bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Critical aortic stenosis and acute ascending aortic penetrating ulcer managed utilizing transapical TAVR and TEVAR
Authors: Allen Keith B. , Davis J. Russell , Cohen David J.
Published: January 2015

Thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) of acute ascending aortic pathology is feasible; however, the unique features of this aortic segment in addition to access challenges restricts its use to a select, high‐risk subset of patients. With the advent of TAVR, large device delivery using transapical access has become a well‐defined technique. We report a patient with critical aortic stenosis and an acute ascending aortic penetrating ulcer with tamponade managed successfully utilizing transapical TAVR and TEVAR. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of a hybrid single‐stage TAVR and ascending aortic TEVAR using transapical access. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Outcomes following pacemaker implantation after transcatheter aortic valve implantation with CoreValve® devices: Results from the FRANCE 2 Registry
Authors: Mouillet Gauthier , Lellouche Nicolas , Yamamoto Masanori , Oguri Atsushi , Dubois‐Rande Jean‐Luc , Van Belle Eric , Gilard Martine , Laskar Marc , Teiger Emmanuel
Published: January 2015

Aims

Permanent pacemaker (PPM) implantation following high‐degree atrioventricular block is frequently required after transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) using CoreValve®. Recent improvement of the delivery system (CoreValve Accutrak®) aimed to ease delivery and reduce the PPM rate. Our study evaluated the incidences of PPM implantation following use of CoreValve® or CoreValve Accutrak®and the clinical outcome of these patients.

Methods and results

A total of 883 patients (82 ± 7 years; 41.3% female) with severe symptomatic aortic stenosis and self‐expanding bioprosthesis implantation were included between January 2010 and October 2011 in 29 centers from the FRANCE 2 Registry. Follow‐up data were available in 833 patients. CoreValve® and CoreValve Accutrak® were used in 343 (41.2%) and 490 (58.8%) patients, respectively. During a mean follow‐up of 242 ± 179 days, all‐cause mortality was similar in patients with versus without PPM implantation (16.3 vs. 16.9%, P = 0.832).There was no significant difference in the PPM incidence in CoreValve® and CoreValve Accutrak®patients (30.4% vs. 27.5%, P = 0.846).

Conclusion

PPM implantation remained frequent after TAVI using CoreValve Accutrak®. All‐cause mortality was similar in patients with or without PPM implantation. The new device failed to show a significant decrease in PPM implantation incidence after TAVI. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Anatomical features and management of bioresorbable vascular scaffolds failure: A case series from the GHOST registry
Authors: Longo Giovanni , Granata Francesco , Capodanno Davide , Ohno Yohei , Tamburino Claudia Ina , Capranzano Piera , La Manna Alessio , Francaviglia Bruno , Gargiulo Giuseppe , Tamburino Corrado
Published: January 2015

The Absorb bioresorbable vascular scaffold (Absorb BVS, Abbott Vascular, Santa Clara, California) promises to address some of the residual shortcomings of existing metallic stents, such as late events induced by permanent caging of the coronary vessel. Scaffold restenosis (ScR) of BVS has been poorly described so far and treatment strategies for this event remain to be codified. We report on a case series of 14 lesions in 12 patients presenting with ScR and discuss their anatomical features and management strategies. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Percutaneous closure of a hemodynamically significant connection between the inferior vena cava and the left atrium
Authors: Wiebe Jens , Rixe Johannes , Nef Holger
Published: January 2015

Objective and Background

A connection between the inferior vena cava (IVC) and the left atrium (LA) can occur as a rare complication after surgical atrial septum defect (ASD) repair. We demonstrate the first case of a percutaneous closure of this connection.

Methods and Results

A 67‐year‐old female was admitted to hospital due to exertional dyspnea. A history of a surgical ASD repair in 1960 and 1966 with a residual shunt was already known. Transesophageal echocardiography and a CT scan revealed a hemodynamically significant drainage of the IVC into the LA. This connection was successfully closed percutaneously with an AMPLATEZR Duct Occluder I (St. Jude Medical, St. Paul, MN). Post‐procedural CT‐scan and transthoracic echocardiography demonstrated a stable position and there was also no evidence of a residual shunt. The patient reported a significant reduction of exertional dyspnea.

Conclusion

Percutaneous closure of an IVC to LA connection in this case was safe and feasible. The decision about which device is optimal must be made on an individual basis. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Transradial approach for coronary chronic total occlusion interventions: Insights from a contemporary multicenter registry
Authors: Alaswad Khaldoon , Menon Rohan V. , Christopoulos Georgios , Lombardi William L. , Karmpaliotis Dimitri , Grantham J. Aaron , Marso Steven P. , Wyman Michael R. , Pokala Nagendra R. , Patel Siddharth M. , Kotsia Anna P. , Rangan Bavana V. , Lembo Nicholas , Kandzari David , Lee James , Kalynych Anna , Carlson Harold , Garcia Santiago A. , Thompson Craig A. , Banerjee Subhash , Brilakis Emmanouil S.
Published: January 2015

Objectives

To examine the impact of transradial access on the procedural outcomes of chronic total occlusion (CTO) percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI).

Background

The efficacy and safety of transradial access in CTO PCI has received limited study.

Methods

We compared the technique and outcomes of transradial vs. transfemoral access among 650 CTO PCI cases performed between January 2012 and March 2014 at 6 US centers.

Results

Most patients were men (87%) with high frequency of diabetes mellitus (42%) and prior coronary artery bypass graft surgery (36%). The CTO target vessel was the right coronary (59%), left anterior descending (20%), or circumflex (17%) artery. TR access was used in 110 (17%) of the 650 cases, as follows: bilateral radial access (63%); bilateral radial access plus unilateral or bilateral femoral access (7%); unilateral radial access plus unilateral or bilateral femoral access (26%); and unilateral radial access (4%). Six and eight French guide catheters were used through the radial and femoral artery, respectively. Compared to transfemoral, transradial cases had similar technical (92.6% vs. 93.0%, P = 0.87) and procedural (91.1% vs. 90.0%, P = 0.95) success and major complication rates (1.7% vs 1.8%, P = 0.99). However, transradial access was associated with higher mean procedure (142 ± 83 vs. 120 ± 60 min, P = 0.008) and fluoroscopy (58 ± 40 vs. 49 ± 31 min, P <0.026) time, and number of crossing approach changes (0.7 ± 1.0 vs. 0.5 ± 0.7, P = 0.008).

Conclusion

Transradial CTO PCI can be performed with similar success and complication rates with transfemoral CTO PCI, but is associated with longer procedural and fluoroscopy times. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Acute ST‐elevation myocardial infarction due to septic embolism: A case report and review of management options
Authors: Singh Maninder , Mishra Abhishek , Kaluski Edo
Published: January 2015

Acute ST‐elevation myocardial (STEMI) infarction due to septic embolism is rare and management strategies differ from those applied to atherothrombotic STEMI. A 70‐year‐old male with aortic valve endocarditis and persistent bacteremia developed acute inferior wall STEMI due to septic embolism. Due to inferior STEMI accompanied by hemodynamic instability, coronary angiography and primary PCI (stenting) to a totally occluded right coronary artery (RCA) was performed. Despite excellent immediate angiographic results and hemodynamic stabilization, repeat angiogram two weeks later showed mycotic aneurysms at the site of stent placement. Patient later suffered from intracranial hemorrhage and splenic infarct and had worsening aortic regurgitation, prompting surgical aortic valve replacement with bypass of the RCA. Despite aggressive medical, interventional and surgical management, he expired four weeks after the surgery. Selection of an optimal revascularization strategy in this scenario is unclear with a potential harm from standard therapies. We have reviewed prior reports and summarized results in a tabular form. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Comparison of multislice computed tomography findings between bicuspid and tricuspid aortic valves before and after transcatheter aortic valve implantation
Authors: Watanabe Yusuke , Chevalier Bernard , Hayashida Kentaro , Leong Tora , Bouvier Erik , Arai Takahide , Farge Arnaud , Hovasse Thomas , Garot Philippe , Cormier Bertrand , Morice Marie‐Claude , Lefèvre Thierry
Published: January 2015

Aims

This study sought to compare the multislice computed tomography (MSCT) characteristics of bicuspid aortic valves (BAV) and tricuspid aortic valves (TAV) before and after implantation of the CoreValve (Medtronic, Santa Rosa, California) or the Edwards SapienXT (Edwards Lifesciences, Irvine, CA).

Methods and Results

From March 2009 to March 2013, a total of 67 TAVI patients who had both pre‐ and post‐procedural MSCT were studied. Eleven patients underwent TAVI in BAV with the CoreValve (n = 6) or SapienXT (n = 5) and 56 patients underwent TAVI in TAV with the CoreValve (n = 38) or SapienXT (n = 18). The BAV group was similar to the TAV group except for a higher pre‐procedural mean pressure gradient (53.1 ± 17.4 vs. 48.8 ± 20.4 mm Hg, P = 0.03), a larger annulus perimeter (89.3 ± 9.0 vs. 81.8 ± 8.1 mm, P = 0.03) and a higher aortic valve calcium volume (1262.7 ± 396.0 vs. 556.4 ± 461.9 mm3, P < 0.01). In the CoreValve group, post‐procedural mean pressure gradient was significantly higher in the BAV group (11.0 ± 2.6 vs. 8.2 ± 2.8 mm Hg, P = 0.04) and a smaller valve area/pre‐annulus area ratio was observed at each level of the prosthesis (base of the stent frame 81.7% ± 14.9% vs. 94.7% ± 15.0%, P = 0.06, annulus level 74.3% ± 16.7% vs. 89.9% ± 10.5%, P = 0.03, leaflet level 64.6% ± 13.1% vs. 81.2% ± 13.2%, P < 0.01). This was not observed in the Edwards group.

Conclusions

Compared to TAV, patients with BAV have higher gradients, larger annulus perimeters and more calcified valves. Higher post procedural gradient and valve underexpansion were frequently observed after CoreValve implantation. Further MSCT study is required to demonstrate the efficacy of TAVI in BAV. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
High Surface Iron/Cobalt‐Containing Nitrogen‐Doped Carbon Aerogels as Non‐Precious Advanced Electrocatalysts for Oxygen Reduction
Authors: Elumeeva Karina , Ren Jiawen , Antonietti Markus , Fellinger Tim‐Patrick
Published: January 2015

Nitrogen‐doped carbon‐based catalysts are promising candidates to substitute expensive and moderately durable platinum‐based catalysts for polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs). Condensation of ionic liquids (ILs) in salt melts enables the formation of hierarchically porous nitrogen‐doped carbons with very high surface areas. Here we present synthesis and the employment of high‐nitrogen‐doped carbon aerogels modified with iron and cobalt for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR), the relevant half‐cell reaction for all fuel cells, using rotating disk/ring‐disk electrode measurements. We show favorable performances compared to the current Pt/C standard. TEM analysis of the iron composites gave an amorphous, quasi‐atomic distribution of the metal, while iron/cobalt composites form very small, well‐supported nanoparticles.
A pH‐Responsive Layered Double Hydroxide (LDH)–Phthalocyanine Nanohybrid for Efficient Photodynamic Therapy
Authors: Li Xing‐Shu , Ke Mei‐Rong , Huang Wei , Ye Chun‐Hong , Huang Jian‐Dong
Published: January 2015

A pH‐responsive nanohybrid (LDH–ZnPcPS4), in which a highly hydrophilic zinc(II) phthalocyanine tetra‐α‐substituted with 4‐sulfonatophenoxy groups (ZnPcPS4) is incorporated with a cationic layered double hydroxide (LDH) based on electrostatic interaction, has been specially designed and prepared through a facile co‐precipitation approach. ZnPcPS4 is an excellent singlet‐oxygen generator with strong absorption at the near‐infrared region (692 nm) in cellular culture media, whereas the photoactivities of ZnPcPS4 were remarkably inhibited after incorporation with the LDH. The nanohybrid is essentially stable in aqueous media at pH 7.4; nevertheless, in slightly acidic media of pH 6.5 or 5.0, ZnPcPS4 can be efficiently released from the LDH matrix, thus leading to restoration of the photoactivities. The nanohybrid shows a high photocytotoxicity against HepG2 cells as a result of much more efficient cellular uptake and preferential accumulation in lysosomes, whereby the acidic environment leads to the release of ZnPcPS4. The IC50 value of LDH–ZnPcPS4 is as low as 0.053 μM, which is 24‐fold lower than that of ZnPcPS4. This work provides a facile approach for the fabrication of photosensitizers with high photocytotoxicity, potential tumor selectivity, and rapid clearance character.
In‐Depth Understanding of the Chemical Properties of Rarely Explored Carbide Cluster Metallofullerenes: A Case Study of Sc2C2@C3v(8)‐C82 that Reveals a General Rule
Authors: Cai Wenting , Chen Muqing , Bao Lipiao , Xie Yunpeng , Akasaka Takeshi , Lu Xing
Published: January 2015

The chemical properties of carbide‐cluster metallofullerenes (CCMFs) remain largely unexplored, although several new members of CCMFs have been discovered recently. Herein, we report the reaction between Sc2C2@C3v(8)‐C82, which is viewed as a prototypical CCMF because of its high abundance, and 3‐triphenylmethyl‐5‐oxazolidinone (1) to afford the corresponding pyrrolidino derivative Sc2C2@C3v(8)‐C82(CH2)2NTrt (2; Trt=triphenylmethyl). Single‐crystal X‐ray crystallography studies of 2 revealed that the reaction takes place at a [6,6]‐bond junction, which is directly over the encapsulated C2 unit and is far from either of the two scandium atoms. On the basis of theoretical calculations and by considering previously reports, we have found that a hexagonal carbon ring on the cage of Sc2C2@C3v(8)‐C82 is highly reactive toward different reagents due to the overlap of high p‐orbital axis vector (POAV) angles and large LUMO coefficients. We propose that this highly concentrated area of reactivity is generated by the encapsulation of the Sc2C2 cluster because this region is absent from the empty fullerene C3v(8)‐C82. Moreover, the absorption and electrochemical results confirm that derivative 2 is more stable than pristine Sc2C2@C3v(8)‐C82, thus illuminating its potential applications.
Probing the Mechanism of Allylic Substitution of Morita–Baylis–Hillman Acetates (MBHAs) by using the Silyl Phosphonite Paradigm: Scope and Applications of a Versatile Transformation
Authors: Kalyva Maria , Zografos Alexandros L. , Kapourani Era , Giambazolias Evaggelos , Devel Laurent , Papakyriakou Athanasios , Dive Vincent , Lazarou Yannis G. , Georgiadis Dimitris
Published: January 2015

A PC bond‐forming reaction between silyl phosphonites and Morita–Baylis–Hillman acetates (MBHAs) is explored as a general alternative towards medicinally relevant β‐carboxyphosphinic structural motifs. Conversion rates of diversely substituted MBHAs to phosphinic acids 9 or 14 that were recorded by using 31P NMR spectroscopy revealed unexpected reactivity differences between ester and nitrile derivatives. These kinetic profiles and DFT calculations support a mechanistic scenario in which observed differences can be explained from the “lateness” of transition states. In addition, we provide experimental evidence suggesting that enolates due to initial P‐Michael addition are not formed. Based on the proposed mechanistic scenario in conjunction with DFT calculations, an interpretation of the E/Z stereoselectivity differences between ester and nitriles is proposed. Synthetic opportunities stemming from this transformation are presented, which deal with the preparation of several synthetically capricious phosphinic building blocks, whose access through the classical P‐Michael synthetic route is not straightforward.
Linked Supramolecular Building Blocks for Enhanced Cluster Formation
Authors: McLellan Ross , Palacios Maria A. , Beavers Christine M. , Teat Simon J. , Piligkos Stergios , Brechin Euan K. , Dalgarno Scott J.
Published: January 2015

Methylene‐bridged calix[4]arenes have emerged as extremely versatile ligand supports in the formation of new polymetallic clusters possessing fascinating magnetic properties. Metal ion binding rules established for this building block allow one to partially rationalise the complex assembly process. The ability to covalently link calix[4]arenes at the methylene bridge provides significantly improved control over the introduction of different metal centres to resulting cluster motifs. Clusters assembled from bis‐calix[4]arenes and transition metal ions or 3d‐4f combinations display characteristic features of the analogous calix[4]arene supported clusters, thereby demonstrating an enhanced and rational approach towards the targeted synthesis of complex and challenging structures.
Controlled Synthesis of Nanoporous Nickel Oxide with Two‐Dimensional Shapes through Thermal Decomposition of Metal–Cyanide Hybrid Coordination Polymers
Authors: Zakaria Mohamed B. , Hu Ming , Salunkhe Rahul R. , Pramanik Malay , Takai Kimiko , Malgras Victor , Choi Seyong , Dou Shi Xue , Kim Jung Ho , Imura Masataka , Ishihara Shinsuke , Yamauchi Yusuke
Published: January 2015

Invited for the cover of this issue is the group of Yusuke Yamauchi at the National Institute for Materials Science (NIMS), Japan. The image depicts the formation of metal–cyanide hybrid coordination polymers—the rate of formation is slow as the reactant appears to be fairly stable, leading to a preferential growth. Read the full text of the article at 10.1002/chem.201404895.
Electrochemical Intramolecular CH Amination: Synthesis of Benzoxazoles and Benzothiazoles
Authors: Morofuji Tatsuya , Shimizu Akihiro , Yoshida Jun‐ichi
Published: January 2015

A new method for metal‐free intramolecular CH amination has been developed. Electrochemical oxidation of 2‐pyrimidyloxybenzenes and 2‐pyrimidylthiobenzenes, which can be easily prepared from phenols and thiophenols, respectively, followed by the treatment of the resulting pyrimidinium ions with piperidine gives 2‐aminobenzoxazoles and 2‐aminobenzothiazoles, respectively.
Simultane Atline‐Quantifizierung von Magnetpartikeln und Mikroorganismen bei einer HGMS‐Filtration
Authors: Schumann Christiane , Rogin Sabine , Schneider Horst , Tippkötter Nils , Oster Jürgen , Kampeis Percy
Published: January 2015

Es wird eine neue Atline‐Messmethode vorgestellt, mit der während einer Hochgradienten‐Magnetseparation (HGMS)‐Filtration eine simultane Quantifizierung von Magnetpartikeln und Mikroorganismen im Filtrat vorgenommen werden kann. Dabei gelingt die Quantifizierung signifikant besser als mit bisher verwendeten Messmethoden. Mit dieser Methode ist es möglich, die Trennleistung einer HGMS‐Filtration zu bestimmen und einen Filterdurchbruch durch Konzentrationsanstiege im Bereich einiger µg L−1 von Magnetpartikeln im Filtrat frühzeitig zu detektieren, ohne dass nennenswerte Partikelmengen verloren gehen.
Control of Charge Transport in the Perovskite CH3NH3PbI3 Thin Film
Authors: Shi Jiangjian , Wei Huiyun , Lv Songtao , Xu Xin , Wu Huijue , Luo Yanhong , Li Dongmei , Meng Qingbo
Published: January 2015

Carrier density and transport properties in the CH3NH3PbI3 thin film have been investigated. It is found that the carrier density, the depletion field, and the charge collection and transport properties in the CH3NH3PbI3 absorber film can be controlled effectively by different concentrations of reactants. That is, the carrier properties and the self‐doping characteristics in CH3NH3PbI3 films are strongly influenced by the reaction thermodynamic and kinetic processes. Furthermore, by employing mixed solvents with ethanol and isopropanol to deposit the CH3NH3PbI3 film, the charge collection and transport efficiencies are improved significantly, thereby yielding an overall enhanced cell performance.
Electrodeposited Lamellar Photoconductor Nanohybrids Driven by Peptide Self‐Assembly
Authors: Manna Manoj K. , Pandey Sushil K. , Maity Indrajit , Mukherjee Shaibal , Das Apurba K.
Published: January 2015

Aromatic organic molecules serve as optoelectronic materials owing to their intrinsic optical and electronic properties. Herein, self‐assembled lamellar nanostructures as photoconductor hybrids, which are obtained from naphthalene‐2‐methoxycarbonyl (Nmoc)‐capped peptide amphiphiles, are described. Hybrid nanostructures are constructed in a controlled manner by an electrochemical deposition technique in combination with the inorganic Zn(OH)2 phase. Inorganic Zn(OH)2 layers turn into semiconductor ZnO layers upon annealing at 150 °C and lamellar nanostructures are formed in a periodic manner. Synergistic effects of hydrogen bonding and π–π stacking interactions of aromatic peptide amphiphiles are the driving force for the formation of self‐assembled lamellar nanostructures. Morphological, structural, and optical studies of such lamellar hybrid nanostructures are reported. Photoconduction of these hybrid nanostructures is also examined in detail.
A Highly Resilient Mesoporous SiOx Lithium Storage Material Engineered by Oil–Water Templating
Authors: Park Eunjun , Park Min‐Sik , Lee Jaewoo , Kim Ki Jae , Jeong Goojin , Kim Jung Ho , Kim Young‐Jun , Kim Hansu
Published: January 2015

Mesoporous silicon‐based materials gained considerable attention as high‐capacity lithium‐storage materials. However, the practical use is still limited by the complexity and limited number of available synthetic routes. Here, we report carbon‐coated porous SiOx as high capacity lithium storage material prepared by using a sol–gel reaction of hydrogen silsesquioxane and oil–water templating. A hydrophobic oil is employed as a pore former inside the SiOx matrix and a precursor for carbon coating on the SiOx. The anode exhibits a high capacity of 730 mAh g−1 and outstanding cycling performance over 100 cycles without significant dimensional changes. Carbon‐coated porous SiOx also showed highly stable thermal reliability comparable to that of graphite. These promising properties come from the mesopores in the SiOx matrix, which ensures reliable operation of lithium storage in SiOx. The scalable sol–gel process presented here can open up a new avenue for the versatile preparation of porous SiOx lithium storage materials.
Estimating the spatial position of marine mammals based on digital camera recordings
Authors: Hoekendijk Jeroen P. A. , de Vries Jurre , van der Bolt Krissy , Greinert Jens , Brasseur Sophie , Camphuysen Kees C. J. , Aarts Geert
Published: January 2015

Estimating the spatial position of organisms is essential to quantify interactions between the organism and the characteristics of its surroundings, for example, predator–prey interactions, habitat selection, and social associations. Because marine mammals spend most of their time under water and may appear at the surface only briefly, determining their exact geographic location can be challenging. Here, we developed a photogrammetric method to accurately estimate the spatial position of marine mammals or birds at the sea surface. Digital recordings containing landscape features with known geographic coordinates can be used to estimate the distance and bearing of each sighting relative to the observation point. The method can correct for frame rotation, estimates pixel size based on the reference points, and can be applied to scenarios with and without a visible horizon. A set of R functions was written to process the images and obtain accurate geographic coordinates for each sighting. The method is applied to estimate the spatiotemporal fine‐scale distribution of harbour porpoises in a tidal inlet. Video recordings of harbour porpoises were made from land, using a standard digital single‐lens reflex (DSLR) camera, positioned at a height of 9.59 m above mean sea level. Porpoises were detected up to a distance of ~3136 m (mean 596 m), with a mean location error of 12 m. The method presented here allows for multiple detections of different individuals within a single video frame and for tracking movements of individuals based on repeated sightings. In comparison with traditional methods, this method only requires a digital camera to provide accurate location estimates. It especially has great potential in regions with ample data on local (a)biotic conditions, to help resolve functional mechanisms underlying habitat selection and other behaviors in marine mammals in coastal areas.
What's New in EurJIC and Its Sister Journals of ChemPubSoc Europe Societies
Authors: Hindson Karen
Published: January 2015

Editor Karen Hindson assesses the developments in EurJIC and its sister journals in 2014 and highlights the most important innovations planned for 2015.
Bayesian hidden Markov modelling using circular‐linear general projected normal distribution
Authors: Mastrantonio Gianluca , Maruotti Antonello , Jona‐Lasinio Giovanna
Published: January 2015

We introduce a multivariate hidden Markov model to jointly cluster time‐series observations with different support, that is, circular and linear. Relying on the general projected normal distribution, our approach allows for bimodal and/or skewed cluster‐specific distributions for the circular variable. Furthermore, we relax the independence assumption between the circular and linear components observed at the same time. Such an assumption is generally used to alleviate the computational burden involved in the parameter estimation step, but it is hard to justify in empirical applications. We carry out a simulation study using different data‐generation schemes to investigate model behavior, focusing on well recovering the hidden structure. Finally, the model is used to fit a real data example on a bivariate time series of wind speed and direction. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Model Uncertainty and Forecast Combination in High‐Dimensional Multivariate Volatility Prediction
Authors: Amendola Alessandra , Storti Giuseppe
Published: January 2015

In multivariate volatility prediction, identifying the optimal forecasting model is not always a feasible task. This is mainly due to the curse of dimensionality typically affecting multivariate volatility models. In practice only a subset of the potentially available models can be effectively estimated, after imposing severe constraints on the dynamic structure of the volatility process. It follows that in most applications the working forecasting model can be severely misspecified. This situation leaves scope for the application of forecast combination strategies as a tool for improving the predictive accuracy. The aim of the paper is to propose some alternative combination strategies and compare their performances in forecasting high‐dimensional multivariate conditional covariance matrices for a portfolio of US stock returns. In particular, we will consider the combination of volatility predictions generated by multivariate GARCH models, based on daily returns, and dynamic models for realized covariance matrices, built from intra‐daily returns. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The toxicity and distribution of iron oxide–zinc oxide core‐shell nanoparticles in C57BL/6 mice after repeated subcutaneous administration
Authors: Yun Jun‐Won , Yoon Jung‐Hee , Kang Byeong‐Cheol , Cho Nam‐Hyuk , Seok Seung Hyeok , Min Seung‐Kee , Min Ji Hyun , Che Jeong‐Hwan , Kim Young Keun
Published: January 2015

Therapeutic cancer vaccines promote immune responses by delivering tumour‐specific antigens. Recently, we developed iron oxide (Fe3O4)–zinc oxide (ZnO) core‐shell nanoparticles (CSNPs) as carriers for antigen delivery into dendritic cells (DCs), and the CSNPs were injected subcutaneously into C57BL/6 mice to examine the systemic toxicity, tissue distribution and excretion of the CSNPs. The doses injected were 0, 4, 20 and 200 mg kg–1 weekly for 4 weeks. No significant changes were observed after the CSNPs administration with respect to mortality, clinical observations, body weight, food intake, water consumption, urinalysis, haematology, serum biochemistry,and organ weights. A dose‐dependent increase in granulomatous inflammation was observed at the injection site of the CSNP‐treated animals, but no other histopathological lesions in other organs could be attributed to the CSNPs. The Zn concentration, which is an indicator for CSNPs, was not significantly higher in the sampled tissues, urine, or faeces after the CSNP injection. In contrast, the Zn concentration at the subcutaneous skin of the site injected with the CSNPs increased in a dose‐dependent manner, along with a macroscopic deposition of the CSNPs. The CSNP residue at the injection site resulted in a foreign body response with the appearance of macrophage infiltration, but otherwise did not show any systemic distribution or toxicity at up to 200 mg kg–1 during this study. In conclusion, CSNPs could be used as good antigen carriers for DC‐based immunotherapy, although further study is needed to completely clear the residue of the CSNPs at the injection site. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Impact of plant development on the rhizobacterial population of Arachis hypogaea: a multifactorial analysis
Authors: Haldar Shyamalina , Sengupta Sanghamitra
Published: January 2015

Present study investigates the impact of plant development on the structure and composition of root‐associated bacterial community of groundnut (Arachis hypogaea) plant, an economically important oilseed legume. Relative abundance of total and active bacteria were studied in bulk soil and rhizosphere samples collected from different growth stages of groundnut plant by sequencing PCR‐amplified 16S rRNA gene fragments from soil genomic DNA and reverse‐transcribed soil community RNA. Plant growth promoting potential of cultivable rhizobacteria was evaluated using assays for inorganic phosphate solubilization and production of indole acetic acid, siderophores, biofilm, 1‐amino‐cyclopropane‐1‐carboxylate deaminase, laccase, and anti‐fungal chemicals. Our study demonstrates that groundnut plant rhizosphere harbors a core microbiome populated by Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria, Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, and Acidobacteria. A distinct bacterial assemblage at nodulation stage due to predominance of Flavobacteria and Actinobacteria in DNA and RNA derived libraries respectively was also observed. Majority of cultivable isolates exhibiting plant growth promoting activities belonged to Proteobacteria and Firmicutes. Of them, Pseudomonas indica and Bacillus megaterium were detected in the rhizosphere samples from all the developmental stages of groundnut plant. This polyphasic study establishes the impact of plant development on rhizobacterial population of groundnut and underscores the applicability of soil isolates as a reliable component in sustainable agriculture.
Determination of metal content in superoxide dismutase enzymes by capillary electrophoresis†
Authors: Kazarjan Jana , Vaher Merike , Hunter Thérèse , Kulp Maria , Hunter Gary James , Bonetta Rosalin , Farrugia Diane , Kaljurand Mihkel
Published: January 2015

Superoxide dismutases are antioxidant scavenger enzymes that contain a metal cofactor (copper, zinc, iron, and manganese) in their active site. Metal content measurement is one of the essential steps to characterize enzyme biological activity. We have developed a capillary electrophoretic protocol for the determination of the metal content in superoxide dismutase enzymes. The background electrolyte containing 10 mM pyridine‐2,6‐dicarboxylic acid and 1 mM 1‐methyl‐3‐tetradecylimidazolium chloride at pH 3.8 was optimized for on‐column complexation of the above‐mentioned metals. The minimum detectable levels of metals ranged from 0.3 to 1.2 μg/mL. The reliability of the method was checked by parallel quantitative determination of the metal content in superoxide dismutase enzymes by graphite furnace or flame atomic absorption spectrophotometry methods.
Estimating cumulative exposure of wildlife to non‐lethal disturbance using spatially explicit capture–recapture models
Authors: Christiansen Fredrik , Bertulli Chiara G. , Rasmussen Marianne H. , Lusseau David
Published: January 2015

Impact assessments often focus on short‐term behavioral responses of animals to human disturbance. However, the cumulative effects caused by repeated behavioral disruptions are of management concern because these effects have the potential to influence individuals’ survival and reproduction. We need to estimate individual exposure rates to disturbance to determine cumulative effects. We present a new approach to estimate the spatial exposure of minke whales to whalewatching boats in Faxaflói Bay, Iceland. We used recent advances in spatially explicit capture–recapture modeling to estimate the probability that whales would encounter a disturbance (i.e., whalewatching boat). We obtained spatially explicit individual encounter histories of individually identifiable animals using photo‐identification. We divided the study area into 1‐km2 grid cells and considered each cell a spatially distinct sampling unit. We used capture history of individuals to model and estimate spatial encounter probabilities of individual minke whales across the study area, accounting for heterogeneity in sampling effort. We inferred the exposure of individual minke whales to whalewatching vessels throughout the feeding season by estimating individual whale encounters with vessels using the whale encounter probabilities and spatially explicit whalewatching intensity in the same area, obtained from recorded whalewatching vessel tracks. We then estimated the cumulative time whales spent with whalewatching boats to assess the biological significance of whalewatching disturbances. The estimated exposure levels to boats varied considerably between individuals because of both temporal and spatial variations in the activity centers of whales and the whalewatching intensity in the area. However, although some whales were repeatedly exposed to whalewatching boats throughout the feeding season, the estimated cumulative time they spent with boats was very low. Although whalewatching boat interactions caused feeding disruptions for the whales, the estimated low cumulative exposure indicated that the whalewatching industry in its current state likely is not having any long‐term negative effects on vital rates. © 2015 The Wildlife Society.
Cell—Cell Crosslinking by Bio‐Molecular Recognition of Heparin‐Based Layer‐by‐Layer Nanofilms
Authors: Nishiguchi Akihiro , Matsusaki Michiya , Akashi Mitsuru
Published: January 2015

When bio‐molecular recognition between nanofilms and proteins occurs on cell surfaces, rapid cellular assembly takes place. Cells coated with layer‐by‐layer nanofilms composed of fibronectin and heparin form aggregates after centrifugation and nanofilms induce attractive forces between cells through bio‐molecular recognition between membrane proteins and heparin. Cell aggregates display network structures of cells as seen in colloidal gels with high viscosity. Cell—cell crosslinking allows for the construction of 3D‐tissues with rich glycosaminoglycan. This cell—cell crosslinking process that uses a layer‐by‐layer technique has enormous potential for in vitro tissue applications in regenerative medicine and cell signaling assays.
Determination of soil properties for plane strain condition from the triaxial tests results
Authors: Nanda S. , Patra N. R.
Published: January 2015

Significant difference in stress–strain behavior of dense cohesionless soil has been observed between plane strain and triaxial test conditions. At present, majority of geotechnical laboratories have no plane strain testing facility. Therefore, geotechnical professionals are more dependent on the conventional triaxial test for soil properties, whereas many geotechnical structures prevail close to plane strain condition. A method has been proposed to determine soil properties for plane strain condition from the conventional triaxial tests. This method can especially be used to determine the internal friction angle and stress–strain relationship for plane strain condition from triaxial tests results. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The stacker crane problem and the directed general routing problem
Authors: Ávila Thais , Corberán Ángel , Plana Isaac , Sanchis José M.
Published: January 2015

In this article, we deal with the polyhedral description and the resolution of the directed general routing problem (DGRP) and the stacker crane problem (SCP). The DGRP, in which the service activity occurs both at some of the nodes and at some of the arcs of a directed graph, contains a large number of important arc and node routing problems as special cases, including the SCP. We describe large families of facet‐defining inequalities for the DGRP. Furthermore, a branch‐and‐cut algorithm for these problems is presented. Extensive computational experiments over different sets of DGRP and SCP instances are included. These results show that our algorithm is among the best solution procedures proposed for both problems. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. NETWORKS, Vol. 65(1), 43–55. 2015
Reaching the elementary lower bound in the vehicle routing problem with time windows
Authors: Contardo Claudio , Desaulniers Guy , Lessard François
Published: January 2015

In this article, we present a comparative study of several strategies that can be applied to achieve the so‐called elementary lower bound in vehicle routing problems, that is, the bound obtained when all positive‐valued variables in an optimal solution of the linear relaxation of the set‐partitioning formulation correspond to vehicle routes without cycles. This bound can be achieved by solving the resource‐constrained elementary shortest path problem—an ‐hard problem—as the pricing problem in a column generation algorithm, but several other strategies can be used to ultimately produce the same lower bound in less computational effort. State‐of‐the‐art algorithms for vehicle routing problems rely on the quality of this lower bound to either bound the size of the search tree in a branch‐and‐price algorithm or the complexity of an enumeration procedure used to limit the number of variables in the set‐partitioning model. We consider several strategies for imposing elementarity that involve ng‐paths, strong degree constraints, and decremental state‐space relaxation. We compare the performance of these strategies on some selected instances of the vehicle routing problem with time windows. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. NETWORKS, Vol. 65(1), 88–99. 2015
Money donations intentions among Muslim donors: an extended theory of planned behavior model
Authors: Kashif Muhammad , De Run Ernest Cyril
Published: January 2015

The investigation into determinants of money donation intentions while employing an extended theory of planned behavior model is limited to developed country contexts. However, given the challenges facing charitable organizations and scant theoretical evidence from developing world, such an examination can contribute pragmatically. The current study establishes the impact of subjective norms, perceived behavioral control, past behavior, and attitude on respondents' money donation intentions to charities in Pakistan. The respondents (N = 223), a non‐student population living in the city of Gujranwala, completed a survey. The collected data are analyzed by means of a multivariate analysis, which was comprised of regression and correlation. The results reveal a strong support to the extended theory of planned behavior model in establishing the relationship between identified independent and dependent variables in a developing country context of Pakistan. The study contributes to the establishment of a few strategies, which are useful for managers working in charitable organizations to attract and retain donors to support several causes.

Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Influence of carboxymethylation on the surface physical–chemical properties of glucuronoxylan and arabinoxylan films
Authors: Velkova Nena , Doliška Aleš , Fras Zemljič Lidija , Vesel Alenka , Saake Bodo , Strnad Simona
Published: January 2015

Xylans were carboxymethylated in order to increase their anionic nature and thus tune their surface free energy (SFE) and hydrophilicity, which are of crucial importance in the majority of special applications. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and polyelectrolyte titration results confirmed the successful carboxymethylation of the xylan samples. The main aim of this study was to investigate the influences of carboxymethylation of glucuronoxylan and arabinoxylans on the surface physical and chemical properties of the films made from them. Films were prepared by the casting method, and their surface morphologies were analyzed by atomic force microscopy. The surface chemical compositions of the films were investigated using X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and their influences on SFE, i.e., Lifshitz–van der Waals and electron donor and acceptor contributions, were determined using goniometry. The introduction of ∼2 mmol/g of carboxyl groups into the glucuronoxylan or arabinoxylan molecular structures had a significant influence on the chemical and physical surface properties of the prepared films. Higher amounts of the carboxyl group present on the films' surfaces and higher surface roughness contributed to a significant increase (by 270%) in the electron donor component of SFE and to 40% improvements in the hydrophilicities of the films' surfaces. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 55:2706–2713, 2015. © 2015 Society of Plastics Engineers
Performance‐based seismic design of an irregular tall building in Istanbul
Authors: Özuygur Ali Ruzi
Published: January 2015

Structural design of a 50‐story tall reinforced concrete residential building, which was planned to be constructed in Istanbul and given up afterwards by the investor, has been completed in accordance with the draft version of Seismic Design Code for Tall Buildings in Istanbul that adopts performance‐based seismic design as the basic approach as Tall Buildings Initiative Guidelines do. Seismic design of the building has formed the main part of the structural design process due to high seismicity of the proposed location and extremely irregular floor plan not conforming to usual tall building structures. The building consists of two individual buildings linked through sky floors at the top 12 stories whose design was one of the most challenging works. The building has been designed for design basis earthquake by elastic response spectrum analysis, and its seismic performance has been checked for maximum considered earthquake by nonlinear time‐history analyses carried out using PERFORM‐3D. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Instructional Challenges in Developing Young Children's Science Concepts
Authors: Hoffman Jessica L. , Collins Molly F. , Schickedanz Judith A.
Published: January 2015

Early childhood instruction tends to focus heavily on literacy development, sometimes at the expense of rich concept development (CEP, 2007; Neuman, 2006; NRC, 2012; NSTA, 2014). Because of the emphasis on literacy instruction, many early childhood teachers integrate content areas, such as science, in literacy instruction through read alouds of texts that involve science concepts. This article explores the challenges some teachers experience when trying to integrate science and literacy instruction in early childhood and explains ways in which teachers can effectively support science concept development in read alouds. We argue against the use of narrative texts to teach scientific concepts, explain how and why informational texts are much better suited to that task, and present four guiding principles and instructional challenges for teaching science concepts in read alouds of informational texts, illustrated using classroom examples.
Morphogen transport: theoretical and experimental controversies
Authors: Akiyama Takuya , Gibson Matthew C.
Published: January 2015

According to morphogen gradient theory, extracellular ligands produced from a localized source convey positional information to receiving cells by signaling in a concentration‐dependent manner. How do morphogens create concentration gradients to establish positional information in developing tissues? Surprisingly, the answer to this central question remains largely unknown. During development, a relatively small number of morphogens are reiteratively deployed to ensure normal embryogenesis and organogenesis. Thus, the intracellular processing and extracellular transport of morphogens are tightly regulated in a tissue‐specific manner. Over the past few decades, diverse experimental and theoretical approaches have led to numerous conflicting models for gradient formation. In this review, we summarize the experimental evidence for each model and discuss potential future directions for studies of morphogen gradients. WIREs Dev Biol 2015, 4:99–112. doi: 10.1002/wdev.167

This article is categorized under:

Establishment of Spatial and Temporal Patterns > Gradients

Signaling Pathways > Cell Fate Signaling

Early Embryonic Development > Development to the Basic Body Plan
Diagnostic Evaluation of Achalasia: From the Whalebone to the Chicago Classification
Authors: Fisichella P. Marco , Jalilvand Anahita , Lebenthal Abraham
Published: January 2015

From the earliest description of dysphagia relieved by dilatation with a whalebone in 1674 we have witnessed the evolution of esophageal function testing from the conventional manometry to the high‐resolution manometry (HRM) and esophageal topography pressure plotting that have led to the revised Chicago classification for esophageal motility disorders in 2014. The goals of this paper are, therefore, (1) to highlight the historical milestones that have led to the diagnostic definition of achalasia, as we know it today; (2) to describe the evaluation process of patients with suspected achalasia; (3) to describe the diagnostic value of the HRM and the usefulness of the Chicago classification in predicting treatment outcomes. The value of Chicago classification is linked to the ability of the clinician to perform a thorough clinical evaluation to identify and correlate specific clinical phenotypes to specific manometric subtypes and predict treatment outcomes. Chicago classification, however, cannot predict which treatment, pneumatic dilatation, or Heller myotomy, should be selected for those with a specific subtype of achalasia.