bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Can Cyclen Bind Alkali Metal Azides? A DFT Study as a Precursor to Synthesis
Authors: Bhakhoa Hanusha , Rhyman Lydia , Lee Edmond P. F. , Ramasami Ponnadurai , Dyke John M.
Published: February 2016

Can cyclen (1,4,7,10‐tetraazacyclododecane) bind alkali metal azides? This question is addressed by studying the geometric and electronic structures of the alkali metal azide‐cyclen [M(cyclen)N3] complexes using density functional theory (DFT). The effects of adding a second cyclen ring to form the sandwich alkali metal azide‐cyclen [M(cyclen)2N3] complexes are also investigated. N3− is found to bind to a M+(cyclen) template to give both end‐on and side‐on structures. In the end‐on structures, the terminal nitrogen atom of the azide group (N1) bonds to the metal as well as to a hydrogen atom of the cyclen ring through a hydrogen bond in an end‐on configuration to the cyclen ring. In the side‐on structures, the N3 unit is bonded (in a side‐on configuration to the cyclen ring) to the metal through the terminal nitrogen atom of the azide group (N1), and through the other terminal nitrogen atom (N3) of the azide group by a hydrogen bond to a hydrogen atom of the cyclen ring. For all the alkali metals, the N3‐side‐on structure is lowest in energy. Addition of a second cyclen unit to [M(cyclen)N3] to form the sandwich compounds [M(cyclen)2N3] causes the bond strength between the metal and the N3 unit to decrease. It is hoped that this computational study will be a precursor to the synthesis and experimental study of these new macrocyclic compounds; structural parameters and infrared spectra were computed, which will assist future experimental work.
Photochemical Hydrogen Generation Initiated by Oxidative Quenching of the Excited Ru(bpy)32+* by a Bio‐Inspired [2Fe2S] Complex
Authors: Na Yong , Wei Peicheng , Zhou Li
Published: February 2016

A diiron dithiolate complex 1 containing 1,8‐naphthalic anhydride bridge was prepared, which possessed the lowest reduction potential for the synthetic diiron complexes modeled on the active site of [FeFe] hydrogenase reported so far. For the first time, oxidative quenching of the excited Ru(bpy)32+* through electron transfer to a bio‐inspired [2Fe2S] complex was corroborated. Hydrogen evolution, driven by visible light, was successfully observed for a three‐component system, consisting of Ru(bpy)32+, complex 1, and EDTA as electron donor in aqueous/organic media. These results provide a basis and also opportunity to develop a photo water splitting system employing Fe‐based catalysts without sacrificial electron donors.
Impact of Awareness and Patterns of Nonhospitalized Atrial Fibrillation on the Risk of Mortality: The Reasons for Geographic And Racial Differences in Stroke (REGARDS) Study
Authors: O'Neal Wesley T. , Efird Jimmy T. , Judd Suzanne E. , McClure Leslie A. , Howard Virginia J. , Howard George , Soliman Elsayed Z.
Published: February 2016

Background

Although mortality associated with atrial fibrillation (AF) has been reported to decrease over prior decades, the mortality risk of asymptomatic, nonhospitalized AF has not been examined.

Hypothesis

Asymptomatic, nonhospitalized AF is associated with an increased risk of death.

Methods

This analysis included 25 976 participants (mean age, 65 ± 9.4 years; 55% female; 38% black) from the Reasons for Geographic And Racial Differences (REGARDS) study. Atrial fibrillation was detected on the baseline electrocardiogram (ECG AF) or by self‐reported history. Atrial fibrillation unawareness was defined as present if ECG evidence of the arrhythmia was detected but no self‐reported history was reported. All‐cause mortality was confirmed during follow‐up through March 31, 2014.

Results

A total of 2208 (8.5%) participants had AF at baseline (ECG: n = 371/17%; self‐reported: n = 1837/83%). Over a median follow‐up of 7.6 years, 3481 deaths occurred. In a multivariable Cox regression model, AF was associated with a 32% increased risk of mortality (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.19‐1.46). Risk of death was higher among those with ECG AF (hazard ratio: 1.71, 95% CI: 1.42‐2.07) compared with self‐reported cases (hazard ratio: 1.15, 95% CI: 1.03‐1.29). Those who were unaware of their AF diagnosis had a 94% increased risk of death (95% CI: 1.50‐2.52) compared with AF participants who were aware of their diagnosis.

Conclusions

Asymptomatic, nonhospitalized AF is associated with an increased risk of mortality in the general population. Mortality is higher in those with ECG‐confirmed cases and among those who are unaware of their diagnosis.
Outlier Eigenvalues for Deformed I.I.D. Random Matrices
Authors: Bordenave Charles , Capitaine Mireille
Published: February 2016

We consider a square random matrix of size N of the form A + Y where A is deterministic and Y has i.i.d. entries with variance 1/N. Under mild assumptions, as N grows the empirical distribution of the eigenvalues of A + Y converges weakly to a limit probability measure β on the complex plane. This work is devoted to the study of the outlier eigenvalues, i.e., eigenvalues in the complement of the support of β. Even in the simplest cases, a variety of interesting phenomena can occur. As in earlier works, we give a sufficient condition to guarantee that outliers are stable and provide examples where their fluctuations vary with the particular distribution of the entries of Y or the Jordan decomposition of A. We also exhibit concrete examples where the outlier eigenvalues converge in distribution to the zeros of a Gaussian analytic function. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
CdS Nanowires Decorated with Ultrathin MoS2 Nanosheets as an Efficient Photocatalyst for Hydrogen Evolution
Authors: He Jie , Chen Lang , Wang Fu , Liu Ying , Chen Peng , Au Chak‐Tong , Yin Shuang‐Feng
Published: February 2016

CdS nanowires decorated with ultrathin MoS2 nanosheets were synthesized for the first time by ultrasonic exfoliation by using dimethylformamide as the dispersing agent. An excellent hydrogen evolution rate of 1914 μmol h−1 (20 mg catalyst) under visible‐light irradiation (λ≥400 nm, ≈154 mW cm−1) and an apparent quantum yield of 46.9 % at λ=420 nm were achieved over the MoS2/CdS composite. The presence of ultrathin MoS2 nanosheets (rich in active edge sites) on the CdS surface promotes the separation of photogenerated charge carriers and facilitates the surface processes of photocatalytic hydrogen evolution.
A New 1,3,4‐Oxadiazole‐Based Hole‐Transport Material for Efficient CH3NH3PbBr3 Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Carli Stefano , Baena Juan Pablo Correa , Marianetti Giulia , Marchetti Nicola , Lessi Marco , Abate Antonio , Caramori Stefano , Grätzel Michael , Bellina Fabio , Bignozzi Carlo Alberto , Hagfeldt Anders
Published: February 2016

A new hole‐transport material (HTM) based on the 1,3,4‐oxadiazole moiety (H1) was prepared through a single‐step synthetic pathway starting from commercially available products. Thanks to a deep HOMO level, H1 was used as HTM in CH3NH3PbBr3 perovskite solar cells yielding an efficiency of 5.8 %. The reference HTM (Spiro‐OMeTAD), under the same testing conditions, furnished a lower efficiency of 5.1 %. Steady‐state and time‐resolved photoluminescence of the thin films showed good charge‐extraction dynamics for H1 devices. In addition, H1 shows a large thermal stability and completely amorphous behavior (as evaluated by thermal gravimetric analysis and differential scanning calorimetry).
Structure and function of gene regulatory networks associated with worker sterility in honeybees
Authors: Sobotka Julia A. , Daley Mark , Chandrasekaran Sriram , Rubin Benjamin D. , Thompson Graham J.
Published: February 2016

A characteristic of eusocial bees is a reproductive division of labor in which one or a few queens monopolize reproduction, while her worker daughters take on reproductively altruistic roles within the colony. The evolution of worker reproductive altruism involves indirect selection for the coordinated expression of genes that regulate personal reproduction, but evidence for this type of selection remains elusive. In this study, we tested whether genes coexpressed under queen‐induced worker sterility show evidence of adaptive organization within a model brain transcriptional regulatory network (TRN). If so, this structured pattern would imply that indirect selection on nonreproductive workers has influenced the functional organization of genes within the network, specifically to regulate the expression of sterility. We found that literature‐curated sets of candidate genes for sterility, ranging in size from 18 to 267, show strong evidence of clustering within the three‐dimensional space of the TRN. This finding suggests that our candidate sets of genes for sterility form functional modules within the living bee brain's TRN. Moreover, these same gene sets colocate to a single, albeit large, region of the TRN's topology. This spatially organized and convergent pattern contrasts with a null expectation for functionally unrelated genes to be haphazardly distributed throughout the network. Our meta‐genomic analysis therefore provides first evidence for a truly “social transcriptome” that may regulate the conditional expression of honeybee worker sterility.
The fate of the Arctic seaweed Fucus distichus under climate change: an ecological niche modeling approach
Authors: Jueterbock Alexander , Smolina Irina , Coyer James A. , Hoarau Galice
Published: February 2016

Rising temperatures are predicted to melt all perennial ice cover in the Arctic by the end of this century, thus opening up suitable habitat for temperate and subarctic species. Canopy‐forming seaweeds provide an ideal system to predict the potential impact of climate‐change on rocky‐shore ecosystems, given their direct dependence on temperature and their key role in the ecological system. Our primary objective was to predict the climate‐change induced range‐shift of Fucus distichus, the dominant canopy‐forming macroalga in the Arctic and subarctic rocky intertidal. More specifically, we asked: which Arctic/subarctic and cold‐temperate shores of the northern hemisphere will display the greatest distributional change of F. distichus and how will this affect niche overlap with seaweeds from temperate regions? We used the program MAXENT to develop correlative ecological niche models with dominant range‐limiting factors and 169 occurrence records. Using three climate‐change scenarios, we projected habitat suitability of F. distichus – and its niche overlap with three dominant temperate macroalgae – until year 2200. Maximum sea surface temperature was identified as the most important factor in limiting the fundamental niche of F. distichus. Rising temperatures were predicted to have low impact on the species' southern distribution limits, but to shift its northern distribution limits poleward into the high Arctic. In cold‐temperate to subarctic regions, new areas of niche overlap were predicted between F. distichus and intertidal macroalgae immigrating from the south. While climate‐change threatens intertidal seaweeds in warm‐temperate regions, seaweed meadows will likely flourish in the Arctic intertidal. Although this enriches biodiversity and opens up new seaweed‐harvesting grounds, it will also trigger unpredictable changes in the structure and functioning of the Arctic intertidal ecosystem.
Compact AC/DC Susceptometer Using a High‐Temperature Superconducting Quantum Interference Device
Authors: TAKAGI RYUKI , SAARI MOHD MAWARDI , SAKAI KENJI , KIWA TOSHIHIKO , TSUKADA KEIJI
Published: February 2016

We developed a compact susceptometer employing a high‐temperature superconductor (HTS) superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID) that can measure the M–H characteristics and the harmonic components induced in the ac magnetic field response from a sample. In the dc function for measuring M–H characteristics, the sample was vibrated in a dc magnetic field, and the secondary magnetic field generated from the sample was detected by a dc pickup coil. In the ac function for measuring harmonic components, the sample placed in an ac magnetic field, and the ac response was detected by an ac pickup coil. The pickup coil is connected in series with the input coil, which is inductively connected to the HTS‐SQUID. A signal from the HTS‐SQUID was transmitted to a lock‐in amplifier and was analyzed as the intensity and phase of the measured magnetic field. In order to clarify the basic properties of the system, we measured the ac magnetic field response from a sample while varying the relative positions of the sample and the pickup coil, and the M–H characteristics while varying the dc bias magnetic field intensity. Furthermore, by analyzing the harmonic components of the ac/dc magnetic field response, the proposed system can measure magnetic field properties with high sensitivity and at high speed.
Magnetoencephalographic Correlates of Apparent Motion Illusion of Beta Movement
Authors: IMAI AKIRA , TAKASE HIROKI , TANAKA KEITA , UCHIKAWA YOSHINORI
Published: February 2016

We examined the underlying mechanisms of the apparent motion illusion of beta movement by obtaining neuromagnetic responses of event‐related fields (ERFs). A simple setting for visual stimulation of two circles, presented 10° apart horizontally, was used in experiment 1. The first circle, with a duration of 16.7 ms, was followed by the second with three conditions of stimulus‐onset‐asynchrony: (a) 16.7 ms, the two circles seen almost simultaneously, (b) 83.3 ms, perceived optimally as beta movement, and (c) 549.8 ms occurring isolatedly. In experiment 2, three conditions of real motion for visual stimulation were set: (a) six circles presented successively for one animation, (b) 14 circles for one animation, and (c) 34 circles for one animation. We applied minimum current estimates (MCEs) to obtain the source activity of the ERFs for beta movement, then calculated an average amplitude for each five 100‐ms epoch after the second stimulus onset in experiment 1, and after the first stimulus onset in experiment 2. As the results, the optimal condition showed maximum activities in the first 100‐ms epoch at the parietal region in experiment 1, suggesting that the motion components of the MCEs were emerging from this epoch. In experiment 2, three conditions of real motion evoked prolonged MCE activities for the temporal and central areas, suggesting that these components were changed with the “speed” of motion perception. The neuromagnetic activities of beta movement and motion perception may originate from parietal areas within 100 ms after the perception of movement.
Valorization of soursop flowers (Annona muricata L.) as potent source of natural antioxidants for stabilization of palm olein during accelerated storage
Authors: Womeni Hilaire Macaire , Tonfack Djikeng Fabrice , Iruku Naga Satya Surya Prabhakar , Karuna Mallampalli Sri Lakshmi , Prasad Rachapudi Badari Narayana , Linder Michel
Published: February 2016

This study investigates the effect of soursop flowers methanolic extract on the physicochemical characteristics of palm olein during accelerated storage. After analysis of the extract by determining its total phenolic content by colorimetry and identification of some of its phenolic antioxidants by HPLC‐DAD(Diode Array Detector), preliminary antioxidants tests have been done. After that, the extract was added in palm olein at concentrations 200–1800 ppm. BHT, at 200 ppm served as standard besides the Control. Induction time, peroxide, p‐anisidine, Total oxidation (TOTOX), thiobarbituric acid and iodine values, as well as changes in linoleic acid profile Gas Chromatography/Flamme Ionization Detector (GC/FID) of oil during the storage were evaluated. Results showed soursop flower extract to be rich in phenolic antioxidants and to be efficient, at all concentrations, in delaying palm olein oxidation on Rancimat and accelerated Schaal oven test of 30 days at 70°C. Soursop flowers might be used as potent source of antioxidants for the stabilization of palm olein.
Are Hedgers Informed? An Examination of the Price Impact of Large Trades in Illiquid Agricultural Futures Markets
Authors: Frino Alex , Lepone Andrew , Mollica Vito , Zhang Shunquan
Published: February 2016

The “received” view in the finance literature is that hedgers are uninformed traders who use futures to fix future price movements and prevent losses from unexpected and unknown fluctuations in the purchase or sale price of a commodity. In this paper, we examine transactions executed by large traders in a relatively illiquid deliverable agricultural (grain) futures market where most transactions are executed by hedgers. We provide evidence that the price impact of large buyer‐initiated transactions is permanent, consistent with the proposition that they are executed by traders perceived to be informed. We also provide evidence that the price impact of large buyer‐initiated trades is greatest around announcements related to the underlying commodity—corroborating our conclusion that they are executed by traders perceived to be informed. This evidence is contrary to the “received” view in the literature that hedgers are uninformed, and implies that large long hedgers in agricultural futures markets are informed. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Jrl Fut Mark 36:612–622, 2016
Components of the Bid–Ask Spread and Variance: A Unified Approach
Authors: Hagströmer Björn , Henricsson Richard , Nordén Lars L.
Published: February 2016

We develop a structural model for the price formation and liquidity supply of an asset. Our model facilitates decompositions of both the bid–ask spread and the return variance into components related to adverse selection, inventory, and order processing costs. Furthermore, the model shows how the fragmentation of trading volume across trading venues influences inventory pressure and price discovery. We use the model to analyze intraday price formation for gold futures traded at the Shanghai Futures Exchange. We find that order processing costs explain about 50% of the futures bid–ask spread, whereas the remaining 50% is equally due to asymmetric information and to inventory costs. About a third of the variance in futures returns is attributable to microstructure noise. Trading at the spot market has a significant influence on futures price discovery, but only a limited impact on the futures bid–ask spread. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Jrl Fut Mark 36:545–563, 2016
Anaplastic thyroid carcinoma: Failure of conventional therapy but hope of targeted therapy
Authors: Lennon Paul , Deady Sandra , Healy Maire L. , Toner Mary , Kinsella John , Timon Conrad I. , O'Neill James P.
Published: February 2016

Background

Anaplastic thyroid cancer has a median survival between 1.2 and 10 months. The purpose of our study was to evaluate the outcomes of patients with anaplastic thyroid cancer in Ireland.

Methods

We carried out a retrospective analysis of the Irish National Cancer Database for patients with anaplastic thyroid cancer between 2000 and 2010.

Results

Of a total of 64 patients (40 women, 24 men), the median age was 69 years, and 29.7% of the patients had distant metastases. The overall median survival was 2.3 months and the 1, 2, and 5‐year survival was 12.5%, 6.25%, and 4.69%, respectively. On univariate analysis age, sex, metastases at diagnosis, and multimodality treatment were statistically significant indicators of prognosis, and metastases at diagnosis remained statistically significant on multivariate analysis.

Conclusion

These results correlate with the American Thyroid Association (ATA) guidelines, in which, when possible, multimodality therapy offers a survival advantage to a select group of patients. Novel therapies may offer the greatest hope for these patients. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 38: E1122–E1129, 2016
Collocation of hydrological and biological attenuation of nitrate in an urban stream
Authors: Klein Trevor , Toran Laura
Published: February 2016

The hydrologic and biogeochemical processes that control nutrient export in urban streams are not well understood. Attenuation can occur by tributary dilution, groundwater discharge, and biological processing both in the water column and the hyporheic zone. A wastewater treatment plant on Pennypack Creek, an urban stream near Philadelphia, PA, provided high nitrate concentrations for analysis of downstream attenuation processes. Longitudinal sampling for an 8‐km reach revealed decreases in nitrate concentration of 2 mg l−1 at high flow and 4.5 mg l−1 during low flow. During high flow, δ15N‐NO3 increased from 9.5 to 10.5‰ and during low flow increased from 10.1 to 11.1‰. Two reaches were sampled at fine spatial intervals (approximately 200 m) to better identify attenuation processes. Mixing analysis indicated that groundwater discharge and biological processing both control nitrate concentration and isotope signatures. However, fine‐scaled sampling did not reveal spatially discrete zones; instead, these processes were occurring simultaneously. While both processes attenuate nitrate, they have opposite isotope signatures, which may have muted changes in δ15N‐NO3. At high flow, a decrease in Cl/NO3 ratios helped distinguish groundwater discharge occurring along both finely sampled reaches. At low flow, biological processing seemed to be occurring more extensively, but the δ15N‐NO3 signature was not consistent with either a single process or a sequential combination of groundwater dilution and biological nitrate attenuation. The collocation of processes makes it more difficult to assess biological processing hot spots and predict how urbanization and subsequent stream restoration influence nitrate attenuation. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Testing the functional assessment of mentation: A mobile application based assessment of mental status
Authors: Hamilton David E. , Press Valerie G. , Twu Nicole M. , Yuen Trevor C. , Azu Crystal N. , Churpek Matthew M. , Edelson Dana P.
Published: February 2016

BACKGROUND

Altered mental status is a significant predictor of mortality in hospitalized patients and a prerequisite component to the diagnosis of delirium. However, the detection of altered mental status is often incomplete, inaccurate, and resource intensive.

OBJECTIVE

To identify the clinical utility and feasibility of the Functional Assessment of Mentation (FAMTM), a mobile application for evaluating attention and recall.

DESIGN

Prospective observational pilot study.

SETTING

Tertiary care medical center.

PARTICIPANTS

Nine hundred thirty‐one adult subjects (612 nonhospitalized and 319 hospitalized).

MEASUREMENTS

Score distribution and time to FAMTM completion were compared between nonhospitalized and hospitalized subjects (as well as between hospitalized subjects discharged home and those not discharged home). Additionally, in the hospitalized subgroup, FAMTM was compared to the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS), using the Short Portable Mental Status Questionnaire (SPMSQ) as our criterion standard for altered mental status assessment.

RESULTS

Median time to completion of FAMTM was 55 seconds (interquartile range [IQR], 45–67 seconds). Our data identified a graded reduction in score comparing nonhospitalized subjects to hospitalized subjects discharged home and not discharged home (median 5 [IQR 4–7] vs 5 [IQR 3–6] vs 3 [IQR 1–5]; P < 0.001). In the hospitalized subset, FAMTM scores were more highly correlated to SPMSQ (Spearman ρ = 0.27, P < 0.001) compared to GCS (Spearman ρ = 0.05, P = 0.40).

CONCLUSIONS

FAMTM is a rapid and clinically feasible tool that can identify minor alterations in mental status often missed by GCS. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2016;11:463–466. 2016 Society of Hospital Medicine
Characteristics of local atomic configurations in ball‐milled fullerenes
Authors: Rud A. D. , Kirian I. M. , Nikonova R. M. , Lad'yanov V. I. , Lakhnik A. M.
Published: February 2016

Structural changes occurring in C60 fullerenes after ball‐milling processing were studied. The quantitative characteristics of the local atomic configurations were reconstructed by the reverse Monte Carlo method in the structure of pristine and ball‐milled fullerenes C60, respectively. It is shown that 3‐fold atomic rings, indicating complete amorphization of crystalline fullerenes, are dominant in the structure of material after 14 h treatment. The behavior of the distribution of the sphericity coefficient of Voronoi polyhedra validates a gradual structural disordering of molecular crystal of C60 and, respectively, the formation of amorphous carbon with randomly arranged close‐packed structure after continuous ball‐milling treatment.
Performance Pay and Productivity: A Note on the Moderating Role of a High‐wage Policy
Authors: Jirjahn Uwe
Published: February 2016

Using panel data from German establishments, this study finds that performance pay is associated with increased productivity only when it is coupled with a high‐wage policy. This holds for individual‐based performance pay, group‐based performance pay, and profit sharing. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Imaging synucleinopathies
Authors: Brooks David J. , Tambasco Nicola
Published: February 2016

In this review the structural and functional imaging changes associated with the synucleinopathies PD, MSA, and dementias associated with Lewy bodies are reviewed. The role of imaging for supporting differential diagnosis, detecting subclinical disease, and following disease progression is discussed and its potential use for monitoring disease progression is debated. © 2016 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Surface‐functionalized polyurethane nanoparticles for targeted cancer therapy
Authors: Mattu Clara , Silvestri Antonella , Wang Tian Ran , Boffito Monica , Ranzato Elia , Cassino Claudio , Ciofani Gianni , Ciardelli Gianluca
Published: February 2016

Polymer nanoparticles (nps) have gained growing interest as carriers for anticancer drugs as they can target tumour tissues by both passive and active pathways. While the passive targeting mechanisms mainly rely on the small size of the carriers, active targeting requires surface modifications of the polymer core in order to introduce specific functionalities to actively recognize cancer cells. The present work proposes an innovative method for the preparation of surface‐functionalized nps based on the use of biodegradable polyester‐ and polyester/ether‐urethanes (PURs) embedding amino functionalities. Two polyurethanes were prepared, one based on just poly(ϵ‐caprolactone) diol (PCL‐PUR) and the other based on both PCL diol and poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) (70/30 ratio, PCL‐PEG‐PUR). Nanoparticles of small size ranging between 150 and 200 nm and negative ζ potential (ranging from −18 mV to −27 mV) were obtained. Functional groups were exposed post nps preparation as confirmed by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, ninhydrin assay and 1H NMR, which evidenced a 24% tert‐butyloxycarbonyl cleavage for PCL‐PUR‐NH2 nps and 29% for PCL‐PEG‐PUR‐NH2 nps. The monoclonal antibody Herceptin (HER), which targets HER‐2 receptors, was coupled through ethyl(dimethylaminopropyl) carbodiimide/N‐hydroxysuccinimide (EDC/NHS) mediated chemistry. The optimal HER:NH2 ratio was determined to be 1:16 for the PEG‐containing PUR and 1:8 for PCL‐PUR. HER‐nps maintained the intrinsic cytotoxicity of the antibody, as shown by the ca 50% decrease of HER‐2‐expressing HeLa cell viability. The results indicate that our protocol for surface functionalization of PUR nps, based on surface exposure of previously inserted functional groups followed by covalent coupling of biomolecules, is suitable for the preparation of nps for active recognition of target cells. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry
Life‐safety concerns in chemical plants
Authors: Prugh Richard W.
Published: February 2016

The safety and health standards of the Occupational Safety and Health Act do not specifically address life safety in chemical plants, other than requiring owners and operators to “provide a safe place to work” and to ensure that “employees may evacuate the workplace safely.” NFPA 101 would classify chemical plants as high‐hazard industrial occupancies, and a primary concern is to ensure “minimal danger to occupants in case of fire or other emergency before they have time to use exits to escape.” NFPA 1 also requires that the design and operation of buildings and facilities “provide an environment for the occupants that is reasonably safe from fire and similar emergencies, for the amount of time needed to evacuate.” Thus, most life‐safety requirements are concerned with safe exit.

There are, however, other life‐safety hazards that should be of concern to chemical plant owners and operators. They include many single‐exit locations, such as the upper levels on distillation/fractionation columns, scrubbers, and other tall equipment; elevated work platforms as atop multistory buildings and smokestacks; platforms above tank cars, tank trucks, and hopper cars; at the head of bucket elevators; work spaces above false ceilings; and ladder‐access roofs over operating areas. Also, chemical‐plant life‐safety hazards include flash fire (flammable vapors and combustible dusts); releases of toxic gases and vapors; and vessel rupture from runaway reaction or other causes of overpressure. This article presents practical countermeasures for these life‐safety hazards. © 2016 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Process Saf Prog 35: 18–25, 2016
History of the loss prevention symposium: The first 50 years—“there are no secrets in safety”
Authors: Freeman Raymond “Randy”
Published: February 2016

This article presents a short history of the AIChE Loss Prevention Symposium (LPS) from its founding in 1967 to the present. The article gives the reader a general understanding of the development of the LPS along with published references to more detailed accounts of various aspects of the history of process safety efforts in the United States. © 2016 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Process Saf Prog 35: 32–35, 2016
Doping behaviors of adatoms adsorbed on phosphorene
Authors: Zhu Huili , Zhou Changjie , Wang Xiulin , Chen Xiaowei , Yang Weihuang , Wu Yaping , Lin Wei
Published: February 2016

Density functional theory calculations were performed to assess the electronic structures of single‐layer phosphorene upon adsorption of various adatoms. Structural relaxations showed that adatoms belonging to a particular group exhibit similar behavior. The favorable configuration for adsorption of the adatoms is mainly determined by the unsaturated lone pairs on the phosphorene surface and the valence electron configuration of the adatoms. The unsaturated lone pairs enhanced the binding energies of the adatoms, indicating that phosphorene exhibits better adsorption capability for foreign atoms than graphene. Band structure calculations demonstrated that Li and Ag adatoms act as n‐type dopants with low ionization energies. Pd adatom introduced p‐type impurity states, thus acting as p‐type dopants for phosphorene. Furthermore, the calculated energy barriers demonstrate that adatoms diffusion on phosphorene monolayer is quite anisotropic because of the puckered structure of the pristine phosphorene. Extra biaxial strain will not significantly influence the adsorption stability of adatoms and it seems impossible for us to release these adatoms by applying strain. This approach therefore offers a potential route for tailoring the electronic properties of phosphorene via adatom functionalization and should prove helpful for evaluating the performance of phosphorene‐based electronic devices.
Motion Behavior of Nonmetallic Inclusions at the Interface of Steel and Slag. Part I: Model Development, Validation, and Preliminary Analysis
Authors: Liu Chao , Yang Shufeng , Li Jingshe , Zhu Libin , Li Xiaogang
Published: February 2016

The motion behavior of nonmetallic inclusions at the interface of molten steel and slag fundamentally affects the removal of inclusions. Therefore, from an analysis of forces, this study constructed a mathematical model of inclusion movement. Compared with other models that only consider the forces acting on nonmetallic inclusions at the interface, the proposed model considers not only cases in the inclusions which enter the slag interior and rebound into the molten steel, but also the effect of fluid flow containing the inclusions with different Re numbers on the drag force. The application of this established model has not taken Reynolds number of fluid flow into consideration. The model can predict the motion of inclusions at the interface and in nearby areas and provide a curve of inclusion displacement vs time. The mathematical model was verified with a physical model, with the curve of displacement vs time obtained from physical experiment being consistent with the calculated curve. The preliminary calculation results show that inclusions having liquid film at their surfaces are rebounded into the steel when they have size within a certain range but enter the slag phase directly when they are beyond that size range.
Medical Tourism for CCSVI Procedures in People with Multiple Sclerosis: An Observational Study
Authors: Metz Luanne M. , Greenfield Jamie , Marrie Ruth Ann , Jette Nathalie , Blevins Gregg , Svenson Lawrence W. , Alikhani Katayoun , Wall Winona , Dhaliwal Raveena , Suchowersky Oksana
Published: February 2016

Background:Many Canadians with multiple sclerosis (MS) have recently travelled internationally to have procedures for a putative condition called chronic cerebrospinal venous insufficiency (CCSVI). Here, we describe where and when they went and describe the baseline characteristics of persons with MS who participated in this non–evidence-based medical tourism for CCSVI procedures.Methods:We conducted a longitudinal observational study that used online questionnaires to collect patient-reported information about the safety, experiences, and outcomes following procedures for CCSVI. A convenience sample of all Albertans with MS was recruited between July 2011 and March 2013.Results:In total, 868 individuals enrolled; 704 were included in this cross-sectional, baseline analysis. Of these, 128 (18.2%) participants retrospectively reported having procedures for CCSVI between April 2010 and September 2012. The proportion of participants reporting CCSVI procedures declined from 80 (62.5%) in 2010, to 40 (31.1%) in 2011, and 8 (6.3%) in 2012. In multivariable logistic regression analysis, CCSVI procedures were independently associated with longer disease duration, secondary progressive clinical course, and greater disability status.Conclusions:Although all types of people with MS pursued procedures for CCSVI, a major driver of participation was greater disability. This highlights that those with the greatest disability are the most vulnerable to unproven experimental procedures. Participation in CCSVI procedures waned over time possibly reflecting unmet expectations of treated patients, decreased media attention, or that individuals who wanted procedures had them soon after the CCSVI hypothesis was widely publicized.
Characteristics of the resonant charge transfer in strongly coupled plasmas including quantum and shielding effects
Authors: Hong Woo-Pyo , Jung Young-Dae
Published: February 2016

The influence of quantum tunnelling and shielding on the resonant electron transfer process in strongly coupled plasmas is investigated. The screened atomic states and energy eigenvalues are employed to obtain the resonant electron transfer cross-section in strongly coupled plasmas. It is found that the classical resonant electron transfer cross-section increases with an increase of the ion-sphere radius. However, the energy-dependent quantum tunnelling resonant electron transfer cross-section is shown to decrease with increasing ion-sphere radius. It is demonstrated that an increase of the nuclear charge decreases the screening effect on the electron transfer cross-section while the quantum tunnelling effect enhances the resonant electron transfer cross-section in strongly coupled plasmas. In addition, it is shown that the effect of quantum tunnelling on the resonant electron transfer process decreases when both the collision energy and ion-sphere radius increase. The variation of shielding effect on the resonant electron transfer process in strongly coupled plasmas is also discussed.
‘Effective’ collisions in weakly magnetized collisionless plasma: importance of Pitaevski’s effect for magnetic reconnection
Authors: Zelenyi Lev M. , Artemyev Anton V.
Published: February 2016

In this paper we revisit the paradigm of space science turbulent dissipation traditionally considered as myth (Coroniti, Space Sci. Rev., vol. 42, 1985, pp. 399–410). We demonstrate that due to approach introduced by Pitaevskii (Sov. J. Expl Theor. Phys., vol. 44, 1963, pp. 969–979; (in Russian)) (the effect of a finite Larmor radius on a classical collision integral) dissipation induced by effective interaction with microturbulence produces a significant effect on plasma dynamics, especially in the vicinity of the reconnection region. We estimate the multiplication factor of collision frequency in the collision integral for short wavelength perturbations. For waves propagating transverse to the background magnetic field, this factor is approximately $({\it\rho}_{e}k_{x})^{2}$ with ${\it\rho}_{e}$ an electron gyroradius and where $k_{x}$ is a transverse wavenumber. We consider recent spacecraft observations in the Earth’s magnetotail reconnection region to the estimate possible impact of this multiplication factor. For small-scale reconnection regions this factor can significantly increase the effective collision frequency produced both by lower-hybrid drift turbulence and by kinetic Alfvén waves. We discuss the possibility that the Pitaevskii’s effect may be responsible for the excitation of a resistive electron tearing mode in thin current sheets formed in the outflow region of the primary X-line.
Arménienkarmir, sogdienkrmʾyret hébreukarmīl« rouge »
Authors: Korn Agnes
Published: February 2016

Armeniankarmir“red” has often been considered as deriving from East Iranian, thus speaking in favour of relations between Armenian and Sogdian, a Middle Iranian language spoken at considerable distance from Armenia. For the origin of Hebrewkarmīl, on the other hand, a Middle Persian “karmīr” has been suggested. In either case, the etymology would be Proto-Indo-European*ku̯ṛ́mi-“worm” (be it directly or as a borrowing from Sanskritkṛ́mi-) from which the colour term would be derived in a way parallel to Frenchvermeil“scarlet” fromver“worm”, thus a term referring to a red dye obtained from scale insects (cochineals). I argue thatkarmīris not a Middle Persian word for “red”, that Sogdian is unlikely to be the source of the Armenian and Hebrew words, and that an Indian origin is not probable either because of the specific features of the Indian scale insect dye. Conversely, Armenian scarlet was widely known and appreciated already in antiquity, so that, for historical as well as linguistic reasons, the origin of the word is likely to be an Iranian language within the region where Armenian was spoken.
A response to ‘Assessing levels of endangerment in the Catalogue of Endangered Languages (ELCat) using the Language Endangerment Index (LEI)’, by Nala Huiying Lee & John Van Way
Authors: Grenoble Lenore A.
Published: February 2016

The Catalogue of Endangered Languages (ELCat) is one of several similar responses to a perceived need for better data on language vitality. My remarks here are framed as a direct reply to Lee & Van Way's article, but really address larger issues in the ongoing debate about a perceived need to classify, inventory, and enumerate endangered languages. Lee & Van Way focus on one aspect of ELCat, the Language Endangerment Index (LEI), discussing a number of shortcomings in other current models. As an instrument for determining the level of language endangerment, the LEI is presented as a preferable alternative to other metrics, including Fishman's (1991) Graded Intergenerational Disruption Scale (GIDS), or EGIDS, the Expanded scale, based on the work of Lewis & Simons (2010), or UNESCO's (2003) expert scale. Lee & Van Way's discussion presupposes that such metrics are needed, and that it is beneficial to have a method for measuring vitality. Specifically, they argue that ‘for those concerned with preserving the world's fragile linguistic diversity, it is desirable to be able to quantify language vitality’. This is the underlying assumption of not only ELCat and LEI, but of other language catalogues, such as theEthnologue(Lewis, Simons, & Fennig 2015), UNESCO's Atlas (Moseley 2010), and other vitality metrics, as discussed in Lee & Van Way.
ANTI-SEMITISM AND PROGRESSIVE ERA SOCIAL SCIENCE: THE CASE OF JOHN R. COMMONS
Authors: Fiorito Luca , Orsi Cosma
Published: February 2016

This paper explores John Commons’s views toward Jews in order to assess whether his published writings contain assertions that today would be stigmatized as anti-Semitic. The evidence we provide shows that Commons’s racial characterization of Jews was framed within a broad and indiscriminate xenophobic framework. With other leading Progressive Era social scientists, in fact, Commons shared the idea that the new immigration from eastern and southern Europe would increase competition in the labor market, drive down wages, and lead Anglo-Saxon men and women to have fewer children, since they would not want them to compete with those who survive on less. Within this general xenophobic context, Commons developed assertions regarding immigrant Jews that show traces of explicit anti-Semitic accusations.
A NEGLECTED INCONSISTENCY IN MILTON FRIEDMAN’S AEA PRESIDENTIAL ADDRESS
Authors: Forder James
Published: February 2016

Milton Friedman (1968)—his famous Presidential Address to the American Economic Association—contains an elementary error right at the heart of what is usually supposed to be the paper’s crucial argument. That is the argument to the effect that during an inflation, changing expectations shift the Phillips curve. It is suggested that the fact of this mistake and of its having gone all but unnoticed are points of historical interest. Further reflections, drawing on the arguments of Forder (2014), Macroeconomics and the Phillips Curve Myth, are suggested.
Room shielding with frequency-selective surfaces for electromagnetic health application
Authors: Hashemi Soheil , Abdolali Ali
Published: February 2016

Use of frequency-selective surfaces (FSSs) is proposed to shield rooms against electromagnetic fields in order to achieve secure indoor communications and reduce human exposure to external fields. The secure room is designed using two-layer FSSs with an FR4 substrate to cover 10–12 GHz frequency band. Different elements in each layer and shift in the position of elements are the reasons for more than 3 GHz bandwidths in X band. The performance of the structure is also stable versus the misaligned position of layers. An equivalent circuit model is proposed for the structure and results show −20 dB isolation between inside and outside of the room in the desired frequency band. Bio tissue is located inside the cubic structure with FSS walls and the results of the specific absorption rate are demonstrated and compared in two rooms with FSS cover on concrete walls and a room with concrete walls. The 17 × 17 cm2two-layer FSS is fabricated for the measurement and the results are presented. The designed FSS can be used in the construction of wave-isolated room for any application.
Evidence for No Significant Impact of Müllerian Anomalies on Reproductive Outcomes of Twin Pregnancy in Korean Women
Authors: Shim Sohyun , Hur Yoon-Mi , Kim Da Hee , Seong Seok Ju , Kim Mi-La , Shin Joong Sik
Published: February 2016

The present article aimed to evaluate the impact of congenital Müllerian anomalies (MA) on twin pregnancy after 24 gestational weeks in Korean women. All records of twin pregnancies in a large maternity hospital in Korea between January 2005 and July 2013 were analyzed. Patients with monochorionic monoamniotic (MCMA) twins, non-Korean patients, patients with twins delivered prior to 24 gestational weeks, and patients with miscarriage of one fetus or intrauterine fetal death (IUFD) before 24 gestational weeks were excluded from data analysis. In total, 1,422 women with twin pregnancy were eligible for data analysis, including 17 (1.2%) who had a known congenital MA (septate uterus, bicornuate uterus, arcuate uterus, and unicornuate uterus). Except for the mode of conception, baseline demographics were similar between women with MA and those without MA. No significant differences were found in pregnancy outcomes of gestational age at delivery (p = .86), birth weight of smaller and larger twins (p = .54 and p = .65), and number of twins with birth weight <5th percentile for gestational age (p = .43).The rates of obstetrical complications such as pre-eclampsia, gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), placenta previa, cerclage, IUFD, and postpartum hemorrhage were not significantly different between the two groups either. We concluded that the presence of congenital MA may not increase obstetrical risks in outcomes of pregnancy of twins delivered after 24 gestational weeks.
Improved Models of Wind Flow over Mountains
Authors: Cook Terri
Published: February 2016

A new approach for representing areas of low-lying mountains improves the simulation of atmospheric flow over gentle topography without increasing computational requirements.
Proposed NASA Budget: Earth Science Up, Planetary Science Down
Authors: Wendel JoAnna
Published: February 2016

A new line item for space transportation would support NASA partnerships with commercial spaceflight vendors and reduce dependence on Russia for transporting astronauts.
Problems and Adaptive Functioning Reported by Adults in 17 Societies
Authors: Rescorla Leslie A. , Achenbach Thomas M. , Ivanova Masha Y. , Turner Lori V. , Althoff Robert R. , Árnadóttir Hervör Alma , Au Alma , Bellina Monica , Caldas J. C. , Chen Yi-Chuen , Csemy Ladislav , da Rocha Marina M. , Decoster Jeroen , Fontaine Johnny R. J. , Funabiki Yasuko , Guðmundsson Halldór S. , Harder Valerie S. , Kim Young Ah , Leung Patrick , Ndetei David M. , Maraš Jelena Srdanović , Marković Jasminka , Oh Kyung Ja , Samaniego Virginia C. , Sebre Sandra , Silvares Edwiges , Simulioniene Roma , Sokoli Elvisa , Vazquez Natalia , Zasepa Ewa
Published: February 2016

This study tested for similarities and differences across societies in self-ratings of problems, personal strengths, and aspects of adaptive functioning on the Adult Self-Report (ASR) for nonclinical samples of adults ages 18 to 59 in 17 societies ( N = 10,197). Results indicated considerable consistency across societies regarding mean ratings on the ASR problem items. Most effect sizes (ESs) for societal differences in problem scales were small (2–5%). Hierarchical linear modeling (HLM) analyses indicated that culture clusters and society accounted for small percentages of variance in Internalizing, Externalizing, and Total Problems scores, with most of the variation accounted for by individual differences within societies. In contrast to the small effects of society on problem scores, for the ASR Personal Strengths scale the societal ES was 34% and culture cluster accounted for 12% of the variance. Worse reported relations with spouse/partner were associated with higher problem scores. Overall, findings indicated considerable similarity but also some important differences in self-reported problems and adaptive functioning across 17 societies.