bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An Interlaboratory Comparative Study on the Quantitative Determination of Glyphosate at Low Levels in Wheat Flour
Authors: Simonetti Emanuela , Cartaud Gérald , Quinn Robert M , Marotti Ilaria , Dinelli Giovanni
Published: December 2015

In recent years, the use of glyphosate has dramatically increased worldwide, and there is growing concern about contamination of organic products caused by its heavy use on neighboring fields. Glyphosate is found as a residue not only in soil, plants, and groundwater but also in humans and animals. Considering the controversy on glyphosate maximum residue level in foodstuff and the difficulties in its analytical determination, the main purpose of the present paper was to investigate the competence and accuracy of 13 accredited European laboratories in determining glyphosate in wheat flour at a level close to their reporting limit of 10 μg/kg. According to the results of this performance assessment, the laboratories were not able to quantify glyphosate at trace levels. Therefore, their specified reporting limits of 10 μg/kg were not supported by their results, and a reporting limit of around 50 μg/kg of glyphosate in flour seems to be more appropriate to guarantee reliable and robust results. The widespread use of glyphosate and its harmfulness to humans make its detection at trace levels a primary goal for analytical laboratories. This is achievable through the improvement of QA and/or the optimization of the method of analysis used for glyphosate detection.
Data Quality in Biofilm High-Throughput Routine Analysis: Intralaboratory Protocol Adaptation and Experiment Reproducibility
Authors: Jorge Paula , Lourenço Anália , Pereira Maria Olívia
Published: December 2015

Biofilm research is growing more diverse and dependent on high-throughput technologies, and the large-scale production of results aggravates data substantiation. In particular, experimental protocols are often adapted to meet the needs of a particular laboratory, and no statistical validation of the modified method is provided. This paper discusses the impact of intralaboratory adaptation and non-rigorous documentation of experimental protocols on biofilm data interchange and validation. The case study is a non-standard, but widely used, workflow for Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilm development considering three analysis assays: the crystal violet (CV) assay for biomass quantification, the 2,3-bis(2-methoxy-4-nitro-5-sulfophenyl)-2H-tetrazolium-5-carboxanilide inner salt (XTT) assay for respiratory activity assessment, and the colony forming units (CFU) assay for determination of cell viability. The ruggedness of the protocol was assessed by introducing small changes in the biofilm growth conditions, which simulate minor protocol adaptations and non- rigorous protocol documentation. Results show that even minor variations in the biofilm growth conditions may affect the results considerably, and that the biofilm analysis assays lack repeatability. Intralaboratory validation of non-standard protocols is found critical to ensure data quality and enable the comparison of results within and among laboratories.
A Rapid Method for Determination of the Main Conjugated Linoleic Acid Precursors (C18:2 n-6 and C18:3 n-3) in Forage by Capillary Zone Electrophoresis with Ultraviolet Detection Using Gas Chromatography with Flame Ionization Detection as a Comparative Method
Authors: de Jesus Coelho Castro Renata , Sobrinho Fausto Souza , Sundfeld da Gama Marco Antônio , Takabayashi Sato Renata , Lavorato Lima Larissa , Leal de Oliveira Marcone Augusto
Published: December 2015

A rapid method has been proposed for determination of the main conjugated linoleic acid precursors such as linoleic (C18:2 n-6) and linolenic (C18:3 n-3) acids in forages by capillary zone electrophoresis (CZE) with direct UV detection at 200 nm. Among the fatty acids found in forages, C18:2 n-6 and C18:3 n-3 have received particular attention due to their roles as precursors for the synthesis of conjugated linoleic acid, a class of health-enhancing compounds that is predominantly found in dairy products. The electrolyte background consisted of 12.0 mmol/L tetraborate buffer (pH 9.2) added to 12.0 mmol/L Brij 35®, 17% acetonitrile, and 33% methanol. Under the optimized conditions, the baseline separation of C18:2 n-6 and C18:3 n-3 was achieved within 4 min. The CZE-UV method was compared to GC with a flame ionization detector, which is the American Oil Chemists' Society (AOCS 996.06) official method for fatty acid analysis. The methods did not show any evidence of significant differences within 95% confidence interval (P > 0.05). The CZE-UV method was successfully applied to the analysis of 80 genotypes of Brachiaria ruzizienses clones submitted to a genetic improvement program in agricultural research.
Method for the Analysis of Cannabinoids and Terpenes in Cannabis
Authors: Giese Matthew W , Lewis Mark A , Giese Laura , Smith Kevin M
Published: December 2015

The requirements for an acceptable cannabis assay have changed dramatically over the years resulting in a large number of laboratories using a diverse array of analytical methodologies that have not been properly validated. Due to the lack of sufficiently validated methods, we conducted a single- laboratory validation study for the determination of cannabinoids and terpenes in a variety of commonly occurring cultivars. The procedure involves high- throughput homogenization to prepare sample extract, which is then profiled for cannabinoids and terpenes by HPLC-diode array detector and GC-flame ionization detector, respectively. Spike recovery studies for terpenes in the range of 0.03–1.5% were carried out with analytical standards, while recovery studies for Δ9 -tetrahydrocannabinolic acid, cannabidiolic acid, Δ9 -tetrahydrocannabivarinic acid, and cannabigerolic acid and their neutral counterparts in the range of 0.3–35% were carried out using cannabis extracts. In general, accuracy at all levels was within 5%, and RSDs were less than 3%. The interday and intraday repeatabilities of the procedure were evaluated with five different cultivars of varying chemotype, again resulting in acceptable RSDs. As an example of the application of this assay, it was used to illustrate the variability seen in cannabis coming from very advanced indoor cultivation operations.
Determination of Dufulin Residue in Vegetables, Rice, and Tobacco Using Liquid Chromatography with Tandem Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Li Yanjiao , Lu Ping , Hu Deyu , Bhadury Pinaki S , Zhang Yuping , Zhang Kankan
Published: December 2015

A rapid and accurate LC/MS/MS method using positive electrospray ionization was established for the determination of residues of the novel plant antiviral agent dufulin in samples of tobacco leaf (dry), tomato, cucumber, and rice. Samples were extracted with acetonitrile; cleaned up by dispersive SPE using primary secondary amine, C18, and graphitized carbon black sorbents; separated on a C18 column; and confirmed by multiple reaction monitoring mode MS with a matrix effect of –21.5–19.6%. The method showed satisfactory linearity (R2 ≥0.9912) for the target compound. The LOD and the LOQ were 0.05 and 0.15 μg/kg, respectively. The mean recoveries from four matrixes varied from 71.9 to 93.6% with intraday RSD in the range of 2.9 to 9.0% and interday RSD 6.9 to 15.2%. The method was successfully applied for analysis of dufulin in actual trial samples.
Determination of Chromium, Selenium, and Molybdenum in Infant Formula and Adult Nutritional Products by Inductively Coupled Plasma/Mass Spectrometry: Collaborative Study, Final Action 2011.19
Authors: Pacquette Lawrence H , Thompson Joseph J ,   Collaborators:, Farrow M , Feller M , Fenpeng Y , Gray M , Malaviole I , Mittal A , Mould D , Xiang F , Yadlapalli S , Zhang S , Zhang Y
Published: December 2015

AOAC First Action Method 2011.19: Chromium, Selenium, and Molybdenum in Infant Formula and Adult Nutritional Products, was collaboratively studied. This method uses microwave digestion of samples with nitric acid, hydrogen peroxide, and internal standard followed by simultaneous detection of the elements by an inductively coupled plasma (ICP)/MS instrument equipped with a collision/ reaction cell. During this collaborative study, nine laboratories from four different countries, using seven different models of ICP/MS instruments, analyzed blind duplicates of seven infant, pediatric, and adult nutritional formulas. One laboratory's set of data was rejected in its entirety. The method demonstrated acceptable repeatability and reproducibility and met the AOAC Stakeholder Panel on Infant Formula and Adult Nutritionals (SPIFAN) Standard Method Performance Requirements (SMPRs®) for almost all of the matrixes analyzed. The Cr, Mo, and Se SPIFAN requirement for repeatability was ≤5% RSD. The SMPR called for a reproducibility of ≤15% RSD for products with ultratrace element concentrations above the targeted LOQ of 20 μg/kg Cr/Mo and 10 μg/kg Se (as ready-to-feed). During this collaborative study, RSDr ranged from 1.0 to 7.0% and RSDR ranged from 2.5 to 13.4% across all three ultratrace elements.
Determination of Minerals and Trace Elements in Infant Formula and Adult/Pediatric Nutritional Formula by Inductively Coupled Plasma/Mass Spectrometry A Performance Evaluation: Single-Laboratory Validation, First Action 2015.06
Authors: Thompson Joseph J , Pacquette Lawrence , Brunelle Sharon L
Published: December 2015

A method for determination of 12 minerals and trace elements (Na, Mg, P, K, Ca, Cr, Mn, Fe, Cu, Zn, Se, and Mo) in infant formula and adult/ pediatric nutritional formula was developed and evaluated in a single-laboratory validation. Some additional reproducibility data were obtained from a small interlaboratory study. The method involves microwave digestion of the sample followed by inductively coupled plasma/MS and uses Ge and Te as internal standards. The method is an extension of Official MethodSM 2011.19 and was compared to AOAC Standard Method Performance Requirements (SMPRs®) 2011.009 and 2014.004 developed by the AOAC Stakeholder Panel on Infant Formula and Adult Nutritionals (SPIFAN). Repeatability precision for the 12 elements in 11 SPIFAN matrixes and National Institute of Standards and Technology Standard Reference Material (SRM) 1849a was <5%, meeting the SMPR criterion for repeatability. Intermediate reproducibility (8 days, two analysts, two instruments) in the 11 SPIFAN matrixes was <5% for nine (Na, Mg, P, K, Mn, Fe, Cu, Zn, Se) of the 12 elements in all 11 matrixes. The mean reproducibility across 6–7 laboratories and seven SPIFAN matrixes ranged from 2.5% for Cu to 7.1% for P. Recovery from spiked matrixes varied from 90.1 to 109%, and accuracy of determination using SRM 1849a ranged from 96.2 to 107.7%, meeting the requirement of 90–110% recovery/accuracy.
Determination of Ochratoxin A in Pig Kidneys by Immunoaffinity Cleanup and Ultra-High Performance Liquid Chromatography
Authors: Hou YaLi , Zhou Jinhui , Li YuPing , Xie JiangHua , Zhou Li , Lv FengLin
Published: December 2015

An accurate method was developed for determining ochratoxin A (OTA) in pig kidney using an immunoaffinity column for cleanup and ultra-HPLC/MS/MS for identification and quantification. Mean recoveries of OTA from kidney samples fortified at 0.10–5 μg/kg levels ranged from 74 to 92%, with RSDs of 4.6–7.5%. The LOD was estimated to be 0.03 μg/kg and the LOQ was 0.10 μg/kg based on an S/N in kidney of 3:1 and 10:1, respectively. The developed method was used for the determination of OTA in pig kidney. A survey of the OTA content of pig kidneys slaughtered in Chongqing, China, revealed that 35 out of 40 analyzed samples were contaminated; the OTA concentration in kidney ranged from trace level (0.03–0.1) to 0.323 μg/kg. This method was shown to be useful for accurately evaluating the intake of OTA from pig kidneys.
The cavernicolous Oniscidea (Crustacea: Isopoda) of Portugal
Authors: Reboleira Ana Sofia P.S. , Goncalves Fernando , Oromí Pedro , Taiti Stefano
Published: December 2015

The study of subterranean Oniscidea in Portugal has been neglected for nearly 70 years, but recent investigations have revealed high diversity. All the terrestrial isopods from caves of mainland Portugal, including data from the literature and new material, are listed, revealing new biodiversity patterns. Twenty-seven species, belonging to 15 genera and six families, are known, of which 16 species are considered to be exclusively from subterranean ecosystems, i.e., troglobionts. Trichoniscidae is the most diverse family. Seven species in the family Trichoniscidae and one species in the family Styloniscidae are described as new (all with Reboleira & Taiti as authors): Trichoniscoides bellesi sp. nov. from the Montejunto Massif; T. sicoensis sp. nov. from the Sicó Massif; Metatrichoniscoides salirensis sp. nov. from the typhonic valley of Caldas da Rainha; Troglonethes olissipoensis sp. nov. from the Lisbon Peninsula; T. arrabidaensis sp. nov. from the Arrábida Massif; Miktoniscus longispina sp. nov. from the Sicó Massif and Cesaredas Plateau; Moserius inexpectatus sp. nov. from the Estremenho Massif; and Cordioniscus lusitanicus sp. nov. from Alentejo and Algarve, the southernmost provinces of Portugal. The subgenus Trogleluma Vandel, 1946 (Armadillidiidae) is raised to genus level. In this geographic region terrestrial isopods are the richest group of cave-adapted animals.
Prejudice Reduction and Collective Action: A Conflict or Confluence of Interests?
Authors: Mazur Lucas B.
Published: December 2015

There is a growing body of research findings suggesting that prejudice reduction strategies can have unintended negative consequences, particularly by helping to stabilize systems of inequality. In light of these findings, a handful of scholars have suggested that the field be guided less by the prejudice reduction tradition, so as to focus more on collective action. While agreeing with the recent critiques of prejudice reduction, I argue that in more robustly embracing a collective action approach we should be careful not to abandon the notion of perceptualism that colored original thinking on prejudice reduction, lest we artificially narrow the scope of social psychological research and unintentionally ignore communities that do not fit well within current thinking in the collective action tradition.
Intraportal Infusion of Bone Marrow Mononuclear or CD133+ Cells in Patients With Decompensated Cirrhosis: A Double-Blind Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Mohamadnejad Mehdi , Vosough Massoud , Moossavi Shirin , Nikfam Sepideh , Mardpour Soura , Akhlaghpoor Shahram , Ashrafi Mandana , Azimian Vajiheh , Jarughi Neda , Hosseini Seyedeh-Esmat , Moeininia Fatemeh , Bagheri Mohamad , Sharafkhah Maryam , Aghdami Nasser , Malekzadeh Reza , Baharvand Hossein
Published: December 2015

The present study assessed the effects of intraportal infusions of autologous bone marrow-derived mononuclear cells (MNCs) and/or CD133+ cells on liver function in patients with decompensated cirrhosis. We randomly assigned 27 eligible patients to a placebo, MNCs, and/or CD133+ cells. Cell infusions were performed at baseline and month 3. We considered the absolute changes in the Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) scores at months 3 and 6 after infusion as the primary outcome. The participants and those who assessed the outcomes were unaware of the treatment intervention assignments. After 6 months, 9 patients were excluded because of liver transplantation (n = 3), hepatocellular carcinoma (n = 1), loss to follow-up (n = 3), and death (n = 2). The final analysis included 4 patients from the CD133+ group, 8 from the MNC group, and 6 from the placebo group. No improvement was seen in the MELD score at month 6 using either CD133+ cells or MNC infusions compared with placebo. However, at month 3 after infusion, a trend was seen toward a higher mean absolute change in the MELD score in patients who had received CD133+ cells compared with placebo (−2.00 ± 1.87 vs. −0.13 ± 1.46; p = .08). No significant adverse events occurred in the present study. A transient improvement in the MELD score was observed in subjects treated with CD133+ cells but not in the MNC or placebo group. Although the study was not powered to make definitive conclusions, the data justify further study of CD133+ therapy in cirrhotic patients.

Significance

Cell therapy is a new approach in liver disease. Several clinical experiments have been reported on the safety of bone marrow-derived stem cells to treat liver disorders. However, the effectiveness of these approaches in the long-term follow-ups of patients initiated controversial discussions among the scientific community. A double-blind randomized controlled trial was designed to address this concern scientifically. A transient improvement in the patients' signs occurred; however, for a sustainable result, more work is needed. The results of multiple administrations of cells reported in the present study can be compared with the results from other single-injection studies.
Investigating the Geochemical Alterations in an Aquifer Due to Long-Term Sequestration of CO2 Using Time-Lapse Seismic Information
Authors: Han Sang H. , Srinivasan Sanjay
Published: December 2015

The effects of chemical interaction between injected CO2, brine, and formation rocks are often ignored in sequestration studies because chemical reactions are assumed to be localized to carbonate rocks that make up only a small proportion of the potential reservoirs. It is conjectured in this work that long-term exposure of certain types of clays and cement material to CO2-brine mixtures can induce chemical reactions and subsequent alteration of rock properties that can be subsequently detected in time-lapse seismic surveys. This is demonstrated using a case-study structured after the Cranfield field injection site. Geochemical alterations of the reservoir rock are quantified by performing reactive transport simulations and subsequently rock physics models are used to translate the altered petrophysical properties into seismic responses. The study quantifies the long-term geochemical effects of CO2 injection on the seismic response and conversely, presents an approach to infer the reservoir regions contacted by the CO2-saturated brine based on the observed seismic response and a unique model selection algorithm.

Time-lapse or passive seismic monitoring is an effective method for mapping the progress of the CO2 plume through the subsurface. But, because of the lack of resolution of the seismic information, it is necessary to use the seismic information together with prior geologic knowledge about the surface in order to identify if there is any migration of CO2 into regions that might be deemed sensitive e.g. overlying aquifers or faults. Because of uncertainties in the prior geologic description of the reservoir, the feasibility of implementing a model selection process is explored in this work. The model selection procedure utilizes the observed well data and reference seismic map to select a subset of models that represent the posterior geologic uncertainty. The flow simulation of CO2 injection and forward seismic modeling were repeated on the posterior models, and the seismic responses were compared for the reaction and non-reaction cases.

The study showed that the effects of geochemical reactions and the resultant impact on petrophysical properties and fluid saturation distribution were visible in the seismic response. Major differences in seismic responses were detected in regions of the reservoir where significant amount of minerals were dissolved and precipitated. These regions were at the top of the reservoir due to the reactions caused by the buoyant CO2 plume. The presence of carbonate facies, even in small proportion, plays an important role in geochemical reactions and their effect is manifested at the seismic scale. The results of this time-lapse study can provide new interpretation of events observed in time-lapse seismic data that might lead to a better assessment of leakage pathways and other risks.
Evolution retraces its steps to advance
Authors: Kliebenstein Daniel J
Published: December 2015

Bacteria in a long-term evolution experiment evolved a new metabolic trait via two separate mutations with opposite effects.
Bevaring av bygningsmiljøer. Et historisk tilbakeblikk på noen norske bevaringsområder
Authors: Sognnæs Johanne
Published: December 2015

After the overall city redevelopments after World War II, the dominant view concerning the so-called “living city” is that it must actively pursue both conservation and renewal. Urban development is about taking care of existing qualities and simultaneously creating new ones. How this should be handled in practice, however, is under continuous debates both within academic communities and beyond. Antiquarians and architects have in some periods and specific cases disagreed, in other instances, however, they have cooperated. This article presents a historical retrospective of some of the main issues of the conservation debates in Norway. What were the reasons for protection and which issues were put into focus? How strong was the protection, and what kind of renewals were accepted? These questions are discussed with reference to, among others, the examples of Gamle Stavanger [Old Stavanger], “Posebyen” in Kristiansand and Lærdalsøyri by the Sogne fjord. The essay also considers some of the central terms at work in the discussions of architectural and urban developments, such as “building character”, legibility, authenticity, adaptation and contrast.
Det befolkade rummet: Relikfyndet från Torsken kyrka
Authors: Liepe Lena
Published: December 2015

Taking its point of departure in the finding of a bag of relics tucked away under the chin of a late medieval wooden Christ figure from Torsken Church, Senja, this essay discusses relics as an essential feature of the medieval church room. Through the relics – deposited in the sepulchres of the altars, encased in reliquaries made from precious metals or, as in the case of the Torsken crucifix, contained within wooden cult images – the saints became present and accessible as addressees of intercessions. The role of relics in medieval liturgy and devotion is accounted for, and the oscillation between visibility and invisibility, reality and representation, as played out by the Torsken crucifix with its relics, is explored. The visible, “realistic” or life-like figure of Christ is a mere representation, a manufactured similitude of the Son of Man, whereas it is the relics, hidden away in the bag, that manifest the actual presence of the higher, invisible but nevertheless true divine reality in the church room.
Effects of compression at elevated temperature for electrophorically deposited TiO2-based dye-sensitized solar cell
Authors: Choudhury Md. Shamimul Haque , Kishi Naoki , Soga Tetsuo
Published: December 2015

In this investigation, dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) were prepared by electrophoretic deposition (EPD) of commercially available nanometer-sized titanium oxide (TiO2) nanoparticles (anatase, ST01) on fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO) glass substrates. The rate of cathodic electrophoretic deposition of TiO2 nanoparticle agglomerates and the density of the obtained films were explored as a function of the applied electric field, keeping optimized suspension compositions, such as the particle concentration and the type of solvent. Optimized deposition conditions were found to result in homogeneous, well-controlled, mesoporous TiO2 thick-film photoanodes. Compression of the prepared glass substrate TiO2 photoanode at elevated temperature was commenced as a promising postdeposition surface treatment. The photovoltaic performance characteristics of DSSC prepared by this method were found to be considerably improved compared with those of DSSCs prepared by high-temperature postannealing and compression at room temperature. Surface morphologies were observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and significant improvement was observed after compression as well as compression at elevated temperature.
Apoptotic effects on cultured cells of atmospheric-pressure plasma produced using various gases
Authors: Tominami Kanako , Kanetaka Hiroyasu , Kudo Tada-aki , Sasaki Shota , Kaneko Toshiro
Published: December 2015

This study investigated the effects of low-temperature atmospheric-pressure plasma on various cells such as rat fibroblastic Rat-1 cell line, rat neuroblastoma-like PC12 cell line, and rat macrophage-like NR8383 cell line. The plasma was irradiated directly to a culture medium containing plated cells for 0–20 s. The applied voltage, excitation frequency, and argon or helium gas flow were, respectively, 3–6 kV, 10 kHz, and 3 L/min. Cell viability and apoptotic activity were evaluated using annexin-V/propidium iodide staining. Results showed that the low-temperature atmospheric-pressure plasma irradiation promoted cell death in a discharge-voltage-dependent and irradiation-time-dependent manner. Furthermore, different effects are produced depending on the cell type. Moreover, entirely different mechanisms might be responsible for the induction of apoptosis in cells by helium and argon plasma.
Incremental dynamical downscaling for probabilistic analysis based on multiple GCM projections
Authors: Wakazuki Y. , Rasmussen R.
Published: December 2015

A dynamical downscaling method for probabilistic regional‐scale climate change projections was developed to cover the inherent uncertainty associated with multiple general circulation model (GCM) climate simulations. The climatological increments estimated by GCM results were statistically analyzed using the singular vector decomposition. Both positive and negative perturbations from the ensemble mean with the magnitudes of their standard deviations were extracted and added to the ensemble mean of the climatological increments. The analyzed multiple modal increments were utilized to create multiple modal lateral boundary conditions for the future climate regional climate model (RCM) simulations by adding them to reanalysis data. The incremental handling of GCM simulations realized approximated probabilistic climate change projections with the smaller number of RCM simulations. For the probabilistic analysis, three values of a climatological variable simulated by RCMs for a mode were analyzed under an assumption of linear response to the multiple modal perturbations.
Nitrous oxide production by nitrification and denitrification in the Eastern Tropical South Pacific oxygen minimum zone
Authors: Ji Qixing , Babbin Andrew R. , Jayakumar Amal , Oleynik Sergey , Ward Bess B.
Published: December 2015

The Eastern Tropical South Pacific oxygen minimum zone (ETSP‐OMZ) is a site of intense nitrous oxide (N2O) flux to the atmosphere. This flux results from production of N2O by nitrification and denitrification, but the contribution of the two processes is unknown. The rates of these pathways and their distributions were measured directly using 15N tracers. The highest N2O production rates occurred at the depth of peak N2O concentrations at the oxic‐anoxic interface above the oxygen deficient zone (ODZ) because slightly oxygenated waters allowed (1) N2O production from both nitrification and denitrification and (2) higher nitrous oxide production yields from nitrification. Within the ODZ proper (i.e., anoxia), the only source of N2O was denitrification (i.e., nitrite and nitrate reduction), the rates of which were reflected in the abundance of nirS genes (encoding nitrite reductase). Overall, denitrification was the dominant pathway contributing the N2O production in the ETSP‐OMZ.
Evidence for added value of convection‐permitting models for studying changes in extreme precipitation
Authors: Meredith Edmund P. , Maraun Douglas , Semenov Vladimir A. , Park Wonsun
Published: December 2015

Climate model resolution can affect both the climate change signal and present‐day representation of extreme precipitation. The need to parametrize convective processes raises questions about how well the response to warming of convective precipitation extremes is captured in such models. In particular, coastal precipitation extremes can be sensitive to sea surface temperature (SST) increase. Taking a recent coastal precipitation extreme as a showcase example, we explore the added value of convection‐permitting models by comparing the response of the extreme precipitation to a wide range of SST forcings in an ensemble of regional climate model simulations using parametrized and explicit convection. Compared at the same spatial scale, we find that the increased local intensities of vertical motion and precipitation in the convection‐permitting simulations play a crucial role in shaping a strongly nonlinear extreme precipitation response to SST increase, which is not evident when convection is parametrized. In the convection‐permitting simulations, SST increase causes precipitation intensity to increase only until a threshold is reached, beyond which further SST increase does not enhance the precipitation. This flattened response results from an improved representation of convective downdrafts and near‐surface cooling, which damp the further intensification of precipitation by stabilizing the lower troposphere locally and also create cold pools that cause subsequent convection to be triggered at sea, rather than by the coastal orography. These features are not well represented in the parametrized convection simulations, resulting in precipitation intensity having a much more linear response to increasing SSTs.
A growing importance of large fires in conterminous United States during 1984–2012
Authors: Yang Jia , Tian Hanqin , Tao Bo , Ren Wei , Pan Shufen , Liu Yongqiang , Wang Yuhang
Published: December 2015

Fire frequency, extent, and size exhibit a strong linkage with climate conditions and play a vital role in the climate system. Previous studies have shown that the frequency of large fires in the western United States increased significantly since the mid‐1980s due to climate warming and frequent droughts. However, less work has been conducted to examine burned area and fire emissions of large fires at a national scale, and the underlying mechanisms accounting for the increases in the frequency of large fires are far from clear. In this study, we integrated remote‐sensed fire perimeter and burn severity data sets into the Dynamic Land Ecosystem Model to estimate carbon emissions from large fires (i.e., fires with size larger than 1000 acres or 4.05 km2) in conterminous United States from 1984 to 2012. The results show that average area burned by large fires was 1.44 × 104 km2 yr−1 and carbon emissions from large fires were 17.65 Tg C yr−1 during the study period. According to the Mann‐Kendall trend test, annual burned area and pyrogenic carbon emissions presented significant upward trends at the rates of 810 km2 yr−1 and 0.87 Tg C yr−1, respectively. Characteristic fire size (fire size with the largest contribution to the total burned area) in the period of 2004–2012 increased by 176.1% compared to the period of 1984–1993. We further found that the larger fires were associated with higher burn severity and occurred more frequently in the warmer and drier conditions. This finding implies that the continued warming and drying trends in the 21st century would enhance the total burned area and fire emissions due to the contributions of larger and more severe wildfires.
Asynchronous timing of extension and basin formation in the South Rhodope core complex, SW Bulgaria, and northern Greece
Authors: Stübner Konstanze , Drost Kerstin , Schoenberg Ronny , Böhme Madelaine , Starke Jessica , Ehlers Todd A.
Published: December 2015

Upper crustal extensional structures range from steep normal faults to shallow‐dipping detachments. The relationship between extension and formation of synkinematic hanging wall basins including their relative timing is not well understood. The South Rhodope core complex, Southern Balkans, has experienced extension for >40 Ma leading to a number of extensional structures and Cenozoic sedimentary basins. We present new bedrock and basin detrital zircon and apatite (U‐Th‐Sm)/He ages from the Pirin and Rila Mountains and the Sandanski basin. Results identify three episodes of Cenozoic extension in SW Bulgaria accommodated by (1) the Eocene/Oligocene Mesta detachment; (2) the early to middle Miocene Gorno Spanchevo fault (circa 18–15 Ma), which is the northern prolongation of the Strymon low‐angle detachment; and (3) the late Miocene West Pirin fault (≤10 Ma). Detachment faulting on the Strymon fault accommodated tens of kilometers of ENE‐WSW extension and created ~1500 m topographic relief, but because the resulting hillslopes were gentle (≤10°), extension did not lead to enhanced footwall erosion or formation of a hanging wall basin. In contrast, the West Pirin normal fault resulted in mostly vertical motion of its footwall causing steep topography, rapid erosion, and formation of the synrift Sandanski basin. Digital topographic analysis of river channel profiles identifies the latest episodes of deformation including westward tilting of the Sandanski and Strymon basins and Quaternary N‐S extension. This study demonstrates that basin formation in the South Rhodope core complex is related to normal faulting postdating the main episode of crustal stretching by detachment faulting.
Multifunctional Interphases: Percolation Behavior, Interphase Modification, and Electro‐Mechanical Response of Carbon Nanotubes in Glass Fiber Polypropylene Composites
Authors: Wiegand Niclas , Mäder Edith
Published: December 2015

Carbon nanotube dispersions have been immersedin a maleated polypropylene film former system andapplied to insulating glass filament yarns compatible to polypropylene matrix. The percolation threshold can be reached below 0.5 wt% carbon nanotubecontent. In order to achieve a homogeneous multifunctional interphase, the average sizing thickness must be above 450 nm tailored during a coating process by varying the solid content of the sizing. The temperature and the velocity of the coating process have a great impact on the volume resistivity of the multifunctional interphase. Electro‐mechanical behavior as sensors in unidirectional composites containing 50 vol% glass fiber reinforcement is monitored during tensile and compression loading. The largest electrical sensitivity is achieved for tensile loading in the axis of fibers.
A Green and Facile Way to Prepare Granadilla‐Like Silicon‐Based Anode Materials for Li‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Zhang Lei , Rajagopalan Ranjusha , Guo Haipeng , Hu Xianluo , Dou Shixue , Liu Huakun
Published: December 2015

A yolk‐shell‐structured carbon@void@silicon (CVS) anode material in which a void space is created between the inside silicon nanoparticle and the outer carbon shell is considered as a promising candidate for Li‐ion cells. Untill now, all the previous yolk‐shell composites were fabricated through a templating method, wherein the SiO2 layer acts as a sacrificial layer and creates a void by a selective etching method using toxic hydrofluoric acid. However, this method is complex and toxic. Here, a green and facile synthesis of granadilla‐like outer carbon coating encapsulated silicon/carbon microspheres which are composed of interconnected carbon framework supported CVS nanobeads is reported. The silicon granadillas are prepared via a modified templating method in which calcium carbonate was selected as a sacrificial layer and acetylene as a carbon precursor. Therefore, the void space inside and among these CVS nanobeads can be formed by removing CaCO3 with diluted hydrochloric acid. As prepared, silicon granadillas having 30% silicon content deliver a reversible capacity of around 1100 mAh g−1 at a current density of 250 mA g−1 after 200 cycles. Besides, this composite exhibits an excellent rate performance of about 830 and 700 mAh g−1 at the current densities of 1000 and 2000 mA g−1, respectively.
A Multiresponsive Metal–Organic Framework: Direct Chemiluminescence, Photoluminescence, and Dual Tunable Sensing Applications
Authors: Yang Xiu‐Li , Chen Xiahui , Hou Gui‐Hua , Guan Rong‐Feng , Shao Rong , Xie Ming‐Hua
Published: December 2015

By incorporating an anthracene moiety into a framework, a multiresponsive luminescent metal–organic framework (1) has been synthesized, which exhibits both direct chemiluminescence (CL) and dual tunable photoluminescence. By utilizing the CL, 1 has been explored as a selective visual sensor for hydrogen peroxide. Moreover, 1 also exhibits tunable fluorescence response toward different analytes. For electron‐rich aromatics, “turn‐on” and “turn‐off” responses can be simply switched by varying the excitation wavelength. For nitroaromatics, 1 exhibits novel linear quantitative quenching response. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations and experiments have been carried out to study the unique fluorescence response. The multiple luminescence properties and dual tunable sensing response indicate that incorporating anthracene moieties into frameworks should be a promising strategy to develop unprecedented luminescent materials with remarkable sensing properties.
Metal‐Free [4+2] Annulation of Arylalkynes with tert‐Butyl Nitrite through C(sp2)H Oxidation to Assemble Benzo[e][1,2]oxazin‐4‐ones
Authors: Yang Xu‐Heng , Song Ren‐Jie , Li Jin‐Heng
Published: December 2015

A metal‐free radical‐mediated [4+2] annulation of internal arylalkynes with tert‐butyl nitrite (t‐BuONO) is presented for the synthesis of benzo[e][1,2]oxazin‐4‐ones through the addition of t‐BuONO across the CC triple bond, hydration, isomerization and aromatic C(sp2)H oxidation cascades. The 18O‐labeling experiment shows that two oxygen atoms in the product system are from water.

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Iridium‐Catalyzed Enantioselective Hydrogenation of β,β‐Disubstituted Nitroalkenes
Authors: Liu Man , Kong Duanyang , Li Meina , Zi Guofu , Hou Guohua
Published: December 2015

A highly efficient, iridium‐catalyzed, enantioselective hydrogenation of β,β‐disubstituted nitroalkenes has been developed. Using a complex consisting of iridium and (S,S)‐f‐spiroPhos as the catalyst, a variety of β,β‐disubstituted nitroalkenes were successfully hydrogenated to the corresponding chiral nitroalkanes with excellent enantioselectivities (up to 98% ee) and high turnover numbers (TON=1000).

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Single gold atoms stabilized on nanoscale metal oxide supports are catalytic active centers for various reactions
Authors: Wang Chongyang , Yang Ming , Flytzani‐Stephanopoulos Maria
Published: December 2015

Key recent findings that demonstrate that single‐gold atom sites stabilized on various oxide supports by –O bonds are the unique catalytic sites for a number of reactions, including the water‐gas shift reaction, methanol partial oxidation and steam reforming reactions, and the selective dehydrogenation of ethanol are summarized herein. Atomic dispersion of gold on various metal oxides was followed with aberration‐corrected high angle annular dark field/scanning transmission microscopy imaging and x‐ray absorption spectroscopy (XANES/EXAFS). Gold nanoparticles and subnanometer clusters are active only through their interfacial atoms directly interacting with the support, hence if present, they entail precious metal waste. From a design perspective, the important feature in these supported catalysts is the creation of many single‐site gold species anchored on the oxide support to maximize activity. Atomic gold‐centered catalyst designs afford 100% atom efficiency, and more importantly, have distinct product selectivity, different from that of extended metal surfaces. Novel experimental synthesis methods of atomically dispersed Au catalysts are discussed, which pave the way for the efficient use of precious metals, broadening the application of properly designed gold and other precious metals (Pt, Pd) to different reactions in energy conversion and green chemicals production. © 2015 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 62: 429–439, 2016
Fe‐substituted Ba‐hexaaluminates oxygen carrier for carbon dioxide capture by chemical looping combustion of methane
Authors: Tian Ming , Wang Xiaodong , Liu Xin , Wang Aiqin , Zhang Tao
Published: December 2015

Fe‐substituted Ba‐hexaaluninates (BFA‐x (x = 1–3), x indicates Fe content) oxygen carrier (OC) were found to exhibit excellent sintering‐resistance under cyclic redox atmosphere at 800°C thanks to the reservations of the structure during the CH4 reduction step, thus preventing the agglomeration of particles during the subsequent reoxidation step. Lattice oxygen highly active for the total combustion of CH4 was observed in the hexaaluminate structure and its chemical state was influenced by Fe content. The highest amount of active O coordinated with Fe3+ in the mirror plane (O‐Fe3+(M)) for the total combustion was reacted (0.77 mmol/g) for BaFe3Al9O19 hexaaluminate OC. As a result, it exhibited the best reactivity with the CH4 conversion of 83% and CO2 selectivity of 100%. Moreover, superior regeneration and recyclability was also obtained, which originated from the fully recovery of O‐Fe3+(M) in the hexaaluminate structure. © 2015 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 62: 792–801, 2016
Occult hemorrhage in children with severe ITP
Authors: Flores Adolfo , Buchanan George R.
Published: December 2015

Little is known about the frequency and significance of clinically unapparent or occult hemorrhage in ITP. Therefore, we prospectively explored the sites and frequency of occult bleeding in children with severe ITP at diagnosis or upon symptomatic relapse in a prospective, single‐institution cohort study of patients ≤ 18 years of age and a platelet count ≤ 10,000/mm3. Data collected included bleeding severity assessment, urinalysis, fecal occult blood testing, and non‐contrast brain MRI. Stool and urine samples were tested within 7 days of diagnosis or symptomatic relapse. Three months after diagnosis or relapse a noncontrast brain MRI evaluated hemosiderin deposits resulting from prior localized hemorrhage. Fifty‐two ITP patients were enrolled with a mean platelet count of 4,000/mm3. A significant occurrence of occult hemorrhage was identified in the urine (27%) compared with clinically overt hematuria (0.91%, P < 0.0005). CNS microbleeding in the superficial cortex of the left frontal lobe was identified in one child with occult bleeding in the urinary tract. There was no relationship between occult hemorrhage and bleeding manifestations on physical examination. Occult hemorrhage was not a harbinger of subsequent bleeding. Our findings suggest that occult hemorrhage occurs with greater frequency than overt bleeding in children with severe ITP. CNS microbleeding is a potential risk in this patient population. Assessment of brain microbleeds and microscopic hematuria in this patient population require additional study. Am. J. Hematol. 91:287–290, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Suppression of the noninvolved pair of the myeloma isotype correlates with poor survival in newly diagnosed and relapsed/refractory patients with myeloma
Authors: Ludwig Heinz , Milosavljevic Dejan , Berlanga Oscar , Zojer Niklas , Hübl Wolfgang , Fritz Veronique , Harding Stephen
Published: December 2015

Heavy light chain (HLC) assays allow precise measurement of the monoclonal and of the noninvolved polyclonal immunoglobulins of the same isotype as the M‐protein (e.g., monoclonal IgAκ and polyclonal IgAλ in case of an IgAκ myeloma), which was not possible before. The noninvolved polyclonal immunoglobulin is termed ‘HLC‐matched pair’. We investigated the impact of the suppression of the HLC‐matched pair on outcome in 203 patients with multiple myeloma, a phenomenon that likely reflects the host's attempt to control the myeloma clone. Severe (>50%) HLC‐matched pair suppression was identified in 54.5% of the 156 newly diagnosed patients and was associated with significantly shorter survival (45.4 vs. 71.9 months,P = 0.019). This correlation was statistically significant in IgG patients (46.4 vs. 105.1 months,P = 0.017), but not in patients with IgA myelomas (32.9 vs. 54.1 months,P = 0.498). At best response, HLC‐matched pair suppression improved only in patients with ≥VGPR, indicating partial or complete humoral immune reconstitution during remission in those with excellent response. Severe HLC‐matched pair suppression retained its prognostic impact also during follow‐up after first response. In the 47 pretreated patients with relapsed/refractory disease, a similar correlation between severe HLC suppression and survival was noted (22.8 vs. not reached,P = 0.028). Suppression of the polyclonal immunoglobulins of the other isotypes than the myeloma protein correlated neither with HLC‐matched pair suppression, nor with outcome. Multivariate analysis identified severe HLC‐matched pair suppression as independent risk factor for shorter survival, highlighting the impact of isotype specific immune dysregulation on outcome in multiple myeloma. Am. J. Hematol. 91:295–301, 2016. © 2015 The Authors. American Journal of Hematology Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Quantum confinement in an asymmetric double‐well potential through energy analysis and information entropic measure
Authors: Mukherjee Neetik , Roy Amlan K.
Published: December 2015

Localization of a particle in the wells of an asymmetric double‐well (DW) potential is investigated here. Information entropy‐based uncertainty measures, such as Shannon entropy, Fisher information, Onicescu energy, etc., and phase‐space area, are utilized to explain the contrasting effect of localization‐delocalization and role of asymmetric term in such two‐well potentials. In asymmetric situation, two wells behaves like two different potentials. A general rule has been proposed for arrangement of quasi‐degenerate pairs, in terms of asymmetry parameter. Further, it enables to describe the distribution of particle in either of the deeper or shallow wells in various energy states. One finds that, all states eventually get localized to the deeper well, provided the asymmetry parameter attains certain threshold value. This generalization produces symmetric DW as a natural consequence of asymmetric DW. Eigenfunctions, eigenvalues are obtained by means of a simple, accurate variation‐induced exact diagonalization method. In brief, information measures and phase‐space analysis can provide valuable insight toward the understanding of such potentials.
Synthesis of a Far‐Red Photoactivatable Silicon‐Containing Rhodamine for Super‐Resolution Microscopy
Authors: Grimm Jonathan B. , Klein Teresa , Kopek Benjamin G. , Shtengel Gleb , Hess Harald F. , Sauer Markus , Lavis Luke D.
Published: December 2015

The rhodamine system is a flexible framework for building small‐molecule fluorescent probes. Changing N‐substitution patterns and replacing the xanthene oxygen with a dimethylsilicon moiety can shift the absorption and fluorescence emission maxima of rhodamine dyes to longer wavelengths. Acylation of the rhodamine nitrogen atoms forces the molecule to adopt a nonfluorescent lactone form, providing a convenient method to make fluorogenic compounds. Herein, we take advantage of all of these structural manipulations and describe a novel photoactivatable fluorophore based on a Si‐containing analogue of Q‐rhodamine. This probe is the first example of a “caged” Si‐rhodamine, exhibits higher photon counts compared to established localization microscopy dyes, and is sufficiently red‐shifted to allow multicolor imaging. The dye is a useful label for super‐resolution imaging and constitutes a new scaffold for far‐red fluorogenic molecules.