bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Development of heterogeneous acid catalysts produced from the carbonization of Miscanthus x giganteus for the esterification of butyric acid to butyl butyrate with n‐butanol
Authors: Severini Francesco , Flannelly Thomas , Nolan Daniel O' , Leahy James J , Kwapinski Witold 
Published: August 2015

AbstractBACKGROUNDButyl butyrate is an environmentally friendly biofuel component that can be produced through the esterification of butyric acid with n‐butanol, both of which are obtainable from waste products. The reaction can be optimized by commercial catalysts; however they are currently hindered by issues such as environmental sustainability and cost. Thus, efforts have been made to develop catalysts with green characteristics by incomplete carbonization and sulfonation of pyrolysis products.RESULTSActivated and non‐activated catalysts were produced by sulfonation of char obtained from the carbonization of Miscanthus x giganteus to catalyze the production of butyl butyrate. The char surface area increased from 6.4 to 571 m2 g−1 after chemical activation at 500 °C. Non‐activated catalysts derived from char carbonized at 500 °C gave a yield of 94.5% after 24 h reaction, close to that achieved with H2SO4 (96%). Furthermore, the kinetic parameters associated with the production of butyl butyrate were derived with the implementation of a kinetic model.CONCLUSIONChemical activation increased the surface area of the char but, due to the prolonged treatment at high temperatures, produced less polycyclic aromatic carbons available to be functionalized. This resulted in a lower acid density and an inferior performance. Conversely, activated catalysts displayed better recovery and reusability. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry
Metal ion concentrations and semen quality in patients undergoing hip arthroplasty: A prospective comparison between metal‐on‐metal and metal‐on‐polyethylene implants
Authors: Chen Szu‐Yuan , Chang Chih‐Hsiang , Hu Chih‐Chien , Chen Chun‐Chieh , Chang Yu‐Han , Hsieh Pang‐Hsin 
Published: August 2015

ABSTRACTPurpose: The widespread usage of metal‐on‐metal (MoM) articulations in total hip arthroplasty (THA) has been tempered by concerns of increased metal ion production. The purpose of the study is to evaluate the influence of metal ion exposure on semen quality in young male patients undergoing THA. Methods: Male patients who were scheduled for unilateral THA and aged between 20 and 45 years were prospectively enrolled. Patients were sorted into MoM and metal‐on‐polyethylene (MoP) groups with equal case number. Semen and blood metal ion levels were measured and sperm analysis was performed before, 6 months after, and 1 year after surgery. Results: Compared to preoperative baseline, patients (n = 50) in both groups had increased cobalt (Co) and chromium (Cr) concentrations in blood and seminal fluid after surgery. Between‐group comparisons at 6 months and 1 year after surgery showed that patients in the MoM group both had a greater Co concentration in blood and semen and a greater Cr concentration in blood and semen. Patients receiving MoM prosthesis had a reduced percentage of morphologically normal sperm, and decreases from the preoperative level (44.7%) were significant at 6 months (36.8%, p = 0.03) and 1 year (33.8%, p = 0.004). Conclusions: Our data shows a significantly greater concentration of metal ion in blood and semen in patients with MoM prosthesis with a reduced percentage of morphologically normal sperm. Despite small effects on sperm quality, some concerns remain. Further studies are necessary to determine sources of metal ion and to investigate effects on male fertility. © 2015 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 34:544–551, 2016.
Modelling soil and root respiration in a cotton field using the DNDC model
Authors: Yu Yongxiang , Zhao Chengyi 
Published: August 2015

AbstractThe DNDC model was able to simulate the temporal variation in soil respiration, although it underestimated the cumulative CO2 emission by 15%. A good correlation was found between predicted and measured root respiration. However, this model is limited in its ability to simulate heterotrophic respiration which was underestimated by 59%. The sensitivity tests showed that temperature, precipitation, soil organic C content, fertilization, and irrigation had a positive effect on soil respiration.
Endoscopic sinus surgery for chronic rhinosinusitis in patients previously treated for sinonasal malignancy
Authors: Gray Stacey T. , Sadow Peter M. , Lin Derrick T. , Sedaghat Ahmad R. 
Published: August 2015

Objectives/HypothesisPatients with a history of sinonasal malignancy can develop chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) as a consequence of their oncologic treatment. Some patients will fail medical management and require endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS). This study reviews the use of ESS in the management of CRS in patients previously treated for sinonasal malignancy.Study DesignRetrospective review.MethodsAll patients with a history of sinonasal malignancy who developed CRS and underwent ESS were reviewed. Preoperative and postoperative imaging and symptoms were collected. Major complications (bleeding, orbital injury, and cerebrospinal fluid leak) and minor complications (adhesion formation) and postoperative healing were reviewed.ResultsEighteen patients were identified. All patients presented with symptoms of CRS and sinonasal crusting. Additionally, five patients presented with recurrent facial cellulitis, and six patients had mucoceles. No major complications were encountered. Postoperatively, all patients reported a subjective improvement in their sinonasal symptoms. Comparison of pre‐ and post‐ESS imaging revealed a significant improvement in Lund‐Mackay scores after ESS (P < 0.001) from 12.8 (range 5–22) to 7 (range). Despite symptomatic improvement, all patients continued to have nasal crusting. All patients who initially presented with recurrent facial cellulitis had no further episodes after ESS. None of the endoscopically drained mucoceles recurred.ConclusionFor patients previously treated for sinonasal malignancy with refractory CRS, ESS appears to be a safe and effective treatment option. ESS in these patients results in subjective improvement in sinonasal symptoms as well as objective improvement in radiographic CRS disease burden, although sinonasal crusting will likely not resolve.Level of Evidence4. Laryngoscope, 126:304–315, 2016
Methylprednisolone use during radiotherapy extenuates hearing loss in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma
Authors: Chen Junming , Zhao Yuanxin , Zhou Xiaowei , Tan Lingmei , Ou Zeying , Yu Youjun , Wang Yuejian 
Published: August 2015

Objectives/HypothesisTo investigate the hearing protective effects of methylprednisolone use during radiotherapy in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma.Study DesignProspective, controlled clinical study.MethodsFifty‐three patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma (106 ears). Twenty‐five patients (50 ears) received radiotherapy with intravenous methylprednisolone for 14 days, and another 28 patients (56 ears) received radiotherapy alone. Pure tone audiometry, distortion product otoacoustic emission (DPOAE), and auditory brainstem responses (ABR) results were reviewed before and 1 year after radiotherapy.ResultOne year after radiotherapy, the air‐and‐bone conduction pure tone hearing thresholds increased, and the DPOAE levels decreased in the control group. There was no difference in the ABR wave I, III, and V latencies and the I to V interwave latencies before and 1 year after radiotherapy. The pure tone air conduction thresholds decreased, and the DPOAE levels increased in the treatment group compared with the control group.ConclusionEarly sensorineural hearing loss after radiotherapy primarily affected the outer hair cells. The use of methylprednisolone during radiotherapy can extenuate early sensorineural hearing loss caused by irradiation.Level of Evidence4. Laryngoscope, 126:100–103, 2016
A newborn with three cochlear turns: Case report and literature review
Authors: Hildrew Douglas M. , Ananth Ashwin , Rodriguez Kimsey H. 
Published: August 2015

Objectives/HypothesisThe human cochlea is most commonly considered to have two and a half turns. Although the causes of cochlear hypoplasia are well described, cochlear hyperplasia is a rarer entity that is poorly understood. We describe rare anatomic cochlear malformations identified in a 4‐month‐old male originally referred for evaluation after a failed newborn hearing screening. The full diagnostic evaluation, imaging findings, treatment, and follow‐up are described in detail. Cochleae with three turns are an uncommon malformation that is not included in current classifications schemes and may represent a distinct type of anomaly not caused by developmental arrest. Laryngoscope, 126:469–471, 2016
Safety of cochlear implantation before 12 months of age: Medical University of South Carolina and Pediatric American College of Surgeons–National Surgical Quality improvement program outcomes
Authors: O'Connell Brendan P. , Holcomb Meredith A. , Morrison Daniel , Meyer Ted A. , White David R. 
Published: August 2015

Objectives/HypothesisThe primary objective of this study was to determine the safety profile of cochlear implantation (CI) in infants <12 months old.Study DesignRetrospective review of institutional (Medical University of South Carolina [MUSC]) and national data (Pediatric American College of Surgeons–National Surgical Quality Improvement Program [ACS‐NSQIP]).MethodsCases were subdivided into two groups according to age at CI: <12 months and 12 to 18 months. The primary outcome measure of interest was occurrence of a postoperative medical or surgical complication. Operative time, anesthesia time, time in the postoperative anesthesia care unit, and length of stay were also assessed.ResultsIn infants <12 months of age, the incidence of a 30‐day postoperative surgical complication using the ACS‐NSQIP database was 3.6%; this did not differ from the rate observed in the 12‐ to 18‐month‐old group (3.2%, P = 1.0). In the MUSC series, the occurrence of a 30‐day postoperative complication in children <12 months old was comparable (2.7%). At longer‐term follow‐up (mean = 3.7 years), the incidence of a postoperative surgical complication in infants <12 months old using MUSC data was 13.5%. When compared to older children at longer‐term follow‐up, no difference was noted (12.7%, P = 1.0). The incidence of a postoperative medical or anesthetic complication in children <12 months of age was extremely rare in both MUSC and ACS‐NSQIP series (0% and 1.3%, respectively).ConclusionsInstitutional and national data demonstrate that CI in children <12 months of age is a safe procedure. Although infants <12 months old are at risk for postoperative complications, the rates of surgical and medical complications were no different compared to children 12 to 18 months of age.Level of Evidence4 Laryngoscope, 126:707–712, 2016
Solvent Effects on kp in Organic Media?: Statement to the Response
Authors: Haehnel Alexander P. , Wenn Benjamin , Kockler Katrin , Bantle Tobias , Misske Andrea M. , Fleischhaker Friederike , Junkers Tanja , Barner‐Kowollik Christopher 
Published: August 2015

A recent response on a publication from our team investigating solvent effects on propagation rate coefficients is commented. Among other issues, we point to the fact that the response interprets only a subset of the data provided in our original contribution.
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SCA 6 with Writer's Cramp: The Phenotype Expanded
Authors: Olszewska Diana Angelika , Walsh Richard , Lynch Tim 
Published: August 2015

AbstractSpinocerebellar ataxia type 6 (SCA6) presents typically with a pure cerebellar syndrome. Only 1 SCA 6 patient with writer's cramp has been reported on and a family history of ataxia and writer's cramp has never been reported on. Two other SCA6 patients with a shoulder girdle/hand dystonia and unspecified upper‐limb dystonia with a family history of ataxia have been reported on. We report on the largest family with SCA6 and writer's cramp. The proband developed dysarthria, ataxia, and writer's cramp by age 37. His father presented with ataxia at 55, followed by writer's cramp and dysarthria. The proband's brother developed ataxia at 41, followed by dysarthria and writer's cramp. A paternal uncle (deceased; not examined) and 58‐yr‐old brother both developed pure ataxia (genetic testing is pending). This large family with complex movement disorder demonstrates that it is important to consider SCA6 in a patient presenting with an ataxia and writer's cramp and supports cerebellum involvement in dystonia.
The ellagitannin colonic metabolite urolithin D selectively inhibits EphA2 phosphorylation in prostate cancer cells
Authors: Giorgio Carmine , Mena Pedro , Del Rio Daniele , Brighenti Furio , Barocelli Elisabetta , Hassan‐Mohamed Iftiin , Callegari Donatella , Lodola Alessio , Tognolini Massimiliano 
Published: August 2015

ScopeThe Eph‐ephrin system comprises emerging proteins involved in many pathophysiological processes. The pharmacological activity of the main metabolites derived from the intake of some classes of (poly)phenolic compounds, such as caffeoylquinic acids, flavan‐3‐ols, and ellagitannins, on the Eph‐ephrin interaction was evaluated at physiological concentrations. Functional studies to elucidate their role in prostate cancer were also performed.Methods and resultsAmong the 21 phenolics screened by an ELISA‐binding assay, just urolithin C, urolithin D, and ellagic acid succeeded to inhibit the EphA2‐ephrin‐A1 binding. Urolithin D, the most active, was a competitive and reversible antagonist of EphA receptors able to discriminate between EphA and EphB receptors, showing intra‐classes selectivity. Molecular modeling and structure–activity relationships shed light on the binding mode and selective activity of urolithin D. This catabolite blocked EphA2 phosphorylation mediated by ephrin‐A1, while lacking cytotoxicity and anti‐proliferative effects, and was inactive on the EphA2 kinase assay.ConclusionThe mechanisms behind the cancer preventive properties of foods rich in flavan‐3‐ols and caffeoylquinic acids are not associated with metabolic pathways directly linked to the Eph‐ephrin system. However, the ellagitannin‐derived colonic metabolite urolithin D was able to exert remarkable and selective EphA‐ephrin‐A inhibition, which might impact on prostate cancer prevention.
Androgen receptor binding to an androgen‐responsive element in the promoter of the Srsf4 gene inhibits its expression in mouse Sertoli cells
Authors: Guo Huan , Li Yuchi , Luo Manling , Lin Shouren , Chen Jianbo , Ma Qian , Gu Yanli , Jiang Zhimao , Gui Yaoting 
Published: August 2015

SUMMARYThe serine/arginine‐rich splicing actor 4 (SRSF4) is essential for pre‐mRNA splicing and can influence alternative‐splice‐site choice. Little is known about the specific function of this gene in the reproductive system, although a recent study identified a SRSF4 polymorphism significantly associated with a decreased risk of non‐obstructive azoospermia in Chinese men. We previously found that the expression of Srsf4 was up‐regulated in the testes of Sertoli‐cell‐selective androgen receptor knockout (S‐Ar−/y) mice compared to wild‐type mice using digital gene expression analysis. In this study, we confirmed and extended the selective gene expression data: SRSF4 was mainly located in the nucleus of Sertoli cells, and Srsf4 expression in the Sertoli‐cell‐derived cell line TM4 is down‐regulation by testosterone. Moreover, androgen receptor directly binds the androgen‐responsive element of the Srsf4 promoter. Taken together, these results demonstrate that Srsf4 is a direct downstream target of the androgen receptor in mouse Sertoli cells. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 82: 976–985, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Single batch machine scheduling with deliveries
Authors: Cheng B.‐Y. , Leung J.Y.‐T. , Li K. , Yang S.‐L. 
Published: August 2015

AbstractWe consider the problem of scheduling a set of n jobs on a single batch machine, where several jobs can be processed simultaneously. Each job j has a processing time pj and a size sj. All jobs are available for processing at time 0. The batch machine has a capacity D. Several jobs can be batched together and processed simultaneously, provided that the total size of the jobs in the batch does not exceed D. The processing time of a batch is the largest processing time among all jobs in the batch. There is a single vehicle available for delivery of the finished products to the customer, and the vehicle has capacity K. We assume that K = rD, where and r is an integer. The travel time of the vehicle is T; that is, T is the time from the manufacturer to the customer. Our goal is to find a schedule of the jobs and a delivery plan so that the service span is minimized, where the service span is the time that the last job is delivered to the customer. We show that if the jobs have identical sizes, then we can find a schedule and delivery plan in time such that the service span is minimum. If the jobs have identical processing times, then we can find a schedule and delivery plan in time such that the service span is asymptotically at most 11/9 times the optimal service span. When the jobs have arbitrary processing times and arbitrary sizes, then we can find a schedule and delivery plan in time such that the service span is asymptotically at most twice the optimal service span. We also derive upper bounds of the absolute worst‐case ratios in both cases. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Naval Research Logistics 62: 470–482, 2015
Which goal adjustment strategies do cancer patients use? A longitudinal study
Authors: Janse Moniek , Fleer Joke , Smink Ans , Sprangers Mirjam A. G. , Ranchor Adelita V. 
Published: August 2015

AbstractObjectiveA cancer diagnosis may lead to the need to adjust personal goals. This study longitudinally investigates patients' use of goal adjustment strategies with goal characteristics over time. Whether and which goal adjustment strategies are used after cancer diagnosis may depend on the period studied (treatment period or follow‐up period) and illness variables such as illness severity.MethodsNewly diagnosed colorectal cancer patients (n = 186) were asked about their personal goals during three assessments (within 1 month after diagnosis and 6 and 18 months after the first assessment). Eight goal adjustment strategies were assessed over the first 6 months (treatment period) and between 7 and 18 months (follow‐up period) using goal characteristics. Illness variables were obtained from patients' medical records from the national cancer registry.ResultsMost patients used one strategy per period, and patients most often shifted their priorities across life domains. During the treatment period, more patients formed shorter‐term goals than during the follow‐up period, while during the follow‐up period, more patients formed longer‐term goals than during the treatment period. Illness variables were not related to the use of goal adjustment strategies.ConclusionsThe findings show that cancer patients use different goal adjustment strategies and, interestingly, that the use of specific strategies depended on the period after diagnosis but not on illness variables. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Protein/peptide‐based entry/fusion inhibitors as anti‐HIV therapies: challenges and future direction
Authors: Fumakia Miral , Yang Sidi , Gu Jijin , Ho Emmanuel A. 
Published: August 2015

SummaryThe failures of several first‐generation and second‐generation small molecule drug‐based anti‐HIV therapies in various stages of clinical trials are an indication that there is a need for a paradigm shift in the future designs of anti‐HIV therapeutics. Over the past several decades, various anti‐HIV drugs have been developed, among them, protein/peptide‐based therapies. From the first peptide discovered (SJ2176) to the first peptide approved by the Food and Drug Administration (DP178/T20/enfuvirtide/Fuzeon®), anti‐HIV proteins/peptides as fusion/entry inhibitors have been shown to provide potent effects and benefits. This review summarizes the past and current endeavors in this area, discusses the potential mechanisms of action for various anti‐HIV proteins/peptides, compares the advantages and disadvantages between the different proteins/peptides, and finally, examines the future direction of the field, specifically, strategies that will enhance the therapeutic efficacy of fusion/entry inhibitor‐based anti‐HIV proteins/peptides. Although there are numerous reviews highlighting the general field of entry/fusion inhibitors, there is a lack of literature focused on protein/peptide‐based entry/fusion inhibitors for HIV therapy, and as a result, this review is intended to fill this void by summarizing the past, current, and future development of these macromolecules. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Optimal routing and charging of energy‐limited vehicles in traffic networks
Authors: Pourazarm Sepideh , Cassandras Christos G. , Wang Tao 
Published: August 2015

SummaryWe study the problem of routing vehicles with energy constraints through a network where there are at least some charging nodes. We seek to minimize the total elapsed time for vehicles to reach their destinations by determining routes, as well as recharging amounts when the vehicles do not have adequate energy for the entire journey. For a single vehicle, we formulate a mixed‐integer nonlinear programming problem and derive properties of the optimal solution allowing it to be decomposed into two simpler problems. For a multi‐vehicle problem, where traffic congestion effects are included, we seek to optimize a system‐wide objective and formulate the problem by grouping vehicles into ‘subflows’. We also provide an alternative flow optimization formulation leading to a computationally simpler problem solution with minimal loss in accuracy. Because the problem size increases with the number of subflows, a proper selection of this number is essential to render the problem computationally manageable and reflects a trade‐off between proximity to optimality and computational effort needed to solve the problem. We propose a criterion and procedure leading to an appropriate choice of the number of subflows. We also quantify the ‘price of anarchy’ for this problem and compare user‐optimal to system‐optimal performance. Finally, when the system consists of both electric vehicles (EVs) and non‐electric vehicles, we formulate a system‐centric optimization problem for optimal routing of both non‐electric vehicles and EVs along with an optimal policy for charging EVs along the way if needed. Numerical results are included to illustrate these approaches. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Linear quadratic networked control of uncertain polytopic systems
Authors: Braga Márcio F. , Morais Cecília F. , Tognetti Eduardo S. , Oliveira Ricardo C. L. F. , Peres Pedro L. D. 
Published: August 2015

SummaryThis paper investigates the problem of designing robust linear quadratic regulators for uncertain polytopic continuous‐time systems over networks subject to delays. The main contribution is to provide a procedure to determine a discrete‐time representation of the weighting matrices associated to the quadratic criterion and an accurate discretized model, in such a way that a robust state feedback gain computed in the discrete‐time domain assures a guaranteed quadratic cost to the closed‐loop continuous‐time system. The obtained discretized model has matrices with polynomial dependence on the uncertain parameters and an additive norm‐bounded term representing the approximation residual error. A strategy based on linear matrix inequality relaxations is proposed to synthesize, in the discrete‐time domain, a digital robust state feedback control law that stabilizes the original continuous‐time system assuring an upper bound to the quadratic cost of the closed‐loop system. The applicability of the proposed design method is illustrated through a numerical experiment. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.