bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Some characteristic features of formation of composite material based on KDP single crystal with incorporated Al2O3·nH2O nanoparticles
Authors: Pritula I. M. , Kosinova A. V. , Kolybaeva M. I. , Bezkrovnaya O. N. , Grebenev V. V. , Voloshin A. E. , Vorontsov D. A. , Sofronov D. S. , Vovk O. M. , Baumer V. N.
Published: April 2014

Composite material based on KDP (KH2PO4) crystal matrix with incorporated aluminum oxyhydroxide Al2O3·nH2O nanoparticles is obtained and peculiarities of the formation of KDP:Al2O3·nH2O composite structure are studied by selective etching, optical and scanning electron microscopy. Influence of the nanoparticles on the formation of defect subsystem is analyzed. The obtained material is shown to have a zonal structure with a period independent of the concentration of nanoparticles. By means of FTIR‐spectroscopy, interaction of nanoparticles with KH2PO4 solution is studied. A model of the capture of nanoparticles by the {100} KDP crystal face is proposed.
A High‐Performance Renewable Thermosetting Resin Derived from Eugenol
Authors: Harvey Benjamin G. , Sahagun Christopher M. , Guenthner Andrew J. , Groshens Thomas J. , Cambrea Lee R. , Reams Josiah T. , Mabry Joseph M.
Published: April 2014

A renewable bisphenol, 4,4′‐(butane‐1,4‐diyl)bis(2‐methoxyphenol), was synthesized on a preparative scale by a solvent‐free, Ru‐catalyzed olefin metathesis coupling reaction of eugenol followed by hydrogenation. After purification, the bisphenol was converted to a new bis(cyanate) ester by standard techniques. The bisphenol and cyanate ester were characterized rigorously by NMR spectroscopy and single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction studies. After complete cure, the cyanate ester exhibited thermal stability in excess of 350 °C and a glass transition temperature (Tg) of 186 °C. As a result of the four‐carbon chain between the aromatic rings, the thermoset displayed a water uptake of only 1.8 % after a four day immersion in 85 °C water. The wet Tg of the material (167 °C) was only 19 °C lower than the dry Tg, and the material showed no significant degradation as a result of the water treatment. These results suggest that this resin is well suited for maritime environments and provide further evidence that full‐performance resins can be generated from sustainable feedstocks.
In Situ Thermally Cross‐linked Polyacrylonitrile as Binder for High‐Performance Silicon as Lithium Ion Battery Anode
Authors: Shen Lanyao , Shen Lian , Wang Zhaoxiang , Chen Liquan
Published: April 2014

Electrode integrity and electric contact between particles and between particle and current collector are critical for electrochemical performance, especially for that of electrode materials with large volume change during cycling and with poor electric conductivity. We report on the in situ thermally cross‐linked polyacrylonitrile (PAN) as a binder for silicon‐based anodes of lithium‐ion batteries. The electrode delivers excellent cycle life and rate capability with a reversible capacity of about 1450 mA h g−1 even after 100 cycles. The improved electrochemical performance of such silicon electrodes is attributed to heat‐treatment‐induced cross‐linking and the formation of conjugated PAN. These findings open new avenues to explore other polymers for both anode and cathode electrodes of rechargeable batteries.
The Effects of Preparation Conditions for a BaNbO2N Photocatalyst on Its Physical Properties
Authors: Hisatomi Takashi , Katayama Chisato , Teramura Kentaro , Takata Tsuyoshi , Moriya Yosuke , Minegishi Tsutomu , Katayama Masao , Nishiyama Hiroshi , Yamada Taro , Domen Kazunari
Published: April 2014

BaNbO2N is a semiconductor photocatalyst active for water oxidation under visible‐light irradiation up to λ=740 nm. It is important to understand the nitridation processes of precursor materials to form BaNbO2N to tune the physical properties and improve the photocatalytic activity. Comprehensive experiments and analyses of temperatures, durations, ammonia flow rates, and barium/niobium ratios in the precursor during the nitridation process reveals that faster ammonia flow rates and higher barium/niobium ratios in the precursors help to suppress reduction of pentavalent niobium ions in the nitridation products and that the use of a precursor prepared by a soft‐chemistry route allows the production of BaNbO2N at lower temperatures in shorter times than the use of physical mixtures of BaCO3 and Nb2O5 because the niobium species is dispersed among the barium species. BaNbO2N prepared by the soft‐chemistry route exhibits comparatively higher activity than that prepared from physical mixtures of BaCO3 and Nb2O5, probably because of lower nitridation temperatures, which suppress excessive dissociation of ammonia, and thereby reduce pentavalent niobium ions, and intimate interaction of niobium and barium sources, which lowers the densities of mid‐gap states associated with defects.
Non‐isolated single‐switch DC–DC converters with extended duty cycle for high step‐down voltage applications
Authors: Sabzali Ahmad J. , Ismail Esam H. , Al‐Saffar Mustafa A. , Behbehani Hussain M.
Published: April 2014

Several new topologies of single‐switch non‐isolated DC–DC converters with wide conversion gain and reduced semiconductor voltage stress are proposed in this paper. Most of the proposed topologies are derived from the conventional inverse of SEPIC (Zeta) converter. The proposed topologies can operate with larger switch duty cycles compared with the existing single switch topologies, hence, making them well suitable for high step‐down voltage conversion applications. With extended duty cycle, the current stress in the active power switch is reduced, leading to a significant improvement of the system losses. Moreover, the active power switch in some of the proposed topologies is utilized much better compared to the conventional Zeta and quadratic‐buck converters. The principle of operation, theoretical analysis, and comparison of circuit performances with other step‐down converters are discussed regarding voltage and current stress and switch silicon utilization. Finally, simulation and experimental results for a design example of a 50 W/5 V at 42‐V input voltage operating at 50 kHz will be provided to evaluate the performance of the proposed converters. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Using watershed‐scale hydrological models to predict the impacts of increasing urbanization on freshwater fish assemblages
Authors: Knouft Jason H. , Chu Ma. Librada
Published: April 2014

Natural flow regimes are important predictors of variation in freshwater biodiversity, yet urbanization can significantly impact the volume and variability of water moving through a watershed. Moreover, there is limited quantitative understanding of spatial variation in the effects of urbanization on watershed hydrology and the impacts of this variation on aquatic species distributions and assemblage composition. We used a physically based watershed model (MIKE‐SHE), a hydrodynamic river model (MIKE‐11), and current landcover classifications to characterize flows at sites across the Big River watershed in eastern Missouri. Estimates of streamflow from the MIKE‐SHE model based on current landcover classifications were then used to predict variation in fish species richness at 44 sites across the watershed. We also quantified the potential effects of five urbanization scenarios on streamflows throughout the watershed and used flow estimates from the urbanization hydrological models to predict changes in fish species richness as urban areas increase. Responses varied among sites, with some sites predicted to increase in species richness whereas others are predicted to decrease in species richness. This mosaic of responses is likely due to the inconsistent impact of urbanization on streamflows throughout the watershed. Results also differed among taxonomic groups. The number of species of Cyprinidae (minnows) is generally expected to increase within sites across the watershed, whereas the number of species of Centrachidae (bass and sunfish) is expected to decrease. This differential shift in cyprinid and centrarchid richness is predicted to have a compensatory effect, with overall richness remaining, on average, relatively constant among sites. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Type I IFN signaling triggers immunopathology in tuberculosis‐susceptible mice by modulating lung phagocyte dynamics
Authors: Dorhoi Anca , Yeremeev Vladimir , Nouailles Geraldine , Weiner January , Jörg Sabine , Heinemann Ellen , Oberbeck‐Müller Dagmar , Knaul Julia K. , Vogelzang Alexis , Reece Stephen T. , Hahnke Karin , Mollenkopf Hans‐Joachim , Brinkmann Volker , Kaufmann Stefan H. E.
Published: April 2014

General interest in the biological functions of IFN type I inMycobacterium tuberculosis(Mtb) infection increased after the recent identification of a distinct IFN gene expression signature in tuberculosis (TB) patients. Here, we demonstrate that TB‐susceptible mice lacking the receptor for IFN I (IFNAR1) were protected from death upon aerogenic infection with Mtb. Using this experimental model to mimic primary progressive pulmonary TB, we dissected the immune processes affected by IFN I. IFNAR1 signaling did not affect T‐cell responses, but markedly altered migration of inflammatory monocytes and neutrophils to the lung. This process was orchestrated by IFNAR1 expressed on both immune and tissue‐resident radioresistant cells. IFNAR1‐driven TB susceptibility was initiated by augmented Mtb replication and in situ death events, along with CXCL5/CXCL1‐driven accumulation of neutrophils in alveoli, followed by the discrete compartmentalization of Mtb in lung phagocytes. Early depletion of neutrophils rescued TB‐susceptible mice to levels observed in mice lacking IFNAR1. We conclude that IFN I alters early innate events at the site of Mtb invasion leading to fatal immunopathology. These data furnish a mechanistic explanation for the detrimental role of IFN I in pulmonary TB and form a basis for understanding the complex roles of IFN I in chronic inflammation.
Effects of temperature and time of freezing on lipid oxidation in anchovy (Engraulis encrasicholus) during frozen storage
Authors: Aydin Isın , Gokoglu Nalan
Published: April 2014

The aim of this study was to determine the effects of temperature and time of freezing on lipid oxidation in anchovy during frozen storage. The fish were frozen at three different temperatures (−20, −40, and −80°C). During the freezing, temperature of the thermal center of fish was measured using a thermo couple and then time of freezing was calculated. Frozen fish were stored in a deep freezer at −18°C for 6 months. The highest freezing velocity and the shortest freezing time were observed for anchovies frozen at −80°C. Peroxide value (PV), thiobarbutiric acid (TBA), para‐anisidine (p‐Av), conjugated diene (CD), and free fatty acid (FFA) values were significantly affected by freezing temperature. Low freezing temperature resulted in low oxidation level. Oxidation levels significantly increased during the storage. The lowest values were determined in the samples frozen at −80°C. The best freezing temperature in terms of delaying of lipid oxidation was found to be −80°C.

During frozen storage, lipid oxidation is an important issue for fatty fish, anchovy.
Effect of roasting conditions on the fat, tocopherol, and phytosterol content and antioxidant capacity of the lipid fraction from cocoa beans of different Theobroma cacao L. cultivars
Authors: Oracz Joanna , Nebesny Ewa , Żyżelewicz Dorota
Published: April 2014

The effect of roasting conditions on the content of fat, tocopherol, and phytosterol and antioxidant capacity of the lipid fraction from cocoa beans of different Theobroma cacao cultivars was investigated. The raw cocoa beans were roasted at four different temperatures (ranging from 110 to 150°C) and three different air humidities (0.3 to 5.0%). The results of this study show that roasting affected significantly the photochemical composition and lipophilic antioxidant activity of cocoa beans. Roasting may lead to significant degradation of α‐tocopherol and phytosterols when compared to raw cocoa beans. This was not true in samples roasted at the lowest temperatures and evaluated humidity; these samples had a higher γ‐ and δ‐tocopherol content and antioxidant capacity compared to the raw cocoa beans and samples roasted at other conditions. The present study also revealed that the content of bioactive compounds and antioxidant activity of different Theobroma cacao L. cultivars vary markedly.

Practical applications: Cocoa beans are the primary raw material used in the manufacture of chocolate products, which can be great source of health‐beneficial bioactive compounds such as tocopherols and phytosterols. The differences between varieties in the levels of these bioactive compounds revealed in this study show that it is possible to increase their content in cocoa derived products by choosing an appropriate cultivar. Thermal processing at relatively high temperature may lead to the degradation of tocopherols and phytosterols.

Influence of roasting conditions on the tocopherols (A), phytosterols (B), and antioxidant capacity (C) of the lipid fraction from cocoa beans of different Theobroma cacao L. cultivars
Ambient sonic‐spray ionization mass spectrometry for rapid monitoring of secondary oxidation products in biodiesel
Authors: Pereira Gustavo G. , Alberici Rosana M. , Fernandes Gabriel D. , Cunha Ildenize B. S. , Eberlin Marcos N. , Dobarganes M. C. , Daroda Romeu J. , Barrera‐Arellano Daniel
Published: April 2014

This paper proposes the use of easy ambient sonic‐spray ionization mass spectrometry (EASI‐MS) to detect markers of high‐level oxidation in biodiesel via a simple and rapid single‐shot analytical protocol. Soybean biodiesel was oxidized in Rancimat and then analyzed at different time periods by both EASI‐MS and traditional physicochemical methods. Major changes in the EASI(+)‐MS profile as well in the peroxide value, acidity, and kinematic viscosity were observed after the induction period (IP). Fatty acid methyl esters (FAME) and their respective hydroperoxides were primarily identified using EASI‐MS in fresh biodiesel and at the initial stages of oxidation. After the IP, EASI‐MS revealed the formation of dimers and low‐mass non‐volatile molecules, such as aldehydes, due to hydroperoxide breakdown. Both the dimers and aldehydes are attributed to secondary oxidation products. Therefore, EASI‐MS was found to provide a fast, direct, and accurate technique to identify markers in biodiesel with high‐level of oxidation.

Practical applications: EASI‐MS is a useful technique to identify primary and secondary oxidation products formed in biodiesel in a single procedure that is rapid and does not require sample preparation. Therefore, EASI‐MS has potential applications in biodiesel routine analysis to screen samples with high‐levels of oxidation.

EASI‐MS provides a fast, direct, and accurate technique to identify markers in biodiesel with high‐level of oxidation.
Investigation of the doping efficiency of poly(styrene sulfonic acid) in poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene)/poly(styrene sulfonic acid) dispersions by capillary electrophoresis
Authors: Diah Anang W. M. , Quirino Joselito P. , Belcher Warwick , Holdsworth Clovia I.
Published: April 2014

CE can efficiently separate poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene)/poly(styrene sulfonic acid) (PEDOT/PSS) complexes and free PSS in dispersions and can be used to estimate the degree of PSS doping. We investigated the doping efficiency of PSS on PEDOT in dispersions using CE and its effect on the conductivity of the resulting PEDOT/PSS films. Results of this study indicate that dispersions containing 1:2.5–3 EDOT:PSS feed ratio (by weight) exhibiting 72–73% PSS doping generate highly processable and highly conductive films. Conductivity can be optimized by limiting the time of reaction to 12 h. At this point of the reaction, the PEDOT/PSS segments, appearing as broad band in the electropherogram, could still exist in an extended coil conformation favoring charge transport resulting in high conductivity. Above a threshold PEDOT length formed at reaction times longer than 12 h, the PEDOT/PSS complex, appearing as spikes in the electropherogram, most likely have undergone a conformational change to coiled core‐shell structure restricting charge transport resulting in low conductivity. The optimal conductivity (5.2 S/cm) of films from dispersions synthesized for 12 h is significantly higher than those from its commercial equivalent Clevios P and other reported values obtained under similar conditions without the addition of codopants.
Retracted: High‐Performance Molybdenum Dioxide‐Based Anode for Dodecane‐Fueled Solid‐Oxide Fuel Cells (SOFCs)
Authors: Kwon Byeong W. , Hu Shuozhen , Marin‐Flores Oscar , Norton M. Grant , Kim Jinsoo , Scudiero Louis , Breit Joe , Ha Su
Published: April 2014

For the solid‐oxide fuel cells (SOFCs), nickel–yttrium‐stabilized zirconia (Ni–YSZ) cermet anodes operating with complex liquid hydrocarbon fuels display severe carbon formation on the Ni surface and sulfur poisoning. In this present study, we fabricate molybdenum dioxide (MoO2)‐based anodes with an optimum microporous structure that leads to a maximum power density over 3 W cm−2 at 750 °C under the direct feeding of n‐dodecane fuel mixture. The cell resisted the carbon (coke) formation for over 24 h of continuous cell testing and was also resistant to deactivation with 500 ppm of sulfur in the fuel stream.
Characterization of Toluene Insolubles from Low‐Temperature Coal Tar
Authors: Li Dong , Liu Xin , Sun Zhihui , Tian Panpan , Li Wenhong
Published: April 2014

Hydrogenation has been investigated in recent years as a potential method for upgrading low‐temperature coal tar (LCT). LCT contains toluene insolubles (TIs) that can cause process problems by plugging hydrotreater feed filters and catalyst beds. In this study, TIs are separated from LCT, and the composition and structure are studied by using elemental analysis, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier‐transform infrared spectrometry (FTIR), X‐ray diffraction analyses (XRD), X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and other techniques. Microscopic observations reveal TI particles to be small approximately 50 % of the particles have a diameter of <3 μm. TIs contain a high proportion of inorganic material, for example, quartz, aluminosilicate, and calcium. Evidence for aliphatic and aromatic species is demonstrated by FTIR and XPS analysis. Although LCT contains many complex aromatic compounds, TIs exhibit a lower degree of aromaticity. Sulfate salts are the main form of sulfur element, and the greatest amounts of nitrogen occur in TIs as pyridinic nitrogen (N‐6) and oxidized nitrogen (N‐X) species.
Monitoring of Scoring Using the e‐rater® Automated Scoring System and Human Raters on a Writing Test
Authors: Wang Zhen , von Davier Alina A.
Published: April 2014

This article proposes and investigates several methodologies for monitoring the quality of constructed‐response (CR) scoring, both human and automated. There is an increased interest in the operational scoring of essays using both automated scoring and human raters. There is also evidence of rater effects—scoring severity and score inconsistency by human raters. Recently, automated scoring of CRs was successfully implemented with human scoring for operational programs (TOEFL® and GRE® tests); however, there is much that is not yet known about the performance of automated scoring systems. Hence, for quality assurance purposes, there is the need to provide a consistent and standardized approach to monitor the quality of the CR scoring over time and across programs. Monitoring the scoring results will help provide scores that are both fair and accurate for test takers and test users, enabling testing programs to detect and correct changes in the severity of scoring.
The Impact of Health Insurance on Health Outcomes and Spending of the Elderly: Evidence from China's New Cooperative Medical Scheme
Authors: Cheng Lingguo , Liu Hong , Zhang Ye , Shen Ke , Zeng Yi
Published: April 2014

This paper investigates the effects of China's New Cooperative Medical Scheme (NCMS) on health outcomes and healthcare expenditure of the elderly in rural China, using panel data from the 2005 and 2008 waves of the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey. We employ a strategy that combines propensity score matching with a difference‐in‐differences approach to address selection bias. Results show that the NCMS has significantly improved the elderly enrollees' activities of daily living and cognitive function but has not led to better self‐assessed general health status. We find no significant effect of NCMS on mortality for the previously uninsured elderly in NCMS counties, although there is moderate evidence that it is associated with reduced mortality for the elderly enrollees. We also find that the elderly participants are more likely to get adequate medical services when sick, which provides a good explanation for the beneficial health effects of NCMS. However, there is no evidence that the NCMS has reduced their out‐of‐pocket spending. Furthermore, we also find that low‐income seniors benefit more from NCMS participation in terms of health outcomes and perceived access to health care, suggesting that the NCMS helps reduce health inequalities among the rural elderly. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Rethinking Love at the Office: Antecedents and Consequences of Coworker Evaluations of Workplace Romances
Authors: Alder G. Stoney , Quist Douglas M.
Published: April 2014

Researchers have pointed out a wide variety of organizational effects attributable to workplace romances, concluding that the impact of such romances on the workgroup can range from positive to negative. To date, however, little research has attempted to pinpoint the elements leading to this divergence. We suggest that coworker evaluation of a romance or anticipatory injustice may play a key role in influencing the positive or negative impact of the relationship on the workgroup at large. Our model proposes that three separate mechanisms (procedural fairness, intragroup cognitive dissonance, and normative adjustment), each corresponding to a different domain of evaluation, may mediate the apparent relationship between coworker evaluation of a romance and various aspects of group performance. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Photochemically Controlled Molecular Machines with Sequential Logic Operation
Authors: Avellini Tommaso , Baroncini Massimo , Ragazzon Giulio , Silvi Serena , Venturi Margherita , Credi Alberto
Published: April 2014

A molecular machine is an assembly of molecular components (i.e., a supramolecular structure) designed to perform specific mechanical movements in response to external stimuli. Biomolecular machines are essential for living organisms and are proven examples of the feasibility and utility of nanotechnology. Artificial molecular machines have been built in the laboratory and their use for smart materials and devices is the subject of much investigation. Here we discuss molecular machines based on rotaxane‐like species, whose operation depends both on the type and sequencing of stimuli. These systems have the potential to store information and when carefully designed, the interplay of thermodynamic and kinetic features of supramolecular assemblies can yield sequential behavior. The investigation of ‘intelligent’ molecules capable of recognizing a specific input code can introduce new concepts to the field of chemistry and stimulate research in the bottom‐up construction of nanodevices.
Recent Advances in Solution‐Processed White Organic Light‐Emitting Materials and Devices
Authors: Zhang Baohua , Liu Lihui , Xie Zhiyuan
Published: April 2014

Solution‐processed white organic light‐emitting diodes (WOLEDs) have drawn great attention both in the academic and industrial research communities due to the potential application in low‐cost, large‐area, solid‐state lightings. Issues related to the device efficiencies are largely hampering progress in this field. Alongside the development of new materials and novel device architectures, distinct progress has been made for such white devices. In particular, the all‐phosphorescent light‐emitting strategy has been intensively developed in recent years, mainly focusing on a hostguest, doping‐system‐based, single‐active‐layer structure and a solution‐processed, multilayer device structure. Novel approaches, including white single polymers and excimer‐/exciplex‐based white devices, have also appeared as a promising choice and received great attention. As a prerequisite, the issue of the morphology of the emissive layer is also important and has an influence on the optoelectronic behavior of the device. Herein, major advances in solution‐processed WOLEDs based on polymers, dendrimers, or solution‐processed small molecules are summarized. Special attention is focused on the main progress in high‐efficiency, solution‐processed WOLEDs with the key strategies mentioned above and the morphology issue in these systems. The remaining challenges in pursuing the development of reliable and energy‐saving lighting devices are also discussed.
Where are we coming from versus who we will become: The effect of priming different contents of European identity on cooperation
Authors: La Barbera Francesco , Cariota Ferrara Pia , Boza Mihaela
Published: May 2014

In two experiments, we investigated how priming European identity as common project versus common heritage affects participants' cooperation in a social dilemma; an additional aim was to explore the mediators involved in the process. In the first experiment, 82 students played a public good dilemma with a European bogus partner and then completed self‐report measures of identification with the European Union (EU), group‐based trust and collective interest. Results showed that priming a common project‐based but not a common heritage‐based European social identity fostered cooperative behaviour; this effect was mediated by two sequential mediators: the common project prime increased participants' strength of identification with EU (mediator 1) which, in turn, positively affected group‐based trust (mediator 2), fostering greater cooperation. Experiment 2 was conducted with a similar procedure on a sample of 124 students, using a different measure of trust and changing the order of mediators. Results supported those of previous experiment: Priming a project‐based EU identity content (compared to heritage‐based one) had significant direct and indirect effects on cooperation.
Modeling biophysical and biological properties from the characteristics of the molecular electron density, electron localization and delocalization matrices, and the electrostatic potential
Authors: Matta Chérif F.
Published: April 2014

The electron density and the electrostatic potential are fundamentally related to the molecular hamiltonian, and hence are the ultimate source of all properties in the ground‐ and excited‐states. The advantages of using molecular descriptors derived from these fundamental scalar fields, both accessible from theory and from experiment, in the formulation of quantitative structure‐to‐activity and structure‐to‐property relationships, collectively abbreviated as QSAR, are discussed. A few such descriptors encode for a wide variety of properties including, for example, electronic transition energies,pKa's, rates of ester hydrolysis, NMR chemical shifts, DNA dimers binding energies, π‐stacking energies, toxicological indices, cytotoxicities, hepatotoxicities, carcinogenicities, partial molar volumes, partition coefficients (logP), hydrogen bond donor capacities, enzyme–substrate complementarities, bioisosterism, and regularities in the genetic code. Electronic fingerprinting from the topological analysis of the electron density is shown to be comparable and possibly superior to Hammett constants and can be used in conjunction with traditional bulk and liposolubility descriptors to accurately predict biological activities. A new class of descriptors obtained from the quantum theory of atoms in molecules' (QTAIM) localization and delocalization indices and bond properties, cast in matrix format, is shown to quantify transferability and molecular similarity meaningfully. Properties such as “interacting quantum atoms (IQA)” energies which are expressible into an interaction matrix of two body terms (and diagonal one body “self” terms, as IQA energies) can be used in the same manner. The proposed QSAR‐type studies based on similarity distances derived from such matrix representatives of molecular structure necessitate extensive investigation before their utility is unequivocally established. © 2014 The Author and the Journal of Computational Chemistry Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A Three‐Factor Product Construction for Mutually Orthogonal Latin Squares
Authors: Dukes Peter J. , Ling Alan C.H.
Published: April 2014

It is well known that mutually orthogonal latin squares, or MOLS, admit a (Kronecker) product construction. We show that, under mild conditions, “triple products” of MOLS can result in a gain of one square. In terms of transversal designs, the technique is to use a construction of Rolf Rees twice: once to obtain a coarse resolution of the blocks after one product, and next to reorganize classes and resolve the blocks of the second product. As consequences, we report a few improvements to the MOLS table and obtain a slight strengthening of the famous theorem of MacNeish.
The Paracrine Feedback Loop Between Vitamin D3 (1,25(OH)2D3) and PTHrP in Prehypertrophic Chondrocytes
Authors: Bach Frances C. , Rutten Kirsten , Hendriks Kristyanne , Riemers Frank M. , Cornelissen Peter , de Bruin Alain , Arkesteijn Ger J. , Wubbolts Richard , Horton William A. , Penning Louis C. , Tryfonidou Marianna A.
Published: April 2014

The endocrine feedback loop between vitamin D3 (1,25(OH)2D3) and parathyroid hormone (PTH) plays a central role in skeletal development. PTH‐related protein (PTHrP) shares homology and its receptor (PTHR1) with PTH. The aim of this study was to investigate whether there is a functional paracrine feedback loop between 1,25(OH)2D3 and PTHrP in the growth plate, in parallel with the endocrine feedback loop between 1,25(OH)2D3 and PTH. This was investigated in ATDC5 cells treated with 10−8 M 1,25(OH)2D3 or PTHrP, Col2‐pd2EGFP transgenic mice, and primary Col2‐pd2EGFP growth plate chondrocytes isolated by FACS, using RT‐qPCR, Western blot, PTHrP ELISA, chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assay, silencing of the 1,25(OH)2D3 receptor (VDR), immunofluorescent staining, immunohistochemistry, and histomorphometric analysis of the growth plate. The ChIP assay confirmed functional binding of the VDR to the PTHrP promoter, but not to the PTHR1 promoter. Treatment with 1,25(OH)2D3 decreased PTHrP protein production, an effect which was prevented by silencing of the VDR. Treatment with PTHrP significantly induced VDR production, but did not affect 1α‐ and 24‐hydroxylase expression. Hypertrophic differentiation was inhibited by PTHrP and 1,25(OH)2D3 treatment. Taken together, these findings indicate that there is a functional paracrine feedback loop between 1,25(OH)2D3 and PTHrP in the growth plate. 1,25(OH)2D3 decreases PTHrP production, while PTHrP increases chondrocyte sensitivity to 1,25(OH)2D3 by increasing VDR production. In light of the role of 1,25(OH)2D3 and PTHrP in modulating chondrocyte differentiation, 1,25(OH)2D3 in addition to PTHrP could potentially be used to prevent undesirable hypertrophic chondrocyte differentiation during cartilage repair or regeneration. J. Cell. Physiol. 229: 1999–2014, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Reactive Oxygen Species‐Dependent Nitric Oxide Production in Reciprocal Interactions of Glioma and Microglial Cells
Authors: Shen Shing‐Chuan , Wu Ming‐Shun , Lin Hui‐Yi , Yang Liang‐Yo , Chen Yi‐Hsuan , Chen Yen‐Chou
Published: April 2014

Conditioned mediums (CMs) from glioma cells U87, GBM‐8401, and C6 significantly induced iNOS protein and NO production by microglial cells BV‐2 but without altering the cell viability or cell‐cycle progression of BV2 microglia. Significant increases in intracellular peroxide by U87‐CM and C6‐CM were detected by a DCHF‐DA assay, and vitamin (Vit) C and N‐acetyl cysteine (NAC)‐reduced intracellular peroxide levels elicited by CMs lead to inhibition of iNOS/NO production The extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK) inhibitor, U0126, and c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase (JNK) inhibitor, SP600125, suppressed U87‐CM‐ and C6‐CM‐induced iNOS/NO production by respectively blocking phosphorylated ERK (pERK) and JNK (pJNK) protein expressions stimulated by U87‐CM and C6‐CM. Increased migration of U87 and C6 glioma cells by a co‐culture with BV‐2 microglial cells or adding the nitric oxide (NO) donor, sodium nitroprusside (SNP) was observed, and that was blocked by adding an NO synthase (NOS) inhibitor, N‐nitro L‐arginine methyl ester (NAME). Contributions of ROS, pERK, and pJNK to the migration of glioma cells was further demonstrated in a transwell coculture system of U87 and C6 gliomas with BV‐2 microglial cells. Furthermore, expressions of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐α and monocyte chemoattractant protein (MCP)‐1 messenger (m)RNA in U87 and C6 cells were detected by an RT‐PCR, and TNF‐α and MCP‐1 induced iNOS protein expression in time‐ and concentration‐dependent manners. Neutralization of TNF‐α or MCP‐1 in U87‐CM and C6‐CM using a TNF‐α or MCP‐1 antibody inhibited iNOS protein expression, and increased intracellular peroxide by TNF‐α or MCP‐1 was identified in BV‐2 cells. The reciprocal activation of glioma cells and microglia via ROS‐dependent iNOS/NO elevation at least partially mediated by TNF‐α and MCP‐1 is elucidated. J. Cell. Physiol. 229: 2015–2026, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Expression Variability and Function of the RET Gene in Adult Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells
Authors: Rusmini Marta , Griseri Paola , Matera Ivana , Pontarini Elena , Ravazzolo Roberto , Mavilio Domenico , Ceccherini Isabella
Published: April 2014

RET is a gene playing a key role during embryogenesis and in particular during the enteric nervous system development. High levels of RET gene expression are maintained in different human tissues also in adulthood, although their physiological role remains unclear. In particular, collected evidences of a RET contribution in the development and maintenance of the immune system prompted us to investigate its levels of surface expression on peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from adult healthy donors. Despite variability among samples, RET expression was conserved at similar levels in the different immune cell subsets, with higher correlations in similar lymphocyte populations (i.e. CD4+ and CD8+ T cells). Conversely, no correlation was found between the amount of RET receptor, the expression of its putative ligands and co‐receptors and the genotypes at the RET locus. Moreover, we investigated the RET‐associated inflammatory pathways in PBMCs from healthy donors both in resting conditions and upon glial cell derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) and GPI‐linked co‐receptors alpha 1 (GFRα1) mediated RET activation. RET mRNA levels positively correlated with the transcript amount of interleukin‐8 (IL‐8), a cytokine produced by monocytes and macrophages, though we could not demonstrate its direct effect on RET expression by in vitro experiments on THP1 human monocytic cells. These results imply that RET expression might be influenced by either cis‐ and/or trans‐factors, which together would account for its high variability within the general population, and suggest a putative functional role of the RET gene in modulating immune cell responses during inflammation and carcinogenesis. J. Cell. Physiol. 229: 2027–2037, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Amino acid polymorphism in the reverse transcriptase region of hepatitis B virus and the relationship with nucleos(t)ide analogues treatment for preventing mother‐to‐infant transmission
Authors: Chen Jie , Yan Ling , Zhu Feng‐Cai , Liu Jian‐Xun , Li Rong‐Cheng , Wang Fu‐Zhen , Li Jie , Zhuang Hui
Published: April 2014

A high maternal serum hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA level is associated with vaccine failure. The administration of nucleos(t)ide analogues (NAs) in pregnancy for decreasing serum HBV is regarded as an effective and safe method to reduce HBV perinatal transmission. However, the effect of NAs treatment is closely related to amino acid polymorphisms in the HBV reverse transcriptase (RT) region. The full‐length RT coding region of 334 HBV isolates from untreated Chinese women of childbearing age with persistent HBV infection were sequenced and amino acid polymorphic analysis was performed to evaluate its impact on NAs treatment for decreasing HBV perinatal transmission. Of the 334 isolates, 36 (10.8%) harbored NAs resistance (NAr) mutations which were mainly putative drug mutations related to lamivudine. The primary drug mutation rtA181T/V was detected in three HBeAg‐negative women with an HBV DNA level of <4 log IU/ml. These NAr mutations were rarely detected in women with an HBV DNA level of ≥7 log IU/ml (P = 0.014) or in women younger than 35 years (P = 0.001). The NAr mutation rate among young women (<35 years) who had a high HBV DNA level (≥7 log IU/ml) was significantly lower than in women who had lower HBV DNA levels (<7 log IU/ml) or who were older (≥35 years; P = 0.017). These results suggest that younger women with a high HBV DNA level harbor fewer NAr mutations and that this population may respond to NAs treatment for the prevention of mother‐to‐infant transmission. J. Med. Virol. 86:1288–1295, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Zinc uptake kinetics in the low and high‐affinity systems of two contrasting rice genotypes
Authors: Meng Fanhua , Liu Di , Yang Xiaoe , Shohag M. J. I. , Yang Juncheng , Li Tingqiang , Lu Lingli , Feng Ying
Published: April 2014

Rice (Oryza sativa L.) cultivars differ widely in their susceptibility to zinc (Zn) deficiency. The physiological basis of Zn efficiency (ZE) is not clearly understood. In this study, the effects of Zn‐sufficient and Zn‐deficient pretreatments on the time and concentration‐dependent uptake kinetics of Zn were examined at low (0–160 nM) and high Zn supply levels (0–80 μM) in two contrasting rice genotypes (Zn‐efficient IR36 and Zn‐inefficient IR26). The results show that 65Zn2+ influx rate was over 10 times greater for the Zn‐deficient pretreatment plants than for the Zn‐sufficient pretreatment plants. At low Zn supply, significant higher 65Zn2+ influx rates were found for the Zn‐efficient genotype than for the inefficient genotype, with a greater difference (over three‐fold) at Zn supply > 80 nM in the Zn‐deficient pretreatments. At high Zn supply levels, however, a difference (2.5‐fold) in 65Zn2+ influx rate between the two genotypes was only noted in the Zn‐deficient pretreatments. Similarly, the 65Zn2+ accumulation in the roots and shoots of Zn‐efficient IR36 pretreated with Zn‐deficiency were sharply increased with time and higher than that in the Zn‐inefficient IR26 with an over four‐fold difference at 2 h absorption time. However, with Zn‐deficient pretreatments, the Zn‐efficient genotype showed a higher shoot : root 65Zn ratio at higher Zn supply. Remarkable differences in root and shoot 65Zn2+ accumulation were noted between the two genotypes in the Zn‐deficiency pretreatment, especially at low Zn level (0.05 μM), with 2–3 times higher values for IR36 than for IR26 at an uptake time of 120 min. There appear to be two separate Zn transport systems mediating the low and high‐affinity Zn influx in the efficient genotype. The low‐affinity system showed apparent Michaelis–Menten rate constant (Km) values ranging from 10 to 20 nM, while the high‐affinity uptake system showed apparent Km values ranging from 6 to 20 μM. The Vmax value was significantly elevated in IR36 and was 3–4‐fold greater for IR36 than for IR26 at low Zn levels, indicating that the number of root plasma membrane transporters in low‐affinity uptake systems play an important role for the Zn efficiency of rice.
Thermal conductivity of GexSb(As)ySe100‐x‐y glasses measured by Raman scattering spectra
Authors: Gan Yu‐Lin , Wang Li , Su Xue‐Qiong , Xu Si‐Wei , Shen Xiang , Wang Rong‐Ping
Published: April 2014

We systematically measured thermal conductivity of GexSb(As)10Se90−x, GexSb15Se85−x, and GexSb(As)20Se80−x chalcogenide glasses by measuring their Stokes and anti‐Stokes Raman scattering spectra and estimating the temperature raised by laser irradiation via the ratio of Stoke and anti‐Stokes scattering cross‐section. We aimed at demonstrating the viability of Raman scattering method for thermal conductivity measurements, and understanding the role of chemical composition in determining thermal conductivity of the chalcogenide glasses. We found that, while the values of the thermal conductivity measured in the paper are in a range from ~0.078 to 1.120 Wm‐1K‐1 that are in agreement with those reported data in the literatures, thermal conductivity increases before it reaches a maximum at the glass with chemically stoichiometric composition, and then decreases with increasing Ge content. We ascribed the threshold behavior of the thermal conductivity to the demixing of the structural units like GeSe2, As2Se3 and Sb2Se3 from the main glass network. The present study demonstrated that Raman scattering method is simple and easy to measure thermal conductivity of the material. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The use of Raman microscopy and laser desorption ionization mass spectrometry in the examination of synthetic organic pigments in modern works of art
Authors: Lomax Suzanne Quillen , Lomax Joseph Francis , Luca‐Westrate Amadeo De
Published: April 2014

Synthetic organic pigments are widely used in modern and contemporary works of art. They have been examined by a variety of techniques including spectroscopic methods such as Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, Raman, and X‐ray powder diffraction as well as chromatographic or mass spectrometric techniques such as pyrolysis‐gas chromatography/mass spectrometry and laser desorption ionization mass spectrometry (LDI–MS). Often, a combination of techniques has been used to examine these pigments. This paper describes use of Raman spectroscopy to create a database of colorants including two pigments not previously reported, PO1 and PO2. Then, using Raman spectroscopy in combination with LDI–MS, samples from modern works of art by artists including Mark Rothko, Barnett Newman, and José de Rivera were examined in order to identify the pigments present. One finding was that Rothko used a variety of red pigments over the course of his career including PR11 which has not been previously reported in artwork, and PO2 found with its positional isomer PR1. Knowledge of the colorants serves to inform conservators about display and treatment decisions. Published 2014. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.
Thin film substrates from the Raman spectroscopy point of view
Authors: Gasparov L. , Jegorel T. , Loetgering L. , Middey S. , Chakhalian J.
Published: April 2014

We have investigated ten standard single crystal substrates of complex oxides on the account of their applicability in the Raman spectroscopy‐based thin film research. In this study, we suggest a spectra normalization procedure that utilizes a comparison of the substrate's Raman spectra to those of well‐established Raman reference materials. We demonstrate that MgO, LaGaO3, (LaAlO3)0.3(Sr2AlTaO6)0.7 (LSAT), DyScO3, YAlO3, and LaAlO3 can be of potential use for Raman‐based thin film research. At the same time TiO2 (rutile), NdGaO3, SrLaAlO4, and SrTiO3 single crystals exhibit multiple phonon modes accompanied by strong Raman background that substantially hinder Raman‐based thin film experiments. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A Bayesian nonparametric meta‐analysis model
Authors: Karabatsos George , Talbott Elizabeth , Walker Stephen G.
Published: April 2014

In a meta‐analysis, it is important to specify a model that adequately describes the effect‐size distribution of the underlying population of studies. The conventional normal fixed‐effect and normal random‐effects models assume a normal effect‐size population distribution, conditionally on parameters and covariates. For estimating the mean overall effect size, such models may be adequate, but for prediction, they surely are not if the effect‐size distribution exhibits non‐normal behavior. To address this issue, we propose a Bayesian nonparametric meta‐analysis model, which can describe a wider range of effect‐size distributions, including unimodal symmetric distributions, as well as skewed and more multimodal distributions. We demonstrate our model through the analysis of real meta‐analytic data arising from behavioral‐genetic research. We compare the predictive performance of the Bayesian nonparametric model against various conventional and more modern normal fixed‐effects and random‐effects models. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Prevention of esophagopharyngeal reflux by augmenting the upper esophageal sphincter pressure barrier
Authors: Shaker Reza , Babaei Arash , Naini Sohrab R.
Published: April 2014

Objectives/Hypothesis

Incompetence of the upper esophageal sphincter (UES) is fundamental to the occurrence of esophagopharyngeal reflux (EPR), and development of supraesophageal manifestations of reflux disease (SERD). However, therapeutic approaches to SERD have not been directed to strengthening of the UES barrier function. Our aims were to demonstrate that EPR events can be experimentally induced in SERD patients and not in healthy controls, and ascertain if these events can be prevented by application of a modest external cricoid pressure.

Study Design

Individual case control study.

Methods

We studied 14 SERD patients (57 ± 13 years, 8 females) and 12 healthy controls (26 ± 3 years, 7 females) by concurrent intraesophageal slow infusion and pharyngoscopic and manometric technique without and with the application of a sustained predetermined cricoid pressure to induce, detect, and prevent EPR, respectively.

Results

Slow esophageal infusion (1 mL/s) of 60 mL of HCl resulted in a total of 16 objectively confirmed EPR events in none patients and none in healthy controls. All patients developed subjective sensation of regurgitation. Sustained cricoid pressure resulted in a significant UES pressure augmentation in all participants. During application of sustained cricoid pressure, slow intraesophageal infusion resulted in only one EPR event (P < .01).

Conclusions

Slow esophageal liquid infusion unmasks UES incompetence evidenced as the occurrence of EPR. Application of 20 to 30 mm Hg cricoid pressure significantly increases the UES intraluminal pressure and prevents pharyngeal reflux induced by esophageal slow liquid infusion. These techniques can be useful in diagnosis and management of UES incompetence in patients suffering from supraesophageal manifestations of reflux disease.

Level of Evidence

3b Laryngoscope 124:2268–2274, 2014