bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fluorescent π‐Conjugated Polymer Dots versus Self‐Assembled Small‐Molecule Nanoparticles: What’s the Difference?
Authors: Fischer Irén , Kaeser Adrien , Peters‐Gumbs Mauraline A. M. , Schenning Albertus P. H. J.
Published: July 2013

Fluorescent nanoparticles based on π‐conjugated small molecules and polymers are two different classes of π‐conjugated systems that have attracted much interest. To date, both emerging classes have only been studied separately and showed no clear differences in their properties. Herein these nanoparticles are compared on the basis of a fluorene co‐polymer and its corresponding small molecule. Both systems formed nanoparticles with the same diameter, whereas the fluorescence properties clearly differed. In case of the polymer the fluorescence diminished, whereas for the small molecules the fluorescence increased. In addition, the capability of encapsulation and release of a hydrophobic dye from the fluorescent nanoparticles was studied. For the polymer system, encapsulation was highly efficient and no release was observed, whereas for the small molecule system encapsulation was less efficient and release of the dye was observed. These studies show a clear difference between small molecules and polymers which has important implications for the design of fluorescent nanoparticles.
Single Crystalline Na0.7MnO2 Nanoplates as Cathode Materials for Sodium‐Ion Batteries with Enhanced Performance
Authors: Su Dawei , Wang Chengyin , Ahn Hyo‐jun , Wang Guoxiu
Published: July 2013

Single crystalline rhombus‐shaped Na0.7MnO2 nanoplates have been synthesized by a hydrothermal method. TEM and HRTEM analyses revealed that the Na0.7MnO2 single crystals predominantly exposed their (100) crystal plane, which is active for Na+‐ion insertion and extraction. When applied as cathode materials for sodium‐ion batteries, Na0.7MnO2 nanoplates exhibited a high reversible capacity of 163 mA h g−1, a satisfactory cyclability, and a high rate performance. The enhanced electrochemical performance could be ascribed to the predominantly exposed active (100) facet, which could facilitate fast Na+‐ion insertion/extraction during the discharge and charge process.
Tetramethyl‐Bis(ethylenedithio)‐Tetrathiafulvalene (TM‐BEDT‐TTF) Revisited: Crystal Structures, Chiroptical Properties, Theoretical Calculations, and a Complete Series of Conducting Radical Cation Salts
Authors: Pop Flavia , Laroussi Steeve , Cauchy Thomas , Gomez‐Garcia Carlos J. , Wallis John D. , Avarvari Narcis
Published: July 2013

The (S,S,S,S) and (R,R,R,R) enantiomers of tetramethyl‐bis(ethylenedithio)‐tetrathiafulvalene (TM‐BEDT‐TTF) show equatorial conformation for the four methyl groups in the solid state, according to the single‐crystal X‐ray analyses. Theoretical calculations at the Density Functional Theory (DFT) and time‐dependent (TD) DFT levels indicate higher gas phase stability for the axial conformer than the equatorial one by 1.25 kcal · mole‐1 and allow the assignment of the UV–vis and circular dichroism transitions. A complete series of radical cation salts of 1:1 stoichiometry with the triiodide anion I3‐ was obtained by electrocrystallization of both enantiopure and racemic forms of the donor. In the packing the donors are organized in dimers that further interact through S · · · S intermolecular contacts and the triiodide anions lie parallel to pairs of oxidized donors. The conductivity of the racemate, which adopts the same, but disordered, structural type, is considerably lower, with much higher activation energy. Chirality 25:466–474, 2013.© 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Simulation of Bubble Size Distribution in a Square Cross‐Sectioned Bubble Column: A Study of Modeling the Inlet Condition
Authors: Ryll Marco , Nold Michael
Published: July 2013

Die Simulation dreidimensionaler Gas/flüssig‐Strömungen in quadratischen Blasensäulen unter Verwendung des Euler‐Euler‐Verfahrens und des k‐ϵ‐Mixture‐Turbulenzmodells wird untersucht. Die Populationsbilanz basiert auf dem homogenen MUSIG‐Modell und der Zerfall bzw. die Koaleszenz wird nach Luo beschrieben. Das Hauptaugenmerk der Arbeit galt der Modellierung des Gaseinlasses und deren Einfluss auf die Blasengrößenverteilung. Radiale und vertikale Profile des Sauter‐Durchmessers wurden berechnet und mit experimentellen Werten aus der Literatur verglichen.
Clinical Characteristics of Lower‐Extremity Edema in Stage A Cardiovascular Disease Status Defined by the ACC/AHA 2001 Chronic Heart Failure Guidelines
Authors: Kataoka Hajime
Published: July 2013

Background

Checking for lower‐extremity edema is important for diagnosing, monitoring, and managing heart failure (HF). However, the characteristics of this sign in the early stages of cardiovascular disease (stage A, as defined by the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association 2001 chronic HF guidelines) have not been adequately explored.

Hypothesis

We hypothesized that stage A HF patients (at risk for HF) are free from leg edema.

Methods

After the exclusion of patients with high serum creatinine levels (≥1.2 mg/dL), abnormal electrocardiogram rhythm, and/or comorbid critical disease(s), we studied the prevalence and predictors for leg edema in 274 subjects at risk for heart failure but without structural heart disease or symptoms of HF.

Results

The overall prevalence of lower‐extremity edema was 33 of 274 patients (12.0%; 95% confidence interval: 8.2%‐15.9%). In most patients (29/33, 88%), the leg edema involved only the ankle and foot. Compared with patients without leg edema (n = 241), those with leg edema (n = 33) were older (age, 74 ± 11 7 vs 69 ± 12 years, P = 0.006), more likely to present with pulmonary crackles (52% vs 31%, P < 0.03), and more likely to have varicose veins (55% vs 15%, P < 0.001). Leg edema and varicose veins coexisted in 19 (58%) patients, of whom 16 patients were women. On multivariate analysis, the presence of varicose veins was the only independent predictor of the appearance of bilateral leg edema (odds ratio: 8.18, 95% confidence interval: 3.92‐17.1, P < 0.001).

Conclusions

A mild degree of leg edema is not uncommon in patients at risk for HF. Recognition of this phenomenon might be important for evaluation, monitoring, and self‐care of HF patients.
Control of actin filament dynamics at barbed ends by WH2 domains: From capping to permissive and processive assembly
Authors: Carlier Marie‐France , Pernier Julien , Avvaru Balendu Sankara
Published: July 2013

WH2 domains are multifunctional regulators of actin assembly that can either sequester G‐actin or allow polarized barbed end growth. They all bind similarly to a hydrophobic pocket at the barbed face of actin. Depending on their electrostatic environment, WH2 domains can nucleate actin assembly by facilitating the formation of prenuclei dimers along the canonical spontaneous assembly pathway. They also modulate filament barbed end dynamics in a versatile fashion, acting either as barbed end cappers or assisting barbed end growth like profilin or uncapping barbed ends and potentially mediating processive elongation like formins when they are dimerized. Tandem repeats of WH2 domains can sever filaments and either remain bound to created barbed ends like gelsolin, or strip off an ADP‐actin subunit from the severed polymer end, depending on their relative affinity for terminal ADP‐F‐actin or ADP‐G‐actin. In summary, WH2 domains recapitulate all known elementary regulatory functions so far found in individual actin‐binding proteins. By combining different discrete sets of these multifunctional properties, they acquire specific functions in various actin‐based processes, and participate in activities as diverse as filament branching, filopodia extension, or actin remodeling in ciliogenesis and asymmetric meiotic division. They also integrate these functions with other actin‐binding motifs present either in the same protein or in a complex with another protein, expanding the range of complexity in actin regulation. The details of their molecular mechanisms and the underlying structural basis provide exciting avenues in actin research. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Neural convergence and divergence in the mammalian cerebral cortex: From experimental neuroanatomy to functional neuroimaging
Authors: Man Kingson , Kaplan Jonas , Damasio Hanna , Damasio Antonio
Published: July 2013

A development essential for understanding the neural basis of complex behavior and cognition is the description, during the last quarter of the twentieth century, of detailed patterns of neuronal circuitry in the mammalian cerebral cortex. This effort established that sensory pathways exhibit successive levels of convergence, from the early sensory cortices to sensory‐specific and multisensory association cortices, culminating in maximally integrative regions. It was also established that this convergence is reciprocated by successive levels of divergence, from the maximally integrative areas all the way back to the early sensory cortices. This article first provides a brief historical review of these neuroanatomical findings, which were relevant to the study of brain and mind–behavior relationships and to the proposal of heuristic anatomofunctional frameworks. In a second part, the article reviews new evidence that has accumulated from studies of functional neuroimaging, employing both univariate and multivariate analyses, as well as electrophysiology, in humans and other mammals, that the integration of information across the auditory, visual, and somatosensory–motor modalities proceeds in a content‐rich manner. Behaviorally and cognitively relevant information is extracted from and conserved across the different modalities, both in higher order association cortices and in early sensory cortices. Such stimulus‐specific information is plausibly relayed along the neuroanatomical pathways alluded to above. The evidence reviewed here suggests the need for further in‐depth exploration of the intricate connectivity of the mammalian cerebral cortex in experimental neuroanatomical studies. J. Comp. Neurol. 521:4097–4111, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Developmental changes in the spatial organization of neurons in the neocortex of humans and common chimpanzees
Authors: Teffer Kate , Buxhoeveden Daniel P. , Stimpson Cheryl D. , Fobbs Archibald J. , Schapiro Steven J. , Baze Wallace B. , McArthur Mark J. , Hopkins William D. , Hof Patrick R. , Sherwood Chet C. , Semendeferi Katerina
Published: July 2013

In adult humans the prefrontal cortex possesses wider minicolumns and more neuropil space than other cortical regions. These aspects of prefrontal cortex architecture, furthermore, are increased in comparison to chimpanzees and other great apes. In order to determine the developmental appearance of this human cortical specialization, we examined the spatial organization of neurons in four cortical regions (frontal pole [Brodmann's area 10], primary motor [area 4], primary somatosensory [area 3b], and prestriate visual cortex [area 18]) in chimpanzees and humans from birth to approximately the time of adolescence (11 years of age). Horizontal spacing distance (HSD) and gray level ratio (GLR) of layer III neurons were measured in Nissl‐stained sections. In both human and chimpanzee area 10, HSD was significantly higher in the postweaning specimens compared to the preweaning ones. No significant age‐related differences were seen in the other regions in either species. In concert with other recent studies, the current findings suggest that there is a relatively slower maturation of area 10 in both humans and chimpanzees as compared to other cortical regions, and that further refinement of the spatial organization of neurons within this prefrontal area in humans takes place after the postweaning periods included here. J. Comp. Neurol. 521:4249–4259, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Effects of Esomeprazole on the Pharmacokinetics of Lapatinib in Breast Cancer Patients
Authors: Koch Kevin M. , Im Young‐Hyuck , Kim Sung‐Bae , Urruticoechea Ribate Ander , Stephenson Joe , Botbyl Jeffrey , Cartee Leanne , Holshouser Jane , Ridgway Derry
Published: July 2013

The aqueous solubility of lapatinib declines significantly at pH >4, suggesting that its bioavailability might be lowered by acid‐reducing drugs. A study was therefore conducted to assess the effects of esomeprazole on lapatinib pharmacokinetics (PK). Women with metastatic human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 positive (HER2+) breast cancer were enrolled. Patients received 1,250 mg lapatinib once daily (QD) in the morning on Days 1–7 (Period 1) and Days 8–14 (Period 2) with 40 mg esomeprazole QD at bedtime 3 hours after dinner on Days 8–14. Lapatinib PK sampling occurred during the 24‐hour steady‐state dosing intervals on Day 7 (lapatinib alone) and Day 14 (lapatinib with esomeprazole). Esomeprazole treatment resulted in decreased lapatinib bioavailability (mean 26%, range 6–49%) that was inversely associated with patient age as a significant covariate.
Force Distribution Analysis of Mechanochemically Reactive Dimethylcyclobutene
Authors: Li Wenjin , Edwards Scott A. , Lu Lanyuan , Kubar Tomas , Patil Sandeep P. , Grubmüller Helmut , Groenhof Gerrit , Gräter Frauke
Published: July 2013

Internal molecular forces can guide chemical reactions, yet are not straightforwardly accessible within a quantum mechanical description of the reacting molecules. Here, we present a force‐matching force distribution analysis (FM‐FDA) to analyze internal forces in molecules. We simulated the ring opening of trans‐3,4‐dimethylcyclobutene (tDCB) with on‐the‐fly semiempirical molecular dynamics. The self‐consistent density functional tight binding (SCC‐DFTB) method accurately described the force‐dependent ring‐opening kinetics of tDCB, showing quantitative agreement with both experimental and computational data at higher levels. Mechanical force was applied in two different ways, namely, externally by a constant pulling force and internally by embedding tDCB within a strained macrocycle‐containing stiff stilbene. We analyzed the distribution of tDCB internal forces in the two different cases by FM‐FDA and found that external force gave rise to a symmetric force distribution in the cyclobutene ring, which also scaled linearly with the external force, indicating that the force distribution was uniquely determined by the symmetric architecture of tDCB. In contrast, internal forces due to stiff stilbene resulted in an asymmetric force distribution within tDCB, which indicated a different geometry of force application and supported the important role of linkers in the mechanochemical reactivity of tDCB. In addition, three coordinates were identified through which the distributed forces contributed most to rate acceleration. These coordinates are mostly parallel to the coordinate connecting the two CH3 termini of tDCB. Our results confirm previous observations that the linker outside of the reactive moiety, such as a stretched polymer or a macrocycle, affects its mechanochemical reactivity. We expect FM‐FDA to be of wide use to understand and quantitatively predict mechanochemical reactivity, including the challenging cases of systems within strained macrocycles.
Camphoric Carbon‐Grafted Ni/NiO Nanowire Electrodes for High‐Performance Energy‐Storage Systems
Authors: Paravannoor Anjali , Nair Appukuttan S. , Ranjusha Rajagopal , Praveen Pattathil , Subramanian Kavassery R. V. , Sivakumar Nagarajan , Nair Shantikumar V. , Balakrishnan Avinash
Published: July 2013

The present study provides the first report on the preparation and utilization of camphoric carbon nanobeads grafted onto Ni/NiO nanowires for rechargeable electrodes for energy‐storage applications. These functionally graded nanowires were electrophoretically deposited onto nickel foils and processed into high‐surface‐area electrodes. A detailed study has been performed to elucidate the effect of carbon content, different electrolytes, and their concentrations on these nanowires. BET surface area analysis revealed that these grafted nanowires could exhibit a high surface area of about 106 m2 g−1, compared with pristine nanowires, which exhibited a surface area of about 45 m2 g−1. From the analysis of relevant electrochemical parameters, an intrinsic correlation between the capacitance, internal resistance, and the surface morphology has been deduced. Relative contributions of capacitive and diffusion‐controlled processes underlying these thin‐film electrodes have been mathematically modeled. These thin‐film electrodes exhibited specific mass capacitance values as high as (1950±80) and (1140±60) F g−1, as determined from cyclic voltammetry and charge discharge curves, respectively; these values were 30–50 % higher than that of a pristine nanowire electrode. Furthermore, a working model button cell employing these rechargeable electrodes is also described, which exhibited energy and power densities of 83 and 75 Wh kg−1, respectively. This study shows that electrodes based on such nanowire/carbon nanobead configurations can allow significant room for improvement in energy density, power density, and cyclic stability of supercapacitor/battery systems.
Energy Storage on Ultrahigh Surface Area Activated Carbon Fibers Derived from PMIA
Authors: Castro‐Muñiz Alberto , Suárez‐García Fabián , Martínez‐Alonso Amelia , Tascón Juan M. D. , Kyotani Takashi
Published: July 2013

High‐performance carbon materials for energy storage applications have been obtained by using poly(m‐phenylene isophthalamide), PMIA, as a precursor through the chemical activation of the carbonized aramid fiber by using KOH. The yield of the process of activation was remarkably high (25–40 wt %), resulting in activated carbon fibers (ACFs) with ultrahigh surface areas, over 3000 m2 g−1, and pore volumes exceeding 1.50 cm3 g−1, keeping intact the fibrous morphology. The porous structure and the surface chemical properties could easily be controlled through the conditions of activation. The PMIA‐derived ACFs were tested in two types of energy storage applications. At −196 °C and 1 bar, H2 uptake values of approximately 3 wt % were obtained, which, in combination with the textural properties, rendered it a good candidate for H2 adsorption at high pressure and temperature. The performance of the ACFs as electrodes for electrochemical supercapacitors was also investigated. Specific capacitance values between 297 and 531 F g−1 at 50 mA g−1 were obtained in aqueous electrolyte (1 M H2SO4), showing different behaviors depending on the surface chemical properties.
Histone‐ and DNA sequence‐dependent stability of nucleosomes studied by single‐pair FRET
Authors: Tóth Katalin , Böhm Vera , Sellmann Carolin , Danner Maria , Hanne Janina , Berg Marina , Barz Ina , Gansen Alexander , Langowski Jörg
Published: July 2013

Opening of the nucleosome structure is essential for accessing genomic DNA. To study the mechanism of this process, we monitor the distance between various fluorescently labeled positions on mononucleosomes by single‐molecule Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET). Here, we compare nucleosomes reconstituted from recombinant mouse, Xenopus, and yeast histones. As DNA sequences we compared, the effect of 5S rDNA, MMTV‐B sequence, and Widom 601 DNA. The stability, as measured by the salt concentration at the opening transition midpoint, is lowest for yeast, followed by Xenopus and mouse. The 601 DNA sequence builds much more stable nucleosomes and the distribution of FRET efficiencies is narrower than for those reconstituted on 5S rDNA or MMTV‐B sequences. The opening pathway through an intermediate state, as found for Xenopus histones, could be verified for the mouse and yeast systems and for the different DNA sequences, suggesting a general mechanism for accessing nucleosomal DNA. © 2013 International Society for Advancement of Cytometry
Adolescent brain maturation is necessary for adult‐typical mesocorticolimbic responses to a rewarding social cue
Authors: Bell Margaret R. , Meerts Sarah H. , Sisk Cheryl L.
Published: July 2013

The interpretation of social cues must change during adolescence in order to promote appropriate social interactions in adulthood. For example, adult, but not juvenile, male Syrian hamsters find female pheromones contained in vaginal sections (VS) rewarding, and only adult hamsters engage in sexual behavior with a receptive female. We previously demonstrated that the rewarding value of VS is both testosterone‐ and dopamine‐dependent. Additionally, VS induces Fos expression throughout the mesocorticolimbic circuit in adult but not juvenile hamsters. In this study, we determined whether or not treatment of juvenile male hamsters with testosterone is sufficient to promote adult‐like neural responses to VS. Juvenile and adult male hamsters were gonadectomized and given empty or testosterone‐filled subcutaneous capsules for 1 week. Hamsters were then exposed to either clean or VS‐containing mineral oil on their nares, and brains were collected 1 h later for immunohistochemistry to visualize Fos and tyrosine hydroxylase immunoreactive cells. Testosterone treatment failed to promote adult‐typical patterns of Fos expression in juvenile hamsters; indeed, in some brain regions, juveniles exposed to VS expressed less Fos compared to age‐matched controls while, as expected, adults exposed to VS expressed greater Fos compared to age‐matched controls. Age‐related changes in tyrosine hydroxylase expression were also observed. These data indicate that testosterone cannot activate the adult‐typical pattern of Fos expression in response to female social cues in prepubertal males, and that additional neural maturation during adolescence is required for adult‐typical mesocorticolimbic responses to female pheromones. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Develop Neurobiol 73:856–869, 2013
An Object‐Coordinate‐Based Bilateral Control System Using Visual Information
Authors: Nakajima Yu , Nozaki Takahiro , Oyamada Yuji , Ohnishi Kouhei
Published: July 2013

In the field of teleoperation, visual or tactile information obtained by the operators is restricted (e.g., limited or delayed sight) because of communication constraints. Therefore, it is difficult for the operators to operate the system. In this paper, a bilateral control system using environmental information about the position and posture of a target as obtained by a camera is proposed. The proposed method reduces the workload of the operators by assuming some of their tasks. An experiment is conducted to demonstrate the benefit of the proposed method using a 1‐DOF master robot and a 2‐DOF slave robot. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electron Comm Jpn, 96(8): 41–49, 2013; Published online in Wiley Online Library (wileyonlinelibrary.com). DOI 10.1002/ecj.11464
Type I interferon potentiates T‐cell receptor mediated induction of IL‐10‐producing CD4+T cells
Authors: Corre Béatrice , Perrier Julie , El Khouri Margueritte , Cerboni Silvia , Pellegrini Sandra , Michel Frédérique
Published: July 2013

Type I interferons (IFNs) have the dual ability to promote the development of the immune response and exert an anti‐inflammatory activity. We analyzed the integrated effect of IFN‐α, TCR signal strength, and CD28 costimulation on human CD4+ T‐cell differentiation into cell subsets producing the anti‐ and proinflammatory cytokines IL‐10 and IFN‐γ. We show that IFN‐α boosted TCR‐induced IL‐10 expression in activated peripheral CD45RA+CD4+ T cells and in whole blood cultures. The functional cooperation between TCR and IFN‐α efficiently occurred at low engagement of receptors. Moreover, IFN‐α rapidly cooperated with anti‐CD3 stimulation alone. IFN‐α, but not IL‐10, drove the early development of type I regulatory T cells that were mostly IL‐10+ Foxp3− IFN‐γ− and favored IL‐10 expression in a fraction of Foxp3+ T cells. Our data support a model in which IFN‐α costimulates TCR toward the production of IL‐10 whose level can be amplified via an autocrine feedback loop.
B‐cell tolerance to the B‐cell receptor variable regions
Authors: Jacobsen Johanne T. , Sundvold‐Gjerstad Vibeke , Skjeldal Frode M. , Andersen Jan‐Terje , Abrahamsen Greger , Bakke Oddmund , Spurkland Anne , Bogen Bjarne
Published: July 2013

An enormous number of B cells with different B‐cell receptors (BCRs) are continuously produced in the bone marrow. BCRs are further diversified during the germinal center reaction. Due to extensive recirculation, B cells with mutually binding BCR are likely to meet in lymphoid organs. We have addressed possible outcomes of such an encounter in vitro. B lymphoma cells were transfected with complementary BCR, one transfectant expressing an Idiotype+ (Id+) BCR and the other an anti‐Id BCR. To exclude confounding effects of secreted Ig, the transfected B lymphoma cells only expressed membrane IgD. Coincubation of paired Id+/anti‐Id lymphoma cells results in conjugate formation, signaling, activation of Caspase 3/7, and apoptosis of at least one of the two cells in the pair. Our data provide suggestive evidence for a mechanism whereby the B‐cell compartment is partly purged of B cells with complementary BCRs.
IL‐23 protection against Plasmodium berghei infection in mice is partially dependent on IL‐17 from macrophages
Authors: Ishida Hidekazu , Imai Takashi , Suzue Kazutomo , Hirai Makoto , Taniguchi Tomoyo , Yoshimura Akihiko , Iwakura Yoichiro , Okada Hiroko , Suzuki Tomohisa , Shimokawa Chikako , Hisaeda Hajime
Published: July 2013

Although IL‐12 is believed to contribute to protective immune responses, the role played by IL‐23 (a member of the IL‐12 family) in malaria is elusive. Here, we show that IL‐23 is produced during infection with Plasmodium berghei NK65. Mice deficient in IL‐23 (p19KO) had higher parasitemia and died earlier than wild‐type (WT) controls. Interestingly, p19KO mice had lower numbers of IL‐17‐producing splenic cells than their WT counterparts. Furthermore, mice deficient in IL‐17 (17KO) suffered higher parasitemia than the WT controls, indicating that IL‐23‐mediated protection is dependent on induction of IL‐17 during infection. We found that macrophages were responsible for IL‐17 production in response to IL‐23. We observed a striking reduction in splenic macrophages in the p19KO and 17KO mice, both of which became highly susceptible to infection. Thus, IL‐17 appears to be crucial for maintenance of splenic macrophages. Adoptive transfer of macrophages into macrophage‐depleted mice confirmed that macrophage‐derived IL‐17 is required for macrophage accumulation and parasite eradication in the recipient mice. We also found that IL‐17 induces CCL2/7, which recruit macrophages. Our findings reveal a novel protective mechanism whereby IL‐23, IL‐17, and macrophages reduce the severity of infection with blood‐stage malaria parasites.
Synthesis and Exfoliation of Layered α‐Co(OH)2 Nanosheets and Their Electrochemical Performance for Supercapacitors
Authors: Gao Zan , Yang Wanlu , Yan Yanxia , Wang Jun , Ma Jing , Zhang Xingming , Xing Bohang , Liu Lianhe
Published: July 2013

A novel facile approach has been developed to prepare graphene‐like α‐Co(OH)2 two‐dimensional ultrathin nanosheets. The layered hydrotalcite‐like α‐Co(OH)2 aggregates were successfully exfoliated in formamide solution in a constant temperature oscillator. The influence of exfoliation on the thickness and surface structure of the Co(OH)2 monolith was analyzed by scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. After the exfoliation process, the electrochemical performances of the 2D α‐Co(OH)2 nanosheets were tested by cyclic voltammetry, galvanostatic discharge/charge, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. Impressively, the charge/discharge study shows that the exfoliated sample is capable of delivering a high specific capacitance of 952 F g–1 at a current density of 5 mA cm–2 and maintains 48 % of the capacitance when the current density is as high as 50 mA cm–2. In addition, the exfoliated Co(OH)2 nanosheets also exhibited excellent cycling stability and is an excellent electrode material for high‐performance supercapacitors. Our work not only presents a cost‐effective and scalable method for the synthesis of α‐Co(OH)2 nanosheets with a high surface area, but also holds promise for the synthesis of a series of other graphene‐like laminar structures with high specific surface areas for electrochemical energy storage, catalysis, gas sensing, and other applications.
Quantification of pharmaceuticals, personal care products, and perfluoroalkyl substances in the marine sediments of Puget Sound, Washington, USA
Authors: Long Edward R. , Dutch Margaret , Weakland Sandra , Chandramouli Bharat , Benskin Jonathan P.
Published: July 2013

Concentrations of 119 pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs) and 13 perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) in marine sediments measured throughout Puget Sound (n = 10) and Bellingham Bay (n = 30), Washington, USA, are reported. These data are among the first measurements of PPCPs and PFASs in marine sediments from the Pacific Northwest and provide a comparison to previous measurements of these chemicals in influent, effluent, and biosolids from municipal wastewater treatment plants throughout the region. The concentrations of both PPCPs and PFASs in sediments from Puget Sound and Bellingham Bay ranged from very low to non-detectable for most compounds. Only 14 of the 119 PPCPs and 3 of 13 PFASs were quantifiable in sediments. Diphenhydramine (an antihistamine) was most frequently detected (87.5% of samples), with a maximum concentration of 4.81 ng/g dry weight and an estimated mean detected concentration of 1.68 ng/g. Triclocarban (an antibacterial) was detected in 35.0% of the samples, with a maximum concentration of 16.6 ng/g dry weight. Perfluoroalkyl substances were detected in 2.5% of analyses. Perfluorobutanoate, perfluorooctane sulfonate, and perfluorooctane sulfonamide were detected in 7, 5, and 1 sample(s) each, respectively, with the highest concentrations observed for perfluorooctane sulfonate (1.5 ng/g). Detected concentrations were often highest within the industrial harbor in Bellingham Bay and near the cities of Seattle and Bremerton. Environ Toxicol Chem 2013;32:1701–1710. © 2013 SETAC
Adaptive Runge–Kutta discontinuous Galerkin method for complex geometry problems on Cartesian grid
Authors: Liu Jianming , Qiu Jianxian , Hu Ou , Zhao Ning , Goman Mikhail , Li Xinkai
Published: July 2013

A Cartesian grid method using immersed boundary technique to simulate the impact of body in fluid has become an important research topic in computational fluid dynamics because of its simplification, automation of grid generation, and accuracy of results. In the frame of Cartesian grid, one often uses finite volume method with second order accuracy or finite difference method. In this paper, an h‐adaptive Runge–Kutta discontinuous Galerkin (RKDG) method on Cartesian grid with ghost cell immersed boundary method for arbitrarily complex geometries is developed. A ghost cell immersed boundary treatment with the modification of normal velocity is presented. The method is validated versus well documented test problems involving both steady and unsteady compressible flows through complex bodies over a wide range of Mach numbers. The numerical results show that the present boundary treatment to some extent reduces the error of entropy and demonstrate the efficiency, robustness, and versatility of the proposed approach. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Tropical cyclone wind speed constraints from resultant storm surge deposition: A 2500 year reconstruction of hurricane activity from St. Marks, FL
Authors: Brandon Christine M. , Woodruff Jonathan D. , Lane D. Phil , Donnelly Jeffrey P.
Published: July 2013

Recent work suggests that the patterns of intense (≥category 3 on the Saffir‐Simpson scale) hurricane strikes over the last few millennia might differ from that of overall hurricane activity during this period. Prior studies typically rely on assigning a threshold storm intensity required to produce a sedimentological overwash signal at a particular coastal site based on historical analogs. Here, we improve on this approach by presenting a new inverse‐model technique that constrains the most likely wind speeds required to transport the maximum grain size within resultant storm deposits. As a case study, the technique is applied to event layers observed in sediments collected from a coastal sinkhole in northwestern Florida. We find that (1) simulated wind speeds for modern deposits are consistent with the intensities for historical hurricanes affecting the site, (2) all deposits throughout the ∼2500 year record are capable of being produced by hurricanes, and (3) a period of increased intense hurricane frequency is observed between ∼1700 and ∼600 years B.P. and decreased intense storm frequency is observed from ∼2500 to ∼1700 and ∼600 years B.P. to the present. This is consistent with prior reconstructions from nearby sites. Changes in the frequency of intense hurricane strikes may be related to the degree of penetration of the Loop Current in the Gulf of Mexico.
Modulation of Rho‐Rock signaling pathway protects oligodendrocytes against cytokine toxicity via PPAR‐α‐dependent mechanism
Authors: Paintlia Ajaib S. , Paintlia Manjeet K. , Singh Avtar K. , Singh Inderjit
Published: July 2013

We earlier documented that lovastatin (LOV)‐mediated inhibition of small Rho GTPases activity protects vulnerable oligodendrocytes (OLs) in mixed glial cell cultures stimulated with Th1 cytokines and in a murine model of multiple sclerosis (MS). However, the precise mechanism of OL protection remains unclear. We here employed genetic and biochemical approaches to elucidate the underlying mechanism that protects LOV treated OLs from Th1 (tumor necrosis factor‐α) and Th17 (interleukin‐17) cytokines toxicity in in vitro. Cytokines enhanced the reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and mitochondrial membrane depolarization with corresponding lowering of glutathione (reduced) level in OLs and that were reverted by LOV. In addition, the expression of ROS detoxifying enzymes (catalase and superoxide‐dismutase 2) and the transactivation of peroxisome proliferators‐activated receptor (PPAR)‐α/‐β/‐γ including PPAR‐γ coactivator‐1α were enhanced by LOV in similarly treated OLs. Interestingly, LOV‐mediated inhibition of small Rho GTPases, i.e., RhoA and cdc42, and Rho‐associated kinase (ROCK) activity enhanced the levels of PPAR ligands in OLs via extracellular signal regulated kinase (1/2)/p38 mitogen‐activated protein kinase/cytoplasmic phospholipase 2/cyclooxygenase‐2 signaling cascade activation. Small hairpin RNA transfection‐based studies established that LOV mainly enhances PPAR‐α and less so of PPAR‐β and PPAR‐γ transactivation that enhances ROS detoxifying defense in OLs. In support of this, the observed LOV‐mediated protection was lacking in PPAR‐α‐deficient OLs exposed to cytokines. Collectively, these data provide unprecedented evidence that LOV‐mediated inhibition of the Rho–ROCK signaling pathway boosts ROS detoxifying defense in OLs via PPAR‐α‐dependent mechanism that has implication in neurodegenerative disorders including MS.
EX POST PERFORMANCE EVALUATION STUDIES OF KALDIYA MEDIUM IRRIGATION PROJECT IN ASSAM, INDIA
Authors: Kusre B. C. , Patra S. C. , Dutta B.
Published: July 2013

Many canal irrigation systems in India are found to have poor performance. Assessment of performance is a prerequisite for its improvement and achieve the desired objective of conceiving an irrigation project. We conducted a comprehensive performance assessment of the Kaldiya irrigation project (KIP) located in Assam in the north‐eastern part of India. The project was aimed at diversification and intensification of an agricultural scenario in a command of 10 000 ha. We performed the study by assessing parameters such as agro‐economic and system performance. The parameters were changes in cropping pattern, intensity, productivity, conveyance losses, delivery efficiency, water availability at source and demand–supply studies. Primary and secondary data were collected and field studies performed. Significant improvement in productivity (> 50%) in the head, middle and tail sections was observed. However, changes in intensity and area under production were comparatively less. The system performance indicated higher conveyance loss of 0.83–5.11 lps per 100 m. The average system delivery efficiency was only 35.3%. The water availability and demand analysis indicated that 43% of the time water availability in the source is higher than the design discharge of the main canal. Based on the findings, suggestions were formulated for modernization of the project. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
An integrated clinical pharmacology approach for deriving dosing recommendations in a regulatory setting: Review of recent cases in psychiatry drugs
Authors: Younis Islam R. , Rogers Hobart , Zhang Huixia , Zhu Hao , Uppoor Ramana S. , Mehta Mehul U.
Published: July 2013

Clinical pharmacology as an interdisciplinary science is unique in its capacity and the diversity of the methods and approaches it can provide to derive dosing recommendations in various subpopulations. This article illustrates cases where an integrated clinical pharmacology approach was used to derive dosing recommendations for psychiatry drugs within regulatory settings. The integrated approach is based on the view that once a drug is shown to be effective in the general population, it is reasonable to take into consideration other relevant findings and the use of alternative scientific tools and analysis to derive dosing recommendations in specific populations. The method provides useful means to solve the challenges of the paucity of available data and lead to clear dosing instructions. This in turn expands the benefits of any given drug to all individuals in which the drug is likely to be effective.
Equatorial evening prereversal vertical drift dependence on solar EUV flux and F10.7 index during quiet and disturbed periods over Brazil
Authors: Santos A. M. , Abdu M. A. , Sobral J. H. A. , Mascarenhas M. , Nogueira P. A. B.
Published: July 2013

A study of the dependence of the equatorial evening F region vertical drift velocity on solar EUV flux and F10.7 index is presented here, based on the vertical drift data obtained from Digisondes operated in São Luis (44.2° W, 2.33° S, dip angle: −2.7°) and Fortaleza (38.45° W, 3.9° S, dip angle: −11.5°) in Brazil. Previous studies on the vertical drift dependence on solar flux have addressed only the dependence on F10.7 index. The data analyzed here are from the months of October, November, and December of the years from 2001 to 2009, and the analysis was done for magnetically quiet and disturbed conditions. The results show that while the drift velocity peak is strongly dependent on both solar emission fluxes, the degrees of such dependence are higher for the EUV flux than for the F10.7 index in a consistent way as judged from its identical behavior at both São Luis and Fortaleza. The study also reveals different degrees of the vertical drift dependence on solar flux for magnetically quiet and disturbed conditions, the nature of which is investigated using an example of a storm time case study.
Fault nucleation, restriction, and aspect ratio in layered sections: Quantification of the strength and stiffness roles using numerical modeling
Authors: Roche V. , Homberg C. , Rocher M.
Published: July 2013

3D numerical modeling has been used to investigate how the variations of mechanical properties in sedimentary layered sections affect the development of normal faults. We calculated the distribution of the Coulomb stress to assess the proximity of the layers to failure through an elastic layered section. The simulation of various combinations of rock properties allowed us to compare the effect of the stiffness and strength contrasts, which promote or inhibit faulting in the stiff layer, respectively. For rock systems showing little variation in strength, nucleation of the fault occurs in the stiff layer (e.g., limestones or sandstones), whereas it occurs in the compliant layer (e.g., clay‐rich rocks) if the stiff layer has a high cohesion. Considering a mean strength profile of the carbonate sequences, nucleation occurs in limestones if the ratio of Young's moduli between the limestone and clay‐rich rock is greater than 2; otherwise, clay‐rich layers fail first. We also showed that nucleation is promoted in sandstones or limestones if these layers are thinner than the clayey layers. In a second set of simulation, using a slip on a fault, we examined the conditions needed to overcome the restriction of the fault propagation. Our results suggest that the lateral propagation of the fault, within a layer, produces increasingly favorable conditions for vertical propagation. A maximum aspect ratio of width to height of 13 is predicted for faults in limestone‐clay sequences, and this maximum aspect ratio is expected to decrease as the contrast in the rock properties decreases.
Multi‐RCM ensemble downscaling of NCEP CFS winter season forecasts: Implications for seasonal hydrologic forecast skill
Authors: Shukla Shraddhanand , Lettenmaier Dennis P.
Published: July 2013

We assess the value of dynamical versus statistical downscaling of National Centers for Environmental Prediction's (NCEP) Climate Forecast System (CFS) winter season forecasts for seasonal hydrologic forecasting. Dynamically downscaled CFS forecasts for 1 December to 30 April of 1982–2003 were obtained from the Multi‐RCM Ensemble Downscaling (MRED) project that used multiple Regional Climate Models (RCMs) to downscale CFS forecasts. Statistical downscaling of CFS forecasts was achieved by a much simpler bias correction and spatial downscaling method. We evaluate forecast accuracy of runoff (RO), soil moisture (SM), and snow water equivalent produced by a hydrology model forced with dynamically (the MRED forecasts) and statistically downscaled CFS forecasts in comparison with predictions of those variables produced by forcing the same hydrology model with gridded observations (reference data set). Our results show that the MRED forecasts produce modest skill beyond what results from statistical downscaling of CFS. Although the improvement in hydrologic forecast skill associated with the ensemble average of the MRED forecasts (Multimodel) relative to statistical downscaled CFS forecasts is field significant for RO and SM forecasts with up to 3 months lead, the region of improvement is mainly limited to parts of the northwest and north central U.S. In general, one or more RCMs outperform the other RCMs as well as the Multimodel. Hence, we argue that careful selection of RCMs (based on their hindcast skill over any given region) is critical to improving hydrologic forecast skill using dynamical downscaling.
Bioprospecting in the High Seas: Regulatory Options for Benefit Sharing
Authors: Tvedt Morten Walløe , Jørem Ane E.
Published: July 2013

Judging from the debates on the international political scene, the legal regime for the marine areas beyond national jurisdiction might be changing in the years to come. One recurring question is whether and how future international law should incorporate the issue of sharing the benefits that arise from utilizing marine genetic resources (MGRs). In reviewing these questions, this work outlines some of the regulatory options for addressing the activity of bioprospecting in the high seas. De lege ferendae the activity of bioprospecting will likely give rise to a wide range of legislative alternative forms of benefit sharing. These must be consistent with the fundamental principle of freedom of the high seas and the exclusive rights awarded by patents when the activity results in an invention; yet they should also have advantages in terms of conserving MGRs, promoting fairness and spurring innovation. When emphasis is placed on maintaining the incentives to innovate, there are important drawbacks to monetary benefit sharing. On the other hand, open or semi‐open source options can be conceived for the material relating to MGRs. This article identifies important practical implications and unresolved legal and practical questions for owners of sampled material and for third‐party users.
Tuning Cell Adhesion and Growth on Biomimetic Polyelectrolyte Multilayers by Variation of pH During Layer‐by‐Layer Assembly
Authors: Aggarwal Neha , Altgärde Noomi , Svedhem Sofia , Michanetzis Georgios , Missirlis Yannis , Groth Thomas
Published: July 2013

Polyelectrolyte multilayers of chitosan and heparin are assembled on glass where heparin is applied at pH = 4, 9 and 4 during the formation of the first layers followed by pH = 9 at the last steps (denoted pH 4 + 9). Measurements of wetting properties, layer mass, and topography show that multilayers formed at pH = 4 are thicker, contain more water and have a smoother surface compared to those prepared at pH = 9 while the pH = 4 + 9 multilayers expressed intermediate properties. pH = 9 multilayers are more cell adhesive and support growth of C2C12 cells better than pH = 4 ones. However, pH 4 + 9 conditions improve the bioactivity to a similar level of pH = 9 layers. Multilayers prepared using pH 4 + 9 conditions form thick enough layers that may allow efficient loading of bioactive molecules.
I finally see what you see: Parkinson's disease visual hallucinations captured with functional neuroimaging
Authors: Goetz Christopher G. , Vaughan Christina L. , Goldman Jennifer G. , Stebbins Glenn T.
Published: July 2013

Background

Functional neuroimaging studies have described alterations in neural activation in PD patients with chronic hallucinations. These studies have not, however, captured neural activation patterns during an actual hallucinatory event. The objective of this work was to investigate neuroanatomical substrates active during visual hallucinations in a patient with Parkinson's disease (PD).

Methods

We conducted an event‐related functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) case‐study examination of a 66‐year‐old male PD patient with stereotypic, chronic, and frequent visual hallucinations.

Results

The patient reported 16 hallucinations during the fMRI scan. Increased activation during hallucinations was found in the cingulate, insula, frontal lobe, thalamus, and brain stem. Decreased activation was found in the lingual and fusiform gyri, inferior occipital gyrus, and middle frontal and superior temporal lobes.

Conclusions

To our knowledge, this report is the first published case documenting the cortical activation patterns using fMRI techniques in a PD patient during active hallucinations. Our results suggest that during a visual hallucination, a marked desynchronization occurs between posterior and anterior cortical areas involved in visual processing. © 2013 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Experience of targeted Usher exome sequencing as a clinical test
Authors: Besnard Thomas , García‐García Gema , Baux David , Vaché Christel , Faugère Valérie , Larrieu Lise , Léonard Susana , Millan Jose M. , Malcolm Sue , Claustres Mireille , Roux Anne‐Françoise
Published: July 2013

We show that massively parallel targeted sequencing of 19 genes provides a new and reliable strategy for molecular diagnosis of Usher syndrome (USH) and nonsyndromic deafness, particularly appropriate for these disorders characterized by a high clinical and genetic heterogeneity and a complex structure of several of the genes involved. A series of 71 patients including Usher patients previously screened by Sanger sequencing plus newly referred patients was studied. Ninety‐eight percent of the variants previously identified by Sanger sequencing were found by next‐generation sequencing (NGS). NGS proved to be efficient as it offers analysis of all relevant genes which is laborious to reach with Sanger sequencing. Among the 13 newly referred Usher patients, both mutations in the same gene were identified in 77% of cases (10 patients) and one candidate pathogenic variant in two additional patients. This work can be considered as pilot for implementing NGS for genetically heterogeneous diseases in clinical service.