bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Improvement of aerosol optical depth retrieval using visibility data in China during the past 50 years
Authors: Wu Jian , Luo Jianguo , Zhang Liya , Xia Lan , Zhao Deming , Tang Jianping
Published: November 2014

Horizontal visibility and water vapor pressure data from 483 stations in China from 1960 to 2009 were used to inverse aerosol optical depth (AOD) using a new series of parameters, which were revised for each station using the polybasic nonlinear regression method based on monthly Multiangle Imaging Spectroradiometer (MISR) AOD data during 2001–2005. Monthly AOD retrievals from 2006 to 2009 using the new parameters were compared with MISR AOD in the same period. AOD retrieved with the new parameters can capture the extreme values better than the inversion result with the original parameters, and the root‐mean‐square error between retrieval and MISR AOD reached the minimum of 0.047 in northwest China and the maximum of 0.102 in the Huang–Huai River Basin, respectively. The spatial distribution and seasonal features of monthly AOD from 1960 to 2009 in China were also analyzed. The monthly AOD in China for past 50 years, from 1960 to 2009, exhibited an increasing trend, especially during 1960–1985, with a linear rate of increase of 0.004/year. No distinct trend can be found for AOD from 1985 to 1995; then it increased obviously from 1996 to 2009 with an annual rate of 0.002. Seasonal change in AOD showed that it reached a maximum value in summer with the average value between 0.34 and 0.36 for the whole China, while a minimum value was reached in winter with a mean value between 0.2 and 0.22. It is noted that the aerosol vertical profile was a sensitive factor to the inversion result. The root‐mean‐square error using Goddard Chemistry Aerosol Radiation and Transport aerosol profiles was increased 1.9 to 5.7 times than using the traditional three‐segment profile in northwest, southwest, northeast, and northern China, which meant that the retrieval AOD was sensitive to aerosol vertical profile in these regions; at the same time, the root‐mean‐square error was decreased 1.13 to 1.37 times in other regions.
Occupational exposures and longitudinal lung function decline
Authors: Liao Shu‐Yi , Lin Xihong , Christiani David C.
Published: November 2014

Background Few longitudinal studies have been conducted on occupational exposure and lung function. This study investigated occupational dust exposure effects on lung function and whether genetic variants influence such effects.

Methods The study population (1,332 participants) was from the Framingham Heart Study, in which participant lung function measures were available from up to five examinations over nearly 17 years. Occupational dust exposures were classified into “more” and “less” likely dust exposure. We used linear mixed effects models for the analysis.

Results Participants with more likely dust exposure had a mean 4.5 mL/year excess loss rate of FEV1 over time. However, occupational dust exposures alone or interactions with age or time had no significant effect on FEV1/FVC. No statistically significant effects of genetic modifications in the different subgroups were identified for FEV1 loss.

Conclusions Occupational dust exposures may accelerate the rate of FEV1 loss but not FEV1/FVC loss. Am. J. Ind. Med. 58:14–20, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Effect of Auxiliary Chromophores on the Optical, Electrochemical, and Photovoltaic Properties of Carbazole‐Based Dyes
Authors: Venkateswararao A. , Justin Thomas K. R. , Lee Chuan‐Pei , Ho Kuo‐Chuan
Published: November 2014

Organic dyes containing 2‐diphenylaminocarbazole donors and decorated with auxiliary chromophores at the diphenylamine moiety have been synthesized and characterized. The nature of the chromophores on diphenylamine unit alters the light‐harvesting properties and HOMO/LUMO energies of the dyes. Butoxy substitution raises the HOMO and lowers the LUMO energies. But the incorporation of fluorenyl units fine‐tunes the LUMO upwardly, which improves the thermodynamic driving force for electron injection into the conduction band of TiO2 and hikes the incident photon‐to‐current conversion efficiency. Consequently, a dye with fluorene in the donor unit and thiophene in the π‐conjugation pathway is the most efficient (5.76 %) and has the highest photocurrent density (14.60 mA cm−2) in the series. Electrochemical impedance analysis of the devices showed the importance of fluorene units in suppressing electron recombination.
Nanocomposites of Tantalum‐Based Pyrochlore and Indium Hydroxide Showing High and Stable Photocatalytic Activities for Overall Water Splitting and Carbon Dioxide Reduction
Authors: Hsieh Meng‐Chun , Wu Guan‐Chang , Liu Wei‐Guang , Goddard William A. , Yang Chia‐Min
Published: November 2014

Nanocomposites of tantalum‐based pyrochlore nanoparticles and indium hydroxide were prepared by a hydrothermal process for UV‐driven photocatalytic reactions including overall water splitting, hydrogen production from photoreforming of methanol, and CO2 reduction with water to produce CO. The best catalyst was more than 20 times more active than sodium tantalate in overall water splitting and 3 times more active than Degussa P25 TiO2 in CO2 reduction. Moreover, the catalyst was very stable while generating stoichiometric products of H2 (or CO) and O2 throughout long‐term photocatalytic reactions. After the removal of In(OH)3, the pyrochlore nanoparticles remained highly active for H2 production from pure water and aqueous methanol solution. Both experimental studies and density functional theory calculations suggest that the pyrochlore nanoparticles catalyzed the water reduction to produce H2, whereas In(OH)3 was the major active component for water oxidation to produce O2.
C5–C10 Directly Bonded Tetrodotoxin Analogues: Possible Biosynthetic Precursors of Tetrodotoxin From Newts
Authors: Kudo Yuta , Yamashita Yoko , Mebs Dietrich , Cho Yuko , Konoki Keiichi , Yasumoto Takeshi , Yotsu‐Yamashita Mari
Published: November 2014

The identification of novel tetrodotoxin (TTX, 1) analogues would significantly contribute to the elucidation of its biosynthetic pathway. In this study, the first C5–C10 directly bonded TTX analogues, 4,9‐anhydro‐10‐hemiketal‐5‐deoxyTTX (2) and 4,9‐anhydro‐8‐epi‐10‐hemiketal‐5,6,11‐trideoxyTTX (3), were found in the newt Cynops ensicauda popei by using a screening method involving HILIC‐LC–MS/MS focused on the fragment ions of TTX analogues, and their structures were elucidated by spectroscopic methods. Compound 2 was detected in a wide range of newt species, and the 2 and TTX contents of 22 newt specimens were correlated (rs=0.88). Based on these results and its structural features, 2 was predicted to serve as a precursor of TTX that would be directly converted into 4,9‐anhydroTTX (4) by Baeyer–Villiger‐like oxidation or via 4,9‐anhydro‐5‐deoxyTTX formed by cleavage of the C5–C10 bond. The bicyclic carbon skeletons of 2 and 3 suggested a possible monoterpene origin for TTX.
A Novel Evolution Kalman Filter Algorithm for Short‐Term Climate Prediction
Authors: Yang Qingyu , An Dou , Cai Yuanli
Published: November 2014

With the increasing integration of grid‐connected photovoltaic (PV) power generation system, the short‐term climate prediction is becoming critical. In this paper, we propose a novel evolution Kalman filter (ELKF) based short‐term climate prediction algorithm, which combines the advantages of statistical and dynamic methods. We first establish the Kalman forecast recursive model, and then apply the genetic algorithm (GA) to optimize the transfer matrix which reflects the interaction relationship of prediction factors in a Kalman filter. The experiment to predict average sunshine hours and daily temperature for a certain place is conducted. The simulation results demonstrate that, compared with the traditional Kalman filter, our approach enhances the prediction accuracy for average sunshine hours within 1 h by 16.5% and for average daily temperature within 1°C by 5.8%.
Energy, sugar dilution, and economic analysis of hot water flow‐through pre‐treatment for producing biofuel from sugarcane residues
Authors: Archambault‐Léger Véronique , Losordo Zachary , Lynd Lee R.
Published: November 2014

Hot water flow‐through (FT) pre‐treatment of cellulosic biomass for biofuel production offers key performance advantages over other pre‐treatment methods. The present study aims to address the energy demand, sugar dilution, and economic concerns of using FT pre‐treatment for the bioconversion of sugarcane bagasse and trash to ethanol. FT pre‐treatment resulted in a lower minimum ethanol selling price ($0.82/L) than dilute acid ($1.01–1.19/L), hot water ($1.13–1.27/L) and steam explosion ($0.86–1.18/L) (the range represents different studies). Sugar dilution was not a limiting factor provided that extensive heat integration was employed, as is the case in an oil refinery. The ethanol beer to distillation contained 5.0 wt% ethanol. Integrated first‐generation and second‐generation plants with no external fuel supplied were examined based on conversion of sucrose, bagasse, and available cane trash. A base case was defined using FT pre‐treatment which routed all of the bagasse and 31.8% of the trash to ethanol production. For an alternative ‘best parameter’ case, all of the bagasse and available trash was routed to ethanol production, leaving 1.1% of the feedstock higher heating value available for electricity exports. Ethanol yields for the base case, best parameter case and steam explosion case were 59.9, 81.6, and 50.8 L/wet ton cane respectively, representing increases of 79%, 108%, and 67% compared to the first‐generation plant. Our results indicate that sugar dilution and energy consumption are not barriers to practical commercial implementation of flow‐through pre‐treatment, and that FT pre‐treatment has potential to be economically advantageous compared to hydrothermal and dilute acid pre‐treatments. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Severe neonatal presentation of Kleefstra syndrome in a patient with hypoplastic left heart syndrome and 9q34.3 microdeletion
Authors: Campbell Candace L. , Collins R. Thomas , Zarate Yuri A.
Published: November 2014

Background

Kleefstra syndrome arises from haploinsufficiency of EHMT1 caused by either microdeletions at 9q34.3 or intragenic mutations. Patients with Kleefstra syndrome have multisystem involvement including intellectual disability, hypotonia, and characteristic facial features.

Methods

We report on the severe neonatal presentation of the first case of Kleefstra syndrome associated with hypoplastic left heart syndrome and multicystic renal disease in a patient with a 9q34.3 microdeletion.

Results

Array‐CGH analysis revealed a 2.1 Mb deletion at 9q34.3, including EHMT1 and NOTCH1.

Conclusion

Kleefstra syndrome is a multisystem disorder with a high frequency of congenital heart disease and less frequently, renal defects. Mortality has rarely been documented, particularly in infancy. Based on the present case and the extant literature, a routine echocardiogram and renal ultrasound should be ordered in all cases of Kleefstra syndrome. The cardiac changes seen in this patient could be the result of the haploinsufficiency of EHMT1, NOTCH1, or their combined effect. Birth Defects Research (Part A), 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Birth Defects Research (Part A) 100:985–990, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Closing the genotype–phenotype gap: Emerging technologies for evolutionary genetics in ecological model vertebrate systems
Authors: Kratochwil Claudius F. , Meyer Axel
Published: November 2014

The analysis of genetic and epigenetic mechanisms of the genotype–phenotypic connection has, so far, only been possible in a handful of genetic model systems. Recent technological advances, including next‐generation sequencing methods such as RNA‐seq, ChIP‐seq and RAD‐seq, and genome‐editing approaches including CRISPR‐Cas, now permit to address these fundamental questions of biology also in organisms that have been studied in their natural habitats. We provide an overview of the benefits and drawbacks of these novel techniques and experimental approaches that can now be applied to ecological and evolutionary vertebrate models such as sticklebacks and cichlid fish. We can anticipate that these new methods will increase the understanding of the genetic and epigenetic factors influencing adaptations and phenotypic variation in ecological settings. These new arrows in the methodological quiver of ecologist will drastically increase the understanding of the genetic basis of adaptive traits – leading to a further closing of the genotype–phenotype gap.
Studies on the antioxidant activity of some chromonylrhodanine derivatives
Authors: Kruk Irena , Piechowska Teresa , Berczyński Paweł , Kładna Aleksandra , Bozdağ‐Dündar Oya , Ceylan‐Unlusoy Meltem , Aboul‐Enein Hassan Y.
Published: November 2014

Fifteen chromonylrhodamine derivatives (CRs) were synthesized and the antioxidant activity levels were evaluated for the first time. The antioxidant activity potencies of these chromone derivatives were evaluated towards superoxide anion radicals, hydroxyl radicals and 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl radicals. Also, the total antioxidant capacity of the tested compounds was measured using the ferric‐ferrozine assay. The antioxidant activities were investigated using a chemiluminescence (CL) assay, spectrophotometry measurements, direct electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) and the EPR spin‐trapping technique. The 5,5‐dimethyl‐ 1‐pyrroline‐1‐oxide (DMPO) was applied as spin trap. Eleven of the 15 chromone compounds exhibited a decrease in the CL accompanying the superoxide anion radical produced in anhydrous dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO), ranging from 71–94% at concentration of 1 mmol /L; four of these compounds enhanced light emission in the range 231–672%. Similarly, these compounds caused 28–58% inhibition in the intensity of the DMPO‐OOH radical EPR signal and the DMPO‐OH radical (from 12–48%). Furthermore, three of these compounds showed very good antioxidant response towards the DPPH radical (EC50: 0.51–0.56 µmol/L) and the high reduction potentials. These findings demonstrate that the chromone compounds tested may be considered as effective free radicals scavengers, a finding that is of great pharmacological importance. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Transseptal puncture to facilitate device closure of “long‐tunnel” patent foramen ovale
Authors: Thompson Alex J. , Hagler Donald J. , Taggart Nathaniel W.
Published: November 2014

Background

Patent foramen ovale (PFO) is common and may predispose to paradoxical embolism. Transcatheter device closure of PFO can be challenging in certain cases of “long‐tunnel” PFO morphology. We report our experience with device closure of long‐tunnel PFO using transseptal puncture.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed all cases of PFO device closure using transseptal puncture at the Mayo Clinic from January 1, 2010 to September 30, 2013. We arbitrarily defined a PFO tunnel configuration as a tunnel length ≥ 12 mm as observed in intracardiac echocardiography (ICE) at the time of device closure.

Results

Twelve patients (mean age 40.8 [range 15–67] years; 7 males [58%]) underwent PFO device closure with transseptal puncture. The most common indication for PFO closure was previous stroke (n = 7, 58%). Median tunnel length measured by ICE was 15 mm (12–20 mm). GORE® HELEX® Septal Occluder was used for closure in all but one patient. The only significant procedural complication was a minor perforation of the left atrial wall during attempted septal puncture, which resulted in a trivial pericardial effusion that resolved without intervention. At latest follow‐up (mean 543 days, [range 170–1162]) one patient had a residual shunt and subsequently died due to complications during surgical PFO closure. No recurrent strokes or TIAs were reported.

Conclusion

Though not without risk, transseptal puncture can be a valuable tool for facilitating device closure of long‐tunnel type PFOs. GORE® HELEX® Septal Occluder may be an effective option for facilitating device closure for patients with long‐tunnel type PFO. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A multidisciplinary consensus document on follow‐up strategies for patients treated with percutaneous coronary intervention
Authors: Rossini Roberta , Oltrona Visconti Luigi , Musumeci Giuseppe , Filippi Alessandro , Pedretti Roberto , Lettieri Corrado , Buffoli Francesca , Campana Marco , Capodanno Davide , Castiglioni Battistina , Cattaneo Maria Grazia , Colombo Paola , De Luca Leonardo , De Servi Stefano , Ferlini Marco , Limbruno Ugo , Nassiacos Daniele , Piccaluga Emanuela , Raisaro Arturo , Ravizza PierFranco , Senni Michele , Tabaglio Erminio , Tarantini Giuseppe , Trabattoni Daniela , Zadra Alessandro , Riccio Carmine , Bedogni Francesco , Febo Oreste , Brignoli Ovidio , Ceravolo Roberto , Sardella Gennaro , Bongo Sante , Faggiano Pompilio , Cricelli Claudio , Greco Cesare , Gulizia Michele Massimo , Berti Sergio , Bovenzi Francesco ,   on behalf of the Italian Society of Invasive Cardiology (SICI‐GISE), National Association of Hospital Cardiologists (ANMCO), Italian Association for Cardiovascular Prevention and Rehabilitation (GICR‐IACPR) and Italian Society of General Practitioner (SIMG)
Published: November 2014

The number of percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI) is increasing worldwide. Follow‐up strategies after PCI are extremely heterogeneous and can greatly affect the cost of medical care. Of note, clinical evaluations and non‐invasive exams are often performed to low risk patients. In the present consensus document, practical advises are provided with respect to a tailored follow‐up strategy on the basis of patients' risk profile. Three strategies follow‐up have been defined and types and timing of clinical and instrumental evaluations are reported. Clinical and interventional cardiologists, cardiac rehabilitators, and general practitioners, who are in charge to manage post‐PCI patients, equally contributed to the creation of the present document. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Bubble Splitting in a Pseudo‐2D Gas‐Solid Fluidized Bed for Geldart B‐Type Particles
Authors: Movahedirad Salman , Dehkordi Asghar Molaei , Molaei Esmaeel Abbaszade , Haghi Mehdi , Banaei Mohammad , Kuipers Johannes A. M.
Published: November 2014

Bubble splitting in 2D gas‐solid freely bubbling fluidized beds is experimentally investigated using digital image analysis. The quantitative results can be applied for the development of a new breakage model for bubbly fluidized beds, especially discrete bubble models. The variation of splitting frequency with bubble diameter, new resulting bubble volumes, positions, and also the assumptions of mass and momentum conservation for bubbles after breakage are studied in detail. Small bubbles are found to be more stable than large ones and nearly all mother bubbles split into two almost equally sized daughter bubbles. The momentum of gas bubbles in the vertical direction remains approximately constant after breakage, whereas that of bubbles in the horizontal direction changes with no clear trend. The effect of fluidizing gas velocity in breakage frequency is also examined.
Promotion of Chemical Reactions by a Grid in a Shear Mixing Layer
Authors: Ito Yasumasa , Sakai Yasuhiko , Nagata Kouji
Published: November 2014

The effects of a turbulence‐generating grid on fluid mixing and a passive chemical reaction are experimentally investigated in a liquid shear mixing layer under a nonpremixed condition. The grid is installed at three streamwise locations to find the optimal location to promote the chemical reaction. The results show that the grid generates disturbances at small scales that enhance fluid mixing and the chemical reaction. However, the turbulence intensity and mass diffusion in the mixing layers with the grid decrease rapidly and become even smaller than those in the mixing layer without the grid in a downstream region. Therefore, in the present study, the chemical production is maximized when the grid is installed at where the flow is turning to a developed mixing layer.
A Rapid Synthesis of High Aspect Ratio Silver Nanowires for High‐Performance Transparent Electrodes
Authors: Cheng Tao , Zhang Yizhou , Lai Wenyong , Chen Yao , Huang Wei
Published: November 2014

A rapid, simple and cost‐effective polyol method has been developed for the synthesis of silver nanowires with high aspect ratio and high purity. The aspect ratios of the silver nanowires as high as ca. 1000 (average length 40 µm and some even as long as 80 µm, diameter 50–100 nm) were obtained via optimizing the reaction conditions. Transparent electrodes with excellent optoelectronic performances (optical transmittance of 90%, sheet resistance of 23.2 Ω/□ and optical transmittance of 87%, sheet resistance of 19.7 Ω/□) comparable to commercial ITO were fabricated via simple spin coating the resulting silver nanowires onto the glass substrates. The high optoelectronic performances and the facile all‐solution process of the as‐prepared transparent electrodes render them rather promising candidates for use in cost‐effective large‐area optoelectronic devices.
Self‐Assembly of Schiff Base Organogelator with Enhanced Fluorescence Emission
Authors: Han Jinxin , Song Jiefang , Hao Zhenfang , Yu Haitao , Han Jianrong
Published: November 2014

A new organogelator based on Schiff base derivative has been designed and synthesized. It can be employed as building blocks to fabricate organic nano‐ or micro‐structures. It shows excellent self‐assembling properties. It could form stable gels with nanofiber structures in various organic solvents, such as n‐butanol, benzyl alcohol, ethyl acetate, acetone, aniline. The gelation properties, structural characteristics and fluorescence of the gels were studied. Compared with the solution, the gel showed significantly enhanced emission. This organogel system can be used as a thermally driven fluorescence molecular switch.
Neurochemical characterization of extrinsic nerves in myenteric ganglia of the guinea pig distal colon
Authors: Chen Bao Nan , Sharrad Dale F. , Hibberd Timothy J. , Zagorodnyuk Vladimir P. , Costa Marcello , Brookes Simon J.H.
Published: November 2014

Extrinsic nerves to the gut influence the absorption of water and electrolytes and expulsion of waste contents, largely via regulation of enteric neural circuits; they also contribute to control of blood flow. The distal colon is innervated by extrinsic sympathetic and parasympathetic efferent and spinal afferent neurons, via axons in colonic nerve trunks. In the present study, biotinamide tracing of colonic nerves was combined with immunohistochemical labeling for markers of sympathetic, parasympathetic, and spinal afferent neurons to quantify their relative contribution to the extrinsic innervation. Calcitonin gene‐related peptide, vesicular acetylcholine transporter, and tyrosine hydroxylase, which selectively label spinal afferent, parasympathetic, and sympathetic axons, respectively, were detected immunohistochemically in 1 ± 0.5% (n = 7), 15 ± 4.7% (n = 6), and 24 ± 4% (n = 7) of biotinamide‐labeled extrinsic axons in myenteric ganglia. Immunoreactivity for vasoactive intestinal polypeptide, nitric oxide synthase, somatostatin, and vesicular glutamate transporters 1 and 2 accounted for a combined maximum of 14% of biotinamide‐labeled axons in myenteric ganglia. Thus, a maximum of 53% of biotinamide‐labeled extrinsic axons in myenteric ganglia were labeled by antisera to one of these eight markers. Viscerofugal neurons were also labeled by biotinamide. They had distinct morphologies and spatial distributions that correlated closely with their immunoreactivity for nitric oxide synthase and choline acetyltransferase. As reported for the rectum, nearly half of all extrinsic nerve fibers to the distal colon lack the key immunohistochemical markers commonly used for their identification. Their abundance may therefore have been significantly underestimated in previous immunohistochemical studies. J. Comp. Neurol. 523:742–756, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The Spectral–Structural Relationship of a Series of Oxyluciferin Derivatives
Authors: Ran Xue Qin , Zhou Xin , Goddard John D.
Published: November 2014

The absorption and emission spectra of a series of oxyluciferin derivatives with different substituents, as well as 6′‐amino oxyluciferins in different enol and keto forms, with or without an active‐site model of luciferase, were systematically investigated using density functional theory. The effects of substituents, microenvironment, and the luciferase on the structures, absorption spectra, and fluorescent emission were all taken into account. It was found that a wide range of emission colors can be obtained from various oxyluciferin derivatives with the inclusion of active site residues modeling the luciferase active site. Enol and keto forms are responsible for the emissions observed in experiments. It was suggested that the active site of luciferase must be included in the calculation in order to determine the form of the emitters.
Semi‐Aromatic Polyesters Based on a Carbohydrate‐Derived Rigid Diol for Engineering Plastics
Authors: Wu Jing , Eduard Pieter , Thiyagarajan Shanmugam , Noordover Bart A. J. , van Es Daan S. , Koning Cor E.
Published: November 2014

New carbohydrate‐based polyesters were prepared from isoidide‐2,5‐dimethanol (extended isoidide, XII) through melt polymerization with dimethyl esters of terephthalic acid (TA) and furan‐2,5‐dicarboxylic acid (FDCA), yielding semi‐crystalline prepolymers. Subsequent solid‐state post‐condensation (SSPC) gave high molecular weight (Mn=30 kg mol−1 for FDCA) materials, the first examples of high Mn, semi‐aromatic homopolyesters containing isohexide derivatives obtained via industrially relevant procedures. NMR spectroscopy showed that the stereo‐configuration of XII was preserved under the applied conditions. The polyesters are thermally stable up to 380 °C. The TA‐ and FDCA‐based polyesters have high Tg (105 °C and 94 °C, resp.) and Tm (284 °C and 250 °C, resp.) values. Its reactivity, stability, and ability to afford high Tg and Tm polyesters make XII a promising diol for the synthesis of engineering polymers.
Transformed HCT for parallel Huffman decoding
Authors: Wang Guoyu , Zhang Hongsheng , Lu Mingying
Published: November 2014

This paper proposes a novel and generic Huffman code table (HCT) transform and a simple parallel Huffman decoding method. Codes of the original HCT are left‐aligned, reordered in value, and partitioned into sub‐bands. Two kinds of modification to the codes are introduced in order to reduce the number of sub‐bands. The Huffman decoder can be implemented with a minimized size of single LUT, and the parallel decoding can be completed easily, at a constant rate of up to one code per cycle. An example of MP3 decoder and AAC decoder has been designed to demonstrate the efficiency of the proposed method. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Design and implementation analysis of a public key infrastructure‐enabled security framework for ZigBee sensor networks
Authors: Misra Sudip , Goswami Sumit , Taneja Chaynika , Mukherjee Anandarup
Published: November 2014

ZigBee is a wireless network technology suitable for applications requiring lower bandwidth, low energy consumption and small packet size. Security has been one of the challenges in ZigBee networks. Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) provides a binding of entities with public keys through a Certifying Authority (CA). Public key cryptography using public–private key pairs can be used for ensuring secure transmission in a network. But large size of public and private keys and memory limitations in ZigBee devices pose a problem for using PKI to secure communication in ZigBee networks. In this paper, we propose a PKI enabled secure communication schema for ZigBee networks. Limited memory and power constraints of end devices restrict them from storing public keys of all other devices in the network. Large keys cannot be communicated due to limited power of the nodes and small transmission packet size. The proposed schema addresses these limitations. We propose two algorithms for sending and receiving the messages. The protocols for intercommunication between the network entities are also presented. Minor changes have been introduced in the capabilities of devices used in the ZigBee networks to suit our proposed scheme. Network adaptations depending on different scenarios are discussed. The approach adopted in this paper is to alter the communication flow so as to necessitate minimum memory and computational requirements at the resource starved end points. In the proposed PKI implementation, end devices store the public keys of only the coordinator which in turn holds public keys of all devices in the network. All communication in our scheme is through the coordinator, which in the event of failure is re‐elected through an election mechanism. The performance of the proposed scheme was evaluated using a protocol analyzer in home automation and messenger applications. Results indicate that depending on the type of application, only a marginal increase in latency of 2 to 5 ms is introduced for the added security. Layer wise traffic and packets captured between devices were analyzed. Channel utilization, message length distribution and message types were also evaluated. The proposed protocol's performance was found to be satisfactory on the two tested applications. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effects of maternal deprivation and the duration of reunion time on rat pup ultrasonic vocalization responses to isolation: Possible implications for human infant studies
Authors: Shair Harry N. , Rupert Deborah D. , Rosko Lauren M. , Hofer Myron A. , Myers Michael M. , Welch Martha G.
Published: November 2014

In a paradigm that may serve as a translational model for maternal separation experiences of human infants in neonatal intensive care units, we examined how the duration of reunion with the dam influenced the phenomenon of maternal potentiation of ultrasonic vocalizations, in which isolated rat pups increase rates of vocalization following brief interactions with dams. We report that maternal potentiation in 12–13 day‐old rats did not occur after reunions with their anesthetized dam that lasted longer than 15–min. However, after 18 hr maternal separation, isolated pups given reunions with their anesthetized dam increased vocalization rate even with reunions as long as 3 hr. Using a split‐cage apparatus that prevented physical contact, the impact of 18 hr separations on maternal potentiation was partially offset by experiencing olfactory and/or auditory stimuli of the mother. These results suggest that maintaining partial maternal sensory exposure during prolonged maternal separation can reduce responses elicited by subsequent maternal separation. © 2014Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Dev Psychobiol 57: 63–72, 2015.
Association of polymorphisms in IL6 gene promoter region with type 1 diabetes and increased albumin‐to‐creatinine ratio
Authors: Ururahy Marcela Abbott Galvão , de Souza Karla Simone Costa , Oliveira Yonara Monique da Costa , Loureiro Melina Bezerra , da Silva Heglayne Pereira Vital , Freire‐Neto Francisco Paulo , Bezerra João Felipe , Luchessi André Ducati , Doi Sonia Quateli , Hirata Rosario Dominguez Crespo , Almeida Maria das Graças , Arrais Ricardo Fernando , Hirata Mario Hiroyuki , de Rezende Adriana Augusto
Published: November 2014

Background

Pro‐inflammatory cytokines, such as interleukin‐6 (IL‐6), have been considered as key factors in type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) and diabetic nephropathy, thus, our aim was to investigate the association of IL6‐174G>C (rs1800795) and ‐634C>G (rs1800796) polymorphisms with T1DM susceptibility and diabetic nephropathy.

Methods

These polymorphisms were analyzed in 144 children and adolescents with T1DM and 173 normoglycemic control subjects. Glycemic control, laboratory parameters of kidney function and serum lipids were evaluated. By studying only T1DM patients, we evaluated the polymorphisms associated with relevant biochemical parameters in various genetic models.

Results

Type 1 diabetes mellitus patients showed poor glycemic control and albumin‐to‐creatinine ratio, total cholesterol and LDL‐cholesterol levels increased when compared with normoglycemic subjects (p < 0.001, p = 0.004 and p < 0.001, respectively). IL6‐174C allele was associated with an increased risk of developing T1DM (OR = 1.53, CI = 1.01‐2.31, p = 0.044). In the T1DM group, IL6‐174CC carriers showed higher concentrations of glycated hemoglobin (p = 0.029), albumin‐to‐creatinine ratio (p = 0.021), total cholesterol (p = 0.010), and LDL‐cholesterol (p = 0.002), when compared with GG+GC carriers. No association was found for the IL6‐634C>G polymorphism.

Conclusions

These results suggest that IL6‐174G>C may contribute to T1DM and increased albumin‐to‐creatinine ratio as well as to poor glycemic control and hyperlipidemia. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Simultaneous ionization and analysis of 84 anabolic androgenic steroids in human urine using liquid chromatography‐silver ion coordination ionspray/triple‐quadrupole mass spectrometry
Authors: Kim So‐Hee , Cha Eun‐Ju , Lee Kang Mi , Kim Ho Jun , Kwon Oh‐Seung , Lee Jaeick
Published: November 2014

Metal ion coordination ionspray (M+CIS) ionization is a powerful technique to enhance ionization efficiency and sensitivity. In this study, we developed and validated an analytical method for simultaneous ionization and analysis of 84 anabolic androgenic steroids (65 exogenous and 19 endogenous) using liquid chromatography‐silver ion coordination ionspray/triple‐quadrupole mass spectrometry (LC‐Ag+CIS/MS/MS). The concentrations of silver ions and organic solvents have been optimized to increase the amount of silver ion coordinated complexes. A combination of 25 μM of silver ions and methanol showed the best sensitivity. The validation results showed the intra‐ (0.8–9.2%) and inter‐day (2.5–14.9%) precisions, limits of detection (0.0005–5.0 ng/mL), and matrix effect (71.8–100.3%) for the screening analysis. No significant ion suppression was observed. In addition, this method was successfully applied to analysis of positive samples from suspected abusers and useful for the detection of the trace levels of anabolic steroids in human urine samples. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Reduced plant competition among kin can be explained by Jensen's inequality
Authors: Simonsen Anna K. , Chow Theresa , Stinchcombe John R.
Published: November 2014

Plants often compete with closely related individuals due to limited dispersal, leading to two commonly invoked predictions on competitive outcomes. Kin selection, from evolutionary theory, predicts that competition between relatives will likely be weaker. The niche partitioning hypothesis, from ecological theory, predicts that competition between close relatives will likely be stronger. We tested for evidence consistent with either of these predictions by growing an annual legume in kin and nonkin groups in the greenhouse. We grew plant groups in treatments of symbiotic nitrogen fixing bacteria differing in strain identity and composition to determine if differences in the microbial environment can facilitate or obscure plant competition patterns consistent with kin selection or niche partitioning. Nonkin groups had lower fitness than expected, based on fitness estimates of the same genotypes grown among kin. Higher fitness among kin groups was observed in mixtures of N‐fixing bacteria strains compared to single inoculations of bacteria strains present in the soil, which increased fitness differences between kin and nonkin groups. Lower fitness in nonkin groups was likely caused by increased competitive asymmetry in nonkin groups due to genetic differences in plant size combined with saturating relationships with plant size and fitness‐ i.e. Jensen's inequality. Our study suggests that microbial soil symbionts alter competitive dynamics among kin and nonkin. Our study also suggests that kin groups can have higher fitness, as predicted by kin selection theory, through a commonly heritable trait (plant size), without requiring kin recognition mechanisms.
Effect of cardiac resynchronization therapy with implantable cardioverter defibrillator versus cardiac resynchronization therapy with pacemaker on mortality in heart failure patients: results of a high‐volume, single‐centre experience
Authors: Kutyifa Valentina , Geller Laszlo , Bogyi Peter , Zima Endre , Aktas Mehmet K. , Ozcan Emin Evren , Becker David , Nagy Vivien Klaudia , Kosztin Annamaria , Szilagyi Szabolcs , Merkely Bela
Published: November 2014

Aims

There are limited and contradictory data on the effects of CRT with implantable cardioverter defibrillator (CRT‐D) on mortality as compared with CRT with pacemaker (CRT‐P).

Methods and results

We evaluated the long‐term outcome of patients implanted with a CRT‐D or CRT‐P device in our high‐volume single‐centre experience. Data on all‐cause mortality were derived from clinic visits and the Hungarian National Healthcare Fund Death Registry. Kaplan–Meier survival analyses and multivariate Cox regression models were used to evaluate all‐cause mortality in patients with CRT‐D vs. CRT‐P, stratified by the aetiology of cardiomyopathy. From 2000 to 2011, 1122 CRT devices, 693 CRT‐P (LVEF 28.2 ± 7.4%) and 429 CRT‐D (LVEF 27.6 ± 6.4%), were implanted at our centre. During the median follow‐up of 28 months, 379 patients died from any cause, 250 patients (36%) with an implanted CRT‐P and 129 patients (30%) with an implanted CRT‐D. There was no evidence of mortality benefit in patients implanted with a CRT‐D compared with a CRT‐P in the total cohort [hazard ratio (HR) 0.98, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.73–1.32, P = 0.884]. In patients with ischaemic cardiomyopathy, CRT‐D treatment was associated with a significant 30% risk reduction in all‐cause mortality compared with an implanted CRT‐P (HR 0.70, 95% CI 0.51–0.97, P = 0.03). In non‐ischaemic patients, there was no mortality benefit of CRT‐D over CRT‐P (HR 0.98, 95% CI 0.73–1.32, P = 0.894, interaction P‐value = 0.15).

Conclusions

In heart failure patients with ischaemic cardiomyopathy, CRT‐D was associated with a mortality benefit compared with CRT‐P, but no benefit of CRT‐D over CRT‐P in mortality was observed in non‐ischaemic cardiomyopathy.
Low Activation Barriers in N2 Reduction with H2 at Ruthenium Pincer Complexes Induced by Ligand Cooperativity: A Computational Study
Authors: Hölscher Markus , Leitner Walter
Published: November 2014

The catalytic reduction of dinitrogen (N2) with dihydrogen (H2) was investigated by means of DFT calculations [MN12‐L/def2‐TZVP(ECP)] using ruthenium pincer complexes of the general formula [Ru{4,6‐bis(di‐tert‐butylphosphanyl)dibenzo[b,d]furan}(H)(X)] (X = H, Me, iPr, Br, I). One tBu group of one of the two phosphorus atoms was augmented with a CH2BH2 group to introduce a borane moiety that is needed for the cooperative stabilization of intermediates and transition states. By optimizing a representative amount of local minima and transition states, it was possible to identify closed catalytic cycles that show surprisingly low activation barriers. As an example, for X = Me after reoptimization in the solvent phase (toluene), transition states with a maximum height in the energy profile of only 36.2 kcal mol–1 were obtained and with the largest single barrier of 29.2 kcal mol–1! It was also observed that the stabilities of amide complexes, which occur late in the catalytic cycle, are very pronounced. Accordingly, they contribute to the overall energy span (ES) in an unfavourable way. However, despite this fact, the calculated ES in the solvent phase for X = I amounts to only 48.4 kcal mol–1 and indicates clearly that the computationally guided design process of the catalyst is a suitable approach to identify elements of a catalyst structure that enables hydrogen‐transfer processes with comparatively low barriers.
Synthesis and Biological Activity of Gold(I) N‐Heterocyclic Carbene Complexes with Long Aliphatic Side Chains
Authors: Arcau Julià , Andermark Vincent , Rodrigues Mafalda , Giannicchi Ilaria , Pérez‐Garcia Lluïsa , Ott Ingo , Rodríguez Laura
Published: November 2014

Seven imidazolium salts have been synthesized from octadecylimidazole (Im18). These salts differ in the length of the alkyl chain length bound to the second nitrogen atom of the imidazolium ring [R = Me, Et, iPr, Pr, Bu, decyl (Dec), octadecyl] and were used as synthetic precursors to obtain two series of gold(I) carbene complexes (AuNHC). The first series contains one labile ligand at the second coordinative position {monocarbene, [AuCl(NHC)]}, and the second one comprises dicarbene complexes. Their biological activity has been evaluated with respect to two different cell lines, and thioredoxin reductase (TrxR) inhibition has also been evaluated for selected examples. Distinct effects have been observed for the imidazolium salts and monocarbene derivatives.
Will mercury impurities impact CO2 injectivity in deep sedimentary formations? I. Condensation and net porosity reduction
Authors: Oldenburg Curtis M. , Spycher Nicolas
Published: November 2014

Mercury is a common contaminant in natural gas and partially follows carbon dioxide through amine separation during natural gas processing. In this study, we used simple volumetric analyses, the simulator TOUGH2/EOS7C, and dew‐point calculations to investigate the potential impacts on injectivity of trace amounts of mercury in a carbon dioxide stream injected for geologic carbon dioxide sequestration. For mercury concentrations up to 190 ppbV (∼1.6 mg/stdm3 CO2), the total volumetric pore‐space plugging that could occur around the wellbore due to complete condensation of mercury, or due to complete precipitation of mercury as cinnabar, results in a very small porosity change. Evaporative concentration of aqueous mercury by water evaporation into carbon dioxide is unlikely because the volatility of mercury into the carbon dioxide stream is higher than that of water. Dew‐point calculations suggest that mercury concentrations of about 2000 ppbV are needed for mercury condensation to occur. Our analyses suggest that for mercury concentrations of a few hundred ppbV, the impacts on injectivity of mercury deposition by condensation or precipitation as cinnabar are negligible.
Identification of AREG and PLK1 pathway modulation as a potential key of the response of intracranial 9L tumor to microbeam radiation therapy
Authors: Bouchet Audrey , Sakakini Nathalie , Atifi Michèle El , Le Clec'h Céline , Bräuer‐Krisch Elke , Rogalev Léonid , Laissue Jean Albert , Rihet Pascal , Le Duc Géraldine , Pelletier Laurent
Published: November 2014

Synchrotron microbeam radiation therapy (MRT) relies on the spatial fractionation of a synchrotron beam into parallel micron‐wide beams allowing deposition of hectogray doses. MRT controls the intracranial tumor growth in rodent models while sparing normal brain tissues. Our aim was to identify the early biological processes underlying the differential effect of MRT on tumor and normal brain tissues. The expression of 28,000 transcripts was tested by microarray 6 hr after unidirectional MRT (400 Gy, 50 µm‐wide microbeams, 200 µm spacing). The specific response of tumor tissues to MRT consisted in the significant transcriptomic modulation of 431 probesets (316 genes). Among them, 30 were not detected in normal brain tissues, neither before nor after MRT. Areg, Trib3 and Nppb were down‐regulated, whereas all others were up‐regulated. Twenty‐two had similar expression profiles during the 2 weeks observed after MRT, including Ccnb1, Cdc20, Pttg1 and Plk1 related to the mitotic role of the Polo‐like kinase (Plk) pathway. The up‐regulation of Areg expression may indicate the emergence of survival processes in tumor cells triggered by the irradiation; while the modulation of the “mitotic role of Plk1” pathway, which relates to cytokinetic features of the tumor observed histologically after MRT, may partially explain the control of tumor growth by MRT. The identification of these tumor‐specific responses permit to consider new strategies that might potentiate the antitumoral effect of MRT.
Physicochemical analysis of structural alteration and advanced glycation end products generation during glycation of H2A histone by 3‐deoxyglucosone
Authors: Ashraf Jalaluddin M. , Ahmad Saheem , Rabbani Gulam , Jan Arif Tasleem , Lee Eun Ju , Khan Rizwan Hasan , Choi Inho
Published: November 2014

Advanced glycation end‐products comprise a complex and heterogeneous group of compounds that have been implicated in diabetes‐related complications. The importance of the Maillard reaction is depicted by the formation of reactive intermediate products known as α‐oxoaldehydes, such as 3‐deoxyglucosone (3‐DG). This product has been found to be involved in accelerated vascular damage in diabetes. In the present study, calf thymus histone H2A was reacted with 3‐DG, and the generation of advanced glycation end products was investigated by determining the degree of side chain modifications (lysine and arginine residues), Amadori products, carbonyl content, Nε‐carboxymethyl lysine, and pentosidine using various physicochemical techniques. Moreover, fluorescence, absorbance as well as structural characteristics of glycated‐H2A were comprehensively investigated. Overall, this study demonstrates structural perturbation, formation of different intermediates, and AGEs that are believed to hamper the normal functioning of H2A histone, compromising the integrity of chromatin structures and function in secondary complications of diabetes. © 2014 IUBMB Life, 66(10):686–693, 2014
Debbie and her slurping stomach
Authors: Moshe  , Lang Tesse
Published: November 2014

Debbie, a 16 year old girl, was referred for family therapy by a specialist physician with a diagnosis of anorexia nervosa. After 3 sessions her symptoms, which were defined by the family as under‐eating and indigestion, were resolved. There was also a marked improvement in the functioning of both Debbie and her family. The paper consists of a slightly edited transcript of the first interview. This is interposed with comments by the authors based on repeated viewing of the videotape of this session. A detailed analysis of the homework task given in the first session is presented. Summaries of the second and third interviews and a follow‐up questionnaire are included. Issues including rapid resolution, the importance of enjoyment in therapy and the irrelevance of diagnosis are discussed.
Violent Marriages
Authors: Newton Alison
Published: November 2014

This paper addresses the questions of why many people are violent toward those they claim to love and why many people stay with those who hurt them. Patterns of relationship within violent marriages, the characteristics of individuals involved and societal values are explored for answers. Some thoughts on therapy are presented.
Courses in Family Therapy for General Practitioners: Identifying Learning Objectives
Authors: Tisher Miriam , Jackson Livia
Published: November 2014

This paper describes two courses which train general practitioners (GPs) in generic family therapy skills applicable to consultations with individuals, couples or families in the general practice setting, and to patients with physical or psychological problems. Based on feedback from previous participants, eight topics were identified and described as useful. These are stressors, genograms, problem clarification, options, involvement of patients, reflection on interventions, recognition of an interactive cycle and review of treatment. General practitioners' skills in these areas can be assessed by asking them to respond in writing to two case vignettes, featuring respectively an individual, and a mother‐child dyad. These vignettes have been piloted in previous family therapy courses for GPs and are written as typical presentations to a GP. We give examples of pre and post‐course responses of GPs undertaking a short or long course, present and discuss quantitative assessment of learning objectives using structured criteria scored from 0–10, and include excerpts from a six month follow up.