bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Joint measurement of the atmospheric muon flux through the Puy de Dôme volcano with plastic scintillators and Resistive Plate Chambers detectors
Authors: Ambrosino F. , Anastasio A. , Bross A. , Béné S. , Boivin P. , Bonechi L. , Cârloganu C. , Ciaranfi R. , Cimmino L. , Combaret Ch. , D'Alessandro R. , Durand S. , Fehr F. , Français V. , Garufi F. , Gailler L. , Labazuy Ph. , Laktineh I. , Lénat J.‐F. , Masone V. , Miallier D. , Mirabito L. , Morel L. , Mori N. , Niess V. , Noli P. , Pla‐Dalmau A. , Portal A. , Rubinov P. , Saracino G. , Scarlini E. , Strolin P. , Vulpescu B.
Published: October 2015

The muographic imaging of volcanoes relies on the measured transmittance of the atmospheric muon flux through the target. An important bias affecting the result comes from background contamination mimicking a higher transmittance. The MU‐RAY and TOMUVOL collaborations measured independently in 2013 the atmospheric muon flux transmitted through the Puy de Dôme volcano using their early prototype detectors, based on plastic scintillators and on Glass Resistive Plate Chambers, respectively. These detectors had three (MU‐RAY) or four (TOMUVOL) detection layers of 1 m2 each, tens (MU‐RAY) or hundreds (TOMUVOL) of nanosecond time resolution, a few millimeter position resolution, an energy threshold of few hundreds MeV, and no particle identification capabilities. The prototypes were deployed about 1.3 km away from the summit, where they measured, behind rock depths larger than 1000 m, remnant fluxes of 1.83±0.50(syst)±0.07(stat) m−2 d−1 deg−2 (MU‐RAY) and 1.95±0.16(syst)±0.05(stat) m−2 d−1 deg−2 (TOMUVOL), that roughly correspond to the expected flux of high‐energy atmospheric muons crossing 600 meters water equivalent (mwe) at 18° elevation. This implies that imaging depths larger than 500 mwe from 1 km away using such prototype detectors suffer from an overwhelming background. These measurements confirm that a new generation of detectors with higher momentum threshold, time‐of‐flight measurement, and/or particle identification is needed. The MU‐RAY and TOMUVOL collaborations expect shortly to operate improved detectors, suitable for a robust muographic imaging of kilometer‐scale volcanoes.
Sensitivity of simulated tropospheric CO to subgrid physics parameterization: A case study of Indonesian biomass burning emissions in 2006
Authors: Field Robert D. , Luo Ming , Kim Daehyun , Del Genio Anthony D. , Voulgarakis Apostolos , Worden John
Published: October 2015

Recent cumulus and turbulence parameterization changes to the NASA GISS ModelE2 have improved representation of the Madden‐Julian Oscillation and low cloud distribution, but their effect on composition‐related quantities is not known. In this study, we simulate the vertical transport of carbon monoxide (CO) from uncontrolled biomass burning in Indonesia in late 2006, during which uniquely high CO was detected in the upper troposphere. Two configurations of ModelE2, one without the changes (AR5) and one with the changes (AR5′), are used for an ensemble simulation of the transport of CO from the biomass burning. The simulation results are evaluated against new CO profiles retrieved jointly from the Aura Tropospheric Emission Spectrometer and the Microwave Limb Sounder. Modeled upper tropospheric CO using the AR5 physics was unrealistically high. The AR5′ physics suppress deep convection that reaches near the tropopause, reducing vertical transport of CO to the upper troposphere and bringing the model into better agreement with satellite CO. In this regard, the most important changes were related to the strength of entrainment of environmental air into the convective column, the strength of re‐evaporation above cloud base, and a negative plume buoyancy threshold based on density temperature. This study illustrates how individual, noncomposition model changes can lead to significantly different modeled composition, which in this case improved agreement with satellite retrievals. This study also illuminates the potential usefulness of CO satellite observations in constraining unobservable processes in general circulation models.
On double Rossby wave breaking in the North Atlantic
Authors: Messori Gabriele , Caballero Rodrigo
Published: October 2015

We discuss the dynamical features associated with double Rossby wave breaking (DWB, concurrent cyclonic and anticyclonic breakings) over the North Atlantic, with a focus on the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO), the midlatitude jet stream, and surface wind extremes over continental Europe. Objective automated algorithms for detecting wave breaking and determining the location, intensity, and direction of the jet are adopted. The analysis is performed on the European Centre for Medium‐Range Weather Forecasts ERA‐Interim reanalysis and the Max Planck Institute Earth System Model (MPI‐ESM). We find that DWB events can project onto both phases of the NAO, albeit showing no strong preference for either. Wave‐breaking pairs occurring in the northern North Atlantic project onto the positive NAO, while the opposite holds for pairs occurring farther south. DWB also affects the direction and intensity of the jet stream. Events in the eastern half of the basin (EWB) intensify and zonalize the jet, while events farther to the west (WWB) weaken the westerly flow over Europe. An analysis of destructive wind storms over Europe in the last three decades suggests that these are typically associated with a very intense, zonal jet—similar to the case of EWB. Indeed, EWB corresponds to an enhanced likelihood of destructive windstorms over the continent, although there is not a one‐to‐one correspondence. The MPI‐ESM model does not capture this statistical relationship. On the contrary, WWB corresponds to a decreased likelihood of destructive weather.
Interannual variations of light‐absorbing particles in snow on Arctic sea ice
Authors: Doherty Sarah J. , Steele Michael , Rigor Ignatius , Warren Stephen G.
Published: October 2015

Samples of snow on sea ice were collected in springtime of the 6 years 2008–2013 in the region between Greenland, Ellesmere Island, and the North Pole (82°N –89°N, 0°W–100°W). The meltwater was passed through filters, whose spectral absorption was then measured to determine the separate contributions by black carbon (BC) and other light‐absorbing impurities. The median mixing ratio of BC across all years' samples was 4 ± 3 ng g−1, and the median fraction of absorption due to non‐BC absorbers was 36 ± 11%. Variances represent both spatial and interannual variability; there was no interannual trend in either variable. The absorption Ångström exponent, however, decreased with latitude, suggesting a transition from dominance by biomass‐burning sources in the south to an increased influence by fossil‐fuel‐burning sources in the north, consistent with earlier measurements of snow in Svalbard and at the North Pole.
Spatiotemporal impacts of wildfire and climate warming on permafrost across a subarctic region, Canada
Authors: Zhang Yu , Wolfe Stephen A. , Morse Peter D. , Olthof Ian , Fraser Robert H.
Published: October 2015

Field observations show significant impacts of wildfires on active layer thickness and ground temperatures. However, the importance of fires to permafrost conditions at regional scales remains unclear, especially with climate warming. This study evaluated the regional impacts of fire on permafrost with climate change from 1942 to 2100 using a process‐based model in a large subarctic region in the Northwest Territories, Canada. Climate warming is shown to be the dominant factor for permafrost reduction. The warming trend of climate reduces permafrost extent in this region from 67% at present to 2% by 2100. For burned areas, fire increases the reduction of permafrost extent by up to 9% on average, with up to 16% for forest, 10% for tundra and bogs, and 4% for fens. Fire accelerates permafrost disappearance by 5 years on average. The effects of fire on active layer thickness and permafrost extent are much larger in forest areas than in tundra, bogs, and fens. Since active layer is thicker after a fire and cannot recover in most of the areas, the fire effects on active layer are widespread. On average, fires thickens active layer by about 0.5 m. The fire effects on active layer increased significantly after 1990 due to climate warming.
Colloid filtration prediction by mapping the correlation‐equation parameters from transport experiments in porous media
Authors: Kamai Tamir , Nassar Mohamed K. , Nelson Kirk E. , Ginn Timothy R.
Published: October 2015

Colloid filtration theory (CFT) is a conceptual construct for predicting the characteristic rate of colloid‐surface collisions during transport in granular porous media. A central product of this theory is the correlation equation for predicting collection‐efficiency (η), based exclusively on theoretical model development. Specifically, the η‐equation has terms combining dimensionless groups (of physicochemical properties) with unknown parameters that are usually fitted so that the predicted η matches that determined by colloid‐surface collisions simulated in idealized pore‐scale models. In this study, we replace the simulated colloid‐surface collisions in idealized models with experimental column‐scale data on apparent colloid‐surface collisions. A new correlation equation is obtained by minimizing the difference between η determined by the correlation equation and that determined experimentally, using data from a collection of experiments for favorable conditions for colloid filtration. In this way, we parameterize a mechanistically based η‐equation with empirical evidence. The impact of different properties of colloids and porous media is studied by comparing experimental properties with different terms of the correlation equation. This comparison enables insight about the different processes that occur during colloid transport and retention in porous media, such as diffusion and interception, and provides directions for future CFT developments that will need to account for these processes differently than the current theory does. Additionally, we find that while most of the parameters of the presented η‐equation are only slightly different than those proposed in previous theoretical studies, the match between theory and observation is significantly improved. For the available experimental data, which provide a reasonable representation of property ranges for many applications of CFT, the proposed equation provides a closer match to the experimentally measured collection efficiencies compared to available theories to date.
Photocatalyst Interface Engineering: Spatially Confined Growth of ZnFe2O4 within Graphene Networks as Excellent Visible‐Light‐Driven Photocatalysts
Authors: Yang Deren , Feng Jing , Jiang Lili , Wu Xiaoliang , Sheng Lizhi , Jiang Yuting , Wei Tong , Fan Zhuangjun
Published: October 2015

High‐performance photocatalysts should have highly crystallized nanocrystals (NCs) with small sizes, high separation efficiency of photogenerated electron–hole pairs, fast transport and consumption of photon‐excited electrons from the surface of catalyst, high adsorption of organic pollutant, and suitable band gap for maximally utilizing sunlight energy. However, the design and synthesis of these versatile structures still remain a big challenge. Here, we report a novel strategy for the synthesis of ultrasmall and highly crystallized graphene–ZnFe2O4 photocatalyst through interface engineering by using interconnected graphene network as barrier for spatially confined growth of ZnFe2O4, as transport channels for photon‐excited electron from the surface of catalyst, as well as the electron reservoir for suppressing the recombination of photogenerated electron–hole pairs. As a result, about 20 nm ZnFe2O4 NCs with highly crystallized (311) plane confined in the graphene network exhibit an excellent visible‐light‐driven photocatalytic activity with an ultrafast degradation rate of 1.924 × 10−7 mol g−1 s−1 for methylene blue, much higher than those of previously reported photocatalysts such as spinel‐based photocatalysts (20 times), TiO2‐based photocatalysts (4 times), and other photocatalysts (4 times). Our strategy can be further extended to fabricate other catalysts and electrode materials for supercapacitors and Li‐ion batteries.
Working Principles of Perovskite Photodetectors: Analyzing the Interplay Between Photoconductivity and Voltage‐Driven Energy‐Level Alignment
Authors: Domanski Konrad , Tress Wolfgang , Moehl Thomas , Saliba Michael , Nazeeruddin Mohammad Khaja , Grätzel Michael
Published: October 2015

Organic–inorganic lead halide perovskites have recently received significant attention as active materials for high‐performance photovoltaics and photodetectors. However, the understanding of their operation mechanism remains limited. High‐gain, low‐voltage CH3NH3PbI3 photodetectors in various architectures are demonstrated herein. Photomultiplication in all structures with direct contact of fluorine‐doped tin oxide (FTO) and perovskite with the highest responsivity 208 A W−1 corresponding to an incident photon‐to‐current efficiency of 47 000% is observed. Studying the dynamics and temperature dependence, a slow process with an activation energy of 420 ± 90 meV in the time scale of seconds is found, which is essential to photocurrent multiplication. A model based on ion migration to explain the observed transients and the photomultiplication is developed. The accumulation of negative ionic charge at the FTO/perovskite interface under reverse bias lowers the FTO work function allowing for direct hole injection into the perovskite valence band. Under illumination, the conductivity of perovskite is increased and the device behaves similar to a photoconductor.
A concept of reactive compatibilizer‐tracer for studying reactive polymer blending processes
Authors: Ji Wei‐Yun , Feng Lian‐Fang , Zhang Cai‐Liang , Hoppe Sandrine , Hu Guo‐Hua , Dumas Dominique
Published: October 2015

Significance

A concept called reactive compatibilizer‐tracer is proposed. The latter bears reactive groups capable of reacting with its counterpart on forming a copolymer for in situ compatibilization, and fluorescent labels allowing determining very small amounts of the in situ formed compatibilizer and formation of micelles when it occurs. Owing to this concept, it is shown that a reactive compatibilizer may be very efficient at the beginning of a reactive blending process and may suddenly become completely inefficient, resulting in an abrupt and drastic increase in size of the dispersed phase domains. © 2015 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 62: 359–366, 2016
Trapping of Oxygen Vacancies at Crystallographic Shear Planes in Acceptor‐Doped Pb‐Based Ferroelectrics
Authors: Batuk Dmitry , Batuk Maria , Tsirlin Alexander A. , Hadermann Joke , Abakumov Artem M.
Published: October 2015

The defect chemistry of the ferroelectric material PbTiO3 after doping with FeIII acceptor ions is reported. Using advanced transmission electron microscopy and powder X‐ray and neutron diffraction, we demonstrate that even at concentrations as low as circa 1.7 % (material composition approximately ABO2.95), the oxygen vacancies are trapped into extended planar defects, specifically crystallographic shear planes. We investigate the evolution of these defects upon doping and unravel their detailed atomic structure using the formalism of superspace crystallography, thus unveiling their role in nonstoichiometry in the Pb‐based perovskites.
A Single Biosensor for Evaluating the Levels of Copper Ion and L‐Cysteine in a Live Rat Brain with Alzheimer's Disease
Authors: Luo Yongping , Zhang Limin , Liu Wei , Yu Yanyan , Tian Yang
Published: October 2015

Copper ion (Cu2+) and L‐cysteine (CySH) are closely correlated with physiological and pathological events of Alzheimer’s Disease (AD), however the detailed mechanism is still unclear, mainly owing to a lack of accurate analytical methods in live brains. Herein, we report a single biosensor for electrochemical ratiometric detection of Cu2+ and CySH in live rat brains with AD. N,N‐di‐(2‐picoly)ethylenediamine (DPEA) is first synthesized for specific recognition of Cu2+ to form a DPEA–Cu2+ complex. This complex shows high selectivity for CySH owing to the release of Cu2+ from the complex through CySH binding to Cu2+ center. In parallel, 5′‐MB‐GGCGCGATTTTTTTTTTTTT‐SH‐3′ (HS‐DNA‐MB, MB=Methylene Blue) is designed as an inner‐reference for providing a built‐in correction to improve the accuracy. As a result, combined with the amplified effect of Au nanoleaves, our single ratiometric biosensor can be successfully applied in real‐time detection of Cu2+ and CySH in the live rat brains with AD. To our knowledge, this is the first report on the accurate concentrations of Cu2+ and CySH in live rat brains with AD.
Flame retarding mechanism of Polyamide 6 with phosphorus‐nitrogen flame retardant and DOPO derivatives
Authors: Li Maolin , Zhong Yuhua , Wang Zheng , Fischer Andreas , Ranft Florian , Drummer Dietmar , Wu Wei
Published: October 2015

A novel flame‐retardant composite was prepared by introducing a phosphorus‐nitrogen flame retardant and DOPO‐SiO2 into PA6. DOPO‐SiO2 was synthesized successfully in a one‐step process. PA6/OP1314/DOPO‐SiO2 achieved a UL 94 V‐0 rating with an LOI value of 31%. The maximum mass loss rate of decomposition decreased significantly and char residue increased to 11.6 wt % compared with that of pure PA6. The compacted and dense char was formed due to the combination of the P‐N flame retardant and DOPO‐SiO2. The complex viscosity of PA6/OP1314/DOPO‐SiO2 increased considerably which tend to prevent the dripping phenomenon. The flame‐retardant mechanism of PA6/OP1314/DOPO‐SiO2 was also investigated by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy FTIR at different temperatures and the pyrolysis products were investigated by pyrolysis gas chromatography/ mass spectrum (Py‐GC/MS). It was assumed that DOPO‐SiO2 and the hypophosphite of OP1314 possess excellent flame retardancy during the gaseous phase. Meanwhile, melamine and phosphate reacted with the pyrolytic products of PA6 to protect the matrix during the condensed phase. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016, 133, 42932.
Investigation of corrosion inhibitory effect of hydroxyl propyl alginate on mild steel in acidic media
Authors: Sangeetha Y. , Meenakshi S. , Sairam Sundaram C.
Published: October 2015

The anti‐corrosion effect of hydroxyl propyl alginate (HPA) on mild steel in 1M HCl has been studied by chemical (weight loss) and electrochemical (polarization and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy) methods. From all the three methods, it is inferred that there is an increase in inhibition efficiency with increase in concentration of the inhibitor. Polarization studies revealed the mixed mode of inhibition by HPA. The mode of adsorption is physical in nature. The adsorption of HPA on mild steel followed Frumkin adsorption isotherm. The thermodynamic and kinetic parameters have been calculated and discussed. Surface morphological studies have been carried out with Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Atomic force microscopy (AFM). Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) is utilized to characterize the adsorbed film. SEM and AFM methods confirm the presence of inhibitor on the surface of the metal. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016, 133, 43004.
Using Raman spectroscopic imaging for non‐destructive analysis of filler distribution in chalk filled polypropylene
Authors: Boros Evelin , Bak Porse Peter , Nielsen Inga , Kucheryavskiy Sergey
Published: October 2015

A feasibility study on using Raman spectral imaging for visualization and analysis of filler distribution in chalk filled polypropylene samples has been carried out. The spectral images were acquired using a Raman spectrometer with 785 nm light source. Eight injection‐molded samples with concentration of chalk 25% and 50% were used in the experiment. Two methods for spectral unmixing were applied to the images and both revealed almost identical distribution maps over the samples’ surface. The maps also correlated with the ones obtained for several separated peaks, typical for the chalk and the polypropylene. The revealed distribution patterns show the same trend for each concentration level and agree with theoretical explanation of plastic flow into an injection molding tool. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016, 133, 43016.
Practice the three stages of learning in leadership
Authors: Skipworth Stan
Published: October 2015

College and university police chiefs and directors share many common daily objectives. They include pursuing financial resources, seeking technologies that best suit and support their organizations, or facilitating the application of what seems like a never‐ending array of new and more complex legislation on behalf of the institutions they serve and protect.
Consider growth over the years in the role of the campus public safety director
Authors: Miles David
Published: October 2015

Writing a column on the subject of campus public safety for readers of a newsletter about campus security can be a daunting task. Many of you have much experience and knowledge, so I can only give you my opinion and advice. As someone who has been in the public safety field for more than 35 years, I believe that I can talk about how the position of public safety director has changed.
Bring information together in one place to create virtual campus safety hub
Authors: Sutton Halley
Published: October 2015

Robert Burford's path to becoming the University of New Mexico's first full‐time Clery Act compliance officer began in the UNM dormitories. Burford, originally from El Paso, Texas, first came to UNM as a student and completed his master's degree in public administration. “I realized that I needed to find something that would be useful for many different areas,” Burford said of his decision to pursue a graduate degree from UNM, adding that although the university didn't have a master's program in higher education specifically, a public administration degree would open the way to many opportunities to work in higher education.
Combat emergencies by fostering community relationships
Authors: Sutton Halley
Published: October 2015

CHICAGO — On March 14, 2014, Touro University in Las Vegas was faced with a nightmare situation: a gunman on campus. Craig Seiden, vice president for finance and administration at Touro; and Diane Waryas, associate vice president for institutional effectiveness, recounted the lessons learned from the incident as well as the strategic safety procedures already in place that led to the successful surrender of the gunman with no casualties or shots fired. They spoke at a session at the annual conference for the Society for College and University Planning.
Free self‐assessment helps determine areas of need
Authors: Sutton Halley
Published: October 2015

The 32 National Campus Safety Initiative announced that it will make a free campus security self‐assessment tool available to colleges and universities to help determine areas of need on campus. The 32 NCSI organization was developed by the nonprofit VTV Family Outreach Foundation, which was formed by the friends and families of the victims of the Virginia Tech shooting that occurred in 2007 and claimed 32 lives.
Phasic disappearance of left circumflex coronary artery from an early complication of mitral valve surgery
Authors: Devabhaktuni Subodh , Sunkara Nirmal , Ahsan Chowdhury
Published: October 2015

Key Clinical Message

LV pseudoaneurysm can be a late complication of mitral valve replacement. In our case, it was an early postoperative complication. This pseudoaneurysm was causing compression of LCX artery during systole, leading to presentation of NSTEMI two weeks after the surgery.
Iron overload‐related heart failure in a patient with transfusion‐dependent myelodysplastic syndrome reversed by intensive combined chelation therapy
Authors: Pinto Valeria , Balocco Manuela , Ambaglio Ilaria , Derchi Giorgio , Malcovati Luca , Forni Gian Luca
Published: October 2015

Key Clinical Message

Patients with transfusion‐dependent myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) have an increased risk of cardiac events, due to both chronic anemia and iron overload. Here, we report the recovery of cardiac function after an intensive iron chelation therapy in a MDS patient who had developed heart failure due to iron overload.
Conclusive Evidence for Two Unimolecular Pathways to Zeolite‐Catalyzed De‐alkylation of the Heptamethylbenzenium Cation
Authors: Westgård Erichsen Marius , Mortén Magnus , Svelle Stian , Sekiguchi Osamu , Uggerud Einar , Olsbye Unni
Published: October 2015

The de‐alkylation of polymethylbenzenes is a key step in the zeolite‐catalysed methanol to hydrocarbons (MTH) reaction. As the accumulation of hydrocarbons in the zeolite pores commonly leads to numerous parallel reactions even at low conversions, the elucidation of the de‐alkylation mechanism is a challenging task. In this study, the gas‐phase dissociation of isotopically labelled heptamethylbenzenium ions was combined with reaction studies of its conjugate base over an H‐SSZ‐24 zeolite. The study provided conclusive evidence that unimolecular de‐alkylation pathways are favoured over side‐chain methylation in the zeolite‐catalysed reaction: the same alkenes, containing the same number of labelled carbon atoms, were formed in similar relative amounts in both the gas‐phase and catalytic studies. The observed labelling pattern (one ring‐carbon atom in C2, C3 and i‐C4, and two ring‐carbon atoms in n‐C4 and i‐C5) further revealed the existence of two different pathways for the unimolecular de‐alkylation of polymethylbenzenes.
A Simple Approach towards High‐Performance Perovskite‐Based Bifunctional Oxygen Electrocatalysts
Authors: Elumeeva Karina , Masa Justus , Tietz Frank , Yang Fengkai , Xia Wei , Muhler Martin , Schuhmann Wolfgang
Published: October 2015

To accelerate the large‐scale commercialization of electrochemical energy storage and conversion technologies through water splitting and regeneration in reversible fuel cells, cost‐effective, highly efficient, and durable reversible oxygen electrodes are required. We report a comparatively simple approach to modify a group of oxygen‐evolving perovskites based on lanthanum cobaltite into effective bifunctional systems through partial atom substitution, which, upon intermixing with nitrogen‐doped carbon nanotubes, achieve remarkably low round‐trip overvoltage of <850 mV in the electrocatalysis of oxygen reduction and oxygen evolution in an alkaline electrolyte, KOH (0.1 m). Besides the bifunctional electrocatalytic performance, the composite systems with a low Fe content possessed promising long‐term stability.
Optimization of Inhibitors of Mycobacterium tuberculosis Pantothenate Synthetase Based on Group Efficiency Analysis
Authors: Hung Alvin W. , Silvestre H. Leonardo , Wen Shijun , George Guillaume P. C. , Boland Jennifer , Blundell Tom L. , Ciulli Alessio , Abell Chris
Published: October 2015

Ligand efficiency has proven to be a valuable concept for optimization of leads in the early stages of drug design. Taking this one step further, group efficiency (GE) evaluates the binding efficiency of each appendage of a molecule, further fine‐tuning the drug design process. Here, GE analysis is used to systematically improve the potency of inhibitors of Mycobacterium tuberculosis pantothenate synthetase, an important target in tuberculosis therapy. Binding efficiencies were found to be distributed unevenly within a lead molecule derived using a fragment‐based approach. Substitution of the less efficient parts of the molecule allowed systematic development of more potent compounds. This method of dissecting and analyzing different groups within a molecule offers a rational and general way of carrying out lead optimization, with potential broad application within drug discovery.
Impact of continued mailed fecal tests in the patient‐centered medical home: Year 3 of the Systems of Support to Increase Colon Cancer Screening and Follow‐Up randomized trial
Authors: Green Beverly B. , Anderson Melissa L. , Chubak Jessica , Fuller Sharon , Meenan Richard T. , Vernon Sally W.
Published: October 2015

BACKGROUND

The current study was conducted to determine the effect of continuing a centralized fecal occult blood test (FOBT) mailed program on screening adherence.

METHODS

A patient‐level randomized controlled trial was conducted in 21 patient‐centered medical home primary care clinics between January 2010 and November 2012. A total of 2208 patients ranging in age from 52 to 75 years in a substudy of the Systems of Support to Increase Colon Cancer Screening and Follow‐Up (SOS) trial were randomized at year 3 to continued automated interventions (Continued group), which included mailed information regarding colorectal cancer (CRC) screening choices, and were mailed stool kit tests or to a group in which interventions were stopped (Stopped group). The main outcomes and measures were the completion of CRC screening in year 3 and by subgroup characteristics, respectively.

RESULTS

Adherence to CRC screening in year 3 was found to be significantly higher in patients in the Continued group compared with those in the Stopped group (53.3% vs 37.3%; adjusted net difference, 15.6% [P<.001]). This difference was entirely due to greater completion of FOBT (adjusted net difference, 18.0% [P<.001]). Year 3 CRC screening rates were highest in patients in the Continued group completing FOBT in both years 1 and 2 (77.2%), followed by patients completing only 1 FOBT in 1 of the 2 years (44.6%), with low rates of CRC testing reported among patients not completing any FOBT within the first 2 years (18.1%).

CONCLUSIONS

A centralized mailed FOBT CRC screening program continued to be more effective than patient‐centered medical home usual‐care interventions, but only for those patients who had previously completed FOBT testing. Research is needed regarding how to engage patients not completing CRC testing after being mailed at least 2 rounds of FOBT tests. Cancer 2016;122:312–321. © 2015 American Cancer Society.
Electrodeposited Ni‐P Alloy Nanoparticle Films for Efficiently Catalyzing Hydrogen‐ and Oxygen‐Evolution Reactions
Authors: Tang Chun , Asiri Abdullah M. , Luo Yonglan , Sun Xuping
Published: October 2015

Development of earth‐abundant bifunctional electrocatalysts for both the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER) is highly desirable but still remains a great challenge. In this Communication, we demonstrate that a Ni‐P alloy nanoparticle film electrodeposited on Ni foam (Ni‐P/NF) acts as an efficient bifunctional water‐splitting electrocatalyst with strong durability in alkaline media. This electrode needs overpotentials of 80 and 309 mV to drive 10 mA cm−2 for HER and OER, respectively, in 1.0 m KOH, and its two‐electrode water electrolyzer requires voltage of 1.67 V to reach 10 mA cm−2.
Solvation of Calcium–Phosphate Headgroup Complexes at the DPPC/Aqueous Interface
Authors: Hua Wei , Verreault Dominique , Allen Heather C.
Published: October 2015

The effects of sodium (Na+) and calcium (Ca2+) cations on model zwitterionic dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine (DPPC) monolayers spread on metal chloride salt solutions are investigated by means of vibrational sum frequency generation (VSFG) and heterodyne‐detected (HD)‐VSFG spectroscopy. VSFG and HD‐VSFG spectra in the OH stretching region reveal cation‐specific effects on the interfacial water′s H‐bonding network, knowledge of which has been limited to date. It is found that low‐concentrated Ca2+ more strongly perturbs interfacial water organization relative to highly concentrated Na+. At higher Ca2+ concentrations, the water H‐bonding network at the DPPC/CaCl2 interface reorganizes and the resulting spectrum closely follows that of the bare air/CaCl2 interface up to ∼3400 cm−1. Most interesting is the appearance of a negative band at ∼3450 cm−1 in the DPPC/CaCl2 Im χs(2) spectra, likely arising from an asymmetric solvation of Ca2+–phosphate headgroup complexes. This gives rise to an electric field that orients the net OH transition moments of a subset of OH dipoles toward the bulk solution.
Physical Parameters of Phosphor Layers and their Effects on the Device Properties of Beta‐radioluminescent Nuclear Batteries
Authors: Tang Xiaobin , Xu Zhiheng , Liu Yunpeng , Liu Min , Wang Hao , Chen Da
Published: October 2015

A series of phosphor layers (ZnS:Cu‐Large, ZnS:Cu‐Small, and Y2O2S:Eu) precipitated with varying mass thicknesses were prepared using a homogeneous precipitation method. Radioluminescence (RL), the light emitted from phosphor materials immediately upon beta particle radiation, was measured at room temperature using RL spectra under 4.89 mCi cm−2 63 Ni and 2.23 mCi cm−2 147 Pm beta particle sources, respectively. The RL properties, such as emission intensity, are affected by the mass thickness of the phosphor layers. In this work, the performance of beta‐radioluminescent nuclear batteries with the aforementioned phosphor layers as intermediate absorbers was analyzed and discussed. The current–voltage characteristics of the nuclear batteries revealed the effect of the physical parameters of the phosphor layers. The maximum output power of the batteries increased approximately linearly with increasing RL intensity for the three types of phosphors under excitation by different beta sources.
Use of the conditional spectrum to incorporate record‐to‐record variability in simplified seismic assessment of RC wall buildings
Authors: Fox Matthew James , Sullivan Timothy John
Published: October 2015

A procedure for incorporating record‐to‐record variability into the simplified seismic assessment of RC wall buildings is presented. The procedure relies on the use of the conditional spectrum to randomly sample spectral ordinates at relevant periods of vibration. For inelastic response, displacement reduction factors are then used to relate inelastic displacement demand to the spectral displacement at the effective period for single‐degree‐of‐freedom systems. Simple equations are used to convert back and forth between multi‐degree‐of‐freedom RC wall buildings and equivalent single‐degree‐of‐systems so that relevant engineering demand parameters can be obtained. Consideration is also given to higher‐mode effects by adapting existing modal combination rules. The proposed method is applied to several case study buildings, showing promising results in the examination of inter‐storey drift ratio and shear forces. The proposed method captures the variation in the distribution of structural response parameters that occurs with variations in structural configuration, intensity, engineering demand parameter of interest and site characteristics. Discussion is provided on possible ways to improve the accuracy of the procedure and suggestions for additional future work. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
New guanidine‐containing nanocomposites impeding the growth of Staphylococcus epidermidis 33 and the biofilm formation
Authors: Gorbunova Marina , Lemkina Larisa
Published: October 2015

New water‐soluble nanocomposites (AgNCs) based on Ag and copolymers of 2,2‐diallyl‐1,1,3,3‐tetraethylguanidiniumchloride with N‐vinylpyrrolidone [poly(AGC‐VP)] and vinylacetate [poly(AGC‐VA)] have been developed. Antibacterial action of new silver nanocomposites on S. epidermidis 33 (planctonic cells and biofilms) is reported in this study. AgNCs strongly inhibited biofilms formation of S. epidermidis 33. The viability of S. epidermidis 33 cells in biofilms was considerably reduced by new AgNCs. It has been shown that S. epidermidis 33 inactivation in biofilms occurs at AgNC concentrations > 5 times higher as compared to those inhibiting completely the planktonic cells. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 104A: 630–638, 2016.
Development and characterization of a rapid polymerizing collagen for soft tissue augmentation
Authors: Devore Dale , Zhu Jiaxun , Brooks Robert , McCrate Rebecca Rone , Grant David A. , Grant Sheila A.
Published: October 2015

A liquid collagen has been developed that fibrilizes upon injection. Rapid polymerizing collagen (RPC) is a type I porcine collagen that undergoes fibrillization upon interaction with ionic solutions, such as physiological solutions. The ability to inject liquid collagen would be beneficial for many soft tissue augmentation applications. In this study, RPC was synthesized and characterized as a possible dermal filler. Transmission electron microscopy, ion induced RPC fibrillogenesis tests, collagenase resistance assay, and injection force studies were performed to assess RPC's physicochemical properties. An in vivo study was performed which consisted of a 1‐, 3‐, and 6‐month study where RPC was injected into the ears of miniature swine. The results demonstrated that the liquid RPC requires low injection force (<7 N); fibrillogenesis and banding of collagen occurs when RPC is injected into ionic solutions, and RPC has enhanced resistance to collagenase breakdown. The in vivo study demonstrated long‐term biocompatibility with low irritation scores. In conclusion RPC possesses many of the desirable properties of a soft tissue augmentation material. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 104A: 758–767, 2016.
Characterizing the degradation of alginate hydrogel for use in multilumen scaffolds for spinal cord repair
Authors: Shahriari Dena , Koffler Jacob , Lynam Daniel A. , Tuszynski Mark H. , Sakamoto Jeffrey S.
Published: October 2015

Alginate was studied as a degradable nerve guidance scaffold material in vitro and in vivo. In vitro degradation rates were determined using rheology to measure the change in shear modulus vs time. The shear modulus decreased from 155 kPa to 5 kPa within 2 days; however, alginate samples maintained their superficial geometry for over 28 days. The degradation behavior was supported by materials characterization data showing alginate consisted of high internal surface area (400 m2/g), which likely facilitated the release of cross‐linking cations resulting in the rapid decrease in shear modulus. To assess the degradation rate in vivo, multilumen scaffolds were fabricated using a fiber templating technique. The scaffolds were implanted in a 2‐mm‐long T3 full transection rodent spinal cord lesion model for 14 days. Although there was some evidence of axon guidance, in general, alginate scaffolds degraded before axons could grow over the 2‐mm‐long lesion. Enabling alginate‐based scaffolds for nerve repair will likely require approaches to slow its degradation. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 104A: 611–619, 2016.
The Use of p‐Aminobenzoic Acid as a Probe Substance for the Targeted Profiling of Glycine Conjugation
Authors: Nortje Carla , van der Sluis Rencia , van Dijk Alberdina Aike , Erasmus Elardus
Published: October 2015

Glycine conjugation facilitates the metabolism of toxic aromatic acids, capable of disrupting mitochondrial integrity. Owing to the high exposure to toxic substrates, characterization of individual glycine conjugation capacity, and its regulatory factors has become increasingly important. Aspirin and benzoate have been employed for this purpose; however, adverse reactions, aspirin intolerance, and Reye's syndrome in children are substantial drawbacks. The goal of this study was to investigate p‐aminobenzoic acid (PABA) as an alternative glycine conjugation probe. Ten human volunteers participated in a PABA challenge test, and p‐aminohippuric acid (PAHA), p‐acetamidobenzoic acid, and p‐acetamidohippuric acid were quantified in urine. The glycine N‐acyltransferase gene of the volunteers was also screened for two polymorphisms associated with normal and increased enzyme activity. All of the individuals were homozygous for increased enzyme activity, but excretion of PAHA varied significantly (16–56%, hippurate ratio). The intricacies of PABA metabolism revealed possible limiting factors and the potential of PABA as an indicator of Phase 0 biotransformation.
Meaning, Resilience, and Traumatic Stress After the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill: A Study of Mississippi Coastal Residents Seeking Mental Health Services
Authors: Aiena Bethany J. , Buchanan Erin M. , Smith C. Veronica , Schulenberg Stefan E.
Published: October 2015

The present study examines the relationship between resilience, perceived meaning in life, and traumatic stress symptoms among coastal residents of Mississippi directly affected by the Deepwater Horizon oil spill (also known as the Gulf oil spill). The study was conducted as part of a larger project that assessed the spill's effect on the mental health of individuals seeking therapeutic services. Multiple regression analyses were conducted to determine if resilience and perceived meaning are significant predictors of scores from a measure of posttraumatic stress. Descriptive data, reliability coefficients, and correlations were also calculated. Higher levels of resilience and meaning together were predictive of fewer posttraumatic stress symptoms after controlling for the effect of the spill. Resilience and meaning appeared to be similar predictors of lower posttraumatic stress scores, and meaning appears to be an important facet of what makes a person resilient.
Mindfulness as a Protective Factor for the Burden of Caregivers of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Patients
Authors: Pagnini Francesco , Phillips Deborah , Bosma Colin M. , Reece Andrew , Langer Ellen
Published: October 2015

Objectives

Caregivers of people with severe chronic conditions, such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), are at risk of developing depression and anxiety and reduced quality of life. Few studies have explored protective factors in this population and none investigated the role of mindfulness. The study aimed to examine the relationship between mindfulness and health‐related outcomes in a population of ALS caregivers.

Methods

We conducted an online survey with ALS caregivers, and again at 4‐month follow‐up, to assess mindfulness, burden, quality of life, anxiety, and depression. The associations between mindfulness and the other outcomes were evaluated both cross‐sectionally and longitudinally.

Results

Mindfulness correlated negatively with burden, depression, and anxiety and positively with quality of life, maintaining stability through time.

Conclusion

Our results showed that mindfulness is positively related to quality of life and negatively related to level of burden. We suggest that this construct can represent a preventative factor toward the negative effects of caregiving.
Influence of delta virus infection on the virologic status in Egyptian patients with chronic hepatitis B virus genotype D
Authors: Fouad Rabab , Abdo Mahmoud , Eldeen Hadeel Gamal , Sabry Dina , Atef Mira , Ahmed Rasha , Zayed Naglaa
Published: October 2015

Hepatitis delta virus (HDV) usually have an unfavorable clinical outcome in chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) patients. In Egypt, data about epidemiology, the spectrum of disease, and impact of HDV on HBV infection are rare. To assess the prevalence, clinical and virological characteristics of HDV infection among Egyptian patients with chronic HBV. Adult patients with Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg)‐positive were evaluated for the presence of HDV using anti HDV‐IgG and HDV RNA by RT‐PCR. Routine laboratory investigations, genotypes and subtypes for both HBV and HDV, abdominal sonography, and transient elastography (TE) were done. Liver biopsy was performed only in whenever indicated. One hundred and twenty‐one treatment‐naïve chronic HBV patients were included. Wild HBV genotype‐D2 was found in 98.2% and 81.9% were HBeAg negative. Prevalence of HDV was 8.3% by anti‐HDV IgG and 9.9% by RT‐PCR. Wild HDV genotype‐IIb was reported in 83.3%. HDV infection was more common in males, 90.9% of delta patients were HBeAg negative. Compared to the mono‐infected HBV, concomitant HBV/HDV infection was not associated with more derangment in ALT nor advanced stage of fibrosis. 66.7% of HDV patients had significantly lower HBV‐DNA level compared to the non‐delta patients (P < 0.001). HDV is not uncommon in Egypt. HBV genotype‐D was associated with HDV genotype‐IIb. Delta infection was associated with negative HBeAg status, reduction of HBV replication, but neither influenced the clinical course nor increased significant liver damage risk. J. Med. Virol. 88:837–842, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Robotic gastrectomy and esophagogastrectomy: A single center experience of 105 cases
Authors: Harrison Lawrence E. , Yiengpruksawan Anusak , Patel Jay , Itskovich Alex , Lee Benjamin , Korst Robert
Published: October 2015

Background

A robotic approach to general surgery procedures may provide improved postoperative outcomes compared to either open or laparoscopic approaches. The role of robotics for gastroesophageal surgery, however, is still being evaluated.

Study Design

A review of the prospective database for robotic surgery at Valley Hospital between January 2002 and March 2014 identified 105 patients who underwent robotic gastric and esophageal resection. Patient demographics and perioperative factors were studied.

Results

Over a 12 years period, 105 patients underwent robotic gastroesophageal resection. The median operative time for distal gastrectomy (230 min [112–327]) was significantly less compared to either total gastrectomy (302 min [214–364]) or esophagogastrectomy (309 min [190–682]). The length of stay for patients undergoing distal gastrectomy (6 days [4–32]) was also significantly less than patients undergoing total gastrectomy (11 days [7–43]), as well as esophagogastrectomy (9 days [5–64]). In regard to the learning curve to perform robotic gastroesophageal surgery, there was a significant correlation between operative time and overall experience.

Conclusions

This study demonstrated that robotic gastroesophageal surgery is feasible and can be safely performed. Assuming familiarity with the open procedures and acquisition of basic robotic skills, the learning curve for robotic gastroesophageal surgery requires approximately 20 cases. J. Surg. Oncol. 2015;112:888–893. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
EPR Study of Backbiting in the Aqueous‐Solution Polymerization of Acrylamide
Authors: Kattner Hendrik , Buback Michael
Published: October 2015

Via electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy, the type of radicals occurring during acrylamide (AAm) homopolymerization in aqueous solution is investigated between −5 and +100 °C. The radicals are produced photochemically under stationary conditions. Midchain AAm radicals (MCRs) are clearly identified by EPR which demonstrates that secondary propagating AAm radicals (SPRs) undergo backbiting reactions. Above 50 °C, the fraction of MCRs even exceeds the one of SPRs. The extent of backbiting is however well below the one in butyl acrylate polymerization at identical temperature.

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One Pot Synthesis of a Polyisoprene Polyrotaxane and Conversion to a Slide‐Ring Gel
Authors: Kali Gergely , Eisenbarth Harley , Wenz Gerhard
Published: October 2015

Synthesis of a cyclodextrin (CD) polyrotaxane is achieved for the first time by simultaneous free radical polymerization of isoprene, threading by CD, and stoppering by copolymerization of styrene. This reaction is performed in an eco‐friendly manner in an aqueous medium similar to classical emulsion polymerization. Threaded CD rings of the polyrotaxane are cross‐linked by hexamethylene diisocyanate, leading to highly elastic slide‐ring gels.

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