bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Synthesis and Characterization of the Perthiatriarylmethyl Radical and Its Dendritic Derivatives with High Sensitivity and Selectivity to Superoxide Radical
Authors: Tan Xiaoli , Tao Shanqing , Liu Wenbo , Rockenbauer Antal , Villamena Frederick A. , Zweier Jay L. , Song Yuguang , Liu Yangping
Published: April 2018

Invited for the cover of this issue is the group of Yuguang Song and Yangping Liu at Tianjin Medical University. The image depicts the dendritic derivatives of a highly symmetric perthiatriarylmethyl radical with high selectivity and sensitivity to the superoxide radical. Read the full text of the article at 10.1002/chem.201800134.
Yamamoto Coupling for the Synthesis of Benzophenes and Acene‐Based Cyclooctatetraenes
Authors: Rüdiger Elias C. , Koser Silke , Rominger Frank , Freudenberg Jan , Bunz Uwe H. F.
Published: April 2018

Two TIPS‐ethynylated dibromoacenes were used in a shotgun Yamamoto‐reaction with 1,2‐dibromobenzene or 4,5‐dibromoveratrol. Four soluble benzononaphenes/benzoundecaphenes were isolated in satisfactory yields. Examples of tetracene‐ and pentacene‐fused tetrabenzocyclooctatetraenes also isolated from this reaction are reported. All compounds were characterized by UV/Vis and fluorescence spectroscopy, cyclic voltammetry, X‐ray crystallography as well as DFT and NICS calculations.
Switchable Synthesis of Z‐Homoallylic Boronates and E‐Allylic Boronates by Enantioselective Copper‐Catalyzed 1,6‐Boration
Authors: Luo Yunfei , Wales Steven M. , Korkis Stamatis E. , Roy Iain D. , Lewis William , Lam Hon Wai
Published: April 2018

The enantioselective Cu‐catalyzed 1,6‐boration of (E,E)‐α,β,γ,δ‐unsaturated ketones is described, which gives homoallylic boronates with high enantiomeric purity and unexpectedly high Z‐selectivity. By changing the solvent, the outcome can be altered to give E‐allylic boronates.
Organocatalytic Enantioselective Synthesis of Chiral Diarylmethylamines from Racemic Alcohols
Authors: Chen Min , Han Yaodong , Ma Dengke , Wang Yong , Lai Zengwei , Sun Jianwei
Published: April 2018

An organocatalytic approach for direct conversion of racemic diarylmethanols to valuable chiral diarylmethylamines is described. Different from the previously reported elegant “borrowing hydrogen” approach, the present process employs a distinct complementary formal SN1 strategy. This approach enjoys excellent enantioselectivity, mild conditions, broad scope, and easy product derivatization. Mechanistically, control experiments also provided important insights into some notable features, such as substrate kinetic resolution and reversibility as well as the critical role of the ortho‐ hydroxy group in the substrate.
An elegant Variation to visualize latent Fingerprints with Iodine
Authors: Rubner Isabelle , Jonas Albert , Fischer Rachel , Oetken Marco
Published: April 2018

Die forensische Chemie bietet eine gute Möglichkeit klassische Themen des Chemieunterrichts in einen motivierenden und spannenden Kontext zu verankern. Latente Fingerabdrücke werden unter anderem durch die Iod‐Methode visualisiert, die allerdings ein geschlossenes Untersuchungssystem erfordert. Eine einfache und kostengünstige Variante, dies mit medizintechnischen Materialien im Klassenzimmer durchzuführen, stellen wir hier im Experiment vor.
Perceptions of risk of infertility among male survivors of childhood cancer: A report from the Childhood Cancer Survivor Study
Authors: Gilleland Marchak Jordan , Seidel Kristy D. , Mertens Ann C. , Ritenour Chad W.M. , Wasilewski‐Masker Karen , Leisenring Wendy M. , Sklar Charles A. , Ford Jennifer S. , Krull Kevin R. , Stovall Marilyn , Robison Leslie L. , Armstrong Gregory T. , Meacham Lillian R.
Published: April 2018

BACKGROUND

The objective of the current study was to characterize and identify factors associated with perceptions of risk of infertility among adult male survivors of childhood cancer.

METHODS

A total of 1233 adult male survivors from the Childhood Cancer Survivor Study who were without a history of disease recurrence or subsequent malignancy reported their perceptions of their risk of infertility compared with men never diagnosed with cancer. Survivors were a median age of 37.8 years (range, 22.0‐58.7 years) and were 28.4 years from their diagnosis (range, 21.4‐39.2 years). Multivariable logistic regression evaluated factors associated with perceptions of risk.

RESULTS

Overall, 35.9% of the survivors (443 of 1233 survivors) reported perceptions of their risk of infertility that were discordant with their actual risk based on previous cancer treatment exposures. Discordant perceptions were equally common among men exposed to gonadotoxic therapies (36.3%; 311 of 857 men) and those with no history of gonadotoxic exposure (35.1%; 132 of 376 men). Survivors who fathered children (odds ratio [OR], 4.14; 95% confidence interval [95% CI], 2.74‐6.24), had no survivor‐focused health care (OR, 3.07; 95% CI, 1.57‐5.99), were nonwhite (OR, 2.28; 95% CI, 1.10‐4.75), and were of lower income were more likely to report no increased risk of infertility after gonadotoxic treatment. Perceptions of increased risk of infertility among men with no history of gonadotoxic treatment were predicted by never having fathered a child (OR, 1.88; 95% CI, 1.17‐3.03), recent participation in survivor‐focused health care (OR, 2.11; 95% CI, 1.01‐4.42), and higher educational achievement.

CONCLUSIONS

Many male survivors of childhood cancer are unaware of how their cancer treatments could impact their reproductive health, underscoring the need for all patients to receive education regarding their risk of infertility throughout the continuum of cancer care. Cancer 2018;124:2447‐55. © 2018 American Cancer Society.
One year of experience using the Paris System for Reporting Urinary Cytology
Authors: Meilleroux Julie , Daniel Gwendoline , Aziza Jacqueline , d'Aure Dominique M. , Quintyn‐Ranty Marie‐Laure , Basset Céline ML. , Evrard Solène M. , Courtade‐Saidi Monique M.
Published: April 2018

BACKGROUND

The Paris System for Reporting Urinary Cytology (TPS) was published in November 2015. It focuses on the diagnosis of high‐grade urothelial carcinoma (HGUC) and provides criteria with which to define the category of atypical urothelial cells (AUC). The objective of the current study was to compare two 1‐year consecutive periods before and after use of TPS.

METHODS

A total of 1634 and 1814 urine cytology cases, respectively, were analyzed before and after use of TPS. Histological diagnosis within 6 months was available for 330 and 299 cases, respectively.

RESULTS

After use of TPS, the authors reported significantly fewer low‐grade urothelial neoplasms (0.94% vs 1.84%; P<.05) and more cases that were suspicious for HGUC (2.09% vs 0.73%; P<.01) compared with before use of TPS. For the AUC category, there was no significant change in frequency noted for before versus after TPS (6.12% vs 5.18%), whereas the rate of detection of HGUC on histology significantly increased after TPS when compared with before TPS (49.02% vs 28.17%; P<.02). For the HGUC category, neither the frequency (4.69% vs 4.47%) nor the risk of malignancy (89.39% vs 91.04% with HGUC on histology) were found to be significantly different when comparing before and after use of TPS.

CONCLUSIONS

In the authors' practice, TPS helped to better characterize the categories of AUC, low‐grade urothelial neoplasm, and suspicious for HGUC, which were associated with a higher risk of HGUC compared with the authors' previous classification. Cancer Cytopathol 2018;126:430‐6. © 2018 American Cancer Society.
Sushi repeat‐containing protein X‐linked 2: A novel phylogenetically conserved hypothalamo‐pituitary protein
Authors: Anwer Mehwish , Bolkvadze Tamuna , Ndode‐Ekane Xavier Ekolle , Puhakka Noora , Rauramaa Tuomas , Leinonen Ville , van Vliet Erwin A. , Swaab Dick F. , Haapasalo Annakaisa , Leskelä Stina , Bister Nea , Malm Tarja , Carlson Synnöve , Aronica Eleonora , Pitkänen Asla
Published: April 2018

Sushi repeat‐containing protein X‐linked 2 (SRPX2) is a novel protein associated with language development, synaptic plasticity, tissue remodeling, and angiogenesis. We investigated the expression and spatial localization of SRPX2 in normal mouse, rat, monkey, and human brain using in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry. Antibody specificity was determined using in vitro siRNA based silencing of SRPX2. Cell type‐specific expression was verified by double‐labeling with oxytocin or vasopressin. Western blot was used to detect SRPX2 protein in rat and human plasma and cerebrospinal fluid. Unexpectedly, SRPX2 mRNA expression levels were strikingly higher in the hypothalamus as compared to the cortex. All SRPX2 immunoreactive (ir) neurons were localized in the hypothalamic paraventricular, periventricular, and supraoptic nuclei in mouse, rat, monkey, and human brain. SRPX2 colocalized with vasopressin or oxytocin in paraventricular and supraoptic neurons. Hypothalamic SRPX2‐ir positive neurons gave origin to dense projections traveling ventrally and caudally toward the hypophysis. Intense axonal varicosities and terminal arborizations were identified in the rat and human neurohypophysis. SRPX2‐ir cells were also found in the adenohypophysis. Light SRPX2‐ir projections were observed in the dorsal and ventral raphe, locus coeruleus, and the nucleus of the solitary tract in mouse, rat and monkey. SRPX2 protein was also detected in plasma and CSF. Our data revealed intense phylogenetically conserved expression of SRPX2 protein in distinct hypothalamic nuclei and the hypophysis, suggesting its active role in the hypothalamo‐pituitary axis. The presence of SRPX2 protein in the plasma and CSF suggests that some of its functions depend on secretion into body fluids.
Morphological heterogeneity among corticogeniculate neurons in ferrets: quantification and comparison with a previous report in macaque monkeys
Authors: Hasse J. Michael , Bragg Elise M. , Murphy Allison J. , Briggs Farran
Published: April 2018

The corticogeniculate (CG) pathway links the visual cortex with the lateral geniculate nucleus (LGN) of the thalamus and is the first feedback connection in the mammalian visual system. Whether functional connections between CG neurons and LGN relay neurons obey or ignore the separation of feedforward visual signals into parallel processing streams is not known. Accordingly, there is some debate about whether CG neurons are morphologically heterogeneous or homogenous. Here we characterized the morphology of CG neurons in the ferret, a visual carnivore with distinct feedforward parallel processing streams, and compared the morphology of ferret CG neurons with CG neuronal morphology previously described in macaque monkeys [Briggs et al. (2016) Neuron, 90, 388]. We used a G‐deleted rabies virus as a retrograde tracer to label CG neurons in adult ferrets. We then reconstructed complete dendritic morphologies for a large sample of virus‐labeled CG neurons. Quantification of CG morphology revealed three distinct CG neuronal subtypes with striking similarities to the CG neuronal subtypes observed in macaques. These findings suggest that CG neurons may be morphologically diverse in a variety of highly visual mammals in which feedforward visual pathways are organized into parallel processing streams. Accordingly, these results provide support for the notion that CG feedback is functionally parallel stream‐specific in ferrets and macaques.
Cortical connections of area 2 and posterior parietal area 5 in macaque monkeys
Authors: Padberg Jeffrey , Cooke Dylan F. , Cerkevich Christina M. , Kaas Jon H. , Krubitzer Leah
Published: April 2018

The overarching goal of the current investigation was to examine the connections of anterior parietal area 2 and the medial portion of posterior parietal area 5 in macaque monkeys; two areas that are part of a network involved reaching and grasping in primates. We injected neuroanatomical tracers into specified locations in each field and directly related labeled cells to histologically identified cortical field boundaries. Labeled cells were counted so that the relative density of projections to areas 2 and 5 from other cortical fields could be determined. Projections to area 2 were restricted and were predominantly from other somatosensory areas of the anterior parietal cortex (areas 1, 3b, and 3a), the second somatosensory area (S2), and from medial and lateral portions of area 5 (5M and 5L respectively). On the other hand, area 5M had very broadly distributed projections from a number of cortical areas including anterior parietal areas, from primary motor cortex (M1), premotor cortex (PM), the supplementary motor area (SMA), cortex on the medial wall, and from posterior parietal areas 5L and 7b. The more restricted pattern of connections of area 2 indicates that it processes somatic inputs locally and provides proprioceptive information to area 5M. 5M, which at least partially overlaps with functionally defined area MIP, receives inputs from somatosensory (predominantly from area 2), posterior parietal and motor cortex, which could provide the substrate for representing multiple coordinate systems necessary for planning ethologically relevant movements, particularly those involving the hand.
Morphological and functional changes in TRPM8‐expressing corneal cold thermoreceptor neurons during aging and their impact on tearing in mice
Authors: Alcalde Ignacio , Íñigo‐Portugués Almudena , González‐González Omar , Almaraz Laura , Artime Enol , Morenilla‐Palao Cruz , Gallar Juana , Viana Félix , Merayo‐Lloves Jesús , Belmonte Carlos
Published: April 2018

Morphological and functional alterations of peripheral somatosensory neurons during the aging process lead to a decline of somatosensory perception. Here, we analyze the changes occurring with aging in trigeminal ganglion (TG), TRPM8‐expressing cold thermoreceptor neurons innervating the mouse cornea, which participate in the regulation of basal tearing and blinking and have been implicated in the pathogenesis of dry eye disease (DED). TG cell bodies and axonal branches were examined in a mouse line (TRPM8BAC‐EYFP) expressing a fluorescent reporter. In 3 months old animals, about 50% of TG cold thermoreceptor neurons were intensely fluorescent, likely providing strongly fluorescent axons and complex corneal nerve terminals with ongoing activity at 34°C and low‐threshold, robust responses to cooling. The remaining TRPM8+ corneal axons were weakly fluorescent with nonbeaded axons, sparsely ramified nerve terminals, and exhibited a low‐firing rate at 34°C, responding moderately to cooling pulses as do weakly fluorescent TG neurons. In aged (24 months) mice, the number of weakly fluorescent TG neurons was strikingly high while the morphology of TRPM8+ corneal axons changed drastically; 89% were weakly fluorescent, unbranched, and often ending in the basal epithelium. Functionally, 72.5% of aged cold terminals responded as those of young animals, but 27.5% exhibited very low‐background activity and abnormal responsiveness to cooling pulses. These morpho‐functional changes develop in parallel with an enhancement of tear's basal flow and osmolarity, suggesting that the aberrant sensory inflow to the brain from impaired peripheral cold thermoreceptors contributes to age‐induced abnormal tearing and to the high incidence of DED in elderly people.
White‐light‐emitting NaYF4 Nanoplatform for NIR Upconversion‐mediated Photodynamic Therapy and Bioimaging
Authors: Kumar Balmiki , Rathnam V. S. Sharan , Kundu Subhankar , Saxena Nainsi , Banerjee Indranil , Giri Supratim
Published: April 2018

Generating intense upconversion photoluminescence from a single‐phase nanocrystal is a fundamental problem. Herein, we report engineered NaYF4 nanocrystals capable of converting NIR (980 nm) excitation into sharp and diverse emissions in the UV‐Vis‐NIR regions, which is desirable for triggering multiple photoactive agents for enhanced photo‐theranostics. This unique emission profile is used for NIR‐induced photo‐theranostic applications by developing a nanoplatform with a white‐emitting NaYF4 (WEN) core, with comparable blue, green and red emissions, and a mesoporous silica shell decorated with two different photosensitizers (PSs), Rose Bengal (hydrophilic) and zinc(II)phthalocyanine (hydrophobic) to utilize green and red emissions, respectively. A chemical assay demonstrates efficient generation of 1O2 under NIR excitation by the dual PS nanoplatform compared to the conventional systems. Furthermore, NIR‐induced ROS generation leads to the enhanced photodynamic destruction of cancer cells (HeLa) in vitro. The white light from the nanoplatform is also utilized in cellular bioimaging. Unlike the previously reported upconversion probes, which required sophisticated imaging setups, the high intensity white light emission from this nanoplatform allows the probing of animal cells by a digital camera attached externally to an optical microscope. This is the first report on the theranostic application of a white‐light‐emitting photoluminescent nanomaterial.
On the Location of Maxima of Solutions of Schrödinger's Equation
Authors: Rachh Manas , Steinerberger Stefan
Published: April 2018

We prove an inequality with applications to solutions of the Schrödinger equation. There is a universal constant c > 0 such that if is simply connected, vanishes on the boundary ∂Ω, and |u| assumes a maximum in , then

urn:x-wiley:00103640:media:cpa21753:cpa21753-math-0004

It was conjectured by Pólya and Szegő (and proven, independently, by Makai and Hayman) that a membrane vibrating at frequency λ contains a disk of size . Our inequality implies a refined result: the point on the membrane that achieves the maximal amplitude is at distance from the boundary. We also give an extension to higher dimensions (generalizing results of Lieb and of Georgiev and Mukherjee): if u solves on with Dirichlet boundary conditions, then the ball B with radius centered at the point in which |u| assumes a maximum is almost fully contained in Ω in the sense that © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A Randomized, Placebo‐Controlled, Double‐Blind Study of the Safety, Tolerability, Pharmacokinetics, and Pharmacodynamics of Single and Repeated Doses of Mirogabalin in Healthy Asian Volunteers
Authors: Jansen Mendel , Warrington Steven , Dishy Victor , Ohwada Shoichi , Johnson Lisa , Brown Karen , Ishizuka Hitoshi
Published: April 2018

Mirogabalin is a novel, preferentially selective α2δ‐1 ligand under investigation to treat neuropathic pain. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the safety, tolerability, and pharmacokinetics of various doses of mirogabalin in healthy subjects of different ethnicities. This randomized, placebo‐controlled, double‐blind, sequential, ascending‐dose study evaluated single (10‐40 mg) and repeated (10, 15 mg twice a day) doses of mirogabalin in Japanese subjects, and a single dose of mirogabalin in Korean, Chinese, and white subjects. Mirogabalin was rapidly absorbed, with a median time to maximum plasma concentration of 1 hour, and rapidly eliminated, with a mean elimination half‐life of 2 to 3 hours. Single‐dose mirogabalin pharmacokinetic parameters were comparable between Asian and white subjects. Exposure increased proportionally as mirogabalin dose increased in Japanese subjects. Mean mirogabalin steady‐state clearance and volume of distribution values were comparable across dose levels. No accumulation of mirogabalin was observed on repeated dosing in Japanese subjects. Mirogabalin had an acceptable safety and tolerability profile in Asian and white subjects at doses up to 15 mg twice a day for 7 days. The most common treatment‐emergent adverse events (somnolence, headache, and dizziness) were consistent with the known mechanism of action and safety profile of mirogabalin.
Measuring the Unmeasurable by IR Spectroscopy: Carbon Deposition Kinetics in Dry Reforming of Methane
Authors: Ren Jiazheng , Lee Alex Chinghuan , Cheng Kai , Li Ming , Chen Yongsheng
Published: April 2018

Dry reforming of methane converts two greenhouse gases to syngas, and Ni catalysts are commonly used for this reaction. A major catalyst deactivation mechanism is carbon deposition. Although numerous kinetic modelling works have been performed on carbon formation, there have been only scarce attempts to measure carbon deposition kinetics under relevant (but not real) conditions, owing to technical difficulties. Here, we report the first successful measurements of the kinetics under real reaction conditions. This was made possible by using a novel algorithm that we have developed. We use IR to measure the molar fractions of unreacted CH4 and CO2, and reaction products, CO and H2O, in the effluent from the reactor. By applying the general mass balance principle and the relevant reaction stoichiometries, the carbon deposition rate as well as the flow rates of all these gases in the effluent, including H2, are calculated. Compared to the dominant GC‐based approach for catalyst performance evaluation, this method has much higher time resolution and much smaller measurement errors.
Dramatic Decrease in CEST Measurement Times Using Multi‐Site Excitation
Authors: Yuwen Tairan , Kay Lewis E. , Bouvignies Guillaume
Published: April 2018

Chemical exchange saturation transfer (CEST) has recently evolved into a powerful approach for studying sparsely populated, “invisible” protein states in slow exchange with a major, visible conformer. Central to the technique is the use of a weak, highly selective radio‐frequency field that is applied at different frequency offsets in successive experiments, “searching” for minor state resonances. The recording of CEST profiles with enough points to ensure coverage of the entire spectrum at sufficient resolution can be time‐consuming, especially for applications that require high static magnetic fields or when small chemical shift differences between exchanging states must be quantified. Here, we show – with applications involving 15N CEST – that the process can be significantly accelerated by using a multi‐frequency irradiation scheme, leading in some applications to an order of magnitude savings in measurement time.
Assessment of Peripheral Serotonin Synthesis Using Stable Isotope‐Labeled Tryptophan
Authors: Gehin Martine , Welford Richard W.D. , Garzotti Marco , Vercauteren Magali , Groenen Peter M.A. , Nayler Oliver , Sidharta Patricia N. , Dingemanse Jasper
Published: April 2018

Serotonin (5‐HT) is synthesized from dietary tryptophan (Trp) and plays an important role in numerous diseases of the central nervous system and periphery. Stable isotope tracers enable safe monitoring of metabolic rates. Here we demonstrate measurement of peripheral 5‐HT synthesis in healthy subjects by monitoring the produced [13C10]‐5‐HT (h‐5‐HT) in EDTA‐whole blood from three doses of orally administered [13C11]‐Trp (h‐Trp) tracer. h‐Trp was rapidly absorbed and distributed in a multiphasic manner, followed by a slower terminal elimination phase. The h‐5‐HT synthesis rate was dependent on h‐Trp dose, appeared linear up to 12 hours postdose, and could be reliably assessed for the two highest doses. The human data was compared to similar studies in rats and dogs, finding larger interspecies differences in the h‐5‐HT synthesis rate than in 5‐HT levels. In future studies, the h‐5‐HT synthesis rate can be used to assess disease‐dysregulated 5‐HT synthesis or quantify the pharmacodynamics of 5‐HT synthesis inhibitors.
Continuous Flow Photoinduced Reversible Deactivation Radical Polymerization
Authors: Zhu Ning , Hu Xin , Fang Zheng , Guo Kai
Published: April 2018

Photoinduced reversible deactivation radical polymerization (RDRP) is a versatile and robust method to yield well‐defined polymers under mild conditions with additional advantages of spatial and temporal control. The process and scalability of photoinduced RDRP in the batch mode, however, are limited by the inherent light gradient effect according to the Beer–Lambert law. The continuous flow technique, as an alternative methodology, provides a solution to improve the irradiation efficiency and scale up the polymerization. This Minireview highlights recent progress in continuous flow photoinduced RDRP since 2016. Reversible termination RDRP, degenerative transfer RDRP and others are reviewed in consecutive order. An outlook for continuous flow photoinduced RDRP is also discussed.
Analytical study of statistical error in coupled finite‐volume/Monte Carlo simulations of the plasma edge
Authors: Baeten M. , Ghoos K. , Baelmans M. , Samaey G.
Published: April 2018

Plasma and neutral transport in the plasma edge region of magnetic confinement fusion devices is often simulated by iteratively coupling a finite volume (FV) code for the plasma with a Monte Carlo (MC) code for the neutral particles. Because of the statistical MC noise, the iterative scheme defines a Markov process for the plasma states. We derived relations between the iterative scheme and the statistical distribution of the plasma states. In this paper, we study in detail, for random noise coupling and in a generalized scalar setting, the relation between the artificial time step used in the iterative scheme and the variance of the plasma states. We show numerically that our new insights, gained from the scalar setting, still hold when simulating a simplified 1D plasma edge model.
Soledge2D‐Eirene simulations of the Pilot‐PSI linear plasma device compared to experimental data
Authors: Jesko K. , Marandet Y. , Bufferand H. , Gunn J.P. , van der Meiden H.J. , Ciraolo G.
Published: April 2018

Predictions for the operation of tokamak divertors are reliant on edge plasma simulations typically utilizing a fluid plasma code in combination with a Monte Carlo code for neutral species. Pilot‐PSI is a linear device operating with a cascaded arc plasma source that produces plasmas comparable to those expected in the ITER divertor (Te ∼ 1 eV, ne ∼ 1021 m−3). In this study, plasma discharges in Pilot‐PSI are modelled using the Soledge2D fluid plasma code coupled to the Eirene neutral Monte Carlo code. The plasma is generated using an external source of plasma density and power. These input parameters are tuned in order to match Thomson scattering (TS) measurements close to the cascaded arc source nozzle. The sensitivity of the simulations to different atomic physics models is explored. It is found that elastic collisions between ions and hydrogen molecules have a strong influence on calculated profiles. Without their inclusion, supersonic flow regimes are obtained with M ∼ 2 close to the target plate. Simulation results are compared with experimental findings using TS close to the target and, in the case of Pilot‐PSI, a Langmuir probe embedded in the target. Comparison between experimental trends observed in a background pressure scan and the simulations show that the inclusion of the elastic collision is mandatory for the trends to be reproduced.
Effect of molybdenum/nickel sputtering on the physical and electrical conductivity of polyethylene terephthalate film and glass fibre mat
Authors: Akbarnejad Elaheh , Shahidi Sheila , Ghoranneviss Mahmood
Published: April 2018

In this paper, we introduce a novel electrode structure made of 98% molybdenum (Mo) and 2% nickel (Ni) for sputtering on polyethylene terephthalate (PET) films and glass mats. The Mo/Ni film is deposited using radio frequency (RF) magnetron sputtering. The electrical conductivity of the samples is measured using a two‐point probe. X‐ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and atomic force microscopy are used to physically characterize the films. The results reveal that the growth structures of the Mo/Ni layer on both the PET film and the glass mat mainly affect the electrical conductivity. Pure Mo‐coated PET was used as a reference sample for comparison with Mo/Ni‐coated PET samples. The results may have important practical implications in flexible solar cells.
A performance comparison of measurement matrices in compressive sensing
Authors: Arjoune Youness , Kaabouch Naima , El Ghazi Hassan , Tamtaoui Ahmed
Published: April 2018

Compressive sensing involves 3 main processes: signal sparse representation, linear encoding or measurement collection, and nonlinear decoding or sparse recovery. In the measurement process, a measurement matrix is used to sample only the components that best represent the signal. The choice of the measurement matrix has an important impact on the accuracy and the processing time of the sparse recovery process. Hence, the design of accurate measurement matrices is of vital importance in compressive sensing. Over the last decade, a number of measurement matrices have been proposed. Therefore, a detailed review of these measurement matrices and a comparison of their performances are strongly needed. This paper explains the foundation of compressive sensing and highlights the process of measurement by reviewing the existing measurement matrices. It provides a 3‐level classification and compares the performance of 8 measurement matrices belonging to 4 different types using 5 evaluation metrics: the recovery error, processing time, recovery time, covariance, and phase transition diagram. The theoretical performance comparison is validated with experimental results, and the results show that the Circulant, Toeplitz, and Hadamard matrices outperform the other measurement matrices.
Profiles of gene expression in the hippocampal formation of rats with experimentally‐induced brain dysplasia
Authors: Kielbinski Michal , Setkowicz Zuzanna , Gzielo Kinga , Janeczko Krzysztof
Published: April 2018

Malformations of cortical development (MCD) are a common cause of intractable seizures in humans. Among these, focal cortical dysplasia (FCD) poses an outstanding challenge. There are several subtypes of FCD that show significant variation in pathology and clinical presentation. All types exhibit disturbed cortical cytoarchitecture and increased propensity for seizures. The etiology is likely heterogenous, with mutations, specifically in genes related to mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), identified in only a subset of cases. A more complex mechanism, in which underlying genetic background interacts with early, pre‐ or perinatal injury or stress, has been proposed. Here, we used a well‐established animal model of developmental malformations similar to MCD, induced by prenatal gamma irradiation. Previously, a significant variation between times of treatment has been shown, resulting in distinct and lasting patterns of dysplasia and differentially altered seizure propensity. We set out to describe the molecular background of these patterns by performing microarray analyses of hippocampal samples obtained from adult rats previously irradiated at distinct time points during gestation: E13, E15, E17 or E19 as well as controls. The analysis was performed in three conditions: naïve, during latent phase after pilocarpine‐induced status epilepticus and after 21 days of transauricular electric shocks. A set of 22 transcripts, some with known functions related to brain development, epilepsy and reaction to injury, was found to be altered between these groups across all treatments. We discuss the functional implication of these molecular differences, in an attempt to provide broader temporal and developmental context. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Develop Neurobiol 78: 718–735, 2018
Molecular and ecological signatures of an expanding hybrid zone
Authors: Wellenreuther Maren , Muñoz Jesús , Chávez‐Ríos Jesús R. , Hansson Bengt , Cordero‐Rivera Adolfo , Sánchez‐Guillén Rosa A.
Published: April 2018

Many species are currently changing their distributions and subsequently form sympatric zones with hybridization between formerly allopatric species as one possible consequence. The damselflyIschnura eleganshas recently expanded south into the range of its ecologically and morphologically similar sister speciesIschnura graellsii. Molecular work shows ongoing introgression between these species, but the extent to which this species mixing is modulated by ecological niche use is not known. Here, we (1) conduct a detailed population genetic analysis based on molecular markers and (2) model the ecological niche use of both species in allopatric and sympatric regions. Population genetic analyses showed chronic introgression betweenI. elegansandI. graellsiiacross a wide part of Spain, and admixture analysis corroborated this, showing that the majority ofI. elegansfrom the sympatric zone could not be assigned to either theI. elegansorI. graellsiispecies cluster. Niche modeling demonstrated thatI. eleganshas modified its environmental niche following hybridization and genetic introgression withI. graellsii, making niche space of introgressedI. eleganspopulations more similar toI. graellsii. Taken together, this corroborates the view that adaptive introgression has moved genes fromI. graellsiiintoI. elegansand that this process is enabling SpanishI. elegansto occupy a novel niche, further facilitating its expansion. Our results add to the growing evidence that hybridization can play an important and creative role in the adaptive evolution of animals.
Repeated rainfall in summer induces prolonged high soil respiration in a semi‐arid floodplain woodland
Authors: Sun Qiaoqi , Meyer Wayne S. , Marschner Petra
Published: April 2018

Rainfall amounts and timing in addition to air temperature influence soil respiration (Rsoil ) especially in semi‐arid ecosystems. However, information about R soil in semi‐arid floodplains and its response to natural rainfall events is particularly limited. In this study, we measured in situ Rsoil monthly from July 2014 to August 2015 under eucalyptus canopies and intercanopy of a semi‐arid floodplain woodland, adjacent to the River Murray, Australia. Rsoil was greater under canopy than intercanopy. Five days of rainfall (total of 62 mm) in summer (air temperature approximately 23 °C) increased Rsoil by 70–85% 4 days after the last rainfall event compared with that before the rainfall. The relative increase was similar under canopy and intercanopy. Rsoil remained high over the following 2 months with no rain, although soil water content in the top soil was very low. This suggests that in the months following the short rain period, roots and rhizosphere (autotrophic respiration) in the moist subsoil were the major contributors to the total Rsoil. On the other hand, a single rainfall event (51 mm) in autumn (air temperature approximately 17 °C) did not increase Rsoil although top soil water content was 3 times higher than in the previous dry period. A laboratory incubation experiment showed that rewetting of dry soil induced only a brief flush of heterotrophic Rsoil. This study emphasized the importance of quantifying Rsoil in similar dry floodplains to better predict their role in the global carbon cycle, particularly in light of the predicted changes in rainfall patterns in many semi‐arid regions.
Changes in the benthic protozoan community during succession of a mangrove ecosystem in Zhanjiang, China
Authors: Chen Quan , Li Jing , Zhao Qian , Jian Shuguang , Ren Hai
Published: April 2018

The protection and restoration of mangrove ecosystems depend on understanding the interaction between benthic organisms and mangrove succession. Although benthic protozoa are important in such ecosystems, protozoan community dynamics have seldom been studied during the mangrove succession. The benthic protozoa of a mangrove chronosequence that included a primary community (unvegetated shoal), an early community (Avicennia marina), a middle community (Aegiceras corniculatum), and a late community (Bruguiera gymnorrhiza + Rhizophora stylosa) were investigated to determine the changes in the benthic protozoan community during a mangrove succession at Zhanjiang, China. A total of 62 benthic protozoa taxa belonging to three classes, 26 orders, and 38 families were recorded. The abundance of benthic protozoa decreased significantly during mangrove succession, while species richness and diversity changed irregularly. Hierarchical clustering indicated that the distribution of the benthic protozoa closely corresponded with the mangrove successional stages. Further analyses indicated that the changes in the benthic protozoan community with mangrove succession were associated with the changes in total sediment nitrogen content and especially with vegetation characteristics, including plant height and crown breadth. The decline in the abundance of benthic protozoa during mangrove succession may be explained by the deterioration of benthic protozoan microhabitats. However, determining whether these or other factors are responsible for the change in the benthic protozoan community during mangrove succession will require additional research.
Multiple pathways of C and N incorporation by consumers across an experimental gradient of salmon carcasses
Authors: Kiffney P. M. , Naman S. M. , Cram J. M. , Liermann M. , Burrows D. G.
Published: April 2018

Numerous studies link resource subsidies to consumers, yet manipulations of subsidy gradients are rare, limiting our ability to predict their effects. We measured natural abundance levels of the stable isotopes of carbon (δ13C) and nitrogen (δ15N) in consumers representing two taxonomic (invertebrates, fish) and multiple trophic groups (primary, secondary, and tertiary consumers) exposed to a gradient of Pacific salmon carcasses (0–4 kg/m2, eight treatment levels) in 16 experimental streams from September to December. We hypothesized (1) that consumer δ13C and δ15N values would increase with carcass loading and (2) that these relationships would vary among consumers and trophic levels. Within taxonomic groups, both δ13C and δ15N values increased with carcass loading indicating direct consumption of salmon organic matter (δ13C increase) and indirectly by consumption of salmon‐enriched prey (δ15N increase). The relative importance of these two pathways for invertebrates primary consumers varied with carcass loading, with an abrupt increase in direct consumption above ~0.5 kg/m2 salmon carcass wet mass. Both the rates of δ13C and δ15N increase and the shape of the response to the carcass gradient varied among invertebrates. The only fish that responded positively to carcasses was a small benthic, secondary consumer, and only for δ13C. Overall, benthic invertebrate primary consumers were the dominant pathway by which salmon organic matter entered the trophic system, followed by benthic secondary consumers, and then tertiary consumers (juvenile coho salmon and cutthroat trout) that occupy the water column. The attenuating response to subsidies at higher trophic levels was possibly due to a combination of low decomposition and metabolic rates during fall and winter, composition of the subsidy, and habitat use. Our results demonstrate that decomposing salmon carcasses provide variable but potentially important sources of C (range: ~0–60%) and N (range: ~0–35%) supporting benthic consumers during fall and winter, when environmental conditions constrain primary productivity, with some evidence of saturation at carcass loadings >0.1–0.6 kg/m2. Furthermore, stable isotope analysis showed that consumers exploited salmon organic matter in different ways, potentially alleviating competition and allowing for a more efficient processing of this resource subsidy.
Litter moisture adsorption is tied to tissue structure, chemistry, and energy concentration
Authors: Talhelm Alan F. , Smith Alistair M. S.
Published: April 2018

The ability of plant litter to adsorb water is important for wildland fire, hydrological, and biogeochemical processes. Variation in water adsorption has largely been attributed to physical differences across species, with the role of litter chemistry in moisture dynamics receiving little attention. We hypothesized that lower specific leaf area (SLA, cm2/g) and higher concentrations of hydrophobic lignin and lipid biomolecules would be associated with decreased litter water adsorption. Because plant biochemistry is tied to litter elemental and structural traits via biophysics and leaf economics, we expected to observe a suite of linked traits that were related to water adsorption, including element concentrations, carbon oxidation state, and energy concentration (ΔHc). In litter from 22 species, we observed greater than fourfold variation in the maximum amount of liquid water adsorbed (adsorption capacity, g/g) and in the rate at which dry litter adsorbed water vapor (adsorption rate, mg g−1 min−1); there was a significant positive relationship between adsorption capacity and adsorption rate. Broadly, litter with low SLA had a low carbon oxidation state, low oxygen and ash concentrations, and high concentrations of carbon, hydrogen, lignin, and lipids. The two metrics of water adsorption had significant negative relationships with concentrations of energy, lignin, carbon, and hydrogen, and positive relationships with litter SLA and carbon oxidation state. However, water adsorption was better predicted by combinations of SLA with chemical and energy traits. Several traits associated with decreased litter water adsorption, such as concentrations of lignin and energy, also directly influence some of the same ecosystem processes affected by litter moisture (e.g., decomposition, wildland fires). In particular, because plants with the hydrophobic traits identified in this study are more abundant in dry environments, our observations suggest a mechanism that could accentuate the influence of litter traits on ecosystem processes and which merits further research. Understanding the role of these traits in water adsorption could be used to help predict shifts in ecosystem function as plant communities reassemble as result of climate change as well as provide quantitative information on how plant species influence wildland fire dynamics.
Application of the Integrated Diode Synchronous Motor to Traction Drive Motors
Authors: HIRAMOTO KENJI , NAKAI HIDEO , YAMADA EIJI , MIZUTANI RYOJI
Published: April 2018

In this study, a traction drive electric motor was designed with a new magnet‐free motor design technique where electromagnets are generated on a rotor by utilizing changes in the spatial second harmonic of the magnetic fields. To apply the proposed technique to electric motor design, balancing the rotor and stator magnetomotive force is important. This paper presents design methods for adjusting the rotor and stator magnetomotive forces. A test motor was designed with these design methods and evaluated using a motor bench. The analytical and measurement data indicated that the proposed motor performed comparably to magnet motors.
Zero Field SMM Behavior and Magnetic Refrigeration in Rare Heterometallic Double Stranded Helicates of Cu2Ln2 (Ln = Dy, Tb, Gd)
Authors: Dey Bijoy , Roy Subhadip , Mondal Amit Kumar , Santra Atanu , Konar Sanjit
Published: April 2018

The strategic design and synthesis of new double stranded helical structures, namely [Cu2Ln2(H2L1)2(L2)2(OMe)(NO3)]·8MeOH (1: Ln = DyIII), [Cu2Ln2(H2L1)2(L2)2(H2O)(OMe)(NO3)]·xH2O·7MeOH (2: Ln = TbIII, x = 0.5; 3: Ln = GdIII, x = 1) and [Cu2Ln2(HL1)2(L2)2(MeOH)2]·xMeOH (4: Ln = DyIII, x = 8.5; 5: Ln = TbIII, x = 8; 6: Ln = GdIII, x = 8.66), has been achieved by using a flexible helical ligand and a rigid tridentate ligand. Butanedihydrazide‐bridged bis(3‐ethoxysalicylaldehyde) (H4L1) was used as a primary ligand due to its flexible nature for constructing the helical strand and another rigid tridentate ligand, 2‐salicylideneaminophenol (H2L2), was used to accommodate the transition metal. The two series of complexes are analogous and differ only in terms of coordination geometry around the LnIII centers. Complexes 1–3 are composed of two non‐equivalent Cu–Ln pairs, where one LnIII center is eight‐coordinate and the other LnIII center is nine‐coordinate; whereas complexes 4–6 are made up of two equivalent Cu–Ln pairs, where both the LnIII centers are eight‐coordinate. Crystal structural analysis revealed that in all the complexes the deprotonated form of H4L1 binds in a helical fashion forming a mixture of left‐handed (Λ) and right‐handed (Δ) configurations (“meso”‐relation). AC magnetic susceptibility measurements demonstrate slow magnetic relaxation behaviors of complexes 1 and 4 in the absence of any external magnetic field. Complexes 3 and 6 exhibit ferromagnetic interaction and show magnetic refrigeration, notable in heterometallic 3d‐4f helicates.
Layered Carbodiimides A2M(CN2)3 with Tetravalent Cations M = Sn, Zr, and Hf
Authors: Dolabdjian Konstantin , Castro Cristina , Meyer Hans‐Jürgen
Published: April 2018

The ternary carbodiimides Li2Sn(CN2)3, Na2Sn(CN2)3, Li2Zr(CN2)3 and Li2Hf(CN2)3 were synthesized and their crystal structures were solved and refined by means of powder X‐ray diffraction [Li2Zr(CN2)3 and Li2Hf(CN2)3 crystallize in R3c, whereas Li2Sn(CN2)3 and Na2Sn(CN2)3 crystallize in Pnna]. All structures are characterized by alternating layers of carbodiimide units and metal atoms, although cations show distinct distributions within layers. All three lithium metal carbodiimides reveal partial occupations of Li+ and M4+ on opposite sites in the order of 10 % (at room temperature). This and the general structural assembly exhibit analogies to the corresponding ternary oxides A2MO3. Furthermore, all A2Sn(CN2)3 structures can be related to the hierarchical NiAs type structure by space group theory via group‐subgroup relationship.
Diels–Alder Reaction in the Synthesis of Fluorinated (Hetero)Aromatic Compounds
Authors: Kondratov Ivan S. , Tolmachova Nataliya A. , Haufe Günter
Published: April 2018

Numerous fluorinated (hetero)aromatic compounds have been synthesized by using the Diels–Alder reaction of fluorinated dienes/dienophiles with subsequent aromatization of the initially formed [4+2]‐cycloaddition products by various methods. This microreview presents diverse applications of the approach starting from the first examples in the 1960s up to recent advanced applications to illustrate the high potential of the method for the introduction of fluorine/polyfluoroalkyl substituents into (hetero)aromatic molecules.
Development of micellar electrokinetic chromatography method for the determination of three defined impurities in indomethacin
Authors: Riasová Petra , Doubková Dagmar , Pincová Lucie , Jung Ondřej , Polášek Miroslav , Jáč Pavel
Published: April 2018

A micellar electrokinetic chromatography method for the determination of indomethacin impurities (4‐chlorobenzoic acid, 5‐methoxy‐2‐methyl‐3‐indoleacetic acid, and 3,4‐dichloroindomethacin) has been developed. A 64.5/56‐cm fused silica 50 μm id capillary with extended light path (150 μm id) detection window was used. Internal standard was 1‐naphthylacetic acid. The analytes were separated at 30 kV with DAD detection at 224 nm. A central composite face‐centered design was applied for the optimization of the separation conditions. The effect of SDS concentration, content of methanol, concentration of phosphate buffer, and pH of the buffer were studied at three levels. The optimized background electrolyte was 20 mmol/L phosphate buffer (pH 7.57) containing 58 mmol/L SDS and 0% MeOH. Sufficient resolution of all compounds with Rs ≥ 3.5 was achieved within 10 min. The method was validated for a range of 1.25–80 μg/mL of each impurity corresponding to 0.05–3.2% relative to the concentration of indomethacin (2.5 mg/mL). The calibration curves were rectilinear with correlation coefficients r2 exceeding 0.9994. The lower limit of quantification was 0.05% or 1.25 μg/mL that complies with the reporting limits regarding the ICH Q3A guideline. The method was applied to purity assay of indomethacin in both bulk drug and gel.