bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Model calculated global, regional and megacity premature mortality due to air pollution
Authors: Lelieveld J. , Barlas C. , Giannadaki D. , Pozzer A.
Published: July 2013

Abstract. Air pollution by fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and ozone (O3) has increased strongly with industrialization and urbanization. We estimate the premature mortality rates and the years of human life lost (YLL) caused by anthropogenic PM2.5 and O3 in 2005 for epidemiological regions defined by the World Health Organization (WHO). This is based upon high-resolution global model calculations that resolve urban and industrial regions in greater detail compared to previous work. Results indicate that 69% of the global population is exposed to an annual mean anthropogenic PM2.5 concentration of >10 μg m−3 (WHO guideline) and 33% to > 25 μg m−3 (EU directive). We applied an epidemiological health impact function and find that especially in large countries with extensive suburban and rural populations, air pollution-induced mortality rates have been underestimated given that previous studies largely focused on the urban environment. We calculate a global respiratory mortality of about 773 thousand/year (YLL ≈ 5.2 million/year), 186 thousand/year by lung cancer (YLL ≈ 1.7 million/year) and 2.0 million/year by cardiovascular disease (YLL ≈ 14.3 million/year). The global mean per capita mortality caused by air pollution is about 0.1% yr−1. The highest premature mortality rates are found in the Southeast Asia and Western Pacific regions (about 25% and 46% of the global rate, respectively) where more than a dozen of the most highly polluted megacities are located.
Short-term dispersal of Fukushima-derived radionuclides off Japan: modeling efforts and model-data intercomparison
Authors: Rypina I. I. , Jayne S. R. , Yoshida S. , Macdonald A. M. , Douglass E. , Buesseler K.
Published: July 2013

Abstract. The Great East Japan Earthquake and tsunami that caused a loss of power at the Fukushima nuclear power plants (FNPP) resulted in emission of radioactive isotopes into the atmosphere and the ocean. In June of 2011, an international survey measuring a variety of radionuclide isotopes, including 137Cs, was conducted in surface and subsurface waters off Japan. This paper presents the results of numerical simulations specifically aimed at interpreting these observations and investigating the spread of Fukushima-derived radionuclides off the coast of Japan and into the greater Pacific Ocean. Together, the simulations and observations allow us to study the dominant mechanisms governing this process, and to estimate the total amount of radionuclides in discharged coolant waters and atmospheric airborne radionuclide fallout. The numerical simulations are based on two different ocean circulation models, one inferred from AVISO altimetry and NCEP/NCAR reanalysis wind stress, and the second generated numerically by the NCOM model. Our simulations determine that > 95% of 137Cs remaining in the water within ~600 km of Fukushima, Japan in mid-June 2011 was due to the direct oceanic discharge. The estimated strength of the oceanic source is 16.2 ± 1.6 PBq, based on minimizing the model-data mismatch. We cannot make an accurate estimate for the atmospheric source strength since most of the fallout cesium had left the survey area by mid-June. The model explained several key features of the observed 137Cs distribution. First, the absence of 137Cs at the southernmost stations is attributed to the Kuroshio Current acting as a transport barrier against the southward progression of 137Cs. Second, the largest 137Cs concentrations were associated with a semi-permanent eddy that entrained 137Cs-rich waters, collecting and stirring them around the eddy perimeter. Finally, the intermediate 137Cs concentrations at the westernmost stations are attributed to younger, and therefore less Cs-rich, coolant waters that continued to leak from the reactor in June of that year.
Trace elements and cathodoluminescence of detrital quartz in Arctic marine sediments – a new ice-rafted debris provenance proxy
Authors: Müller A. , Knies J.
Published: July 2013

Abstract. The records of ice-rafted debris (IRD) provenance in the North Atlantic – Barents Sea allow the reconstruction of the spatial and temporal changes of ice-flow drainage patterns during glacial and deglacial periods. In this study a new approach to characterisation of the provenance of detrital quartz grains in the fraction > 500 μm of marine sediments offshore of Spitsbergen is introduced, utilizing scanning electron microscope backscattered electron and cathodoluminescence (CL) imaging, combined with laser ablation inductively-coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Based on their micro-inclusions, CL and trace element characteristics the investigated IRD grains can be classified into five distinct populations. Three of the populations are indicative of potential IRD provenance provinces in the Storfjord area including Barentsøya and Egdeøya. The results imply that under modern (interglacial) conditions IRD deposition along the western Spitsbergen margin is mainly governed by the East Svalbard Current controlling the ice-drift pattern. The presence of detrital quartz from local provinces, however, indicates that variations in IRD supply from western Spitsbergen may be quantified as well. In this pilot study it is demonstrated that this new approach applied on Arctic continental margin sediments, bears a considerable potential for the definition of the sources of IRD and thus of spatial/temporal changes in ice-flow drainage patterns during glacial/interglacial cycles.
Technical Note: Method of Morris effectively reduces the computational demands of global sensitivity analysis for distributed watershed models
Authors: Herman J. D. , Kollat J. B. , Reed P. M. , Wagener T.
Published: July 2013

Abstract. The increase in spatially distributed hydrologic modeling warrants a corresponding increase in diagnostic methods capable of analyzing complex models with large numbers of parameters. Sobol' sensitivity analysis has proven to be a valuable tool for diagnostic analyses of hydrologic models. However, for many spatially distributed models, the Sobol' method requires a prohibitive number of model evaluations to reliably decompose output variance across the full set of parameters. We investigate the potential of the method of Morris, a screening-based sensitivity approach, to provide results sufficiently similar to those of the Sobol' method at a greatly reduced computational expense. The methods are benchmarked on the Hydrology Laboratory Research Distributed Hydrologic Model (HL-RDHM) over a six-month period in the Blue River watershed, Oklahoma, USA. The Sobol' method required over six million model evaluations to ensure reliable sensitivity indices, corresponding to more than 30 000 computing hours and roughly 180 gigabytes of storage space. We find that the method of Morris is able to correctly screen the most and least sensitive parameters with 300 times fewer model evaluations, requiring only 100 computing hours and 1 gigabyte of storage space. The method of Morris proves to be a promising diagnostic approach for global sensitivity analysis of highly parameterized, spatially distributed hydrologic models.
Results from the DAMOCLES ice-buoy campaigns in the transpolar drift stream 2007–2009
Authors: Haller M. , Brümmer B. , Müller G.
Published: July 2013

Abstract. During the EU research project DAMOCLES 18 ice buoys were deployed in the region of the Arctic transpolar drift (TPD). Sixteen of them formed a square with 400 km side-length. The measurements lasted from 2007 to 2009. The properties of the TPD and the impact of synoptic weather systems on the ice drift are analysed. Compared to Nansen's drift with the vessel Fram the measured speed of the TPD is here almost twice as fast. Within the TPD, the speed increases by a factor of almost three from the North Pole to the Fram Strait region. The hourly buoy position fixes show that the speed is underestimated by 10–20% if positions were taken at only 1–3 days intervals as it is usually done for satellite drift estimates. The geostrophic wind factor Ui/Ug, i.e. the ratio of ice speed Ui and geostrophic wind speed Ug, in the TPD amounts to 0.012 on average, but with regional and seasonal differences. The constant Ui/Ug relation breaks down for Ug < 5 m s−1. The impact of synoptic weather systems is studied applying a composite method. Cyclones (anticyclones) cause cyclonic (anticyclonic) vorticity and divergence (convergence) of the ice drift. The amplitudes are twice as large for cyclones as for anticyclones. The divergence caused by cyclones corresponds to a 0.1–0.5%/6 h open water area increase based on the composite averages, but reached almost 4% within one day during a strong August 2007 storm. This storm also caused a~long-lasting (over several weeks) rise of Ui and Ui/Ug and changed the ice conditions in a way allowing ocean tidal motion to directly affect ice motion. The consequences of an increasing Arctic storm activity for the ice cover are discussed.
EFFECT OF DECELERATED FERMENTATION ON MORPHOLOGY AND MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF NATURAL RUBBER LATEX
Authors: Chaikumpollert Oraphin , Wakisaka Osamu , Mase Akio , Yamamoto Yoshimasa , Suchiva Krisda , Kawahara Seiichi
Published: July 2013

Decelerated fermentation of natural rubber latex was performed to investigate the relationship between the morphology and mechanical properties of natural rubber. Natural rubber latex was preserved with sodium hydroxymethylglycinate, as a bactericide, to decelerate the fermentation of nonrubber components such as proteins, phospholipids, carbohydrate, and so forth. Gradual increases in the viscosity of the latex and gel content of the resulting rubber took place as the preservation period was prolonged, which were distinguished from less change in the viscosity of high-ammonia natural rubber (HANR) and high gel content of its rubber. The particle size distribution was dramatically changed during decelerated fermentation, although that of the HANR latex did not change. The pH and nitrogen content of the rubbers were independent of the preservation time. Morphology of the fermented natural rubber and the HANR was observed with scanning probe microscopy. Fewer mechanical properties of the fermented natural rubber were related to the destruction of the nanomatrix structure of the nonrubber components, which resulted from the decrease in the fatty acid ester groups with bacteria as compared with the good mechanical properties of the HANR.
The Sagittal Pelvic Thickness: A Determining Parameter for the Regulation of the Sagittal Spinopelvic Balance
Authors: Jean Legaye
Published: July 2013

Objective. To propose and validate a dimensional parameter, the sagittal pelvic thickness (SPT) (distance between the middle point of the upper sacral plate and the femoral heads axis, expressed as a ratio with the length of the upper plate of S1: (SPT/S1) for the analysis of the sagittal balance of the pelvispinal unit. Methods. The parameters were analysed on standing radiographic imaging and compared for normal, low back pain, children, and spondylolysis cases. Results. Values of SPT/S1 were observed significantly higher in high grade spondylolysis populations and in children (3,5 and 3,7) than in normal population (3,3). A geometrical connection with the classical angular parameters validated SPT/S1.
Conclusion. SPT/S1 was considered reflecting the lever arm of action of spinopelvic muscles and ligaments and describing the ability of a subject to compensate a sagittal unbalance. It was proposed as an anatomical and functional pelvic parameter.
Innovative biological water treatment for the removal of elevated ammonia
Authors: Lytle Darren A. , White Colin , Williams Daniel , Koch Lauren , Nauman Emily
Published: July 2013

The objective of this work was to demonstrate the effectiveness of an innovative and simple biological water treatment approach for removing 3.3 mg nitrogen (N) per litre ammonia and iron from water using a pilot study conducted at a utility in Iowa. Biological water treatment can be an effective approach to addressing low ammonia levels; however, providing adequate oxygen to address source water ammonia levels greater than 1.5 mg/L N is challenging. The treatment consisted of a biological “contactor” combined with aeration, followed in series with a dual granular media filter. Orthophosphate was necessary to satisfy biological nutrient requirements, and maintaining near‐saturated dissolved oxygen levels throughout the contactor was important. The pilot project demonstrated that a contactor and filter operated at loading rates of 2.2 gpm/sq ft and 2.0 gpm/sq ft, respectively, met desired finished water quality objectives. The contactor alone was able to completely biologically oxidize all of the ammonia to nitrate. Contactor maintenance was minimal.
A social ecology of rectal microbicide acceptability among young men who have sex with men and transgender women in Thailand
Authors: Newman Peter A , Roungprakhon Surachet , Tepjan Suchon
Published: July 2013

Introduction

With HIV‐incidence among men who have sex with men (MSM) in Bangkok among the highest in the world, a topical rectal microbicide would be a tremendous asset to prevention. Nevertheless, ubiquitous gaps between clinical trial efficacy and real‐world effectiveness of existing HIV preventive interventions highlight the need to address multi‐level factors that may impact on rectal microbicide implementation. We explored the social ecology of rectal microbicide acceptability among MSM and transgender women in Chiang Mai and Pattaya, Thailand.

Methods

We used a qualitative approach guided by a social ecological model. Five focus groups were conducted in Thai using a semi‐structured interview guide. All interviews were digitally recorded, transcribed verbatim in Thai and translated into English. We conducted thematic analysis using line‐by‐line and axial coding and a constant comparative method. Transcripts and codes were uploaded into a customized database programmed in Microsoft Access. We then used content analysis to calculate theme frequencies by group, and Chi‐square tests and Fisher's exact test to compare themes by sexual orientation/gender expression and age.

Results

Participant's (n=37) mean age was 24.8 years (SD=4.2). The majority (70.3%) self‐identified as gay, 24.3% transgender women. Product‐level themes (side effects, formulation, efficacy, scent, etc.) accounted for 42%, individual (increased sexual risk, packaging/portability, timing/duration of protection) 29%, interpersonal (trust/communication, power/negotiation, stealth) 8% and social–structural (cost, access, community influence, stigma) 21% of total codes, with significant differences by sexual orientation/gender identity. The intersections of multi‐level influences included product formulation and timing of use preferences contingent on interpersonal communication and partner type, in the context of constraints posed by stigma, venues for access and cost.

Discussion

The intersecting influence of multi‐level factors on rectal microbicide acceptability suggests that social–structural interventions to ensure widespread access, low cost and to mitigate stigma and discrimination against gay and other MSM and transgender women in the Thai health care system and broader society will support the effectiveness of rectal microbicides, in combination with other prevention technologies, in reducing HIV transmission. Education, outreach and small‐group interventions that acknowledge differences between MSM and transgender women may support rectal microbicide implementation among most‐at‐risk populations in Thailand.
Feed intake, gastrointestinal system and body composition in reindeer calves fed early harvested first cut timothy silage (Phleum pratense)
Authors: Norberg Harri J. , Mathiesen Svein D.
Published: July 2013

Early harvested first cut (EFC) timothy silage was fed to five reindeer calves (Rangifer tarandus tarandus L.) taken from their natural summer pasture and brought to Tromsø for feeding trial. The calves were housed indoors in metabolism cages and fed EFC timothy silage ad lib. during the trial, which lasted from late November 1994 until the end of February 1995, when animals subsequently were slaughtered. Daily feed intake, gastrointestinal (GI) anatomy, body weight and body composition of the animals were examined. Timothy silage {Phleum praténse) was harvested 21 June, 1994 in Tromsø, prewilted and stored as round bales containing 97% leaves. The EFC silage contained 42.1% dry matter (DM), and 18.1% crude protein, 20.7% cellulose, 16.9% hemicellulose and 28.0% water soluble carbohydrates (WSC) of DM. Mean feed intake (DM) 24 hours after the trial started (day 1) was 9-4 g/kg body mass (BM) (S.D.+ 3-9), while the mean daily DM intake during days 15-74 comprised 24.2 g/kg BM (S.D.+ 6.1). All animals except one gained body weight during the trial. The median (range) BM at start and at slaughter was 48.5 kg (34.5¬58.0 kg) and 50.0 kg (42.0-53.5 kg), respectively. Median (range) carcass weight % of BM was 58.0% (51.2-58.7%) and muscle index value 0.0132 (0.0106-0.0176). The median reticulo-rumen (RR) content wet weight (WW) was 4601 g (range 2697-5000 g) comprising 9.3% of the BM, and 85.1% of the total gastrointestinal wet weight content. The median (range) gastrointestinal tract weight was 14.1% of BM (10.7-16.4%). Based on feed intake during the trial and body composition at slaughtet we conclude that first cut timothy silage is suitable as emergency feed to reindeer, as long as it is harvested in early growth stage with high proportion of leaves.
Lentiviral Vector Mediated Delivery of RHBDD1 shRNA down Regulated the Proliferation of Human Glioblastoma Cells
Authors: Wei Xiangtai , Lv Tao , Chen Duo , Guan Junhong
Published: July 2013

Rhomboid domain containing 1 (RHBDD1) gene, a new member of rhomboid family of proteins is highly responsible for the regulation of apoptosis by cleaving pro-apoptotic Bcl-2 family protein BIK. Therefore, the higher expression levels of RHBDD1 in cancer tissues may have a direct influence on cancer progression by arresting apoptosis. With this background this study was focused to find out the effect of RHBDD1 silencing on the progression of human brain glioblastoma cells, U251 and U87MG. The results indicated that both cell lines show a higher expression level of RHBDD1 and RNA interference (RNA) mediated gene silencing successfully down regulated the RHBDD1 gene expression. As a result of RHBDD1 silencing the proliferation of both cell types was reduced by over 50%, 5 days after silencing. Moreover the colony formation was completely inhibited and there were no cells present following two week RHBDD1 gene silencing. The cell proliferation was inhibited as a result of cell cycle arrest due to RHBDD1 absence. Therefore, these results clearly indicate that, RHBDD1 is essential for the progression of glioblastoma cells and silencing of it is resulting in significant inhibition of cell cycle progression and cell proliferation. Collectively, this study shows that RHBDD1 gene engineering could be used as an effective tool in malignant brain tumor therapy.
The Mukaiyama Aldol Reaction: 40 Years of Continuous Development
Authors: Matsuo Jun‐ichi , Murakami Masahiro
Published: July 2013

A directed cross‐aldol reaction of silyl enol ethers with carbonyl compounds, such as aldehydes and ketones, promoted by a Lewis acid, a reaction which is now widely known as the Mukaiyama aldol reaction. It was first reported in 1973, and this year marks the 40th anniversary. The directed cross‐aldol reactions mediated by boron enolates and tin(II) enolates also emerged from the Mukaiyama laboratory. These directed cross‐aldol reactions have become invaluable tools for the construction of stereochemically complex molecules from two carbonyl compounds. This Minireview provides a succinct historical overview of their discoveries and the early stages of their development.
Structure and property changes of polyamide 6 during the gel‐spinning process
Authors: Zhang Huimin , Shi Chaoming , He Miaomiao , Jia Qingxiu , Zhang Liqun
Published: July 2013

Polyamide 6 (PA6) gels were prepared by the dissolution of PA6 powder in formic acid with CaCl2 as a complexing agent. The concentration of the polymer was 16% w/v. PA6 fibers were obtained through gel‐spinning, drawing, decomplexation, and heat‐setting processes. The structure and properties of the fibers at different stages were characterized with differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetric analysis, X‐ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy. The experiment results indicate that the melting transition of the as‐spun fibers obtained by the extrusion of the PA6/CaCl2/HCOOH solution into a coagulation bath through a die disappeared. A porous structure existed in the as‐spun fibers, which led to poor mechanical properties. Compared with the as‐spun fibers, the melting and glass‐transition temperatures of the decomplexed and drawn fibers retained their original values from PA6, the degree of crystallinity increased, the porous structure disappeared, and the mechanical properties were improved. The maximum modulus and tensile strength obtained from the drawn fibers in this study were 32.3 GPa and 530.5 MPa, respectively, at the maximum draw ratio of 10. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 130: 4449–4456, 2013
A simple route to functionalize siloxane polymers for DMMP sensing
Authors: Wang Yang , Du Xiaosong , Li Yi , Long Yin , Qiu Dong , Tai Huiling , Tang Xianzhong , Jiang Yadong
Published: July 2013

Hexafluoroisopropanol (HFIP) was the most widely used functional group for nerve agents detection. However, to incorporate HFIP group into a polymer backbone, highly toxic hexafluoroacetone gas was needed in a conventional synthetic route. In this article, a new route with low toxicity was proposed to synthesize a strong hydrogen‐bond acidic (HBA) siloxane polymer by using 2‐vinylhexfluoroisopropanol as the raw material in the hydrosilylation reaction. The synthesized fluoroalcoholic linear polysiloxane (LSFA) was characterized by FT‐IR, confirming its molecular structure was much similar to SXFA, a well‐established HBA polymer synthesized by the conventional route. TGA data verified the adduct's thermal stability. The dimethyl methylphosphonate (DMMP) sensing properties of LSFA and SXFA, along with PLF, were compared basing on the surface acoustic wave (SAW) platform. The results demonstrated that the conventional synthetic route was somewhat difficult to handle and control, while the new route was simpler, easier and was an effective and promising alternative. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 130: 4516–4520, 2013
Expansion of core–shell PS/PMMA particles
Authors: Gonçalves Odinei Hess , Leimann Fernanda Vitória , de Araújo Pedro Henrique Hermes , Machado Ricardo Antonio Francisco
Published: July 2013

Structured micrometric polystyrene/poly(methyl methacrylate) particles were obtained by suspension polymerization and their expansion behavior was investigated using n‐pentane as blowing agent. The expanded particles presented two distinct microstructures with an outer region (PMMA‐rich shell) composed by cells of about 10 µm while the center of the particle (PS‐rich core) had much larger cells (50–100 μm). The core–shell particles did not expand at 100°C meaning that the PMMA shell hindered the expansion of the particles. Maximum expansion was dependent on the PMMA concentration and also on the heating temperature and the increase in the PMMA molar mass led to a delay in the onset of the process. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 130: 4521–4527, 2013
Design, Synthesis, and Antihyperlipidemic Evaluation of Novel 2‐[1‐(Substitutedphenyl)‐4‐oxo‐azetidin‐2‐yl]‐5,6‐disubstitutedthieno[2,3‐d]pyrimidin‐4(3H)‐ones
Authors: Arya Nikhilesh , Munde Manoj K. , Dwivedi Jaya , Jagdale Archana Y. , Jain Kishor S.
Published: July 2013

Novel thienopyrimidine derivatives of azetidinone possessing the combined features of the cholesterol absorption inhibitor drug ezetimibe and potential antihyperlipidemic 2‐substitutedthienopyrimidin‐4‐ones were synthesized and characterized by spectroscopic data and elemental analysis. These compounds were evaluated for their lipid‐lowering activity in Wistar albino rats. Some of them showed significant lipid‐lowering effects comparable to those of the standard drug, gemfibrozil, at the same dose levels.
Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of a Series of Dithiocarbamates as New Cholinesterase Inhibitors
Authors: Altıntop Mehlika D. , Gurkan‐Alp A. Selen , Özkay Yusuf , Kaplancıklı Zafer A.
Published: July 2013

In the present paper, a novel series of dithiocarbamates was synthesized via the treatment of 4‐(trifluoromethyl)benzyl chloride with appropriate sodium salts of N,N‐disubstituted dithiocarbamic acids. The chemical structures of the compounds were elucidated by 1H NMR, mass spectral data, and elemental analyses. Each derivative was evaluated for its ability to inhibit acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BuChE) using a modification of Ellman's spectrophotometric method. The most potent AChE inhibitor was found as compound 2g (IC50 = 0.53 ± 0.001 µM) followed by compounds 2f (IC50 = 0.74 ± 0.001 µM) and 2j (IC50 = 0.89 ± 0.002 µM) when compared with donepezil (IC50 = 0.048 ± 0.001 µM). Compounds 2f and 2g were more effective than donepezil (IC50 = 7.88 ± 0.52 µM) on BuChE inhibition. Compounds 2f and 2g exhibited the inhibitory effect on BuChE with IC50 values of 1.39 ± 0.041 and 3.64 ± 0.072 µM, respectively.
Chemical Mechanisms of the Toxicological Properties of Nanomaterials: Generation of Intracellular Reactive Oxygen Species
Authors: Yan Liang , Gu Zhanjun , Zhao Yuliang
Published: July 2013

As more and more nanomaterials with novel physicochemical properties or new functions are created and used in different research fields and industrial sectors, the scientific and public concerns about their toxic effects on human health and the environment are also growing quickly. In the past decade, the study of the toxicological properties of nanomaterials/nanoparticles has formed a new research field: nanotoxicology. However, most of the data published relate to toxicological phenomena and there is less understanding of the underlying mechanism for nanomaterial‐induced toxicity. Nanomaterial‐induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) play a key role in cellular and tissue toxicity. Herein, we classify the pathways for intracellular ROS production by nanomaterials into 1) the direct generation of ROS through nanomaterial‐catalyzed free‐radical reactions in cells, and 2) the indirect generation of ROS through disturbing the inherent biochemical equilibria in cells. We also discuss the chemical mechanisms associated with above pathways of intracellular ROS generation, from the viewpoint of the high reactivity of atoms on the nanosurface. We hope to aid in the understanding of the chemical origin of nanotoxicity to provide new insights for chemical and material scientists for the rational design and creation of safer and greener nanomaterials.
Facile Synthesis of Hydroxy‐Modified MOF‐5 for Improving the Adsorption Capacity of Hydrogen by Lithium Doping
Authors: Kubo Masaru , Hagi Hayato , Shimojima Atsushi , Okubo Tatsuya
Published: July 2013

A facile synthesis of partially hydroxy‐modified MOF‐5 and its improved H2‐adsorption capacity by lithium doping are reported. The reaction of Zn(NO3)2⋅6 H2O with a mixture of terephthalic acid (H2BDC) and 2‐hydroxyterephthalic acid (H2BDC‐OH) in DMF gave hydroxy‐modified MOF‐5 (MOF‐5‐OH‐x), in which the molar fraction (x) of BDC‐OH2− was up to 0.54 of the whole ligand. The MOF‐5‐OH‐x frameworks had high BET surface areas (about 3300 m2 g−1), which were comparable to that of MOF‐5. We suggest that the MOF‐5‐OH‐x frameworks are formed by the secondary growth of BDC2−‐rich MOF‐5 seed crystals, which are nucleated during the early stage of the reaction. Subsequent Li doping into MOF‐5‐OH‐x results in increased H2 uptake at 77 K and 0.1 MPa from 1.23 to 1.39 wt. % and an increased isosteric heat of H2 adsorption from 5.1–4.2 kJ mol−1 to 5.5–4.4 kJ mol−1.
The watershed‐scale optimized and rearranged landscape design (WORLD) model and local biomass processing depots for sustainable biofuel production: Integrated life cycle assessments
Authors: Eranki Pragnya L. , Manowitz David H. , Bals Bryan D. , Izaurralde R. César , Kim Seungdo , Dale Bruce E.
Published: July 2013

An array of feedstock is being evaluated as potential raw material for cellulosic biofuel production. Thorough assessments are required in regional landscape settings before these feedstocks can be cultivated and sustainable management practices can be implemented. On the processing side, a potential solution to the logistical challenges of large biorefineries is provided by a network of distributed processing facilities called local biomass processing depots. A large‐scale cellulosic ethanol industry is likely to emerge soon in the United States. We have the opportunity to influence the sustainability of this emerging industry. The watershed‐scale optimized and rearranged landscape design (WORLD) model estimates land allocations for different cellulosic feedstocks at biorefinery scale without displacing current animal nutrition requirements. This model also incorporates a network of the aforementioned depots. An integrated life cycle assessment is then conducted over the unified system of optimized feedstock production, processing, and associated transport operations to evaluate net energy yields (NEYs) and environmental impacts.

A sustainability assessment was conducted in a nine‐county region of Michigan for the categories of cellulosic ethanol production, soil characteristics, water quality, and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Making significant changes such as introducing perennial grasses, riparian buffers and double crops in current landscapes provides the largest absolute NEYs of about 53 GJ/ha while also attaining 120% gains in soil organic carbon, 103% lower nitrogen leaching, and 68% reductions in net GHG emissions (compared to a baseline of current conventional landscapes). Interestingly, minimizing certain environmental impacts also provides greater NEYs. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
Posterior insular cortex – a site of vestibular–somatosensory interaction?
Authors: Baier Bernhard , Eulenburg Peter zu , Best Christoph , Geber Christian , Müller‐Forell Wibke , Birklein Frank , Dieterich Marianne
Published: July 2013

Background

In previous imaging studies the insular cortex (IC) has been identified as an essential part of the processing of a wide spectrum of perception and sensorimotor integration. Yet, there are no systematic lesion studies in a sufficient number of patients examining whether processing of vestibular and the interaction of somatosensory and vestibular signals take place in the IC.

Methods

We investigated acute stroke patients with lesions affecting the IC in order to fill this gap. In detail, we explored signs of a vestibular tone imbalance such as the deviation of the subjective visual vertical (SVV). We applied voxel‐lesion behaviour mapping analysis in 27 patients with acute unilateral stroke.

Results

Our data demonstrate that patients with lesions of the posterior IC have an abnormal tilt of SVV. Furthermore, re‐analysing data of 20 patients from a previous study, we found a positive correlation between thermal perception contralateral to the stroke and the severity of the SVV tilt.

Conclusions

We conclude that the IC is a sensory brain region where different modalities might interact.
Oxyphenisatin acetate (NSC59687) triggers a cell starvation response leading to autophagy, mitochondrial dysfunction, and autocrineTNFα‐mediated apoptosis
Authors: Morrison Bethanie L. , Mullendore Michael E. , Stockwin Luke H. , Borgel Suzanne , Hollingshead Melinda G. , Newton Dianne L.
Published: July 2013

Oxyphenisatin (3,3‐bis(4‐hydroxyphenyl)‐1H‐indol‐2‐one) and several structurally related molecules have been shown to have in vitro and in vivo antiproliferative activity. This study aims to confirm and extend mechanistic studies by focusing on oxyphenisatin acetate (OXY,NSC59687), the pro‐drug of oxyphenisatin. Results confirm thatOXYinhibits the growth of the breast cancer cell linesMCF7, T47D,HS578T, andMDA‐MB‐468. This effect is associated with selective inhibition of translation accompanied by rapid phosphorylation of the nutrient sensing eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2α (eIF2α) kinases,GCN2 andPERK. This effect was paralleled by activation ofAMP‐activated protein kinase (AMPK) combined with reduced phosphorylation of the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) substrates p70S6K and 4E‐BP1. Microarray analysis highlighted activation of pathways involved in apoptosis induction, autophagy,RNA/protein metabolism, starvation responses, and solute transport. Pathway inhibitor combination studies suggested a role forAMPK/mTORsignaling, de novo transcription and translation, reactive oxygen species (ROS)/glutathione metabolism, calcium homeostasis and plasma membrane Na+/K+/Ca2+transport in activity. Further examination confirmed thatOXYtreatment was associated with autophagy, mitochondrial dysfunction, andROSgeneration. Additionally, treatment was associated with activation of both intrinsic and extrinsic apoptotic pathways. In the estrogen receptor (ER) positiveMCF7 and T47D cells,OXYinducedTNFα expression andTNFR1 degradation, indicating autocrine receptor‐mediated apoptosis in these lines. Lastly, in anMCF7 xenograft model,OXYdelivered intraperitoneally inhibited tumor growth, accompanied by phosphorylation of eIF2α and degradation ofTNFR1. These data suggest thatOXYinduces a multifaceted cell starvation response, which ultimately induces programmed cell death.
Palladium Supported Catalysts for Nitrocyclohexane Hydrogenation to Cyclohexanone Oxime with High Selectivity
Authors: Liu Ping‐Le , Zhang Hai‐Ke , Liu Si‐Hua , Yao Zheng‐Jie , Hao Fang , Liao Hong‐Guang , You Kui‐Yi , Luo He‐An
Published: July 2013

Different kinds of activated carbon‐ and carbon nanotube‐supported palladium catalysts were investigated in the selective hydrogenation of nitrocyclohexane to cyclohexanone oxime under mild conditions. Carbon nanotube‐supported palladium catalysts demonstrate better catalytic performance than activated carbon‐supported palladium catalysts in general because of their mesoporous structures, which are favorable supports for the accessibility of the reactants to the active sites and the product desorption from the catalyst. Hydrogen chemisorption, transmission electron microscopy and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy indicate that higher composition of Pd+ on the catalyst surface, larger palladium surface area, and better palladium dispersion contribute to an increase in the activity and selectivity toward cyclohexanone oxime. In addition, single‐wall carbon nanotube‐supported palladium catalysts give the best result of 97.7 % conversion of nitrocyclohexane and 97.4 % selectivity toward cyclohexanone oxime. On the basis of the results of GC–MS and the designed experiments, a possible reaction scheme was proposed.
1,2,3‐Trimethoxypropane and Glycerol Ethers as Bio‐Sourced Solvents from Glycerol. Synthesis by Solvent‐Free Phase‐Transfer Catalysis and Utilization as an Alternative Solvent in Chemical Transformations
Authors: Sutter Marc , Dayoub Wissam , Métay Estelle , Raoul Yann , Lemaire Marc
Published: July 2013

1,2,3‐Trimethoxypropane (2), 1‐alkoxy‐2,3‐dimethoxy‐propanes, and 1‐aryloxy‐2,3‐dimethoxypropanes were prepared in good yields and selectivity by solid–liquid phase‐transfer catalysis in the presence of an inorganic base and an ammonium salt as the phase‐transfer catalyst with no additional solvent. No heating was required, and the synthesis was easily performed under atmospheric pressure on a 150 g scale. For the preparation of 2, the conversion of glycerol was complete and the selectivity for the expected glycerol trimethylether was above 95 %. This product was utilized as a solvent in organic reactions such as transesterifications between glycerol and vegetable oil, organometallic reactions (Grignard‐ and Barbier‐type reactions), carbon–carbon coupling reactions (Suzuki, Sonogashira, Heck), and in etherification reactions by dehydrogenative alkylation. The solvent showed interesting properties for the solubilization of polymers.
Iridium Application in Low‐Temperature Acidic Fuel Cells: Pt‐Free Ir‐Based Catalysts or Second/Third Promoting Metal in Pt‐Based Catalysts?
Authors: Antolini Ermete
Published: July 2013

Pt and Ir have similar properties, that is, same period and block (6d) of the periodic table, same fcc crystal structure, similar mass and atomic size. The cost of iridium, however, is ca. 60 % lower than that of platinum, so it could be a good substitute for Pt as a catalyst in fuel cells, also if it has to be taken into account that a large use of iridium in fuel cells could noticeably increase its price. Moreover, iridium is stable towards dissolution in acid medium. For these reasons, Pt‐free Ir‐based catalysts and Ir‐containing Pt‐based catalysts have been tested both as anode and cathode materials in low‐temperature acid fuel cells. In this work an overview of the application of Ir and Ir‐containing catalysts as anode materials for hydrogen, methanol and ethanol oxidation, and as cathode materials for oxygen reduction in low‐temperature polymer electrolyte fuel cells fuelled with hydrogen or low molecular weight alcohols, is presented. The more suitable application of iridium in fuel cell electrodes, either as non‐Pt Ir‐based catalysts, maintaining an acceptable catalytic activity, or as co‐catalysts in Pt‐based materials, to increase fuel cell performance simultaneously to a slight decrease of the cost, is discussed.
Pulmonary Artery Occlusion Pressure May Overdiagnose Pulmonary Artery Hypertension in Sickle Cell Disease
Authors: Sharma Sunil , Efird Jimmy , Kadali Renuka , Mehra Sanjay , Chohan Hadi , Daggubati Ramesh , Liles Darla , Gouge Catherine , Boettger Peter , Knupp Charles
Published: July 2013

Background

A high prevalence of Pulmonary Hypertension (PH) in sickle cell disease (SCD) has been reported in several studies. However, few studies that describe the hemodynamics have actually measured pulmonary artery occlusive pressure (PAOP). Furthermore, even PAOP has been shown to be unreliable in discriminating pulmonary artery hypertension from pulmonary venous hypertension. We prospectively examined the accuracy of PAOP using simultaneous left ventricular end diastolic pressure (LVEDP) measurement as the gold standard.

Hypothesis

In patients with SCD, PAOP may not reflect LVEDP leading to over‐diagnosis of PAH.

Methods

We prospectively examined hemodynamic data on 26 patients with SCD, at a large academic center, from 2009 through 2011. These patients underwent simultaneous PAOP and LVEDP measurements.

Results

We tested 106 adult SCD patients with 2‐D Echocardiography for evaluation of PH. Of the 106 patients, 43 (41%) were found to have a tricuspid regurgitant jet velocity ≥ 2.5 m/sec. Of these 43, 26 patients underwent right heart catheterization (RHC) and simultaneous measurement of LVEDP. Twelve patients among the 106 (11.1%) patients were found to have PH. Eight of these (7.5 %) had PAH by PAOP criteria but only 4/106 (3/7%) had PAH by LVEDP criteria. PAOP significantly underestimated the LVEDP in both the PH group and group with normal hemodynamics (p=0.00004). BNP, and creatinine levels significantly increased in PAH group (p< 0.02, 0.01, 0.03). PAOP misclassified 50% of patients in this sickle cell disease cohort. In conclusion, PAOP may underestimate LVEDP in sickle cell patients with pulmonary hypertension and can lead to misclassification.
Effects of β‐Adrenergic Blockade on Left Ventricular Remodeling Among Hispanics and African Americans With Chronic Heart Failure
Authors: Kelesidis Iosif , Varughese Christopher J. , Hourani Patrick , Zolty Ronald
Published: July 2013

Background

Although β‐blockers (BBs) have been shown to improve cardiac function, there is individual and ethnic variation in BB clinical response. We examined the effects of BBs on left ventricular remodeling among African Americans (AAs), Hispanics, and Caucasians with systolic heart failure.

Hypothesis

There is ethnic variability in the effects of BBs on cardiac remodeling.

Methods

There were 185 AAs, 159 Hispanics, and 74 Caucasians selected with ejection fraction ≤40% from any etiology. Change in left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), left ventricular end‐diastolic dimensions (LVEDD), and degree of mitral regurgitation (MR) in response to 1 year of BBs was evaluated retrospectively.

Results

Overall, there was a significant improvement in LVEF, LVEDD, and degree of MR in AAs and Caucasians after 1 year of BBs (P < 0.001 vs baseline). Compared with other races, Hispanics (%) had no significant improvement in LVEDD and degree of MR, and had fewer patients with reverse remodeling: LVEF (42.77%), LVEDD (5.03%), and MR (16.35%). In multivariable analysis, Hispanic and AA race were important predictors of LVEF and LVEDD (P < 0.01) but not MR response.

Conclusions

Although most patients demonstrated improvement of LVEF, there seems to be ethnic variability in the effects of BBs on cardiac remodeling. Degree of MR and LVEDD failed to show improvement among Hispanics.
Oral Anticoagulants to Reduce the Risk of Stroke in Atrial Fibrillation: How Should a Clinician Choose?
Authors: Mohammed Ilyas , Syed Wajihuddin , Kowey Peter R.
Published: July 2013

Atrial fibrillation (AF), a common arrhythmia that occurs with increasing frequency in the aging population, is associated with increased mortality and morbidity. To ensure that patients receive adequate anticoagulant prophylaxis, clinical guidelines for anticoagulation advocate use of validated scoring systems to stratify patients by cardiovascular risk and predict the individual patient's risk of adverse effects of therapy. Recently approved oral anticoagulants—a direct thrombin inhibitor and the factor Xa inhibitors—may offer advantages over the 50‐year standard, warfarin, for efficacy, safety, and ease of administration. Clinical trial experience with the newly approved agents and others, yet to be approved, will define their relative value in reducing the risk of thromboembolism associated with AF. This article discusses issues that may help clinicians choose among these newer agents and individualize treatment appropriately.
Pharmacogenetic testing in the face of unclear clinical efficacy: Lessons from cytochrome P450 2D6 for tamoxifen
Authors: Peppercorn Jeffrey , Hamilton Erika , Marcom Paul Kelly , Beskow Laura , Lyman Gary H.
Published: July 2013

BACKGROUND

This study evaluated self‐reported knowledge, practice, and attitudes toward commercially available cytochrome P450 2D6 (CYP2D6) pharmacogenomic testing for patients on tamoxifen for breast cancer (CYPT) among US oncologists while evidence for the use of the test was evolving.

METHODS

A self‐administered survey of medical oncology breast cancer specialists at National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCNO) centers and a random sample of community‐based oncologists (CBOs) was undertaken. The survey evaluated knowledge and use of the CYP2D6 test and response to hypothetical test results.

RESULTS

In total, 201 of 459 (44%) oncologists responded. At a time when CYPT remained experimental, 31% of oncologists reported use of CYPT and 56% reported willingness to order CYPT outside of a clinical trial if requested by a patient. Compared to oncologists specializing in breast cancer, oncologists in community‐based practice were more likely to use CYPT routinely (21% versus 11%, P < .06), to order CYPT on patient request (66% versus 44%, P < .001), and to change management for premenopausal women with intermediate metabolism (34% CBO versus 8% NCCN, P < .001). Oncologists cited data from randomized trials and professional guidelines as most influential when considering use of a genetic test.

CONCLUSIONS

Prior to definitive evidence, a minority of oncologists reported using the CYP2D6 test routinely, and many indicated willingness to change management of patients based on test results. There is a need to educate clinicians and the public regarding the uncertain benefits of commercially available genetic tests in clinical practice when evidence from ongoing trials is still emerging. Cancer 2013;119:3703–3709. © 2013 American Cancer Society.
Comparative survey of the topographical distribution of signature molecular lesions in major neurodegenerative diseases
Authors: Arnold Steven E. , Toledo Jon B. , Appleby Dina H. , Xie Sharon X. , Wang Li‐San , Baek Young , Wolk David A. , Lee Edward B. , Miller Bruce L. , Lee Virginia M.‐Y. , Trojanowski John Q.
Published: July 2013

An understanding of the anatomic distributions of major neurodegenerative disease lesions is important to appreciate the differential clinical profiles of these disorders and to serve as neuropathological standards for emerging molecular neuroimaging methods. To address these issues, here we present a comparative survey of the topographical distribution of the defining molecular neuropathological lesions among 10 neurodegenerative diseases from a large and uniformly assessed brain collection. Ratings of pathological severity in 16 brain regions from 671 cases with diverse neurodegenerative diseases are summarized and analyzed. These include: 1) amyloid‐β and tau lesions in Alzheimer's disease; 2) tau lesions in three other tauopathies including Pick's disease, progressive supranuclear palsy and corticobasal degeneration; 3) α‐synuclein inclusion ratings in four synucleinopathies including Parkinson's disease, Parkinson's disease with dementia, dementia with Lewy bodies, and multiple system atrophy; and 4) TDP‐43 lesions in two TDP‐43 proteinopathies, including frontotemporal lobar degeneration associated with TDP‐43 and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. The data presented graphically and topographically confirm and extend previous pathological anatomic descriptions and statistical comparisons highlight the lesion distributions that either overlap or distinguish the diseases in each molecular disease category. J. Comp. Neurol. 521:4339–4355, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Adaptive method to support social‐based mobile networks using a pagerank approach
Authors: Pop Florin , Ciobanu Radu‐Ioan , Dobre Ciprian
Published: July 2013

Opportunistic networks are mobile networks that rely on the store‐carry‐and‐forward paradigm, using contacts between nodes to opportunistically transfer data. For this reason, traditional routing mechanisms are no longer suitable. The use of additional routing criterion, such as social information about nodes, can increase the probability of successful message delivery. Popularity of a node, another important routing criterion, can be inferred using the betweenness centrality, meaning the number of times the node is on the shortest path between any other two nodes in the social graph. However, computing the betweenness centrality is impossible in practice, especially when connectivity between individuals is transient, and each node has only a local view of the entire network. We propose a fundamental rethinking, where nodes and not paths are the observation focus. In our approach, we compute the probability of a node to participate in a path formation (e.g., the probability of a node to lead to the next popular path). We present our solution, which takes inspiration from the PageRank approach, and present an algorithm to compute and update the popularity of nodes using the probability of each node to be used as carrier for random messages traversing the network. We demonstrate that this approach is highly robust, numerical insensitive to errors, and converges fast, meaning it can be easily adopted in resource‐constraint environments formed between highly mobile wireless devices. Our experimental results sustain our empirical observations for various case studies. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.