bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Land cover changes assessment using object‐based image analysis in the Binah River watershed (Togo and Benin)
Authors: Badjana Hèou Maléki , Helmschrot Jörg , Selsam Peter , Wala Kpérkouma , Flügel Wolfgang‐Albert , Afouda Abel , Akpagana Koffi
Published: September 2015

In this study, land cover changes between 1972 and 2013 were investigated in the Binah River watershed (North of Togo and Benin) using remote sensing and geographic information system technologies. Multitemporal satellite images—Landsat MSS (1972), TM (1987), and OLI‐TIRS (2013)—were processed using object‐based image analysis and post–classification comparison methods including landscape metrics and changes trajectories analysis. Land cover maps referring to five main land cover classes, namely, agricultural land, forest land, savannah, settlements, and water bodies, were produced for each acquisition date. The overall accuracies were 76.64% (1972), 83.52% (1987), and 88.84% (2013) with respective Kappa statistics of 0.69, 0.78, and 0.86. The assessment of the spatiotemporal pattern of land cover changes indicates that savannah, the main vegetation type, has undergone the most dominant change, decreasing from 67% of the basin area in 1972 to 56% in 1987 and 33% in 2013. At the same time, agricultural land has significantly increased from 15% in 1972 to 24% in 1987 and 43% in 2013, while some proportions of agricultural land were converted to savannah relating to fallow agriculture. In total, more than 55% of the landscape experienced changes between 1972 and 2013. These changes are primarily due to human activities and population growth. In addition, agricultural activities significantly contributed to the increase in the number of patches, degree of division, and splitting index of forest and savannah vegetations and the decrease in their effective mesh sizes. These results indicate further fragmentation of forest and savannah vegetations between 1972 and 2013. Further research is needed to quantitatively evaluate the influences of individual factors of human activities and to separate these from the impacts of climate change‐driven disturbances.
Exhumation of serpentinized peridotite in the northern Manila subduction zone inferred from forward gravity modeling
Authors: Doo Wen‐Bin , Lo Chung‐Liang , Kuo‐Chen Hao , Brown Dennis , Hsu Shu‐Kun
Published: September 2015

The Taiwan Integrated Geodynamic Research program (TAIGER) collected two wide‐angle and reflection seismic transects across the northern Manila subduction zone that provide constraints on the seismic velocity structure of the crust. Two‐dimensional gravity modeling along these two transects shows a significant, relatively high density (3.12 and 3.02 g/cm3) in the fore‐arc region, at the interface between the subducting Eurasian Plate and the accretionary prism in front of the Luzon arc on the overriding Philippine Sea Plate. The anomalous density in this zone is higher than that in the fore‐arc crust and the accretionary prism but lower than that in mantle. Numerous geophysical and geological data, together with numerical models, have indicated that serpentinization of the fore‐arc mantle is both expected and observed. Serpentinization of mantle rocks can dramatically reduce their seismic velocity and therefore their seismic velocity in a density to velocity conversion. Therefore, the source of the high‐density material could be serpentinized fore‐arc mantle, with serpentinization caused by the dehydration of the subducting Eurasian Plate. We interpret that positive buoyancy combined with weak plate coupling forces in the northern Manila subduction zone is resulting in this serpentinized fore‐arc mantle peridotite being exhumed.
Long‐duration neutron production by nonflaring transients in the solar corona
Authors: Feldman William C. , Lawrence David J. , Vestrand W. Thomas , Baker Daniel N. , Peplowski Patrick N. , Rodgers Douglas J.
Published: September 2015

The purpose of this work is to study neutron enhancements observed using the Neutron Spectrometer aboard MESSENGER in order to identify events that may have been generated at/or near the Sun by solar transients. To securely establish an origin of the observed neutrons that is nonlocal to the MESSENGER spacecraft, a measurement of the energetic ion environment local to MESSENGER is needed. For this purpose, we use energetic ion spectrometers on several spacecraft at 1 AU when they were magnetically connected to MESSENGER during an event. We report strong evidence that for six neutron events studied in detail, the detected neutrons do not likely have a local spacecraft origin. By implication, most of the detected neutrons for these six events may have originated near the Sun, generated by many moderate‐level solar eruptive events that produce an extended solar exosphere of moderate‐energy neutrons, protons, and electrons.
Why Inverted Small Molecule Solar Cells Outperform Their Noninverted Counterparts
Authors: Nanova Diana , Scherer Michael , Schell Felix , Zimmermann Johannes , Glaser Tobias , Kast Anne Katrin , Krekeler Christian , Pucci Annemarie , Kowalsky Wolfgang , Schröder Rasmus R. , Lovrinčić Robert
Published: September 2015

It is shown that the effect of substrate heating on the photo conversion efficiency in vacuum‐deposited small molecule organic solar cells is closely related to the improved free charge generation in ordered C60 regions. The formation of these ordered regions strongly depends on the deposition sequence in the device and differs therefore between inverted and noninverted cells. Substrate‐induced local fullerene ordering is found in small molecule:C60 bulk heterojunctions (BHJs) deposited on pristine C60 at elevated temperatures. This does not occur for BHJs deposited under identical conditions on pristine donor molecule layers, despite similar degrees of phase separation in both cases. These findings point to a hitherto unidentified advantage of inverted over noninverted solar cells that manifests itself in a higher charge separation efficiency.
Transition‐Metal‐Free Magnesium‐Based Batteries Activated by Anionic Insertion into Fluorinated Graphene Nanosheets
Authors: Xie Junjie , Li Chilin , Cui Zhonghui , Guo Xiangxin
Published: September 2015

Considering resource abundance, high volumetric energy density, and safer anodic electroplating, the Mg‐based battery is thought to be one of the most promising systems beyond current Li‐ion batteries. However, the development of Mg batteries is hindered by the narrow electrochemical window of electrolytes as well as by inapplicable cathode frameworks. In this work, it is proposed, for the first time, to utilize a fast surface redox process to replace sluggish lattice migration for improving the kinetics of Mg batteries. Taking fluorinated graphene nanosheets (FGSs) as model material, a reversible capacity higher than 100 mAh g−1 is achieved in a pseudocapacitance behavior from 2.75 to 0.5 V. Different from traditional storage mechanisms, this proof‐of‐concept Mg/FGS system is activated by a prior anionic process followed by reversible cationic storage. The dilution of charge density by forming large‐sized monovalent complex cations and the easy access to surface redox sites are responsible for the negligible voltage polarization without an evident MgF2 nucleation phenomenon.
Linear Dendritic Block Copolymers as Promising Biomaterials for the Manufacturing of Soft Tissue Adhesive Patches Using Visible Light Initiated Thiol–Ene Coupling Chemistry
Authors: Granskog Viktor , Andrén Oliver C. J. , Cai Yanling , González‐Granillo Marcela , Felländer‐Tsai Li , von Holst Hans , Haldosen Lars‐Arne , Malkoch Michael
Published: September 2015

A library of dendritic–linear–dendritic (DLD) materials comprising linear poly(ethylene glycol) and hyperbranched dendritic blocks based on 2,2‐bis(hydroxymethyl) propionic acid is successfully synthesized and postfunctionalized with peripheral allyl groups. Reactive DLDs with pseudo‐generations of 3 to 6 (G3‐G6) are isolated in large scale allowing their thorough evaluation as important components for the development of biomedical adhesives. Due to their branched nature and inherent degradable ester‐bonds, promising biomaterial resins are accomplished with suitable viscosity, eliminating the excessive use of co‐solvents. By utilizing benign high‐energy visible light initiated thiol–ene coupling chemistry, DLDs together with tris[2‐(3‐mercaptopropionyloxy)ethyl] isocyanurate and surgical mesh enable the fabrication of soft tissue adhesive patches (STAPs) within a total irradiation time of 30 s. The STAPs display the ability to create good adhesion to wet soft tissue and encouraging results in cytotoxicity tests. All crosslinked materials are also found to degrade after being stored in human blood plasma and phosphate buffered saline. The proposed benign methodology coupled with the promising features of the crosslinked materials is herein envisioned as a soft tissue adhesive with properties that do not exist in currently available tissue adhesives.
Self‐Propelled Micro‐/Nanomotors Based on Controlled Assembled Architectures
Authors: Lin Xiankun , Wu Zhiguang , Wu Yingjie , Xuan Mingjun , He Qiang
Published: September 2015

Synthetic micro‐/nanomotors (MNMs) are capable of performing self‐propelled motion in fluids through harvesting different types of energies into mechanical movement, with potential applications in biomedicine and other fields. To address the challenges in these applications, a promising strategy that combines controlled assembly (bottom‐up approaches) with top‐down approaches for engineering autonomous, multifunctionalized MNMs is under investigation, beginning in 2012. These MNMs, derived from layer‐by‐layer assembly or molecular self‐assembly, display the advantages of: i) mass production, ii) response to the external stimuli, and iii) access to multifunctionality, biocompatibility, and biodegradability. The advance on how to integrate diverse functional components into different architectures based on controlled assemblies, to realize controlled fabrication, motion control (including the movement speed, direction, and state), and biomedical applications of MNMs, directed by the concept of nanoarchitectonics, are highlighted here. The remaining challenges and future research directions are also discussed.
Engineering uniform nanocrystals: Mechanism of formation and self‐assembly into bimetallic nanocrystal superlattices
Authors: Cargnello Matteo , Doan‐Nguyen Vicky V. T. , Murray Christopher B.
Published: September 2015

The preparation of metal nanocrystals (NCs) with precise and tunable size is of great interest for many applications. Following previous reports on the synthesis of monodisperse nickel, palladium, and platinum NCs, we here show that the narrow size distributions are the result of an optimized combination of surfactants that play a dynamic, synergistic role in stabilizing the particles at different stages (nucleation, growth) of their preparation. This dynamical process allows the temporal separation of nucleation and growth responsible for the narrow size distributions achievable with this heat‐up method. Finally, the uniform NCs are exploited in the preparation of binary nanocrystals superlattices entirely based on metal components, with promising applicability in the fields of catalysis, sensing, and optics. © 2015 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 62: 392–398, 2016
Myhre syndrome: Clinical features and restrictive cardiopulmonary complications
Authors: Starr Lois J. , Grange Dorothy K. , Delaney Jeffrey W. , Yetman Anji T. , Hammel James M. , Sanmann Jennifer N. , Perry Deborah A. , Schaefer G. Bradley , Olney Ann Haskins
Published: September 2015

Myhre syndrome, a connective tissue disorder characterized by deafness, restricted joint movement, compact body habitus, and distinctive craniofacial and skeletal features, is caused by heterozygous mutations in SMAD4. Cardiac manifestations reported to date have included patent ductus arteriosus, septal defects, aortic coarctation and pericarditis. We present five previously unreported patients with Myhre syndrome. Despite varied clinical phenotypes all had significant cardiac and/or pulmonary pathology and abnormal wound healing. Included herein is the first report of cardiac transplantation in patients with Myhre syndrome. A progressive and markedly abnormal fibroproliferative response to surgical intervention is a newly delineated complication that occurred in all patients and contributes to our understanding of the natural history of this disorder. We recommend routine cardiopulmonary surveillance for patients with Myhre syndrome. Surgical intervention should be approached with extreme caution and with as little invasion as possible as the propensity to develop fibrosis/scar tissue is dramatic and can cause significant morbidity and mortality. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A familial pericentric inversion of chromosome 11 associated with a microdeletion of 163kb and microduplication of 288kb at 11p13 and 11q22.3 without aniridia or eye anomalies
Authors: Balay Lara , Totten Ellen , Okada Luna , Zell Sidney , Ticho Benjamin , Israel Jeannette , Kogan Jillene
Published: September 2015

Interstitial deletions of 11p13 involving MPPED2, DCDC5, DCDC1, DNAJC24, IMMP1L, and ELP4 are previously reported to have downstream transcriptional effects on the expression of PAX6, due to a downstream regulatory region (DRR). Currently, no clear genotype–phenotype correlations have been established allowing for conclusive information regarding the exact location of the PAX6 DRR, though its location has been approximated in mouse models to be within the Elp4 gene. Of the clinical reports currently published examining patients with intact PAX6 genes but harboring deletions identified in genes downstream of PAX6, 100% indicate phenotypes which include aniridia, whereas approximately half report additional eye deformities, autism, or intellectual disability. In this clinical report, we present a 12‐year‐old male patient, his brother, and mother with pericentric inversions of chromosome 11 associated with submicroscopic interstitial deletions of 11p13 and duplications of 11q22.3. The inversions were identified by standard cytogenetic analysis; microarray and FISH detected the chromosomal imbalance. The patient's phenotype includes intellectual disability, speech abnormalities, and autistic behaviors, but interestingly neither the patient, his brother, nor mother have aniridia or other eye anomalies. To the best of our knowledge, these findings in three family members represent the only reported cases with 11p13 deletions downstream of PAX6 not demonstrating phenotypic characteristics of aniridia or abnormal eye development. Although none of the deleted genes are obvious candidates for the patient's phenotype, the absence of aniridia in the presence of this deletion in all three family members further delineates the location of the DRR for PAX6. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A novel PIGN mutation and prenatal diagnosis of inherited glycosylphosphatidylinositol deficiency
Authors: Nakagawa Taku , Taniguchi‐Ikeda Mariko , Murakami Yoshiko , Nakamura Shota , Motooka Daisuke , Emoto Tomomi , Satake Wataru , Nishiyama Masahiro , Toyoshima Daisaku , Morisada Naoya , Takada Satoshi , Tairaku Shinya , Okamoto Nobuhiko , Morioka Ichiro , Kurahashi Hiroki , Toda Tatsushi , Kinoshita Taroh , Iijima Kazumoto
Published: September 2015

Glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI) anchors tether proteins to the extracellular face of eukaryotic plasma membranes. Defects in the human GPI anchor biosynthetic pathway cause inherited GPI deficiencies (IGDs) characterized by multiple congenital anomalies: dysmorphic faces, developmental delay, hypotonia, and epilepsy. We report the case of a 6‐year‐old boy with severe psychomotor developmental delay, epilepsy, and decreased granulocyte surface expression of GPI‐anchored protein that suggested autosomal recessive GPI deficiency. The case underwent target exome sequencing to screen for IGDs. Target exome sequencing of the proband identified an apparently homozygous c.808T > C (p.Ser270Pro) mutation in PIGN, a gene involved in the GPI anchor biosynthetic pathway. As his parents were expecting another child, genetic carrier screening was conducted for the parents. Direct sequencing of the parents identified a heterozygous c.808T > C PIGN mutation in the father but none in the mother. To identify the mother's mutation, we performed semi‐quantitative real‐time PCR of the PIGN exons and long PCR, identifying a microdeletion in PIGN (del exons 2–14). The proband had inherited this microdeletion from his mother. Prenatal diagnosis of the fetus revealed that it was a heterozygous carrier of the mother's pathogenic allele. Here, we report a sporadic case of inherited GPI deficiency with a PIGN mutation and the first case of prenatal diagnosis for GPI deficiency. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Copper‐Catalyzed Aerobic Oxidative Dicarbonylation of Indoles toward Solvatochromic Fluorescent Indole‐Substituted Quinoxalines
Authors: Zhang Zeguang , Dai Zhihong , Jiang Xuefeng
Published: September 2015

Copper‐catalyzed, aerobic, oxidative, C3‐dicarbonylation of indoles has been realized directly from α‐hydroxyketones, which serve as an efficient dicarbonylative reagent under mild conditions. The method is widely compatibility with various functional groups, offering a straightforward means to produce different heterocycle‐substituted quinoxalines in excellent yields. These diverse fluorescent quinoxalines exhibited photophysical properties and solvatochromism in certain rules. Based on control experiments, a plausible reaction mechanism was proposed.
Synthesis, Characterization, and Energetic Studies of Polynitro Aryl‐1,2,3‐2 H‐Triazoles
Authors: Kommu Nagarjuna , Kumar A. Sudheer , Raveendra J. , Ghule Vikas D. , Sahoo Akhila K.
Published: September 2015

A series of energetic polynitro‐aryl‐1,2,3‐2 H‐triazoles are synthesized from readily accessible aryl‐1,2,3‐2 H‐triazoles. X‐ray diffraction analysis established the solid‐state structures of several representative molecules. The thermal properties are determined by differential scanning calorimetry and thermogravimetric analysis (DSC‐TGA) data. Based on computational studies, most of the compounds showed positive heats of formation and the densities were 1.55 to 1.83 g cm−3. In addition, the compounds were thermally stable (Td>210 °C) and exhibited acceptable detonation properties.
Pair housing of Macaques: A review of partner selection, introduction techniques, monitoring for compatibility, and methods for long‐term maintenance of pairs
Authors: Truelove Melissa A. , Martin Allison L. , Perlman Jaine E. , Wood Jennifer S. , Bloomsmith Mollie A.
Published: September 2015

Pair housing of macaques has become a widely implemented compromise between meeting the social needs of the monkeys and allowing for their use in biomedical research. While beneficial to the animals, pair housing can provide challenges for those caring for them. Drawing from both scientific literature and direct experience, this paper provides a review of practical aspects of pair housing including partner selection, pairing methodologies, staff education, and equipment considerations. Recommendations include selecting a pairing method appropriate to the facility and the individual animals being paired, educating staff on social behavior, and establishing a pair monitoring program to facilitate long‐term pair maintenance. Assessment of behavior is essential in determining the compatibility of new pairs and in identifying established pairs that may need interventions to enhance their long‐term compatibility. The pair housing program at the Yerkes National Primate Research Center is described as one model of a successful program. Am. J. Primatol. 79:e22485, 2017. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Intragroup genetic relatedness in two howler monkey species (Alouatta pigraandA. palliata): Implications for understanding social systems and dispersal
Authors: Baiz Marcella D. , Cortés‐Ortiz Liliana
Published: September 2015

The degree of genetic relatedness among group members is influenced by dispersal, group formation and composition, mating systems, and other socioecological factors. Making inferences about differences between species in their socio‐genetic structure is difficult because studies rarely compare multiple species. In this study, we use multilocus microsatellite genotype data to analyze intragroup genetic relatedness in two howler monkey species (Alouatta palliataandA. pigra). We test the prediction that their patterns of intragroup genetic relatedness will be distinct based on expectations derived from their distinct social systems.Alouatta palliatais expected to have low levels of intragroup relatedness, given that both males and females are reported to disperse from their natal groups, and to join groups with no close kin. Levels of relatedness amongA. pigragroup members are expected to be variable according to the history of group formation, with new groups formed by unrelated individuals and well‐established groups having close kin due to female nepotism and sometimes by takeovers by coalitions of related males. Our results indicate that in both species, most groups contain closely related same‐sex and/or inter‐sex dyads. This suggests that philopatry inA. palliatamay be more common than reported or that individuals are using alternative strategies to reside with close kin. We found greater variation among groups in female–female relatedness inA. palliatathan inA. pigra, implying that these species have distinct socio‐genetic structures. Further studies including both long‐term observational and genetic data are necessary to understand the mechanisms that determine the degree of variation in intragroup genetic relatedness within and among populations for both species. Ecological and demographic data are also necessary to determine the importance of other factors, especially habitat loss and fragmentation, in determining the degree of relatedness in howler monkey groups. Am. J. Primatol. 77:1333–1345, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Druckbare Bioelektronik zur Untersuchung funktioneller biologischer Grenzflächen
Authors: Manoli Kyriaki , Magliulo Maria , Mulla Mohammad Yusuf , Singh Mandeep , Sabbatini Luigia , Palazzo Gerardo , Torsi Luisa
Published: September 2015

Dünnschichttransistoren können als bioelektronische Bauelemente genutzt werden, um solche Aufgaben auszuführen wie Erkennung oder Steuerung der Freisetzung biologischer Spezies sowie Umwandlung der elektrischen Aktivität von Zellen oder sogar Organen wie des Gehirns. Organische Materialien sowie Graphen oder Zinkoxid werden als druckbare Halbleiterschicht eingesetzt, was zu leistungsfähigen kostengünstigen bioelektronischen Sensoreinheiten führen kann, die möglicherweise sehr nützlich für Vor‐Ort‐Anwendungen sind. Von Interesse sind unter anderem die elektrolytgesteuerten Transistoren, da sie aufgrund der hohen Kapazität der Ladungsdoppelschichten als kapazitätsmodulierte Bauelemente betrieben werden können. Speziell die Kapazität der Bioschicht, die in einer Reihe von Kondensatoren geringer ist, beeinflusst den Ausgangsstrom des Bauelementes. Solch ein Phänomen ermöglicht eine äußerst hohe Empfindlichkeit gegen sehr schwache Wechselwirkungen. Sämtliche Aspekte, die diese Vorgänge bestimmen, werden besprochen.
Printable Bioelectronics To Investigate Functional Biological Interfaces
Authors: Manoli Kyriaki , Magliulo Maria , Mulla Mohammad Yusuf , Singh Mandeep , Sabbatini Luigia , Palazzo Gerardo , Torsi Luisa
Published: September 2015

Thin‐film transistors can be used as high‐performance bioelectronic devices to accomplish tasks such as sensing or controlling the release of biological species as well as transducing the electrical activity of cells or even organs, such as the brain. Organic, graphene, or zinc oxide are used as convenient printable semiconducting layers and can lead to high‐performance low‐cost bioelectronic sensing devices that are potentially very useful for point‐of‐care applications. Among others, electrolyte‐gated transistors are of interest as they can be operated as capacitance‐modulated devices, because of the high capacitance of their charge double layers. Specifically, it is the capacitance of the biolayer, being lowest in a series of capacitors, which controls the output current of the device. Such an occurrence allows for extremely high sensitivity towards very weak interactions. All the aspects governing these processes are reviewed here.
Electrocatalytic Dihydrogen Production with a Robust Mesoionic Pyridylcarbene Cobalt Catalyst
Authors: van der Meer Margarethe , Glais Estelle , Siewert Inke , Sarkar Biprajit
Published: September 2015

A CoIII complex with a mesoionic pyridylcarbene ligand is presented. This complex is an efficient electrocatalyst for H2 production at very low overpotential and high turnovers when using a (glassy carbon) GC electrode. The corresponding triazole complexes display no catalytic activity whatsoever under identical conditions. The remarkable robustness of the CoC(carbene) bond towards acids is likely responsible for the high efficiency of this catalyst. The present results thus open new avenues for carbene‐based ligands for generating functional models for hydrogenases.
The cis‐Diammineplatinum(II) Complex of Curcumin: A Dual Action DNA Crosslinking and Photochemotherapeutic Agent
Authors: Mitra Koushambi , Gautam Srishti , Kondaiah Paturu , Chakravarty Akhil R.
Published: September 2015

[Pt(cur)(NH3)2](NO3) (1), a curcumin‐bound cis‐diammineplatinum(II) complex, nicknamed Platicur, as a novel photoactivated chemotherapeutic agent releases photoactive curcumin and an active platinum(II) species upon irradiation with visible light. The hydrolytic instability of free curcumin reduces upon binding to platinum(II). Interactions of 1 with 5′‐GMP and ct‐DNA indicated formation of platinum‐bound DNA adducts upon exposure to visible light (λ=400–700 nm). It showed apoptotic photocytotoxicity in cancer cells (IC50≈15 μM), thus forming ⋅OH, while remaining passive in the darkness (IC50>200 μM). A comet assay and platinum estimation suggest Pt–DNA crosslink formation. The fluorescence microscopic images showed cytosolic localization of curcumin, thus implying possibility of dual action as a chemo‐ and phototherapeutic agent.
Fabrication of elastic composite hydrogels using surface‐modified cellulose nanofiber as a multifunctional crosslinker
Authors: Kobe Ryosuke , Yoshitani Kouzou , Teramoto Yoshikuni
Published: September 2015

We fabricate composite hydrogels using surface‐modified cellulose nanofiber (CNF) and N‐isopropylacrylamide (NIPAm) as a multifunctional crosslinker and monomer, respectively. We expect to produce unique network structures that lead to elastomeric properties rarely reported for CNF‐based materials. The modification of CNF is performed to introduce polymerizable vinyl groups onto the surface of CNF via condensation between the surface hydroxyl groups and 3‐(trimethoxysilyl)propylmethacrylate. The modification and morphology of the surface‐modified CNF (mCNF) are confirmed by FTIR, solid‐state NMR, and FE‐SEM, respectively. We conduct in situ radical polymerization under various conditions using mixtures of the mCNF aqueous suspension, NIPAm monomer, radical initiator, and catalyst. The mechanical properties of the obtained hydrogels (water content = 90 wt %) are evaluated. The gels can be elastically stretched to more than 700 times their original lengths and exhibit an apparent shape recovery with a small permanent deformation (∼1/5 of the applied deformation under the gravity field). © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016, 133, 42906.
Electrospun polylactide‐based materials for curcumin release: Photostability, antimicrobial activity, and anticoagulant effect
Authors: Yakub Gyuldzhan , Toncheva Antoniya , Manolova Nevena , Rashkov Iliya , Danchev Dobri , Kussovski Veselin
Published: September 2015

New microfibrous materials from polylactide and polyvinylpyrrolidone or polyethylene glycol loaded with the natural polyphenolic compound curcumin have been prepared by one‐pot electrospinning. The incorporation of curcumin in the fibers contributes to shielding curcumin from photodestruction and to enhancement of the mechanical properties of the fibers. Moreover, the formation of hydrogen bonds between curcumin and polyvinylpyrrolidone or polyethylene glycol facilitates the drug release. Curcumin release provides for the antibacterial and anticoagulant activity of the curcumin‐loaded mats and prevents adhesion and aggregation of platelets onto the surface of the mats. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016, 133, 42940.
Acrylamide‐plasma treated electrospun polystyrene nanofibrous adsorbents for cadmium and nickel ions removal from aqueous solutions
Authors: Bahramzadeh Alireza , Zahedi Payam , Abdouss Majid
Published: September 2015

The aim of this work was to prepare novel electrospun polystyrene (PS) nanofibrous samples functionalization with acrylamide monomer (AAm) as promising nanoadsorbents by the use of nitrogen gas plasma. To investigate the performance evaluation of the samples for adsorbing cadmium (Cd2+) and nickel (Ni2+) ions, a series of tests in terms of ATR‐FTIR spectroscopy, FE‐SEM, water contact angle (WCA) measurements and atomic adsorption spectroscopy were carried out. The ATR‐FTIR results showed that nitrogen (N2) plasma was an efficient tool because of the formation of functionalized AAm‐PS nanofibrous samples by providing amide (−NCO) and amine (−NH−) groups onto their surfaces. The WCA measurements demonstrated that the N2 plasma‐modified samples in the presence of AAm had a lower contact angle of 42.8º than the other samples. Moreover, FE‐SEM micrpgraph images of AAm‐treated PS nanofibrous samples indicated that approperiate amount of the functional groups onto the samples surfaces were deposited. Afterwards, AAS analysis along with Langmuir and Freundlich's isotherm models revealed that a high adsorption of the ions was occurred at pH 5 in the order Cd2+ (10 mg g−1) > Ni2+ (4.9 mg g−1) by using the nanoadsorbents dosage 1 g L−1 and the metal ions concentration 25 mg L−1. In addition, the obtained results exhibited the Cd2+ and Ni2+ ions removal efficiencies (%R) were increased up to 96% and 94%, respectively with raising the nanoadsorbents dosage. Moreover, the equilibrium adsorption of the ions showed the best fitting by the Freundlich's model. Finally, the desorption of the optimized samples for regenerating them owing to the effective removal of the ions has been confirmed by applying the recyclability test. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016, 133, 42944.
A Highly Sensitive Fluorescent Sensor for Palladium and Direct Imaging of Its Ecotoxicity in Living Model Organisms
Authors: Liu Fei , Du Juan , Xu Meiying , Sun Guoping
Published: September 2015

Rhodamine is an ideal platform for fluorescence probes owing to its spiro‐lactam framework and excellent photochemical properties. Herein, a novel rhodamine‐based palladium fluorescent chemosensor, Rd‐Eb, showing a fast response time (3 min), high sensitivity for palladium species over other ions, and a low detection limit (1.91×10−7 m), was synthesized. It can act as an obvious colorimetric as well as a fluorescent “off/on” sensor for Pd2+. In addition, it is also an excellent sensor for in vivo imaging of Pd2+ in zebra fish and Daphnia magna, illuminating the impact of palladium on organisms at different growth stages with respect to biological toxicology.
Fluorogenic Thorium Sensors Based on 2,6‐Pyridinedicarboxylic Acid‐Substituted Tetraphenylethenes with Aggregation‐Induced Emission Characteristics
Authors: Wen Jun , Dong Liang , Hu Sheng , Li Weiyi , Li Shuo , Wang Xiaolin
Published: September 2015

A novel fluorescent sensor based on tetraphenylethene (TPE) modified with 2,6‐pyridinedicarboxylic acid (PDA) that shows aggregation‐induced emission (AIE) characteristics for thorium recognition with remarkable fluoresence enhancement response has been synthesized. This sensor is capable of visually distinguishing Th4+ among lanthanides, transition metals, and alkali metals under UV light. Th4+ can be detected by the naked eye at ppb levels owing to the AIE phenomenon. The sensor showed high selectivity for Th4+ compared to all other metals tested, and this recognition displayed good anti‐interference qualities. This study represents the first application of a AIE fluorescence sensor in actinide metal recognition and it has potential applications in environmental systems for thorium ion detection.
Recombinational DNA repair is regulated by compartmentalization of DNA lesions at the nuclear pore complex
Authors: Géli Vincent , Lisby Michael
Published: September 2015

The nuclear pore complex (NPC) is emerging as a center for recruitment of a class of “difficult to repair” lesions such as double‐strand breaks without a repair template and eroded telomeres in telomerase‐deficient cells. In addition to such pathological situations, a recent study by Su and colleagues shows that also physiological threats to genome integrity such as DNA secondary structure‐forming triplet repeat sequences relocalize to the NPC during DNA replication. Mutants that fail to reposition the triplet repeat locus to the NPC cause repeat instability. Here, we review the types of DNA lesions that relocalize to the NPC, the putative mechanisms of relocalization, and the types of recombinational repair that are stimulated by the NPC, and present a model for NPC‐facilitated repair.
Systematic review and network meta-analysis comparing clinical outcomes and effectiveness of surgical treatments for haemorrhoids
Authors: Simillis C , Thoukididou S N , Slesser A A P , Rasheed S , Tan E , Tekkis P P
Published: September 2015

Background

The aim was to compare the clinical outcomes and effectiveness of surgical treatments for haemorrhoids.

Methods

Randomized clinical trials were identified by means of a systematic review. A Bayesian network meta-analysis was performed using the Markov chain Monte Carlo method in WinBUGS.

Results

Ninety-eight trials were included with 7827 participants and 11 surgical treatments for grade III and IV haemorrhoids. Open, closed and radiofrequency haemorrhoidectomies resulted in significantly more postoperative complications than transanal haemorrhoidal dearterialization (THD), LigaSure™ and Harmonic® haemorrhoidectomies. THD had significantly less postoperative bleeding than open and stapled procedures, and resulted in significantly fewer emergency reoperations than open, closed, stapled and LigaSure™ haemorrhoidectomies. Open and closed haemorrhoidectomies resulted in more pain on postoperative day 1 than stapled, THD, LigaSure™ and Harmonic® procedures. After stapled, LigaSure™ and Harmonic® haemorrhoidectomies patients resumed normal daily activities earlier than after open and closed procedures. THD provided the earliest time to first bowel movement. The stapled and THD groups had significantly higher haemorrhoid recurrence rates than the open, closed and LigaSure™ groups. Recurrence of haemorrhoidal symptoms was more common after stapled haemorrhoidectomy than after open and LigaSure™ operations. No significant difference was identified between treatments for anal stenosis, incontinence and perianal skin tags.

Conclusion

Open and closed haemorrhoidectomies resulted in more postoperative complications and slower recovery, but fewer haemorrhoid recurrences. THD and stapled haemorrhoidectomies were associated with decreased postoperative pain and faster recovery, but higher recurrence rates. The advantages and disadvantages of each surgical treatment should be discussed with the patient before surgery to allow an informed decision to be made.
Metabolic changes in rat urine after acute paraquat poisoning and discriminated by support vector machine
Authors: Wen Congcong , Wang Zhiyi , Zhang Meiling , Wang Shuanghu , Geng Peiwu , Sun Fa , Chen Mengchun , Lin Guanyang , Hu Lufeng , Ma Jianshe , Wang Xianqin
Published: September 2015

Paraquat is quick‐acting and non‐selective, killing green plant tissue on contact; it is also toxic to human beings and animals. In this study, we developed a urine metabonomic method by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry to evaluate the effect of acute paraquat poisoning on rats. Pattern recognition analysis, including both partial least squares discriminate analysis and principal component analysis revealed that acute paraquat poisoning induced metabolic perturbations. Compared with the control group, the levels of benzeneacetic acid and hexadecanoic acid of the acute paraquat poisoning group (intragastric administration 36 mg/kg) increased, while the levels of butanedioic acid, pentanedioic acid, altronic acid decreased. Based on these urinary metabolomics data, support vector machine was applied to discriminate the metabolomic change of paraquat groups from the control group, which achieved 100% classification accuracy. In conclusion, metabonomic method combined with support vector machine can be used as a useful diagnostic tool in paraquat‐poisoned rats. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Use of a small particle solid‐core packing for improved efficiency and rapid measurement of sirolimus and everolimus by LC‐MS/MS
Authors: Morgan Phillip , Nwafor Magnus , Tredger Mike
Published: September 2015

Measurement of whole blood sirolimus and everolimus is required in order to optimize patient treatment following solid organ transplant. Assay by LC‐MS/MS is increasingly preferred; however efficient use of the instrument and short turnaround times are crucial. Use of a 1.6 µm solid‐core packing HPLC column (Cortecs) gave significant increases in efficiency, sensitivity and throughput compared with an existing method, following simple protein precipitation of small‐volume (20 μL) whole blood samples. Sirolimus, everolimus and the stable isotopic internal standard (13C2D4 – everolimus) eluted at around 0.8 min, and total analytical run time was 2.2 min, saving almost 4 min per sample compared with an existing method. Within‐assay imprecision (CV) was 3.3–8.5%, and between‐assay imprecision was 2.2–10.8%. Retrospective assay of external quality assurance samples and comparison of patient samples assayed in parallel showed only small differences (between +6.8 and −1.9%) in results using the Cortecs column when compared with the existing method. No significant interferences or ion suppression were observed. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Fouling Mitigation in Tubular Exchangers Using Various Projectiles: Deposit Removal Mechanisms
Authors: Abd‐Elhady Mohamed S. , Malayeri M. Reza
Published: September 2015

Fouling of different types can severely compromise the thermal efficiency of heat exchangers. The removal of CaSO4 deposits was experimentally investigated when projectiles of various types were propelled inside a heated tube. Projectiles were injected at a constant injection rate from the beginning of the fouling process until an asymptotic fouling resistance was approached. The removal rate was found to be inversely proportional to the fouling layer thickness. The removal of deposits due to exerted shear forces by projectiles decreased as the fouling layer developed due to hardening and intensification of the deposit layer. The results indicate that the asymptotic behavior is mainly due to the decrease in the deposition rate as the fouling layer hardens such that it becomes equal to the removal rate and not the other way round.
Near‐Infrared Phosphorus‐Substituted Rhodamine with Emission Wavelength above 700 nm for Bioimaging
Authors: Chai Xiaoyun , Cui Xiaoyan , Wang Baogang , Yang Fan , Cai Yi , Wu Qiuye , Wang Ting
Published: September 2015

Phosphorus has been successfully fused into a classic rhodamine framework, in which it replaces the bridging oxygen atom to give a series of phosphorus‐substituted rhodamines (PRs). Because of the electron‐accepting properties of the phosphorus moiety, which is due to effective σ*–π* interactions and strengthened by the inductivity of phosphine oxide, PR exhibits extraordinary long‐wavelength fluorescence emission, elongating to the region above 700 nm, with bathochromic shifts of 140 and 40 nm relative to rhodamine and silicon‐substituted rhodamine, respectively. Other advantageous properties of the rhodamine family, including high molar extinction coefficient, considerable quantum efficiency, high water solubility, pH‐independent emission, great tolerance to photobleaching, and low cytotoxicity, stay intact in PR. Given these excellent properties, PR is desirable for NIR‐fluorescence imaging in vivo.
Cortical control of facial expression
Authors: Müri René M.
Published: September 2015

The present Review deals with the motor control of facial expressions in humans. Facial expressions are a central part of human communication. Emotional face expressions have a crucial role in human nonverbal behavior, allowing a rapid transfer of information between individuals. Facial expressions can be either voluntarily or emotionally controlled. Recent studies in nonhuman primates and humans have revealed that the motor control of facial expressions has a distributed neural representation. At least five cortical regions on the medial and lateral aspects of each hemisphere are involved: the primary motor cortex, the ventral lateral premotor cortex, the supplementary motor area on the medial wall, and the rostral and caudal cingulate cortex. The results of studies in humans and nonhuman primates suggest that the innervation of the face is bilaterally controlled for the upper part and mainly contralaterally controlled for the lower part. Furthermore, the primary motor cortex, the ventral lateral premotor cortex, and the supplementary motor area are essential for the voluntary control of facial expressions. In contrast, the cingulate cortical areas are important for emotional expression, because they receive input from different structures of the limbic system. J. Comp. Neurol. 524:1578–1585, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A numerical framework to investigate hemodynamics during endovascular mechanical recanalization in acute stroke
Authors: Neidlin Michael , Büsen Martin , Brockmann Carolin , Wiesmann Martin , Sonntag Simon J. , Steinseifer Ulrich , Kaufmann Tim A S
Published: September 2015

Ischemic stroke, caused by embolism of cerebral vessels, inflicts high morbidity and mortality. Endovascular aspiration of the blood clot is an interventional technique for the recanalization of the occluded arteries. However, the hemodynamics in the Circle of Willis (CoW) are not completely understood, which results in medical misjudgment and complications during surgeries. In this study we establish a multiscale description of cerebral hemodynamics during aspiration thrombectomy. First, the CoW is modeled as a 1D pipe network on the basis of computed tomography angiography (CTA) scans. Afterwards, a vascular occlusion is placed in the middle cerebral artery and the relevant section of the CoW is transferred to a 3D computational fluid dynamic (CFD) domain. A suction catheter in different positions is included in the CFD simulations. The boundary conditions of the 3D domain are taken from the 1D domain to ensure system coupling. A Eulerian–Eulerian multiphase simulation describes the process of thrombus aspiration. The physiological blood flow in the 1D and 3D domains is validated with literature data. Further on, it is proved that domain reduction and pressure coupling at the boundaries are an appropriate method to reduce computational costs. Future work will apply the developed framework to various clinical questions. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Kinetic Insights into the Elongation Reaction of Actin Filaments as a Function of Temperature, Pressure, and Macromolecular Crowding
Authors: Gao Mimi , Winter Roland
Published: September 2015

Actin polymerization is an essential process in eukaryotic cells that provides a driving force for motility and mechanical resistance for cell shape. By using preformed gelsolin–actin nuclei and applying stopped‐flow methodology, we quantitatively studied the elongation kinetics of actin filaments as a function of temperature and pressure in the presence of synthetic and protein crowding agents. We show that the association of actin monomers to the pointed end of double‐stranded helical actin filaments (F‐actin) proceeds via a transition state that requires an activation energy of 56 kJ mol−1 for conformational and hydration rearrangements, but exhibits a negligible activation volume, pointing to a compact transition state that is devoid of packing defects. Macromolecular crowding causes acceleration of the F‐actin elongation rate and counteracts the deteriorating effect of pressure. The results shed new light on the combined effect of these parameters on the polymerization process of actin, and help us understand the temperature and pressure sensitivity of actin polymerization under extreme conditions.
Shielding Upconversion by Surface Coating: A Study of the Emission Enhancement Factor
Authors: Sun Tianying , Ma Ronghua , Qiao Xvsheng , Fan Xianping , Wang Feng
Published: September 2015

Surface coating is a commonly used strategy to enhance upconversion emissions by shielding the luminescent core from surface quenching. In this work, we provide insights into the effect of surface coating on upconversion by investigating NaYF4:Yb/Er nanoparticles and the corresponding NaYF4:Yb/Er@NaYF4 core–shell nanoparticles, as a function of dopant concentration of Yb3+ and excitation power. We observe declining emission enhancement factors with decreasing Yb3+ concentration and increasing excitation power. Our mechanistic investigations suggest that the phenomenon originates from stepwise excitation in the upconversion process, as well as energy hopping among the Yb3+ dopants. This increased understanding of the effect of surface coating on upconversion should be important towards the rational design of lanthanide‐doped core–shell nanoparticles for various applications.
Luminescent Thin Films Composed of Nanosized Europium Coordination Polymers on Glass Electrodes
Authors: Hasegawa Yasuchika , Sugawara Takeshi , Nakanishi Takayuki , Kitagawa Yuichi , Takada Makoto , Niwa Akitsugu , Naito Hiroyoshi , Fushimi Koji
Published: September 2015

Luminescent thin films composed of thermostable lanthanide coordination polymers on glass electrodes were prepared using a novel combination of micelle reactions and electrochemical deposition techniques. The micelle‐encapsulated luminescent polymers were obtained by the polymerization of [Eu(hfa)3] (hfa=hexafluoroacetylacetonate) with bridging phosphine oxide ligands in micelles using a redox‐active ferrocenyl‐containing surfactant in water. Films were electrochemically deposited on indium tin oxide coated glass electrodes by potentiostatic polarization of micelle‐encapsulated EuIII coordination polymers. The luminescence properties of the electrochemically deposited films were characterized by measuring their emission spectra, emission lifetimes and emission quantum yields.
Ditopic Macrocyclic Receptors with a 4,7‐Diamino‐1,10‐phenanthroline Fragment for Multimodal Detection of Toxic Metal Ions
Authors: Abel Anton S. , Mitrofanov Alexander Yu. , Rousselin Yoann , Denat Franck , Bessmertnykh‐Lemeune Alla , Averin Alexei D. , Beletskaya Irina P.
Published: September 2015

A series of ditopic macrocyclic receptors with variable cavity sizes, containing nitrogen or mixed (nitrogen–oxygen) donor sites and an externally directed 1,10‐phenanthroline fragment, were prepared by means of a palladium‐catalyzed amination reaction. A ditopic mixed NO‐ligand (4 a) was coordinated to [Ru(bpy)2]2+ (bpy=2,2′‐bipyridine) to prepare a luminescent and chromogenic complex, [Ru(bpy)2(4 a)][PF]2, which provided the selective dual‐channel detection of CuII ions.