bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Enhanced Ethylene Photodegradation Performance of g‐C3N4–Ag3PO4 Composites with Direct Z‐Scheme Configuration
Authors: Chen Xuxing , Huang Xintang , Yi Zhiguo
Published: October 2014

Photocatalytic oxidation of ethylene continues to be a challenge at the frontier of chemistry. In a previous report, a simple Ag3PO4 semiconductor material was shown to have strong photooxidative properties and efficiently oxidised water and decomposed organics in aqueous solution under visible‐light illumination. Herein, its effects on the photo‐oxidation of gaseous C2H4 were investigated by fabricating graphitic C3N4–Ag3PO4 composite semiconductors with direct Z‐scheme configuration. It was found that both the ethylene photo‐oxidative activity and the stability of Ag3PO4 are considerably improved by fabrication of Z‐scheme composites. Moreover, stable C2H4 photo‐oxidation activity could be obtained by treating the composite at 450 °C for 3 h after long‐term operation. From the point of view of environmental pollutant cleanup, the present technique avoids the side reaction of oxidising water and will be valuable for further investigations on both Ag3PO4 and CH degradation.
Aliphatic Organoimido Derivatives of Polyoxometalates Containing a Bioactive Ligand
Authors: She Shan , Bian Shengtai , Hao Jian , Zhang Jiangwei , Zhang Jin , Wei Yongge
Published: October 2014

A series of aliphatic organoimido derivatives of hexamolybdate based on amantadine, namely (nBu4N)2[Mo6O18(NC10H15)] (1), (nBu4N)2 {cis‐[Mo6O17(NC10H15)2]} (2), (nBu4N)2{trans‐[Mo6O17(NC10H15)2]} (3), and (nBu4N)2[Mo6O16(NC10H15)3] (4), was synthesized in reasonable yield by dehydration with N,N′‐dicyclohexylcarbodiimide (DCC). They were characterized by IR and UV/Vis spectroscopy, elemental analysis, ESI mass spectrometry, and single‐crystal X‐ray structure analysis. The spectral and structural similarities and differences between monosubstituted, cis‐disubstituted, and trans‐disubstituted organoimido derivatives were elucidated and may provide guidance for related work on organoimido‐functionalized Lindqvist‐type polyoxometalates. In addition, trans‐disubstituted and polysubstituted derivatives containing aliphatic organoimido ligands have not yet been reported, and the crystal structure of the trans isomer may lead us to a deeper understanding of disubstituted derivatives. Furthermore, proliferation and morphology of MCF‐7 cells were studied with compound 1. The present results show that the DCC‐dehydrating protocol could be an efficient approach to covalently graft bioactive ligands such as amantadine onto POMs and enhance their application in clinical cancer treatment.
Total Synthesis of Aignopsanes, A Class of Sesquiterpenes: (+)‐Aignopsanoic Acid A, (−)‐Methyl Aignopsanoate A, and (−)‐Isoaignopsanoic A
Authors: Bürki Cédric , Bonjoch Josep , Bradshaw Ben , Villa Giorgio , Renaud Philippe
Published: October 2014

A general strategy for the synthesis of aignopsanes, a new family of sesquiterpene natural products of marine origin, is presented. The total synthesis of (+)‐aignopsanoic acid A (1), (−)‐methyl aignopsanoate A (2), and (−)‐isoaignopsanoic A (3) has been achieved and their absolute configuration confirmed. (+)‐Microcionin‐1 (4), a structurally related furanosesquiterpene isolated in both enantiomeric forms from marine sponges, was also synthesized and its absolute configuration established in an unambiguous way. Interestingly, we report that (+)‐microcionin‐1 (4), can be converted by a simple oxidation process to aignopsanoic acid A (1). This transformation supports the hypothesis that (+)‐microcionin‐1 (4) may be an intermediate in the biosynthesis of aignopsanes.
Straightforward Synthesis of 1,2‐Dicyanoalkanes from Nitroalkenes and Silyl Cyanide Mediated by Tetrabutylammonium Fluoride
Authors: Kiyokawa Kensuke , Nagata Takaya , Hayakawa Junpei , Minakata Satoshi
Published: October 2014

A straightforward synthesis of 1,2‐dicyanoalkanes by reacting nitroalkenes with trimethylsilyl cyanide in the presence of tetrabutylammonium fluoride is described. The reaction proceeds through a tandem double Michael addition under mild conditions. Employing the hypervalent silicate generated from trimethylsilyl cyanide and tetrabutylammonium fluoride is essential for achieving this transformation. Mechanistic studies suggest that a small amount of water included in the reaction media plays a key role. This protocol is applicable to various types of substrates including electron‐rich and electron‐deficient aromatic nitroalkenes, and aliphatic nitroalkenes. Moreover, vinyl sulfones were found to be good alternatives, particularly for electron‐deficient nitroalkenes. The broad substrate scope and functional group tolerance of the reaction makes this approach a practical method for the synthesis of valuable 1,2‐dicyanoalkanes.
N‐Heterocyclic Carbene Formation Induced Fluorescent and Colorimetric Sensing of Fluoride Using Perimidinium Derivatives
Authors: Zhang Dawei , Yang Haiqiang , Martinez Alexandre , Jamieson Kelsey , Dutasta Jean‐Pierre , Gao Guohua
Published: October 2014

In this study, two perimidinium derivatives (1 and 2) were designed, synthesized, and developed as efficient fluorescent and colorimetric chemodosisensors for F− in DMSO or more competitive media (DMSO containing 10 % water). In the presence of F−, the yellow and non‐fluorescent solution of 1/2 became colourless and exhibited strong blue fluorescence. This unique spectroscopic behaviour of 1/2 towards F− was attributed to the formation of N‐heterocyclic carbene deprotonated by F−, which immediately reacted with water to give a colourless and fluorescent carbinol. Interestingly, it was found that this carbinol intermediate was unstable and further underwent a redox disproportionation to generate two other optically changed compounds. All the proposed mechanisms for the sensing process have been carefully confirmed by experiments.
Strength by Joining Methods: Combining Synthesis with NMR, IR, and Vibrational Circular Dichroism Spectroscopy for the Determination of the Relative Configuration in Hemicalide
Authors: De Gussem Ewoud , Herrebout Wouter , Specklin Simon , Meyer Christophe , Cossy Janine , Bultinck Patrick
Published: October 2014

The relative configuration of a key subunit of hemicalide, a recently isolated, highly bioactive marine natural product having potent antiproliferative activity against a panel of human cancer cell lines, was assigned by combining stereocontrolled synthesis of model substrates with NMR, IR, and vibrational circular dichroism (VCD) spectroscopy. The assignment of the absolute configuration of asymmetric carbon center C42 in two structurally complex epimeric substructures containing six stereocenters by VCD analysis illustrates the power and reliability of combining methods.
Foldamers to Nanotubes: Influence of Amino Acid Side Chains in the Hierarchical Assembly of α,γ4‐Hybrid Peptide Helices
Authors: Jadhav Sandip V. , Misra Rajkumar , Gopi Hosahudya N.
Published: October 2014

Supramolecular assembly of various artificially folded 12‐helical architectures composed of γ4‐Val, γ4‐Leu and γ4‐Phe residues is investigated. In contrast to the 12‐helices composed of γ4‐Val and γ4‐Leu residues, the helices with γ4‐Phe residues displayed unique elongated nanotubular architectures. The elongated nanotube assembly was further explored as a template for biomineralization of silver ions to silver nanowires. A comparative study using an analogous α‐peptide helix reveals the importance of the spatial arrangement of aromatic side chains along the helical cylinder in a 12‐helix. These results suggested that the proteolytically and structurally stable α,γ4‐hybrid peptide 12‐helices may serve as a new generation of potential templates in the design of functional biomaterials.
Long‐Lived States of Magnetically Equivalent Spins Populated by Dissolution‐DNP and Revealed by Enzymatic Reactions
Authors: Bornet Aurélien , Ji Xiao , Mammoli Daniele , Vuichoud Basile , Milani Jonas , Bodenhausen Geoffrey , Jannin Sami
Published: October 2014

Hyperpolarization by dissolution dynamic nuclear polarization (D‐DNP) offers a way of enhancing NMR signals by up to five orders of magnitude in metabolites and other small molecules. Nevertheless, the lifetime of hyperpolarization is inexorably limited, as it decays toward thermal equilibrium with the nuclear spin‐lattice relaxation time. This lifetime can be extended by storing the hyperpolarization in the form of long‐lived states (LLS) that are immune to most dominant relaxation mechanisms. Levitt and co‐workers have shown how LLS can be prepared for a pair of inequivalent spins by D‐DNP. Here, we demonstrate that this approach can also be applied to magnetically equivalent pairs of spins such as the two protons of fumarate, which can have very long LLS lifetimes. As in the case of para‐hydrogen, these hyperpolarized equivalent LLS (HELLS) are not magnetically active. However, a chemical reaction such as the enzymatic conversion of fumarate into malate can break the magnetic equivalence and reveal intense NMR signals.
Near‐IR Absorbing BODIPY Derivatives as Glutathione‐Activated Photosensitizers for Selective Photodynamic Action
Authors: Turan Ilke Simsek , Cakmak Fatma Pir , Yildirim Deniz Cansen , Cetin‐Atalay Rengul , Akkaya Engin U.
Published: October 2014

Enhanced spatiotemporal selectivity in photonic sensitization of dissolved molecular oxygen is an important target for improving the potential and the practical applications of photodynamic therapy. Considering the high intracellular glutathione concentrations within cancer cells, a series of BODIPY‐based sensitizers that can generate cytotoxic singlet oxygen only after glutathione‐mediated cleavage of the electron‐sink module were designed and synthesized. Cell culture studies not only validate our design, but also suggest an additional role for the relatively hydrophobic quencher module in the internalization of the photosensitizer.
Magnetically Aligned Supramolecular Hydrogels
Authors: Wallace Matthew , Cardoso Andre Zamith , Frith William J. , Iggo Jonathan A. , Adams Dave J.
Published: October 2014

The magnetic‐field‐induced alignment of the fibrillar structures present in an aqueous solution of a dipeptide gelator, and the subsequent retention of this alignment upon transformation to a hydrogel upon the addition of CaCl2 or upon a reduction in solution pH is reported. Utilising the switchable nature of the magnetic field coupled with the slow diffusion of CaCl2, it is possible to precisely control the extent of anisotropy across a hydrogel, something that is generally very difficult to do using alternative methods. The approach is readily extended to other compounds that form viscous solutions at high pH. It is expected that this work will greatly expand the utility of such low‐molecular‐weight gelators (LMWG) in areas where alignment is key.
Terminal Alkenes as Versatile Chemical Reporter Groups for Metabolic Oligosaccharide Engineering
Authors: Späte Anne‐Katrin , Schart Verena F. , Schöllkopf Sophie , Niederwieser Andrea , Wittmann Valentin
Published: October 2014

Invited for the cover of this issue are Valentin Wittmann and his co‐workers at the University of Konstanz. The image depicts their “sugar champion” and its labeling on cell membranes in a way one might enjoy during the soccer world cup. Read the full text of the article at 10.1002/chem.201404716.
A methodological paradigm for patient‐specific multi‐scale CFD simulations: from clinical measurements to parameter estimates for individual analysis
Authors: Pant S. , Fabrèges B. , Gerbeau J‐F. , Vignon‐Clementel I. E.
Published: October 2014

A new framework for estimation of lumped (for instance, Windkessel) model parameters from uncertain clinical measurements is presented. The ultimate aim is to perform patient‐specific haemodynamic analysis. This framework is based on sensitivity analysis tools and the sequential estimation approach of the unscented Kalman filter. Sensitivity analysis and parameter estimation are performed in lumped parameter models, which act as reduced order surrogates of the 3D domain for haemodynamic analysis. While the goal of sensitivity analysis is to assess potential identifiability problems, the unscented Kalman filter estimation leads to parameter estimates based on clinical measurements and modelling assumptions. An application of such analysis and parameter estimation methodology is demonstrated for synthetic and real data. Equality constraints on various physiological parameters are enforced. Since the accuracy of the Windkessel parameter estimates depends on the lumped parameter representativeness, the latter is iteratively improved by running few 3D simulations while simultaneously improving the former. Such a method is applied on a patient‐specific aortic coarctation case. Less than 3% and 9% errors between the clinically measured quantities and 3D simulation results for rest and stress are obtained, respectively. Knowledge on how these Windkessel parameters change from rest to stress can thus be learned by such an approach. Lastly, it is demonstrated that the proposed approach is capable of dealing with a wide variety of measurements and cases where the pressure and flow clinical measurements are not taken simultaneously. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Combined Experimental and Computational Studies on the Physical and Chemical Properties of the Renewable Amide, 3‐Acetamido‐5‐acetylfuran
Authors: Liu Yi , Rowley Christopher N. , Kerton Francesca M.
Published: October 2014

The pKa of 3‐acetamido‐5‐acetylfuran (3A5AF) was predicted to be in the range 18.5–21.5 by using the B3LYP/6‐311+G(2d,p) method and several amides as references. The experimental pKa value, 20.7, was determined through UV/Vis titrations. Its solubility was measured in methanol‐modified supercritical CO2 (mole fraction, 3.23×10−4, cloud points 40–80 °C) and it was shown to be less soluble than 5‐hydroxymethylfurfural (5‐HMF). Dimerization energies were calculated for 3A5AF and 5‐HMF to compare hydrogen bonding, as such interactions will affect their solubility. Infrared and 1H nuclear magnetic resonance spectra of 3A5AF samples support the existence of intermolecular hydrogen bonding. The highest occupied molecular orbital, lowest unoccupied molecular orbital, and electrostatic potential of 3A5AF were determined through molecular orbital calculations using B3LYP/6‐311+G(2d,p). The π–π* transition energy (time‐dependent density functional theory study) was compared with UV/Vis data. Calculated atomic charges were used in an attempt to predict the reactivity of 3A5AF. A reaction between 3A5AF and CH3MgBr was conducted. As 3A5AF is a recently developed renewable compound that has previously not been studied extensively, these studies will be helpful in designing future reactions and processes involving this molecule.
ZnO Rhombic Sheets of Highly Crystalline Particles and Their Composite with Ag2O toward Efficient Photocatalysis
Authors: Dong Xiaobin , Yang Ping , Wang Junpeng , Huang Baibiao
Published: October 2014

Invited for this month’s cover is the group of Prof. Ping Yang from the University of Jinan, China. This cover picture symbolizes the beauty of a clean environment, while the inset outlines the photocatalysis mechanism of ZnO rhombic sheets decorated with Ag2O nanoparticles useful for degradation of pollutants. Read the full text of the article at 10.1002/cplu.201402182
The Anxiety Attitude and Belief Scale‐2: Development, Measurement Model, and Initial Validity
Authors: Brown Gary P. , Hawkes Nick , Cooper Andrew , Jonsdottir Solveig , Tata Philip
Published: October 2014

There is a notable lack of measures of enduring beliefs, which are key etiological factors in Beck's cognitive model of anxiety. The Anxiety Attitude and Belief Scale‐2 was developed to address this need. Items from the original AABS were reviewed and revised, and additional items were added to cover the range of constructs identified as reflecting anxiety related expectancies while avoiding the confounding of cognition and affect. Suitability of items was examined using cognitive interviewing (Willis, 2004). The resulting set of 48 items was administered to an index sample of individuals reporting anxiety symptoms and a cross‐validation sample of undergraduate students in order to derive a measurement model describing its internal structure. The final, 33‐item AABS‐2 had a bifactor structure of one general and four specific factors, good fit to the data, common factor content across groups, acceptable precision in measurement, and evidence of construct validity. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Key Practitioner Message

Measures of enduring beliefs related to anxiety disorders are needed to assess etiological factors within cognitive therapy; while there are numerous measures of automatic thoughts, there are few measures of beliefs. The present study sought to address this gap.

The items that originally appeared on ten rationally derived scales drawn from clinical phenomenology of anxiety disorders were eventually grouped into four group factors and one general factor in the course of psychometric analyses.

The group factors included ones expected to distinguish groups reporting panic, OCD, and social anxiety symptoms from other anxiety symptom groups, and this prediction was supported. The majority of predictions regarding patterns or correlations were also supported.

Further validation research is needed to evaluate the validity of the AABS and its subscales in predicting course and outcome of psychotherapy.
Photocatalytic Acceptorless Alkane Dehydrogenation: Scope, Mechanism, and Conquering Deactivation with Carbon Dioxide
Authors: Chowdhury Abhishek Dutta , Julis Jennifer , Grabow Kathleen , Hannebauer Bernd , Bentrup Ursula , Adam Martin , Franke Robert , Jackstell Ralf , Beller Matthias
Published: October 2014

Alkane dehydrogenation is of special interest for basic science but also offers interesting opportunities for industry. The existing dehydrogenation methodologies make use of heterogeneous catalysts, which suffer from harsh reaction conditions and a lack of selectivity, whereas homogeneous methodologies rely mostly on unsolicited waste generation from hydrogen acceptors. Conversely, acceptorless photochemical alkane dehydrogenation in the presence of trans‐Rh(PMe3)2(CO)Cl can be regarded as a more benign and atom efficient alternative. However, this methodology suffers from catalyst deactivation over time. Herein, we provide a detailed investigation of the trans‐Rh(PMe3)2(CO)Cl‐photocatalyzed alkane dehydrogenation using spectroscopic and theoretical investigations. These studies inspired us to utilize CO2 to prevent catalyst deactivation, which leads eventually to improved catalyst turnover numbers in the dehydrogenation of alkanes that include liquid organic hydrogen carriers.
New Benzo[1,2‐b:4,5‐b′]dithiophene‐Based Small Molecules Containing Alkoxyphenyl Side Chains for High Efficiency Solution‐Processed Organic Solar Cells
Authors: Du Zhengkun , Chen Weichao , Wen Shuguang , Qiao Shanlin , Liu Qian , Ouyang Dan , Wang Ning , Bao Xichang , Yang Renqiang
Published: October 2014

A new acceptor–donor–acceptor (A–D–A) small molecule, namely, BDT‐PO‐DPP, based on the alkoxyphenyl (PO)‐substituted benzo[1,2‐b:4,5‐b′]dithiophene (BDT) derivative and the diketopyrrolopyrrole (DPP) unit was synthesized as an electron donor for solution‐processed small‐molecule organic solar cells (SMOSCs). BDT‐PO‐DPP exhibited good thermal stability, with a 5 % weight‐lost temperature at 401 °C under a nitrogen atmosphere. BDT‐PO‐DPP exhibited a lower HOMO energy level of −5.25 eV and a weaker aggregation ability than alkoxy‐substituted BDT‐O‐DPP. A bulk heterojunction SMOSC device based on BDT‐PO‐DPP and [6,6]‐phenyl‐C61‐butyric acid methyl ester was prepared, and it showed a power conversion efficiency up to 5.63 % with a high open‐circuit voltage of 0.83 V, a short circuit current density of 11.23 mA cm−2, and a fill factor of 60.37 % by using 1,2‐dichlorobenzene as the co‐solvent after thermal annealing at 110 °C. The results indicate that the alkoxyphenyl‐substituted BDT derivative is a promising electron‐donor building block for constructing highly efficient solution‐processed SMOSCs.
Initiated CVD of Tertiary Amine‐Containing Glycidyl Methacrylate Copolymer Thin Films for Low Temperature Aqueous Chemical Functionalization
Authors: Sarıipek Fatma , Karaman Mustafa
Published: October 2014

This manuscript reports on the synthesis of copolymer films of glycidyl methacrylate with diethylaminoethyl methacrylate by initiated (i)CVD. The purpose of the incorporation of tertiary amine functionality in the copolymer film is to accelerate the rate of the nucleophilic ring‐opening reaction of the epoxide group under benign conditions. It is found that tertiary amine functionality in the poly(glycidyl methacrylate) (PGMA) film significantly increases the rate and degree of the ring‐opening reactions. After 2 h of reaction at room temperature, 72% of the epoxy groups are consumed, while the conversion under similar conditions is negligible for the PGMA film.
Expression and significance of MOC‐31 and calretinin in pleural fluid of patients with lung cancer
Authors: Lv Ming , Leng Ji‐Hong , Hao Yan‐Yong , Sun Yan , Cha Na , Wu Guang‐Ping
Published: October 2014

Background

The cytologic assessment of pleural effusions to distinguish carcinoma cells from reactive mesothelial cells is particularly challenging. The aim of this study was to investigate the diagnostic value of monoclonal antibody (MOC‐31) and calretinin in pleural fluid of patients with lung cancer to significantly improve the diagnostic accuracy.

Methods

The expressions of MOC‐31 and calretinin were detected by means of S‐P immunocytochemical technique in pleural effusions of patients with lung cancer (n = 92) and in patients with benign lung disease (n = 70).

Results

The positive rate of MOC‐31 in pleural fluid was 90.2% (83/92) from patients with lung cancer and 2.9% (2/70) from patients with benign lung diseases, showing a significant difference (P < 0.01). Calretinin was expressed 87.1% (61/70) in benign lung diseases and 6.5% (6/92) in lung cancer, also showing a significant difference (P < 0.01). The optimal combination for assay was MOC‐31 + calretinin: Sensitivity and specificity were 100 and 98.6%, respectively.

Conclusion

MOC‐31 and calretinin are of important clinical value for diagnosing and differentially diagnosing the cancer cells in pleural fluid of patients with lung cancer. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2015;43:527–531. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Morphine and codeine in oral fluid after controlled poppy seed administration
Authors: Concheiro Marta , Newmeyer Matthew N. , da Costa Jose Luiz , Flegel Ron , Gorelick David A. , Huestis Marilyn A.
Published: October 2014

Opiates are an important drug class in drug testing programmes. Ingestion of poppy seeds containing morphine and codeine can yield positive opiate tests and mislead result interpretation in forensic and clinical settings. Multiple publications evaluated urine opiate concentrations following poppy seed ingestion, but only two addressed oral fluid (OF) results; neither provided the ingested morphine and codeine dosage. We administered two 45 g raw poppy seed doses, each containing 15.7 mg morphine and 3.1 mg codeine, 8 h apart to 17 healthy adults. All OF specimens were screened by on‐site OF immunoassay Draeger DrugTest 5000, and confirmed with OF collected with Oral‐Eze® device and quantified by liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry (1 µg/L morphine and codeine limits of quantification). Specimens (n = 459) were collected before and up to 32 h after the first dose. All specimens screened positive 0.5 h after dosing and remained positive for 0.5–13 h at Draeger 20 µg/L morphine cut‐off. Maximum OF morphine and codeine concentrations (Cmax) were 177 and 32.6 µg/L, with times to Cmax (Tmax) of 0.5–1 h and 0.5–2.5 h post‐dose, respectively. Windows of detection after the second dose extended at least 24 h for morphine and to 18 h for codeine. After both doses, the last morphine positive OF result was 1 h with 40 µg/L 2004 proposed US Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration cut‐off, and 0.5 h with 95 µg/L cut‐off, recently recommended by the Driving under the Influence of Drugs and Medicines project. Positive OF morphine results are possible 0.5–1 h after ingestion of 15.7 mg of morphine in raw poppy seeds, depending on the cut‐off employed. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Vegetation in clear‐cuts depends on previous land use: a century‐old grassland legacy
Authors: Jonason Dennis , Ibbe Mathias , Milberg Per , Tunér Albert , Westerberg Lars , Bergman Karl‐Olof
Published: October 2014

Plant species richness in central and northern European seminatural grasslands is often more closely linked to past than present habitat configuration, which is indicative of an extinction debt. In this study, we investigate whether signs of historical grassland management can be found in clear‐cuts after at least 80 years as coniferous production forest by comparing floras between clear‐cuts with a history as meadow and as forest in the 1870s in Sweden. Study sites were selected using old land‐use maps and data on present‐day clear‐cuts. Species traits reflecting high capacities for dispersal and persistence were used to explain any possible links between the plants and the historical land use. Clear‐cuts that were formerly meadow had, on average, 36% higher species richness and 35% higher richness of grassland indicator species, as well as a larger overall seed mass and lower anemochory, compared to clear‐cuts with history as forest. We suggest that the plants in former meadows never disappeared after afforestation but survived as remnant populations. Many contemporary forests in Sweden were managed as grasslands in the 1800s. As conservation of remaining grassland fragments will not be enough to reduce the existing extinction debts of the flora, these young forests offer opportunities for grassland restoration at large scales. Our study supports the concept of remnant populations and highlights the importance of considering historical land use for understanding the distribution of grassland plant species in fragmented landscapes, as well as for policy‐making and conservation.
Validation of outlier loci through replication in independent data sets: a test on Arabis alpina
Authors: Buehler Dominique , Holderegger Rolf , Brodbeck Sabine , Schnyder Elvira , Gugerli Felix
Published: October 2014

Outlier detection and environmental association analysis are common methods to search for loci or genomic regions exhibiting signals of adaptation to environmental factors. However, a validation of outlier loci and corresponding allele distribution models through functional molecular biology or transplant/common garden experiments is rarely carried out. Here, we employ another method for validation, namely testing outlier loci in specifically designed, independent data sets. Previously, an outlier locus associated with three different habitat types had been detected in Arabis alpina. For the independent validation data set, we sampled 30 populations occurring in these three habitat types across five biogeographic regions of the Swiss Alps. The allele distribution model found in the original study could not be validated in the independent test data set: The outlier locus was no longer indicative of habitat‐mediated selection. We propose several potential causes of this failure of validation, of which unaccounted genetic structure and technical issues in the original data set used to detect the outlier locus were most probable. Thus, our study shows that validating outlier loci and allele distribution models in independent data sets is a helpful tool in ecological genomics which, in the case of positive validation, adds confidence to outlier loci and their association with environmental factors or, in the case of failure of validation, helps to explain inconsistencies.
Wireless Communication in Oil and Gas Wells
Authors: Franconi Nicholas G. , Bunger Andrew P. , Sejdić Ervin , Mickle Marlin H.
Published: October 2014

We review the techniques of below‐ground wireless communication in the oil and gas industry. A historical and theoretical analysis of pressure wave and electromagnetic communication is presented. Case studies for both technologies and their current applications are evaluated to identify the limitations of each method and opportunities for innovation. Finally, the possibilities of smart well technology are discussed with focus on sensors powered wirelessly for the continuous monitoring of shale oil/gas reservoirs using electromagnetic methods. We conclude that the critical challenges are associated with powering the devices, which must perform for periods of months to years and must be able to generate sufficiently powerful signals to overcome the large signal attenuation associated with electromagnetic wave propagation through geological media.
Seismic behavior and modeling of steel reinforced concrete (SRC) walls
Authors: Ji Xiaodong , Sun Ya , Qian Jiaru , Lu Xinzheng
Published: October 2014

The steel reinforced concrete (SRC) wall consists of structural steel embedded at the boundary elements of a reinforced concrete (RC) wall. The use of SRC walls has gained popularity in the construction of high‐rise buildings because of their superior performance over conventional RC walls. This paper presents a series of quasi‐static tests used to examine the behavior of SRC walls subjected to high axial force and lateral cyclic loading. The SRC wall specimens showed increased flexural strength and deformation capacity relative to their RC wall counterpart. The flexural strength of SRC walls was found to increase with increasing area ratio of embedded structural steel, while the section type of embedded steel did not affect the wall's strength. The SRC walls under high axial force ratio had an ultimate lateral drift ratio of approximately 1.4%. In addition, a multi‐layer shell element model was developed for the SRC walls and was implemented in the OpenSees program. The numerical model was validated through comparison with the test data. The model was able to predict the lateral stiffness, strength and deformation capacities of SRC walls with a reasonable level of accuracy. Finally, a number of issues for the design of SRC walls are discussed, along with a collection and analysis of the test data, including (1) evaluation of flexural strength, (2) calculation of effective flexural stiffness, and (3) inelastic deformation capacity of SRC walls. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Equity Structure of MNE Affiliates and Scope of Their Activities: Distinguishing the Incentive and Control Effects of Ownership
Authors: Chi Tailan , Zhao Zheng Jane
Published: October 2014

This study examines the effects of an MNE's equity ownership on the scope of its affiliate's activities. We focus on architectural design and engineering (ADE) activities and distinguish them from other activities because ADE capabilities are often core to the MNE's competitiveness. Our empirical analysis, set in the Chinese automobile industry, reveals that the MNE's equity ownership tends to narrow the scope of an affiliate's ADE activities while widening the scope of other knowledge‐intensive activities the two parties undertake jointly. The results suggest that equity ownership enables an MNE to control more effectively the scope of its affiliate's ADE activities for better protection against leakage and, at the same time, motivates the MNE to perform a broader spectrum of other knowledge‐intensive activities at the affiliate.
Configurations of Governance Structure, Generic Strategy, and Firm Size: Opening the Black Box of Value Creation In International Joint Ventures
Authors: Merchant Hemant
Published: October 2014

To better identify the antecedents of joint venture (JV) performance, we investigate the singular and joint effects of: (1)JVgovernance structure (shared control; dominant control); and (2)JVcompetitive strategy (cost leadership; differentiation; hybrid) on stock market expectations of American parents'JVperformance. We combine arguments from theJVgovernance, generic strategy, and organizational studies literatures to delineate the strategy‐structure‐size configurations required for creating superior abnormal returns. In doing so, we also unpack the moderating role of firm size vis‐à‐vis strategy‐performance and structure‐performance relationships. Our efforts contribute to a more sophisticated understanding of the mechanisms for creating shareholder value in American manufacturing firms who participate in international JVs. We generate five hypotheses and find full or partial support for them in our sample of almost 200 international JVs.
Post‐Formation Inter‐Partner Equity Transfers in International Joint Ventures: The Role of Experience
Authors: Iriyama Akie , Madhavan Ravi
Published: October 2014

Under what conditions is an IJV partner likely to acquire its counterpart's equity stake upon a market cue of more opportunities; or sell its own equity stake to the counterpart upon a market cue of fewer opportunities? The puzzle springs from the premise that, upon a market cue, both the MNE partner and the local IJV partner are motivated to appropriate value in a manner consistent with the direction of the market cue. However, only one partner can change the ownership share in its favor. Building on the real options logic and the experiential learning perspective, we suggest that the local partner is more likely to realign ownership share in its own favor, all else equal. However, an MNE's cumulative operational experience overturns this. Our model is supported by data on Japanese automotive supplier IJV equity changes over an 18‐year period.
Innocents Abroad: The Hazards of International Joint Ventures with Pyramidal Group Firms
Authors: Perkins Susan , Morck Randall , Yeung Bernard
Published: October 2014

We examine international joint ventures in the telecommunications industry in Brazil, where pyramidal groups are ubiquitous. We explain how corporate governance differences between pyramidal groups versus widely held freestanding firms can lead to joint venture failures. Our empirical results show that joint ventures between pyramidal group‐member firms and partners from countries where pyramids are rare have significantly elevated failure rates, while joint ventures with partners from countries where pyramidal groups are ubiquitous are more likely to succeed. Further, we provide clinical examples illustrating the mechanisms driving divergent partnership performance.
Increased functional connectivity between superior colliculus and brain regions implicated in bodily self‐consciousness during the rubber hand illusion
Authors: Olivé Isadora , Tempelmann Claus , Berthoz Alain , Heinze Hans‐Joachim
Published: October 2014

Bodily self‐consciousness refers to bodily processes operating at personal, peripersonal, and extrapersonal spatial dimensions. Although the neural underpinnings of representations of personal and peripersonal space associated with bodily self‐consciousness were thoroughly investigated, relatively few is known about the neural underpinnings of representations of extrapersonal space relevant for bodily self‐consciousness. In the search to unravel brain structures generating a representation of the extrapersonal space relevant for bodily self‐consciousness, we developed a functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) study to investigate the implication of the superior colliculus (SC) in bodily illusions, and more specifically in the rubber hand illusion (RHi), which constitutes an established paradigm to study the neural underpinnings of bodily self‐consciousness. We observed activation of the colliculus ipsilateral to the manipulated hand associated with eliciting of RHi. A generalized form of context‐dependent psychophysiological interaction analysis unravelled increased illusion‐dependent functional connectivity between the SC and some of the main brain areas previously involved in bodily self‐consciousness: right temporoparietal junction (rTPJ), bilateral ventral premotor cortex (vPM), and bilateral postcentral gyrus. We hypothesize that the collicular map of the extrapersonal space interacts with maps of the peripersonal and personal space generated at rTPJ, vPM and the postcentral gyrus, producing a unified representation of space that is relevant for bodily self‐consciousness. We suggest that processes of multisensory integration of bodily‐related sensory inputs located in this unified representation of space constitute one main factor underpinning emergence of bodily self‐consciousness. Hum Brain Mapp 36:717–730, 2015.. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Practical implications of evaluating the efficiency of listener and tact instruction for children with autism
Authors: Delfs Caitlin H. , Frampton Sarah E.
Published: October 2014

Recent literature reviews have highlighted the need to better understand the relation between speaker and listener behavior when teaching learners with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The current paper outlines the practical implications of evaluating the emergence of tact and listener behavior during instruction for the opposite relation, as presented in the preceding article “Evaluating the Efficiency of Listener and Tact Instruction for Children with Autism.” Modifications of those procedures for clinical use as well as future directions for research in this area are presented.
Bio‐inspired microstructures in collagen type I hydrogel
Authors: Hosseini Yahya , Verbridge Scott S. , Agah Masoud
Published: October 2014

This article presents a novel technique to fabricate complex type I collagen hydrogel structures, with varying depth and width defined by a single fabrication step. This technique takes advantage of reactive ion etching lag to fabricate three‐dimensional (3‐D) structures in silicon. Then, a polydimethylsiloxane replica was fabricated utilizing soft lithography and used as a stamp on collagen hydrogel to transfer these patterns. Endothelial cells were seeded on the hydrogel devices to measure their interaction with these more physiologically relevant cell culture surfaces. Confocal imaging was utilized to image the hydrogel devices to demonstrate the robustness of the fabrication technique, and to study the cell–extracellular matrix interaction after cell seeding. In this study, we observed that endothelial cells remodeled the sharp scallops of collagen hydrogel structures and compressed the structures with low degree of slope. Such patterning techniques will enhance the physiological relevance of existing 3‐D cell culture platforms by providing a technical bridge between the high resolution yet planar techniques of standard lithography with more complex yet low resolution 3‐D printing methods. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 103A: 2193–2197, 2015.
Controlled drug release from antibiotic‐loaded layered double hydroxide coatings on porous titanium implants in a mouse model
Authors: Badar Muhammad , Rahim Muhammad Imran , Kieke Marc , Ebel Thomas , Rohde Manfred , Hauser Hansjörg , Behrens Peter , Mueller Peter P.
Published: October 2014

As an alternative to degradable organic coatings the possibility of using layered double hydroxides (LDHs) to generate implant coatings for controlled drug delivery was evaluated in vivo and in vitro. Coatings prepared from LDH suspensions dissolved slowly and appeared compatible with cultured cells. LDH coatings loaded with an antibiotic resulted in antibacterial effects in vitro. The LDH coating prolonged the drug release period and improved the proliferation of adherent cells in comparison to pure drug coatings. However, during incubation in physiological solutions the LDH coatings became brittle and pieces occasionally detached from the surface. For stress protection porous titanium implants were investigated as a substrate for the coatings. The pores prevented premature detachment of the coatings. To evaluate the coated porous implants in vivo a mouse model was established. To monitor bacterial infection of implants noninvasive in vivo imaging was used to monitor luminescently labeled Pseudomonas aeruginosa. In this model porous implants with antibiotic‐loaded LDH coatings could antagonize bacterial infections for over 1 week. The findings provide evidence that delayed drug delivery from LDH coatings could be feasible in combination with structured implant surfaces. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 103A: 2141–2149, 2015.
A Modified and Practical Synthetic Route to Indazoles and Pyrazoles Using Tungstate Sulfuric Acid
Authors: Rahmatzadeh S. Setareh , Karami Bahador , Khodabakhshi Saeed
Published: October 2014

Tungstate sulfuric acid‐catalyzed Knorr reaction have been used as a simple, rapid, atom economic and green method for the synthesis of indazole and pyrazole derivatives based on the condensation of hydrazine derivatives and ß‐dicarbonyl compounds under solvent‐free conditions. It was found that the catalyst could be recovered and reused without significant loss of its activity. The use of this method provides a novel and improved modification of Knorr synthesis in terms of clean reaction profile, use of a safe catalyst and solvent‐free conditions.
Separation and Determination of Cold Medicine Ingredients by Capillary Zone Electrophoresis Using Sulfated β‐Cyclodextrin as an Electrolyte Modifier and Chiral Selector
Authors: Liu Yu‐Chih , Chang Shu‐Wen , Chen Chih‐Yu , Chien I‐Chin , Lin Chen‐Hsing
Published: October 2014

Capillary zone electrophoretic separations of cold medicine ingredients, including acetaminophen (AC), dextromethorphan (DMF) and racemates of phenylpropanolamine (PPA) and chlorpheniramine maleate (CPM) using randomly sulfated‐β‐CD (S‐β‐CD) as an electrolyte modifier and a chiral selector were investigated. The results indicate that S‐β‐CD is an excellent chiral selector and a suitable electrolyte modifier as well for the separation of those cold medicine ingredients. Influences of S‐β‐CD concentration and buffer concentration on the separation were examined. Baseline separation of these cold medicine ingredients with 1.0 % (w/v) S‐β‐CD could be simultaneously and successfully achieved within 11.8 minutes. In addition, S‐β‐CD could also act as a chiral selector for enantioseparation of PPA and CPM. A high enantioselectivity was obtained for these two analytes. Linear relationships between the peak area and its concentration for the calibration curves of AC and DMF were obtained (correlation coefficients: 0.9987 for AC, 0.9965 for DMF, respectively). The relative standard deviations of the migration time and peak area of AC and DMF were 0.19, 2.44 % and 0.34, 2.99 %, respectively. Detection limits were 0.93 and 2.57 μg/mL for AC and DMF, respectively. Recoveries of AC and DMF ranging between 102.42 and 97.28 % were observed. The proposed method was successfully applied to the determination of AC and DMF in cold medicines.
Forward‐viewing linear echoendoscope: a new option in the endoscopic ultrasound armamentarium (with video)
Authors: Fuccio Lorenzo , Attili Fabia , Larghi Alberto
Published: October 2014

The forward‐viewing linear echoendoscope (FV‐EUS) has been developed with the aim of overcoming limitations of standard curved linear‐array echoendoscopes (CLA‐EUS) and to further expand interventional applications of EUS. The main characteristic of the FV‐EUS is a shifting in the orientation of both endoscopic and ultrasound views from oblique to forward, with the exit of the working channel at the tip of the instrument. This allows exit of the devices parallel to the longitudinal axis of the endoscope, thus resulting in a more direct and stable access to the lesion while increasing the precision and force applied to the target. Accumulating evidence has shown that the FV‐EUS can be used instead of the standard CLA‐EUS scope for routine fine needle aspiration, with extremely good performance for subepithelial lesions and for difficult to reach locations. Several areas of use of this echoendoscope are yet to be better defined, such as its potential for therapeutic and interventional procedures, as well as for natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery. The current report provides an updated overview of the available evidence for both diagnostic and interventional uses of the FV‐EUS.
Monitoring treatment response in patients undergoing chemoradiotherapy for locally advanced uterine cervical cancer by additional diffusion‐weighted imaging: A systematic review
Authors: Schreuder Sanne M. , Lensing Rutger , Stoker Jaap , Bipat Shandra
Published: October 2014

Purpose

To determine the role of diffusion‐weighted imaging (DWI) in evaluating response to chemoradiotherapy in patients with uterine cervical cancer.

Materials and Methods

A search was performed in MEDLINE and EMBASE from January 2005 to April 2014 using search terms related to uterine cervical cancer and magnetic resonance imaging. Two reviewers independently checked the studies for inclusion criteria, patient population, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) parameters and analysis, follow‐up for treatment response, apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values, and quality assessment.

Results

Nine studies with 231 patients were included. International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) staging varied from Ib1 to IVb and mean age from 42 to 67 years. When baseline and after treatment pooled mean ADC values were compared, complete responders showed higher increase (0.88 × 10−3 mm2/s to 1.50 × 10−3 mm2/s; Δ0.62 × 10−3 mm2/s) compared to partial responders (1.03 × 10−3 mm2/s to 1.42 × 10−3 mm2/s; Δ0.39 × 10−3 mm2/s) and to nonresponders (0.87 × 10−3 mm2/s to 1.18 × 10−3 mm2/s; Δ0.31 × 10−3 mm2/s). Individual studies also showed that an ADC of ≤0.31 was only seen in nonresponders and an increase of ADC of ≥0.62 was only seen in complete responders. The number of datasets for monitoring early response (at 2 or 4 weeks of therapy) were low and comparable increases in pooled mean ADC values between complete responders, partial responders, and nonresponders were seen. Data on quality assessment showed high risk of bias concerning patient selection, DWI evaluation, and flow and timing.

Conclusion

DWI can be used for monitoring treatment response after treatment, but not for the early response monitoring. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2015;42:572–594.
Effects of initial resources on the development of strains during a stressful training situation: Some counterintuitive results
Authors: Beehr Terry A. , Ragsdale Jennifer M. , Kochert Jonathan F.
Published: October 2014

Resource theories of occupational stress argue that employees' personal and environmental resources protect them from too much distress or strain during stressful work experiences. We examined four resources (emotional stability, previous experience, low drain on pre‐existing resources, and workgroup quality) available to soldiers at the beginning of a stressful 3‐month training experience as predictors of the trajectories of their strains over that period of time. Based on conservation of resources theory and the job demands–resources model, we predicted that the trends of strains would be more favorable (would increase more slowly or decline more quickly) if participants started the training with greater resources. The resources, primarily emotional stability and lack of pre‐existing resource drain, tended to be negatively related to strains, consistent with the idea that they can reduce strains. Significant interactions predicting trends were found predicting two of the three strains (post‐traumatic stress symptoms and depression, but not reports of physical health). Contrary to expectations, however, the three resources that significantly predicted trends over time (emotional stability, previous experience, and low pre‐existing resource drain) were associated with worsening rather than improving strains. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.