bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influence of longitudinal fire location on smoke characteristics under the tunnel ceiling
Authors: Fan C. G. , Ji J. , Sun J. H.
Published: January 2014

The critical ventilation velocity is almost the most well‐investigated fire phenomenon in the tunnel fire research field whereas previous studies have always investigated it when the fire source is distant from the downstream tunnel exit. Fortunately, a recent study provided a set of data on the critical ventilation velocity for tunnel fires occurring near tunnel exits by small‐scaled experiments, nevertheless, with a lack of further analysis. To demonstrate the relationship of the critical ventilation velocity and the distance between the fire and tunnel exit more explicitly and detailedly, a quantitative and graphical study was carried out and a correlation was presented in this paper. Inspired by this, a set of small‐scaled experiments were carried out to investigate the influence of different longitudinal fire locations on maximum smoke temperature under the tunnel ceiling. Results show that unlike the critical ventilation velocity, the maximum smoke temperature was not obviously affected by longitudinal fire location. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The insulin‐like growth factor 1 receptor causes acquired resistance to erlotinib in lung cancer cells with the wild‐type epidermal growth factor receptor
Authors: Suda Kenichi , Mizuuchi Hiroshi , Sato Katsuaki , Takemoto Toshiki , Iwasaki Takuya , Mitsudomi Tetsuya
Published: January 2014

Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)‐tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) therapy often provides a dramatic response in lung cancer patients with EGFR mutations. In addition, moderate clinical efficacy of the EGFR‐TKI, erlotinib, has been shown in lung cancer patients with the wild‐type EGFR. Numerous molecular mechanisms that cause acquired resistance to EGFR‐TKIs have been identified in lung cancers with the EGFR mutations; however, few have been reported in lung cancers with the wild‐type EGFR. We used H358 lung adenocarcinoma cells lacking EGFR mutations that showed modest sensitivity to erlotinib. The H358 cells acquired resistance to erlotinib via chronic exposure to the drug. The H358 erlotinib‐resistant (ER) cells do not have a secondary EGFR mutation, neither MET gene amplification nor PTEN downregulation; these have been identified in lung cancers with the EGFR mutations. From comprehensive screening of receptor tyrosine kinase phosphorylation, we observed increased phosphorylation of insulin‐like growth factor 1 receptor (IGF1R) in H358ER cells compared with parental H358 cells. H358ER cells responded to combined therapy with erlotinib and NVP‐AEW541, an IGF1R‐TKI. Our results indicate that IGF1R activation is a molecular mechanism that confers acquired resistance to erlotinib in lung cancers with the wild‐type EGFR.
Fibromyalgia syndrome: A somatoform disorder?
Authors: Häuser W. , Henningsen P.
Published: January 2014

Background and Objective

Whether fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) can be classified as a somatoform disorder is under debate.

Databases and Data Treatment

Literature searches on the classification of FMS as a somatoform disorder were performed in Medline and in evidence‐based guideline databases.

Results

A somatoform disorder is defined by medically unexplained somatic symptoms that persist for at least 6 months and lead to a significant impairment of the ability to function in everyday life. The nature and extent of the symptoms or the distress and pre‐occupation of the patient cannot be explained fully by a general medical condition or by the direct effect of a substance, and are not attributable to another mental disorder. Emotional and psychosocial conflicts play a major role in the onset, severity, exacerbation or maintenance of the physical symptoms. There is disagreement in the FMS research community on the existence of somatic factors sufficiently explaining FMS symptoms. Psychosocial factors play a major role in the onset, exacerbation or maintenance of FMS symptoms in the majority of patients. A biopsychosocial model of interacting biological and psychosocial factors in the predisposition, onset and maintenance of FMS symptoms is more appropriate than the dichotomy between a somatic disease and a mental (somatoform) disorder.

Conclusions

The clinical features of FMS and persistent somatoform pain disorder or somatization disorder according to the International Classification of Diseases (ICD)‐10 overlap in individuals with chronic widespread pain without specific somatic disease factors. FMS is not synonymous with somatoform disorder.
In vitro and in vivo experiments with iron oxide nanoparticles functionalized with DEXTRAN or polyethylene glycol for medical applications: Magnetic targeting
Authors: Mojica Pisciotti M. L. , Lima E. , Vasquez Mansilla M. , Tognoli V. E. , Troiani H. E. , Pasa A. A. , Creczynski‐Pasa T. B. , Silva A. H. , Gurman P. , Colombo L. , Goya G. F. , Lamagna A. , Zysler R. D.
Published: January 2014

In this research work, DEXTRAN‐ and polyethylene glycol (PEG)‐coated iron‐oxide superparamagnetic nanoparticles were synthetized and their cytotoxicity and biodistribution assessed. Well‐crystalline hydrophobic Fe3O4 SPIONs were formed by a thermal decomposition process with d = 18 nm and σ = 2 nm; finally, the character of SPIONs was changed to hydrophilic by a post‐synthesis procedure with the functionalization of the SPIONs with PEG or DEXTRAN. The nanoparticles present high saturation magnetization and superparamagnetic behavior at room temperature, and the hydrodynamic diameters of DEXTRAN‐ and PEG‐coated SPIONs were measured as 170 and 120 nm, respectively. PEG‐ and DEXTRAN‐coated SPIONs have a Specific Power Absorption SPA of 320 and 400 W/g, respectively, in an ac magnetic field with amplitude of 13 kA/m and frequency of 256 kHz. In vitro studies using VERO and MDCK cell lineages were performed to study the cytotoxicity and cell uptake of the SPIONs. For both cell lineages, PEG‐ and DEXTRAN‐coated nanoparticles presented high cell viability for concentrations as high as 200 μg/mL. In vivo studies were conducted using BALB/c mice inoculating the SPIONs intravenously and exposing them to the presence of an external magnet located over the tumour. It was observed that the amount of PEG‐coated SPIONs in the tumor increased by up to 160% when using the external permanent magnetic as opposed to those animals that were not exposed to the external magnetic field. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 102B: 860–868, 2014.
A Facile Route for the Synthesis of Novel Heterocyclic Prostaglandin F2α Analogs
Authors: M. Shankar , H. Rama Mohan , U. Viplava Prasad , M. Harikrishna , M. P. Pareswar Rao , A. Ravindra
Published: January 2014

A general synthetic approach has been developed for heterocyclic prostaglandins (PGF2α type) starting from the key intermediate (6). (±) 6 was obtained from (±) ‐Corey lactone. The key intermediate (±) 6 was, in turn, converted in to several new heterocyclic prostaglandins consisting of furan and thiophene moieties in ω‐side chain in two to three steps. Horner–Wadsworth–Emmons reaction and Grignard reaction as the key reactions in these transformations.
Synthesis, Pharmacological, and Biological Screening of Novel Derivatives of Benzodiazepines
Authors: Bhat K. Ishwar , Chauhan Manoj Kumar Singh , Kumar Abhishek , Kumar Pankaj
Published: January 2014

A series of novel 4‐(substituted phenyl)‐2‐(thiophen‐2‐yl)‐2,3‐dihydro‐1H‐benzo[b][1,4]diazepine have been synthesized from 3‐(substituted phenyl)‐1‐(thiophen‐2‐yl)prop‐2‐en‐1‐one. 3‐(Substituted phenyl)‐1‐(thiophen‐2‐yl)prop‐2‐en‐1‐one was prepared by condensing 2‐acetyl thiophene with various aromatic aldehydes in the presence of 20% NaOH as base. Different 3‐(substituted phenyl)‐1‐(thiophen‐2‐yl)prop‐2‐en‐1‐one on cyclization with o‐phenylenediamine in the presence of NaOH as base resulted in 4‐(substituted phenyl)‐2‐(thiophen‐2‐yl)‐2,3‐dihydro‐1H‐benzo[b][1,4]diazepine derivatives. The structures of synthesized compounds are confirmed by IR, 1H NMR, mass spectra, and elemental analysis. All the compounds have been screened for their antimicrobial, analgesic, and anti‐inflammatory activities.
Efficient Synthesis of Tetrahydroquinolines from the Reaction of Aldehyde, Aniline, and Alkene under the In Situ Redox of SnCl2 and FeCl3
Authors: Guo Qiaoxia , Teng Weiling , Ren Shenyong , Rao Shasha , Wang Yanqing , Chen Liwei , Shen Baojian , Takahashi Tamotsu
Published: January 2014

A highly efficient three‐component Povarov reaction for the synthesis of tetrahydroquinoline derivatives was reported. The reaction of aldehyde, aniline, and alkene was carried out in the presence of Sn(IV), which was generated in situ from the redox reaction of SnCl2 and FeCl3, to afford tetrahydroquinoline derivatives in good to excellent yields. This discovery showed a sharp difference from the direct use of unstable SnCl4. Both aliphatic and aromatic aldehydes could be applied for the synthesis of the heterocycle in the reaction. The structure of the product 6‐chloro‐4‐methyl‐4‐neopentyl‐2‐propyltetrahydroquinoline and 6‐bromo‐4‐methyl‐4‐neopentyl‐2‐propyltetrahydroquinoline was confirmed by X‐ray diffraction analysis.
Firm Complexity and Capital Structure: Evidence from Italian Diversified Firms
Authors: Monteforte Daniele , Staglianò Raffaele
Published: January 2014

This paper examines the links between product diversification, international diversification and capital structure for a panel of medium and large Italian firms. The results indicate that the interaction between these two dimensions of diversification strategy has a negative and significant impact on leverage. Furthermore, debt maturity analysis reveals that firms pursuing a simultaneous dual diversification strategy have, in particular, lower long‐term debt ratios. Our findings support the hypothesis that the complexity that comes from diversification reduces debt levels. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Multiecho acquisition of O‐space data
Authors: Galiana Gigi , Peters Dana , Tam Leo , Constable R. Todd
Published: January 2014

Purpose

Nonlinear gradient encoding methods, such as O‐Space imaging, have been shown to provide good images from very few echoes. Acquiring data in a train of spin or gradient echoes is a very flexible way to further speed acquisition time. However, combining these strategies presents significant challenges, both in terms of the contrast and artifacts. We present strategies in both pulse sequence design and image processing to mitigate these effects.

Theory and Methods

The three strategies include a new echo ordering that takes into account the unique way that O‐Space samples the k‐space of the image; a new postprocessing filter that allows tuning of T2‐weighting by emphasizing the contribution of low frequency spatial information at selectable points in space and time; and an offset between linear and nonlinear gradients that makes the central point of each echo unique.

Results

Simulations indicate that these strategies mitigate artifacts introduced by T2 (or T2*) decay and produce contrast that reflects relaxation at a given echo time.

Conclusion

Turbo spin echo O‐Space is theoretically feasible, and the greater undersampling should make it possible to use shorter echo trains for a given scan time. Magn Reson Med 72:1648–1657, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A semi‐analytical modeling approach for three‐dimensional heat transfer in sparsely fractured rocks with water flow and distributed heat source
Authors: Yong Zhang , Yan‐yong Xiang
Published: January 2014

A semi‐analytical approach is developed for modeling 3D heat transfer in sparsely fractured rocks with prescribed water flow and heat source. The governing differential equations are formulated, and the corresponding integral equations over the fracture faces and the distributed heat source are established in the Laplace transformed domain using the Green function method with local systems of coordinates. The algebraic equations of the Laplace transformed temperatures of water in the fractures are formed by dividing the integrals into elemental ones; in particular, the fracture faces are discretized into rectangular elements, over which the integrations are carried out either analytically for singular integrals when the base point is involved or numerically for regular integrals when otherwise. The solutions of the algebraic equations are inverted numerically to obtain the real‐time temperatures of water in the fractures, which may be employed to calculate the temperatures at prescribed locations of the rock matrix. Three example calculations are presented to illustrate the workability of the developed approach. The calculations found that water flux in the fractures may decrease the rate of temperature rise in regions close to the distributed heat source and increase the rate of temperature rise in regions downstream away from the distributed heat source and that the temperature distribution and evolvement in a sparsely fractured rock mass may be significantly influenced by water flow exchange at intersection of fractures. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The transfer of carbon nanotubes in an immiscible high density polyethylene and polyamide 6 blend
Authors: Mi Dashan , Liu Kejun , Du Hainan , Zhang Jie
Published: January 2014

The transfer process of multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) from the high density polyethylene (HDPE) phase to the polyamide 6 (PA6) phase has been observed in the study. In this paper, the transfer is divided into six steps according to the level of mixing energy during the blending process. The MWCNTs could be extracted from HDPE phases and transfer into PA phases due to a stronger adhesion between MWCNTs and PA than HDPE. Additionally, the morphology change observed by optical microscope (OPM) is also thought to be crucial for the transfer. The PA phase version from disperse phase to continuous phase was obvious during the transfer process. Furthermore, the changes of electrical conductivity, yield strength and rheology have also been studied in this paper. The electrical conductivity changes with the transfer of MWCNTs and variation of phase morphology. Yield strength got the highest peak about 25.6 MPa and lowest peak about 22.3 MPa, respectively, at different mixing energies. The complex viscosity got the lowest value when the MWCNTs located in the interface. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
An investigation on the structural characteristics and reinforcement of melt processed polyamide 66/multiwalled carbon nanotube composites
Authors: Shojaei Akbar , Nourbakhsh Pouyan , Faghihi Morteza
Published: January 2014

Properties of melt processed polyamide 66 (PA66)/multiwalled carbon nanotube composite were first characterized experimentally. The experimental results exhibited the formation of crystalline layer around the nanotubes and a considerable enhancement in mechanical properties by incorporation of multiwalled carbon nanotube up to 1 wt%. Mechanical properties were analyzed in terms of structural parameters using micromechanical models proposed in this study. It was suggested that the mechanical properties were greatly dominated by crystalline layer and nanotube length. It was also deduced that the melt mixing process caused a significant nanotube breakage restricting further enhancement of nanocomposite properties at higher nanotube contents. Surface modification of nanotube provided better polymer‐nanotube interaction; however, it increased the mechanical properties marginally. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Full characterization of photovoltaic modules in real operating conditions: theoretical model, measurement method and results
Authors: Pierro Marco , Bucci Francesco , Cornaro Cristina
Published: January 2014

The photovoltaic (PV) system performance essentially depends on the modules response to five effects: spectral, reflection, temperature, irradiance, and nominal power variations. Providing a full characterization of modules behavior in terms of the impact of these effects on real operating conditions performance is very important both to compare different PV technologies and to choose the best technology for a specific site, position, and installation feature. In this work, a systematic approach is used. A theoretical model to calculate the performance ratio related to each effect is proposed. The model is used to compare and to explain the annual behavior of two different technologies: a multicrystalline silicon module (mc‐Si) and a double junction amorphous silicon module (a‐Si/DJ). The basic features of these modules performance are observed. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The Critical Energy of Direct Initiation in Liquid Fuel‐Air and Liquid Fuel‐RDX Powder‐Air Mixtures in a Vertical Detonation Tube
Authors: Wang Haiyang , Sun Xiaoxiong , Rao Guoning , Jian Guoqiang , Xie Lifeng
Published: January 2014

Multiphase cloud detonation is an important but complex process, which has not been fully understood yet. Direct experimental data about the critical initiation energy (CIE) and pressure/velocity revolution of high explosive powder‐based multiphase cloud detonation is not available in the literature. In this paper, propylene oxide (PO), petroleum ether (PE), isopropyl nitrate (IPN), and a mixture of PE/IPN were individually dispersed to form a cloud in a 200 mm×5400 mm vertical detonation tube. Subsequently, this cloud was directly ignited by a high explosive. The critical initiation energy of various mist/air mixtures was measured by the up and down method. Meanwhile, the pressure history was recorded by six sensors along the detonation tube. RDX powder was added to the system and sprayed simultaneously with the liquid fuel to form a three‐phase gas‐liquid‐solid explosive cloud. The detonation pressure and velocity of all three‐phase cases significantly increased while the corresponding critical initiation energy decreased compared to the liquid‐air analogs. The CIE data were found to have a “U”‐shaped curve relationship to the fuel‐air ratio in two‐ and three‐phase systems, the minimum is always on the fuel‐rich side.
The extended concept of a self‐compatible thermoelectric cooler
Authors: Seifert Wolfgang , Pluschke Volker
Published: January 2014

Traditional thermoelectric cooling relies on the Peltier effect which produces a limited temperature drop determined by the figure of merit, zT. Alternatively, if a thermoelectric cooler is self‐compatible (u = s), significant improvements in cooling efficiency and maximum temperature difference are achieved. In this paper, we present the one‐dimensional model of a u = s cooler with respect to the spatial coordinate. In particular, we restrict our description to a fully self‐compatible single element device where the compatibility factor for cooling is adjusted locally at any position along the element. Under these conditions, further characteristics of a u = s cooler become evident: the temperature profile and the cooling temperature as function of the electrical current are calculated. Finally, the performance of a u = s cooler is compared to that of a traditional Peltier cooler with equivalent figure of merit. The paper completes results published by Snyder et al. [Phys. Rev. B 86, 045202 (2012)] and Seifert et al. [Phys. Status Solidi A 210(7), 1407 (2013)].
Electrical modeling of the GaAs/InP wafer bonded heterojunction
Authors: Blot Xavier , Scheiblin Pascal , Moriceau Hubert , Daele William Van Den , Lecouvey Christophe , Delprat Daniel , Tauzin Aurélie , Drazek Charlotte , Guiot Eric
Published: January 2014

The electrical behavior of wafer bonded heterojunctions is usually modeled with the assumption of a pure thermionic conduction at the interface. In this paper, we study the case of highly doped bonded wafers using a Technology Computer Aided Designed (TCAD) modeling approach. Several plausible options of interface including fixed surface charges, interface states densities or a defective interface layer, are discussed and compared with current‐voltage measurements. Considering both thermionic and tunnel transport through the interface, we show how the ratio of the competing transport mechanisms depends on the shape of the interfacial energy barrier. Finally, the simulation accurately predicts the effect of the operating temperature on current‐voltage characteristics, thanks to a process‐compliant description of the direct bonded heterojunction. (© 2014 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Role of ZnO nanoparticle‐layers in enhancement of the performance of organic light‐emitting diodes on plastics
Authors: Kwak Kiyeol , Cho Kyoungah , Kim Sangsig
Published: January 2014

We investigate roles of ZnO nanoparticle (NP)‐layers in the enhancement of the emission from organic light‐emitting diodes (OLEDs) with amorphous ZnO‐doped In2O3 (a ‐IZO)/poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene) poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS)/poly[(9,9‐di‐n ‐octylfluorenyl‐2,7‐diyl)‐alt ‐(benzo[2,1,3]thiadiazol‐4,8‐diyl)] (F8BT)/ZnO NP‐layer/LiF/Al structure on plastic substrates. Compared to a Reference OLED without any ZnO NP‐layer, the electroluminescence peak intensity of the OLED employing the thermally‐annealed ZnO NP‐layer spin‐coated one time is remarkably enhanced by ∼283% at a wavelength of ∼535 nm owing to the effective hole blocking and good electron transporting properties of the ZnO NP‐layer between the organic emissive layer (EML) and the electron injection layer (EIL). This enhancement is associated with the high junction potential barrier between the highest occupied molecular orbital level of the F8BT and the valence band level of the ZnO NP‐layer, which contributes to the effective hole blocking. Our study clearly demonstrates that the ZnO NP‐layer sandwiched between the EML and the EIL is a promising electron transport layer as well as an efficient hole blocking layer and enhances the light emission of OLEDs. (© 2014 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Historical responsibility for climate change: science and the science–policy interface
Authors: Friman Mathias , Strandberg Gustav
Published: January 2014

Since 1990, the academic literature on historical responsibility (HR) for climate change has grown considerably. Over these years, the approaches to defining this responsibility have varied considerably. This article demonstrates how this variation can be explained by combining various defining aspects of historical contribution and responsibility. Scientific knowledge that takes for granted choices among defining aspects will likely become a basis for distrust within science, among negotiators under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), and elsewhere. On the other hand, for various reasons, not all choices can be explicated at all times. In this article, we examine the full breadth of complexities involved in scientifically defining HR and discuss how these complexities have consequences for the science–policy interface concerning HR. To this end, we review and classify the academic literature on historical contributions to and responsibility for climate change into categories of defining aspects. One immediately policy‐relevant conclusion emerges from this exercise: Coupled with negotiators' highly divergent understandings of historical responsibility, the sheer number of defining aspects makes it virtually impossible to offer scientific advice without creating distrust in certain parts of the policy circle. This conclusion suggests that scientific attempts to narrow the options for policymakers will have little chance of succeeding unless policymakers first negotiate a clearer framework for historical responsibility.

This article is categorized under:

Policy and Governance > International Policy Framework
Acoustically active liposome‐nanobubble complexes for enhanced ultrasonic imaging and ultrasound‐triggered drug delivery
Authors: Nguyen An T. , Wrenn Steven P.
Published: January 2014

Ultrasound is well known as a safe, reliable imaging modality. A historical limitation of ultrasound, however, was its inability to resolve structures at length scales less than nominally 20 µm, which meant that classical ultrasound could not be used in applications such as echocardiography and angiogenesis where one requires the ability to image small blood vessels. The advent of ultrasound contrast agents, or microbubbles, removed this limitation and ushered in a new wave of enhanced ultrasound applications. In recent years, the microbubbles have been designed to achieve yet another application, namely ultrasound‐triggered drug delivery. Ultrasound contrast agents are thus tantamount to ‘theranostic’ vehicles, meaning they can do both therapy (drug delivery) and imaging (diagnostics). The use of ultrasound contrast agents as drug delivery vehicles, however, is perhaps less than ideal when compared to traditional drug delivery vehicles (e.g., polymeric microcapsules and liposomes) which have greater drug carrying capacities. The drawback of the traditional drug delivery vehicles is that they are not naturally acoustically active and cannot be used for imaging. The notion of a theranostic vehicle is sufficiently intriguing that many attempts have been made in recent years to achieve a vehicle that combines the echogenicity of microbubbles with the drug carrying capacity of liposomes. The attempts can be classified into three categories, namely entrapping, tethering, and nesting. Of these, nesting is the newest—and perhaps the most promising.

This article is categorized under:

Diagnostic Tools > Diagnostic Nanodevices

Therapeutic Approaches and Drug Discovery > Emerging Technologies

Therapeutic Approaches and Drug Discovery > Nanomedicine for Cardiovascular Disease

Therapeutic Approaches and Drug Discovery > Nanomedicine for Oncologic Disease
Synthesis and Magnetic Properties of β‐KVOF3
Authors: Donakowski Martin D. , Lu Hongcheng , Gautier Romain , Saha Rana , Sundaresan A. , Poeppelmeier Kenneth R.
Published: January 2014

The potassium vanadium oxide‐fluoride phase β‐KVOF3 was prepared by in‐situ reduction with hydrothermal methods and characterized by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction and magnetic susceptibility measurements. The compound is orthorhombic [space group Pnma, a = 7.1596(2) Å, b = 7.5392(2) Å, c = 13.0506(4) Å, Z = 8]. The material is structurally similar and isoformulaic to d1 materials of formulae AVOF3 (A+ = alkali metal, ammonium, or organic cation). Magnetic susceptibility data were successfully fit with a Heisenberg chain model. In‐situ reduction of V5+ to V4+ during the hydrothermal reaction conditions was observed in the presence of Br– anions. The role of bromide ions in this reduction is explained and employed to reduce a d0 vanadium species to obtain a material with magnetic behavior.
High‐Pressure High‐Temperature Synthesis of ϵ‐Fe2IrN0.24
Authors: Guo Kai , Rau Dieter , Schnelle Walter , Burkhardt Ulrich , Niewa Rainer , Schwarz Ulrich
Published: January 2014

A high‐pressure high‐temperature synthesis involving initial reaction, nitrogen depletion and annealing yields a new ϵ‐type iron iridium nitride. Energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy of metallographic samples evidence a main phase having a molar metal ratio of Fe:Ir = 2:1 within experimental error. Chemical analyses and thermogravimetric measurements quantify the nitrogen content to 1.07 wt % (x = 0.24) and 1.2 wt % (x = 0.27), respectively. Above 750 K, the phase Fe2IrN0.24 decomposes into solid solutions ϵ‐Fe(Ir) and γ‐Fe(Ir) involving the release of N2 at ambient pressure. Magnetic susceptibility data suggest long‐range antiferromagnetic ordering at TN = 27 K.
Logarithmic two-point correlation functions from a z =2 Lifshitz model
Authors: Zingg T.
Published: January 2014

Abstract

The Einstein-Proca action is known to have asymptotically locally Lifshitz spacetimes as classical solutions. For dynamical exponent z = 2, two-point correlation functions for fluctuations around such a geometry are derived analytically. It is found that the retarded correlators are stable in the sense that all quasinormal modes are situated in the lower half-plane of complex frequencies. Correlators in the longitudinal channel exhibit features that are reminiscent of a structure usually obtained in field theories that are logarithmic, i.e. contain an indecomposable but non-diagonalizable highest weight representation. This provides further evidence for conjecturing the model at hand as a candidate for a gravity dual of a logarithmic field theory with anisotropic scaling symmetry.
Human chitotriosidase CHIT1 cross reacts with mammalian‐like substrates
Authors: Larsen Tanja , Yoshimura Yayoi , Voldborg Bjørn G.R. , Cazzamali Giuseppe , Bovin Nicolai V. , Westerlind Ulrika , Palcic Monica M. , Leisner Jørgen J.
Published: January 2014

Humans do not synthesize chitin, yet they produce a number of active and inactive chitinases. One of the active enzymes is chitotriosidase whose serum levels are elevated in a number of diseases such as Gaucher's disease and upon fungal infection. Since the biological role of chitotriosidase in disease pathogenesis is not understood we screened a panel of mammalian GlcNAc‐containing glycoconjugates as alternate substrates. LacNAc and LacdiNAc‐terminating substrates are hydrolyzed, the latter with a turnover comparable to that of pNP‐chitotriose. Glycolipids or glycoproteins with LacNAc and LacdiNAc represent potential chitinase substrates and the subsequent alteration of glycosylation pattern could be a factor in disease pathogenesis.
Interaction between nucleophosmin and HBV core protein increases HBV capsid assembly
Authors: Jeong Heewon , Cho Min-Hyung , Park Sung-Gyoo , Jung Guhung
Published: January 2014

Host factors are involved in Hepatitis B virus (HBV) genome replication and capsid formation during the viral life cycle. A host factor, nucleophosmin (B23), was found to bind to HBV core protein dimers, but its functional role has not been studied. This interaction promoted HBV capsid assembly and decreased the degree of capsid dissociation when subjected to denaturant treatments in vitro. In addition, inhibition of B23 reduced intracellular capsid formation resulting in a decrease of HBV production in HepG2.2.15 cells. These results provide important evidence that B23 acts on core capsid assembly via its interaction with HBV core dimers.
Steady‐state kinetic mechanism of LodA, a novel cysteine tryptophylquinone‐dependent oxidase
Authors: Sehanobish Esha , Shin Sooim , Sanchez-Amat Antonio , Davidson Victor L.
Published: January 2014

LodA is a novel lysine‐ε‐oxidase which possesses a cysteine tryptophylquinone cofactor. It is the first tryptophylquinone enzyme known to function as an oxidase. A steady‐state kinetic analysis shows that LodA obeys a ping‐pong kinetic mechanism with values of k
cat of 0.22 ± 0.04 s−1, K
lysine of 3.2 ± 0.5 μM and K
O2 of 37.2 ± 6.1 μM. The k
cat exhibited a pH optimum at 7.5 while k
cat/K
lysine peaked at 7.0 and remained constant to pH 8.5. Alternative electron acceptors could not effectively substitute for O2 in the reaction. A mechanism for the reductive half reaction of LodA is proposed that is consistent with the ping‐pong kinetics.
The Impact of Inpatient Rehabilitation on Function and Survival of Newly Diagnosed Patients With Glioblastoma
Authors: Roberts Pamela S. , Nuño Miriam , Sherman Dale , Asher Arash , Wertheimer Jeffrey , Riggs Richard V. , Patil Chirag G.
Published: January 2014

Objective

To examine the impact of an inpatient rehabilitation program on functional improvement and survival among patients with newly diagnosed glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) who underwent surgical resection of the brain tumor.

Design

A retrospective cohort study of newly diagnosed patients with GBM between 2003 and 2010, with survival data updated through January 23, 2013.

Setting

An urban academic nonprofit medical center that included acute medical and inpatient rehabilitation.

Participants

Data for newly diagnosed patients with GBM were examined; of these patients, 100 underwent inpatient rehabilitation after resection, and 312 did not undergo inpatient rehabilitation.

Main Outcome Measurements

Overall functional improvement and survival time for patients who participated in the inpatient rehabilitation program.

Results

A total of 89 patients (93.7%) who underwent inpatient rehabilitation improved in functional status from admission to discharge, with the highest gain observed in mobility (96.8%), followed by self‐care (88.4%), communication/social cognition (75.8%), and sphincter control (50.5%). The median overall survival among inpatient rehabilitation patients was 14.3 versus 17.9 months for patients who did not undergo inpatient rehabilitation (P = .03). However, after we adjusted for age, extent of resection, and Karnofsky Performance Status Scale scores, we found no statistical difference in the survival rate between patients who did and did not undergo inpatient rehabilitation (hazard ratio [HR], 0.84; P = .16). Among the patients who underwent inpatient rehabilitation, older age (HR, 2.24; P = .0006), a low degree of resection (HR, 1.67; P = .02), and lack of a Stupp regimen (HR, 1.71; P = .05) were associated with greater hazard of mortality.

Conclusions

Patients who undergo inpatient rehabilitation demonstrate significant functional improvements, primarily in the mobility domain. Confounder adjusted multivariate analysis showed no survival difference between patients who did and did not undergo inpatient rehabilitation; this finding suggests that a structured inpatient rehabilitation program may level the survival field in lower‐functioning patients who otherwise may be faced with a dismal prognosis.
Transformation of the welfare state in Lithuania: Towards globalization and Europeanization
Authors: Aidukaite Jolanta
Published: January 2014

This paper is designed to shed some light on possible impacts of globalization and Europeanization on social security reforms in one of the new EU member state - Lithuania. The paper is based on 67 expert interviews conducted with the political elite, academics, journalists, senior civil servants, interest group representatives and the economic elite. The paper highlights the higher influence of globalization through the activities of such supranational agencies as the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund compared to the impact of cognitive Europeanization on social security reforms.
Kennewick Man and the Evolutionary Origins of the Nation
Authors: OIKKONEN VENLA
Published: January 2014

This article addresses the recent attempts to integrate evolutionary history in the US national narrative. Focussing on the cultural, legal, and scientific controversy over Kennewick Man, the ancient human remains discovered in Washington state in 1996, the article explores the narrative politics of American national belonging. Through a popular historical novel on Kennewick Man's life, the article further theorizes nostalgia as a narrative tool in imagining the evolutionary origins of the nation. The article argues that nostalgia produces a temporal dynamic that bridges the gap between national history and global prehistory, and that this dynamic is reinforced through cultural ideas of genetic knowledge. At the same time, prehistoric nostalgia renders problematic ideas of ethnic difference largely invisible.
Human isolates ofListeria monocytogenesin Sweden during half a century (1958–2010)
Authors: LOPEZ-VALLADARES G. , THAM W. , PARIHAR V. SINGH , HELMERSSON S. , ANDERSSON B. , IVARSSON S. , JOHANSSON C. , RINGBERG H. , TJERNBERG I. , HENRIQUES-NORMARK B. , DANIELSSON-THAM M.-L.
Published: January 2014

Isolates ofListeria monocytogenes(n = 932) isolated in Sweden during 1958–2010 from human patients with invasive listeriosis were characterized by serotyping and pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) (AscI). Of the 932 isolates, 183 different PFGE types were identified, of which 83 were each represented by only one isolate. In all, 483 serovar 1/2a isolates were distributed over 114 PFGE types; 90 serovar 1/2b isolates gave 32 PFGE types; 21 serovar 1/2c isolates gave nine PFGE types; three serovar 3b isolates gave one PFGE type; and, 335 serovar 4b isolates gave 31 PFGE types. During the 1980s in Sweden, several serovar 4b cases were associated with the consumption of European raw soft cheese. However, as cheese-production hygiene has improved, the number of 4b cases has decreased. Since 1996, serovar 1/2a has been the dominantL. monocytogenesserovar in human listeriosis in Sweden. Therefore, based on current serovars and PFGE types, an association between human cases of listeriosis and the consumption of vacuum-packed gravad and cold-smoked salmon is suggested.
Emergency department and ‘Google flu trends’ data as syndromic surveillance indicators for seasonal influenza
Authors: THOMPSON L. H. , MALIK M. T. , GUMEL A. , STROME T. , MAHMUD S. M.
Published: January 2014

We evaluated syndromic indicators of influenza disease activity developed using emergency department (ED) data – total ED visits attributed to influenza-like illness (ILI) (‘ED ILI volume’) and percentage of visits attributed to ILI (‘ED ILI percent’) – and Google flu trends (GFT) data (ILI cases/100 000 physician visits). Congruity and correlation among these indicators and between these indicators and weekly count of laboratory-confirmed influenza in Manitoba was assessed graphically using linear regression models. Both ED and GFT data performed well as syndromic indicators of influenza activity, and were highly correlated with each other in real time. The strongest correlations between virological data and ED ILI volume and ED ILI percent, respectively, were 0·77 and 0·71. The strongest correlation of GFT was 0·74. Seasonal influenza activity may be effectively monitored using ED and GFT data.
Metagenomics reveals sediment microbial community response to Deepwater Horizon oil spill
Authors: Mason Olivia U , Scott Nicole M , Gonzalez Antonio , Robbins-Pianka Adam , Bælum Jacob , Kimbrel Jeffrey , Bouskill Nicholas J , Prestat Emmanuel , Borglin Sharon , Joyner Dominique C , Fortney Julian L , Jurelevicius Diogo , Stringfellow William T , Alvarez-Cohen Lisa , Hazen Terry C , Knight Rob , Gilbert Jack A , Jansson Janet K
Published: January 2014

The Deepwater Horizon (DWH) oil spill in the spring of 2010 resulted in an input of ∼4.1 million barrels of oil to the Gulf of Mexico; >22% of this oil is unaccounted for, with unknown environmental consequences. Here we investigated the impact of oil deposition on microbial communities in surface sediments collected at 64 sites by targeted sequencing of 16S rRNA genes, shotgun metagenomic sequencing of 14 of these samples and mineralization experiments using 14C-labeled model substrates. The 16S rRNA gene data indicated that the most heavily oil-impacted sediments were enriched in an uncultured Gammaproteobacterium and a Colwellia species, both of which were highly similar to sequences in the DWH deep-sea hydrocarbon plume. The primary drivers in structuring the microbial community were nitrogen and hydrocarbons. Annotation of unassembled metagenomic data revealed the most abundant hydrocarbon degradation pathway encoded genes involved in degrading aliphatic and simple aromatics via butane monooxygenase. The activity of key hydrocarbon degradation pathways by sediment microbes was confirmed by determining the mineralization of 14C-labeled model substrates in the following order: propylene glycol, dodecane, toluene and phenanthrene. Further, analysis of metagenomic sequence data revealed an increase in abundance of genes involved in denitrification pathways in samples that exceeded the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)’s benchmarks for polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) compared with those that did not. Importantly, these data demonstrate that the indigenous sediment microbiota contributed an important ecosystem service for remediation of oil in the Gulf. However, PAHs were more recalcitrant to degradation, and their persistence could have deleterious impacts on the sediment ecosystem.
Atractylenolide-I Sensitizes Human Ovarian Cancer Cells to Paclitaxel by Blocking Activation of TLR4/MyD88-dependent Pathway
Authors: Huang Jian-Ming , Zhang Guo-Nan , Shi Yu , Zha Xiao , Zhu Yi , Wang Miao-Miao , Lin Qing , Wang Wen , Lu Hai-Yan , Ma Shi-Qi , Cheng Jia , Deng Bi-Fang
Published: January 2014

Paclitaxel, a known TLR4 ligand, leads to activation of TLR4/MyD88-dependent pathway that mediates chemoresistance and tumor progression in epithelial ovarian carcinoma (EOC). Atractylenolide-I (AO-I), a novel TLR4-antagonizing agent, inhibits TLR4 signaling by interfering with the binding of LPS or paclitaxel to membrane TLR4 of human leukocytes. In this study, AO-I was found to attenuate paclitaxel-induced protein expression of IL-6, VEGF and survivin and to enhance early apoptosis and growth inhibition in MyD88+ EOC cells; AO-I was shown to fit into the hydrophobic pocket of human MD-2 and to partially overlap with the binding site of paclitaxel by docking simulations, suggesting that AO-I may block the MD-2-mediated TLR4/MyD88-dependent paclitaxel signaling in MyD88+ EOC cells. Therefore, AO-I could significantly sensitize the response of MyD88+ EOC cells to paclitaxel by blocking MD-2-mediated TLR4/MyD88 signaling and that AO-I-paclitaxel combination could be a promising strategy for the treatment of EOC with a functional TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB pathway.
Density Functional Theory Methods for Electrocatalysis
Authors: Yeh Kuan-Yu , Janik Michael J.
Published: January 2014

Electrocatalysis involves catalytic reactions occurring in electrochemical systems, where bond breaking and forming on the catalyst surface are coupled with electron and ion transfer. Electrocatalytic reactions occur in fuel cells, with examples such as hydrogen oxidation, methanol oxidation, and oxygen reduction as well as in electrolysis cells, with examples such as hydrogen evolution, water splitting, and carbon dioxide reduction. Density functional theory (DFT) can be used in a similar manner to its application to non-electrochemical catalytic reactions however, additional complexities arise owing to the electrochemical nature of the catalytic interface. As in typical heterogeneous catalysis, the electrocatalyst is generally a supported nanoparticle, and all of the same challenges in developing appropriate and computationally tractable model systems (use of low-index plane surfaces or small particles as models, for example) apply to electrocatalytic systems.
Photo- and thermo-induced spin crossover in a cyanide-bridged {MoV2FeII2} rhombus molecule
Authors: Mondal Abhishake , Li Yanling , Chamoreau Lise-Marie , Seuleiman Mannan , Rechignat Lionel , Bousseksou Azzedine , Boillot Marie-Laure , Lescouëzec Rodrigue
Published: January 2014

The self-assembly of [MoV(CN)8]3− and [FeII(bik)2(S)2]2+ affords a cyanide-bridged {MoV2FeII2} rhombus molecule that shows photomagnetic effect under laser light irradiation at low temperatures and exhibits thermo-induced spin crossover near ambient temperature.
Sub-5 nm nanobowl gaps electrochemically templated by SiO2-coated Au nanoparticles as surface-enhanced Raman scattering hot spots
Authors: Wen Haiqiong , Meng Lingyan , Kong Gezhi , Yu Huimin , Yang Zhilin , Hu Jiawen
Published: January 2014

Sub-5 nm hot spots for giant SERS made easy: using SiO2-coated Au nanoparticles as a mask for templated electrodeposition.
Synthesis of multi-substituted pyrroles using enamides and alkynes catalyzed by Pd(OAc)2with molecular oxygen as an oxidant
Authors: Xu Yun-He , He Tao , Zhang Qiu-Chi , Loh Teck-Peng
Published: January 2014

A cyclization reaction between enamides and alkynes catalyzed by palladium(ii) acetate is described. In this method, the molecular oxygen serves as an efficient oxidant for the Pd(ii)/Pd(0) catalytic cycle. The simple reaction conditions permit this methodology to be used as a general tool for the preparation of multi-substituted pyrroles.
Ultrafast resonance energy transfer in the umbelliferone–alizarin bichromophore
Authors: Lapini Andrea , Fabbrizzi Pierangelo , Piccardo Matteo , di Donato Mariangela , Lascialfari Luisa , Foggi Paolo , Cicchi Stefano , Biczysko Malgorzata , Carnimeo Ivan , Santoro Fabrizio , Cappelli Chiara , Righini Roberto
Published: January 2014

Fast and efficient intramolecular energy transfer takes place in the umbelliferone–alizarin bichromophore; the process is well described by the Förster mechanism.
Crystallization of molecular systems from solution: phase diagrams, supersaturation and other basic concepts
Authors: Coquerel Gérard
Published: January 2014

Crystallization reactions are depicted using pathways in phase diagrams. This approach used is rational both in seeding and control of the process.
Easily accessible bifunctional Zn(salpyr) catalysts for the formation of organic carbonates
Authors: Martín C. , Whiteoak C. J. , Martin E. , Martínez Belmonte M. , Escudero-Adán E. C. , Kleij A. W.
Published: January 2014

Alkylated Zn(salpyr) complexes (salpyr = N,N′-bis[salicylidene]-3,4-pyridinediamine) were prepared and used as catalyst precursors for the formation of cyclic carbonates from a range of (functional) epoxides and CO2.
Homogeneous catalysis for the conversion of biomass and biomass-derived platform chemicals
Authors: Deuss Peter J. , Barta Katalin , de Vries Johannes G.
Published: January 2014

This perspective highlights the importance of homogeneous catalysis in the selective and efficient transformation of various types of biomass and platform chemicals to useful chemicals.
New oligogermane with a five coordinate germanium atom: the preparation of 1-germylgermatrane
Authors: Zaitsev Kirill V. , Churakov Andrei V. , Poleshchuk Oleg Kh. , Oprunenko Yuri F. , Zaitseva Galina S. , Karlov Sergey S.
Published: January 2014

The first example of a hypercoordinate oligogermane was prepared and characterized.
One-pot formal synthesis of biorenewable terephthalic acid from methyl coumalate and methyl pyruvate
Authors: Lee Jennifer J. , Kraus George A.
Published: January 2014

Diverse functionalized aromatic compounds including DMT are constructed from captodative dienophiles with exclusive regioselectivity.
Soft-templating method to synthesize crystalline mesoporous α-Fe2O3 films
Authors: Guo Limin , Ida Shintaro , Takashiba Akihide , Daio Takeshi , Teramae Norio , Ishihara Tatsumi
Published: January 2014

A new synthesis method for the preparation of crystalline mesoporous hematite films with controlled thickness is reported.
Self-assembled supramolecular nanoparticles mediated by host–guest interactions for photodynamic therapy
Authors: Yan Hong , Pan Xiaoyong , Chua Ming Hui , Wang Xiaobai , Song Jing , Ye Qun , Zhou Hui , Xuan Angeline Tan Yan , Liu Ye , Xu Jianwei
Published: January 2014

Supramolecular nanoparticles formed by calixarene-substituted porphyrin and biviologen were reported, offering a type of photodynamic therapeutic agent with low cytotoxicity and high photo-oxidation efficiency.
Non-solvent processing for robust but thin membranes of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene
Authors: Uehara Hiroki , Tamura Takuya , Hashidume Kazuki , Tanaka Hidekazu , Yamanobe Takeshi
Published: January 2014

Robust and thin membranes of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMW-PE) were obtained from a commercial powder material via a melt-drawing technique without any solvent treatment.
MeOTf-induced carboannulation of arylnitriles and aromatic alkynes: a new metal-free strategy to construct indenones
Authors: Yan Xiaoyu , Zou Song , Zhao Peng , Xi Chanjuan
Published: January 2014

MeOTf-induced carboannulation of arylnitriles and aromatic alkynes for synthesis of indenones and their derivatives under metal-free conditions has been described.