bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exercise training reduces high mobility group box-1 protein levels in women with breast cancer: findings from the DIANA-5 study
Authors: Giallauria Francesco , Gentile Marco , Chiodini Paolo , Berrino Franco , Mattiello Amalia , Maresca Luigi , Vitelli Alessandra , Mancini Maria , Grieco Alessandra , Russo Angelo , Lucci Rosa , Torella Giorgio , Panico Salvatore , Vigorito Carlo
Published: October 2015

Purpose: To determine whether exercise training might exert anti-inflammatory effect by reducing HMGB1 levels in women with breast cancer (BC). Methods: We analyzed monocentric data from the DIANA (DIET AND ANDROGENS)-5 PROJECT. Study population consisted of 94 patients randomized into two groups: 61 patients (53±8 yrs, training group) were assigned to a structured exercise training intervention (3 times/week for the first 3 months, and once /week for the following 9 months); whereas 33 patients (52±7 yrs, control group) followed only the general indications to adhere to the life-style intervention suggestions of the DIANA protocol. At study entry and after 12 months, all patients underwent cardiopulmonary exercise testing, biochemical assessment [HMGB1, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs- CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6)]; and lipid and glycemic profile. Results: There were no significant differences between groups in baseline clinical and inflammatory profile. Among the training group, only 19/61 patients had high adherence to the exercise intervention. After stratifying the study population according to the level of adhesion to the exercise intervention, 1-year HMGB1 levels were lower among patients more adherent to exercise (p for trend=0.001). Further adjusting for age, body mass index and baseline values, 1-year HMGB1 levels remained significantly and inversely associated to the level of adhesion to the exercise intervention (B=-0.97, SE=0.43, p=0.01). Conclusions: Moderate intensity exercise training in BC survivors is associated with reduced HMGB1 levels that are proportional to the level of adhesion to the exercise intervention, independently from other classical inflammatory molecules, suggesting an exercise-induced anti-inflammatory effect mediated by HMGB1.
Children’s perceptions of their right to quality healthcare in Uganda: Critical gaps in programme and policy development
Authors: Nankunda Hilda K.
Published: October 2015

In 1989, Article 24 of the Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) stipulated good quality healthcare, the best healthcare possible, as a human right for every child. This qualitative study in Uganda examined children’s awareness of and access to timely, quality healthcare as part of a broader study examining whether institutions established for children in Africa are raising awareness about children’s rights amongst children and engaging with children in decision-making and planning. To establish whether children possessed knowledge of their rights and could inform decisions at a community level. Using action research approaches, the team conducted focus group discussions (FGD), drawing, key informant interviews(KII), dialogue meetings (DM), and observations in one village in a rural and another in aperi-urban district, with 72 participants (21 children aged 10–15 and 51 adult stakeholders at community, district and national levels). Children were aware of their right to quality health services. In FGDs and drawing, children described their dissatisfaction with and difficulties in accessing healthcare services. These were confirmed with the adult stakeholders in the KIIs and DMs, the DMs also including children who presented their FGD results to community stakeholders. The findings suggested a lack of clear guidelines in schools or health facilities to support children needing medical attention. There was limited stakeholder capacity to involve children meaningfully in programme plans and decisions directly affecting them. Recommendations included the development of explicit policies with specific strong linkages between educational, health and other service institutions to promote, protect and respect children’s rights and also training to elicit children’s perspectives in decisions that affect them.
Compassion fatigue: Spiritual exhaustion and the cost of caring in the pastoral ministry. Towards a ‘pastoral diagnosis’ in caregiving
Authors: Louw Daniël
Published: October 2015

The pastoral ministry of caregiving inevitably implies a cost. The spiritual ethos in the Christian ministry implies a huge sacrifice. Dietrich Bonhoeffer (see footnote 9 in the article) described this ethos as ‘the cost of discipleship’. Very specifically in the case of unexpected and the so-called ‘undeserved modes of suffering’, the meaning framework of the caregiver is being interpenetrated, causing a kind of ‘depleted sense of being’. It is argued here that an appropriate diagnosis, and a description of the phenomenon of compassion fatigue, can help caregivers to better understand their sense of being depleted. Instead of leaving the pastoral ministry, this can help them to attend anew to their spiritual capacity. In this regard, a theology of compassion, framed by theopaschitic theology, can help pastors to become ‘healed’ in order to re-enter the pastoral ministry and regain a sense of parrhēsia.
Sea salt aerosols as a reactive surface for inorganic and organic acidic gases in the Arctic troposphere
Authors: Chi J. W. , Li W. J. , Zhang D. Z. , Zhang J. C. , Lin Y. T. , Shen X. J. , Sun J. Y. , Chen J. M. , Zhang X. Y. , Zhang Y. M. , Wang W. X.
Published: October 2015

Abstract. Sea salt aerosols (SSA) are dominant particles in the Arctic atmosphere and determine the polar radiative balance. SSA react with acidic pollutants that lead to changes in physical and chemical properties of their surface, which in turn alter their hygroscopic and optical properties. Transmission electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometry was used to analyze morphology, composition, size, and mixing state of individual SSA at Ny-Ålesund, Svalbard, in summertime. Individual fresh SSA contained cubic NaCl coated by certain amounts of MgCl2 and CaSO4. Individual partially aged SSA contained irregular NaCl coated by a mixture of NaNO3, Na2SO4, Mg(NO3)2, and MgSO4. The comparison suggests the hydrophilic MgCl2 coating in fresh SSA likely intrigued the heterogeneous reactions at the beginning of SSA and acidic gases. Individual fully aged SSA normally had Na2SO4 cores and an amorphous coating of NaNO3. Elemental mappings of individual SSA particles revealed that as the particles ageing Cl gradually decreased, the C, N, O, and S content increased. 12C- mapping from nanoscale secondary ion mass spectrometry indicates that organic matter increased in the aged SSA compared with the fresh SSA. 12C- line scan further shows that organic matter was mainly concentrated on the aged SSA surface. These new findings indicate that this mixture of organic matter and NaNO3 on particle surfaces likely determines their hygroscopic and optical properties. These abundant SSA as reactive surfaces adsorbing inorganic and organic acidic gases can shorten acidic gas lifetime and influence the possible gaseous reactions in the Arctic atmosphere, which need to be incorporated into atmospheric chemical models in the Arctic troposphere.
Comparison of nitric oxide measurements in the mesosphere and lower thermosphere from ACE-FTS, MIPAS, SCIAMACHY, and SMR
Authors: Bender S. , Sinnhuber M. , von Clarmann T. , Stiller G. , Funke B. , López-Puertas M. , Urban J. , Pérot K. , Walker K. A. , Burrows J. P.
Published: October 2015

Abstract. We compare the nitric oxide measurements in the mesosphere and lower thermosphere (60 to 150 km) from four instruments: the Atmospheric Chemistry Experiment–Fourier Transform Spectrometer (ACE-FTS), the Michelson Interferometer for Passive Atmospheric Sounding (MIPAS), the SCanning Imaging Absorption spectroMeter for Atmospheric CHartographY (SCIAMACHY), and the Sub-Millimetre Radiometer (SMR). We use the daily zonal mean data in that altitude range for the years 2004–2010 (ACE-FTS), 2005–2012 (MIPAS), 2008–2012 (SCIAMACHY), and 2003–2012 (SMR). We first compare the data qualitatively with respect to the morphology, focussing on the major features, and then compare the time series directly and quantitatively. In three geographical regions, we compare the vertical density profiles on coincident measurement days. Since none of the instruments delivers continuous daily measurements in this altitude region, we carried out a multi-linear regression analysis. This regression analysis considers annual and semi-annual variability in the form of harmonic terms and inter-annual variability by responding linearly to the solar Lyman-α radiation index and the geomagnetic Kp index. This analysis helps to find similarities and differences in the individual data sets with respect to the inter-annual variations caused by geomagnetic and solar variability. We find that the data sets are consistent and that they only disagree on minor aspects. SMR and ACE-FTS deliver the longest time series in the mesosphere, and they agree with each other remarkably well. The shorter time series from MIPAS and SCIAMACHY also agree with them where they overlap. The data agree within 30 % when the number densities are large, but they can differ by 50 to 100 % in some cases.
A global satellite-assisted precipitation climatology
Authors: Funk C. , Verdin A. , Michaelsen J. , Peterson P. , Pedreros D. , Husak G.
Published: October 2015

Abstract. Accurate representations of mean climate conditions, especially in areas of complex terrain, are an important part of environmental monitoring systems. As high-resolution satellite monitoring information accumulates with the passage of time, it can be increasingly useful in efforts to better characterize the earth's mean climatology. Current state-of-the-science products rely on complex and sometimes unreliable relationships between elevation and station-based precipitation records, which can result in poor performance in food and water insecure regions with sparse observation networks. These vulnerable areas (like Ethiopia, Afghanistan, or Haiti) are often the critical regions for humanitarian drought monitoring. Here, we show that long period of record geo-synchronous and polar-orbiting satellite observations provide a unique new resource for producing high-resolution (0.05°) global precipitation climatologies that perform reasonably well in data-sparse regions. Traditionally, global climatologies have been produced by combining station observations and physiographic predictors like latitude, longitude, elevation, and slope. While such approaches can work well, especially in areas with reasonably dense observation networks, the fundamental relationship between physiographic variables and the target climate variables can often be indirect and spatially complex. Infrared and microwave satellite observations, on the other hand, directly monitor the earth's energy emissions. These emissions often correspond physically with the location and intensity of precipitation. We show that these relationships provide a good basis for building global climatologies. We also introduce a new geospatial modeling approach based on moving window regressions and inverse distance weighting interpolation. This approach combines satellite fields, gridded physiographic indicators, and in situ climate normals. The resulting global 0.05° monthly precipitation climatology, the Climate Hazards Group's Precipitation Climatology version 1 (CHPclim v.1.0, doi:10.15780/G2159X), is shown to compare favorably with similar global climatology products, especially in areas with complex terrain and low station densities.
Risk Anomaly: A Review of Literature
Authors: Joshipura Mayank , Joshipura Nehal
Published: October 2015

Number of studies show that portfolio of low risk stocks outperform portfolio of high risk stocks as well as the market portfolio over the full market cycle on risk adjusted basis and in some cases, absolute basis as well in some cases. This surprising contradiction to classic finance theory led by CAPM has held its ground over long periods of time, across different markets and different methodological choices. This review paper aims at contributing to the body of knowledge in four ways. One, it highlights and links different strands of literature on low risk anomaly that has evolved over a period of time. Second, it highlights, different methodological choices that have been used. Third, it classifies explanations for persistence of risk anomaly in to economic and behavioral explanations and explanations that try to explain the anomaly away. Fourth, it reviews the state of current research and explores potential but yet underexplored areas of research on risk anomaly.
Validation experiments on finite element models of an ostrich (Struthio camelus) cranium
Authors: Cuff Andrew R. , Bright Jen A. , Rayfield Emily J.
Published: October 2015

The first finite element (FE) validation of a complete avian cranium was performed on an extant palaeognath, the ostrich (Struthio camelus).Ex-vivostrains were collected from the cranial bone and rhamphotheca. These experimental strains were then compared to convergence tested, specimen-specific finite element (FE) models. The FE models contained segmented cortical and trabecular bone, sutures and the keratinous rhamphotheca as identified from micro-CT scan data. Each of these individual materials was assigned isotropic material properties either from the literature or from nanoindentation, and the FE models compared to theex-vivoresults. The FE models generally replicate the location of peak strains and reflect the correct mode of deformation in the rostral region. The models are too stiff in regions of experimentally recorded high strain and too elastic in regions of low experimentally recorded low strain. The mode of deformation in the low strain neurocranial region is not replicated by the FE models, and although the models replicate strain orientations to within 10° in some regions, in most regions the correlation is not strong. Cranial sutures, as has previously been found in other taxa, are important for modifying both strain magnitude and strain patterns across the entire skull, but especially between opposing the sutural junctions. Experimentally, we find that the strains on the surface of the rhamphotheca are much lower than those found on nearby bone. The FE models produce much higher principal strains despite similar strain ratios across the entirety of the rhamphotheca. This study emphasises the importance of attempting to validate FE models, modelling sutures and rhamphothecae in birds, and shows that whilst location of peak strain and patterns of deformation can be modelled, replicating experimental data in digital models of avian crania remains problematic.
Antityrosinase activity ofEuphorbia characiasextracts
Authors: Pintus Francesca , Spanò Delia , Corona Angela , Medda Rosaria
Published: October 2015

Tyrosinase is a well-known key enzyme in melanin biosynthesis and its inhibitors have become increasingly important because of their potential use as hypopigmenting agents. In the present study, the anti-melanogenic effect of aqueous and ethanolic extracts fromEuphorbia characiasleaves, stems, and flowers in cell-free and cellular systems was examined. All the extracts showed inhibitory effects against mushroom tyrosinase with leaf extracts exhibiting the lowest IC50values of 24 and 97 µg/mL for aqueous and ethanolic extracts respectively. Enzyme kinetic analysis indicated that leaf aqueous extract acts as a mixed type inhibitor, while ethanolic extract shows a competitive inhibition effect on mushroom tyrosinase using L-DOPA as substrate. In addition, the inhibitory effect of leaf extracts on tyrosinase activity and melanin production was examined in murine melanoma B16F10 cells. Cellular tyrosinase activity as well as levels of melanin synthesis are reduced in a dose-dependent manner by extracts in cells treated withα-melanocyte stimulating hormone (α-MSH). The effects are comparable, and sometimes even better, than that of kojic acid, a well known tyrosinase inhibitor used for reference. All these results suggest thatE. characiascould be a great source of the natural inhibitors from tyrosinase and has the potential to be used as a whitening agent in therapeutic fields.
New Look for AGU Website
Authors: Treby Jill
Published: October 2015

You will notice some changes when you visit the AGU website this week. AGU.org has a modern look that is consistent with the Fall Meeting and other AGU meeting websites. Content is easier to find because of new features, including the following:
The 2014–2015 eruption of Fogo volcano: Geodetic modeling of Sentinel‐1 TOPS interferometry
Authors: González Pablo J. , Bagnardi Marco , Hooper Andrew J. , Larsen Yngvar , Marinkovic Petar , Samsonov Sergey V. , Wright Tim J.
Published: October 2015

After 20 years of quiescence, Fogo volcano erupted in November 2014. The eruption produced fast‐moving lava flows that traveled for several kilometers and destroyed two villages. This event represents the first episode of significant surface deformation imaged by the new European Space Agency's Sentinel‐1 satellite in its standard acquisition mode, Terrain Observation by Progressive Scans (TOPS), which differs from that of previous synthetic aperture radar (SAR) missions. We perform a Bayesian inversion of Sentinel‐1 TOPS SAR interferograms spanning the eruption and accurately account for variations in the TOPS line‐of‐sight vector when modeling displacements. Our results show that magma ascended beneath the Pico do Fogo cone and then moved laterally toward its southwestern flank, where the eruptive fissure opened. This study provides important insights into the inner workings of Fogo volcano and shows the potential of Sentinel‐1 TOPS interferometry for geophysical (e.g., volcano monitoring) applications.
Consistent decrease in North Atlantic Tropical Cyclone frequency following major volcanic eruptions in the last three centuries
Authors: Guevara‐Murua A. , Hendy E. J. , Rust A. C. , Cashman K. V.
Published: October 2015

Injection of sulphate aerosols into the stratosphere following major volcanic eruptions alters global climate through the absorption and scattering of solar radiation. One proposed consequence is a decrease in North Atlantic Tropical Cyclone (TC) activity, as was observed following the El Chichón (1982) and Mount Pinatubo (1991) eruptions. We test this relationship using documentary and proxy reconstructions of major volcanic eruptions and TC frequency in the North Atlantic basin over the last three centuries. We find a consistent reduction in the number of TCs formed during the 3 years following major eruptions compared to the preceding 3 years, including after eruptions located at northern high latitudes. Our findings suggest that low‐latitude eruptions reduce Atlantic TC frequency by decreasing local sea surface temperatures, whereas the mechanisms for the decrease in TC frequency following high‐latitude eruptions are less clear and attribution is hampered by poor identification of these events.
Crossing sea state and rogue wave probability during the Prestige accident
Authors: Trulsen Karsten , Nieto Borge José Carlos , Gramstad Odin , Aouf Lotfi , Lefèvre Jean–Michel
Published: October 2015

We discuss the crossing sea state and the probability of rogue waves during the accident of the tanker Prestige on 13 November 2002. We present newly computed hindcast spectra for every hour during that day at nearby locations, showing the development of a bimodal sea state with two wave systems crossing at nearly right angle. We employ four different nonlinear models capable of computing the phase‐resolved sea surface from the hindcast spectra, allowing us to estimate statistics for the occurrence of rogue waves. At the location and moment of the accident, the models give expected values for the kurtosis κ = 3.0119 ± 0.0078. The models coincide that the maximum crest elevation was about 5–6% larger than the expected maximum crest elevation in a Gaussian sea at the moment of the accident. We also conclude that the possible nonlinear interaction between the two crossing wave systems practically did not modify neither the kurtosis nor the largest crest elevation.
The Mesoscale Heavy Rainfall Observing System (MHROS) over the middle region of the Yangtze River in China
Authors: Cui Chunguang , Wan Rong , Wang Bin , Dong Xiquan , Li Hongli , Wang Xiaokang , Xu Guirong , Wang Xiaofang , Wang Yehong , Xiao Yanjiao , Zhou Zhimin , Fu Zhikang , Wan Xia , Zhang Wengang , Peng Tao , Leng Liang , Stenz Ronald , Wang Junchao
Published: October 2015

The Mesoscale Heavy Rainfall Observing System (MHROS), supported by the Institute of Heavy Rain (IHR), Chinese Meteorology Administration, is one of the major systems to observe mesoscale convective systems (MCSs) over the middle region of the Yangtze River in China. The IHR MHROS consists of mobile C‐POL and X‐POL precipitation radars, millimeter wavelength cloud radar, fixed S‐band precipitation radars, GPS network, microwave radiometers, radio soundings, wind profiler radars, and disdrometers. The atmospheric variables observed or retrieved by these instruments include the profiles of atmospheric temperature, moisture, wind speed and direction, vertical structures of MCS clouds and precipitation, atmospheric water vapor, and cloud liquid water. These quality‐controlled observations and retrievals have been used in mesoscale numerical weather prediction to improve the accuracy of weather forecasting and MCS research since 2007. These long‐term observations have provided the most comprehensive data sets for researchers to investigate the formation‐dissipation processes of MCSs and for modelers to improve their simulations of MCSs. As the first paper of a series, we briefly introduce the IHR MHROS and describe the specifications of its major instruments. Then, we provide an integrative analysis of the IHR MHROS observations for a heavy rain case on 3–5 July 2014 as well as the application of IHR MHROS observations in improving the model simulations. In a series of papers, we will tentatively answer several key scientific questions related to the MCS and Meiyu frontal systems over the middle region of the Yangtze River using the IHR MHROS observations.
Evaluating a new homogeneous total ozone climate data record from GOME/ERS‐2, SCIAMACHY/Envisat, and GOME‐2/MetOp‐A
Authors: Koukouli M. E. , Lerot C. , Granville J. , Goutail F. , Lambert J.‐C. , Pommereau J.‐P. , Balis D. , Zyrichidou I. , Van Roozendael M. , Coldewey‐Egbers M. , Loyola D. , Labow G. , Frith S. , Spurr R. , Zehner C.
Published: October 2015

The European Space Agency's Ozone Climate Change Initiative (O3‐CCI) project aims at producing and validating a number of high‐quality ozone data products generated from different satellite sensors. For total ozone, the O3‐CCI approach consists of minimizing sources of bias and systematic uncertainties by applying a common retrieval algorithm to all level 1 data sets, in order to enhance the consistency between the level 2 data sets from individual sensors. Here we present the evaluation of the total ozone products from the European sensors Global Ozone Monitoring Experiment (GOME)/ERS‐2, SCIAMACHY/Envisat, and GOME‐2/MetOp‐A produced with the GOME‐type Direct FITting (GODFIT) algorithm v3. Measurements from the three sensors span more than 16 years, from 1996 to 2012. In this work, we present the latest O3‐CCI total ozone validation results using as reference ground‐based measurements from Brewer and Dobson spectrophotometers archived at the World Ozone and UV Data Centre of the World Meteorological Organization as well as from UV‐visible differential optical absorption spectroscopy (DOAS)/Système D′Analyse par Observations Zénithales (SAOZ) instruments from the Network for the Detection of Atmospheric Composition Change. In particular, we investigate possible dependencies in these new GODFIT v3 total ozone data sets with respect to latitude, season, solar zenith angle, and different cloud parameters, using the most adequate type of ground‐based instrument. We show that these three O3‐CCI total ozone data products behave very similarly and are less sensitive to instrumental degradation, mainly as a result of the new reflectance soft‐calibration scheme. The mean bias to the ground‐based observations is found to be within the 1 ± 1% level for all three sensors while the near‐zero decadal stability of the total ozone columns (TOCs) provided by the three European instruments falls well within the 1–3% requirement of the European Space Agency's Ozone Climate Change Initiative project.
Confidence and Eyewitness Identifications: The Cross‐Race Effect, Decision Time and Accuracy
Authors: Dodson Chad S. , Dobolyi David G.
Published: October 2015

Participants encountered same‐race and cross‐race faces at encoding, completed a series of line‐up identification tests and provided confidence ratings by using one of nine different confidence scales. Confidence was less well calibrated with identification accuracy when participants selected a cross‐race than a same‐race face because of overconfidence. By contrast, there was no cross‐race effect on confidence–accuracy calibration when participants responded ‘not present’. Whereas confidence was a very strong predictor of accuracy for fast identifications of a line‐up face, this was much less the case for slower decisions. Highly confident identifications showed a dramatic drop in accuracy from faster decisions to slower decisions, whereas there was little change in accuracy between faster and slower decisions for moderately confident or weakly confident identifications. Finally, we observed little influence of the format of the nine different confidence scales: numerical and verbal scales produced comparable calibration scores, as did scales with few or many points. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Outcome Knowledge and Under‐reporting of Safety Concerns in Aviation
Authors: Gilbey Andrew , Tani Kawtar , Tsui Wai Hong Kan
Published: October 2015

High‐risk industries may learn from accidents, incidents and unsafe behaviours if they are reported and investigated. Despite this, significant under‐reporting of safety concerns occurs. One possible explanation is that because concerns cannot always be reported immediately, the outcome of the concern may influence whether reports are made. In Study 1, participants judged six vignettes in which unsafe acts were described: bad outcomes were judged as more likely to be reported than identical acts with innocuous outcomes. Informing participants that luck may determine whether an outcome is innocuous or bad could increase the reporting of unsafe acts with innocuous outcomes. Although implicit prompts did not increase the likelihood of reporting innocuous outcomes (Study 2), there was evidence that explicit prompts to report safety issues with innocuous outcomes increased the likelihood of reporting. Suggestions for further research and a means to reduce the effect of outcome bias on under‐reporting are presented. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Morphologically Controlled Bioinspired Dopamine‐Polypyrrole Nanostructures with Tunable Electrical Properties
Authors: Zhang Wei , Zhou Yikang , Feng Kun , Trinidad Josh , Yu Aiping , Zhao Boxin
Published: October 2015

In order to develop functional nanostructures with controllable size, composition, morphology, and interface, a series of dopamine (DA) modified polypyrrole (PPy) nanostructures that have tunable electrical conductivity and improved water dispersibility are prepared. The DA‐PPy nanostructures exhibit various morphologies, including nanosphere, nanofiber, nanorod, and nanoflake; and all of these nanostructures can be achieved by simply varying the DA/Py reacting mole ratio. Furthermore, the potential application of each as‐fabricated DA‐PPy, which depend on their tunable electrical properties, are explored. In particular, DA‐PPy resulting from a 0.032 dopamine/pyrrole (DA/Py) mole ratio demonstrate superior capacitance for supercapacitors; at DA/Py = 0.064, DA‐PPy can be implemented as a co‐filler into the epoxy network to prepare hybrid electrically conductive adhesives and DA‐PPy synthesized from 0.64 DA/Py mole ratio reveals impressive electromagnetic microwave absorption ability that can be used for electromagnetic interference shielding applications. Due to the synergetic effects of DA and electrically conductive polymer PPy, this one‐step procedure represents a promising protocol to control the syntheses and properties of nanomaterials for applications in advanced electronic devices.
Binary Indium–Zinc Oxide Photoanodes for Efficient Dye‐Sensitized Solar Cells
Authors: Kunzmann Andreas , Stanzel Melanie , Peukert Wolfgang , Costa Rubén D. , Guldi Dirk M.
Published: October 2015

The benefits of incorporating binary metal‐oxide electrodes en route toward efficient dye‐sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) have recently emerged. The current work aims at realizing efficient indium‐doped zinc oxide based DSSCs by means of enhancing charge transport processes and reducing recombination rates. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopic assays corroborate that low amounts of indium reduce charge transport resistances and increase electron recombination resistances. The latter are in concert with a remarkable enhancement of the charge collection efficiency from 33% to 83% for devices with ZnO and In15Zn85O photoanodes, respectively. Going beyond 15 mol% of indium, an effective electron trapping increases the charge transport resistance and, in turn, dramatically reduces charge collection efficiency. Upon implementing In15Zn85O into an electron cascade photoanode architecture featuring an In15Zn85O bottom layer and a ZnO top layer, a device efficiency of 5.77% and a significantly high current density of 20.4 mA cm−2 in binary ZnO DSSCs are achieved.
The early colonial atlantic world: New insights on the African Diaspora from isotopic and ancient DNA analyses of a multiethnic 15th–17th century burial population from the Canary Islands, Spain
Authors: Santana Jonathan , Fregel Rosa , Lightfoot Emma , Morales Jacob , Alamón Martha , Guillén José , Moreno Marco , Rodríguez Amelia
Published: October 2015

Objectives

The Canary Islands are considered one of the first places where Atlantic slave plantations with labourers of African origin were established, during the 15th century AD. In Gran Canaria (Canary Islands, Spain), a unique cemetery dated to the 15th and 17th centuries was discovered adjacent to an ancient sugar plantation with funerary practices that could be related to enslaved people. In this article, we investigate the origin and possible birthplace of each individual buried in this cemetery, as well as the identity and social status of these people.

Materials and Methods

The sample consists of 14 individuals radiocarbon dated to the 15th and 17th centuries AD. We have employed several methods, including the analysis of ancient human DNA, stable isotopes, and skeletal markers of physical activity.

Results

1) the funerary practices indicate a set of rituals not previously recorded in the Canary Islands; 2) genetic data show that some people buried in the cemetery could have North–African and sub‐Saharan African lineages; 3) isotopic results suggest that some individuals were born outside Gran Canaria; and 4) markers of physical activity show a pattern of labour involving high levels of effort.

Discussion

This set of evidence, along with information from historical sources, suggests that Finca Clavijo was a cemetery for a multiethnic marginalized population that had being likely enslaved. Results also indicate that this population kept practicing non‐Christian rituals well into the 17th century. We propose that this was possible because the location of the Canaries, far from mainland Spain and the control of the Spanish Crown, allowed the emergence of a new society with multicultural origins that was more tolerant to foreign rituals and syncretism. Am J Phys Anthropol 159:300–312, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Functional Comorbidity Index in chronic rhinosinusitis
Authors: Levine Corinna G. , Davis Greg E. , Weaver Edward M.
Published: October 2015

Background

The Functional Comorbidity Index is a promising tool to predict general health status and adjust for comorbidity confounding in outcomes studies of chronic conditions, but it has been tested as a predictor of general health status only in a sleep apnea cohort. We tested it in a chronic rhinosinusitis cohort with 2 objectives: (1) measure the association between the Functional Comorbidity Index (range, 0 to 18) and general health status (SF‐36 Physical Component Score and Mental Component Score); and (2) test if the Functional Comorbidity Index is more strongly associated (a better predictor) than the well‐known Charlson Comorbidity Index (range, 0 to 37) with these SF‐36 outcome measures.

Methods

In a cross‐sectional study of chronic rhinosinusitis patients, we obtained scores for the Functional Comorbidity Index, Charlson Comorbidity Index, and the SF‐36. We calculated Spearman correlations and adjusted coefficients of determination (R2) using multiple linear regression, adjusted for demographic covariates. Bootstrapping generated R2 distributions for statistical comparison.

Results

In the cohort (N = 97), the Functional Comorbidity Index scores (mean ± standard deviation: 2.2 ± 1.9) were more widely distributed than Charlson Comorbidity Index scores (0.6 ± 1.2). The Functional Comorbidity Index significantly correlated with the SF‐36 Physical Component Score (−0.49, p < 0.001) and Mental Component Score (−0.37, p < 0.001). The Functional Comorbidity Index was a better predictor than the Charlson Comorbidity Index of SF‐36 Physical Component Score (R2 mean ± standard error: 0.21 ± 0.09 vs 0.15 ± 0.05; p < 0.001) and Mental Component Score (0.16 ± 0.10 vs 0.01 ± 0.06; p < 0.001).

Conclusion

The Functional Comorbidity Index is a more robust predictor of general health status than the Charlson Comorbidity Index in chronic rhinosinusitis patients.
Fluorescence Imaging In Vivo at Wavelengths beyond 1500 nm
Authors: Diao Shuo , Blackburn Jeffrey L. , Hong Guosong , Antaris Alexander L. , Chang Junlei , Wu Justin Z. , Zhang Bo , Cheng Kai , Kuo Calvin J. , Dai Hongjie
Published: October 2015

Compared to imaging in the visible and near‐infrared regions below 900 nm, imaging in the second near‐infrared window (NIR‐II, 1000–1700 nm) is a promising method for deep‐tissue high‐resolution optical imaging in vivo mainly owing to the reduced scattering of photons traversing through biological tissues. Herein, semiconducting single‐walled carbon nanotubes with large diameters were used for in vivo fluorescence imaging in the long‐wavelength NIR region (1500–1700 nm, NIR‐IIb). With this imaging agent, 3–4 μm wide capillary blood vessels at a depth of about 3 mm could be resolved. Meanwhile, the blood‐flow speeds in multiple individual vessels could be mapped simultaneously. Furthermore, NIR‐IIb tumor imaging of a live mouse was explored. NIR‐IIb imaging can be generalized to a wide range of fluorophores emitting at up to 1700 nm for high‐performance in vivo optical imaging.
Hydrogen Peroxide and Di(hydroperoxy)propane Adducts of Phosphine Oxides as Stoichiometric and Soluble Oxidizing Agents
Authors: Ahn Shin Hye , Cluff Kyle J. , Bhuvanesh Nattamai , Blümel Janet
Published: October 2015

Aqueous hydrogen peroxide is widely used as an oxidizing agent in industry and academia. Herein, the hydrogen peroxide adducts of phosphine oxides, [tBu3PO⋅H2O2]2 and [Ph3PO⋅H2O2]2⋅H2O2, are described. Additionally, the corresponding di(hydroperoxy)propane adducts R3PO⋅(HOO)2CMe2 (R=Cy, Ph) were synthesized and characterized. All adducts could be obtained as large single crystals suitable for structural characterization by X‐ray crystallography and solid‐state NMR spectroscopy. The di(hydroperoxy)propane adducts are soluble in organic solvents which enables oxidation reactions in one phase. As the adducts are solid and molecular, they can easily be applied stoichiometrically. No loss of oxidizing power occurs upon long‐term storage of the single crystals at room temperature or the powders at −20 °C.
[Ni(cod)2][Al(ORF)4], a Source for Naked Nickel(I) Chemistry
Authors: Schwab Miriam M. , Himmel Daniel , Kacprzak Sylwia , Kratzert Daniel , Radtke Valentin , Weis Philippe , Ray Kallol , Scheidt Ernst‐Wilhelm , Scherer Wolfgang , de Bruin Bas , Weber Stefan , Krossing Ingo
Published: October 2015

The straightforward synthesis of the cationic, purely organometallic NiI salt [Ni(cod)2]+[Al(ORF)4]− was realized through a reaction between [Ni(cod)2] and Ag[Al(ORF)4] (cod=1,5‐cyclooctadiene). Crystal‐structure analysis and EPR, XANES, and cyclic voltammetry studies confirmed the presence of a homoleptic NiI olefin complex. Weak interactions between the metal center, the ligands, and the anion provide a good starting material for further cationic NiI complexes.
Ultraviolet Absorption Induces Hydrogen‐Atom Transfer in G⋅C Watson–Crick DNA Base Pairs in Solution
Authors: Röttger Katharina , Marroux Hugo J. B. , Grubb Michael P. , Coulter Philip M. , Böhnke Hendrik , Henderson Alexander S. , Galan M. Carmen , Temps Friedrich , Orr‐Ewing Andrew J. , Roberts Gareth M.
Published: October 2015

Ultrafast deactivation pathways bestow photostability on nucleobases and hence preserve the structural integrity of DNA following absorption of ultraviolet (UV) radiation. One controversial recovery mechanism proposed to account for this photostability involves electron‐driven proton transfer (EDPT) in Watson–Crick base pairs. The first direct observation is reported of the EDPT process after UV excitation of individual guanine–cytosine (G⋅C) Watson–Crick base pairs by ultrafast time‐resolved UV/visible and mid‐infrared spectroscopy. The formation of an intermediate biradical species (G[−H]⋅C[+H]) with a lifetime of 2.9 ps was tracked. The majority of these biradicals return to the original G⋅C Watson–Crick pairs, but up to 10 % of the initially excited molecules instead form a stable photoproduct G*⋅C* that has undergone double hydrogen‐atom transfer. The observation of these sequential EDPT mechanisms across intermolecular hydrogen bonds confirms an important and long debated pathway for the deactivation of photoexcited base pairs, with possible implications for the UV photochemistry of DNA.
A Mechanically Actuating Carbon‐Nanotube Fiber in Response to Water and Moisture
Authors: He Sisi , Chen Peining , Qiu Longbin , Wang Bingjie , Sun Xuemei , Xu Yifan , Peng Huisheng
Published: October 2015

A new family of hierarchically helical carbon‐nanotube fibers with many nano‐ and micro‐scale channels has been synthesized. They demonstrate remarkable mechanical actuations in response to water and moisture. The water or moisture is first rapidly transported through the trunk micron‐scale channels and then efficiently infiltrates into the interconnected capillary nanoscale channels, similar to the blood flow in our body. Therefore, rapid and large contraction and rotation of the fiber occurs with a high reversibility. These mechanically actuating fibers are promising for various applications, and smart windows and louvers have been investigated as two demonstrations.
Optimization of TRPV6 Calcium Channel Inhibitors Using a 3D Ligand‐Based Virtual Screening Method
Authors: Simonin Céline , Awale Mahendra , Brand Michael , van Deursen Ruud , Schwartz Julian , Fine Michael , Kovacs Gergely , Häfliger Pascal , Gyimesi Gergely , Sithampari Abilashan , Charles Roch‐Philippe , Hediger Matthias A. , Reymond Jean‐Louis
Published: October 2015

Herein, we report the discovery of the first potent and selective inhibitor of TRPV6, a calcium channel overexpressed in breast and prostate cancer, and its use to test the effect of blocking TRPV6‐mediated Ca2+‐influx on cell growth. The inhibitor was discovered through a computational method, xLOS, a 3D‐shape and pharmacophore similarity algorithm, a type of ligand‐based virtual screening (LBVS) method described briefly here. Starting with a single weakly active seed molecule, two successive rounds of LBVS followed by optimization by chemical synthesis led to a selective molecule with 0.3 μM inhibition of TRPV6. The ability of xLOS to identify different scaffolds early in LBVS was essential to success. The xLOS method may be generally useful to develop tool compounds for poorly characterized targets.
Dirigent Proteins from Cotton (Gossypium sp.) for the Atropselective Synthesis of Gossypol
Authors: Effenberger Isabelle , Zhang Bin , Li Ling , Wang Qiang , Liu Yuxiu , Klaiber Iris , Pfannstiel Jens , Wang Qingmin , Schaller Andreas
Published: October 2015

Gossypol is a defense compound in cotton plants for protection against pests and pathogens. Gossypol biosynthesis involves the oxidative coupling of hemigossypol and results in two atropisomers owing to hindered rotation around the central binaphthyl bond. (+)‐Gossypol predominates in vivo, thus suggesting stereochemically controlled biosynthesis. The aim was to identify the factors mediating (+)‐gossypol formation in cotton and to investigate their potential for asymmetric biaryl synthesis. A dirigent protein from Gossypium hirsutum (GhDIR4) was found to confer atropselectivity to the coupling of hemigossypol in presence of laccase and O2 as an oxidizing agent. (+)‐Gossypol was obtained in greater than 80 % enantiomeric excess compared to racemic gossypol in the absence of GhDIR4. The identification of GhDIR4 highlights a broader role for DIRs in plant secondary metabolism and may eventually lead to the development of DIRs as tools for the synthesis of axially chiral binaphthyls.
Change is an Ongoing Ethical Event: Levinas, Bakhtin and the Dialogical Dynamics of Becoming
Authors: Bøe Tore Dag , Kristoffersen Kjell , Lidbom Per Arne , Lindvig Gunnhild Ruud , Seikkula Jaakko , Ulland Dagfinn , Zachariassen Karianne
Published: October 2015

In this article, we use the intersubjective ethics of Bakhtin and Levinas and a case illustration to explore change in therapy as an ethical phenomenon. We follow Lakoff and Johnson in their emphasis on the way our conceptions of change seem permeated by metaphors. Bakhtin and Levinas both suggest through a language in which metaphors play a crucial role, that human existence—the consciousness and the subject—emerge within the dialogue of the encounter. They both describe the dynamics of human existence as ethical in their origin. Following this, we argue that change may be seen as an ongoing ethical event and that the dynamics of change are found in the ways we constantly become in this event. We investigate the ethical dynamics of this ongoing event through three themes illuminating the contributions of both Bakhtin and Levinas: (1) we become as responsible, (2) we become in speaking, (3) we become in answering the unknown. We explore these themes through a case illustration. Finally, we briefly point out some possible implications for mental health practice.
Mechanical performance and flame retardancy of polypropylene composites containing zeolite and multiwalled carbon nanotubes
Authors: Zhao Qing , Hu Yanhong , Wang Xingyi
Published: October 2015

Intumescent‐flame‐retarded polypropylene (PP‐IFR) composites were prepared by the incorporation of methyl hydrogen siloxane treated ammonium polyphosphate and dipentaerythritol in a twin‐screw extruder. The effects of zeolite (Z), multiwalled carbon nanotubes (CNTs), and maleic anhydride grafted polypropylene on the flame retardancy, mechanical properties, and thermal stability of PP‐IFR were investigated. The addition of Z and CNT promoted the flame retardancy of PP‐IFR, and the highest limited oxygen index was 35.6%, obtained on PP‐M‐IFR‐2–Z, for which the heat‐release rate, total heat release, and smoke production rate based on cone calorimetry analyses decreased by 45.0, 51.0, and 66.3%, respectively, in comparison with those values of the PP‐IFR composites. Additionally, scanning electron microscopy analyses showed that there was a good interface interaction between the polypropylene matrix and additives. The flexural, tensile, and impact strengths of the PP‐IFR composites were improved significantly with the incorporation of CNT. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016, 133, 42875.
Hyperbranched polyglycerol/poly(acrylic acid) hydrogel for the efficient removal of methyl violet from aqueous solutions
Authors: Ying Hao , He Guijin , Zhang Lifeng , Lei Qunfang , Guo Yongsheng , Fang Wenjun
Published: October 2015

Hydrogels were synthesized from hyperbranched polyglycerol (HPG) and acrylic acid through free‐radical polymerization with HPG as the crosslinker. The HPG/poly(acrylic acid) (PAA) hydrogel could absorb cationic dyes in aqueous solutions because of the existence of a porous structure and the large numbers of hydroxyl and carboxylic groups. With methyl violet chosen as a model compound, the HPG/PAA hydrogel reached a maximum adsorption of 394.12 mg/g at a feed concentration of 1 g/L. The highest removal ratio of 98.33% was observed at a feed concentration of 50 mg/L. The effects of the pH, contact time, and feed concentration on the dye adsorption were investigated. The dye adsorption data fit well with the pseudo‐second‐order and Langmuir models. We believe that the HPG/PAA hydrogels could perform well in appropriate applications in the removal of cationic dyes from aqueous solutions because of their high adsorption capacity and environmental friendliness. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016, 133, 42951.
A CADHERIN‐LIKE PROTEIN FROM THE BEET ARMYWORM Spodoptera exigua (LEPIDOPTERA: NOCTUIDAE) IS A PUTATIVE Cry1Ac RECEPTOR
Authors: Chen Rui‐Rui , Ren Xiang‐Liang , Han Zhao‐Jun , Mu Li‐Li , Li Guo‐Qing , Ma Yan , Cui Jin‐Jie
Published: October 2015

In S. exigua, ingestion of Cry1Ac reduces larval growth, shortens lifespan, and decreases copulation and oviposition of the adults. Cadherin‐like protein SeCad1b in S. exigua has recently been published. Here, we tested whether SeCad1b mediates the negative effects of Cry1Ac. We identified three potential Cry toxin binding regions in SeCad1b, i.e., 879EIAIQITDTNN889, 1357SLLTVTI1363, and 1436GVISLNFQ1443. We expressed and purified a truncated cadherin, rSeCad1bp, and its interspecific homologue, rHaBtRp, from H. armigera that contain the putative toxin binding regions. Using a toxin overlay assay, we found that rSeCad1bp specifically binds to biotinylated Cry1Ac in a dose‐dependent manner. We also discovered that an addition of rSeCad1bp and rHaBtRp enhances the suppression of larval growth by Cry1Ac, although rSeCad1bp is less suppressive than rHaBtRp. Finally, RNA interference‐mediated knockdown of SeCad1b reduced approximately 80% of the target gene and significantly alleviated the negative effect of CrylAc on larval growth. We infer that the  S. exigua SeCad1b is a functional receptor of Cry1Ac.
Lessons from developmental biology for regenerative medicine
Authors: Turner Neill J. , Keane Timothy J. , Badylak Stephen F.
Published: October 2015

The ultimate goal of regenerative medicine is the functional restoration of lost or damaged tissues and organs. Since most tissues in man lack true regenerative properties and instead respond to injury with an inflammatory response and scar tissue formation, regenerative medicine strategies that include combinations of cells, scaffolds, and bioactive molecules to replace injured or missing tissues have been developed. The physical, chemical, and electrical cues that define the microenvironmental niche and the effect of these influences upon cell behavior during development are of interest to developmental biologists, with obvious overlap to the interest of the regenerative medicine field. This manuscript provides an overview of current approaches for tissue restoration being investigated in the field of regenerative medicine and attempts to identify areas of mutual beneficial interest with the field of developmental biology. Birth Defects Research (Part C) 99:149–159, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.