bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A Model for Residual Life Prediction Based on Brownian Motion in Framework of Similarity
Authors: Zhang Huihui , Hu Changhua , Kong Xiangyu , Zhang Wei 
Published: September 2015

AbstractResidual lifetime (RL) estimation is a key part in prognostics and health management. This paper addresses the problem of estimating the RL from observed degradation data. A Brownian motion in the framework of a similarity‐based model utilizing degradation histories with failure and suspension events is developed to achieve this aim. A novel contribution of this paper is the use of observed degradation data from both failed and suspended historical devices, that is, reference devices, to predict the RL of the operating device. This is performed by comparing the similarity between the operating device and reference devices. An extensive numerical investigation is provided to substantiate the superiority of the proposed model over the classical similarity‐based approach. We also fit the model to different groups of simulated data to show the adaptability of the model under a small sample condition. The results show that our developed model can provide better residual life estimation accuracy.
Impact of Early Postnatal NSAID Treatment on Nephrogenesis in Wistar Rats
Authors: Bueters Ruud R. G. , Klaasen Annelies , Maicas Nuria , Florquin Sandrine , van den Heuvel Lambertus P. , Schreuder Michiel F. 
Published: September 2015

BACKGROUNDPrematurely born children with patent ductus arteriosus are treated with ibuprofen or indomethacin, which may inhibit kidney development. We determined whether clinical doses affected kidney development and function, with or without extrauterine growth retardation.METHODSWistar rats were cross‐fostered in normal food (NF) or food restricted (FR) litters at postnatal day (PND) 2. On PND 3 to 4, three doses of 0.9% NaCl, 0.1 mg/kg indomethacin, or 10 mg/kg ibuprofen were administered via intraperitoneal injection with 12‐hr intervals. Kidneys were evaluated for apoptosis, proliferation, and gene expression at PND 8; stereological assessment of nephron number at PND 35; and clinical pathology and neutrophil gelatinase‐associated lipocalin at 4 and 9 months. Blood pressure was measured at the ages of 4, 6, and 9 months.RESULTSNF and FR bodyweight differed from PND 3 onwards, ranging from 16.5 g at weaning (p < 0.001) to 39 g at necropsy (p = 0.019). Kidney proliferation/apoptosis ratios were 7:1 and 3:1 (p = 0.001), respectively and different expression of Wnt4 (0.7x), Oat1 (1.3x), Nphs1 (1.7x), and Aqp4 (1.3x) was noted (but its biological relevance doubted). Nephron numbers were decreased by 12% (p = 0.109) in the ibuprofen‐NF group and 7.5% (p = 0.237) in FR groups. This coincided with a tendency to increased neutrophil gelatinase‐associated lipocalin at 9 months. No differences were noted in electrolytes, creatinine, or urea clearance. No valid blood pressure results could be obtained.CONCLUSIONA clinical Ibuprofen dose showed potential to inhibit kidney development in neonatal rats. FR did not modulate these effects
Associating portal embolization and artery ligation to induce rapid liver regeneration in staged hepatectomy
Authors: Dupré A , Hitier M , Peyrat P , Chen Y , Meeus P , Rivoire M 
Published: September 2015

Abstract

Background
Insufficient volume of the future liver remnant (FLR) is a major cause of unresectability in patients with bilobar colorectal liver metastases (CLM). The objective of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of the novel associating portal embolization and artery ligation (APEAL) technique before extended right hepatectomy during a two-stage procedure for CLM.

Methods
All patients who had undergone extended right hepatectomy during two-stage surgery for CLM between 2012 and 2014 were identified retrospectively from a prospectively maintained database. In the first stage, right portal vein embolization, partial right hepatic artery ligation and devascularization of segment IVb along the round ligament without parenchymal transection were associated with clearance of the FLR and/or primary tumour resection. Liver volumetry was performed using OsiriX software on postoperative day (POD) 7 and 30.

Results
Ten patients underwent the APEAL procedure. During the first stage, APEAL was combined with colorectal resection in seven patients. The median (range) interval between the two stages was 45 (31–71) days. The FLR volume increased from 327 (214–537) cm3 before surgery to 590 (508–1072) cm3 on POD 7 and 701 (512–1018) cm3 on POD 30. This corresponded to a FLR regeneration rate of 104 (42–185) and 134 (53–171) per cent respectively. There were no deaths. The overall morbidity rate was 60 per cent (6 of 10) after each procedure, with severe morbidity occurring in two and three of ten patients after the first and second procedures respectively.

Conclusion
APEAL induces fast, safe, reproducible and effective FLR growth when an extended right hepatectomy is scheduled in patients with multiple bilobar CLM.
Quality-of-life outcomes following pelvic exenteration for primary rectal cancer
Authors: Radwan R W , Codd R J , Wright M , Fitzsimmons D , Evans M D , Davies M , Harris D A , Beynon J 
Published: September 2015

Abstract

Background
For patients with locally advanced tumours and contiguous organ involvement, pelvic exenteration (PE) can offer cure with relatively low mortality. The literature surrounding quality of life (QoL) in patients undergoing PE is limited. Furthermore, there are no matched comparisons of QoL between abdominoperineal resection (APR) and PE. The aim of this study was to compare differences in long-term QoL for patients with primary rectal cancer undergoing APR versus PE.

Methods
All patients who underwent either APR or PE between January 2011 and December 2012 were identified. Patients were asked to complete the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer QLQ-C30 questionnaire before surgery and 2 weeks afterwards. Subsequent questionnaires were requested at 3, 6, 12 and 24 months after operation.

Results
A total of 110 patients were included in the study (54 APR, 56 PE). Median length of stay following operation was 11 (range 3–70) days for APR and 15 (7–84) days for PE. Patients undergoing PE experienced lower physical (mean score 42 versus 56; P = 0·010), role (20 versus 33; P = 0·047), emotional (57 versus 73; P = 0·010) and social (34 versus 52; P = 0·005) functional levels 2 weeks after surgery. Long-term dyspnoea and financial worries were experienced only after PE. Patients undergoing PE had a lower overall global health status at 2 weeks after operation (40 versus 53; P = 0·012). Levels were comparable between groups from 3 months after surgery.

Conclusion
QoL recovery following PE was equivalent to that after APR alone. Patients should not be denied exenterative surgery based on perceived poor QoL.
Hypothalamic energy metabolism is impaired by doxorubicin independently of inflammation in non‐tumour‐bearing rats
Authors: Antunes Barbara M. M. , Lira Fabio Santos , Pimentel Gustavo Duarte , Neto José Cesar Rosa , Esteves Andrea Maculano , Oyama Lila Missae , de Souza Cláudio Teodoro , Gonçalves Cinara Ludvig , Streck Emilio Luiz , Rodrigues Bruno , Santos Ronaldo Vagner dos , de Mello Marco Túlio 
Published: September 2015

We sought to explore the effects of doxorubicin on inflammatory profiles and energy metabolism in the hypothalamus of rats. To investigate these effects, we formed two groups: a control (C) group and a Doxorubicin (DOXO) group. Sixteen rats were randomly assigned to either the control (C) or DOXO groups. The hypothalamus was collected. The levels of interleukin (IL)‐1β, IL‐6, IL‐10, TNF‐α and energy metabolism (malate dehydrogenase, complex I and III activities) were analysed in the hypothalamus. The DOXO group exhibited a decreased body weight (p < 0.01). Hypothalamic malate dehydrogenase activity was reduced when compared with control (p < 0.05). In addition, pro‐inflammatory cytokine levels were unchanged. Therefore, our results demonstrate that doxorubicin leads to an impairment of \hypothalamic energy metabolism, but do not affect the inflammatory pathway. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.Significance paragraphThe hypothalamus is a central organ that regulates a great number of functions, such as food intake, temperature and energy expenditure, among others. Doxorubicin can lead to deep anorexia and metabolic chaos; thus, we observed the effect of this chemotherapeutic drug on the inflammation and metabolism in rats after the administration of doxorubicin in order to understand the central effect in the hypothalamus. Drug treatment by doxorubicin is used as a cancer therapy; however the use of this drug may cause harmful alterations to the metabolism. Thus, further investigations are needed on the impact of drug therapy over the long term.
Surface Science Approaches for the Preparation of Alumina‐Supported Hydrotreating Catalysts
Authors: Bara Cédric , Devers Elodie , Digne Mathieu , Lamic‐Humblot Anne‐Félicie , Pirngruber Gerhard D. , Carrier Xavier 
Published: September 2015

AbstractNew developments and breakthroughs in the design of hydrotreating (HDT) catalysts for complying with fuel specifications and reduced sulfur contents ask for a continuous improvement in the molecular scale description of the active phase both at the oxide and sulfide states. HDT catalysts are mainly based on alumina‐supported molybdenum nanophases and the present contribution is dedicated to review the surface science approaches that have helped gain a molecular‐scale insight into the structure of the active‐phase (mainly molybdenum) and the role of metal‐support (mainly alumina) interactions through the use of well‐defined surfaces and surface sensitive analysis techniques. The main focus of this Review is placed on model systems that can bridge the gap with industrial catalysts, that is, oxide‐supported active phases prepared in aqueous conditions, as opposed to more traditional surface‐science studies that consider metal‐supported nanophases prepared in UHV conditions. The synthesis and structure of well‐defined alumina surfaces (thin films and single crystal wafers) is first presented before discussing aqueous‐deposition of Mo precursors on flat surfaces. The detailed role of the oxide support is then addressed with an emphasis on the genesis and structure of the MoS2 phase namely sulfidation rate, stacking, and orientation.
Fast Photoresponse and Long Lifetime UV Photodetectors and Field Emitters Based on ZnO/Ultrananocrystalline Diamond Films
Authors: Saravanan Adhimoorthy , Huang Bohr‐Ran , Lin Jun‐Cheng , Keiser Gerd , Lin I‐Nan 
Published: September 2015

AbstractWe have designed photodetectors and UV field emitters based on a combination of ZnO nanowires/nanorods (ZNRs) and bilayer diamond films in a metal–semiconductor–metal (MSM) structure. The ZNRs were fabricated on different diamond films and systematic investigations showed an ultra‐high photoconductive response from ZNRs prepared on ultrananocrystalline diamond (UNCD) operating at a lower voltage of 2 V. We found that the ZNRs/UNCD photodetector (PD) has improved field emission properties and a reduced turn‐on field of 2.9 V μm−1 with the highest electron field emission (EFE) by simply illuminating the sample with ultraviolet (UV) light. The photoresponse (Iphoto/Idark) behavior of the ZNRs/UNCD PD exhibits a much higher photoresponse (912) than bare ZNRs (229), ZNRs/nanocrystalline diamond (NCD; 518), and ZNRs/microcrystalline diamond (MCD; 325) under illumination at λ=365 nm. A photodetector with UNCD films offers superior stability and a longer lifetime compared with carbon materials and bare ZNRs. The lifetime stability of the ZNRs/UNCD‐based device is about 410 min, which is markedly superior to devices that use bare ZNRs (92 min). The ZNRs/UNCD PD possesses excellent photoresponse properties with improved lifetime and stability; in addition, ZNRs/UNCD‐based UV emitters have great potential for applications such as cathodes in flat‐panel displays and microplasma display devices.
Is social entrepreneurship a greenfield for foreign direct investment? A conceptual and empirical analysis
Authors: Paniagua Jordi , Mas‐Tur Alicia , Sapena Juan 
Published: September 2015

AbstractBuilding on legitimacy and social strategy theories, this research proposes a conceptual and empirical framework that links social entrepreneurial activity (SEA) with foreign direct investment (FDI). Investing in foreign countries with a high degree of SEA contributes to increasing foreign investors’ legitimacy. Additionally, firms may consider SEA as a constituent of their social strategy. A key contribution of this study is the comprehensive conceptual framework used to analyze the link between social entrepreneurship and international business. The second key contribution is the econometric analysis of SEA's effect on greenfield FDI, foreign employment, and foreign projects. The estimation results of the gravity equation suggest that social entrepreneurship fosters FDI. This research offers theoretical insight on legitimacy theory's relevance in explaining the link between FDI and SEA. Copyright © 2015 ASAC. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Fluorescent Boron Complexes of 25‐Oxa­smaragdyrins Containing Axial Silyloxy Groups
Authors: Ganapathi Emandi , Chatterjee Tamal , Ravikanth Mangalampalli 
Published: September 2015

AbstractA series of fluorescent BIII complexes of meso‐triaryl‐substituted 25‐oxasmaragdyrins containing axial silyloxy groups were prepared in 80–85 % yields by treating B(OH)2 complexes of meso‐triaryl 25‐oxasmaragdyrins with different alkyl/aryl chlorosilanes in toluene in the presence of base at reflux temperature followed by simple column chromatographic purification. The eight axially silyloxy‐substituted BIII complexes of smaragdyrins were freely soluble in common organic solvents and were characterized by HRMS, 1D and 2D NMR, absorption, fluorescence and electrochemical studies, as well as by X‐ray crystallography in the case of one of the complexes. The crystal structure revealed that the smaragdyrin macrocycle is almost planar and that the –OSiMe3 groups on BIII are oriented in the up and down directions relative to the macrocycle. The absorption studies indicated that the axially silyloxy‐substituted BIII smaragdyrins are strongly absorbing in the 710–440 nm region with absorption coefficients higher than those of B(OH)2‐smaragdyrin complexes. The silylation of –OH groups at the BIII centre in the BIII smaragdyrin complex results in five‐ to sixfold enhancements in the fluorescence quantum yields and in longer singlet state lifetimes. Thus, the axial silyloxy BIII complexes are strongly fluorescent with quantum yields in the 0.65–0.78 range and singlet state lifetimes in the 4.3–4.9 ns range. The complexes are highly stable under redox conditions and each exhibit two reversible oxidations and one reversible reduction.
An Approach to Monitoring and Evaluation of Institutional Capacity for Adaptation to Climate Change: The Case of the United Kingdom's Investment in Ethiopia's Climate‐Resilient Green Economy
Authors: Adler Rebecca , Wilson Kirsty , Abbot Patrick , Blackshaw Ursula 
Published: September 2015

AbstractThe design and implementation of evaluation methods assessing the impact of the United Kingdom's climate finance on the Ethiopian Government's institutional capacity for implementation of the national climate change strategy is described. The article focuses on capacity‐assessment tools that support evidence‐based self‐assessments of progress toward politically determined targets. We highlight the strengths of the capacity‐assessment tools in building ownership of monitoring data among implementers, providing rapid feedback to inform management of development programs, and the potential to create windows of opportunity to tackle long‐standing institutional blockages. We also note challenges in relation to the skills required to implement the evaluation methods effectively, the limitations in attributing change to a particular intervention, and potential biases. Finally, we explain the scope for use of the tools in other contexts.
What Indicates Improved Resilience to Climate Change? A Learning and Evaluative Process Developed From a Child‐Centered, Community‐Based Project in the Philippines
Authors: Chong Joanne , Gero Anna , Treichel Pia 
Published: September 2015

AbstractCommunity‐based climate change adaptation and resilience (CCAR) projects increasingly recognize that climate change impacts are localized, requiring context‐specific interventions. Conventional approaches to monitoring and evaluation (M&E) are, however, ill‐suited to understanding the impact of such CCAR interventions. To address this gap, research based on a child‐centered community‐based adaptation project in the Philippines has developed a practical and replicable process for developing evidence‐based, local‐level indicators of effective adaptation. The process assesses how the project influenced children's knowledge, advocacy efforts, and impact on policy and practice. Evidence was generated from qualitative inquiry, primarily through focus group discussions with children. The analysis included scalar ratings to help to meet quantitative reporting requirements. A detailed guide was developed for implementing agencies to systematically understand, measure, and communicate evidence. The process can also be translated to community development projects seeking to evaluate change under uncertainty.
Understanding the impact of a clinical care pathway for major head and neck cancer resection on postdischarge healthcare utilization
Authors: Dautremont Jonathan F. , Rudmik Lucas R. , Nakoneshny Steven C. , Chandarana Shamir P. , Matthews T. Wayne , Schrag Christiaan , Fick Gordon H. , Dort Joseph C. 
Published: September 2015

AbstractBackgroundThe purposes of this study were to explore the association of a postoperative clinical care pathway for patients undergoing major head and neck surgery with microvascular reconstruction on postdischarge health care utilization and cost and to compares a nonpathway group (n = 60) to a prospective, pathway‐managed group (n = 54). Our primary purpose was to understand whether pathway‐managed patients used postdischarge health care resources differently than patients managed without a care pathway.MethodsHealth care utilization data (counts and costs) were collected for the 3 months after discharge. Differences in utilization were compared using Poisson regression. The null hypothesis was that there were no differences in utilization between the pathway and nonpathway groups.ResultsPathway patients had fewer postdischarge encounters in 2 of 4 sectors. Readmission costs were significantly less in the pathway group only.ConclusionA postoperative inpatient clinical care pathway in patients with head and neck cancer is associated with decreased health care utilization and inpatient costs in the 3 months after discharge. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 38: E1216–E1220, 2016
Optimal Control of Heteroscedastic Macroeconomic Models
Authors: Polito Vito , Spencer Peter 
Published: September 2015

SummaryThis paper analyses the implications of heteroscedasticity for optimal macroeconomic policy and welfare. We find that changes in the variance structure driven by exogenous processes like generalized autoregressive conditional heteroscedasticity (GARCH) affect welfare but not the optimal feedback rule. However, changes in the variance structure driven by state‐dependent processes affect both. We also derive certainty‐equivalent transformations of state‐dependent volatility models that allow standard quadratic dynamic programming algorithms to be employed to study optimal policy. These results are illustrated numerically using a reduced‐form model of the US economy in which changes in volatility are driven by a GARCH process and the rate of inflation. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Ultrastructural investigation on fibroblast interaction with collagen scaffold
Authors: Masci Valentina Laghezza , Taddei Anna Rita , Gambellini Gabriella , Giorgi Franco , Fausto Anna Maria 
Published: September 2015

AbstractCollagen‐based scaffolds are used as temporary or permanent coverings to help wound healing. Under natural conditions, wound healing is affected by such factors as cell types, growth factors and several components of the extracellular matrix. Due to the complexity of the cell‐to‐matrix interaction, many cell based mechanisms regulating wound healing in vivo are not yet properly understood. However, the whole process can be partially simulated in vitro to determine how cells interact with the collagen scaffold in relation to such features as physico‐chemical properties, matrix architecture and fiber stability. Under these conditions, cell migration into the collagen matrix can be easily assessed and causally correlated with these features. In this study, we aimed at providing a structural analysis of how NIH3T3 fibroblasts migrate and proliferate in vitro when seeded on a native type‐I collagen scaffold. To this end, samples were collected at regular time intervals and analyzed by light microscopy (LM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Through this experimental approach we demonstrate that collagen is gradually frayed into progressively thinner fibrils as fibroblasts migrate into the matrix, embrace the collagen fibers with long filopodia and form large intracellular vacuoles. A key role in this process is also played by microvesicles shed from the fibroblast plasma membrane and spread over long distances inside the collagen matrix. These observations indicate that a native type‐I equine collagen provides favorable conditions for simulating collagen processing in vitro and eventually for unraveling the mechanisms controlling cell uptake and intracellular degradation. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 104A: 272–282, 2016.
Physicochemical Interaction of ZnO Fine Particles with 5‐Mono‐(4‐carboxyphenyl)‐10,15,20‐Triphenylporphyrin
Authors: Khan Abbas , Zada Amir , Humayun Muhammad 
Published: September 2015

AbstractThis study deals with an investigation on the preparation and physicochemical interactions of ZnO nanoparticles with acid functionalized porphyrin [5‐mono‐(4‐carboxyphenyl)‐10,15,20‐triphenylporphyrin (CPTPP)] for photovoltaic applications in a detailed manner. Zinc acetate and sodium hydroxide were used as the starting materials for the synthesis of ZnO nanoparticles at 60 °C in an alcoholic medium. The freshly prepared fine particles were then functionalized with CPTPP. Both the virgin and pregnant ZnO particles were characterized by using UV‐Visible spectrophotometry (UV), fluorescence emission (PL), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The band gap energy obtained for ZnO particles, having a value of 3.47 eV, shows significant quantum confinement effect and enhanced photophysical activity. FTIR analysis of the doped ZnO nanostructures showed the presences of some chemical species. SEM analysis revealed a clear change in the surface morphologies of undoped ZnO. The average crystallite size of nanoparticles, calculated from XRD peaks, was found in the nano regime. The lattice parameters calculated for ZnO nanocrystals were also found in good agreement with those given in the literature. From the enhancement in the red shift of the UV‐Vis spectra, it is concluded that hybridization of acid functionalized porphyrin can cause a significant expansion in the total absorption region of ZnO semiconductor for photovoltaic applications.