models were conducted for coping with potential confounding variables. We also examined PICC-related quality of daily life with a self-made questionnaire.

Results

Three hundred and fifty-seven cancer patients with PICC completed the survey in nine teaching hospitals. Lung cancer patients with PICC reported the worst dyspnea. Digestive tract cancer patients reported the worst appetite loss. Patients with hematologic malignancy reported the worst emotional, social function, fatigue and financial impact. Breast cancer patients reported better HRQOL. Baseline variables were proven not significant predictors of EORTC QLQ-C30 global health status. In self-made survey, pain after PICC insertion was null or a little in 98.6% of cancer patients. Limitation of upper extremity activity was null or a little in 94.1% of patients.

Conclusions

HRQOL varies in different types of cancer patients with PICC. PICC may have a low impact on cancer patients’ HRQOL. Further large sample studies are needed.
Proximal Ulnar Artery Arteriovenous Fistula Inflow is an Uncommon but useful Vascular access Option
Authors: Jennings William C. , Mallios Alexandros
Published: August 2017

Introduction

A proximal ulnar artery arteriovenous fistula (PUA-AVF) is a logical vascular access option when the distal ulnar artery is occluded or inadequate in addition to other specific vascular anatomic variants. This study reviews a series of patients where the proximal ulnar artery was used for AVF inflow in establishing a reliable autogenous access for these uncommon patients.

Materials and methods

All new patients referred for vascular access with a PUA-AVF created during an eight-year period were evaluated. In addition to physical and ultrasound examinations, all patients had an Allen's test performed augmented with Doppler evaluation of the palmer arch. Analysis placed these patients into three anatomic groups: 1) A dominant radial artery with distal ulnar artery occlusive disease; 2) No cephalic or basilic vein option with an isolated and intact brachial vein originating from the ulnar vein for later staged transposition; 3) A proximal radial artery ≤2 mm in diameter and a normal Doppler augmented Allen's test.

Results

PUA-AVFs were created in 32 new patients during an eight-year period. Primary and cumulative patency rates were 80% and 94% at 12 months and 55% and 81% at 36 months. Follow-up was 2-62 months (mean 14 months). No patients developed steal syndrome during the study period.

Conclusions

A PUA-AVF is a safe and reliable autogenous access. It is particularly important when the radial artery is the only or dominant arterial supply to the hand, in patients with small but patent radial arteries, and in selected individuals requiring a brachial vein transposition.
A informação mediada no discurso de Edir Macedo: análise de editoriais da Folha Universal
Authors: Monteiro Ciro Athayde Barros , Almeida Junior Oswaldo Francisco de
Published: August 2017

Introdução: A informação mediada no discurso de Edir Macedo mantém-se em posição de destaque frente às transformações da sociedade contemporânea. O estudo se propôs a analisar as estratégias utilizadas em seu discurso para mediar informação por meio dos editoriais da Folha Universal (FU), jornal da Igreja Universal do Reino de Deus (IURD).Objetivo: Conhecer as estratégias discursivas utilizadas por Edir Macedo no sentido de compreender como essa informação é mediada e de que forma consegue ampliar sua influência cotidianamente transformando-o em um dos principais mediadores do Brasil.Metodologia: Foram selecionados quatro editoriais do jornal escritos entre 2009 e 2011, com uso da metodologia da Análise de Discurso.Resultados: Os editoriais analisados demonstram que o bispo utiliza-se prioritariamente do discurso persuasivo para conseguir adesão do público apelando quase sempre à função emotiva e o modo imperativo.Conclusões: Destacou-se a necessidade da CI de compreender esse discurso, já que essa informação é responsável por influenciar um número amplo de pessoas fazendo com que a IURD, a cada dia, consiga ampliar o seu espaço na imprensa e na sociedade.
Produção e colaboração científica da Universidade Federal de Ciências da Saúde de Porto Alegre
Authors: Bettio Maiara , Alvarez Gonzalo Rubén , Vanz Samile Andréa de Souza
Published: August 2017

Introdução: O mapeamento da produção científica das instituições de ensino e pesquisa é fundamental para planejamento de políticas e avaliação de desempenho.Objetivo: Identificar e caracterizar a produção científica da Universidade Federal de Ciências da Saúde de Porto Alegre (UFCSPA) através de indicadores bibliométricos de produção e de colaboração.Metodologia: Análise bibliométrica de 1.932 documentos indexados na base de dados Web of Science (WoS) de 1961 a 2014, com auxílio dos softwares Bibexcel e Excel 2010.Resultados: A análise revela o crescimento anual significativo das publicações da instituição (33,5% ao ano), destacando-se o período 2008-2014. O artigo foi utilizado em 70,9% das publicações e 91,3% dos documentos foram publicados no idioma inglês. As áreas de conhecimento com maior produtividade foram a Cirurgia e as Neurociências. A autoria múltipla mostra-se predominante (98,6%). Destes, 17,7% apresentam-se em coautoria internacional. Estados Unidos, Reino Unido, Canadá, Espanha, França e Argentina são os principais parceiros. Dos 1.905 documentos com colaboração, 86,8% contam com duas ou mais instituições coautoras, com predomínio das universidades nacionais públicas, além das instituições hospitalares. UFRGS (41,6%) e Santa Casa de Misericórdia de Porto Alegre (31,0%) se destacam como as principais parceiras.Conclusões: Conclui que o aumento dos grupos de pesquisa e docentes pesquisadores contribuiu para o crescimento da produção intelectual da UFCSPA.
A Log-Density Estimation Methodology Applicable to Massive Bivariate Data
Authors: Zareamoghaddam Hossein , B. Provost Serge , Ahmed Ejaz
Published: August 2017

First, it is shown that a univariate bona fide density approximation can be obtained by assuming that the derivative of the logarithm of the density function under consideration is expressible as a rational function or a polynomial. Then, the density function of a bivariate continuous random vector is approximated by standardizing it and applying a polynomial adjustment to the product of the density approximants of the marginal distributions. As well, it is explained that this approach can easily be extended to the estimation of  density functions. For illustrative purposes, the proposed methodology is applied to several datasets. Since this technique is solely based on sample moments, it readily lends itself to the modeling of large datasets.
Reengineering and Controlling in I.D.C. Holding
Authors: Kassay Štefan
Published: August 2017

The role of reengineering and controlling is a leading issue of the article. The author used the case of I.D.C.Holding for this presentation. The article is a case study of practice and it fulfills a cognitive role.
Circular business models in energy sector
Authors: Bielecka Agnieszka
Published: August 2017

Circular Economy (CE) is a new approach to sustainable development, which among other promotes sustainable development of new business models of waste streams management in energy sector. In the context of promotion CE solutions (in many strategies and documents of EU and Poland) aimed at efficient use of raw materials and reducing negative impact on the environment, it is necessary for coal based power plant to implement actions in this area. The aim of the article is to evaluate the technological and organizational solutions which make possible the move form linear management model to a circular one and to propose new solutions.
Entre o político e o sagrado: o homo sacer contemporâneo
Authors: Barsalini Glauco , Geraldo de Carvalho Ricardo
Published: August 2017

Este artigo tem como objetivo salientar o estado de exceção em caráter permanente, constituinte medular dos regimes democráticos na contemporaneidade, gerador da tensão entre o ressentimento – fomentador do poder soberano – e a elaboração de uma nova ética, com novos princípios humanizadores. A materialização desta incongruência apresenta-se na figura do homo sacer - sujeito que pode ser radicalmente desprezado e, no limite, aniquilado, sem que tal ato seja passível de pena àqueles que a isso tenham dado causa – por ser paradoxal, na medida em que é excluído, lançado em uma zona indeterminada, tornando-se invisível para o biopoder. Em contra partida, sua sobrevivência denuncia a presença do estado de exceção, aflorando a urgência da profanação dos mecanismos que foram sacralizados pela biopolítica. Entre o político e o sagrado depara-se com a politização da morte na medida em que a exceção, vivenciada nos campos de concentração e nos presídios, é transplantada para fora destas realidades. Esta flutuação da morte de zonas sombrias, para contextos teoricamente ordinários, propicia discrepâncias entre técnica e ética, medicina e direito, preservação da vida e dignidade humana. Defronta-se com questões de profundo teor bioético quando a vida nua é exposta em sua extrema vulnerabilidade.

 
Avaliação externa e escolas charters: monitoramento e indução das políticas educacionais
Authors: Nazareth Henrique Dias Gomes de
Published: August 2017

Neste artigo pretende-se discutir a inserção das políticas de avaliação em larga escala na defesa de modelos mercadológicos de educação pública, em especial no projeto proposto pelo governo de Goiás, inspirado nas escolas charters. Por meio de análise de documentos, revisão bibliográfica e publicações em jornais, revistas e sítios oficiais de redes de ensino, objetiva-se compreender o papel da avaliação em larga escala nesse contexto. Parte-se do pressuposto de que as políticas de avaliação externa têm sido essenciais para induzir a formulação de políticas educacionais baseadas na performatividade, meritocracia e privatização. Tudo isso acentua as desigualdades e favorece a criação de formas de exclusão e maneiras de burlar os resultados.Palavras-chave: avaliação externa, privatização, escolas charters, performatividade.
Comparative Study for CO2-EOR and Natural Gases Injection-Techniques for Improving Oil Recovery in Unconventional Oil Reservoirs
Authors: Alfarge Dheiaa , Wei Mingzhen , Bai Baojun
Published: August 2017

Shale formations in North America such as Bakken, Niobrara, and Eagle Ford have huge oil in place, 100–900 Billion barrels of oil in Bakken only. However, the predicted primary recovery is still below 10%. Therefore, seeking for techniques to enhance oil recovery in these complex plays is inevitable. Although most of the previous studies in this area recommended that CO2 would be the best EOR-technique to improve oil recovery in these formations, pilot tests showed that natural gases performance clearly exceeds CO2 performance in the field scale. In this paper, two different approaches have been integrated to investigate the feasibility of three different miscible-gases which are CO2, lean gases, and rich gases. Firstly, numerical simulation methods of compositional models have been incorporated with Local Grid Refinement (LGR) of hydraulic fractures to mimic the performance of these miscible gases in shale-reservoirs conditions. Implementation of a molecular diffusion model in the LS-LR-DK (logarithmically spaced, locally refined, and dual permeability) model has been also conducted. Secondly, different molar-diffusivity rates for miscible gases have been simulated to find the diffusivity level in the field scale by matching the performance for some EOR pilot-tests which were conducted in Bakken formation of North Dakota, Montana, and South Saskatchewan.

The simulated shale-reservoirs scenarios confirmed that diffusion is the dominated flow among all flow regimes in these unconventional formations. Furthermore, the incremental oil recovery due to lean gases, rich gases, and CO2 gas injection confirms the predicted flow-regime. The effect of diffusion-implementation has been verified with both of single porosity and dual-permeability model cases. However, some of CO2 pilot-tests showed a good match with the simulated cases which have low molar-diffusivity between the injected CO2 and the formation-oil. Accordingly, the rich and lean gases have shown a better performance to enhance oil recovery in these tight formations. However, rich gases need long soaking periods, and lean gases need large volumes to be injected for more successful results. Furthermore, the number of huff-n-puff cycles has a little effect on the all injected-gases performance; however, the soaking period has a significant effect.
Growth characteristics of skeletons of Montastraea annularis (Cnidaria: Scleractinia) from the northwest coast of Cuba
Authors: Carricart-Ganivet JP , González-Díaz P
Published: August 2017

Growth characteristics (extension rate, density, and calcification rate) were determined using annual growth bands in skeletons of the reef-building coral Montastraea annularis, collected at 10 m depth on the northwest coast of Cuba. X-radiography contact prints revealed that the high-density band is formed during the warmest months of the year. Growth characteristics obtained were within the range of values presented by other authors for M. annularis in reefs distributed throughout the Atlantic. The relationships among the measured growth characteristics were similar to those previously described by other authors. The relationship found between calcification rate and sea surface temperature gradient in the Caribbean suggests that populations of M. annularis on the northwest coast of Cuba are related to populations of this species from the Caribbean and not to those from the Gulf of Mexico.
The short isoform of PML‐RARα activates the NRF2/HO‐1 pathway through a direct interaction with NRF2
Authors: Li Yulong , Wang Hongyan , Wang Xiu Jun , Tang Xiuwen
Published: August 2017

The NF‐E2 p45‐related factor 2 (NRF2)–Kelch‐like ECH‐associated protein 1 signaling pathway plays an important role in cytoprotection. In acute promyelocytic leukemia, fusion of the promyelocytic leukemia protein (PML) with retinoic acid receptor alpha (RARα) results in an oncogene, PML‐RARα (PR). Although previous studies have shown that both RARα and PML inhibit NRF2 activity, how PR regulates NRF2 has not been reported. Here, we discovered that PR‐S, the short isoform of PR, potentiates NRF2 activity in a tert‐butylhydroquinone (tBHQ) concentration‐dependent manner. Furthermore, PR‐S colocalized with NRF2 in HeLa and HEK293T cells. The association of PR‐S and NRF2 is mediated by the DNA‐binding domains of RARα and the Neh7 domain of NRF2. Our results define a novel function of PR‐S as a NRF2‐transcriptional co‐activator.
ACBD3 functions as a scaffold to organize the Golgi stacking proteins and a Rab33b‐GAP
Authors: Yue Xihua , Bao Mengjing , Christiano Romain , Li Siyang , Mei Jia , Zhu Lianhui , Mao Feifei , Yue Qiang , Zhang Panpan , Jing Shuaiyang , Rothman James E. , Qian Yi , Lee Intaek
Published: August 2017

Golgin45 plays important roles in Golgi stack assembly and is known to bind both the Golgi stacking protein GRASP55 and Rab2 in the medial‐Golgi cisternae. In this study, we sought to further characterize the cisternal adhesion complex using a proteomics approach. We report here that Acyl‐CoA binding domain containing 3 (ACBD3) is likely to be a novel binding partner of Golgin45. ACBD3 interacts with Golgin45 via its GOLD domain, while its co‐expression significantly increases Golgin45 targeting to the Golgi. Furthermore, ACBD3 recruits TBC1D22, a Rab33b GTPase activating protein (GAP), to a large multi‐protein complex containing Golgin45 and GRASP55. These results suggest that ACBD3 may provide a scaffolding to organize the Golgi stacking proteins and a Rab33b‐GAP at the medial‐Golgi.
Reference data set of volcanic ash physicochemical and optical properties
Authors: Vogel A. , Diplas S. , Durant A. J. , Azar A. S. , Sunding M. F. , Rose W. I. , Sytchkova A. , Bonadonna C. , Krüger K. , Stohl A.
Published: August 2017

Uncertainty in the physicochemical and optical properties of volcanic ash particles creates errors in the detection and modeling of volcanic ash clouds and in quantification of their potential impacts. In this study, we provide a data set that describes the physicochemical and optical properties of a representative selection of volcanic ash samples from nine different volcanic eruptions covering a wide range of silica contents (50–80 wt % SiO2). We measured and calculated parameters describing the physical (size distribution, complex shape, and dense‐rock equivalent mass density), chemical (bulk and surface composition), and optical (complex refractive index from ultraviolet to near‐infrared wavelengths) properties of the volcanic ash and classified the samples according to their SiO2 and total alkali contents into the common igneous rock types basalt to rhyolite. We found that the mass density ranges between ρ = 2.49 and 2.98 g/cm3 for rhyolitic to basaltic ash types and that the particle shape varies with changing particle size (d < 100 μm). The complex refractive indices in the wavelength range between λ = 300 nm and 1500 nm depend systematically on the composition of the samples. The real part values vary from n = 1.38 to 1.66 depending on ash type and wavelength and the imaginary part values from k = 0.00027 to 0.00268. We place our results into the context of existing data and thus provide a comprehensive data set that can be used for future and historic eruptions, when only basic information about the magma type producing the ash is known.
Characterizing the source properties of terrestrial gamma ray flashes
Authors: Dwyer Joseph R. , Liu Ningyu , Eric Grove J. , Rassoul Hamid , Smith David M.
Published: August 2017

Monte Carlo simulations are used to determine source properties of terrestrial gamma ray flashes (TGFs) as a function of atmospheric column depth and beaming geometry. The total mass per unit area traversed by all the runaway electrons (i.e., the total grammage) during a TGF, Ξ, is introduced, defined to be the total distance traveled by all the runaway electrons along the electric field lines multiplied by the local air mass density along their paths. It is shown that key properties of TGFs may be directly calculated from Ξ and its time derivative, including the gamma ray emission rate, the current moment, and the optical power of the TGF. For the calculations presented in this paper, a standard TGF gamma ray fluence, F0 = 0.1 cm−2 above 100 keV for a spacecraft altitude of 500 km, and a standard total grammage, Ξ0 = 1018 g/cm2, are introduced, and results are presented in terms of these values. In particular, the current moments caused by the runaway electrons and their accompanying ionization are found for a standard TGF fluence, as a function of source altitude and beaming geometry, allowing a direct comparison between the gamma rays measured in low‐Earth orbit and the VLF‐LF radio frequency emissions recorded on the ground. Such comparisons should help test and constrain TGF models and help identify the roles of lightning leaders and streamers in the production of TGFs.
Interplanetary magnetic field properties and variability near Mercury's orbit
Authors: James Matthew K. , Imber Suzanne M. , Bunce Emma J. , Yeoman Timothy K. , Lockwood Mike , Owens Mathew J. , Slavin James A.
Published: August 2017

The first extensive study of interplanetary magnetic field (IMF) characteristics and stability at Mercury is undertaken using MErcury Surface, Space ENvironment, GEochemistry, and Ranging (MESSENGER) magnetometer data. Variations in IMF and solar wind conditions have a direct and rapid effect upon Mercury's highly dynamic magnetosphere; hence, understanding of the time scales over which these variations occur is crucial because they determine the duration of magnetospheric states. We characterize typical distributions of IMF field strength, clock angle, and cone angle throughout the duration of MESSENGER's mission. Clock and cone angle distributions collected during the first Earth year of the mission indicate that there was a significant north‐south asymmetry in the location of the heliospheric current sheet during this period. The stability of IMF magnitude, clock angle, cone angle, and IMF Bz polarity is quantified for the entire mission. Changes in IMF Bz polarity and magnitude are found to be less likely for higher initial field magnitudes. Stability in IMF conditions is also found to be higher at aphelion (heliocentric distance r ∼ 0.31 AU) than at perihelion (r ∼ 0.47 AU).
Midlatitude ionospheric D region: Height, sharpness, and solar zenith angle
Authors: Thomson Neil R. , Clilverd Mark A. , Rodger Craig J.
Published: August 2017

VLF radio amplitude and phase measurements are used to find the height and sharpness of the D region of the ionosphere at a mid to high geomagnetic dip latitude of ~52.5°. The two paths used are both from the 23.4 kHz transmitter, DHO, in north Germany with the first path being northward and mainly over the sea along the west coast of Denmark over a range of ~320–425 km, and the second, also mainly all‐sea, to a single fixed recording receiver at Eskdalemuir in Scotland (~750 km). From plots of the measured amplitudes and phases versus distance for the first of these paths compared with calculations using the U.S. Navy code, ModeFinder, the Wait height and sharpness parameters of the D region at midday in summer 2015 are found to be H′ = 72.8 ± 0.2 km and β = 0.345 ± 0.015 km−1 at a solar zenith angle ~33°. From phase and amplitude measurements at other times of day on the second path, the daytime changes in H′ and β as functions of solar zenith angle are determined from shortly after dawn to shortly before dusk. Comparisons are also made between the modal ModeFinder calculations and wave hop calculations, with both giving similar results. The parameters found here should be useful in understanding energy inputs to the D region from the radiation belts, solar flares, or transient luminous events. The midday values may be sufficiently precise to be useful for monitoring climate change.
Saharan dust, convective lofting, aerosol enhancement zones, and potential impacts on ice nucleation in the tropical upper troposphere
Authors: Twohy C. H. , Anderson B. E. , Ferrare R. A. , Sauter K. E. , L'Ecuyer T. S. , van den Heever S. C. , Heymsfield A. J. , Ismail S. , Diskin G. S.
Published: August 2017

Dry aerosol size distributions and scattering coefficients were measured on 10 flights in 32 clear‐air regions adjacent to tropical storm anvils over the eastern Atlantic Ocean. Aerosol properties in these regions were compared with those from background air in the upper troposphere at least 40 km from clouds. Median values for aerosol scattering coefficient and particle number concentration >0.3 μm diameter were higher at the anvil edges than in background air, showing that convective clouds loft particles from the lower troposphere to the upper troposphere. These differences are statistically significant. The aerosol enhancement zones extended ~10–15 km horizontally and ~0.25 km vertically below anvil cloud edges but were not due to hygroscopic growth since particles were measured under dry conditions. Number concentrations of particles >0.3 μm diameter were enhanced more for the cases where Saharan dust layers were identified below the clouds with airborne lidar. Median number concentrations in this size range increased from ~100 l−1 in background air to ~400 l−1 adjacent to cloud edges with dust below, with larger enhancements for stronger storm systems. Integration with satellite cloud frequency data indicates that this transfer of large particles from low to high altitudes by convection has little impact on dust concentrations within the Saharan Air Layer itself. However, it can lead to substantial enhancement in large dust particles and, therefore, heterogeneous ice nuclei in the upper troposphere over the Atlantic. This may induce a cloud/aerosol feedback effect that could impact cloud properties in the region and downwind.
Forest Plot
Authors: Lewis Steff C. , Keerie Catriona , Assi Valentina
Published: August 2017

Forest plots are a way of graphically displaying the results of a meta‐analysis. They allow the reader to easily see the results of the individual studies in the meta‐analysis, and how much they are in agreement with one another, alongside the overall result of the meta‐analysis. They can also be used to show subgroup analyses within a meta‐analysis and summarize the results of a group of studies where no meta‐analysis is performed. In addition, they can be used to show subgroup analyses in an individual randomized trial. They have been produced in their current form since the 1980s. It is now possible to draw them in a variety of statistical software packages.
Superhydrophobic, Reversibly Elastic, Moldable, and Electrospun (SupREME) Fibers with Multimodal Functions: From Oil Absorbents to Local Drug Delivery Adjuvants
Authors: Lee Slgirim , Kim Byeonggwan , Kim Seung‐Hyun , Kim Eunkyoung , Jang Jae‐Hyung
Published: August 2017

Surface hydrophobicity has served as a core means for governing the spatial behaviors of numerous substances depending on their affinities to oil or aqueous phases. Exploiting systems that can maximize hydrophobic features contributes to the development of versatile supports capable of spatially separating, guiding, or protecting target materials in defined manners. Herein, superhydrophobic, reversibly elastic, moldable, and electrospun (SupREME) fibers, which exhibit multimodal functions for arranging spatial responses of substances with distinct affinities to oil phases, are fabricated by coaxially electrospinning polysulfone and poly(glycerol sebacate) (PGS), followed by a thermal process. The exterior PSF layers enable volumetric expansion of the fibers, further reinforcing the overall superhydrophobicity (contact angles >150°). The elastic core PGS networks confer reversibly compressible properties (>100 cycles) to the fibers, ultimately enhancing their hydrophobic performance and extending their durability. The SupREME fibers demonstrate superiorities as absorbents for selectively separating oil‐based substances, sealants for blocking the leakage of aqueous fluids, and adjuvants for temporarily enhancing the local residence of drugs by repelling ambient fluidic environments. The SupREME fibers can be versatile platforms in many applications that require the spatial regulation of specific substances with affinities to oil or water phases, ranging from environmental industries to medical fields.
Scalable Nanowire Photonic Crystals: Molding the Light Emission of InGaN
Authors: Ra Yong‐Ho , Rashid Roksana Tonny , Liu Xianhe , Lee Jaesoong , Mi Zetian
Published: August 2017

To date, there have been no efficient semiconductor light emitters operating in the green and amber wavelengths. This study reports on the synthesis of InGaN nanowire photonic crystals, including dot‐in‐nanowires, nanotriangles, and nanorectangles with precisely controlled size, spacing, and morphology, and further demonstrates that bottom‐up InGaN photonic crystals can exhibit highly efficient and stable emission. The formation of stable and scalable band edge modes in defect‐free InGaN nanowire photonic crystals is directly measured by cathodoluminescence studies. The luminescence emission, in terms of both the peak position (λ ≈ 505 nm) and spectral linewidths (full‐width‐half‐maximum ≈ 12 nm), remains virtually invariant in the temperature range of 5–300 K and under excitation densities of 29 W cm−2 to 17.5 kW cm−2. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first demonstration of the absence of Varshni and quantum‐confined Stark effects in wurtzite InGaN light emitters—factors that contribute significantly to the efficiency droop and device instability under high‐power operation. Such distinct emission properties of InGaN photonic crystals stem directly from the strong Purcell effect, due to efficient coupling of the spontaneous emission to the highly stable and scalable band‐edge modes of InGaN photonic crystals, and are ideally suited for uncooled, high‐efficiency light‐emitting‐diode operation.
Nanomechanical Characterization of Osteogenic Differentiation of Mesenchymal Stem Cells on Bioactive Peptide Nanofiber Hydrogels
Authors: Topal Ahmet E. , Tansik Gulistan , Ozkan Alper D. , Guler Mustafa O. , Dana Aykutlu , Tekinay Ayse B.
Published: August 2017

Stem cell differentiation is known to be influenced by the mechanical properties of the surrounding extracellular matrix (ECM); however, little is known about the mechanical phenotypes of differentiating stem cells within the ECM. Here, this study uses osteoinductive, ECM‐mimetic peptide nanofibers to investigate the changes in the mechanical properties of rat mesenchymal stem cells (rMSCs) during osteogenic differentiation. In addition, octafluorocyclobutane (C4F8)‐coated atomic force microscopy (AFM) cantilevers are developed to minimize tip–sample adhesion during the nanomechanical characterization of rMSCs, and osteogenic differentiation is monitored through molecular analysis in conjunction with AFM measurements. rMSCs cultured on osteoinductive peptide nanofibers differentiate at substantially higher rates, form osteogenic cell clusters, deposit calcium to the surrounding matrix, and strikingly increase their Young's moduli throughout the osteogenic differentiation process compared to controls. These results show that the elasticity profiles of differentiating rMSCs may change significantly depending on environmental factors and especially the degree of biomineralization, and that the natural elasticity responses of cells cultured on scaffolds may be considerably different from those observed on non‐bioactive surfaces. This is important for the identification of cell elasticity as a biophysical marker of osteogenic differentiation of MSCs, and indicates that biomineralization might have a predominant role on cell mechanics.
Negligible Electronic Contribution to Heat Transfer across Intrinsic Metal/Graphene Interfaces
Authors: Huang Bin , Koh Yee Kan
Published: August 2017

Despite the importance of high thermal conductance (G) of metal/graphene interfaces to thermal management of graphene devices, prior reported G of graphene interfaces is all relatively low. One possible route to improve G of metal/graphene interfaces is through additional heat conduction by electrons, since graphene can be easily doped by metals. In this study, we evaluate the electronic heat conduction across metal/graphene interfaces by measuring G of palladium (Pd)/transferred graphene (trG)/Pd interfaces, prepared by either thermal evaporation or magnetron sputtering. It is found that, for Pd/trG/Pd samples prepared by thermal evaporation, G = 42 MW m−2 K−1 and G only weakly depends on temperature, suggesting that heat is predominantly carried by phonons. However, for Pd/trG/Pd samples prepared by sputtering, a significant increment of G is observed. G = 300 MW m−2 K−1, and is roughly proportional to temperature. We attribute the enhancement of G to an additional channel of heat transport by electrons via atomic‐scale pinholes generated in the graphene by ion bombardment during magetron sputtering. Thus, it is concluded that electrons play a negligible role in heat conduction across intrinsic metal/graphene interfaces, and the contribution of electrons is only substantial if graphene is damaged.
Rhodium(III)‐Catalyzed Tandem C−H Olefination and Oxidative Cyclization of Aromatic Acids with Acrylates for the Synthesis of (E)‐3‐Ylidenephthalides
Authors: Han Wen‐Jing , Pu Fan , Fan Juan , Liu Zhong‐Wen , Shi Xian‐Ying
Published: August 2017

Intermolecular tandem C−H olefination/C−O cyclization has been achieved via a rhodium (III)‐catalyzed C−H activation of carboxylic acids with acrylates. This strategy provides the direct and efficient construction of biologically relevant (E)‐3‐ylidenephthalide scaffolds with satisfactory to good yields, and is characterized by stoichiometric reactants, exclusive stereoselectivity, commercially available substrates, mild atmospheric conditions, and short reaction time (less than 2 h).

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ALG13‐CDG in a male with seizures, normal cognitive development, and normal transferrin isoelectric focusing
Authors: Gadomski Therese E. , Bolton Melody , Alfadhel Majid , Dvorak Chris , Ogunsakin Olalekan A. , Nelson Stephen L. , Morava Eva
Published: August 2017

ALG13‐CDG has been recently discovered as a disorder of severe developmental, intellectual and speech disability, microcephaly, visual abnormalities, seizures, hepatomegaly, coagulation abnormalities, and abnormal serumtransferrin isoelectric focusing in serum. A male with seizures, delayed motor, and speech development, but normal cognition carried a hemizygous, predicted pathogenic ALG13 variant (p.E463G). N‐glycosylation studies in plasma were normal. ICAM‐1 expression was decreased in patient fibroblasts, supporting the variant's pathogenicity. Adding D‐galactose to the patient's fibroblast culture increased ICAM‐1 expression in vitro, offering a potential treatment option in ALG13‐CDG. The present report is a new example for an N‐glycosylation disorder, that may present with normal transferrin isoform analysis, and also demonstrates, that CDG type I patients can have normal cognitive development.
The regulation of tetraspanin 8 gene expression—A potential new mechanism in the pathogenesis of bipolar disorder
Authors: Schartner Christoph , Scholz Claus‐Jürgen , Weber Heike , Post Antonia , Freudenberg Florian , Grünewald Lena , Reif Andreas
Published: August 2017

In a previous study, we identified the single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) rs4500567, located in the upstream region of tetraspanin 8 (TSPAN8), to be associated with bipolar disorder (BD). Due to its proximal position, the SNP might have an impact on promoter activity, thus on TSPAN8 gene expression. We investigated the impact of rs4500567 on TSPAN8 expression in vitro with luciferase‐based promoter assays in human embryonic kidney (HEK293) and neuroblastoma cells (SH‐SY5Y), and its effect on expression of downstream associated genes by microarray‐based transcriptome analyses. Immunohistochemical localization studies on murine brain slices served to identify possible target regions of altered TSPAN8 expression in the brain. Promoter assays revealed decreased TSPAN8 expression in presence of the minor allele. Transcriptome analyses of TSPAN8‐knockdown cells, mirroring the effects of putatively reduced TSPAN8 expression in minor allele carriers, resulted in 231 differentially expressed genes with enrichments of relevant signaling pathways for psychiatric disorders and neuronal development. Finally, we demonstrate Tspan8 abundance in mouse cerebellum and hippocampus. These findings point to a role of TSPAN8 in neuronal function or development. Considering a rather protective effect of the minor allele of rs4500567, our findings reveal a possible novel mechanism that contributes to the development of BD.
Precise Labeling and Tracking of Lipid Droplets in Adipocytes Using a Luminescent ZnSalen Complex
Authors: Tang Juan , Zhang Yanfei , Yin Hao‐Yan , Xu Guoheng , Zhang Jun‐Long
Published: August 2017

Designing two‐photon probes for precise labeling of lipid droplets (LDs) and monitoring LD dynamics in adipocytes is of great significance to understand LD homeostasis. We herein report that a luminescent metal complex LD‐TPZn can specifically image LDs in adipose cells and tissue using one‐ or two‐photon fluorescence microscopy. Importantly, LD‐TPZn exhibited higher specificity to LDs than the commercial dyes Nile Red and Bodipy 493/503, probably due to different cellular uptake pathways, that is, clathrin‐mediated endocytosis and non‐selectively passive diffusion, respectively. More importantly, LD‐TPZn can be applied as a two‐photon LD probe to image adipose tissue, one of the most challengeable tissues for traditional one‐photon fluorescence microscope imaging due to the strong light scattering. Most importantly, LD‐TPZn can be used to monitor LD growth during adipogenesis of preadipocytes, which is highly desirable to unravel the relationship between LD homeostasis and metabolic diseases.
Visual presentation of abstract theoretical concepts using animations in communication systems courses
Authors: Berber Stevan M. , Sowerby Kevin W.
Published: August 2017

A new approach to teaching Communication Systems course is proposed, which is based on the use of animations as a complement to the lecture material. The animations are designed to visualize abstract mathematical concepts, related to modulation techniques and communication system analysis in presence of noise, and present these concepts to the students in visual and understandable form in the classroom. The animations have double purpose. They are to be used, firstly, by the lecturers during lecture presentations, and secondly, as an additional aid to the students to support their self‐learning activity. The animations are developed on MATLAB platform.
RTWiFi‐Lab: A real‐time Wi‐Fi laboratory platform on USRP and LabVIEW for wireless communications education and research
Authors: Küçük Kerem
Published: August 2017

The paper presents the real‐time education and research platform as an effective means for describing wireless and digital communications courses with Wi‐Fi standards. To this end, a Real‐Time Wi‐Fi Laboratory platform, called RTWiFi‐Lab is designed and implemented as part of these courses using NI USRP 2921 and LabVIEW. Laboratory experiments of these courses give benefits for utilizing a hardware platform since these experiments greatly facilitate the understanding of significant effects introduced by real‐time receivers. Hence, this platform is presented with seven experiments that provide the various concepts of these courses for different state‐of‐the‐art wireless and digital communications techniques such as signal detection, data modulation, frequency, phase offset estimation, etc. The RTWiFi‐Lab has been considered to provide computer engineering undergraduate students and qualified graduate students with the basic introduction to wireless and digital communications concepts in a short time at Kocaeli University, Turkey.
Start‐and‐Stop Operation of Fixed‐Bed Methanation Reactors – Results from Modeling and Simulation
Authors: Rönsch Stefan , Ortwein Andreas , Dietrich Sebastian
Published: August 2017

The production of synthetic natural gas (SNG) from renewable sources in cases requires a dynamic and intermitted operation of the methanation reactors. This may lead to catalyst damage. Therefore, the present work is aiming at identifying restrictions and optimization approaches of the start‐and‐stop operation of fixed‐bed methanation reactors. 2D modeling and simulation work is conducted and the warm‐start behavior of a fixed‐bed reactor after one to four hours operation intermittence is analyzed. The result reveals the possibility for an operation interruption of up to four hours without high adaptation effort to restart the reactor. After approximately four hours, the catalyst bed at the inlet part of the reactor reaches a temperature that provokes problems for a subsequent warm start.
Understanding the Oxygen Evolution Reaction on a Two‐Dimensional NiO2 Catalyst
Authors: Zaffran Jeremie , Toroker Maytal Caspary
Published: August 2017

Solar water splitting is a promising technology to store energy in chemicals but the technology suffers from a lack of efficient catalysts. Nickel oxyhydroxide (NiOOH) is an outstanding catalyst for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER). NiOOH is composed of partially hydrogenated nickel oxide (NiO2) two‐dimensional (2D) sheets that are stacked together. Owing to recent advancements in fabrication it is possible to isolate a single layer of the material. Such 2D catalytic systems are extremely promising, especially due to the wider exposed surface. However their reactivity is not completely understood, and density functional theory (DFT) is an appropriate tool to address that issue. In the current paper we use DFT to model several OER mechanisms. We show that the catalytic activity of these 2D materials is not limited to the defect sites and to the edges, as usually assumed, but rather many reaction centers are available on the NiO2 surface itself. In addition, we will provide evidence for the inhibiting effect of hydrogen ad‐atoms on such layers, thus supporting the necessity of operating in highly basic conditions. The new insights that we are providing here on NiO2 reactivity, and the detailed understanding of the surface mechanisms regarding OER processes, will be key for further developments of 2D tailored catalysts. Indeed, as a main outcome of our work, NiO2 sheets are found to be significantly more reactive than bulk NiOOH itself.
Increased Conformational Flexibility of a Macrocycle–Receptor Complex Contributes to Reduced Dissociation Rates
Authors: Glas Adrian , Wamhoff Eike‐Christian , Krüger Dennis M. , Rademacher Christoph , Grossmann Tom N.
Published: August 2017

Constraining a peptide in its bioactive conformation by macrocyclization represents a powerful strategy to design modulators of challenging biomolecular targets. This holds particularly true for the development of inhibitors of protein‐protein interactions which often involve interfaces lacking defined binding pockets. Such flat surfaces are demanding targets for traditional small molecules rendering macrocyclic peptides promising scaffolds for novel therapeutics. However, the contribution of peptide dynamics to binding kinetics is barely understood which impedes the design process. Herein, we report unexpected trends in the binding kinetics of two closely related macrocyclic peptides that bind their receptor protein with high affinity. Isothermal titration calorimetry, 19F NMR experiments and molecular dynamics simulations reveal that increased conformational flexibility of the macrocycle–receptor complex reduces dissociation rates and contributes to complex stability. This observation has impact on macrocycle design strategies that have so far mainly focused on the stabilization of bioactive ligand conformations.