bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Basement structure and its influence on the structural configuration of the northern North Sea rift
Authors: Fazlikhani Hamed , Fossen Haakon , Gawthorpe Robert L. , Faleide Jan Inge , Bell Rebecca E.
Published: June 2017

The northern North Sea rift basin developed on a heterogeneous crust comprising structures inherited from the Caledonian orogeny and Devonian postorogenic extension. Integrating two‐dimensional regional seismic reflection data and information from basement wells, we investigate the prerift structural configuration in the northern North Sea rift. Three seismic facies have been defined below the base rift surface: (1) relatively low‐amplitude and low‐frequency reflections, interpreted as pre‐Caledonian metasediments, Caledonian nappes, and/or Devonian clastic sediments; (2) packages of high‐amplitude dipping reflections (>500 ms thick), interpreted as basement shear zones; and (3) medium‐amplitude and high‐frequency reflections interpreted as less sheared crystalline basement of Proterozoic and Paleozoic (Caledonian) origin. Some zones of Seismic Facies 2 can be linked to onshore Devonian shear zones, whereas others are restricted to the offshore rift area. Interpreted offshore shear zones dip S, ESE, and WNW in contrast to W to NW dipping shear zones onshore West Norway. Our results indicate that Devonian strain and ductile deformation was distributed throughout the Caledonian orogenic belt from central South Norway to the Shetland Platform. Most of the Devonian basins related to this extension are, however, removed by erosion during subsequent exhumation. Basement shear zones reactivated during the rifting and locally control the location and geometry of rift depocenters, e.g., in the Stord and East Shetland basins. Prerift structures with present‐day dips >15° were reactivated, although some of the basement shear zones are displaced by rift faults regardless of their orientation relative to rift extension direction.
New Trends in the Analysis of Endocrine Disrupting Compounds in Environmental Samples
Authors: Salgueiro‐González Noelia , Muniategui‐Lorenzo Soledad , López‐Mahía Purificación , Prada‐Rodríguez Darío
Published: June 2017

The main aim of this article is to provide an overview of the evolution and trends in the determination of endocrine disrupting compounds (EDCs) in environmental matrices, such as water, sediment, and biota samples. These chemical substances are capable of altering the hormonal system of humans and wildlife at low concentrations, and therefore, continuous investigations based on their occurrence, distribution, and impact are needed to preserve the environment and protect public safety. In order to highlight the gradual change related to the strategies used for EDC determination observed in the past years, this article is divided into four sections: firstly, a brief introduction about the remarkable and emerging EDCs and also the corresponding environmental legislation is included. Then, the state of the determination of EDCs in the environment and the analytical methodologies employed for the analysis of environmental matrices are discussed, with special mention to the new trends in analytical techniques. Finally, future trends required to obtain more data about this topic and control EDCs pollution in the environment are also commented.
Glioblastoma in natalizumab‐treated multiple sclerosis patients
Authors: Sierra Morales Fabian , Wright Robert B. , Novo Jorge E. , Arvanitis Leonidas D. , Stefoski Dusan , Koralnik Igor J.
Published: June 2017

We present two natalizumab‐treated multiple sclerosis patients who developed glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) with variable outcomes. One patient had an isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH)‐wildtype GBM with aggressive behavior, who declined treatment and died 13 weeks after symptoms onset. The other patient underwent resection of an IDH‐mutant secondary GBM that arose from a previously diagnosed grade II astrocytoma. He is still alive 5 years after the diagnosis of GBM. JC virus was not detected in either case. Whether natalizumab played a role in the development of GBM in those patients deserves further investigation.
Toward Functionally Graded Polymer Foams Using Microfluidics
Authors: Elsing Jonas , Quell Aggeliki , Stubenrauch Cosima
Published: June 2017

Functionally graded polymer foams are of great interest for safety components or interfacial tissue engineering. However, most production methods lack control of the pore size. With the microfluidic technique we are able to introduce a defined pore size gradient in polymer foams using foamed emulsions and emulsions, respectively, as templates.
Novel Heating Elements for Induction Welding of Carbon Fiber/Polyphenylene Sulfide Thermoplastic Composites
Authors: Farahani Rouhollah Dermanaki , Dubé Martine
Published: June 2017

Conductive films of carbon nanofibers (CNFs) decorated/coated with metals, either silver (Ag) or nickel (Ni) are fabricated using a solution casting process and used as novel heating elements (HEs) for induction welding of carbon fiber/polyphenylene sulfide (CF/PPS) thermoplastic composites. Prior to making the films, the metal‐coated CNFs are prepared by an electroless plating method using Ag or Ni precursors. A solution of the metal‐coated CNFs is then casted onto a pure PPS film to give a robust conductive film upon solvent evaporation and annealing in an oven at 200 °C. SEM observation and electrical resistivity measurements reveal that the CNFs are successfully coated with the metals which result in a significant decrease of the films’ electrical resistivity. A third type of HE is also fabricated by solution mixing Ag‐coated CNFs and magnetic Fe3O4 nanoparticles. The welding efficiency of the fabricated films is assessed for induction welding of two different types of thermoplastic composites, that is, unidirectional pre‐impregnated 16 plies ​​of CF/PPS compression‐molded in a quasi‐isotropic stacking sequence and 8‐ply of satin weave fabric CF/PPS compression‐molded in a cross‐ply stacking sequence. The mechanical apparent lap shear strength (LSS) of the induction‐welded joints is evaluated for the fabricated HEs and compared with the LSS of joints welded using conventional stainless steel mesh susceptors. Under similar testing conditions, Ag‐coated CNFs HEs lead to the highest LSS with an average value of ≈31.5 MPa. In general, the new HEs result in superior LSS and higher heating rates when compared to the metallic mesh counterparts. The present work offers a new perspective to push the boundaries toward high quality welding of thermoplastic composites using nanomaterials‐based HEs.
Surface Engineered Nanoparticles: Considerations for Biomedical Applications
Authors: Morris Angie S , Salem Aliasger K
Published: June 2017

The development of reproducible methods for the fabrication of nanoparticles in the 21st century is a major scientific achievement. Currently, there are many well‐established methods for the production of nanoparticles of different shapes, sizes, and compositions. Along with these advancements in nanotechnology, nanoparticles have emerged as excellent tools for a diverse range of applications and have become a focus of research globally. With fundamental research being established, efforts are now being directed toward intelligently designed nanoparticles in which the properties of the nanomaterial are finely tuned depending on the application of interest. Usually, this involves the functionalization of the nanoparticle surface with a ligand. In this review, the impact of nanoparticle surface chemistry is discussed as it applies to biological systems.
Phase‐Transformation Ductilization of Brittle High‐Entropy Alloys via Metastability Engineering
Authors: Huang Hailong , Wu Yuan , He Junyang , Wang Hui , Liu Xiongjun , An Ke , Wu Wei , Lu Zhaoping
Published: June 2017

High‐entropy alloys (HEAs) in which interesting physical, chemical, and structural properties are being continuously revealed have recently attracted extensive attention. Body‐centered cubic (bcc) HEAs, particularly those based on refractory elements are promising for high‐temperature application but generally fail by early cracking with limited plasticity at room temperature, which limits their malleability and widespread uses. Here, the “metastability‐engineering” strategy is exploited in brittle bcc HEAs via tailoring the stability of the constituent phases, and transformation‐induced ductility and work‐hardening capability are successfully achieved. This not only sheds new insights on the development of HEAs with excellent combination of strength and ductility, but also has great implications on overcoming the long‐standing strength–ductility tradeoff of metallic materials in general.
Mesenteric approach during pancreaticoduodenectomy for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma
Authors: Hirono Seiko , Kawai Manabu , Okada Ken‐ichi , Miyazawa Motoki , Shimizu Atsushi , Kitahata Yuji , Ueno Masaki , Shimokawa Toshio , Nakao Akimasa , Yamaue Hiroki
Published: June 2017

Mesenteric approach is an artery‐first approach during pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD). In the present study, we evaluated clinical and oncological benefits of this procedure for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) of the pancreas head. Between 2000 and 2015, 237 consecutive PDAC patients underwent PD. Among them, 72 experienced the mesenteric approach (mesenteric group) and 165 the conventional approach (conventional group). A matched‐pairs group consisted of 116 patients (58 patients in each group) matched for age, gender, resectability status, and neoadjuvant therapy. Surgical and oncological outcomes were compared between the two groups in unmatched‐ and matched‐pair analyses. Intraoperative blood loss was lower in the mesenteric group than in the conventional group in both resectable PDAC (R‐PDAC) and borderline resectable PDAC (BR‐PDAC) on unmatched‐ and matched‐pairs analyses (R‐PDAC, unmatched: 312.5 vs 510 mL, P=.008; matched: 312.5 vs 501.5 mL, P=.023; BR‐PDAC, unmatched: 507.5 vs 935 mL, P<.001; matched: 507.5 vs 920 mL, P=.003). Negative surgical margins (R0) and overall survival (OS) rates in the mesenteric group were better in R‐PDAC patients (R0 rates, unmatched: 100% vs 87.7%, P=.044; matched: 100% vs 86.7%, P=.045; OS, unmatched: P=.008, matched: P=.021), although there were no significant differences in BR‐PDAC patients. Mesenteric approach might reduce blood loss by early ligation of the vessels to the pancreatic head. Furthermore, it might increase R0 rate, leading to improvement of survival for R‐PDAC patients. However, R0 and survival rates could not be improved only by the mesenteric approach for BR‐PDAC patients. Therefore, effective multidisciplinary treatment is essential to improve survival in BR‐PDAC patients.
Review of the gut microbiome and esophageal cancer: Pathogenesis and potential clinical implications
Authors: Baba Yoshifumi , Iwatsuki Masaaki , Yoshida Naoya , Watanabe Masayuki , Baba Hideo
Published: June 2017

Esophageal cancer ranks among the most aggressive malignant diseases. The limited improvements in treatment outcomes provided by conventional therapies have prompted us to seek innovative strategies for treating this cancer. More than 100 trillion microorganisms inhabit the human intestinal tract and play a crucial role in health and disease conditions, including cancer. The human intestinal microbiome is thought to influence tumor development and progression in the gastrointestinal tract by various mechanisms. For example, Fusobacterium nucleatum, which primarily inhabits the oral cavity and causes periodontal disease, might contribute to aggressive tumor behavior through activation of chemokines such as CCL20 in esophageal cancer tissue. Composition of the intestinal microbiota is influenced by diet, lifestyle, antibiotics, and pro‐ and prebiotics. Therefore, by better understanding how the bacterial microbiota contributes to esophageal carcinogenesis, we might develop novel cancer prevention and treatment strategies through targeting the gastrointestinal microflora. This review discusses the current knowledge, available data and information on the relationship of microbiota with esophagitis, Barrett's esophagus, esophageal adenocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma.
The effect of the size of square microchannels on hydrodynamics and mass transfer during liquid‐liquid slug flow
Authors: Sattari‐Najafabadi Mehdi , Nasr Esfahany Mohsen , Wu Zan , Sundén Bengt
Published: June 2017

The present study investigated the influence of square microchannel (MC) size on hydrodynamics and mass transfer in the liquid‐liquid slug flow regime. Three square MCs with the hydraulic diameters of 200, 400, and 600 μm were used. The employed method for estimating mass‐transfer coefficients remarkably increased the accuracy of the results. The findings revealed that decreasing the MC size improved the interfacial area due to plug length enlargement and deteriorated mass‐transfer resistances because of augmented internal circulations, leading to the considerable enhancement of mass‐transfer coefficients. The increasing effect on the overall mass‐transfer coefficient became greater with flow velocity, showing that size effect on mass‐transfer resistances was more profound at higher flow velocities. The influence of size on the interfacial area was significantly greater than that on mass‐transfer resistances due to the significant increment of wall film length with the decrease in channel size. © 2017 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2017
Topological Transformation of π‐Conjugated Molecules Reduces Resistance to Crystallization
Authors: Zhou Cheng , Cui Qiuhong , McDowell Caitlin , Seifrid Martin , Chen Xiankai , Brédas Jean‐Luc , Wang Ming , Huang Fei , Bazan Guillermo C.
Published: June 2017

Two electronically delocalized molecules were designed as models to understand how molecular shape impacts the tradeoff between solubility and crystallization tendencies in molecular semiconductors. The more soluble compound TT contains a non‐planar bithiophene central fragment, whereas CT has a planar cyclopentadithiophene unit. Calorimetry studies show that CT can crystallize more easily than TT. However, absorption spectroscopy shows that the initially amorphous TT film can eventually form crystals in which the molecular shape is significantly more planar. Two thermally reversible polymorphs for TT were observed by XRD and grazing‐incidence wide‐angle X‐ray scattering (GIWAXS) measurements. These findings are relevant within the context of designing soft semiconductors that exhibit high solubility and a tendency to provide stable organized structures with desirable electronic properties.
Zur Verdrehsteifigkeit von durch einen Kern ausgesteifte Gebäude
Authors: Brandt Bernd
Published: June 2017

Für ein Gebäude mit einem Kern als aussteifendes lotrechtes Bauteil lässt sich für Biegebeanspruchungen mithilfe der Labilitätszahlen
und
auf einfache Weise beurteilen, ob eine Berechnung nach Theorie II. Ordnung erforderlich ist. Mit einer Berechnung zur Vernachlässigung des Nachweises von Verdrehbeanspruchungen sollen allgemeingültige Kriterien für die Aussteifung von Gebäuden mit einem Kern gewonnen werden.

Wenn bei einem für Biegebeanspruchungen genügend ausgesteiften Gebäude die Grundfläche eines über den Kern gestülpten Kegels mit einem Öffnungswinkel von 60° den Gebäudegrundriss vollständig überdeckt, kann auf weitergehende Nachweise nach Theorie II. Ordnung verzichtet werden, das Gebäude ist gegen Verdrehbeanspruchungen ausreichend ausgesteift.

Die Vorgehensweise ist durch Beispiele erläutert. Konstruktionsprinzipien zur Gebäudeaussteifung und baupraktische Angaben vervollständigen die Abhandlung.
Resonance Rayleigh scattering methods for the determination of chitosan with Congo red as probe
Authors: Ma Caijuan , Zhang Weiai , Guo Yaohui , Su Zhengquan , Bai Yan
Published: June 2017

Two methods were presented for the sensitive and selective determination of chitosan (CTS) with Congo red (CR) as probe based on resonance Rayleigh scattering (RRS) intensities in health products. In weakly acidic buffer solution, the binding of CTS to CR, could result in the enhancement of the RRS intensities. Moreover, after adding OP emulsifier (octyl‐phenyl polyoxyethylene ether) to the system, the RRS intensities showed more significantly enhancement. The maximum RRS signals for the CTS–CR system and the CTS–CR–OP system were located at 380 nm and 376 nm, respectively. Under optimum experimental conditions, the increased RRS intensities (ΔI) of these two systems were linear to CTS concentration in the range of 0.40–8.00 μg/ml and 0.05–1.00 μg/ml. Their limits of detection (LOD) were 44.81 ng/ml and 6.99 ng/ml, which indicated that the latter system was more sensitive than the former. In this work, the optimum conditions and the effects of some foreign substances on the determination were studied. In addition, the effect of the molecular weight of CTS and the reasons for the enhancement of resonance light scattering were discussed. Finally, these two methods were applied to the determination of chitosan in health products with satisfactory results.
Bis(dinitropyrazolyl)methanes as Stable High Energy Materials
Authors: Kim Myeong Hak , Lee Byeongil , Kim Namtae , Shin Moonyong , Shin Hye Jung , Kwon Kuktae , Kim Jin Seuk , Lee Sung Kwang , Kim Young Gyu
Published: June 2017

The development of high energy materials (HEMs) with both high explosive performance and decreased sensitivity is a main theme of current research for energetic materials. Polynitroazoles are good building blocks for new energetic materials because of their stable chemical properties. Two new bis(dinitropyrazolyl)methanes as potential insensitive HEMs were prepared via either the coupling of dinitropyrazole or the nitration of bis(mononitropyrazolyl)methane. Their insensitive properties are also reported and compared to those of RDX (trinitrohexahydro‐s‐triazine) and HNIW (CL‐20, hexanitrohexaazaisowurtzitane).
Effects of Temperature and Chain Length on the Nanoscale Islands of Alkanethiol Monolayers
Authors: Saha Joyanta K. , Sannyal Arindam , Khan Sharif Md. , Jang Joonkyung
Published: June 2017

The thermal effect on the stability of nanoscale islands of alkanethiols on a gold (111) surface was examined using molecular dynamics simulation. To examine the chain length and temperature dependence, islands made of alkanethiols containing 16, 20, and 24 carbon atoms were simulated at 313–343 K. By analyzing the tilt angle, conformation, orientational order, and backbone plane orientation of alkyl chains, the minimum diameters for stable islands made of 1‐hexadecanethiol, 1‐ecosanethiol, and 1‐tetracosanethiol were determined for different temperatures (313–343 K). These results provide a useful guideline for patterning nanopatterns of thiol by soft nanolithography.
“Political co‐authorships” in medical science journals
Authors: Johal Jaspreet , Loukas Marios , Oskouian Rod J. , Tubbs R. Shane
Published: June 2017

The issue of co‐author relationships on medical sciences journal publications has become more pronounced as advances in technology have enabled collaboration across countries and institutions to occur much more efficiently. These relationships often have underlying political motivations and outcomes, including career advancement, attempting to increase prestige of a project, and maintaining research grants. Some authors may be listed as senior or honorary authors despite offering little or no contribution to the original research project. This may be done in an effort to enhance the gravitas of a research project, and attain publication in a highly regarded medical journal. The current review covers the topic of political co‐authorship and germane literature and lists strategies to combat this phenomenon. Such co‐authorship practices corrupt the integrity of the research process as they attempt to bypass the safeguard that medical journals and institutions have put in place to prevent fraud and falsification. A number of strategies have been proposed to combat the practice of co‐authorship, but it may ultimately be an unavoidable feature of contemporary medical research publishing that is difficult to police. Clin. Anat. 30:831–834, 2017. © 2017Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Qualitative HPLC‐DAD/ESI‐TOF‐MS Analysis, Cytotoxic, and Apoptotic Effects of Croatian Endemic Centaurea ragusina L. Aqueous Extracts
Authors: Radan Mila , Carev Ivana , Tešević Vele , Politeo Olivera , Čulić Vedrana Čikeš
Published: June 2017

Centaurea ragusina L., an endemic Croatian plant species, revealed a good cytotoxic activity of aqueous extracts (AE) on human bladder (T24) and human glioblastoma (A1235) cancer cell lines. The chemical constituents were tentatively identified using high performance liquid chromatography HPLC‐DAD/ESI‐TOF‐MS in negative ionization mode. The main compounds of herba extract were sesquiterpene lactones: solstitialin A 3,13‐diacetate and epoxyrepdiolide; organic acid: quinic acid. The main compounds of flower extract were organic acids: quinic acid, citric acid, and malic acid; sesquiterpene lactone: cynaropicrin; phenolic compounds: chlorogenic acid and phenylpropanoid: syringin. The AE of C. ragusina were investigated for correlation of their effects on human bladder (T24) and human glioblastoma (A1235) cancer cell lines using the MTT assay. Although both extracts showed significant dose‐ and time‐dependent cytotoxic activity against both cancer cell lines, the flower extract exhibited slightly higher activity. In order to determine type of cell death induced by treatment, cell lines were exposed subsequently to a treatment with both flower and herba AE. The majority of the cells died by induced apoptosis treatment. Flower AE (26.25%), compared to a leaf AE (22.15%) showed slightly higher percentage of an apoptosis in T24 cells, when compared to a non‐treated cells (0.04%).
All‐trans retinoic acid upregulates the expression of ciliary neurotrophic factor in retinal pigment epithelial cells
Authors: Zhou Wen‐Di , Wang Lu‐Lu , Zhou Lan‐Bo , Bin Wei , Bao Tian‐Ping , Zhang Yi , Shu Jin , Yang Wei‐Xia , Hui Liang‐Liang , Jin Rui , Zhuang Li‐Li , Zhou Guo‐Ping
Published: June 2017

Retinopathy of prematurity, a leading cause of visual impairment in low birth‐weight infants, remains a crucial therapeutic challenge. Ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF) is a promyelinating trophic factor that promotes rod and cone photoreceptor survival and cone outer segment regeneration in the degenerating retina. Ciliary neurotrophic factor expression is regulated by many factors such as all‐trans retinoic acid (ATRA). In this study, we found that ATRA increased CNTF expression in mouse retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells in a dose‐ and time‐dependent manner, and PKA signaling pathway is necessary for ATRA‐induced CNTF upregulation. Furthermore, we showed that ATRA promoted CNTF expression through CREB binding to its promoter region. In addition, CNTF levels were decreased in serum of retinopathy of prematurity children and in retinal tissue of oxygen‐induced retinopathy mice. In mouse RPE cells cultured with high oxygen, CNTF expression and secretion were decreased, but could be recovered after treatment with ATRA. In conclusion, our data suggest that ATRA administration upregulates CNTF expression in RPE cells.
Effect of a brief cognitive behavioural intervention on criminal thinking and prison misconduct in male inmates: Variable‐oriented and person‐oriented analyses
Authors: Walters Glenn D.
Published: June 2017

Background

There is some consensus on the value of cognitive‐behaviourally informed interventions in the criminal justice system, but uncertainty about which components are of critical value.

Aims

To test the hypothesis that change in prisoners ‐ criminal thinking and institutional misconduct ‐ will both follow completion of a brief cognitive behavioural intervention.

Methods

A one‐group pre‐test–post‐test quasi‐experimental design was used to assess change on the General Criminal Thinking (GCT) scale of the Psychological Inventory of Criminal Thinking Styles among 219 male prisoners completing a 10‐week cognitive behavioural intervention, referred to as ‘Lifestyle Issues’. Institutional misconduct was measured for 1 year prior to completion of the course and 2 years subsequently. Using variable‐oriented analysis, post‐test GCT scores were compared with change in prison conduct, controlling for the pre‐test thinking scores. Calculations were repeated by using person‐oriented analysis.

Results

Prisoners who displayed a drop in GCT scores between pre‐test and post‐test levels were significantly more likely to show a reduction in prison misconduct, whereas prison misconduct was likely to escalate among those who displayed a rise in criminal thinking scores from pre‐test to post‐test.

Conclusions

These findings must still be regarded as preliminary, but taken together with other work and with cognitive behavioural theory, they suggest that development of more prosocial thinking and abilities may have an early beneficial effect on institutional behaviour. Their measurement may offer a practical way in which men could be assessed for readiness to return to the community. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
From the Precursor to the Active State: Monitoring Metamorphosis of Electrocatalysts During Water Oxidation by In Situ Spectroscopy
Authors: Hollmann Dirk , Rockstroh Nils , Grabow Kathleen , Bentrup Ursula , Rabeah Jabor , Polyakov Mykola , Surkus Annette‐Enrica , Schuhmann Wolfgang , Hoch Sascha , Brückner Angelika
Published: June 2017

In situ Raman and in situ EPR spectroscopy in combination with electrochemistry have been used to investigate the behavior of mixed cobalt nickel and cobalt copper oxides in the oxygen evolution reaction (OER). All experiments were carried out in homemade electrochemical cells using 0.1 M KOH as the electrolyte. The OER activities vary depending on the annealing conditions of the catalyst precursors, also reflected by different behaviours during the in situ spectroscopic experiments. The different activity of the Co/Ni oxides is most likely related to the formation of either γ‐ or β‐NiO(OH), characterized by distinct features in the Raman spectra. Thus, a higher percentage of β‐NiO(OH) is present in the more active catalyst. A different behaviour of Co/Cu catalysts has been shown by in situ Raman spectroscopy too, but the active phase could not be identified because of missing spectral features. However, in situ EPR spectroscopy revealed the partial dissolution of Cu(II), suggesting the formation of a Co‐enriched oxide/hydroxide surface.
An Exceptionally Facile Synthesis of Highly Efficient Oxygen Evolution Electrodes for Zinc‐Oxygen Batteries
Authors: Yan Zhao , Wang Erdong , Gao Jianxin , Yang Junpeng , Wu Chuchu , Jiang Luhua , Zhu Mingyuan , Sun Gongquan
Published: June 2017

Zinc‐oxygen batteries are promising candidates for electrical vehicles and electric grid energy storage due to their low cost, high safety levels, and low environmental impact. The oxygen evolution reaction (OER) and oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) represent the most significant processes in zinc‐oxygen batteries. The development of nonprecious metal catalysts for OER with satisfactory performances and low cost (especially prepared by a straightforward synthesis route), still poses a significant challenge. Herein, we report an exceptionally facile and easily scalable method to produce NiFe layered double hydroxide (LDH) coated nickel foam by immersing nickel foams into aqueous solutions containing NiCl2 and FeCl2 and keeping them standing for a certain period of time. Without any other complicated technique or organic reagent, microflower‐shaped NiFe LDHs can be obtained. The resulting electrode shows excellent OER performance with a low overpotential of 210 mV at a 10 mA cm−2 constant current polarization and stable operation for more than 100 charge‐discharge cycles in zinc‐oxygen batteries.
Synthesis and Characterization of Nitro‐, Trinitromethyl‐, and Fluorodinitromethyl‐Substituted Triazolyl‐ and Tetrazolyl‐trihydridoborate Anions
Authors: Bélanger‐Chabot Guillaume , Kaplan S. Max , Deokar Piyush , Szimhardt Norbert , Haiges Ralf , Christe Karl O.
Published: June 2017

The problem of preparing energetic, exclusively mono‐azolyl substituted hydridoborate anions in high yield and purity from [BH4]− and nitroazoles by hydrogen elimination was overcome by reacting the corresponding nitroazolate anions with the BH3 adducts BH3⋅S(CH3)2 or BH3⋅THF. The highly‐energetic, nitro‐, trinitromethyl‐, and fluorodinitromethyl‐ substituted triazolyl‐ and tetrazolyl‐trihydridoborate anions were synthesized in this manner and characterized by vibrational and multinuclear NMR spectroscopy and their crystal structures. The use of excess BH3 resulted in some cases in the addition of a second BH3 molecule bound more‐weakly to one of the nitrogen atoms of the azole ring. All monoazolyl‐trihydridoborates were thermally less stable than the parent azolate anions. A decomposition product of tetraphenylphosphonium (5‐(trinitromethyl)‐5H‐2λ4‐tetrazol‐2‐yl)trihydridoborate, the tetraphenyl‐phosphonium (dinitro‐1H‐tetrazol‐5‐yl)methanide monohydrate, was also structurally characterized, providing some insight into the decomposition pathways of the nitromethyl‐substituted azolyltrihydridoborate anions.
Solvent‐Directed Helical Stereomutation Discloses Pathway Complexity on N‐Heterotriangulene‐Based Organogelators
Authors: Valera Jorge S. , Sánchez‐Naya Roberto , Ramírez Francisco J. , Zafra José L. , Gómez Rafael , Casado Juan , Sánchez Luis
Published: June 2017

The chiroptical features of supramolecular polymers formed from N‐heterotriangulenes 1–3 have been investigated by circular dichroism (ECD) and vibrational circular dichroism (VCD) techniques. In solution, the CD spectra demonstrate that the helicity of the aggregates depends on only the stereogenic centres located at the peripheral chains. In the gel state, the chiroptical features are conditioned by the point chirality of the stereogenic centres and by the achiral solvent utilised. Sonication of the gels formed in CCl4 reveals both kinetic and thermodynamic phases. These findings reveal the presence of pathway complexity in the gel state triggered by sonication. The described solvent‐induced helical stereomutation demonstrates that the gel state can be utilised as an outstanding benchmark for investigating uncommon chiroptical effects and to explore the rules of chirality transmission.
Monitoring of Flow‐Induced Aggregation and Conformational Change of Monoclonal Antibodies
Authors: Wolfrum Sonja , Weichsel Ulrike , Siedler Michael , Weber Carsten , Peukert Wolfgang
Published: June 2017

The aggregation process and conformational change of two monoclonal antibodies, monitored by in situ measuring techniques during stressing in a well‐defined flow field, was experimentally studied. The increase in turbidity, which was detected by in‐situ UV‐vis spectroscopy, was attributed to the formation of aggregates. A stronger aggregate formation could be related to the higher exposure of hydrophobic groups, which was monitored by in situ fluorescence spectroscopy. Both presented techniques are powerful methods to monitor the aggregation process of monoclonal antibodies directly in flow fields.
Removing H2S from Biogas Using Sorbents for Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Applications
Authors: Weinlaender Christof , Neubauer Raphael , Hauth Martin , Hochenauer Christoph
Published: June 2017

Desulfurization of biogas is essential for its application in solid oxide fuel cells. The influence of CH4, CO2, H2, and O2 as well as the effect of moisture onto desulfurization performance of an activated carbon, an adsorbent based on a CuO‐MnO mixture, and a zeolite adsorbent were analyzed. The use of moisturized gas had no negative influence on the H2S adsorption performance of activated carbon. The CuO‐MnO sorbent showed the best performance, but the presence of moisture had a negative influence. The performance of zeolite dropped for three gas mixtures, while for two other mixtures moisture had little to no influence on H2S adsorption performance.
Safflomin A statt Carthamin aus der Färberdistel
Authors: Sehl Anne , Hennig Lothar , Berger Stefan , Siehl Hans‐Ullrich , Zeller Klaus‐Peter , Sicker Dieter
Published: June 2017

Saflor, die seit der Antike genutzte Färberdistel, enthält zwei C‐glykosidische Hauptfarbstoffe, das wasserlösliche Safflomin A (Saflorgelb A) und das wasserunlösliche, aber alkalisch mobilisierbare Carthamin (Saflorkarmin). Wir vergleichen die Eigenschaften beider Chinochalkon‐Farbstoffe miteinander und mit anderen Glykosid‐Farbstoffen. Beschrieben wird die Biosynthese von Saflor, die chemische Synthese, und wie man selber damit färben kann. Eine Renaissance erlebt Saflor aber nicht deshalb – sondern wegen seines ernährungsphysiologisch wertvollen „Distelöls“. Wir berichten über die Isolierung von Safflomin A und den Kampf um Carthamin. Wir präsentieren und interpretieren den kompletten Satz analytischer Spektren zur Strukturzuordnung von Saflorgelb A.
Verwicklungen der Schnürsenkel
Authors: Groß Michael
Published: June 2017

An den Enden unserer Chromosomen befinden sich besondere DNA‐Abschnitte als molekulare Schutzkappen, die Telomere. Sie stehen mit Hunderten von Proteinen in Verbindung und sind in wichtige medizinische Problemfelder wie Altern, Krebs und Regeneration verwickelt.
Robust optimization of a multiscale heterogeneous catalytic reactor system with spatially‐varying uncertainty descriptions using polynomial chaos expansions
Authors: Chaffart Donovan , Ricardez‐Sandoval Luis A.
Published: June 2017

This paper explores the effects of spatially‐varying parametric uncertainty on the performance of a heterogeneous catalytic flow reactor system. The catalytic reactor behaviour is simulated using a spatially‐dependent multiscale model that combines kinetic Monte Carlo (kMC) with continuum transport equations to capture the relevant phenomena on the scales in which they occur. Polynomial chaos expansions (PCEs) are implemented to effectively propagate parametric uncertainty through the reactor model. These expansions are used to perform uncertainty analysis on the catalytic reactor system in order to accurately and effectively evaluate and compare the effects of spatially‐constant and spatially‐varying uncertainty distributions. The uncertainty comparison is further extended through application to robust optimization. To reduce the computational cost of the optimization, statistical data‐driven models (DDMs) are identified to approximate the key statistical parameters (mean, variance, and probabilistic bounds) of the reactor output variability for each uncertainty description. The DDMs are incorporated into robust optimization formulations that maximize the reactor productivity and minimize the output variability subject to parametric uncertainty. The results demonstrate the impact of spatially‐varying parametric uncertainty on the catalytic reactor performance and highlight the importance of its inclusion to adequately account for phenomena such as catalyst fouling in robust optimization and process improvement studies.
Cu(II)‐Catalyzed Ligand‐Free Oxidation of Diarylmethanes and Second Alcohols in Water
Authors: Wu Jianglong , Liu Yan , Ma Xiaowei , Liu Ping , Gu Chengzhi , Dai Bin
Published: June 2017

We developed a simple and efficient Cu(II)‐catalyzed ligand‐free oxidation of diarylmethanes and secondary alcohols using 70% tert‐butyl hydroperoxide (TBHP) in water. A series of diarylmethanes were directly oxidized into diaryl ketones in 67%–98% yields. Additionally, various secondary alcohols were also transformed into the desired products in 48%–98% yields. Importantly, the catalytic system in the absence of any organic solvent, surfactant, or phase transfer agent, had a wide substrate scope and a high tolerance for various functional groups.
Salivary ammonia levels andTannerella forsythiaare associated with rheumatoid arthritis: A cross sectional study
Authors: Martínez‐Rivera José‐Iván , Xibillé‐Friedmann Daniel X. , González‐Christen Judith , de la Garza‐Ramos Myriam A. , Carrillo‐Vázquez Sandra M. , Montiel‐Hernández José‐Luis
Published: June 2017

The aim of this paper is to evaluate the relationship of salivary ammonium levels and the presence of bacteria with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) clinical disease activity in a cross‐sectional study of Mexican patients. From a periodontal and disease activity standpoint, 132 consecutive RA patients fulfilling clinical criteria were evaluated. Ammonia levels (including peptidyl arginine deiminase activity) were evaluated by colorimetric assay and the presence ofPorphyromonas gingivalis,Tannerella forsythia, andPrevotella intermediawas evaluated by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique. After a multivariate analysis, adjusting for clinical and serological parameters, a significant association was only observed between severe periodontitis and probing depth with high RA disease activity. Additionally, in contrast toP. gingivalis, the presence ofT. forsythiawas significantly associated with high disease RA activity even after multivariable adjustment analysis. There was also a significant increase in ammonium levels in the high RA activity group and a significant correlation between salivary ammonia and RA disease activity but not with autoantibody titers. Similarly, we observed a significant increase in the ammonium levels derived from the cultures ofP. gingivalisandT. forsythia, with respect toP. intermediaandS. gordoniicultures, or even healthy donors. These results suggest that RA activity is associated with severe periodontitis, high salivary ammonium levels and the presence ofT. forsythia.
Analysis of spatial and temporal patterns of aboveground net primary productivity in the Eurasian steppe region from 1982 to 2013
Authors: Jiao Cuicui , Yu Guirui , Ge Jianping , Chen Xi , Zhang Chi , He Nianpeng , Chen Zhi , Hu Zhongmin
Published: June 2017

To explore the importance of the Eurasian steppe region (EASR) in global carbon cycling, we analyzed the spatiotemporal dynamics of the aboveground net primary productivity (ANPP) of the entire EASR from 1982 to 2013. The ANPP in the EASR was estimated from the Integrated ANPPNDVImodel, which is an empirical model developed based on field‐observed ANPP and long‐term normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) data. The optimal composite period of NDVI data was identified by considering spatial heterogeneities across the study area in the Integrated ANPPNDVImodel. EASR's ANPP had apparent zonal patterns along hydrothermal gradients, and the mean annual value was 43.78 g C m−2 yr−1, which was lower than the global grasslands average. Compared to other important natural grasslands, EASR's ANPP was lower than the North American, South American, and African grasslands. The total aboveground net primary productivity (TANPP) was found to be 378.97 Tg C yr−1, which accounted for 8.18%–36.03% of the TANPP for all grasslands. In addition, EASR's TANPP was higher than that of the grasslands in North America, South America, and Africa. The EASR's TANPP increased in a fluctuating manner throughout the entire period of 1982–2013. The increasing trend was greater than that for North American and South American and was lower than that for African grasslands over the same period. The years 1995 and 2007 were two turning points at which trends in EASR's TANPP significantly changed. Our analysis demonstrated that the EASR has been playing a substantial and progressively more important role in global carbon sequestration. In addition, in the development of empirical NDVI‐based ANPP models, the early–middle growing season averaged NDVI, the middle–late growing season averaged NDVI and the annual maximum NDVI are recommended for use for semi‐humid regions, semi‐arid regions, and desert vegetation in semi‐arid regions, respectively.
The social psychology of collective victimhood
Authors: Noor Masi , Vollhardt Johanna Ray , Mari Silvia , Nadler Arie
Published: June 2017

Collective victimhood, which results from the experience of being targeted as members of a group, has powerful effects on individuals and groups. The focus of this Special Issue is on how people respond to collective victimhood and how these responses shape intergroup relations. We introduce the Special Issue with an overview of emerging social psychological research on collective victimhood. To date, this research has focused mostly on destructive versus positive consequences of collective victimhood for relations with an adversary group, and examined victim groups' needs, victim beliefs, and underlying social identity and categorization processes. We identify several neglected factors in this literature, some of which are addressed by the empirical contributions in the current issue. The Special Issue offers novel perspectives on collective victimhood, presenting findings based on a diverse range of methods with mostly community samples that have direct and vicarious experiences of collective harm in different countries.
Trypsin inhibitor screening in traditional Chinese medicine by using an immobilized enzyme microreactor in capillary and molecular docking study
Authors: Cheng Mengxia , Chen Zilin
Published: June 2017

A trypsin immobilized enzyme microreactor was successfully prepared in capillary for studying enzyme kinetics of trypsin and online screening of trypsin inhibitors from traditional Chinese medicine through capillary electrophoresis. Trypsin was immobilized on the inner wall at the inlet of the capillary treated with polydopamine. The rest of the capillary was used as a separation channel. The parameters including the separation efficiency and the activity of immobilized trypsin were comprehensively evaluated. Under the optimal conditions, online screening of trypsin inhibitors each time can be carried out within 6 min. The Michaelis–Menten constant of immobilized trypsin was calculated to be 0.50 mM, which indicated high affinity of the immobilized trypsin for the substrate. The half‐maximal inhibitory concentration of known inhibitor of benzamidine hydrochloride hydrate as a model inhibitor was 13.32 mM. The proposed method was successfully applied to screen trypsin inhibitors from 15 compounds of traditional Chinese medicine. It has been found that baicalin showed inhibitory potency. Molecular docking study well supported the experimental result by exhibiting molecular interaction between enzyme and inhibitors.
Separation of single‐base sequential isomers of single‐stranded DNA by capillary electrophoresis and its application in the discrimination of single‐base DNA mutations
Authors: Sakurai Takao , Hoshino Hitoshi , Takahashi Toru
Published: June 2017

Separation of single‐base substitution sequential DNA isomers remains one of the most challenging tasks in DNA separation by capillary electrophoresis. We developed a simple, versatile capillary electrophoresis technique for the separation of single‐base sequential isomers of DNA having the same chain length. This technique is based on charge differences resulting from the different protonation (acid dissociation) properties of the four DNA bases. A mixture of 13 single‐base sequential isomers of 12‐mer single‐stranded DNA was separated by using an electrophoretic buffer solution containing 20 mM phosphoric acid (pH 2.0) and 8 M urea. We demonstrated that our method could separate all possible mutation patterns under identical experimental conditions. In addition, application of our method to the separation of the polymerase chain reaction product of a 68‐mer gene fragment and its single‐base isomers indicates that in combination with the appropriate genomic DNA extraction techniques, the method can detect single‐base gene mutations.
The 28‐year incidence of de novo malignancies after liver transplantation: A single‐center analysis of risk factors and mortality in 1616 patients
Authors: Rademacher Sebastian , Seehofer Daniel , Eurich Dennis , Schoening Wenzel , Neuhaus Ruth , Oellinger Robert , Denecke Timm , Pascher Andreas , Schott Eckart , Sinn Mariann , Neuhaus Peter , Pratschke Johann
Published: June 2017

De novo malignancies (DNMs) are one of the leading causes of late mortality after liver transplantation (LT). We analyzed 1616 consecutive patients who underwent LT between 1988 and 2006 at our institution. All patients were prospectively observed over a study period of 28 years by our own outpatient clinic. Complete follow‐up data were available for 96% of patients, 3% were incomplete, and only 1% were lost to follow‐up. The median follow‐up of the patients was 14.1 years. Variables with possible prognostic impact on the development of DNMs were analyzed, as was the incidence of malignancies compared with the nontransplant population by using standardized incidence ratios. In total, 266 (16.5%) patients developed 322 DNMs of the following subgroups: hematological malignancies (n = 49), skin cancer (n = 83), and nonskin solid organ tumors (SOT; n = 190). The probability of developing any DNM within 10 and 25 years was 12.9% and 23.0%, respectively. The respective probability of developing SOT was 7.8% and 16.2%. Mean age at time of diagnosis of SOT was 57.4 years (range, 18.3‐81.1 years). In the multivariate analysis, an increased recipient age (hazard ratio [HR], 1.03; P < 0.001) and a history of smoking (HR, 1.92; P < 0.001) were significantly associated with development of SOT. Moreover, the development of SOT was significantly increased in cyclosporine A–treated compared with tacrolimus‐treated patients (HR, 1.53; P = 0.03). The present analysis shows a disproportionate increase of de novo SOT with an increasing follow‐up period. Increased age and a history of smoking are confirmed as major risk factors. Moreover, the importance of immunosuppression is highlighted. Liver Transplantation 23 1404–1414 2017 AASLD.
The donor risk index: A decade of experience
Authors: Flores Avegail , Asrani Sumeet K.
Published: June 2017

In 2006, derivation of the donor risk index (DRI) highlighted the importance of donor factors for successful liver transplantation. Over the last decade, the DRI has served as a useful metric of donor quality and has enhanced our understanding of donor factors and their impact upon recipients with hepatitis C virus, those with low Model for End‐Stage Liver Disease (MELD) score, and individuals undergoing retransplantation. DRI has provided the transplant community with a common language for describing donor organ characteristics and has served as the foundation for several tools for organ risk assessment. It is a useful tool in assessing the interactions of donor factors with recipient factors and their impact on posttransplant outcomes. However, limitations of statistical modeling, choice of donor factors, exclusion of unaccounted donor and geographic factors, and the changing face of the liver transplant recipient have tempered its widespread use. In addition, the DRI was derived from data before the MELD era but is currently being applied to expand the donor pool while concurrently meeting the demands of a dynamic allocation system. A decade after its introduction, DRI remains relevant but may benefit from being updated to provide guidance in the use of extended criteria donors by accounting for the impact of geography and unmeasured donor characteristics. DRI could be better adapted for recipients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease by examining and including recipient factors unique to this population. Liver Transplantation 23 1216–1225 2017 AASLD.