bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Retrospective study of a novel hematological parameter for predicting the survival of patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma
Authors: Tang Wenhua , Long Guoxian 
Published: June 2024

Purpose
This study aims to explore the prognostic values of routine pre-treatment hematological parameters in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC).

Methods
The hematological parameters and clinical data of patients with NPC were collected from January 2012 to December 2013 at Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology. The survival statistics were obtained by regularly following-up the patients. The cut-off values for the hematological parameters were calculated using X-tile software. SPSS version 24.0 was used for the statistical analysis. The relationship between the hematological parameters and the prognosis of patients with NPC was analyzed using the Kaplan–Meier method and Cox multivariate regression. The discriminating abilities of the factors, which predict the prognosis, were evaluated by utilizing the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) area under the curve (AUC).

Results
This study included 179 patients with NPC. Multivariate analysis shows that pretreatment platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR; hazard ratio; HR = 0.44, 95% CI [0.21–0.91], p = 0.029), serum albumin (ALB; HR = 2.49, 95% CI [1.17–5.30], p = 0.018), and globulin (GLO; HR = 0.44, 95% CI [0.21–0.90], p = 0.024) are independent predictors for 5-year overall survival (OS) in patients with NPC. In addition, pre-treatment PLR (HR = 0.47, 95% CI [0.25–0.90], p = 0.022) and pre-treatment GLO (HR = 0.37, 95% CI [0.19–0.72], p = 0.001) are associated with 5-year progression-free survival (PFS) in patients with NPC. Based on the results of the multivariate analysis, we proposed a new biomarker GLO-PLR, which is observably correlated with the T stage, N stage and clinical stage in patients with NPC. The OS resolving ability of the GLO-PLR evaluated by AUC is 0.714, which is better than those of GLO and PLR. The PFS resolving ability of the GLO-PLR evaluated by AUC was 0.696, which is also better than those of GLO and PLR.

Conclusion
Pre-treatment PLR, ALB, and GLO are independent predictors of 5-year OS in patients with NPC, where PLR and GLO are also independent predictors of 5-year FPS. Compared with other hematological parameters, the proposed GLO-PLR is an inexpensive, effective, objective, and easy-to-measure marker for predicting the prognosis of NPC.
Reinforcing robustness of adaptive dynamic surface control
Authors: Bechlioulis Charalampos P. , Rovithakis George A. 
Published: June 2012

SUMMARYAdaptive dynamic surface control (ADSC) design was proposed as an alternative to adaptive backstepping, capable of curing the ‘explosion of complexity’ problem, caused by the repeated differentiations of the so called intermediate control signals. However, as it is clearly demonstrated in this work, ADSC schemes are sensitive to modeling uncertainties and/or additive external disturbances. In fact, it is shown that a uniformly bounded exogenous perturbation of unknown upper bound may easily destabilize the closed‐loop system. Subsequently, a constructive methodology based on the recently developed by the authors prescribed performance control technique, is proposed, which combined with an ADSC design, results in a modified scheme possessing significantly increased robustness properties. Simulation studies illustrate the approach. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Supervisory control of switched nonlinear systems
Authors: Battistelli G. , Hespanha J.P. , Tesi P. 
Published: June 2012

SUMMARYThe objective of this paper is to describe recent progress in the field of hybrid control of nonlinear systems. We address the problem of controlling a nonlinear dynamical process by means of a hybrid controller combining continuous dynamics with discrete logics, the latter used to switch, from time to time, between several continuous control laws. The hybrid control system considered in this paper relies on the use of a switching logic, which generates online and in a fully adaptive fashion, ‘sliding windows’ of the monitoring signals used to select the control action. It is shown that, under suitable conditions, the resulting supervisory control scheme ensures ‐induced gain to the disturbance‐to‐state map, whether the process dynamics are constant or not. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Nanostructured Metallo‐Dielectric Quasi‐Crystals: Towards Photonic‐Plasmonic Resonance Engineering
Authors: Crescitelli Alessio , Ricciardi Armando , Consales Marco , Esposito Emanuela , Granata Carmine , Galdi Vincenzo , Cutolo Antonello , Cusano Andrea 
Published: June 2012

AbstractThe first evidence of out‐of‐plane resonances in hybrid metallo‐dielectric quasi‐crystal (QC) nanostructures composed of metal‐backed aperiodically patterned low‐contrast dielectric layers is reported. Via experimental measurements and full‐wave numerical simulations, these resonant phenomena are characterized with specific reference to the Ammann‐Beenker (quasi‐ periodic, octagonal) tiling lattice geometry and the underlying physics is investigated. In particular, it is shown that, by comparison with standard periodic structures, a moderately richer spectrum of resonant modes may be excited, due to the easier achievement of phase‐matching conditions endowed by its denser Bragg spectrum. Such modes are characterized by a distinctive plasmonic or photonic behavior, discriminated by their field distribution and dependence on the metal film thickness. Moreover, the response is accurately predicted via computationally affordable periodic‐approximant‐based numerical modeling. The enhanced capability of QCs to control number, spectral position, and mode distribution of hybrid resonances may be exploited in a variety of possible applications. To assess this aspect, label‐free biosensing is studied via characterization of the surface sensitivity of the proposed structures with respect to local refractive index changes. Moreover, it is also shown that the resonance‐engineering capabilities of QC nanostructures may be effectively exploited in order to enhance the absorption efficiency of thin‐film solar cells.
Solid Particle Erosive Wear Behavior of Glass Mat Reinforced PPS Composites: Influence of Erodent Particle Size, Pressure, Particle Impingement Angle, and Velocity
Authors: Avcu Egemen , Fi̇dan Sinan , Bora Mustafa Özgür , Çoban Onur , Taşkiran İsa , Sinmazçeli̇k Tamer 
Published: June 2012

AbstractThis study investigates solid particle erosive wear behavior of glass mat reinforced polyphenylene sulfide (PPS) matrix composites under various test parameters. PPS composite was manufactured by using the compression‐molding process. Composite samples were eroded in a specially designed sandblasting system employing various parameters, and variation of the erosion rate was investigated. Samples were eroded at different erosion times, particle impingement angles, and under various pressures by using three different sizes of alumina particles. Impingement velocities of erodent particles were measured by using the double disk method. The results are also discussed regarding impingement velocity of the erodent particles. Glass mat reinforced PPS composites exhibited semiductile erosion behavior by showing a maximum erosion rate at 30° and 45° impingement angles. The erosion rate of the composite was increased with augmentation in erosion time, velocity, pressure, and particle size. Maximum erosion was observed when the composite was eroded after 10 s at 45° impingement angle under 4 bar pressure by using 60 mesh size erodent particles. The morphology of eroded surfaces was examined by using a scanning electron microscope, and possible wear mechanisms were discussed. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Adv Polym Techn 32: E386–E398, 2013; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/adv.21286
Properties of Thiol–ene Photocurable Highly Hydrophobic and Oleophobic Nanocomposite Coatings on ABS and HIPS Substrates
Authors: Mülazim Yusuf , Çakmakçi Emrah , Kahraman Memet V. 
Published: June 2012

AbstractIn this study, thiol–ene photocurable highly hydrophobic and oleophobic coatings were prepared and characterized. Trimethylolpropane tris(3‐mercaptopropionate) and triallyl 1,3,5‐triazine‐2,4,6(1H,3H,5H)‐trione were used for the preparation of the base formulation. Highly hydrophobic and oleophobic coatings were prepared with the aid of a fluorinated acrylate (Fluowet AC 812) and hydrophobic‐fumed nanosilica particles. Nanoparticles were added for increasing the surface roughness and also to increase thermal and mechanical properties of the coatings. Coatings were applied on ABS (acrylonitrile–butadiene–styrene) and HIPS (high impact polystyrene) substrates. As the fluorine and nanosilica contents were increased in the formulations, flame retardancy, hydrophobicity, and the oleophobicity of the coatings increased. Coatings were found to be highly thermally stable, highly solvent, and chemically resistant. The surface roughness of the coatings increased with the addition of hydrophobic‐fumed nanosilica particles. In addition, the relation between the surface energy and the contact angle of the coatings was investigated. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Adv Polym Techn 32: E416–E426, 2013; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/adv.21289
Impact of tobacco smoke on chronic rhinosinusitis: a review of the literature
Authors: Reh Douglas D. , Higgins Thomas S. , Smith Timothy L. 
Published: June 2012

AbstractBackground:Environmental factors such as inhaled pollutants like cigarette smoke may play a significant role in diseases of the upper airway including chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). The objectives of this review are to summarize prior studies that describe the correlation between active smoking and secondhand smoke (SHS) on CRS. We also review the pathophysiologic effects of cigarette smoke on sinonasal mucosa and discuss its impact on surgical outcomes of endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS).Methods:A literature search was conducted of the PubMed database using the terms “sinusitis” or “rhinosinusitis” and “smoking.” Additional search terms of “nasal epithelial” and “smoke” were used to find articles that discussed pathophysiologic effects of tobacco smoke, whereas “secondhand smoke” was added to identify articles analyzing the correlation of SHS and CRS. Finally “endoscopic sinus surgery” and “outcomes” were linked to “smoking” to find articles that analyzed the impact of smoking on surgical results.Results:We identified 204 articles in the initial search. An additional 72 articles were reviewed for their relevance to the pathophysiologic effects of tobacco smoke while 31 articles were analyzed to determine the correlation of SHS and CRS. Twenty‐nine articles were reviewed to analyze the impact of smoking on surgical results.Conclusion:There is clear evidence in the literature that cigarette smoke, either through active smoking or passive exposure to SHS, contributes to CRS. Recent prospective studies suggest that active smoking is not a contraindication to ESS, whereas the impact of smoking volume and long‐term smoking after ESS has not been sufficiently evaluated.
Comparison of disease‐specific quality‐of‐life instruments in the assessment of chronic rhinosinusitis
Authors: Quintanilla‐Dieck Lourdes , Litvack Jamie R. , Mace Jess C. , Smith Timothy L. 
Published: June 2012

AbstractBackground:Many disease‐specific, quality‐of‐life (QOL) instruments exist for chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS), resulting in confusion about the best application and use of each instrument. We hypothesized that the most prevalently utilized instruments do not strongly correlate in all domains, but rather act in complementary fashion for QOL assessment.Methods:A systematic literature review (MEDLINE) was performed to identify the type and frequency of available CRS‐specific QOL instruments. Univariate analyses of the 3 most common instruments (Rhinosinusitis Disability Index [RSDI], Chronic Sinusitis Survey [CSS] and 22‐item Sinonasal Outcomes Test [SNOT‐22]) were performed using a multi‐institutional prospective cohort of sinusitis patients.Results:Systematic literature review found that the SNOT‐20 (and its derivatives), RSDI, and CSS are the most commonly utilized CRS‐specific QOL instruments. The majority of RSDI domains were weakly or not correlated with the CSS domains (r = 0.097‐0.501; p < 0.001). In contrast, the RSDI was highly correlated with the SNOT‐22 (r ≥ 0.666; p < 0.001). Patients with asthma and/or allergies reported significantly worse CSS scores (p < 0.001). Comorbidities had no significant impact on RSDI or SNOT‐22 responses.Conclusion:Different disease‐specific CRS QOL instruments measure different aspects of the patient's experience. The RSDI and SNOT‐22 are more sensitive to measuring the emotional impact of CRS, whereas the CSS examines medication use and symptoms. These instruments play complementary roles in the evaluation of CRS treatment outcomes.
Total Synthesis of a Noricumazole A Library and Evaluation of HCV Inhibition
Authors: Barbier Jenny , Wegner Jens , Benson Stefan , Gentzsch Juliane , Pietschmann Thomas , Kirschning Andreas 
Published: June 2012

AbstractThe total synthesis of 16 new ion channel inhibitors derived from noricumazole A, a secondary metabolite from the myxobacterium Sorangium cellulosum, is reported. Particular focus of library design is put on stereochemical permutations in the central region (C9 and C11), the oxazole moiety and the side chain at C4 of the isochromanone moiety. Noricumazole A and all new noricumazole derivatives were tested in an assay system with inhibitory effect on the hepatitis C virus (HCV) life cycle. Most of them are moderate to strong HCV inhibitors (350 nM–6 nM) but also exert pronounced cytotoxicity. In contrast, the thiazole analogue of noricumazole A is a strong HCV inhibitor with only moderate cytotoxic property. It may become a lead structure with a good therapeutic index (CC50/IC50) of greater than 10.
On the P‐Coordinating Limit of NHC–Phosphenium Cations toward RhI Centers
Authors: Maaliki Carine , Lepetit Christine , Canac Yves , Bijani Christian , Duhayon Carine , Chauvin Remi 
Published: June 2012

AbstractTwo types of imidazoliophosphane with additional electron‐withdrawing substituents, such as alkoxy or imidazolio groups, are experimentally described and theoretically studied. Diethyl N,N′‐2,4,6‐methyl(phenyl)imidazoliophosphonite is shown to retain a P‐coordinating ability toward a {RhCl(cod)} (cod=cycloocta‐1,5‐diene) center, thus competing with the cleavage of the labile CP bond. Derivatives of N,N′‐phenylene‐bridged diimidazolylphenylphosphane were isolated in good yield. Whereas the dicationic phosphane proved to be inert in the presence of [{RhCl(cod)}2], the monocationic counterpart was shown to retain the P‐coordinating ability toward a {RhCl(cod)} center, thus competing with the N‐coordinating ability of the nonmethylated imidazolyl substituent. The ethyl phosphinite version of the dication, thus possessing an extremely electron‐poor PIII center, was also characterized. According to the difference between the calculated homolytic and heterolytic dissociation energies, the N2C⋅⋅⋅P bond of imidazoliophosphanes with aryl, amino, or alkoxy substituents on the P atom is shown to be of dative nature. The P‐coordinating properties of imidazoliophosphanes with various combinations of phenyl or ethoxy substituents on the P atom and those of six diimidazolophosphane derivatives with zero, one, or two methylium substituents on the N atom, were analyzed by comparison of the corresponding HOMOs and LUMOs and by calculation of the IR CO stretching frequencies of their [RhCl(CO)2] complexes. Comparison of the νCO values allows the family of the electron‐poor Im+PRR′ (Im=imidazolyl) potential ligands to be ranked in the following order versus (R,R′): P(OEt)3<(Ph,Ph)<(Ph,OEt)<(OEt,OEt)<PF3<(Ph,Im)<(Ph,Im+)<(OEt,Im+). The (Ph,Im) representative is therefore the least electron‐donating phosphane for which coordinating behavior toward a RhI center has been experimentally evidenced to date. Ultimate applications in catalysis could be envisaged.
Ruthenium Polypyridyl Complexes Hopping at Anionic Lipid Bilayers through a Supramolecular Bond Sensitive to Visible Light
Authors: Bahreman Azadeh , Limburg Bart , Siegler Maxime A. , Koning Roman , Koster Abraham J. , Bonnet Sylvestre 
Published: June 2012

AbstractThe new ruthenium complex [Ru(terpy)(dcbpy)(Hmte)](PF6)2 ([2](PF6)2; dcbpy=6,6′‐dichloro‐2,2′‐bipyridine, terpy=2,2′;6′,2“‐terpyridine, Hmte=2‐(methylthio)ethanol) was synthesized. In the crystal structure, this complex is highly distorted, revealing steric congestion between dcbpy and Hmte. In water, [2]2+ forms spontaneously by reacting Hmte and the aqua complex [Ru(terpy)(dcbpy)(OH2)]2+ ([1]2+), with a second‐order rate constant of 0.025 s−1 M−1 at 25 °C. In the dark, the RuS bond of [2]2+ is thermally unstable and partially hydrolyzes; in fact, [1]2+ and [2]2+ are in an equilibrium characterized by an equilibrium constant K of 151 M−1. When exposed to visible light, the RuS bond is selectively broken to release [1]2+, that is, the equilibrium is shifted by visible‐light irradiation. The light‐induced equilibrium shifts were repeated four times without major signs of degradation; the RuS coordination bond in [2]2+ can be described as a robust, light‐sensitive, supramolecular bond in water. To demonstrate the potential of this system in supramolecular chemistry, a new thioether–cholesterol conjugate (4), which inserts into lipid bilayers through its cholesterol moiety and coordinates to ruthenium through its sulfur atom, was synthesized. Thioether‐functionalized, anionic, dimyristoylphosphatidylglycerol (DMPG), lipid vesicles, to which aqua complex [1]2+ efficiently coordinates, were prepared. Upon exposure of the Ru‐decorated vesicles to visible light, the RuS bond is selectively broken, thus releasing [1]2+ that stays at the water‐bilayer interface. When the light is switched off, the metal complex spontaneously coordinates back to the membrane‐embedded thioether ligands without a need to heat the system. This process was repeated four times at 35 °C, thus achieving light‐triggered hopping of the metal complex at the water‐bilayer interface.
Effect of Residual Water and Microwave Heating on the Half‐Life of the Reagents and Reactive Intermediates in Peptide Synthesis
Authors: Pernille Tofteng A. , Pedersen Søren L. , Staerk Dan , Jensen Knud J. 
Published: June 2012

AbstractPrecise microwave heating has changed the way many small molecules are being synthesized and, currently, the field of solid‐phase peptide synthesis is undergoing dramatic changes owing to the use of microwave heating. To fully reap the benefits of precise microwave heating for the formation of amide bonds in peptide synthesis, it is important to understand the kinetics of formation and break‐down of activated esters and their N‐acylation of the nascent peptide chain at elevated temperatures. Herein, we present systematic studies of, first, the rate of formation of activated esters by NMR spectroscopy and, second, their N‐acylation during peptide synthesis. A study of the amount of residual water in the solvents revealed a significant effect on electrophilic reagents and intermediates. This observation was expanded into a general study of microwave heating in peptide synthesis.
H2 Production by Renewables Photoreforming on Pt–Au/TiO2 Catalysts Activated by Reduction
Authors: Gallo Alessandro , Montini Tiziano , Marelli Marcello , Minguzzi Alessandro , Gombac Valentina , Psaro Rinaldo , Fornasiero Paolo , Dal Santo Vladimiro 
Published: June 2012

AbstractBimetallic Pt–Au nanoparticles supported on reduced anatase nanocrystals represent a new class of promising photocatalysts with high activity in hydrogen production by photoreforming of aqueous solution of renewable feedstock, such as ethanol and glycerol. The catalysts are easily obtained by metal impregnation of commercial TiO2, followed by a reductive treatment. Remarkably, deeper catalyst pre‐reduction results in enhanced photoactivity. When ethanol is used as sacrificial agent, under both UV‐A or simulated sunlight irradiation, H2 is the most abundant product in the gas stream whereas, in the case of glycerol, significant amounts of CO2 have also been detected, indicating a more efficient oxidation of the organic sacrificial agent. The presence of bimetallic Pt–Au nanoparticles and of Ti3+ sites/O2− vacancies in the bulk structure of titania are two key parameters to maximize light absorption and feedstock activation, finally resulting in good photocatalytic performances.
Trophic resources and emergent food web attributes in rivers of the Lake Victoria Basin: a review with reference to anthropogenic influences
Authors: Masese Frank O. , McClain Michael E. 
Published: June 2012

ABSTRACTThe ecology of Lake Victoria and rivers draining its 180 000 km2 basin has changed over the past century in response to growing anthropogenic influences that have altered basal resources, trophic status and interactions and river flow regimes. Impacts on the ecology of the lake are well known, but little attention has focused on the ecological status of rivers supplying ecological services to the majority of the basin's over 30 million inhabitants. In this paper, we review existing research on the ecological status of streams and rivers in the Lake Victoria Basin (LVB) and evaluate how they fit into emerging models of riverine ecosystem function in the tropics. Studies to date indicate that allochthonous sources dominate inputs to food webs in forested headwaters and savanna mid‐reaches of rivers in the LVB, although transfer pathways vary with position in the river. Although riparian vegetation phenology and hydrologic run‐off pathways control the spatial and temporal fluxes of energy inputs in headwater streams; animals play increasingly important roles in savanna mid‐reaches. Over the last half century, food web studies have revealed widespread omnivory and a tendency toward increased omnivory among fishes whose diets were more specialized prior to the introduction of Lates niloticus and the ecological changes in the lake. Ecological patterns and processes in LVB rivers generally fit emerging models for the tropics, but studies completed to‐date do not find autotrophic energy sources to be important. The findings of this review highlight the importance of specific management actions and needs for future research. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Tetrathiafulvalene‐Type Electron Donors Bearing Biimidazole Moieties: Multifunctional Units with Hydrogen Bonding Abilities
Authors: Murata Tsuyoshi , Nakasuji Kazuhiro , Morita Yasushi 
Published: June 2012

AbstractNew tetrathiafulvalene (TTF)‐based electron‐donor molecules having 4,4′‐ and 2,2′‐biimidazole units (1 and 2, respectively) as hydrogen bonding units were designed and synthesized. Cyclic voltammetry showed that both 1 and 2 possess strong electron‐donating abilities close to that of TTF with two‐stage reversible redox processes. In the crystal structure of 1, uniform π stacking, side‐by‐side S···S interactions of the TTF moiety, and multiple hydrogen bonds of the biimidazole unit via crystalline water molecules contribute to the formation of a two‐dimensional donor layer. The crystal structure of 2 was constructed by one‐dimensional ribbons formed by complementary hydrogen bonds characteristic to 2,2′‐biimidazole and side‐by‐side S···S interactions on the TTF moiety. In the charge‐transfer salt of 2 with iodine, which included the (I82–)n one‐dimensional comb‐like structure as the anion part, the N–H···I hydrogen bond anchored the donor molecule in the cavity of the (I82–)n chain. Complex formation of 1 and 2 with tetracyanoquinodimethane afforded mixed‐valence charge‐transfer complexes showing semiconducting behaviors (room temperature conductivities = 10–3 and 10–1 S cm–1, respectively).