bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cost‐Effectiveness of Tight Control of Inflammation in Early Psoriatic Arthritis: Economic Analysis of a Multicenter Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: O'Dwyer John L. , Meads David M. , Hulme Claire T. , Mcparland Lucy , Brown Sarah , Coates Laura C. , Moverley Anna R. , Emery Paul , Conaghan Philip G. , Helliwell Philip S. 
Published: May 2017

ObjectiveTreat‐to‐target approaches have proved to be effective in rheumatoid arthritis, but have not been studied in psoriatic arthritis (PsA). This study was undertaken to examine the cost‐effectiveness of tight control (TC) of inflammation in early PsA compared to standard care.MethodsCost‐effectiveness analyses were undertaken alongside a UK‐based, open‐label, multicenter, randomized controlled trial. Taking the perspective of the health care sector, effectiveness was measured using the 3‐level EuroQol 5‐domain, which allows for the calculation of quality‐adjusted life‐years (QALYs). Incremental cost‐effectiveness ratios (ICERs) are presented, which represent the additional cost per QALY gained over a 48‐week time horizon. Sensitivity analyses are presented assessing the impact of variations in the analytical approach and assumptions on the cost‐effectiveness estimates.ResultsThe mean cost and QALYs were higher in the TC group: £4,198 versus £2,000 and 0.602 versus 0.561. These values yielded an ICER of £53,948 per QALY. Bootstrapped uncertainty analysis suggests that the TC has a 0.07 probability of being cost‐effective at a £20,000 threshold. Stratified analysis suggests that with certain costs being controlled, an ICER of £24,639 can be calculated for patients with a higher degree of disease severity.ConclusionA tight control strategy to treat PsA is an effective intervention in the treatment pathway; however, this study does not find tight control to be cost‐effective in most analyses. Lower drug prices, targeting polyarthritis patients, or reducing the frequency of rheumatology visits may improve value for money metrics in future studies.
Speech and noise power estimation using Gamma modeling
Authors: Chehrehsa Sarang , Moir Tom James 
Published: May 2017

SummaryIn speech enhancement, having an accurate estimation of the power of the speech and noise signals forming the noisy observation is critical, as it can highly affect the performance of the enhancement algorithm. A method is introduced in which the distributions of the power of the speech and noise periodograms are modeled using the Gamma distribution to extract their shape parameters. These shape parameters are later used in the observed noisy speech to estimate the power when forming speech and noise periodograms. This method results in more accurate and faster power estimation with respect to the well‐known minimum statistics power estimation algorithm and together with the maximum a posteriori speech enhancement algorithm exhibits good speech enhancement performance.
Enantioselective Construction of All‐Carbon Quaternary Stereogenic Centers by Using Phosphine Catalysis
Authors: Li Huilin , Lu Yixin 
Published: May 2017

AbstractThe asymmetric construction of all‐carbon quaternary stereogenic centers represents one of the most‐challenging tasks in organic synthesis, and it has drawn continuous attention from the synthetic community. Asymmetric phosphine catalysis has progressed at an astonishingly rate over the past decade and it offers the efficient creation of a diverse range of structural architectures. In this Focus Review, synthetic methods based on phosphine catalysis for the enantioselective construction of all‐carbon quaternary stereogenic centers are highlighted.
Acute impact of continuous positive airway pressure on nasal patency
Authors: Balsalobre Leonardo , Pezato Rogério , Gasparini Hiran , Haddad Fernanda , Gregório Luis Carlos , Fujita Reginaldo R 
Published: May 2017

BackgroundContinuous airflow in the upper airway can cause discomfort, leading to nasopharyngeal complaints. The aim of the present study is to evaluate the acute effects of continuous positive upper‐airway pressure on nasal patency in awake normal subjects.MethodsTwenty‐seven adults (17 men; 10 women; age range, 18 to 43 years) were exposed to continuous airway pressure (20 cmH2O) in the nasal cavity, delivered by a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) device through a nasal mask for 2 hours. Visual analogue scale (VAS) of nasal obstruction, Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation (NOSE) modified scale, acoustic rhinometry (AR), and peak nasal inspiratory flow (PF) were measured before and after the use of CPAP.ResultsThere was an increase in nasal obstruction scores both on the VAS (p < 0.05) and on the NOSE scale (p < 0.05), as well as a reduction in nasal cavity volume on AR (p < 0.05) and a decline in PF (p < 0.05). Subjects were stratified into 2 groups: with and without symptoms of allergic rhinitis. Nasal parameters were significantly worse in the rhinitis group, with higher nasal obstruction scores on the VAS (p = 0.001) and NOSE scale (p < 0.001) and decreased PF (p < 0.001).ConclusionAcute exposure to positive pressure via CPAP is associated with subjective and objective reductions in nasal patency. In individuals with allergic nasal symptoms, deterioration is even more severe than in patients without these symptoms.
Effects of ophthalmologic solutions on sinonasal ciliated epithelium
Authors: Workman Alan D. , Carey Ryan M. , Kohanski Michael A. , Adappa Nithin D. , Palmer James N. , Cohen Noam A. 
Published: May 2017

BackgroundOff‐label use of topical ophthalmologic formulations for treatment of rhinologic disease is cited in recent literature and is anecdotally prevalent among practicing otolaryngologists. Steroids, antibiotics, and other drugs designed for ocular use have subjective clinical efficacy in the nose and sinuses, but their specific effects on the ciliated epithelium are less well defined. This study examines 9 commercially available ophthalmologic drug formulations for effects on ciliary motility in sinonasal cultures, in an effort to characterize their utility as topical therapies for sinonasal diseases.MethodsOphthalmologic solutions were tested on human sinonasal cultures grown at an air‐liquid interface. Baseline ciliary beat frequency (CBF) was recorded and compared with CBF changes in the 20 minutes after drug addition. Substances were categorized by degree of ciliostimulation or cilioinhibition.ResultsAll ophthalmologic solutions tested had only moderate effects on CBF during the 20‐minute experimental period, with no solutions causing overt ciliostasis. Azithromycin, neomycin, and olopatadine were slightly ciliostimulatory, whereas levofloxacin, tobramycin, dexamethasone, azelastine, and prednisolone acetate were cilioinhibitory. Ciprofloxacin elicited moderate cilioinhibition that progressed to ciliostimulation.ConclusionAll solutions tested appear to have moderate effects on ciliated cell surfaces for a period of time typical of mucociliary clearance (10 to 20 minutes). Both active drugs and excipients can play a role in ciliary modulation, and specific formulations can show unique or unexpected properties. Any other individual ophthalmologic solutions to be used in a nasal drug delivery system should be tested in this manner to evaluate potential ciliary effects before clinical use.
Chronic sinonasal tract inflammation as a precursor to nasopharyngeal carcinoma and sinonasal malignancy in the United States
Authors: Wu Eric L. , Riley Charles A. , Hsieh Mei‐Chin , Marino Michael J. , Wu Xiao‐Cheng , McCoul Edward D. 
Published: May 2017

BackgroundChronic inflammatory states have been linked to the development of malignancy. Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) and allergic rhinitis (AR) have been associated with nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) in population‐based studies in Asia. A similar association with NPC and paranasal sinus malignancy (PSM) has not been defined in a North American population. Our purpose was to investigate the impact of CRS and AR on the risk of NPC and PSM.MethodsThe Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER)–Medicare linked database was queried as a case‐control study of adults ≥65 years of age. The study cohort included 2009 patients diagnosed with NPC and/or PSM diagnosed between 2003 and 2011, and 2009 propensity‐score‐matched controls selected from a 5% random sample of Medicare beneficiaries without cancer. CRS and AR were examined as exposures. Multivariable unconditional logistic regression was employed.ResultsOverall, NPC and PSM patients were more likely to have previous CRS diagnosis than the controls (9.2% vs 3.0% and 11.1% vs 2.7%, respectively). CRS was associated with greater odds of developing NPC (odds ratio [OR], 3.51; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.12‐5.79) and PSM (OR, 5.30; 95% CI, 3.55‐7.92). AR was associated with greater odds of developing NPC (OR, 4.23; 95% CI, 2.96 to 6.06) and PSM (OR, 3.35; 95% CI, 2.49‐4.49). The number needed to harm in the exposed population was 311.ConclusionsCRS and AR are associated with the presence of NPC and PSM in the elderly population of United States. This epidemiologic association will need to be examined for causative pathophysiologic mechanisms and utility in clinical diagnosis.
The repetition of behavioral assessments in diagnosis of disorders of consciousness
Authors: Wannez Sarah , Heine Lizette , Thonnard Marie , Gosseries Olivia , Laureys Steven ,   Coma Science Group collaborators
Published: May 2017

ObjectiveTo determine whether repeated examinations using the Coma Recovery Scale‐Revised (CRS‐R) have an impact on diagnostic accuracy of patients with disorders of consciousness and to provide guidelines regarding the number of assessments required for obtaining a reliable diagnosis.MethodsOne hundred twenty‐three adult patients with chronic disorders of consciousness were referred to our tertiary center. They were assessed at least six times with the CRS‐R within a 10‐day period. Clinical diagnoses based on one, two, three, four, and five Coma Recovery Scale‐Revised assessments were compared with a reference diagnosis (ie, the highest behavioral diagnosis obtained after six evaluations) using nonparametric statistics. Results were considered significant at p < 0.05 corrected for multiple comparisons.ResultsThe number of assessments had a significant effect on the clinical diagnosis. Up to the fourth examination, the diagnosis was still statistically different from the reference diagnosis based on six CRS‐R assessments. Compared to this reference diagnosis, the first evaluation led to 36% of misdiagnoses.InterpretationThe number of CRS‐R assessments has an impact on the clinical diagnosis of patients with chronic disorders of consciousness. Up to the fourth examinations, behavioral fluctuations may still impact the diagnostic accuracy. We here suggest performing at least five assessments in each patient with disorders of consciousness within a short time interval (eg, 2 weeks) to reduce misdiagnosis. Ann Neurol 2017;81:883–889 Ann Neurol 2017;81:883–889
DNA Barcoding Meets Nanotechnology: Development of a Universal Colorimetric Test for Food Authentication
Authors: Valentini Paola , Galimberti Andrea , Mezzasalma Valerio , De Mattia Fabrizio , Casiraghi Maurizio , Labra Massimo , Pompa Pier Paolo 
Published: May 2017

AbstractFood trade globalization and the growing demand for selected food varieties have led to the intensification of adulteration cases, especially in the form of species substitution and mixing with cheaper taxa. This phenomenon has huge economic impact and sometimes even public health implications. DNA barcoding represents a well‐proven molecular approach to assess the authenticity of food items, although its use is hampered by analytical constraints and timeframes that are often prohibitive for the food market. To address such issues, we have introduced a new technology, named NanoTracer, that allows for rapid and naked‐eye molecular traceability of any food and requires limited instrumentation and cost‐effective reagents. Moreover, unlike sequencing, this method can be used to identify not only the substitution of a fine ingredient, but also its dilution with cheaper ones.
Einzelatom‐Elektrokatalysatoren
Authors: Zhu Chengzhou , Fu Shaofang , Shi Qiurong , Du Dan , Lin Yuehe 
Published: May 2017

AbstractSeit einigen Jahren erleben wir einen deutlichen Anstieg bei der Erzeugung nachhaltiger und erneuerbarer Energien. Allerdings sind die elektrochemischen Ausbeuten der verschiedenen Energiegewinnungssysteme limitiert, und es findet daher eine intensive Suche nach hocheffizienten Elektrokatalysatoren durch rationale Kontrolle von Größe, Form, Zusammensetzung und Struktur statt. Von besonderem Interesse für die Elektrokatalyse sind Einzelatomkatalysatoren (single‐atom catalysts, SACs), die sich durch hohe katalytische Aktivitäten, Stabilität, Selektivität und 100 % Atomausnutzung auszeichnen. In diesem Aufsatz stellen wir innovative Synthesen und Charakterisierungstechniken für SACs vor, mit einem Fokus auf elektrochemischen Anwendungen in der Sauerstoffreduktion und Sauerstoffentwicklung, der Wasserstoffentwicklung und der Kohlenwasserstoffkonversion in Brennstoffzellen (Elektrooxidation von Methanol, Ethanol und Ameisensäure). Wir betrachten ferner elektrokatalytische Vorgänge auf atomarer Ebene und erörtern die zugrundeliegenden Mechanismen. Das ultimative Ziel dieser Forschungen ist die maßgeschneiderte Nutzung einzelner Atome für elektrochemische Anwendungen.
α‐Radical Phosphines: Synthesis, Structure, and Reactivity
Authors: Gu Lianghu , Zheng Yiying , Haldón Estela , Goddard Richard , Bill Eckhard , Thiel Walter , Alcarazo Manuel 
Published: May 2017

AbstractA series of phosphines featuring a persistent radical were synthesized in two steps by condensation of dialkyl‐/diarylchlorophosphines with stable cyclic (alkyl)(amino)carbenes (cAACs) followed by one‐electron reduction of the corresponding cationic intermediates. Structural, spectroscopic, and computational data indicate that the spin density in these phosphines is mainly localized on the original carbene carbon from the cAAC fragment; thus, it remains in the α‐position with respect to the central phosphorus atom. The potential of these α‐radical phosphines to serve as spin‐labeled ligands is demonstrated through the preparation of several AuI derivatives, which were also structurally characterized by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction.
Multiple Hydrogen Bonding Enables the Self‐Healing of Sensors for Human–Machine Interactions
Authors: Cao Jie , Lu Canhui , Zhuang Jian , Liu Manxiao , Zhang Xinxing , Yu Yanmei , Tao Qingchuan 
Published: May 2017

AbstractDespite its widespread use in signal collection, flexible sensors have been rarely used in human–machine interactions owing to its indistinguishable signal, poor reliability, and poor stability when inflicted with unavoidable scratches and/or mechanical cuts. A highly sensitive and self‐healing sensor enabled by multiple hydrogen bonding network and nanostructured conductive network is demonstrated. The nanostructured supramolecular sensor displays extremely fast (ca. 15 s) and repeatable self‐healing ability with high healing efficiency (93 % after the third healing process). It can precisely detect tiny human motions, demonstrating highly distinguishable and reliable signals even after cutting–healing and bending over 20 000 cycles. Furthermore, a human–machine interaction system is integrated to develop a facial expression control system and an electronic larynx, aiming to control the robot to assist the patient's daily life and help the mute to realize real‐time speaking.
Structure and Biosynthesis of Crocagins: Polycyclic Posttranslationally Modified Ribosomal Peptides from Chondromyces crocatus
Authors: Viehrig Konrad , Surup Frank , Volz Carsten , Herrmann Jennifer , Abou Fayad Antoine , Adam Sebastian , Köhnke Jesko , Trauner Dirk , Müller Rolf 
Published: May 2017

AbstractSecondary metabolome mining efforts in the myxobacterial multiproducer of natural products, Chondromyces crocatus Cm c5, resulted in the isolation and structure elucidation of crocagins, which are novel polycyclic peptides containing a tetrahydropyrrolo[2,3‐b]indole core. The gene cluster was identified through an approach combining genome analysis, targeted gene inactivation in the producer, and in vitro experiments. Based on our findings, we developed a biosynthetic scheme for crocagin biosynthesis. These natural products are formed from the three C‐terminal amino acids of a precursor peptide and thus belong to a novel class of ribosomally synthesized and post‐translationally modified peptides (RiPPs). We demonstrate that crocagin A binds to the carbon storage regulator protein CsrA, thereby inhibiting the ability of CsrA to bind to its cognate RNA target.
Morphological Control of Heteroleptic cis‐ and trans‐Pd2L2L′2 Cages
Authors: Bloch Witold M. , Holstein Julian J. , Hiller Wolf , Clever Guido H. 
Published: May 2017

AbstractControl over the integrative self‐sorting of metallo‐supramolecular assemblies opens up possibilities for introducing increased complexity and function into a single self‐assembled architecture. Herein, the relationship between the geometry of three ligand components and morphology of three self‐sorted heteroleptic [Pd2L2L′2]4+ cages is examined. Pd‐mediated assembly of two bis‐monodentate pyridyl ligands with native bite angles of 75° and 120° affords a cis‐[Pd2L2L′2]4+ cage while the same reaction with two ligands with bite angles of 75° and 60° gives an unprecedented, self‐penetrating structural motif; a trans‐[Pd2(anti‐L)2L′2]4+ heteroleptic cage with a “doubly bridged figure eight” topology. Each heteroleptic assembly can be formed by cage‐to‐cage conversion of the homoleptic precursors and morphological control of [Pd2L2L′2] cages is achieved by selective ligand displacement transformations in a system of three ligands and at least six possible cage products.
Effect of polymer latexes with varied glass transition temperature on cement hydration
Authors: Lu Zichen , Kong Xiangming , Zhang Chaoyang , Cai Yi , Zhang Qing , Zhang Yanrong 
Published: May 2017

ABSTRACTInfluence of styrene‐acrylate latexes with varied glass transition temperature (Tg) on cement hydration was studied and the mechanism was analyzed. Results show that polymer latexes with varied Tg retard cement hydration to different extents. Specifically, low Tg polymer shows stronger retardation effect than the high Tg polymer. Despite similar surface charges, colloidal particles with lower Tg exhibit higher affinity to surface of cement grains than the high Tg polymer, indicated by the higher adsorption amount and denser covering layer. The low Tg polymer experiences particle packing, deforming, and film forming processes along with the consumption of water during cement hydration, which eventually produces a covering layer of polymer surrounding cement grains. However, for the high Tg polymer, film forming process is absent. Consequently, the higher adsorption amount and the film‐formation process along with cement hydration are the two reasons for the stronger retardation effect of the low Tg polymer. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017, 134, 45264.
Preparation and characterization of carboxylated multiwalled carbon nanotube/polyamide composite nanofiltration membranes with improved performance
Authors: Li Hongbin , Shi Wenying , Su Yuheng , Zhang Haixia , Qin Xiaohong 
Published: May 2017

ABSTRACTPolyamide thin‐film composite nanofiltration (NF) membranes were prepared via the interfacial polymerization (IP) process of piperazine and 1,3,5‐trimesoyl chloride on the polysulfone/nonwoven fabric ultrafiltration membrane surface. Carboxylated multiwalled carbon nanotubes (cMWNTs) were incorporated into the aqueous phase during the IP process to improve the membrane performance. The composition and morphology of the membrane surface were examined by means of attenuated total reflectance–Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy–energy dispersive spectrometry, and atomic force microscopy. The effects of the cMWNTs content on the membrane hydrophilicity, separation performance, and antifouling properties were characterized through water contact angle and crossflow filtration measurements. The experimental results show that membrane surface hydrophilicity, water permeability, salt rejection (R), and antifouling properties all improved. In particular, when the cMWNTs content was 50 ppm, the magnesium sulfate R of the composite NF membrane reached a maximum value of 98.5%; meanwhile, the membrane obtained an obviously enhanced water flux (62.1 L m−2 h−1 at 0.7 MPa), which was two times larger than that of the original NF membrane. The modified NF membranes showed enhanced antifouling properties; this was mainly attributed to changes in the microstructures and surface features of the polyamide layer after the addition of the cMWNTs. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017, 134, 45268.
Effective, Low‐Cost Recovery of Toxic Arsenate Anions from Water by Using Hollow‐Sphere Geode Traps
Authors: Shenashen Mohamed A. , Akhtar Naeem , Selim Mahmoud M. , Morsy Wafaa M. , Yamaguchi Hitoshi , Kawada Satoshi , Alhamid Abdulaziz A. , Ohashi Naoki , Ichinose Izumi , Alamoudi Ahmad S. , El‐Safty Sherif A. 
Published: May 2017

AbstractBecause of the devastating impact of arsenic on terrestrial and aquatic organisms, the recovery, removal, disposal, and management of arsenic‐contaminated water is a considerable challenge and has become an urgent necessity in the field of water treatment. This study reports the controlled fabrication of a low‐cost adsorbent based on microscopic C‐,N‐doped NiO hollow spheres with geode shells composed of poly‐CN nanospherical nodules (100 nm) that were intrinsically stacked and wrapped around the hollow spheres to form a shell with a thickness of 500–700 nm. This C‐,N‐doped NiO hollow‐sphere adsorbent (termed CNN) with multiple diffusion routes through open pores and caves with connected open macro/meso windows over the entire surface and well‐dispersed hollow‐sphere particles that create vesicle traps for the capture, extraction, and separation of arsenate (AsO43−) species from aqueous solution. The CNN structures are considered to be a potentially attractive adsorbent for AsO43− species due to 1) superior removal and trapping capacity from water samples and 2) selective trapping of AsO43− from real water samples that mainly contained chloride and nitrate anions and Fe2+, and Mn2+, Ca2+, and Mg2+ cations. The structural stability of the hierarchal geodes was evident after 20 cycles without any significant decrease in the recovery efficiency of AsO43− species. To achieve low‐cost adsorbents and toxic‐waste management, this superior CNN AsO43− dead‐end trapping and recovery system evidently enabled the continuous control of AsO43− disposal in water‐scarce environments, presents a low‐cost and eco‐friendly adsorbent for AsO43− species, and selectively produced water‐free arsenate species. These CNN geode traps show potential as excellent adsorbent candidates in environment remediation tools and human healthcare.