bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Enhancing allyl alcohol selectivity in the catalytic conversion of glycerol; influence of product distribution on the subsequent epoxidation step
Authors: Harvey Luke , Sánchez Gizelle , Kennedy Eric M. , Stockenhuber Michael
Published: June 2015

Conversion of glycerol to allyl alcohol in a flow reactor and subsequent conversion to glycidol in a batch reactor are discussed in this paper. To increase reaction selectivity in the glycerol to allyl alcohol reaction, the catalyst was modified with alkali metal salts. The treatment of the catalyst (Fe/Al2O3) with potassium, caesium and rubidium salts enhanced the allyl alcohol yield when a 35 wt% glycerol solution was used as feed. Furthermore, the addition of organic reductants or hydrogen to the glycerol feed increased the allyl alcohol yield. Optimisation of allyl alcohol selectivity was achieved by a combination of alkali metal cation modifiers and the addition of reductants. The influence of acid, base and redox properties on selectivity is presented, focusing on the effect of these properties on product distribution. The effect of by‐products from the conversion of glycerol to allyl alcohol on the epoxidation reaction was examined to identify the ideal reaction conditions for maximising the glycidol yield. Epoxidation of allyl alcohol by 30 wt% hydrogen peroxide was conducted in a batch reactor at 333K using titanium silicate‐1 catalyst. Conversion of allyl alcohol was high for all conditions; however, hydrolysis of glycidol to glycerol reduces selectivity. © 2015 Curtin University of Technology and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Distributed consensus of delayed multi‐agent systems with nonlinear dynamics via intermittent control
Authors: Ye Zhiyong , Chen Yungen , Zhang Hua
Published: June 2015

In this paper, a distributed consensus of delayed multi‐agent systems with a leader is investigated, and a nonlinear protocol is proposed based on intermittent control. A notable feature of this protocol is to address second‐order consensus problems for delayed nonlinear multi‐agent systems, where agents can only communicate with each other over some disconnected time intervals. Some sufficient conditions to guarantee the consensus over fixed and switching topologies are derived. It is shown that second‐order consensus for delayed multi‐agent system with intermittent control can be achieved if the time delay is less than a critical value and the communication time duration is larger than a threshold value. In addition, some numerical examples are given to illustrate the effectiveness and feasibility of the theoretical results.
PEPSI: The high‐resolution échelle spectrograph and polarimeter for the Large Binocular Telescope
Authors: Strassmeier K.G. , Ilyin I. , Järvinen A. , Weber M. , Woche M. , Barnes S. I. , Bauer S.‐M. , Beckert E. , Bittner W. , Bredthauer R. , Carroll T. A. , Denker C. , Dionies F. , DiVarano I. , Döscher D. , Fechner T. , Feuerstein D. , Granzer T. , Hahn T. , Harnisch G. , Hofmann A. , Lesser M. , Paschke J. , Pankratow S. , Plank V. , Plüschke D. , Popow E. , Sablowski D. , Storm J.
Published: June 2015

PEPSI is the bench‐mounted, two‐arm, fibre‐fed and stabilized Potsdam Echelle Polarimetric and Spectroscopic Instrument for the 2×8.4 m Large Binocular Telescope (LBT). Three spectral resolutions of either 43 000, 120 000 or 270 000 can cover the entire optical/red wavelength range from 383 to 907 nm in three exposures. Two 10.3k×10.3k CCDs with 9‐µm pixels and peak quantum efficiencies of 94–96 % record a total of 92 échelle orders. We introduce a new variant of a wave‐guide image slicer with 3, 5, and 7 slices and peak efficiencies between 92–96 %. A total of six cross dispersers cover the six wavelength settings of the spectrograph, two of them always simultaneously. These are made of a VPH‐grating sandwiched by two prisms. The peak efficiency of the system, including the telescope, is 15 % at 650 nm, and still 11 % and 10 % at 390 nm and 900 nm, respectively. In combination with the 110 m2 light‐collecting capability of the LBT, we expect a limiting magnitude of ≈20th mag in V in the low‐resolution mode. The R = 120 000 mode can also be used with two, dual‐beam Stokes IQUV polarimeters. The 270 000‐mode is made possible with the 7‐slice image slicer and a 100‐µm fibre through a projected sky aperture of 0.74″, comparable to the median seeing of the LBT site. The 43 000‐mode with 12‐pixel sampling per resolution element is our bad seeing or faint‐object mode. Any of the three resolution modes can either be used with sky fibers for simultaneous sky exposures or with light from a stabilized Fabry‐Pérot étalon for ultra‐precise radial velocities. CCD‐image processing is performed with the dedicated data‐reduction and analysis package PEPSI‐S4S. Its full error propagation through all image‐processing steps allows an adaptive selection of parameters by using statistical inferences and robust estimators. A solar feed makes use of PEPSI during day time and a 500‐m feed from the 1.8 m VATT can be used when the LBT is busy otherwise. In this paper, we present the basic instrument design, its realization, and its characteristics. Some pre‐commissioning first‐light spectra shall demonstrate the basic functionality. (© 2015 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
An anatomic‐based approach to the iatrogenic spinal accessory nerve injury in the posterior cervical triangle: How to avoid and treat it
Authors: Cesmebasi Alper , Spinner Robert J.
Published: June 2015

Iatrogenic injury of the spinal accessory nerve (SAN) is a significant reducible risk with any invasive procedure involving the posterior cervical triangle. Most commonly associated with cervical lymph node biopsy, it affects 3–6% of patients and serves as a major cause of avoidable medical malpractice litigation. Medical malpractice cases not only affect the primary surgeon but also may include the repairing surgeon through a shift of blame. For this reason, we discuss the strategies all clinicians may utilize in approaching iatrogenic SAN injuries. By taking basic precautionary measures based on simple application of anatomy in the management of these patients, clinicians may protect themselves from needless malpractice litigation. A thorough knowledge of the anatomy and application in preventative strategies may provide guidance for clinicians in reducing the incidence of iatrogenic injuries, providing effective postinjury management, and ensuring the salvaging surgeon is not at fault if litigation is pursued. Clin. Anat. 28:761–766, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Back to consumption and production? Prosumers negotiating the WMG lockdown on YouTube
Authors: Bajde Domen , Kos Koklic Mateja , Bajde Jernej
Published: June 2015

There is a growing body of literature that explores the increasingly blurred divide separating production and consumption. Within this stream of work, digital environments are commonly depicted as sites of consumer empowerment, participation, co‐creation and prosumption, the intertwined process of production and consumption. Yet, in response to the mounting commercial and legal pressures, Web 2.0 companies pro‐actively regulate prosumption, deploying advanced technological devices and innovative contractual arrangements. Exploring the case of Warner Music Group lockdown on YouTube, we investigate the role of a content‐sharing platform in (re)formatting prosumption. We draw from prosumption theory and Ritzer's “prosumption continuum” to highlight how shifting arrangements of rights and content regulation shape prosumption of corporate content (in our case music owned by record labels). In contrast to the studies emphasizing the blurring of the line between consumer and producer, we illustrate how prosumption can also be transformed (back) into more conventional forms of consumption and production. We highlight several mechanisms that make this process of “de‐prosumption” possible despite considerable consumer opposition, and consider the implications facing prosumers of corporate content. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The effect of patent foramen ovale closure in patients with platypnea‐orthodeoxia syndrome
Authors: Mojadidi Mohammad Khalid , Gevorgyan Rubine , Noureddin Nabil , Tobis Jonathan M.
Published: June 2015

Background

Platypnea‐orthodeoxia syndrome is a rare condition characterized by hypoxemia in the upright position that is improved in the supine position. Although several etiologies of platypnea‐orthodeoxia exist, it is frequently associated with right‐to‐left shunting of blood at the cardiac or pulmonary level, usually via a patent foramen ovale (PFO). The aim of this study was to evaluate the incidence of platypnea‐orthodeoxia syndrome in a select patient population with right‐to‐left shunting and to describe the outcomes after PFO closure.

Methods

Patients with platypnea‐orthodeoxia were prospectively identified from a population of patients who had a PFO and were referred to UCLA from 2001 to 2012. Those patients who elected to have their PFO closed were assessed for the severity of their symptoms and interval SaO2 changes. The changes in SaO2 before and after closure were compared in the supine and upright position. Patients were classified depending on the result of PFO closure as having “improved SaO2” or “no change.”

Results

Of 683 patients with PFO‐associated conditions, 17 (2.5%) had platypnea‐orthodeoxia and elected to close their PFO. The results in 11 of 17 patients (64.8%) were classified as having “improved SaO2”; they experienced improvement or complete resolution of their dyspnea and hypoxemia (improved SaO2 from baseline 5.2 ± 4.7% when recumbent and 15.6 ± 3.0% when upright, P = 0.03 and P < 0.0001, respectively). Patients with no change after PFO closure predominantly had a pulmonary etiology for their hypoxia, with elevated mean pulmonary pressures measured before closure (51.4 ±16.8 mmHg, P = 0.06).

Conclusion

PFO closure may resolve symptomatic postural dyspnea and hypoxemia and is an effective method for treating platypnea‐orthodeoxia, but is not effective when the primary etiology of the hypoxemia is due to a pulmonary cause. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Production of Particle‐Stabilized Nonspherical Emulsion Drops in Simple Shear Flow
Authors: Merkel Tobias , Gräf Volker , Walz Elke , Schuchmann Heike P.
Published: June 2015

Nonspherical drops are of interest in the formation of microcapsules in life sciences like food, pharmacy, and cosmetics, agro and fine chemicals as well as material sciences. Out of many systems, particle‐stabilized emulsion drops, so‐called Pickering emulsions, exhibit an interesting formulation. Systems with Pickering particles applied in an excess amount were investigated. During deformation, the particles fully covered the enlarged drop interfaces and prevented its relaxation to a spherical drop shape. Nonspherical drops could be produced in simple shear flow using an adequate process routine. The production in a simple device is a promising high‐throughput alternative to microfluidic devices.
The Mechanism of NO Bond Cleavage in Rhodium‐Catalyzed CH Bond Functionalization of Quinoline N‐oxides with Alkynes: A Computational Study
Authors: Li Yingzi , Liu Song , Qi Zisong , Qi Xiaotian , Li Xingwei , Lan Yu
Published: June 2015

Metal‐catalyzed CH activation not only offers important strategies to construct new bonds, it also allows the merge of important research areas. When quinoline N‐oxide is used as an arene source in CH activation studies, the NO bond can act as a directing group as well as an O‐atom donor. The newly reported density functional theory method, M11L, has been used to elucidate the mechanistic details of the coupling between quinoline NO bond and alkynes, which results in CH activation and O‐atom transfer. The computational results indicated that the most favorable pathway involves an electrophilic deprotonation, an insertion of an acetylene group into a RhC bond, a reductive elimination to form an oxazinoquinolinium‐coordinated RhI intermediate, an oxidative addition to break the NO bond, and a protonation reaction to regenerate the active catalyst. The regioselectivity of the reaction has also been studied by using prop‐1‐yn‐1‐ylbenzene as a model unsymmetrical substrate. Theoretical calculations suggested that 1‐phenyl‐2‐quinolinylpropanone would be the major product because of better conjugation between the phenyl group and enolate moiety in the corresponding transition state of the regioselectivity‐determining step. These calculated data are consistent with the experimental observations.
A Bright Future for Evolutionary Methods in Drug Design
Authors: Le Tu C. , Winkler David A.
Published: June 2015

Most medicinal chemists understand that chemical space is extremely large, essentially infinite. Although high‐throughput experimental methods allow exploration of drug‐like space more rapidly, they are still insufficient to fully exploit the opportunities that such large chemical space offers. Evolutionary methods can synergistically blend automated synthesis and characterization methods with computational design to identify promising regions of chemical space more efficiently. We describe how evolutionary methods are implemented, and provide examples of published drug development research in which these methods have generated molecules with increased efficacy. We anticipate that evolutionary methods will play an important role in future drug discovery.
Lipophilic Muramyl Dipeptide–Antigen Conjugates as Immunostimulating Agents
Authors: Willems Marian M. J. H. P. , Zom Gijs G. , Meeuwenoord Nico , Khan Selina , Ossendorp Ferry , Overkleeft Herman S. , van der Marel Gijsbert A. , Filippov Dmitri V. , Codée Jeroen D. C.
Published: June 2015

Muramyl dipeptide (MDP) is the smallest peptidoglycan fragment capable of triggering the innate immune system through interaction with the intracellular NOD2 receptor. To develop synthetic vaccine modalities composed of an antigenic entity (typically a small peptide) and a molecular adjuvant with well‐defined activity, we previously assembled covalent MDP–antigen conjugates. Although these were found to be capable of stimulating the NOD2 receptor and were processed by dendritic cells (DCs) leading to effective antigen presentation, DC maturation—required for an apt immune response—could not be achieved with these conjugates. To improve the efficacy of these vaccine modalities, we equipped the MDP moiety with lipophilic tails, well‐known modifications to enhance the immune‐stimulatory activity of MDPs. Herein we report the design and synthesis of a lipophilic MDP–antigen conjugate and show that it is a promising vaccine modality capable of stimulating the NOD2 receptor, maturing DCs, and delivering antigen cargo into the MHC‐I cross‐presentation pathway.
Synthesis of magnetic doped kesterite single crystals
Authors: Podsiadlo Slawomir , Bialoglowski Maciej , Fadaghi Mohammad , Gebicki Wojciech , Jastrzebski Cezariusz , Zero Elzbieta , Trzybinski Damian , Wozniak Krzysztof
Published: June 2015

A growing interest in devices based on spintronics demands a development of magnetic semiconductors. A promising material for such applications is kesterite doped with ferromagnetic elements. We present a method of obtaining Cu2MSnS4 (M = Zn, Fe, Mn, Ni) single crystals, using metals, elemental sulfur and minor amounts of iodine. The syntheses were carried out in quartz ampoules closed under vacuum and heated in a tube furnace at 650 °C for 7 to 90 days. A method of synthesis of comparatively good tetragonal single crystals of Cu2FeSnS4 and Cu2MnSnS4 was achieved. Raman spectra of purely Mn‐ and Ni‐substituted kesterites have been measured for the first time.
Hysteresis current control with distributed shoot‐through states for impedance source inverters
Authors: Husev Oleksandr , Chub Andrii , Romero‐Cadaval Enrique , Roncero‐Clemente Carlos , Vinnikov Dmitri
Published: June 2015

This paper presents a hysteresis current control technique with shoot‐through states distribution. This control algorithm could be applied to three‐level and multi‐level inverters with any impedance source network where reference current control signal along with shoot‐through states are required. Possible modifications of the presented algorithm are discussed. The steady‐state analysis was made to explain the operation principle of the algorithm. As a result, the link between the band ratio of the hysteresis current controller, the input voltage, and the desired DC‐link voltage was obtained. All theoretical predictions were proved by simulation and experimental results. Future applications are discussed.Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Modular Access to Tetrasubstituted Imidazolium Salts through Acid‐Catalyzed Addition of Isocyanides to Propargylamines
Authors: Ghashghaei Ouldouz , Revés Marc , Kielland Nicola , Lavilla Rodolfo
Published: June 2015

Propargylamines, prepared through A3‐coupling of primary amines, aldehydes and terminal alkynes, react with isocyanides in an HCl‐catalyzed process to yield tetrasubstituted imidazolium salts. The key step of the mechanism involves the generation of an amidine intermediate, from the isocyanide insertion into the N–H bond of the propargylamine, which in situ evolves by cyclization upon the alkyne moiety. The scope of the process is analyzed and only shows restrictions for aliphatic amines, whereas it is quite general regarding the aldehyde, alkyne and isocyanide inputs. The protocol allows the preparation of a wide array of adducts, tandem one‐pot processes being also feasible. Mechanistic studies using selected substrates have been used to determine the profile of the reaction and some substitution and functional group limitations. Some post‐synthetic transformations of the imidazolium salts have been performed as well.
Experimental Study on Waste Heat Energy Harvesting using Lead Zirconate Titanate (PZT‐5H) Pyroelectric Ceramics
Authors: Vaish Manish , Sharma Manish , Vaish Rahul , Chauhan Vishal Singh
Published: June 2015

Thermal energy harvesting using the pyroelectric effect is becoming a prominent area of research. In the present study, an experimental investigation was performed using PbZrxTi1‐xO3 (PZT‐5H) ceramics, and hot/cold oil baths were used to create a continuous temporal temperature profile. The hot and cold bath temperatures were 120 °C and 25 °C, respectively. The maximum generated voltage was 11.56 V across load capacitance of 10 μF (without load resistance) in 180 s time. The maximum power obtained was 5.81 μW for a 4.7 μF load capacitance and 5 MΩ load resistance.
Nucleus‐independent chemical shift analysis of the electronic states of the (CO)4, (CS)4, and (CSe)4 molecules
Authors: Zhou Yunfei , Bao Xiaoguang , Borden Weston Thatcher
Published: June 2015

NICS(1) calculations have been performed on the 8π and 10π singlet states and the 9π triplet state of (CO)4, (CS)4, and (CSe)4. The results show that transfer of electrons from the b2g σ MO into the a2u π MO decreases the NICS(1) value, indicating an increase in the diamagnetic ring current. The decreases in the calculated NICS(1) values are substantially larger in (CO)4 than in (CS)4 or (CSe)4. This finding is rationalized by the larger coefficients on the carbons in the a2u MO of (CO)4 than in the a2u MOs of (CS)4 and (CSe)4. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The extramacrochaetae gene is required for blastokinesis in silkworm, Bombyx mori
Authors: Liu Wenbin , Chai Dezhi , Wang Cailian , Li Qing , Lei Jinfeng , Yang Min , Dai Fangyin , Lu Cheng
Published: June 2015

In silkworm, Bombyx mori Linnaeus (Lepidoptera: Bombycidae), blastokinesis results in embryo reversal from ventrally to dorsally convex flexion. In this study, we showed that the extramacrochaetae (emc) gene is required for blastokinesis in silkworm. Depletion of Bmemc expression via RNA interference led to severe phenotypic defects in blastokinesis. The defective embryos failed to invert their body sides during blastokinesis. This caused the posterior half of the abdomen to abnormally fold back toward the dorsal side, forming a U‐shaped morphology. Dorsal closure was also disrupted. Our results suggest that Bmemc is involved in blastokinesis of silkworm embryos. J. Exp. Zool. (Mol. Dev. Evol.) 324B: 405–409, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Changes in written sign‐out composition across hospitalization
Authors: Miller Donna M. , Schapira Marilyn M. , Visotcky Alexis M. , Laud Purushottam , Arora Vineet M. , Kordus Andrew , Whittle Jeff , Singh Siddhartha , Fletcher Kathlyn E.
Published: June 2015

BACKGROUND

Inaccurate or incomplete information in the written portion of the patient handoff, or sign‐out, may be associated with adverse events in hospitalized patients. Little is known about what information providers actually include in written sign‐out documents and how sign‐outs change over time.

OBJECTIVES

(1) Provide a descriptive analysis of initial and subsequent hospital day‐written sign‐out content, and (2) evaluate the relationship between team workload and sign‐out composition.

DESIGN

Retrospective review of sign‐out documents from a larger observational study of general medicine patients admitted to housestaff and hospitalist teams at 3 hospitals.

MAIN MEASURES

The presence of 13 components of a high‐quality sign‐out. We performed descriptive analyses and compared initial and subsequent day sign‐outs for content.

KEY RESULTS

We reviewed 200 patient hospitalizations (200 initial handoffs, 580 subsequent day handoffs). Initial sign‐out entries contained a mean of 7.54 (standard deviation: 2.27) key sign‐out components. Subsequent day sign‐outs contained a higher percentage of certain key elements but had more vague language. The number of elements present in the sign‐out was reduced as patient census increased (r = −0.295, P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

Sign‐out composition changes over time, and is associated with workload. Future interventions to improve quality should take these factors into consideration. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2015;10:534–536. © 2015 Society of Hospital Medicine.
Assessment of rhizospheric culturable bacteria of Phragmites australis and Juncus effusus from polluted sites
Authors: Pereira Sofia I.A. , Pires Carlos , Henriques Isabel , Correia António , Magan Naresh , Castro Paula M.L.
Published: June 2015

This study aimed at the isolation and characterization of metal(loid)‐tolerant bacteria from the rhizosphere of Phragmites australis and Juncus effusus plants growing in two long‐term contaminated sites in Northern Portugal. Site 1 had higher contamination than Site 3. Bacteria were isolated using metal(loid)‐supplemented (Cd, Zn, and As) media. Isolates were grouped by random amplified polymorphic DNA and identified by 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Strains were also examined for their metal(loid) tolerance. The counts of metal(loid)‐tolerant bacteria were higher in Site 1 and ranged between log 7.17 CFU g−1 soil in As‐containing medium and log 7.57 CFU g−1 soil in Zn‐containing medium, while counts at Site 3 varied between log 5.33 CFU g−1 soil in Cd‐containing medium and log 6.97 CFU g−1 soil in As‐containing medium. The composition of bacterial populations varied between locations. In Site 1, the classes Actinobacteria (36%) and Bacilli (24%) were well represented, while in Site 3 strains were mainly affiliated to classes Actinobacteria (35%), γ‐Proteobacteria (35%), and β‐Proteobacteria (12%). The order of metal(loid) toxicity for the isolated strains was Cd > As > Zn. Overall, 10 strains grew at 500 mg Cd L−1, 1000 mg Zn L−1, and 500 mg As L−1, being considered the most metal(loid)‐tolerant bacteria. These strains belonged to genera Cupriavidus, Burkholderia, Novosphingobium, Sphingobacterium, Castellaniella, Mesorhizobium, Chryseobacterium, and Rhodococcus and were mainly retrieved from Site 1. The multiple metal(loid)‐tolerant strains isolated in this study have potential to be used in bioremediation/phytoremediation.
Rifampicin adsorbed onto magnetite nanoparticle: SERS study and insight on the molecular arrangement and light effect
Authors: Ferreira Q. S. , da Silva S. W. , Santos C. M. B. , Ribeiro G. C. , Guilherme L. R. , Morais P. C.
Published: June 2015

In this study, the surface‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) technique was used to asses key information regarding the surface adsorption of Rifampicin (RIF) onto magnetite nanoparticle previously dressed with a bilayer of lauric acid (LA). The effects of white light illumination on the physicochemical properties of the RIF molecule were also investigated. Transmission electron microscopy, dynamic light scattering, zeta‐potential, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy were also employed to characterize the investigated materials. Vibrational mode assignments for the SERS spectra and comparison between the data recorded from the free and adsorbed RIF provided insights for the adsorption of this biomolecule onto the LA‐bilayer dressed magnetite nanoparticle. The results suggested that the species binding to the outer carboxylate group of the LA‐bilayer is more likely the piperazine nitrogen adjacent to the imine nitrogen. The SERS data also revealed the enhancement of the RIF molecule stability to white light irradiation while adsorbed onto the magnetite nanoparticle. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The challenges of type 1 diabetes in older people
Authors: Kilvert Anne , Fox Charles
Published: June 2015

Over 200 000 people in England and Wales have type 1 diabetes. After the discovery of insulin, it became clear that people with diabetes had a reduced life expectancy and in the 1950s someone with type 1 diabetes might only expect to live until their sixth decade before they died from diabetic complications. Since then, longevity has increased and significant numbers are living into their eighth decade.

In 1985, Diabetes UK introduced the Nabarro medal for those who had lived with the condition for more than 50 years and, as evidence of increased life expectancy, the Macleod medal has been awarded since 2004 to survivors who have taken insulin for more than 70 years. In 2003, the Golden Years Study used data from 400 Nabarro medalists to provide important insights into the factors influencing longevity.

Age impacts on people's ability to manage diabetes, particularly if accompanied by geriatric complications, such as dementia and frailty. There is a lack of research evidence on which to base guidelines for care in frail type 1 patients, but international diabetes organisations recognise the importance of this vulnerable group and have developed guidance for glycaemic targets and cardiovascular risk modification.

We put forward recommendations which recognise the need to individualise treatment. These emphasise the importance of providing education and training for professionals responsible for older people with type 1 diabetes to ensure that they can manage this condition with safety and understanding. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons.
Reduced graphene oxide dispersed in copper matrix composites: Facile preparation and enhanced mechanical properties
Authors: Li Mei‐Xia , Xie Juan , Li Yong‐De , Xu Huan‐Huan
Published: June 2015

This work demonstrated a facile method to highly improve the mechanical properties of the reduced graphene oxide (RGO)/Cu composites. The RGO/Cu hybrid powders were successfully synthesized through a one‐step thermal reaction of glycine, copper nitrate, and GO mixture. After sintered by spark plasma sintering, the resulting RGO/Cu composite exhibited the RGO sheets uniformly distributed and well bonded with Cu matrix coupled with the restoration of graphene defects. Specially, X‐ray absorption near edge structure (XANES) analysis revealed the formation of covalent COCu bond between RGO and Cu in RGO/Cu powders, and this oxygen‐coordinated bond still retained in the sintered RGO/Cu composite. Tensile measurements indicated that the RGO/Cu composite with 0.6 wt.% RGO showed a 75.8% enhancement in yield strength while simultaneously maintained a 29% of elongation. These findings will be helpful for the design and development of the RGO/Cu composites with enhanced mechanical properties.
Scaffolding learning by modelling: The effects of partially worked‐out models
Authors: Mulder Yvonne G. , Bollen Lars , de Jong Ton , Lazonder Ard W.
Published: June 2015

Creating executable computer models is a potentially powerful approach to science learning. Learning by modelling is also challenging because students can easily get overwhelmed by the inherent complexities of the task. This study investigated whether offering partially worked‐out models can facilitate students’ modelling practices and promote learning. Partially worked‐out models were expected to aid model construction by revealing the overall structure of the model, and thus enabling student to create better models and learn from the experience. This assumption was tested in high school biology classes where students modelled the human glucose‐insulin regulatory system. Students either received support in the form of a partial model that outlined the basic structure of the glucose‐insulin system (PM condition; n = 26), an extended partial model that also contained a set of variables students could use to complete the model (PM+ condition; n = 21), or no support (control condition; n = 23). Results showed a significant knowledge increase from pretest to posttest in all conditions. Consistent with expectations, knowledge gains were higher in the two partial model conditions than in the control condition. Students in both partial model conditions also ran their model more often to check its accuracy, and eventually built better models than students from the control condition. Comparison between the PM and PM+ conditions showed that more extensive support further increased knowledge acquisition, model quality, and model testing activities. Based on these findings, it was concluded that partial solutions can support learning by modelling, and that offering both a structure of a model and a list of variables yields the best results. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Res Sci Teach 53:502–523, 2016
An attraction‐repulsion chemotaxis system with logistic source
Authors: Zhang Qingshan , Li Yuxiang
Published: June 2015

This paper deals with the attraction‐repulsion chemotaxis system with logistic source
urn:x-wiley:00442267:media:zamm201400311:zamm201400311-math-0001under homogeneous Neumann boundary conditions in a smooth bounded domain . Under a growth restriction on logistic source and suitable assumptions on the positive parameters χ, ξ, α, β, γ and δ, we show the existence of global bounded classical solutions. The global weak solution is also constructed if the logistic damping effect is rather mild. Furthermore, we obtain the asymptotic behavior of solutions for the logistic source .
Clinical characteristics of megaconial congenital muscular dystrophy due to choline kinase beta gene defects in a series of 15 patients
Authors: Haliloglu Goknur , Talim Beril , Sel Cigdem Genc , Topaloglu Haluk
Published: June 2015

A new form of congenital muscular dystrophy (CMD) with multisystem involvement and characteristic mitochondrial structural changes, due to choline kinase beta (CHKB) gene defects has been characterized by intellectual disability, autistic features, ichthyosis‐like skin changes, and dilated cardiomyopathy. We define the clinical characteristics in 15 patients, from 14 unrelated families with so‐called ‘megaconial CMD’, all having mutations in CHKB. Core clinical phenotype included global developmental delay prominent in gross‐motor and language domains, severe intellectual disability (ID), and/or muscle weakness in all cases. Muscle biopsies were equivocally ‘megaconial’ in all. Other peculiarities were: ichthyosis‐like skin changes (n = 11), increased serum CK levels (n = 12), microcephaly (n = 6), dysmorphic facial features (n = 7), neonatal hypotonia (n = 3), seizures (n = 3), epileptiform activity without clinically overt seizures (n = 2), dilated cardiomyopathy (n = 2), decreased left ventricular systolic function (n = 2), congenital heart defects (n = 3), sensorineural (n = 1), and conductive hearing loss (n = 1). Ten patients had cranial neuroimaging (MRI‐MRS) study, which was notably normal in all, other than one patient having a decreased choline: creatine peak. Intra‐familial variability in clinical expression of the disease is noted in four families. Two siblings from the same family, one presenting with global developmental delay and dilated cardiomyopathy, and the other with ichthyosis, ID and proximal weakness without cardiomyopathy died at the ages of 2 years 1 month, and 7 years 4 months respectively. Evolution was progressive (n = 13) and static (n = 2).
Floating Worlds: Japanese and American Transcultural Encounters in Dance
Authors: Robertson Marta
Published: June 2015

The repurposed metaphor “floating worlds,” from Japanese woodblock prints, highlights political junctions when transcultural American and Japanese dance collide and reconfigure. The first “floating world” is an “Ethiopian Concert” presented by Commodore Matthew Perry's Japanese Olio Minstrels in celebration of The Treaty of Peace and Amity (1854). The second challenges nostalgic Western notions of an “Old Japan” through the aggressively westernized Tokyo School of Music, where modern dancer Michio Ito trained for an opera career. Third, a post–World War I Peace Festival in Washington, DC, which included Ito's “eccentric dances,” documents an early Japanese diaspora within mainstream America. The final “floating world” conversely locates transcultural America outside of the United States through Ito's “Spirit of ’76” spectacle, staged for Occupied Forces following his unjust deportation to Japan. I apply analytical concepts of transcultural historians to imagine a global past that is less recognized, but no less nuanced, than the global present.
Combined social cognitive and neurocognitive rehabilitation strategies in schizophrenia: neuropsychological and psychopathological influences on Theory of Mind improvement
Authors: Bechi M. , Bosia M. , Spangaro M. , Buonocore M. , Cocchi F. , Pigoni A. , Piantanida M. , Guglielmino C. , Bianchi L. , Smeraldi E. , Cavallaro R.
Published: June 2015

Background

Neurocognitive and social cognitive impairments represent important treatment targets in schizophrenia, as they are significant predictors of functional outcome. Different rehabilitative interventions have recently been developed, addressing both cognitive and psychosocial domains. Although promising, results are still heterogeneous and predictors of treatment outcome are not yet identified. In this study we evaluated the efficacy of two newly developed social cognitive interventions, respectively based on the use of videotaped material and comic strips, combined with domain-specific Cognitive Remediation Therapy (CRT). We also analysed possible predictors of training outcome, including basal neurocognitive performance, the degree of cognitive improvement after CRT and psychopathological variables.

Method

Seventy-five patients with schizophrenia treated with CRT, were randomly assigned to: social cognitive training (SCT) group, Theory of Mind Intervention (ToMI) group, and active control group (ACG).

Results

ANOVAs showed that SCT and ToMI groups improved significantly in ToM measures, whereas the ACG did not. We reported no influences of neuropsychological measures and improvement after CRT on changes in ToM. Both paranoid and non-paranoid subjects improved significantly after ToMI and SCT, without differences between groups, despite the better performance in basal ToM found among paranoid patients. In the ACG only non-paranoid patients showed an improvement in non-verbal ToM.

Conclusion

Results showed that both ToMI and SCT are effective in improving ToM in schizophrenia with no influence of neuropsychological domains. Our data also suggest that paranoid symptoms may discriminate between different types of ToM difficulties in schizophrenia.
Neuropsychological Profiles Differ among the Three Variants of Primary Progressive Aphasia
Authors: Butts Alissa M. , Machulda Mary M. , Duffy Joseph R. , Strand Edythe A. , Whitwell Jennifer L. , Josephs Keith A.
Published: June 2015

The objective of this study was to describe the neuropsychological profiles of the three variants of primary progressive aphasia (PPA). Based on a comprehensive speech and language evaluation, 91 subjects were classified as logopenic (lvPPA=51), semantic (svPPA=13), or agrammatic (agPPA=27). All subjects completed a separate neuropsychological evaluation assessing verbal and visual memory, processing speed, executive function, and visuospatial function. The groups did not differ on demographic variables or on measures of disease duration or aphasia severity. There were group differences on aspects of learning and memory, as well as aspects of executive and visuospatial functions, primarily with the lvPPA group performing lower than the agPPA and svPPA groups. The agPPA group showed subtle deficits consistent with frontal lobe impairment, whereas neurocognitive weaknesses in the svPPA group were restricted to temporal lobe functions. The pattern of neurocognitive dysfunction in lvPPA suggests disease involvement of frontal lobe functions in addition to temporoparietal functions. These neurocognitive findings emphasize the value of a comprehensive neuropsychological evaluation of individuals who present with primary language disturbance, given the pattern of cognitive deficits may provide additive information for differentiating these clinical syndromes. (JINS, 2015, 21, 429–435)
Spin-stripe phase in a frustrated zigzag spin-1/2 chain
Authors: Pregelj M. , Zorko A. , Zaharko O. , Nojiri H. , Berger H. , Chapon L. C. , Arčon D.
Published: June 2015

Motifs of periodic modulations are encountered in a variety of natural systems, where at least two rival states are present. In strongly correlated electron systems, such behaviour has typically been associated with competition between short- and long-range interactions, for example, between exchange and dipole–dipole interactions in the case of ferromagnetic thin films. Here we show that spin-stripe textures may develop also in antiferromagnets, where long-range dipole–dipole magnetic interactions are absent. A comprehensive analysis of magnetic susceptibility, high-field magnetization, specific heat and neutron diffraction measurements unveils β-TeVO4 as a nearly perfect realization of a frustrated (zigzag) ferromagnetic spin-1/2 chain. Notably, a narrow spin-stripe phase develops at elevated magnetic fields due to weak frustrated short-range interchain exchange interactions, possibly assisted by the symmetry-allowed electric polarization. This concept provides an alternative route for the stripe formation in strongly correlated electron systems and may help understanding of other widespread, yet still elusive, stripe-related phenomena.
Microrobotic tentacles with spiral bending capability based on shape-engineered elastomeric microtubes
Authors: Paek Jungwook , Cho Inho , Kim Jaeyoun
Published: June 2015

Microscale soft-robots hold great promise as safe handlers of delicate micro-objects but their wider adoption requires micro-actuators with greater efficiency and ease-of-fabrication. Here we present an elastomeric microtube-based pneumatic actuator that can be extended into a microrobotic tentacle. We establish a new, direct peeling-based technique for building long and thin, highly deformable microtubes and a semi-analytical model for their shape-engineering. Using them in combination, we amplify the microtube’s pneumatically-driven bending into multi-turn inward spiraling. The resulting micro-tentacle exhibit spiraling with the final radius as small as ~185 μm and grabbing force of ~0.78 mN, rendering itself ideal for non-damaging manipulation of soft, fragile micro-objects. This spiraling tentacle-based grabbing modality, the direct peeling-enabled elastomeric microtube fabrication technique and the concept of microtube shape-engineering are all unprecedented and will enrich the field of soft-robotics.
microRNA regulation of the embryonic hypoxic response in Caenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Kagias Konstantinos , Pocock Roger
Published: June 2015

Layered strategies to combat hypoxia provide flexibility in dynamic oxygen environments. Here we show that multiple miRNAs are required for hypoxic survival responses during C. elegans embryogenesis. Certain miRNAs promote while others antagonize the hypoxic survival response. We found that expression of the mir-35 family is regulated by hypoxia in a HIF-1-independent manner and loss of mir-35–41 weakens hypoxic survival mechanisms in embryos. In addition, correct regulation of the RNA binding protein, SUP-26, a mir-35 family target, is needed for survival in chronic hypoxia. The identification of the full mRNA target repertoire of these miRNAs will reveal the miRNA-regulated network of hypoxic survival mechanisms in C. elegans.
ePathOptimize: A Combinatorial Approach for Transcriptional Balancing of Metabolic Pathways
Authors: Jones J. Andrew , Vernacchio Victoria R. , Lachance Daniel M. , Lebovich Matthew , Fu Li , Shirke Abhijit N. , Schultz Victor L. , Cress Brady , Linhardt Robert J. , Koffas Mattheos A. G.
Published: June 2015

The ability to fine tune gene expression has created the field of metabolic pathway optimization and balancing where a variety of factors affecting flux balance are carefully modulated to improve product titers, yields and productivity. Using a library of isopropyl β-D-1-thiogalactopyranoside (IPTG)-inducible mutant T7 promoters of varied strength a combinatorial method was developed for transcriptional balancing of the violacein pathway. Violacein biosynthesis involves a complex five-gene pathway that is an excellent model for exploratory metabolic engineering efforts into pathway regulation and control due to many colorful intermediates and side products allowing for easy analysis and strain comparison. Upon screening approximately 4% of the total initial library, several high-titer mutants were discovered that resulted in up to a 63-fold improvement over the control strain. With further fermentation optimization, titers were improved to 1829 ± 46 mg/L; a 2.6-fold improvement in titer and a 30-fold improvement in productivity from previous literature reports.
Electroporation enables the efficient mRNA delivery into the mouse zygotes and facilitates CRISPR/Cas9-based genome editing
Authors: Hashimoto Masakazu , Takemoto Tatsuya
Published: June 2015

Recent use of the CRISPR/Cas9 system has dramatically reduced the time required to produce mutant mice, but the involvement of a time-consuming microinjection step still hampers its application for high-throughput genetic analysis. Here we developed a simple, highly efficient and large-scale genome editing method, in which the RNAs for the CRISPR/Cas9 system are electroporated into zygotes rather than microinjected. We used this method to perform single-stranded oligodeoxynucleotide (ssODN)-mediated knock-in in mouse embryos. This method facilitates large-scale genetic analysis in the mouse.
A cost-effective and efficient reprogramming platform for large-scale production of integration-free human induced pluripotent stem cells in chemically defined culture
Authors: Beers Jeanette , Linask Kaari L. , Chen Jane A. , Siniscalchi Lauren I. , Lin Yongshun , Zheng Wei , Rao Mahendra , Chen Guokai
Published: June 2015

Factors limiting the adoption of iPSC technology include the cost of developing lines and the time period that it takes to characterize and bank them, particularly when integration free, feeder free and Xeno-free components are used. In this manuscript we describe our optimization procedure that enables a single technician to make 20–40 lines at a time in a 24–96 well format in a reliable and reproducible fashion. Improvements spanned the entire workflow and included using RNA virus, reducing cytotoxicity of reagents, developing improved transfection and freezing efficiencies, modifying the manual colony picking steps, enhancing passaging efficiency and developing early criteria of success. These modifications allowed us to make more than two hundred well-characterized lines per year.
Synthesis of nanocrystals of Zr-based metal–organic frameworks with csq-net: significant enhancement in the degradation of a nerve agent simulant
Authors: Li Peng , Klet Rachel C. , Moon Su-Young , Wang Timothy C. , Deria Pravas , Peters Aaron W. , Klahr Benjamin M. , Park Hea-Jung , Al-Juaid Salih S. , Hupp Joseph T. , Farha Omar K.
Published: June 2015

The synthesis of nano-sized particles of NU-1000 (length from 75 nm to 1200 nm) and PCN-222/MOF-545 (length from 350 nm to 900 nm) is reported.
Room-temperature acetylene hydration by a Hg(ii)-laced metal–organic framework
Authors: Yee Ka-Kit , Wong Yan-Lung , Zha Meiqin , Adhikari Ramesh Y. , Tuominen Mark T. , He Jun , Xu Zhengtao
Published: June 2015

Catch and release—the thiol group first binds the metal guest; H2O2oxidation then leads to the metal sulfonate as powerful Lewis acids imbedded in the host framework.
The nanoparticle biomolecule corona: lessons learned – challenge accepted?
Authors: Docter D. , Westmeier D. , Markiewicz M. , Stolte S. , Knauer S. K. , Stauber R. H.
Published: June 2015

Besides the wide use of engineered nanomaterials (NMs) in technical products, their applications are not only increasing in biotechnology and biomedicine, but also in the environmental field.
Homogeneously-acid catalyzed oligomerization of glycerol
Authors: Sayoud N. , De Oliveira Vigier K. , Cucu Tatiana , De Meulenaer Bruno , Fan Zhaoyu , Lai Jonathan , Clacens Jean-Marc , Liebens Armin , Jérôme F.
Published: June 2015

Here, we report the oligomerization of glycerol in the presence of various Brønsted and Lewis acid catalysts. Under optimized conditions, oligoglycerols with an average degree of oligomerization of 3.4 were selectively obtained at 80% conversion of glycerol.
Thermodynamic characterization of the interaction between the human Y-box binding protein YB-1 and nucleic acids
Authors: Tanabe Yumiko , Nagatoishi Satoru , Tsumoto Kouhei
Published: June 2015

The calorimetric analyses demonstrate the RNA- and DNA-binding manner of YB-1 and their specific binding and the assisted affinity enhancement.
RAFT dispersion polymerization: a method to tune the morphology of thymine-containing self-assemblies
Authors: Kang Yan , Pitto-Barry Anaïs , Maitland Anna , O'Reilly Rachel K.
Published: June 2015

The synthesis and self-assembly of thymine-containing polymers were performed using RAFT dispersion polymerization.
Synthesis and photocatalytic activity of N-K2Ti4O9/UiO-66 composites
Authors: Li Sunfeng , Wang Xing , Chen Qi , He Qinqin , Lv Mengmeng , Liu Xueting , Lv Jianping , Wei Fengyu
Published: June 2015

N-K2Ti4O9/UiO-66 composites synthesized by a facile solvothermal method possess a hierarchical core–shell structure with UiO-66 forming the shell around the N-K2Ti4O9 core.
Novel PA-doped polybenzimidazole membranes with high doping level, high proton conductivity and high stability for HT-PEMFCs
Authors: Li Xiaobai , Ma Hongwei , Wang Hailong , Zhang Shitong , Jiang Zhenhua , Liu Baijun , Guiver Michael D.
Published: June 2015

This work outlines polybenzimidazole-based high temperature proton exchange membranes with a high phosphoric acid-doping level, high proton conductivity and high stability.
A green and highly efficient sulfur functionalization of starch
Authors: Chauhan Kalpana , Priya Vishal , Singh Prem , Chauhan Ghanshyam S. , Kumari Sapana , Singhal Rakesh Kumar
Published: June 2015

An innovative green approach to achieve thiol functionalization of starch with a degree of substitution ≥ 2.
Quaternised chitosan coating on titanium provides a self-protective surface that prevents bacterial colonisation and implant-associated infections
Authors: Peng Zhaoxiang , Ao Haiyong , Wang Ling , Guo Shengrong , Tang Tingting
Published: June 2015

The Ti rod-treated group showed radiographic signs of osseous destruction, osteolytic lesions and consecutive deformity after 14 days, while the HTi rod-treated group were free of radiographic signs of infection.