bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A meiotic mystery: How sister kinetochores avoid being pulled in opposite directions during the first division
Authors: Nasmyth Kim
Published: April 2015

We now take for granted that despite the disproportionate contribution of females to initial growth of their progeny, there is little or no asymmetry in the contribution of males and females to the eventual character of their shared offspring. In fact, this key insight was only established towards the end of the eighteenth century by Joseph Koelreuter's pioneering plant breeding experiments. If males and females supply equal amounts of hereditary material, then the latter must double each time an embryo is conceived. How then does the amount of this mysterious stuff not multiply exponentially from generation to generation? A compensatory mechanism for diluting the hereditary material must exist, one that ensures that if each parent contributes one half, each grandparent contributes a quarter, and each great grandparent merely an eighth. An important piece of the puzzle of how hereditary material is diluted at each generation has been elucidated over the past ten years.
Benefits of Chromium Substitution in Na3V2(PO4)3 as a Potential Candidate for Sodium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Aragón María J. , Lavela Pedro , Ortiz Gregorio F. , Tirado José L.
Published: April 2015

The effect of low‐level chromium substitution in Na3V2‐xCrx(PO4)3 (0≤x≤0.4), a potential cathode material in Na‐ion cells, has been examined. A suitable synthesis procedure is developed to obtain composites of crystalline NASICON phosphate and an amorphous carbon phase to enhance the electrical conductivity of the electrode. The optimized cathode materials were characterized by using X‐ray diffraction and spectroscopic techniques. The electrochemical evaluation was carried out by using galvanostatic and potentiostatic methods. The activity of the V5+/V4+ redox couple at approximately 4 V is remarkable for the samples containing chromium. A reversible capacity of 107 mAh g−1 with a coulombic efficiency of 99 % was determined for Na3V1.9Cr0.1(PO4)3 after 40 cycles. The observed performance correlates with a good kinetic response, resulting from low charge‐transfer resistance and high diffusion coefficient.
Less Is More: Three‐Coordinate C,N‐Chelated Distannynes and Digermynes
Authors: Novák Miroslav , Bouška Marek , Dostál Libor , Růžička Aleš , Hoffmann Alexander , Herres‐Pawlis Sonja , Jambor Roman
Published: April 2015

We report here the synthesis of new C,N‐chelated chlorostannylenes and germylenes L3MCl (M=Sn(1), Ge (2)) and L4MCl (M=Sn(3), Ge (4)) containing sterically demanding C,N‐chelating ligands L3, 4 (L3=[2,4‐di‐tBu‐6‐(Et2NCH2)C6H2]−; L4=[2,4‐di‐tBu‐6‐{(C6H3‐2′,6′‐iPr2)N=CH}C6H2]−). Reductions of 1–4 yielded three‐coordinate C,N‐chelated distannynes and digermynes [L3, 4M]2 for the first time (5: L3, M=Sn, 6: L3, M=Ge, 7: L4, M=Sn, 8: L4, M=Ge). For comparison, the four‐coordinate distannyne [L5Sn]2 (10) stabilized by N,C,N‐chelate L5 (L5=[2,6‐{(C6H3‐2′,6′‐Me2)NCH}2C6H3]−) was prepared by the reduction of chlorostannylene L5SnCl (9). Hence, we highlight the role of donor‐driven stabilization of tetrynes. Compounds 1–10 were characterized by means of elemental analysis, NMR spectroscopy, and in the case of 1, 2, 5–7, and 10, also by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction analysis. The bonding situation in either three‐ or four‐coordinate distannynes 5, 7, and 10 was evaluated by DFT calculations. DFT calculations were also used to compare the nature of the metal–metal bond in three‐coordinate C,N‐chelating distannyne [L3Sn]2 (5) and related digermyme [L3Ge]2 (6).
Sustainable Hydrogen Production by Ethanol Steam Reforming using a Partially Reduced Copper–Nickel Oxide Catalyst
Authors: Chen Li‐Chung , Cheng Hongkui , Chiang Chih‐Wei , Lin Shawn D.
Published: April 2015

Hydrogen production through the use of renewable raw materials and renewable energy is crucial for advancing its applications as an energy carrier. In this study, we fabricated a solid oxide solution of Cu and Ni within a confined pore space, followed by a partial reduction, to produce a highly efficient catalyst for ethanol steam reforming (ESR). At 300 °C, EtOH is completely converted, a H2 yield of approximately 5 mol per mol is achieved, and CO2 is the main carbon‐containing product. This demonstrates that H2 production from bioethanol is an efficient and sustainable approach. Such a highly efficient ESR catalyst is attributed to the ability of the metal–oxide interface to facilitate the transformation of CHx adspecies from acetaldehyde decomposition into methoxy‐like adspecies, which are reformed readily to produce H2 and consequently reduce CH4 formation.
Space‐interweaving‐time‐convolutional space–time codes for full‐duplex MIMO relay networks
Authors: Liu Yi , Zhang Hailin , Li Yongzhao
Published: April 2015

In this paper, a space‐interweaving‐time‐convolutional space–time coding (SITC‐STC) scheme is proposed to collect cooperative diversity gain for full‐duplex multiple‐input multiple‐output (MIMO) relay systems. It is shown that because of the loop channel interference and crosstalk interference caused by different transmit and receive antenna pairs of the MIMO relay, the full‐duplex mechanism cannot be achieved effectively in MIMO relay networks by directly adopting relaying methods for half‐duplex systems. The traditional method to deal with this issue is removing the interference as much as possible. While, the proposed SITC‐STC scheme only needs to cancel partial interference signals and then amplify together with interweaving in space by a power control matrix. That is, the loop signals are not directly cancelled but used for coding in the SITC‐STC scheme. Simulation results verify the proposed SITC‐STC scheme by comparing it with existing STC schemes and show that it can collect most of the diversity gain in MIMO relay networks. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Carbon dioxide capture and storage by pH swing mineralization using recyclable ammonium salts and flue gas mixtures
Authors: Wang Xiaolong , Sanna Aimaro , Maroto‐Valer M. Mercedes , Paulson Tom
Published: April 2015

CO2 mineral sequestration through the employment of silicate rocks such as serpentine is an important technology for the mitigation of CO2 emissions. Most mineral carbonation works in this study use pure CO2. The indirect carbonation process employed different flue gases (5, 15, 25% CO2) and the presence of SOx and NOx. Also, the direct contact of CO2 with the Mg source was compared to the indirect reaction of Mg with CO2 as NH4CO3. The impact of variables such as temperature, solid‐liquid ration (S/L), and molar ratio of additives on carbonation rate and degree was studied. An average carbonation efficiency of about 90% was achieved at 80°C after 30 min for indirect mineral carbonation process. The carbonation efficiency decreased to 50‒60% when the process was directly employed. The carbonation efficiency obtained in the presence of 15‒25% CO2 was very similar to that with 100% CO2 at 140°C, while at 80°C, the carbonation efficiency in presence of flue gas (40‒55%) was much larger compared to that using pure C02 (10% after 3 h). SOx and NOx co‐removal efficiency was 54.4% and 18% at 140˚C and 20 bar, respectively.
Integrity of white matter microstructure in alcoholics with and without Korsakoff's syndrome
Authors: Segobin Shailendra , Ritz Ludivine , Lannuzel Coralie , Boudehent Céline , Vabret François , Eustache Francis , Beaunieux Hélène , Pitel Anne‐Lise
Published: April 2015

Alcohol dependence results in two different clinical forms: “uncomplicated” alcoholism (UA) and Korsakoff's syndrome (KS). Certain brain networks are especially affected in UA and KS: the frontocerebellar circuit (FCC) and the Papez circuit (PC). Our aims were (1) to describe the profile of white matter (WM) microstructure in FCC and PC in the two clinical forms, (2) to identify those UA patients at risk of developing KS using their WM microstructural integrity as a biomarker. Tract‐based spatial statistics and nonparametric voxel‐based permutation tests were used to compare diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) data in 7 KS, 20 UA, and 14 healthy controls. The two patient groups were also pooled together and compared to controls. k‐means classifications were then performed on mean fractional anisotropy values of significant clusters across all subjects for two fiber tracts from the FCC (the middle cerebellar peduncle and superior cerebellar peduncle) and two tracts from the PC (fornix and cingulum). We found graded effects of WM microstructural abnormalities in the PC of UA and KS. UA patients classified at risk of developing KS using fiber tracts of the PC from DTI data also had the lowest scores of episodic memory. That finding suggests that WM microstructure could be used as a biomarker for early detection of UA patients at risk of developing KS. Hum Brain Mapp 36:2795–2808, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Spatio‐temporal variability of dryness/wetness in the Danube River Basin
Authors: Ionita M. , Scholz P. , Chelcea S.
Published: April 2015

The present study focuses on the analysis of dryness/wetness conditions in the Danube River catchment area from 1901 to 2013 based on reanalysis data. The spatio‐temporal variability of dryness/wetness conditions is analyzed by means of the Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI) for an accumulation periods of 6 months. To characterize the spatial variability of SPI6 at monthly time scales, an empirical orthogonal function (EOF) analysis was applied. The leading mode of SPI variability captures in‐phase variability of SPI over the entire catchment area of Danube River. The leading mode of dryness/wetness variability was found to be strongly related to the different phases of the Arctic Oscillation. The second and third modes of variability show a more regional character of the dryness/wetness variability over the Danube River catchment area. Based on a composite map analysis, between the time series corresponding to the first three leading modes of dryness/wetness variability and the geopotential height at 850 mb and precipitation totals, it is shown that dryness (wetness) conditions over the Danube catchment area are associated with an anticyclonic (cyclonic) circulation, transport of dry (humid) air towards the Danube catchment area and reduced (enhanced) number of rain days. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Insight into Atomic Resolution of the Cross‐Seeding between Tau/Mutated Tau and Amyloid‐β in Neurodegenerative Diseases
Authors: Atsmon‐Raz Yoav , Miller Yifat
Published: April 2015

Tau and amyloid‐β (Aβ) are the primary components of amyloid plaques in neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer′s disease (AD) and frontotemporal dementia with parkinsonism linked to chromosome 17 (FTDP‐17). Cross‐seeding between Aβ and tau, or Aβ and mutated tau, is a key phenomenon observed in these neurodegenerative diseases. This review addresses the importance of investigating Aβtau and Aβmutated tau oligomeric complexes at atomic resolution. It also provides an overview of both experimental and computational studies performed on cross‐seeding between tau/mutated tau and Aβ, and addresses further directions for future studies. The cross‐seeding phenomenon could contribute to explaining, at least in part, the still unknown origins of the pathological conditions and may assist in preventing aggregation in amyloidogenic diseases with drug design and other therapeutic approaches.
Pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic interactions between palifermin and heparin
Authors: Yang Bing‐Bing , Gillespie Brad , Smith Brian , Smith William , Lissmats Agneta , Rudebeck Mattias , Kullenberg Torbjörn , Olsson Birgitta
Published: April 2015

Oral mucositis, a severe complication during chemo‐ and/or radiotherapy, is prevented with palifermin treatment, a recombinant human keratinocyte growth factor (KGF/FGF‐7). The FGF family belongs to the larger family of heparin‐binding growth factors. Because it has been shown that heparin modulates binding of KGF to the KGF receptor and subsequently affects cellular proliferation induced by the KGF mitogenic signal, it is critical to understand the drug–drug interactions between palifermin and heparin, particularly because of heparin's narrow therapeutic margin. Two studies were performed in healthy subjects to characterize the effect of palifermin on the pharmacodynamics of heparin (activated partial thromboplastin time) and evaluate the impact of heparin on the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics (Ki67 staining of buccal mucosal tissue) of palifermin. Results demonstrated a pronounced pharmacokinetic interaction; heparin coadministration increased the palifermin AUC 4‐ to 5‐fold and decreased its half‐life by 40%–45%, suggesting an approximate 70%–80% decrease in palifermin clearance and volume of distribution. These changes in the pharmacokinetics of palifermin during coadministration of heparin, however, did not affect the pharmacodynamic effect of palifermin, or the anticoagulant activity of heparin, and did not lead to increased safety findings. Therefore, these results suggest that dose adjustments for heparin and palifermin are not warranted when administered concurrently.
Evaluation of the treatment response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy in locally advanced breast cancer using combined magnetic resonance vascular maps and apparent diffusion coefficient
Authors: Wu Li‐An , Chang Ruey‐Feng , Huang Chiun‐Sheng , Lu Yen‐Shen , Chen Hong‐Hao , Chen Jo‐Yu , Chang Yeun‐Chung
Published: April 2015

Purpose

To evaluate the treatment response of locally advanced breast cancer (LABC) to neoadjuvant chemotherapy using magnetic resonance (MR) vascular maps and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) at 3T.

Materials and Methods Thirty‐one patients with LABC who underwent breast MR studies before, after the first course, and after completing neoadjuvant chemotherapy were enrolled. Vascular morphology was retrieved via Hessian matrix and the voxels of the vessels and volume of vessels were measured automatically. Whole tumor mean ADC values were calculated. Clinical responders were defined as >50% tumor reduction in the final MR studies. Pathologically complete responders were also recorded.

Results

There were 21 clinical responders and 10 nonresponders. Compared to the nonresponders after the first course, the responders were characterized by more vascular reduction of the breast lesion and decreased bilateral vascular discrepancy (voxels and volume), and increments in the ADC value and ADC percentage of the lesions (all P < 0.05). There were three pathological complete responders who showed more apparent early vascular reduction of the lesion breast (voxels and volume) and increments in the ADC value than others (P = 0.02, 0.01 and 0.02, respectively).

Conclusion

The early changes of MR vascular maps and ADC are associated with the final treatment response of LABC. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2015;42:1407–1420.
Value of MRI and MRS fat measurements to complement conventional screening methods for childhood obesity
Authors: Lange Thomas , Buechert Martin , Baumstark Manfred W. , Deibert Peter , Gerner Sarah , Rydén Henric , Seufert Jochen , Korsten‐Reck Ulrike
Published: April 2015

Purpose

To evaluate a protocol combining abdominal fat–water magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and liver single voxel magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) for studies of childhood obesity.

Materials and Methods

Six obese male children and five age‐matched normal‐weight controls underwent abdominal fat–water Dixon MRI based on a gradient echo sequence with multiple echo times and single voxel liver MRS at a field strength of 3T. The MRI/MRS data were compared with data previously acquired from an obese adult cohort and with anthropometric and blood parameters that are typically acquired for screening in childhood obesity.

Results

There was a very strong correlation (r = 0.96) between the body mass index standard deviation score (BMI‐SDS) and the subcutaneous fat volume fraction in the examined children, but only a moderate correlation (r = 0.62) between the BMI‐SDS index and the intraabdominal fat volume fraction, which is much lower in the obese children (5.3 ± 1.1%) than in the obese adult cohort (19.4 ± 2.9%). Furthermore, a significant difference between the two child cohorts was observed in the intrahepatic lipid (IHL) content as obtained with MRS (P = 0.017). However, even the obese child cohort shows an IHL content that is 1–2 orders of magnitude lower (1.0 ± 0.5%) than in the obese adult cohort (17.0 ± 8.7%).

Conclusion

The proposed method was successfully applied in children and may complement traditional clinical screening methods for childhood obesity such as anthropometry and laboratory tests to better characterize the obesity‐associated metabolic risk. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2015;42:1214–1222.
The Relative Importance of Social and Personal Norms in Explaining Intentions to Choose Eco‐Friendly Travel Options
Authors: Doran Rouven , Larsen Svein
Published: April 2015

Changes in current travel patterns are important in order to move towards a more sustainable future of tourism. This paper reports findings from a study (N = 762) investigating the relative importance of social and personal norms in explaining intentions to choose eco‐friendly travel options. Personal norms showed the strongest association with behavioural intentions and further mediated the link between injunctive social norms and behavioural intentions. Overall findings indicate that social and personal norms seem both related to travel choices but that a particular emphasis should be given to the role of personal norms. Further implications of these findings are discussed. © 2015 The Authors. International Journal of Tourism Research Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
The corrected Uzawa method for solving saddle point problems
Authors: Ma C. F. , Zheng Q. Q.
Published: April 2015

In this paper, we consider the solution of linear systems of saddle point type by correcting the Uzawa algorithm, which has been proposed in [K. Arrow, L. Hurwicz, H. Uzawa, Studies in nonlinear programming, Stanford University Press, Stanford, CA, 1958]. We call this method as corrected Uzawa (CU) method. The convergence of the CU method is analyzed for solving nonsingular saddle point problem as well as the semi‐convergence for the singular case. First, the corrected model for the Uzawa algorithm is established, and the CU algorithm is presented. Then we study the geometric meaning of the CU model. Moreover, we introduce the overall reduction coefficient α to measure the effect of the CU process. It is shown that the CU method converges faster than the Uzawa method and several other methods if the overall reduction coefficient α satisfies certain conditions. Numerical experiments are presented to illustrate the theoretical results and examine the numerical effectiveness of the CU method. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Sol‐Gel Microspheres Doped with Glycerol: A Structural Insight in Light of Forthcoming Applications in the Polyurethane Foam Industry
Authors: Ciriminna Rosaria , Fidalgo Alexandra , Ilharco Laura M. , Pagliaro Mario
Published: April 2015

Invited for this months cover are the groups of Professor Mario Pagliaro at the Istituto per lo Studio dei Materiali Nanostrutturati in Palermo and Professor Laura Ilharco at the Instituto Superior Técnico in Lisboa. The cover picture shows a­ GreenCaps­ microcapsule breaking and releasing encapsulated glycerol after the organosilica microspheres are sprayed from a pressurized polyurethane foam can. This shows how glycerol acts as a solid curing agent, promoting crosslinking of partially polymerized diphenylmethane diisocyanate. For more details, see the Full Paper on p. 120 ff.
Exact and asymptotic inference in clinical trials with small event rates under inverse sampling
Authors: Heimann Günter , Von Tress Mark , Gasparini Mauro
Published: April 2015

In this paper, we discuss statistical inference for a 2 × 2 table under inverse sampling, where the total number of cases is fixed by design. We demonstrate that the exact unconditional distributions of some relevant statistics differ from the distributions under conventional sampling, where the sample size is fixed by design. This permits us to define a simple unconditional alternative to Fisher's exact test. We provide an asymptotic argument including simulations to demonstrate that there is little power loss associated with the alternative test when the expected event rates are very small. We then apply the method to design a clinical trial in cataract surgery, where a rare side effect occurs in one in 1000 patients. The objective of the trial is to demonstrate that adjuvant treatment with an antibiotic will reduce this risk to one in 2000. We use an inverse sampling design and demonstrate how to set this up in a sequential manner. Particularly simple stopping rules can be defined when using the unconditional alternative to Fisher's exact test. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Percentage of free prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) is a useful method in deciding to perform prostate biopsy with higher core numbers in patients with low PSA cut‐off values
Authors: Yilmaz Hasan , Ciftci Seyfettin , Yavuz Ufuk , Ustuner Murat , Saribacak Ali , Dillioglugil Ozdal
Published: April 2015

The aim of this study was to evaluate the predictive role of percentage of free prostate‐specific antigen (%fPSA) cut‐points in prostate cancer (PCa) detection in patients with total PSA (tPSA) levels between 2.5 ng/mL and 10.0 ng/mL. In total, 1321 consecutive initial transrectal ultrasound (TRUS)‐guided 12‐core biopsies performed between 2005 and 2011 were evaluated retrospectively. Benign pathologies, high‐grade prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia, and atypical small acinary proliferations were categorized as noncancerous (benign), and prostate adenocarcinomas were categorized as cancerous (malignant). The patients were categorized according to: Catalona's published %fPSA categories (<10%, 10–15%, 15–20%, 20–25%, or > 25%); digital rectal examination (DRE) results [benign (negative) or suspicious of malignancy (positive)]. There was a significant relationship between the %fPSA cut‐points and detection of PCa in DRE‐negative patients. The presence of a 10% cut‐point increased the probability of PCa threefold. The %fPSA was significantly more related to PCa than the tPSA value in receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analyses (p = 0.001). Based on our findings, a lower %fPSA, especially <10%, is an important parameter when deciding whether to perform a biopsy on patients with a tPSA between 2.5 ng/mL and 10 ng/mL.
Naming and Shaming: Trial by Media in Nineteenth-Century Scotland
Authors: Barrie David G.
Published: April 2015

This article examines the relationship between shame and police court media trial reports. It explores the social and cultural mores that underpinned the construction of shaming practices in trial coverage and assesses the ways in which the media functioned as a judicial and extrajudicial shaming resource. Far from disappearing with changing sensibilities, as has been argued elsewhere, premodern religious and judicial shaming methods shifted into areas of modernity, being relayed, supported, and influenced by new forms of modern print culture. The media, this article contends, served as an extension of the disciplinary apparatus, with editors applying their own assumptions about the guilt of the accused regardless of judicial verdicts and in line with their own notion of “common-sense” lay justice. The use of shame, though, was discriminatory—mirroring, and even helping to define, middle-class notions of shameful behavior and masculine and feminine conduct—which would, crucially, expose the social and cultural confines of media censure.
A Dyadic Analysis of Power and Friendship Functioning
Authors: Stump Kathryn N. , Biggs Jacklyn , Hawley Patricia H.
Published: April 2015

This study explored how perceptions of resource control levels are related to perceptions of friendship functioning in late adolescent friendship dyads (92 female dyads, 43 male dyads; mean age = 19.59 years). Resource control, relationship influence, and positive and negative friendship features were determined using self- and friend-reports. Contrary to expectations, a latent actor-partner interdependence model (Olsen & Kenny, 2006) revealed uniformly positive effects of perceived resource control on friendship functioning. Perceived resource control was positively associated with positive friendship features and unrelated to negative friendship features for both friends. Results highlight the importance of studying friendship within the context of power and considering relationships and power as complementary rather than opposing elements of the social system.
SEMIPARAMETRIC EFFICIENCY BOUNDS FOR CONDITIONAL MOMENT RESTRICTION MODELS WITH DIFFERENT CONDITIONING VARIABLES
Authors: Hristache Marian , Patilea Valentin
Published: April 2015

This paper addresses the problem of semiparametric efficiency bounds for conditional moment restriction models with different conditioning variables. We characterize such an efficiency bound, that in general is not explicit, as a limit of explicit efficiency bounds for a decreasing sequence of unconditional (marginal) moment restriction models. An iterative procedure for approximating the efficient score when this is not explicit is provided. Our theoretical results provide new insight for the theory of semiparametric efficiency bounds literature and open the door to new applications. In particular, we investigate a class of regression-like (mean regression, quantile regression,…) models with missing data, an example of a supply and demand simultaneous equations model and a generalized bivariate dichotomous model.
Intermediary Elites in the Treaty Port World: Tong Mow-chee and His Collaborators in Shanghai, 1873–1897
Authors: ABE KAORI
Published: April 2015

This article examines the functions of Chinese and foreign intermediary elites in the commercial and political world of Shanghai, an international city in the nineteenth century mainly consisting of British, American, European and Chinese residents. Specifically, it focuses on the formation of the socio-economic network of Tong Mow-chee (Tang Maozhi 唐茂枝) (1828–1897), a well-known Chinese comprador-merchant serving the British firm Jardine Matheson & Co. and other anglophone and Chinese figures, including William Venn Drummond and Tong King-sing who supported Mow-chee's commercial and political activities. My research mainly draws on English and Chinese sources and enables a deeper understanding of the unofficial figures who contributed to the management of the international society of Shanghai in the late nineteenth century, offering new insight into social roles of the middlemen operating in an area of Britain's informal empire in China.
Non-invasive Differentiation of Kidney Stone Types using X-ray Dark-Field Radiography
Authors: Scherer Kai , Braig Eva , Willer Konstantin , Willner Marian , Fingerle Alexander A. , Chabior Michael , Herzen Julia , Eiber Matthias , Haller Bernhard , Straub Michael , Schneider Heike , Rummeny Ernst J. , Noël Peter B. , Pfeiffer Franz
Published: April 2015

Treatment of renal calculi is highly dependent on the chemical composition of the stone in question, which is difficult to determine using standard imaging techniques. The objective of this study is to evaluate the potential of scatter-sensitive X-ray dark-field radiography to differentiate between the most common types of kidney stones in clinical practice. Here, we examine the absorption-to-scattering ratio of 118 extracted kidney stones with a laboratory Talbot-Lau Interferometer. Depending on their chemical composition, microscopic growth structure and morphology the various types of kidney stones show strongly varying, partially opposite contrasts in absorption and dark-field imaging. By assessing the microscopic calculi morphology with high resolution micro-computed tomography measurements, we illustrate the dependence of dark-field signal strength on the respective stone type. Finally, we utilize X-ray dark-field radiography as a non-invasive, highly sensitive (100%) and specific (97%) tool for the differentiation of calcium oxalate, uric acid and mixed types of stones, while additionally improving the detectability of radio-lucent calculi. We prove clinical feasibility of the here proposed method by accurately classifying renal stones, embedded within a fresh pig kidney, using dose-compatible measurements and a quick and simple visual inspection.
High-order localized spoof surface plasmon resonances and experimental verifications
Authors: Liao Zhen , Luo Yu , Fernández-Domínguez Antonio I. , Shen Xiaopeng , Maier Stefan A. , Cui Tie Jun
Published: April 2015

We theoretically demonstrated and experimentally verified high-order radial spoof localized surface plasmon resonances supported by textured metal particles. Through an effective medium theory and exact numerical simulations, we show the emergence of these geometrically-originated electromagnetic modes at microwave frequencies. The occurrence of high-order radial spoof plasmon resonances is experimentally verified in ultrathin disks. Their spectral and near-field properties are characterized experimentally, showing an excellent agreement with theoretical predictions. Our findings shed light into the nature of spoof localized surface plasmons and open the way to the design of broadband plasmonic devices able to operate at very different frequency regimes.
Phenotypic and Functional Characterization of Long-Term Cryopreserved Human Adipose-derived Stem Cells
Authors: Yong Kar Wey , Pingguan-Murphy Belinda , Xu Feng , Abas Wan Abu Bakar Wan , Choi Jane Ru , Omar Siti Zawiah , Azmi Mat Adenan Noor , Chua Kien Hui , Safwani Wan Kamarul Zaman Wan
Published: April 2015

Cryopreservation represents an effective technique to maintain the functional properties of human adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) and allows pooling of cells via long-term storage for clinical applications, e.g., cell-based therapies. It is crucial to reduce freezing injury during the cryopreservation process by loading the ASCs with the optimum concentration of suitable cryoprotective agents (CPAs). In this study, human ASCs were preserved for 3 months in different combinations of CPAs, including 1) 0.25 M trehalose; 2) 5% dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO); 3) 10% DMSO; 4) 5% DMSO + 20% fetal bovine serum (FBS); 5) 10% DMSO + 20% FBS; 6) 10% DMSO + 90% FBS. Interestingly, even with a reduction of DMSO to 5% and without FBS, cryopreserved ASCs maintained high cell viability comparable with standard cryomedium (10% DMSO + 90% FBS), with normal cell phenotype and proliferation rate. Cryopreserved ASCs also maintained their differentiation capability (e.g., to adipocytes, osteocytes and chondrocytes) and showed an enhanced expression level of stemness markers (e.g., NANOG, OCT-4, SOX-2 and REX-1). Our findings suggest that 5% DMSO without FBS may be an ideal CPA for an efficient long-term cryopreservation of human ASCs. These results aid in establishing standardized xeno-free long-term cryopreservation of human ASCs for clinical applications.
(Pd–CuCl2)/γ-Al2O3: a high-performance catalyst for carbonylation of methyl nitrite to dimethyl carbonate
Authors: Lv Dong-Mei , Xu Zhong-Ning , Peng Si-Yan , Wang Zhi-Qiao , Chen Qing-Song , Chen Yumin , Guo Guo-Cong
Published: April 2015

(Pd–CuCl2)/γ-Al2O3 catalyst with excellent activity and selectivity was successfully developed for vapor-phase carbonylation of methyl nitrite to dimethyl carbonate (DMC).
High and robust performance of H2O2 fuel cells in the presence of scandium ion
Authors: Yamada Yusuke , Yoneda Masaki , Fukuzumi Shunichi
Published: April 2015

Decomposition of H2O2 on an electrode was suppressed in the presence of Lewis acids.
Synthesis and catalytic activity of homoleptic lanthanide-tris(cyclopropylethinyl)amidinates
Authors: Sroor Farid M. , Hrib Cristian G. , Hilfert Liane , Busse Sabine , Edelmann Frank T.
Published: April 2015

New unsolvated, homoleptic lanthanide(iii) tris(cyclopropylethinylamidinate) complexes of the type [c-C3H5–CC–C(NR)2]3Ln (R = iPr, cyclohexyl; Ln = Nd, Sm, Ho) have been prepared and the crystal structure of the holmium derivative [c-C3H5–CC–C(NiPr)2]3Ho has been confirmed by X-ray diffraction.
The effect of crosslinking agent on sustained release of bFGF–collagen microspheres
Authors: Liu Ting , Dan Nianhua , Dan Weihua
Published: April 2015

Initial burst release and loss of bioactivity of drugs are the shortcomings of drug delivery systems (DDSs) used for in vivo treatment.
AB2 Y-shaped miktoarm star conductive polyaniline-modified poly(ethylene glycol) and its electrospun nanofiber blend with poly(ε-caprolactone)
Authors: Massoumi Bakhshali , Davtalab Somayeh , Jaymand Mehdi , Entezami Ali Akbar
Published: April 2015

The aim of this study is the synthesis, and characterization of novel type AB2 Y-shaped miktoarm star conductive polyaniline-modified poly(ethylene glycol), and preparation of its electrospun nanofibers blend with poly(ε-caprolactone).
Hollow Co3O4 microspheres with nano-sized shells: one-step large-scale synthesis, growth mechanism and supercapacitor properties
Authors: Feng Chao , Zhang Jinfeng , Deng Yida , Zhong Cheng , Liu Lei , Hu Wenbin
Published: April 2015

Hollow Co3O4 microspheres with thin spherical shells were produced using a one-step method at a low hydrothermal temperature (120 °C), and could be obtained without the use of a solid template, organic reagent or subsequent calcination.
Polyvinylidene fluoride/poly(ethylene-co-vinyl alcohol) blended membranes and a systematic insight into their antifouling properties
Authors: Miao Rui , Wang Lei , Gao Zhe , Mi Na , Liu Tingting , Lv Yongtao , Wang Xudong
Published: April 2015

The antifouling ability of the PVDF/EVOH blended membrane is superior to that of the PVDF membrane.
Plasma oxidation of electrospun carbon nanofibers as supercapacitor electrodes
Authors: Lai Ching-Chang , Lo Chieh-Tsung
Published: April 2015

Electrospun carbon nanofibers modified by oxygen plasma have increased hydrophilicity, resulting in a substantial increase in the specific capacitance.
Triple bond-modified anthracene sensitizers for dye-sensitized solar cells: a computational study
Authors: Tarsang Ruangchai , Promarak Vinich , Sudyoadsuk Taweesak , Namuangruk Supawadee , Kungwan Nawee , Khongpracha Pipat , Jungsuttiwong Siriporn
Published: April 2015

We performed a theoretical investigation on a series of organic dyes incorporating an anthracene moiety between a carbazole donor group and a cyanoacrylic acid acceptor, in which a triple bond (TB)-modified moiety acts as a π-conjugated linker.
Nitrogen-doped porous carbon spheres derived from d-glucose as highly-efficient CO2 sorbents
Authors: Xu Leqiong , Guo Liping , Hu Gengshen , Chen Jinghan , Hu Xin , Wang Sunli , Dai Wei , Fan Maohong
Published: April 2015

Nitrogen-doped porous carbon spheres derived from d-glucose have a CO2 uptake of 6.68 mmol g−1 at 0 °C under atmospheric pressure.
Hydrothermal syntheses, structural characterizations, and magnetic properties of five MOFs assembled from C2-symmetric ligand of 1,3-di(2′,4′-dicarboxylphenyl)benzene with various coordination modes
Authors: Fan Liming , Fan Weiliu , Li Bin , Zhao Xian , Zhang Xiutang
Published: April 2015

Five new complexes with appealing structural features from 0D paddle wheel {Cu2(COO)4} SBUs to 3D frameworks were reported to better understand the synthon selectivity in multifunctional crystal structures.
Excellent microwave-absorption performances by matched magnetic–dielectric properties in double-shelled Co/C/polyaniline nanocomposites
Authors: Jiang Linwen , Wang Zhenhua , Li Da , Geng Dianyu , Wang Yu , An Jing , He Jun , Liu Wei , Zhang Zhidong
Published: April 2015

Double-shelled Co/C/polyaniline (Co/C/PA) nanocomposites were prepared by combining the arc-discharge process and in situ chemical oxidative polymerization reaction.
Graphene nanosheets, carbon nanotubes, graphite, and activated carbon as anode materials for sodium-ion batteries
Authors: Luo Xu-Feng , Yang Cheng-Hsien , Peng You-Yu , Pu Nen-Wen , Ger Ming-Der , Hsieh Chien-Te , Chang Jeng-Kuei
Published: April 2015

The graphene nanosheet electrode with excellent high-rate performance and satisfactory cyclability is an ideal anode for sodium-ion batteries.
Ni@Pd/PEI–rGO stack structures with controllable Pd shell thickness as advanced electrodes for efficient hydrogen evolution
Authors: Li Jing , Zhou Panpan , Li Feng , Ren Ren , Liu Yang , Niu Jianrui , Ma Jianxin , Zhang Xueyao , Tian Min , Jin Jun , Ma Jiantai
Published: April 2015

In the present work, nickel (Ni) and palladium (Pd) core–shell structure nanospheres with various thicknesses have been facilely obtained via a one-pot synthesis process.
Dye-sensitized solar cells based on hierarchically structured porous TiO2 filled with nanoparticles
Authors: Zhao Zhenxuan , Liu Guicheng , Li Bo , Guo Lixue , Fei Chengbin , Wang Yajie , Lv Lili , Liu Xiaoguang , Tian Jianjun , Cao Guozhong
Published: April 2015

DSCs based on hierarchically structured porous TiO2 filled with nanoparticles exhibited the highest PCE of 9.7%.
Heavy metal sorption properties of magnesium titanate mesoporous nanorods
Authors: Wang Xueyun , Cai Jianhua , Zhang Yanjun , Li Lihua , Jiang Li , Wang Chunru
Published: April 2015

Ti/Mg molar ratios will influence the properties of magnesium titanate nanorods, such as morphology, surface area, crystallinity and crystal structure, and then their adsorption capacities for Pb2+.
Plastische Deckung ausgedehnter Defekte nach exenterativen Eingriffen im Becken
Authors: Abdou A. , Bruns H. , Troja A. , Antolovic D. , Li L. , Raab H.-R.
Published: April 2015

Die erweiterte Resektion von malignen Erkrankungen des kleinen Beckens führt zu großen Weichteildefekten im Bereich des Perineums. Dies ist der Fall bei Prozeduren wie z. B. ausgedehnter extralevatorischer Rektumexstirpation und Beckenexenteration. Aus solchen Eingriffen resultieren große sakrale/perineale Wunden, die in aller Regel schwer zu versorgen sind. Ein primärer Verschluss im kleinen Becken ist, aufgrund der häufig vorangegangenen Radiatio und der fehlenden Gewebesubstanz nach Resektion (insbesondere Muskelgewebe), oft nicht oder nur unter nicht akzeptabler Spannung durchzuführen. Die Folge können schlecht oder nicht heilende Wunden sein mit hohem Pflegeaufwand und erhöhtem Risiko für sekundäre Probleme einschließlich Tumorrezidiven. Ein dauerhafter Verschluss von guter Qualität kann daher nur durch Mobilisation von Muskelgewebe erfolgen. Dies kann durch das Rotieren oder Verschieben von Muskellappen mit oder ohne Hautinsel erfolgen wie dem M.-glutaeus-maximus-Lappen, dem vertikalen M.-rectus-abdominis-Lappen (VRAM) oder freien Lappen wie dem M.-latissimus-dorsi-Lappen.
Appleby-Operation bei ausgedehntem Pankreaskorpus- und -schwanztumor – Video eines Falles
Authors: Grützmann R. , Distler M. , Weitz J.
Published: April 2015

Einleitung: Patienten mit einem lokal fortgeschrittenen Pankreaskarzinom und arterieller Infiltration des Truncus coeliacus werden häufig als irresektabel und damit als palliativ eingestuft. Für eine hochselektierte Patientengruppe kann eine R0-Resektion eines Pankreaskarzinoms mit Resektion des Truncus coeliacus ohne arterielle Rekonstruktion einen Überlebensvorteil bedeuten. Voraussetzung für eine erfolgreiche Durchführung dieser komplexen Operationen ist eine entsprechende Expertise des Operateurs, des gesamten chirurgischen und anästhesiologischen Teams sowie eine entsprechende Infrastruktur der Klinik. Ausschlusskriterien sind extrapankreatische Tumormanifestationen vor allem beim duktalen Pankreaskarzinom und ein klinisch nicht ausreichender Zustand des Patienten. Lokal sollten zentral eine Infiltration der Aorta, der A. mesenterica superior und der A. gastroduodenalis sowie der A. hepatica propria ausgeschlossen sein, um technisch die Durchführung der Resektion sowie die Perfusion der Leber nach der Resektion über die A. gastroduodenalis zu gewährleisten. In diesem Film wird das Prinzip der Appleby-Operation anhand eines Fallbeispiels dargestellt. Indikation: Lokal fortgeschrittenes neuroendokrines Pankreaskarzinom mit arterieller Infiltration des Truncus coeliacus ohne Hinweis auf Fernmetastasierung und ohne Hinweis auf Infiltration der Aorta oder der A. mesenterica superior, ggf. nach neoadjuvanter Therapie. Operation: Pankreaskorpus- und -schwanzresektion mit Resektion des Truncus coeliacus, Splenektomie, Resektion der linken Nebenniere, subtotaler Gastrektomie und Übernähung des Pankreaskopfs und Pfortaderresektion. Rekonstruktion als Gastrojejunostomie nach Roux-Y und Duodenojejunostomie mit End-zu-End-Anastomose der Pfortader. Schlussfolgerung: Bei entsprechender Erfahrung ist die Appleby-Operation eine technisch anspruchsvolle Operation ohne arterielle Anastomose beim Pankreaskarzinom. Diese Operation kann für ausgewählte Patienten einen Vorteil gegenüber der palliativen Therapie darstellen.
A concurrent multiscale micromorphic molecular dynamics
Authors: Li Shaofan , Tong Qi
Published: April 2015

In this work, we have derived a multiscale micromorphic molecular dynamics (MMMD) from first principle to extend the (Andersen)-Parrinello-Rahman molecular dynamics to mesoscale and continuum scale. The multiscale micromorphic molecular dynamics is a con-current three-scale dynamics that couples a fine scale molecular dynamics, a mesoscale micromorphic dynamics, and a macroscale nonlocal particle dynamics together. By choosing proper statistical closure conditions, we have shown that the original Andersen-Parrinello-Rahman molecular dynamics is the homogeneous and equilibrium case of the proposed multiscale micromorphic molecular dynamics. In specific, we have shown that the Andersen-Parrinello-Rahman molecular dynamics can be rigorously formulated and justified from first principle, and its general inhomogeneous case, i.e., the three scale con-current multiscale micromorphic molecular dynamics can take into account of macroscale continuum mechanics boundary condition without the limitation of atomistic boundary condition or periodic boundary conditions. The discovered multiscale scale structure and the corresponding multiscale dynamics reveal a seamless transition from atomistic scale to continuum scale and the intrinsic coupling mechanism among them based on first principle formulation.
Anisotropic elliptical dichroism and influence of imperfection of circular polarization upon anisotropic circular dichroism
Authors: Wakabayashi Masamitsu , Yokojima Satoshi , Fukaminato Tuyoshi , Ohtani Hiroyuki , Nakamura Shinichiro
Published: April 2015

In spite of the importance of anisotropic circular dichroism, in practice, it is difficult to get rid of the artifacts that arise from the imperfection of the circular polarization. Undesirable linear dichroism, interference of two orthogonal polarization states, and linear birefringence prevent us from making accurate measurements. We propose a theoretical method for evaluating the contributions of the first two, which are thought to be the main artifacts when specimens are not thick enough. Using the time-dependent perturbation theory and taking into account the direction of light propagation toward an orientationally fixed molecule, we formulated the transition probability of systems perturbed by arbitrarily polarized light and the absorption difference associated with two kinds of polarized light. We also formulated, as an extension of the dissymmetry factor of circular dichroism, a newly defined dissymmetry factor associated with two arbitrary polarization states. Furthermore, we considered a mixed-state of photon ensemble in which polarization states distribute at a certain width around a certain average. Although the purity of polarization and ellipticity does not correspond immediately, by considering the mixed state it is possible to treat them consistently. We used quantum statistical mechanics to describe the absorption difference for two kinds of photon ensembles and applied the consequent formula to examine the reported experimental results of single-molecule chiroptical responses under discussion in the recent past. The artifacts are theoretically suggested to be sensitive to the incident direction of elliptically polarized light and to the oriented systems, the ellipticity, and the orientation of ellipse. The mixed state has little, if any, effect when the polarization state distribution is narrow.
Recurrent flow analysis in spatiotemporally chaotic 2-dimensional Kolmogorov flow
Authors: Lucas Dan , Kerswell Rich R.
Published: April 2015

Motivated by recent success in the dynamical systems approach to transitional flow, we study the efficiency and effectiveness of extracting simple invariant sets (recurrent flows) directly from chaotic/turbulent flows and the potential of these sets for providing predictions of certain statistics of the flow. Two-dimensional Kolmogorov flow (the 2D Navier-Stokes equations with a sinusoidal body force) is studied both over a square [0, 2π]2 torus and a rectangular torus extended in the forcing direction. In the former case, an order of magnitude more recurrent flows are found than previously [G. J. Chandler and R. R. Kerswell, “Invariant recurrent solutions embedded in a turbulent two-dimensional Kolmogorov flow,” J. Fluid Mech. 722, 554–595 (2013)] and shown to give improved predictions for the dissipation and energy pdfs of the chaos via periodic orbit theory. Analysis of the recurrent flows shows that the energy is largely trapped in the smallest wavenumbers through a combination of the inverse cascade process and a feature of the advective nonlinearity in 2D. Over the extended torus at low forcing amplitudes, some extracted states mimic the statistics of the spatially localised chaos present surprisingly well recalling the findings of Kawahara and Kida [“Periodic motion embedded in plane Couette turbulence: Regeneration cycle and burst,” J. Fluid Mech. 449, 291 (2001)] in low-Reynolds-number plane Couette flow. At higher forcing amplitudes, however, success is limited highlighting the increased dimensionality of the chaos and the need for larger data sets. Algorithmic developments to improve the extraction procedure are discussed.
Design of implicit high-order filters on unstructured grids for the identification of large-scale features in large-eddy simulation and application to a swirl burner
Authors: Guedot L. , Lartigue G. , Moureau V.
Published: April 2015

The analysis of large-scale structures from highly refined unsteady simulations becomes challenging as the mesh resolution increases, and some new tools must be developed in order to perform their identification and extraction. A solution is to use filters to remove the smallest flow motions. High-order filters, characterized by their good selectivity properties, were implemented in an unstructured finite-volume solver for large-eddy simulation, and their ability to extract structures of a given scale was tested on canonical flows. Then, these filters were applied on an aeronautical swirl burner with a complex geometry. The results show that novel high-order filters are able to extract the precessing vortex core from this realistic turbulent flow. High-order filtering enables to study in detail this large-scale structure and to gain insight into the dynamic of swirl flows.