bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Testosterone and cortisol in relation to aggression in a non‐clinical sample of boys and girls
Authors: Platje Evelien , Popma Arne , Vermeiren Robert R.J.M. , Doreleijers Theo A.H. , Meeus Wim H.J. , van Lier Pol A.C. , Koot Hans M. , Branje Susan J.T. , Jansen Lucres M.C.
Published: March 2015

Testosterone and cortisol have been proposed to jointly regulate aggressive behavior. However, few empirical studies actually investigated this joint relation in humans, and reported inconsistent findings. Also, samples in these studies were small and/or specific, and consisted largely of males. Therefore, in the current study testosterone and cortisol in relation to aggression were investigated in a non‐clinical sample of 259 boys and girls (mean age 16.98 years, SD = 0.42, 56% boys). A positive testosterone/cortisol ratio, that is, high testosterone relative to cortisol, was found to be associated with aggressive behavior, explaining 7% of the variance. The interaction between testosterone and cortisol was not related to aggressive behavior and gender differences were not found. The ratio may reflect an imbalance leaving the individual more prone to rewarding aspects, than fearful of negative implications of aggressive behavior. Current findings indicate that this relation can be generalized to aggression in non‐clinical adolescents. Aggr. Behav. 41:478–487, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Adaptive attenuation of unknown and time‐varying narrow band and broadband disturbances
Authors: Landau Ioan Doré , Airimitoaie Tudor‐Bogdan , Silva Abraham Castellanos
Published: March 2015

In many classes of applications like active vibration control and active noise control, the disturbances can be characterized by their frequency content and their location in a specific region in the frequency domain. The disturbances can be of narrow band type (simple or multiple) or of broad band type. A model can be associated to these disturbances. The knowledge of this model allows to design an appropriate control system in order to attenuate (or to reject) their effect upon the system to be controlled. The attenuation of disturbances by feedback is limited by the Bode Integral and the ‘water bed’ effect upon the output sensitivity function. In such situations, the feedback approach has to be complemented by a ‘feedforward disturbance compensation’ requiring an additional transducer for obtaining information upon the disturbance. Unfortunately, in most of the situations, the disturbances are unknown and time‐varying and therefore an adaptive approach should be considered. The generic term for adaptive attenuation of unknown and time‐varying disturbances is ‘adaptive regulation’ (known plant model, unknown, and time‐varying disturbance model).

The paper will review a number of recent developments for adaptive feedback compensation of multiple unknown and time‐varying narrow band disturbances and for adaptive feedforward compensation of broad band disturbances in the presence of the inherent internal positive feedback caused by the coupling between the compensator system and the measurement of the image of the disturbance. Some experimental results obtained on a relevant active vibration control system will illustrate the performance of the various algorithms presented. Some open research problems will be mentioned in the conclusion. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Integration of invariant‐set‐based FDI with varying sampling rate virtual actuator and controller
Authors: Osella Esteban N. , Haimovich Hernan , Seron María M.
Published: March 2015

We present a new output feedback fault‐tolerant control strategy for continuous‐time linear systems with bounded disturbances. The strategy combines a digital nominal controller under controller‐driven (varying) sampling with virtual actuator (VA)‐based controller reconfiguration to compensate for abrupt actuator faults and invariant‐set‐based fault detection and isolation. Two independent objectives are considered: (a) closed‐loop stability with setpoint tracking and (b) controller reconfiguration under faults. Our main contribution is to extend an existing fault detection and isolation and VA‐based controller reconfiguration strategy to systems under controller‐driven sampling in such a way that if objective (a) is possible under controller‐driven sampling (without VA) and objective (b) is possible under uniform sampling (without controller‐driven sampling), then closed‐loop stability and setpoint tracking will be preserved under both healthy and faulty operations for any possible sampling rate evolution that may be selected by the controller. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
CN Coupling of Indoles and Carbazoles with Aromatic Chlorides Catalyzed by a Single‐Component NHC‐Nickel(0) Precursor
Authors: Rull Silvia G. , Blandez Juan F. , Fructos Manuel R. , Belderrain Tomás R. , Nicasio M. Carmen
Published: March 2015

A new and efficient nickel‐based protocol for the N‐arylation of indoles and carbazoles with aromatic chlorides, the least expensive of the aryl halides, is described. The procedure provides selectively N‐(hetero)arylation products in good to high yields, in short reaction times and without adding an excess of ligands.

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Musculoskeletal concerns do not justify failure to use safer sequential trigger to prevent acute nail gun injuries
Authors: Lipscomb Hester J. , Nolan James , Patterson Dennis
Published: March 2015

Background

Acute nail gun injuries can be controlled significantly by using tools with sequential triggers and training. Concern has been raised that sequential triggers, which require that the nose piece of the gun be depressed prior to pulling the trigger, could increase risk of musculoskeletal problems.

Methods

We conducted active injury surveillance among union carpenter apprentices to monitor acute injuries and musculoskeletal disorders between 2010 and 2013.

Results

Acute injury risk was 70% higher with contact trip rather than sequential triggers. Musculoskeletal risk was comparable (contact trip 0.09/10,000 hr (95% CI, 0.02–0.26); sequential 0.08/ 10,000 hr (95% CI 0.02–0.23)).

Conclusions

Concern about excess risk of musculoskeletal problems from nail guns with sequential triggers is unwarranted. Both actuation systems carry comparable musculoskeletal risk which is far less than the risk of acute injury; there is clearly no justification for failure to prevent acute injuries through use of the safer sequential trigger. Am. J. Ind. Med. 58:422–427, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Disparities in occupational injury hospitalization rates in five states (2003–2009)
Authors: Sears Jeanne M. , Bowman Stephen M. , Hogg‐Johnson Sheilah
Published: March 2015

Background

Achievement of health equity and elimination of disparities are overarching goals of Healthy People 2020, yet there is a paucity of population‐based data regarding race/ethnicity‐based disparities in occupational injuries.

Methods

Hospital discharge data for five states (Arizona, California, Florida, New Jersey, and New York) were obtained from the Healthcare Cost & Utilization Project (HCUP) for 2003–2009. Age‐adjusted rates and trends for work‐related injury hospitalizations were calculated using negative binomial regression (reference category: non‐Latino white).

Results

Latinos were significantly more likely to have a work‐related traumatic injury hospitalization. The disparity for Latinos was greatest for machinery‐related hospitalizations. Latinos were also more likely to have a fall‐related hospitalization. African‐Americans were more likely to have an occupational assault‐related hospitalization, but less likely to have a fall‐related hospitalization.

Conclusions

We found evidence of substantial multistate disparities in occupational injury‐related hospitalizations. Enhanced surveillance and further research are needed to identify and address underlying causes. Am. J. Ind. Med. 58:528–540, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Synthesis of Nanostructured Carbon through Ionothermal Carbonization of Common Organic Solvents and Solutions
Authors: Chang Yuanqin , Antonietti Markus , Fellinger Tim‐Patrick
Published: March 2015

A combination of ionothermal synthesis and hot‐injection techniques leads to novel nanocarbons made from organic solvents. Controlled addition of commonly used organic solvents into a hot ZnCl2 melt gives rise to spherical, sheetlike, and branched nanofibrous carbon nanoparticles with surprisingly high carbon efficiency. When heteroatom‐containing solvents were used, the doping levels reach up to 14 wt. % nitrogen and 13 wt. % sulfur. Materials with high surface areas and large pore volumes of solvent carbons as high as 1666 m2 g−1 and 2.80 cm3 g−1 in addition to CO2 adsorption capacities of 4.13 mmol g−1 at 273 K and 1 bar can be obtained. The new method works not only for pure carbon materials, but was also extended for the synthesis of carbon/inorganic nanocomposites. ZnS@C, Ni@C, and Co@C were successfully prepared with this straightforward procedure. The obtained Ni@C nanocomposites perform well in the electrocatalytic water oxidation, comparable with commercial noble‐metal catalysts.
Highly hydrophobic hierarchical nanomicro roughness polymer surface created by stamping and laser micromachining
Authors: Cardoso Marcos R. , Martins Renato J. , Dev Apurba , Voss Tobias , Mendonca Cleber R.
Published: March 2015

This article describes the design and fabrication of hierarchical nanomicrostructured polymer surfaces with high hydrophobicity. The nanoscale roughness is achieved by stamping a ZnO nanowire film into PDMS. Subsequently, microstructures with different periodicities are created in the stamped PDMS sample by direct laser writing using femtosecond pulses. With this approach, we were able to produce hierarchical surface morphologies, composed of nano and microscale structures that exhibit water contact angles larger than 160°. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015, 132, 42082.
Combination of PDMS microfilters and micromixers based on flexible thermoplastic films for size sorting and mixing of microparticles
Authors: Lee Michael , Lopez‐Martinez Maria J. , Baraket Abdoullatif , Zine Nadia , Esteve Jaume , Plaza Jose A. , Ahmed Naveed , Elaissari Abdelhamid , Jaffrezic‐Renault Nicole , Errachid Abdelhamid
Published: March 2015

We present a study for the development of flexible microfilters based on sealing microstructured poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) to different functionalized thermoplastic films [polyimide (PI), polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), and polyethylene terephthalate (PET)]. The microfilter was manufactured by soft‐lithography and replica molding and then combined with plasma activation and chemical treatment using 3‐(aminopropyl)triethoxysilane (APTES). To demonstrate the functionality of the PDMS microfilters, poly(lactic‐co‐glycolic acid) (PLGA) microparticles (MPS) were filtered through the microfluidic device based on the three thermoplastic films. Subsequently, the mixing capabilities of a passive PDMS micromixer was observed with the injection of polymeric MPS (fluorescent and nonfluorescent) as fluidic mixers are not generally effective at mixing particles. On mixing nonfluorescent MPS (∼<10–30 µm in diameter) a mixing performance of 13.3% at 5 mm was observed. Therefore, a PDMS microfiltering device was integrated with a PDMS micromixer using a simple and cost effective home‐made polymeric connector for filtration at a size sorting of 11 µm. The results exhibit that the combination of the two microfluidic devices can be achieved with size sorting and mixing of MPS with an improved mixing performance of 62.5% at 3 mm. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015, 132, 42088.
UV curable soybean‐oil hybrid systems based on thiol‐acrylate and thiol‐ene‐acrylate chemistry
Authors: Zhang Dandan , Liang Hongbo , Bu Jiang , Xiong Lei , Huang Shengmei , Zhang D. D. , Liang H. B. , Bu J. , Xiong L. , Huang S. M.
Published: March 2015

In this study, epoxidized soybean oil was modified to prepare acrylated epoxidized soybean oil (AESO) and vinyl/acrylate ended soybean oil (VASO), which were blended with mercaptopropyl polyhedral oligomericsilsequioxane (POSS‐SH) to prepare UV curable thiol‐acrylate and thiol‐ene‐acrylate hybrid coatings. Photopolymerization processes of the coatings were measured and the results showed that addition of POSS‐SH obviously increased the conversion of double bond. The physical and mechanical properties of all cured samples were investigated, which indicated that the pencil hardness, tensile strength, and fracture toughness were significantly improved by POSS‐SH. Moreover, with increasing POSS‐SH content, the water contact angles of cured samples were increased, and the water resistance was greatly improved. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015, 132, 42095.
ERAP1 Gene Expression Is Influenced by Nonsynonymous Polymorphisms Associated With Predisposition to Spondyloarthritis
Authors: Costantino Félicie , Talpin Alice , Evnouchidou Irini , Kadi Amir , Leboime Ariane , Said‐Nahal Roula , Bonilla Nelly , Letourneur Franck , Leturcq Tifenn , Ka Zeyna , van Endert Peter , Garchon Henri‐Jean , Chiocchia Gilles , Breban Maxime
Published: March 2015

Objective

Several polymorphisms in ERAP1 are strongly associated with susceptibility to spondyloarthritis (SpA). The combination of rs17482078, rs10050860, and rs30187 results in the construction of 3 major haplotypes that are associated with SpA (the “protective” haplotype T/T/C, the “neutral” haplotype C/C/C, and the “susceptibility” haplotype C/C/T). The aim of the present study was to determine whether such haplotypes might affect endoplasmic reticulum aminopeptidase 1 (ERAP‐1) messenger RNA (mRNA) expression, protein level, and/or enzymatic activity in antigen‐presenting cells, a type of cell that is potentially relevant to disease pathogenesis.

Methods

Monocyte‐derived dendritic cells (DCs) were generated in 2 cohorts (a discovery cohort and a replication cohort) comprising a total of 23 SpA patients and 44 healthy controls. Lymphoblastoid B cell lines were established from individuals who were homozygous for the risk, the neutral, or the protective ERAP1 haplotype, respectively. In those samples, we investigated the relationship between ERAP1 haplotypes and mRNA expression level. We also used Western blot analysis to measure the relative protein expression of ERAP‐1 and a fluorogenic assay to measure its enzymatic activity.

Results

In monocyte‐derived DCs, there was a strong association between ERAP1 haplotypes and the ERAP‐1 mRNA expression level, with higher levels in subjects harboring the susceptibility haplotype (P = 0.001 and P = 5.6 × 10−7 in the discovery and replication cohorts, respectively). In lymphoblastoid B cell lines, we observed a significant correlation between haplotype risk score and ERAP1 transcript or protein level (P = 0.003, ρ = 0.92 for both). Enzymatic activity followed a similar trend both in monocyte‐derived DCs and in lymphoblastoid B cell lines.

Conclusion

These data provide strong evidence that SpA‐associated ERAP1 polymorphisms affect the level of gene expression in antigen‐presenting cells. How increased production/activity of ERAP‐1 may influence susceptibility to SpA remains to be determined.
Long‐term changes in the relationship between stratospheric circulation and East Asian winter monsoon
Authors: Wei Ke , Takahashi Masaaki , Chen Wen
Published: March 2015

Using two generations of reanalysis datasets from the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR), European Centre for Medium‐Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF), and Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA), we showed that on the interannual timescale the two leading modes of the East Asian winter monsoon (EAWM) are associated with tropospheric annular mode (AM) and stratospheric polar vortex (SPV), respectively. The relationship between AM and the first EAWM mode remained stable during 1958–2013, whereas that between SPV and the second EAWM mode increased suddenly since the late 1980s. The SPV‐related circulation and planetary wave activities are intensified in the latter period. We suggested that this change might be caused by the global warming and ozone depletion.
An Integrative Breakage Model of genome architecture, reshuffling and evolution
Authors: Farré Marta , Robinson Terence J. , Ruiz‐Herrera Aurora
Published: March 2015

Our understanding of genomic reorganization, the mechanics of genomic transmission to offspring during germ line formation, and how these structural changes contribute to the speciation process, and genetic disease is far from complete. Earlier attempts to understand the mechanism(s) and constraints that govern genome remodeling suffered from being too narrowly focused, and failed to provide a unified and encompassing view of how genomes are organized and regulated inside cells. Here, we propose a new multidisciplinary Integrative Breakage Model for the study of genome evolution. The analysis of the high‐level structural organization of genomes (nucleome), together with the functional constrains that accompany genome reshuffling, provide insights into the origin and plasticity of genome organization that may assist with the detection and isolation of therapeutic targets for the treatment of complex human disorders.
Simple extraction method using syringe filter for detection of ethephon in tomatoes by negative‐ion mode liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Cho Soon‐Kil , Cho Ji‐Mi , Abd El‐Aty A. M. , Rahman Md. Musfiqur , Choi Jeong‐Heui , Seo Young‐Jun , Shin Ho‐Chul , Shim Jae‐Han
Published: March 2015

In this study, a simple, rapid, and sensitive method was developed for the extraction of ethephon from homogenized tomatoes that does not require a cleanup procedure. In a syringe filter, three distinct layers – aqueous, acetonitrile, and n‐hexane – are clearly separated after storage at −80 °C for 5–10 min. A Dionex IonPac column was used to separate the analyte before detection using negative‐ion mode liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS). The matrix effect of the tested analyte was negligibly small and the matched calibration showed a good linearity over a concentration range of 0.01–1.0 mg/kg with a correlation coefficient (R2) of 0.9998. The recovery at three fortification levels (0.1, 0.5 and 1.0 mg/kg) was between 82.9 and 108.6% with relative standard deviations (RSDs) <5.0%. The limit of quantification (0.03 mg/kg) was lower than the maximum residue limit (3 mg/kg) set by the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety, Republic of Korea. From a field trial, the method developed herein was applied to calculate the decline pattern and predict the pre‐harvest residue limits of ethephon in tomatoes. In conclusion, the proposed sample preparation is feasible for the detection of hydrophilic analytes in tomatoes. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Preventing Persons Affected by Serious Mental Illnesses from Obtaining Firearms: The Evolution of Law, Policy, and Practice in Massachusetts
Authors: Silver James , Fisher William H. , Silver Emily
Published: March 2015

A history of commitment to a mental health facility disqualifies applicants for gun licenses. Identifying such a history has become increasingly complex as the locus of confinement has become more diversified and privatized. In Massachusetts, prior to 2014, the databases used to identify individuals who would be disqualified on such grounds had not contemporaneously matched the evolution of the state's mental health systems. A survey of Massachusetts police chiefs, who, as in many jurisdictions, are charged with certifying qualification, indicates that some have broadened the scope of their background checks to include the experience of their officers with respect to certain applicants. The survey identifying these patterns, conducted in 2014, preceded by one month significant legislative reforms that mandate the modification of the reporting into a centralized database commitments to all types of mental health and substance use facilities, thus allowing identification of all commitments occurring in the state. The anticipated utilization of a different database mechanism, which has parallels in several other states, potentially streamlines the background check process, but raises numerous concerns that need to be addressed in developing and using such databases. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Clinical anatomy of the G‐spot
Authors: Pan Shu , Leung Cynthia , Shah Jaimin , Kilchevsky Amichai
Published: March 2015

The existence of the G‐Spot has never been unequivocally confirmed. With increased public exposure and a trend towards sexual gratification, however, the impetus to elucidate this structure is greater than ever. This review will focus on research that has been conducted on the clinical anatomy of the G‐Spot. Ultimately this review will show that while the distal area of the anterior vaginal wall appears to be the most sensitive region of the vagina, the existence of an anatomical “G‐spot” remains to be demonstrated. Clin. Anat. 28:363–367, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Robust Multiobjective Optimization Applied to Optimal Control Problems Using Differential Evolution
Authors: Souza Davi L. , Lobato Fran S. , Gedraite Rubens
Published: March 2015

Robust optimization is an approach for modeling optimization problems under uncertainty where the modeler aims at finding decisions that are optimal for the worst‐case realization of the uncertainties within a given set of values. Typically, the original uncertain optimization problem is converted into an equivalent deterministic form, called the robust counterpart, using strong duality arguments and then solved by standard optimization algorithms. A methodology is proposed for the treatment of optimal control problems applying the multiobjective optimization differential evolution algorithm associated with the concept of mean effective for the insertion of robustness. The results obtained with applications in chemical systems demonstrate that the method conveyed is configured as an interesting approach for the solution of robust optimization problems.
Adsorption Processes for the Synthesis of Catalytically Active Metal Nanoparticles in Polymeric Matrices
Authors: Sulman Esther , Sulman Mikhail , Tyamina Irina , Doluda Valentin , Nikoshvili Linda , Lyubimova Nadezhda , Sidorov Alexander , Matveeva Valentina
Published: March 2015

The influence of the content of a hydrophilic Pd(II) compound (disodium tetrachloropalladate, Na2PdCl4) on its adsorption and nanoparticle (NP) formation in the pores of hydrophobic micro/mesoporous hypercrosslinked polystyrene (HPS) was systematically investigated. The morphology and composition of HPS‐Pd nanocomposites were studied using transmission electron microscopy, X‐ray fluorescence measurements, and liquid nitrogen physisorption. The size of Pd‐containing NP was found to depend on the content of the hydrophilic Pd(II) compound. Catalytic testing of these nanocomposites in the partial hydrogenation of acetylene alcohols was carried out to illustrate the influence of the NP size on the catalytic activity. The highest catalytic activity was achieved for HPS/Pd‐0.1 %, forming small NP.
Close‐Packed Two‐Dimensional Silver Nanoparticle Arrays: Quadrupolar and Dipolar Surface Plasmon Resonance Coupling
Authors: Yun Sukang , Hong Soonchang , Acapulco Jesus A. I. , Jang Ho Young , Ham Songyi , Lee Kyungeun , Kim Seong Kyu , Park Sungho
Published: March 2015

Silver nanoparticles (NPs) ranging in size from 40 to 100 nm were prepared in high yield by using an improved seed‐mediated method. The homogeneous Ag NPs were used as building blocks for 2D assembled Ag NP arrays by using an oil/water interface. A close‐packed 2D array of Ag NPs was fabricated by using packing molecules (3‐mercaptopropyltrimethoxysilane) to control the interparticle spacing. The homogeneous 2D Ag NP array exhibited a strong quadrupolar cooperative plasmon mode resonance and a dipolar red‐shift relative to individual Ag NPs suspended in solution. A well‐arranged 2D Ag NP array was embedded in polydimethylsiloxane film and, with biaxial stretching to control the interparticle distance, concomitant variations of the quadrupolar and dipolar couplings were observed. As the interparticle distance increased, the intensity of the quadrupolar cooperative plasmon mode resonance decreased and dipolar coupling completely disappeared. The local electric field of the 2D Ag NP array was calculated by using finite difference time domain simulation and qualitatively showed agreement with the experimental measurements.
Unravelling RNA–Substrate Interactions in a Ribozyme‐Catalysed Reaction Using Fluorescent Turn‐On Probes
Authors: Gaffarogullari Ece Cazibe , Greulich Peter , Kobitski Andrei Yu. , Nierth Alexander , Nienhaus G. Ulrich , Jäschke Andres
Published: March 2015

The Diels–Alder reaction is one of the most important CC bond‐forming reactions in organic chemistry, and much effort has been devoted to controlling its enantio‐ and diastereoselectivity. The Diels–Alderase ribozyme (DAse) catalyses the reaction between anthracene dienes and maleimide dienophiles with multiple‐turnover, stereoselectivity, and up to 1100‐fold rate acceleration. Here, a new generation of anthracene‐BODIPY‐based fluorescent probes was developed to monitor catalysis by the DAse. The brightness of these probes increases up to 93‐fold upon reaction with N‐pentylmaleimide (NPM), making these useful tools for investigating the stereochemistry of the ribozyme‐catalysed reaction. With these probes, we observed that the DAse catalyses the reaction with >91 % de and >99 % ee. The stereochemistry of the major product was determined unambiguously by rotating‐frame nuclear Overhauser NMR spectroscopy (ROESY‐NMR) and is in agreement with crystallographic structure information. The pronounced fluorescence change of the probes furthermore allowed a complete kinetic analysis, which revealed an ordered bi uni type reaction mechanism, with the dienophile binding first.
A New Water‐Soluble Phosphorus‐Dipyrromethene and Phosphorus‐Azadipyrromethene Dye: PODIPY/aza‐PODIPY
Authors: Jiang Xin‐Dong , Zhao Jiuli , Xi Dongmei , Yu Haifeng , Guan Jian , Li Shuang , Sun Chang‐Liang , Xiao Lin‐Jiu
Published: March 2015

PODIPY and aza‐PODIPY have been successfully prepared by the treatment of dipyrromethene and azadipyrromethene with POCl3 in the presence of Et3N. The new PODIPY and aza‐PODIPY dyes are found to have photophysical properties. PODIPY and aza‐PODIPY are water‐soluble, and aza‐PODIPY is suited for labeling living Hep‐2 cells for imaging assays in the near‐infrared region. Molecular orbital calculations show that the increase in the HOMO–LUMO band gap for the lowest energy absorption bands is observed in the new phosphorus‐containing aza‐PODIPY, and the HOMO and LUMO energies of aza‐PODIPY are found to be higher than those of aza‐BODIPY.
Homocatenation of Aluminum: Alkane‐like Structures of Li2Al2H6 and Li3Al3H8
Authors: Gish J. Tyler , Popov Ivan A. , Boldyrev Alexander I.
Published: March 2015

Invited for the cover of this issue is Alexander I. Boldyrev and co‐workers at Utah State University. The image depicts the magician who symbolizes a chemist synthesizing molecules of “aluminum homocatenated ethane and propane” based on the idea of electronic transmutation. Read the full text of the article at 10.1002/chem.201500298.
Reactivity and Operational Stability of N‐Tailed TAMLs through Kinetic Studies of the Catalyzed Oxidation of Orange II by H2O2: Synthesis and X‐ray Structure of an N‐Phenyl TAML
Authors: Warner Genoa R. , Mills Matthew R. , Enslin Clarissa , Pattanayak Shantanu , Panda Chakadola , Panda Tamas Kumar , Gupta Sayam Sen , Ryabov Alexander D. , Collins Terrence J.
Published: March 2015

Invited for the cover of this issue are Terrence J. Collins and co‐workers at Carnegie Mellon University (USA) and the National Chemical Laboratory (India). The image depicts five generations of tetraamido macrocyclic ligand (TAML) activators, which are small molecule, full‐functional mimics of oxidizing enzymes that arguably outperform the peroxidase enzymes they mimic. Read the full text of the article at 10.1002/chem.201406061.
Re‐examining the influence of chloride ions on electrochemical CO2 corrosion of pipeline steels—corrosion of the heat‐affected zones (HAZs) of API‐X100 steel
Authors: Eliyan Faysal Fayez , Alfantazi Akram
Published: March 2015

This research investigates the corrosion characteristics of simulated heat‐affected zones (HAZs) of API X‐100 pipeline steels in CO2‐saturated brines of different chloride concentrations. It links the significances of the HAZ microstructure and chloride concentration to the corrosion kinetics and corrosion products. The ferritic HAZs dissolve at almost two times the rate of acicular ferritic and bainitic HAZs. This paper shows that the samples corrode at rates increasing with the chloride concentration to a maximum rate, at a low chloride concentration, beyond which the corrosion rates decrease with increased chloride concentrations. For the base steel, for instance, the corrosion current densities increased from 8.5 μA/cm2 in 0.02 mol/L to the maximum 22 μA/cm2 in 0.07 mol/L before they decreased to 10 μA/cm2 in 0.1 mol/L. The corrosion products showed an increase with the chloride concentration, from almost 1‐3 μm to 25‐35 μm in 0.02 and 0.85 mol/L solutions, respectively.
Treating HCV infection in children
Authors: Lee Christine K. , Jonas Maureen M.
Published: March 2015

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Los nuevos tratamiento de hepatitis C: Perspectivas latinoamericanas
Authors: Claudino Botero Rafael , Tagle A Martín
Published: March 2015

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Inhibition of Neuroinflammation by Synthetic Androstene Derivatives Incorporating Amino Acid Methyl Esters on Activated BV‐2 Microglia
Authors: Wu Jing , Du Juanjuan , Gu Ruinan , Zhang Li , Zhen Xuechu , Li Yuanchao , Chen Hongli , Jiang Biao , Zheng Longtai
Published: March 2015

Androstene derivatives incorporating amino acid methyl esters were prepared, and their anti‐inflammatory effects were evaluated in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐activated BV‐2 microglial cells. Several compounds exhibited dose‐dependent inhibition. The most active compound, methyl ((3S,10R,13S)‐3‐hydroxy‐10,13‐dimethyl‐2,3,4,7,8,9,10,11,12,13,14,15,16,17‐tetradecahydro‐1H‐cyclopenta[a]phenanthrene‐17‐carbonyl)‐L‐phenylalaninate (10) significantly suppressed LPS‐induced expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), cyclooxygenase‐2 (COX‐2), interleukin‐6 (IL‐6), and tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α). Mechanistic studies revealed that compound 10 markedly inhibits phosphorylation of p38 mitogen‐activated protein kinases (MAPKs) and subsequent transcription factor (NF‐κB) and activator protein‐1 (AP‐1) activation. Furthermore, compound 10 decreased LPS‐activated microglial neurotoxicity in a condition medium/HT‐22 neuroblastoma co‐culture model. Taken together, these results suggest 10 is a potential lead compound for the development of a novel therapeutic agent for neurodegenerative diseases.
Chemically Modified Diatoms Biosilica for Bone Cell Growth with Combined Drug‐Delivery and Antioxidant Properties
Authors: Cicco Stefania R. , Vona Danilo , De Giglio Elvira , Cometa Stefania , Mattioli‐Belmonte Monica , Palumbo Fabio , Ragni Roberta , Farinola Gianluca M.
Published: March 2015

Nanostructured biosilica produced by Thalassiosira weissflogii diatoms is covalently functionalized with the cyclic nitroxide 2,6,6‐tetramethylpiperidine‐N‐oxyl (TEMPO), an efficient scavenger of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in biological systems. Drug delivery properties of the TEMPO‐functionalized biosilica are studied for Ciprofloxacin, an antimicrobial thoroughly employed in orthopedic or dental implant related infections. The resulting TEMPO‐biosilica, combining Ciprofloxacin drug delivery with anti‐oxidant properties, is demonstrated to be a suitable material for fibroblasts and osteoblast‐like cells growth.
Spinal mediation of motor learning and memory in the rat fetus
Authors: Robinson Scott R.
Published: March 2015

Fetal rats can alter patterns of interlimb coordination after experience with a yoke that links two legs together. Yoke training results in a pronounced increase in conjugate limb movements (CLM). To determine whether yoke motor learning is mediated by spinal cord circuitry, fetal subjects at embryonic Day 20 (E20) received yoke training after mid‐thoracic spinal cord transection or sham surgery. Both spinal and sham‐treated fetuses exhibited an increase in CLM during training. In a second experiment, fetuses received initial yoke training, then were transected or sham treated before a 2nd training. Spinal and sham fetuses that were yoked during both training sessions exhibited a more rapid rise in CLM than those yoked only in the later session. These findings indicate that motor learning in fetal rats can be supported by spinal cord circuitry alone, and that savings implies a form of motor memory localized in the spinal cord. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Dev Psychobiol 57: 421–434, 2015.
Offspring size at weaning affects survival to recruitment and reproductive performance of primiparous gray seals
Authors: Bowen William. D. , den Heyer Cornelia E. , McMillan Jim I. , Iverson Sara J.
Published: March 2015

Offspring size affects survival and subsequent reproduction in many organisms. However, studies of offspring size in large mammals are often limited to effects on juveniles because of the difficulty of following individuals to maturity. We used data from a long‐term study of individually marked gray seals (Halichoerus grypus; Fabricius, 1791) to test the hypothesis that larger offspring have higher survival to recruitment and are larger and more successful primiparous mothers than smaller offspring. Between 1998 and 2002, 1182 newly weaned female pups were branded with unique permanent marks on Sable Island, Canada. Each year through 2012, all branded females returning to the breeding colony were identified in weekly censuses and a subset were captured and measured. Females that survived were significantly longer offspring than those not sighted, indicating size‐selective mortality between weaning and recruitment. The probability of female survival to recruitment varied among cohorts and increased nonlinearly with body mass at weaning. Beyond 51.5 kg (mean population weaning mass) weaning mass did not influence the probability of survival. The probability of female survival to recruitment increased monotonically with body length at weaning. Body length at primiparity was positively related to her body length and mass at weaning. Three‐day postpartum mass (proxy for birth mass) of firstborn pups was also positively related to body length of females when they were weaned. However, females that were longer or heavier when they were weaned did not wean heavier firstborn offspring.
K2CO3‐Catalyzed Steam Gasification of Indonesian Low‐Rank Coal for H2‐Rich Gas Production in a Fixed Bed Reactor
Authors: Yuan XiangZhou , Namkung Hueon , Kang Tae‐Jin , Kim Hyung‐Taek
Published: March 2015

K2CO3‐catalyzed steam gasification of low‐rank coal in a fixed bed reactor was investigated in order to elucidate the effects of temperature and catalyst loading amounts on hydrogen yield. The optimum conditions for H2‐rich syngas were 102.08 g kg−1 coal at 1073 K with 20 wt % K2CO3; the carbon conversion (XC) reached 72.63 wt % and the cold gas efficiency (ηCGE) reached 87.05 %, simultaneously. However, at 1073 K the tar yield was too small to be ignored. Through Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET), Barrett–Joyner–Halenda (BJH), t‐plot, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and X‐ray diffraction (XRD) analyses of the gasification process, the surface area and micro‐pore volume were found to reach a maximum value at 20 min, while the average pore size reached a maximum value at 10 min. XC was promoted by the enlargement of average pore size and surface area, mainly caused by coal devolatilization. Potassium compounds tightly adhered to the surface and interpore sites of coal, capturing sulfur compounds to form K2SO4.
Morphology and anatomy of needle‐leaves and cladode‐like structures in Abies firma Siebold & Zucc. (Pinaceae, Coniferales) and their evolutionary relevance
Authors: Dörken Veit M.
Published: March 2015

Needle‐leaves and untypical leaf structures in Abies firma were investigated. Among Abies needle‐leaves are generally described as being supplied with two vascular bundles surrounded by a common bundle sheath. However, the results indicate that needle‐leaves of Abies firma are always supplied with only a single vascular bundle, which is strongly interrupted by parenchymatic bands in the middle part of the lamina. This parenchyma lacks in distal and proximal parts. Thus, the leaf‐vasculature among Abies is not open dichotomous as is generally assumed. Studies of the detected untypical leaf structures which seem quite similar to cladodes of Sciadopitys ‐ and Phyllocladus have shown that they are formed exclusively by congenitally fused needle‐leaves. This fusion takes place in the early stage of development favored by the very broad leaf bases. Within a parastichy the primordia of two, three or four directly neighbored leaves are in physical contact. Secondary, they fuse completely with their lateral margins. Thus, they represent contact parastichys of only some leaves within a helical line at the shoot axis. Thus, these untypical leaf structures have no evolutionary relevance in respect to the understanding of the interfamilial phylogeny. Nevertheless, they help towards a better understanding of cladode‐formations in general. (© 2014 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Looking at It Wrong
Authors: Kaebnick Gregory E.
Published: March 2015

Two articles in this issue of the Hastings Center Report push the boundaries of bioethics, but in radically different directions. The lead article offers a new understanding of clinical translation—the process, that is, of generating clinical tools from the theoretical understanding of disease developed in the laboratory. The topic is important because, as Kimmelman and London point out, clinical translation is widely held to be in trouble. In general, the feeling is that there's been lots of basic science on disease mechanisms over the last twenty years or so, but there's only a trickle of good new medications in the “drug pipeline.” Kimmelman and London's claim, crudely put, is that we’re looking at it wrong.

In a second article, John Hardwig, author of one of the Report's more frequently mentioned articles, “Is There a Duty to Die?,” continues in somewhat that same surprising and maybe even contrarian vein by asking, in effect, whether there can ever be a duty to have an abortion.
The Buried Curriculum
Authors: Farris Grace
Published: March 2015

“Your patient just died; do you mind pronouncing her?” It was six‐thirty in the morning three months after I had graduated from medical school, and I had just relieved the covering nighttime intern. I must have looked horrified. Pronouncing a death is one of the last things we do for a patient, but it's a ritual that doctors learn outside of formal training. If, as the data suggests, young physicians do not have any training on death pronouncement in medical school and do not receive any direct observation from faculty during their postgraduate years, pronouncing a death remains deeply buried in the informal curriculum, or “hidden curriculum,” a term that has been used to describe the massive body of tacit cultural education that takes place in medical school and residency.
The System Effect: Scaling High‐Impact Practices Across Campuses
Authors: Gagliardi Jonathan S. , Martin Rebecca R. , Wise Kathleen , Blaich Charles
Published: March 2015

This chapter examines the role of systems and consortia in scaling and implementing undergraduate research through a study of the efforts of six systems and consortia working together with the Council on Undergraduate Research.
Developing Research Skills Across the Undergraduate Curriculum
Authors: Gray Simon , Coates Lee , Fraser Ann , Pierce Pam
Published: March 2015

This chapter describes consortial efforts within the Great Lakes Colleges Association to share expertise and programming to build research skills throughout the undergraduate curriculum. Strategies to scaffold research skill development are provided from Allegheny College, Kalamazoo College, and The College of Wooster.
Fostering Undergraduate Research Change at the System and Consortium Level: Perspectives From the Council on Undergraduate Research
Authors: Malachowski Mitchell , Osborn Jeffrey M. , Karukstis Kerry K. , Ambos Elizabeth L. , Kincaid Shontay L. , Weiler Daniel
Published: March 2015

In this final chapter, we summarize the lessons learned from working with six systems/consortia to enhance and expand undergraduate research. The theory of change model for systems/consortia differs in significant ways from the change processes exhibited by individual institutions, offering important insights for academic leaders as they seek to leverage educational change effectively.
Measuring rill erosion at plot scale by a drone‐based technology
Authors: Carollo Francesco Giuseppe , Di Stefano Costanza , Ferro Vito , Pampalone Vincenzo
Published: March 2015

The traditional direct method (i.e. metric ruler and rillmeter) of monitoring rill erosion at plot scale is time consuming and invasive because it modifies the surface of the rilled area. Measuring rill features using a drone‐based technology is considered a non‐invasive method allowing a fast field relief. In the experimental Sparacia area a survey by a quadricopter Microdrones md4‐200 was carried out, and this relief allowed the generation of a Digital Elevation Model (DEM), with a mesh size of 1 cm and a resolution elevation equal to 2 mm, for three plots (L, G and C) affected by rill erosion. At first for the experimental L plot, which is 44 m long, the rill features were surveyed by a ‘manual’ method which was carried out by drawing on the PC screen the rill paths obtained by a visual orthophoto interpretation. This manual method was not applicable for the plots in which rills of limited depth occurred and were not detectable. Then, for both L plot and the other experimental plots having a length ranging from 22 to 44 m, an ‘automatic’ extraction method of rills from DEM was applied. Using an appropriate calculation routine, a vector coverage of transects orthogonal to the main flow direction (i.e. the maximum slope steepness path) was generated. The intersection of each plot DEM with the transect coverage allowed to obtain both the cross sections and the main rill morphological features. For the L plot the comparison between the rill morphological features obtained by the two different methods (manual, automatic) was carried out. Finally, the length–volume relationship and a dimensionless relationship proposed in literature were tested for all studied experimental plots. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Use of Methionine Alkylation to Prepare Cationic and Zwitterionic Block Copolypeptide Vesicles
Authors: Rodriguez April R. , Choe Uh‐Joo , Kamei Daniel T. , Deming Timothy J.
Published: March 2015

We have developed a facile method for preparation of ionic copolypeptide vesicles that requires no protecting groups or expensive components. We prepared amphiphilic copolypeptides containing segments of water‐soluble methionine sulfonium residues. These were derived by aqueous phase, direct alkylation of a fully hydrophobic precursor diblock copolypeptide, poly(L‐methionine)65‐block‐poly(L‐leucine0.5‐stat‐L‐phenylalanine0.5)20 (M65[L0.5/F0.5]20), with simple alkylating reagents. Methylation of M65(L0.5/F0.5)20 gave the cationic methyl‐methionine sulfonium derivative MM65(L0.5/F0.5)20, and carboxymethylation gave the zwitterionic carboxymethyl‐methionine sulfonium derivative MC65(L0.5/F0.5)20. Assembly of MM65(L0.5/F0.5)20 or MC65(L0.5/F0.5)20 in water gave rise to vesicles with average diameters of a few microns, which could then be extruded to nanoscale diameters. While the cationic MM‐based vesicles were found to be cytotoxic, the zwitterionic MC‐based vesicles were found to possess minimal cytotoxicity.
Reversible Deterioration in Hypophosphatasia Caused by Renal Failure With Bisphosphonate Treatment
Authors: Cundy Tim , Michigami Toshimi , Tachikawa Kanako , Dray Michael , Collins John F , Paschalis Eleftherios P , Gamsjaeger Sonja , Roschger Andreas , Fratzl-Zelman Nadja , Roschger Paul , Klaushofer Klaus
Published: March 2015

Hypophosphatasia is an inborn error of metabolism caused by mutations in the ALPL gene. It is characterized by low serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity and defective mineralization of bone, but the phenotype varies greatly in severity depending on the degree of residual enzyme activity. We describe a man with compound heterozygous mutations in ALPL, but no previous bone disease, who suffered numerous disabling fractures after he developed progressive renal failure (for which he eventually needed dialysis treatment) and was prescribed alendronate treatment. A bone biopsy showed marked osteomalacia with low osteoblast numbers and greatly elevated pyrophosphate concentrations at mineralizing surfaces. In vitro testing showed that one mutation, T117H, produced an ALP protein with almost no enzyme activity; the second, G438S, produced a protein with normal activity, but its activity was inhibited by raising the media phosphate concentration, suggesting that phosphate retention (attributable to uremia) could have contributed to the phenotypic change, although a pathogenic effect of bisphosphonate treatment is also likely. Alendronate treatment was discontinued and, while a suitable kidney donor was sought, the patient was treated for 6 months with teriparatide, which significantly reduced the osteomalacia. Eighteen months after successful renal transplantation, the patient was free of symptoms and the scintigraphic bone lesions had resolved. A third bone biopsy showed marked hyperosteoidosis but with plentiful new bone formation and a normal bone formation rate. This case illustrates how pharmacological (bisphosphonate treatment) and physiologic (renal failure) changes in the “environment” can dramatically affect the phenotype of a genetic disorder. © 2015 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research. © 2015 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.