bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Approximation Optimal Vibration for Networked Nonlinear Vehicle Active Suspension with Actuator Time Delay
Authors: Han Shi‐Yuan , Zhang Cheng‐Hui , Tang Gong‐You
Published: January 2017

This paper is concerned with the modelling and vibration control problem for networked nonlinear vehicle active suspension (NNVAS) with actuator time delay. Inserting in‐vehicle communication network to active suspension, a novel model for NNVAS is established based on the Takagi‐Sugeno fuzzy fusion technology first. By introducing a transformation vector, NNVAS with actuator time delay is reformed as a delay‐free nonlinear system. Then, an approximation optimal vibration controller (AOVC) is proposed by using an iterative algorithm, which consists of suspension state item, a road disturbance state item, and a compensated item for nonlinear response. Dependant on the control performance in each iteration, the computability of proposed AOVC is realized. A reduced‐order observer is designed to solve the physical unrealizable problem of road disturbances. Finally, compared with the open‐loop system and
control scheme without network setting, the capability of improving control performance under AOVC is illustrated.
Stable Delayed Bilateral Teleoperation of Mobile Manipulators
Authors: Santiago Diego D. , Slawiñski Emanuel , Mut Vicente A.
Published: January 2017

This paper proposes a control scheme for a stable teleoperation of non‐holonomic mobile manipulator robots. This configuration presents high‐coupled dynamics and motion redundancy. The problem approached in this work is the teleoperation of the end effector velocity of the Mobile Manipulator, while system redundancy is used to achieve secondary control objectives. We considered variable asymmetric time delays as well as non‐passive models of operator and environment. From this study, it is possible to infer the control parameters, depending on the time delay, in order to assure stability. Finally, the performance of the delayed teleoperation system is evaluated through simulations of human‐in‐the‐loop internet teleoperation.
Effect of Halide Impregnation on Elemental Mercury Removal of Activated Carbons
Authors: Yim Yoon‐Ji , Park Soo‐Jin
Published: January 2017

Activated carbons (ACs) were impregnated with potassium halides (KX) to enhance the removal efficiency of elemental mercury (Hg0). In this work, the impregnation effect of potassium bromide (KBr) and potassium iodine (KI) were investigated. The surface properties of KX‐ACs were determined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS). The pore structures and total pore volumes of the KX‐ACs were analyzed using the N2
/77 K adsorption isotherms. The Hg0 removal efficiency of KBr‐ACs and KI‐ACs was studied under simulated flue gas conditions. The effects of KI and KBr loading, adsorption temperature, and flue gas components on Hg0 removal efficiency were also investigated. The results showed that the Hg0 removal efficiency of the ACs was significantly enhanced by KI or KBr impregnation, and KI‐ACs showed higher Hg0 removal efficiency than KBr‐ACs under the same conditions. An increase in KI or KBr loading and higher adsorption temperatures improved the Hg0 removal efficiency, indicating that chemisorption occurred due to the reaction between X− and Hg0. The lower extent of Hg0 removal exhibited by the KBr‐ACs than by the KI‐ACs was due to the difficulty of Br2 formation on the surfaces.
Optical Lattices for Optimal Atom Lenses
Authors: Lee Chang Jae
Published: January 2017

Optical lattices have been used for focusing atomic beams to produce arrays of parallel nanowires and nanodots. Atomic dynamics in optical lattice lenses can be treated with either a method analogous to classical ray‐optics or wave mechanics. In this article, we investigate the dynamics by treating atoms quantum mechanically, moving in semiclassical optical lattices. The goal is to provide general conditions for achieving optimal atom focusing. Effects of experimental parameters such as detuning, laser power, and atom–lattice interaction time, and the shape of the optical lattice potentials on atom focusing are studied. Based on these analyses, strategies for achieving optimal atom focusing are provided.
Copper(II)‐Controlled Molecular Glue for Mismatched DNA
Authors: Kotera Naoko , Guillot Régis , Teulade‐Fichou Marie‐Paule , Granzhan Anton
Published: January 2017

Isothermal hybridization of two DNA strands bearing three thymine‐thymine (T:T) mismatches can be brought about in the presence of a stoichiometric amount of a bis‐naphthalene macrocycle, 2,7‐BisNP‐NH. This process can be reverted by addition of a CuII salt due to formation of a dinuclear metal complex which does not bind to DNA. Subsequent sequestration of CuII releases the macrocycle and restores the hybridization state of DNA strands, thus allowing implementation of a fast fluorescent two‐state DNA switch.
Revealing Additional Stereocomplementary Pairs of Old Yellow Enzymes by Rational Transfer of Engineered Residues
Authors: Nett Nathalie , Duewel Sabine , Richter Alexandra Annelis , Hoebenreich Sabrina
Published: January 2017

Every year numerous protein engineering and directed evolution studies are published, increasing the knowledge that could be used by protein engineers. Here we test a protein engineering strategy that allows quick access to improved biocatalysts with very little screening effort. Conceptually it is assumed that engineered residues previously identified by rational and random methods induce similar improvements when transferred to family members. In an application to ene‐reductases from the Old Yellow Enzyme (OYE) family, the newly created variants were tested with three compounds, revealing more stereocomplementary OYE pairs with potent turnover frequencies (up to 660 h−1) and excellent stereoselectivities (up to >99 %). Although systematic prediction of absolute enantioselectivity of OYE variants remains a challenge, “scaffold sampling” was confirmed as a promising addition to protein engineers' collection of strategies.
Gold(I)‐Mediated Thiourea Organocatalyst Activation: A Synergic Effect for Asymmetric Catalysis
Authors: Izaga Anabel , Herrera Raquel P. , Gimeno M. Concepción
Published: January 2017

Several group 11 metal complexes with chiral thiourea organocatalysts have been prepared and tested as organocatalysts. The promising results on the influence of metal‐assisted thiourea organocatalysts in the asymmetric Friedel–Crafts alkylation of indole with nitrostyrene are described. Better results with the metal complexes have been achieved because of the cooperative effects between the chiral thiourea and the metal. The synergic effect between both species is higher than the effect promoted by each one separately, especially for gold(I). These outcomes are attributed to a pioneering gold(I) activation of the thiourea catalysts, affording a more acidic and rigid catalytic complex than that provided by the thiourea alone. Furthermore, the use of the gold–thiourea organocatalyst allows reducing the catalyst loading to 1–3 mol %. This contribution could become an important starting point for further investigations opening a new line of research overlooked so far in the literature.
“Enzymatic” Photoreduction of Carbon Dioxide using Polymeric Metallofoldamers Containing Nickel–Thiolate Cofactors
Authors: Thanneeru Srinivas , Nganga John K. , Amin Alireza Shirazi , Liu Ben , Jin Lei , Angeles‐Boza Alfredo M. , He Jie
Published: January 2017

The photoreduction of CO2 by using enzyme‐mimicking polymeric metallofoldamers containing Ni–thiolate cofactors was explored. Metallofoldamers consisting of folded polymers incorporated with Ni–thiolate complexes were prepared by intramolecular Ni–thiolate coordination with thiol‐functionalized linear copolymers. The folded polymer backbone may resemble the protein framework to provide a second coordination environment to the active sites. We showed that Ni–metallofoldamers were superiorly active and selective for CO2 photoreduction. At 80 °C, the turnover frequency of the Ni–metallofoldamers could reach 0.69 s−1, which corresponds to 2500 turnovers per hour per Ni site. Our findings are expected to provide useful guidelines to investigate artificial enzymes and to understand the role of protein frameworks in photosynthesis.
Ultrafast Electrodeposition of Ni−Fe Hydroxide Nanosheets on Nickel Foam as Oxygen Evolution Anode for Energy‐Saving Electrolysis of Na2CO3/NaHCO3
Authors: Sun Yanzhi , Liu Chunxiang , Zhang Linying , Wan Pingyu , Zhuang Shuxian , Tang Yang , Chen Yongmei , Pan Junqing
Published: January 2017

Nickel/iron (Ni−Fe)‐based compounds are known as active electrocatalysts for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER), which plays an important role in metal−air batteries and water splitting. Herein, a three‐dimensional (3D) porous nickel foam electrode (NiFe(OH)x NSs/Nif) modified with Ni−Fe hydroxide nanosheets (NSs) is prepared by using a fast and facile electrodeposition method. The electrode is subsequently applied in the electrolysis of Na2CO3/NaHCO3 to produce hydrogen, oxygen, NaOH, and NaHCO3/CO2. By carefully controlling the electrodeposition time, ultrathin NiFe(OH)x NSs with a thickness of approximately 2–6 nm are interlaced with one another and grown vertically on nickel foam to form a hierarchical composite electrode. The prepared NiFe(OH)x NSs/Nif electrode exhibits superb OER performance with an overpotential of 260 mV at 10 mA cm−2 and a low Tafel slope of 29 mV dec−1 in 1 mol L−1 NaOH solution. In 0.5 mol L−1 Na2CO3/NaHCO3 solution, the NiFe(OH)x NSs/Nif electrode exhibits a low OER potential of 290 mV, which is lower than the commercial RuO2/Ti electrode at a current density of 100 mA cm−2, and shows good long‐term stability. During electrolysis of Na2CO3/NaHCO3, the cell voltage with the NiFe(OH)x NSs/Nif anode is 2.52 V, which is 280 mV lower than that with a commercial RuO2/Ti anode.
Theory and Simulation for Optimising Electrogenerated Chemiluminescence from Tris(2,2′‐bipyridine)‐ruthenium(II)‐Doped Silica Nanoparticles and Tripropylamine
Authors: Daviddi Enrico , Oleinick Alexander , Svir Irina , Valenti Giovanni , Paolucci Francesco , Amatore Christian
Published: January 2017

Electrochemiluminescence (ECL), that is, light emission from an electronically excited species generated by electrochemical means, sustains powerful (bio)analytical methods for the ultrasensitive detection of biological targets. Co‐reactant systems involving an inexpensive organic molecule, most generally a tertiary amine, and a metal complex luminophore are commonly used for such purposes. Owing to the high cost of the luminophore moiety, several groups have considered minimising its quantity by sequestrating it at high concentration inside nanoparticles. However, to be efficient and to optimise ECL responses, this strategy requires that the nanoparticle carrier is suitably placed inside the diffusion layer of the oxidised organic co‐reactant. In this work, we firstly investigated this optimisation problem by introducing a rather simple analytical model to delineate qualitatively the main mechanistic features controlling the ECL intensity. This was then analysed in more detail by using 2D simulations. Analysis of these 2D‐heavy simulations in terms of memory occupation and CPU time, evidenced that similar results (i. e. with a relative precision best than a few percent) could be achieved with much faster 1D simulations. These 1D simulations allowed specifying quantitatively the main features of the analytical model qualitative predictions and to propose simple rules for the optimisation of the luminophore‐doped nanoparticles placement inside the diffusion layer of the organic co‐reactant.
Conformational Analysis of an Antibacterial Cyclodepsipeptide Active against Mycobacterium tuberculosis by a Combined ROE and RDC Analysis
Authors: Fredersdorf Maic , Kurz Michael , Bauer Armin , Ebert Marc‐Olivier , Rigling Carla , Lannes Laurie , Thiele Christina Marie
Published: January 2017

Griselimycin (GM) and methylgriselimycin (MGM), naturally produced by microorganisms of the genus Streptomyces, are cyclic depsipeptides composed of ten amino acids. They exhibit antibacterial activity against Mycobacterium species by inhibiting the sliding clamp of prokaryotic DNA polymerase III and are therefore considered as potential anti‐tuberculosis drugs. The difference between the peptides is the presence of l‐(R)‐4‐methyl‐proline in MGM instead of l‐proline in GM at position 8 of the amino acid sequence. Methylation increases both metabolic stability and activity of MGM compared to GM. To get deeper insight into the structure–activity relationship, the solution structure of the cyclic part of MGM was determined using rotating‐frame nuclear Overhauser effect (ROE) distance restraints and residual dipolar couplings (RDC). The structure of MGM in solution is compared to the structure of GM in a co‐crystal with DNA polymerase III subunit beta. As a result, a highly defined structural model of MGM is obtained, which shows related characteristics to the bound GM.
Carbatriphyrin(3.1.1)–A Distinct Coordination Approach of BIII to Generate Organoborane and Weak C−H⋅⋅⋅B Interactions
Authors: Adinarayana B. , Thomas Ajesh P. , Yadav Prerna , Mukundam Vanga , Srinivasan A.
Published: January 2017

Carbatriphyrin(3.1.1) is the structural isomer of biphenylcorrole and achieved by switching the bonding mode of biphenyl unit from 3,3′ to 2,3′ which turns the corrole into a triphyrin analogue. The presence of a m‐arene unit in the framework restricts the overall conjugation and thus leads to a nonaromatic macrocycle. The protonation experiments afford a trifluoroacetate ion complex. The coordination chemistry reveals that the bottom approach of boron(III) ion forms weak C−H⋅⋅⋅B interactions, however a top approach stabilizes the organoborane complex and the product distribution relies on the basicity of the proton scavengers. These results are unambiguously confirmed by single‐crystal X‐ray analyses.
A Cryptand Metal–Organic Framework as a Platform for the Selective Uptake and Detection of Group I Metal Cations
Authors: Sapchenko Sergey A. , Demakov Pavel A. , Samsonenko Denis G. , Dybtsev Danil N. , Schröder Martin , Fedin Vladimir P.
Published: January 2017

The metal–organic framework (MOF) complex (H3O)2[Zn4(ur)(Hfdc)2(fdc)4] (1, ur=urotropine, H2fdc=furan‐2,5‐dicarboxylic acid) incorporates cryptand‐like cavities, which can be used to separate and detect Rb+ and Cs+ optically. This is the first example of the effective employment of a MOF material for optical detection of these cations.
Nano “Koosh Balls” of Mesoporous MnO2: Improved Supercapacitor Performance through Superior Ion Transport
Authors: Maqbool Qysar , Singh Chanderpratap , Jash Priyajit , Paul Amit , Srivastava Aasheesh
Published: January 2017

Manganese dioxide nanomaterials with “Koosh‐ball”‐like morphology (MnO2‐KBs) as well as worm‐like nanotubes (MnO2‐NWs) are obtained by employing Tween 20 as the reducing and structure‐directing agent, and KMnO4 as a MnO2 precursor. Whereas the MnO2‐KBs are interconnected through tubular extensions, the MnO2‐NWs are largely disconnected. Both MnO2‐KBs and MnO2‐NWs have large BET surface areas (>200 m2 g−1), and are thermally robust up to 300 °C. Electrochemical studies reveal that the highest specific capacitance (Csp) obtained for MnO2‐KBs (272 F g−1) is significantly higher than that of MnO2‐NWs (129 F g−1). The Csp values correlate well with the electroactive surface areas of the materials: MnO2‐KBs have a significantly higher electrolyte‐accessible surface area. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) reveals a higher electron‐transfer rate at the electrode/electrolyte interface for MnO2‐KBs than for MnO2‐NWs. The multiple tubular interconnections between individual MnO2‐KBs allow improved ion penetration and act as conduits for their propagation, shortening the diffusion distances of the ions from external electrolytes to the interior of the MnO2 framework. Thus, this work exemplifies the importance of interconnections for enhancing the electrochemical performance of nanomaterials employed for energy storage.
Competition between Cation–Solvent and Cation–Anion Interactions in Imidazolium Ionic Liquids with Polar Aprotic Solvents
Authors: Marekha Bogdan A. , Kalugin Oleg N. , Bria Marc , Takamuku Toshiyuki , Gadžurić Slobodan , Idrissi Abdenacer
Published: January 2017

The subtle interplay between ion solvation and association was analyzed in mixtures of imidazolium‐based ionic liquids (ILs) with polar aprotic solvents. A site‐specific pattern of cation–solvent and cation–anion interactions was disclosed by a careful analysis of the 1H and 13C NMR chemical shift dependence of the mixture composition. It was established that the less polar but more donating γ‐butyrolactone is more prone to establish H‐bonds with the imidazolium‐ring hydrogen atoms of the IL cations than propylene carbonate, particularly at the H2 site and at high dilutions xIL<0.1. The H2 site was found to be more sensitive to intermolecular interactions compared to H4, 5 in the case of ILs with asymmetric anions like trifluoromethanesulfonate (TfO−) or bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)amide (TFSA−).
Multiparameter Single Cell Profiling of Airway Inflammatory Cells
Authors: Yao Yi , Welp Tobias , Liu Qing , Niu Naiqian , Wang Xiaomei , Britto Clemente J. , Krishnaswamy Smita , Chupp Geoffrey L. , Montgomery Ruth R.
Published: January 2017

Airway diseases affect over 7% of the U.S. population and millions of patients worldwide. Asthmatic patients have wide variation in clinical severity with different clinical and physiologic manifestations of disease that may be driven by distinct biologic mechanisms. Further, the immunologic underpinnings of this complex trait disease are heterogeneous and treatment success depends on defining subgroups of asthmatics. Because of the limited availability and number of cells from the lung, the active site, in‐depth investigation has been challenging. Recent advances in technology support transcriptional analysis of cells from induced sputum. Flow cytometry studies have described cells present in the sputum but a detailed analysis of these subsets is lacking. Mass cytometry or CyTOF (Cytometry by Time‐Of‐Flight) offers tremendous opportunities for multiparameter single cell analysis. Experiments can now allow detection of up to ∼40 markers to facilitate unprecedented multidimensional cellular analyses. Here we demonstrate the use of CyTOF on primary airway samples obtained from well‐characterized patients with asthma and cystic fibrosis. Using this technology, we quantify cellular frequency and functional status of defined cell subsets. Our studies provide a blueprint to define the heterogeneity among subjects and underscore the power of this single cell method to characterize airway immune status. © 2016 International Clinical Cytometry Society
Prognostic Impact of Lymphocyte Subpopulations in Peripheral Blood after Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation for Hematologic Malignancies
Authors: Park Sang Hyuk , Park Chan‐Jeoung , Park Borae G. , Bae Mi‐Hyun , Kim Bo‐Hyun , Cho Young‐Uk , Jang Seongsoo , Park Ae‐Ja , Kim Dae‐Young , Lee Jung‐Hee , Lee Je‐Hwan , Lee Kyoo‐Hyung
Published: January 2017

Background

We prospectively evaluated prognostic value of lymphocyte subpopulations in peripheral blood of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) recipients.

Methods

113 allogeneic HSCT (47 sibling matched, 37 unrelated matched, 29 haploidentical)‐performed patients diagnosed as AML (n = 66), ALL (n = 28), and MDS (n = 19) were prospectively enrolled. 14 lymphocyte subpopulations were quantified by flow cytometry of PB at specific time‐points after HSCT, and their prognostic impacts were analyzed.

Results

At 1, 2, and 3 months post‐HSCT, significant adverse impact on overall survival (OS) and/or event free survival (EFS) was exhibited by low levels of natural killer (NK) cells (≤32 and ≤90/µL at 1 and 2 months on OS and EFS); regulatory T cells (≤1/µL) on EFS at 2 months; and B cells (≤19 and ≤92/µL for OS and EFS at 3 months). At 12 months, low levels of T cells (≤1180/µL), helper/inducer (H/I) T cells (≤250/µL), cytotoxic/suppressor (C/S) T cells (≤541/µL), and NK cells (≤138/µL) were associated with significantly higher risk of relapse. Low levels of T cells (≤879/µL) and C/S T cells (≤541/µL), and high level of naïve thymic T cells (>115/µL) showed a significant association with poor OS; low levels of C/S T cells (≤541/µL) and NK cells (≤138/µL) showed a significant adverse impact on EFS.

Conclusions

Low levels of NK cells, regulatory T cells, and B cells at early stage post‐HSCT are adverse prognostic indicators. At late stage, low levels of T cells and their subpopulations, NK cells, and high level of naïve thymic T cells are adverse prognostic indicators. © 2017 International Clinical Cytometry Society
Flow cytometric osmotic fragility test: Increased assay sensitivity for clinical application in pediatric hematology
Authors: Ciepiela Olga , Adamowicz‐Salach Anna , Zgodzińska Agata , Łazowska Magdalena , Kotuła Iwona
Published: January 2017

Background

Osmotic fragility test (OFT) is widely considered as a sensitive indicator of red blood cells' sensitivity to the hypotonic solution. It is often used as a screening test for the diagnosis of hereditary spherocytosis (HS). Nowadays, the osmotic fragility test based on flow cytometric analysis (FCM OF) is widely used in laboratory practice. The purpose of this study was to optimize the assay sensitivity and to validate its clinical application in the diagnostic screening of childhood anemias.

Methods

The study was conducted on 175 children suffering from various types of anemia (including 30 children with proven hereditary spherocytosis, HS) and 16 healthy subjects. All children were aged between 3 months and 17 years, including 94 boys and 97 girls. FCM OF was performed on every subject according to two different analysis time patterns (hemolysis was analyzed for 214 or 300 s) using Cytomics FC500 flow cytometer.

Results

Significant higher sensitivity was demonstrated by the tests carried out according to the longer analysis time pattern (90.0 vs. 83.33%). The level of specificity of both the analysis patterns was similar. When an extended analysis time was used, the percentage of red cell survival levels in HS patients were significantly lowered compared to the same cases analyzed with shorter incubation times and all other non‐HS anemic cases (9.31 ± 4.69 vs. 35.59 ± 15.30%, P < 0.05). During the shorter analysis time, the values obtained were 13.76 ± 7.92% for HS and 48.18 ± 19.04% for non‐HS, P < 0.0001. The 300‐s test is very useful in distinguishing thalassemia patients from patients with other types of anemias (94.74% sensitivity and 90.12% specificity) and provided the values of remaining red blood cells as 70.46 ± 12.29% for thalassemia and 27.16 ± 13.01% for nonthalassemia subjects, P < 0.0001.

Conclusion

Flow cytometric osmotic fragility test with a longer (300‐s) analysis time demonstrated an increased sensitivity in detecting HS in anemic children. © 2017 International Clinical Cytometry Society
On efficient downlink channel aggregation in adaptive wireless push systems
Authors: Nicopolitidis Petros
Published: January 2017

This short paper proposes a method for performance increase of adaptive wireless push systems in environments where a large number of channels are available for broadcasting. Such environments have appeared with the advent of the latest generation of cellular networks, e.g., with the multitude of downlink subcarriers in Long‐Term Evolution. The proposed method is shown to increase the performance of wireless push systems.
Analytical characterization and pharmacological evaluation of the new psychoactive substance 4‐fluoromethylphenidate (4F‐MPH) and differentiation between the (±)‐threo and (±)‐erythro diastereomers
Authors: McLaughlin Gavin , Morris Noreen , Kavanagh Pierce V. , Power John D. , Dowling Geraldine , Twamley Brendan , O'Brien John , Hessman Gary , Murphy Brian , Walther Donna , Partilla John S. , Baumann Michael H. , Brandt Simon D.
Published: January 2017

Misuse of (±)‐threo‐methylphenidate (methyl‐2‐phenyl‐2‐(piperidin‐2‐yl)acetate; Ritalin®; MPH) has long been acknowledged, but the appearance of MPH analogs in the form of ‘research chemicals’ has only emerged in more recent years. 4‐Fluoromethylphenidate (4F‐MPH) is one of these recent examples. This study presents the identification and analytical characterization of two powdered 4F‐MPH products that were obtained from an online vendor in 2015. Interestingly, the products appeared to have originated from two distinct batches given that one product consisted of (±)‐threo‐4F‐MPH isomers whereas the second sample consisted of a mixture of (±)‐threo and (±)‐erythro 4F‐MPH. Monoamine transporter studies using rat brain synaptosomes revealed that the biological activity of the 4F‐MPH mixture resided with the (±)‐threo and not the (±)‐erythro isomers based on higher potencies determined for blockage of dopamine uptake (IC50 4F‐MPHmixture = 66 nM vs. IC50 (±)‐threo = 61 nM vs. IC50 (±)‐erythro = 8,528 nM) and norepinephrine uptake (IC50 4F‐MPHmixture = 45 nM vs. (±)‐threo = 31 nM vs. IC50 (±)‐erythro = 3,779 nM). In comparison, MPH was three times less potent than (±)‐threo‐4F‐MPH at the dopamine transporter (IC50 = 131 nM) and around 2.5 times less potent at the norepinephrine transporter (IC50 = 83 nM). Both substances were catecholamine selective with IC50 values of 8,805 nM and >10,000 nM for (±)‐threo‐4F‐MPH and MPH at the serotonin transporter. These findings suggest that the psychostimulant properties of (±)‐threo‐4F‐MPH might be more potent in humans than MPH. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Thirteen years of the fight against doping in figures
Authors: Aguilar Millán , Muñoz‐Guerra Jesús , Plata María del Mar , Del Coso Juan
Published: January 2017

Every year, the World Anti‐Doping Agency (WADA) publishes the main statistics reported by the accredited laboratories, which provide very valuable information for assessing changes in the patterns of doping in sports over time. Using the information provided since 2003 as the basis for the analysis, the evolution of doping/anti‐doping figures over the last decade can be examined in reasonable detail, at least in reference to samples analyzed and categories of substances more commonly found in athletes' samples. This brief analysis of the WADA statistical reports leads us to the following outcomes: the increase in anti‐doping pressure from 2003 to 2015, as evidenced by increased numbers of samples analyzed and banned substances, has not directly produced a higher frequency of adverse/atypical findings. Although this could be interpreted as steady state in the capacity to detect doping through this whole period, it also resulted in a significant increase in the absolute number of samples catalogued as doping (from 2247 in 2003 to 5912 in 2015). Anabolic agents have been the most common doping substances detected in all statistics reports while the remaining groups of substances are much less frequently found in doping control samples. Given that one might have expected the enhancement of the anti‐doping programme led by WADA over this last decade to have increased the percentage of adverse/atypical findings, the fact that it did not might indicate the need to take another step in sampling strategies, such as ‘more intelligent testing’ based on the differences in the prevalence of doping substances among sports. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Addressing critical gaps in the treatment of eating disorders
Authors: Kazdin Alan E. , Fitzsimmons‐Craft Ellen E. , Wilfley Denise E.
Published: January 2017

Remarkable progress has been made in developing psychosocial interventions for eating disorders and other mental disorders. Two priorities in providing treatment consist of addressing the research‐practice gap and the treatment gap. The research‐practice gap pertains to the dissemination of evidence‐based treatments from controlled settings to routine clinical care. Closing the gap between what is known about effective treatment and what is actually provided to patients who receive care is crucial in improving mental health care, particularly for conditions such as eating disorders. The treatment gap pertains to extending treatments in ways that will reach the large number of people in need of clinical care who currently receive nothing. Currently, in the United States (and worldwide), the vast majority of individuals in need of mental health services for eating disorders and other mental health problems do not receive treatment. This article discusses the approaches required to better ensure: (1) that more people who are receiving treatment obtain high‐quality, evidence‐based care, using such strategies as train‐the‐trainer, web‐centered training, best‐buy interventions, electronic support tools, higher‐level support and policy; and (2) that a higher proportion of those who are currently underserved receive treatment, using such strategies as task shifting and disruptive innovations, including treatment delivery via telemedicine, the Internet, and mobile apps.
The future of pleiotropic therapy in heart failure. Lessons from the benefits of exercise training on endothelial function
Authors: De Keulenaer Gilles W. , Segers Vincent F.M. , Zannad Faiez , Brutsaert Dirk L.
Published: January 2017

A novel generation of drugs is introduced in the treatment of heart failure (HF). These drugs, including phosphodiesterase‐5 inhibitors, guanylate cyclase stimulators and activators, share the feature that their action is either endothelial‐mediated or substitutes for endothelial pathways, in particular the nitric oxide–cyclic guanosine monophosphate pathway, thereby influencing homeostatic balances in virtually each organ system in a pleiotropic fashion. Unfortunately, recent clinical trials with some of these drugs have shown disappointing results, at least in the setting of HF with a preserved ejection fraction. This suggests that their clinical use may require approaches that diverge from traditional pharmacological approaches, the latter often titrated on the effects of drugs on haemodynamic parameters or single biomarkers. In this paper we preconize that HF drugs with an endothelial profile should be applied conform to principles of endothelial physiology and systems pharmacology. This type of drug therapy should be viewed as a systems physio‐pharmacological intervention and its clinical use accustomed to systems pharmacological principles, comparable to the systemic endothelial‐mediated benefits induced by exercise training in HF. We will review the actions of these drugs and define criteria to which trials with these drugs should comply in order to increase chances of success.
Renal tubular resistance is the primary driver for loop diuretic resistance in acute heart failure
Authors: ter Maaten Jozine M. , Rao Veena S. , Hanberg Jennifer S. , Perry Wilson F. , Bellumkonda Lavanya , Assefa Mahlet , Sam Broughton J. , D'Ambrosi Julie , Wilson Tang W.H. , Damman Kevin , Voors Adriaan A. , Ellison David H. , Testani Jeffrey M.
Published: January 2017

Background

Loop diuretic resistance is a common barrier to effective decongestion in acute heart failure (AHF), and is associated with poor outcome. Specific mechanisms underlying diuretic resistance are currently unknown in contemporary AHF patients. We therefore aimed to determine the relative importance of defects in diuretic delivery vs. renal tubular response in determining diuretic response (DR) in AHF.

Methods and results

Fifty AHF patients treated with intravenous bumetanide underwent a 6‐h timed urine collection for sodium and bumetanide clearance. Whole‐kidney DR was defined as sodium excreted per doubling of administered loop diuretic and represents the sum of defects in drug delivery and renal tubular response. Tubular DR, defined as sodium excreted per doubling of renally cleared (urinary) loop diuretic, captures resistance specifically in the renal tubule. Median administered bumetanide dose was 3.0 (2.0–4.0) mg with 52 (33–77)% of the drug excreted into the urine. Significant between‐patient variability was present as the administered dose only explained 39% of variability in the quantity of bumetanide in urine. Cumulatively, factors related to drug delivery such as renal bumetanide clearance, administered dose, and urea clearance explained 28% of the variance in whole‐kidney DR. However, resistance at the level of the renal tubule (tubular DR) explained 71% of the variability in whole‐kidney DR.

Conclusion

Defects at the level of the renal tubule are substantially more important than reduced diuretic delivery in determining diuretic resistance in patients with AHF.
Technical Potential of Buildings in Germany as Flexible Power‐to‐Heat Storage for Smart‐Grid Operation
Authors: Kohlhepp Peter , Hagenmeyer Veit
Published: January 2017

Storage is a key concept to cope with a growing supply of volatile renewable energy. Compared with genuine grid storage (power↔X), domestic heating and cooling, operated as flexible loads (power to heat), promises to lower infrastructure costs and offers potential for a short‐term demand response. Before designing new service markets, the true technical potential must be assessed. Herein, storage capacity is estimated by exploiting the entire thermally usable building mass as back‐end storage. Balancing power is determined from the steady‐state coincidence factor of buildings seen as thermostatically controlled load (TCL) populations. Results are reported for the residential and tertiary sectors in Germany by considering six classes of heating and cooling equipment. One advantage of the method is simplicity, which results in closed‐form estimates derived top‐down from nationwide and publicly available data on the building stock.
CO2 Hydrate Formation Promoted by a Natural Amino Acid l‐Methionine for Possible Application to CO2 Capture and Storage
Authors: Cai Yuanhao , Chen Yulong , Li Qijie , Li Liang , Huang Haoxin , Wang Suying , Wang Weixing
Published: January 2017

We demonstrate that l‐methionine, a natural amino acid, can be used to dramatically enhance CO2 uptake kinetics in the formation of CO2 hydrate without the use of energy‐intensive mixing technologies or environmentally harmful chemicals. To the best of our knowledge, l‐methionine is the most effective promoter to enhance CO2 hydrate formation (at a concentration of 0.2 wt %, the gravimetric capacity reached up to 356 mg g−1 in 1000 min, and t90 (the time to achieve 90 % of this capacity) was only 15 min). We also present a tentative explanation for the promotion mechanism of l‐methionine in the formation of CO2 hydrate from the point of view of structure–property relationship that will help search for more effective promoters. Our results may offer the possibility of practical application of hydrate‐based CO2 capture and storage technology.
Effect of pretreatment on product distribution of two‐step catalytic pyrolysis of spirogyra
Authors: Hussain Z. , Sulaiman S.A. , Bashir N. , Uddin I. , Khan K.M. , Perveen S. , Naz M.Y.
Published: January 2017

This study was aimed at investigating the effect of pretreatment on product distribution of two‐step catalytic pyrolysis of spirogyra. The treatment of fresh spirogyra, putrefied spirogyra, and microbe‐treated spirogyra was carried out under moist conditions. The earth burial in anaerobic conditions and microbe treatment of spirogyra were performed for biological transformation of long‐chain and macromolecular compounds into hydrogen‐rich and carbon‐rich compounds. In later stage, two‐step pyrolysis of the samples was performed to reduce the amount of water and highly oxygenated compounds, and to produce efficient liquid and gaseous fuels. Both steps of pyrolysis were catalyzed by Portland cement. However, prior to second step of pyrolysis, the pyrolysate of each sample was separated into volatile combustible liquid and a paste like organic material. The organic paste was used as feedstock for second step of pyrolysis and converted into oil and highly combustible gas. The oil product was further analyzed using GC‐FID and GC‐MS techniques. The experimental results revealed that the enzymatic and microbial putrefaction of spirogyra would be helpful in upgrading the fuel quality and yield of the pyrolytic conversion. © 2017 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 36: 775–780, 2017
Shake table tests of unattached, asymmetric, dual‐body systems
Authors: Wittich C. E. , Hutchinson T. C.
Published: January 2017

Systems of unattached, or freestanding, structures are highly vulnerable to damage and/or collapse during an earthquake, as evidenced during numerous past events. This class of structural system includes statue–pedestal systems, multidrum columns, radiation shields, unreinforced masonry walls, and other mechanical and electrical equipment. While a number of studies have analyzed the response of the single rocking block, very few have tested the response of multiple block systems subjected to earthquakes. Therefore, this paper details an extensive shake table testing campaign in which the seismic response of a pair of stiff, unattached blocks, herein referred to as a dual‐body system, was evaluated. Experimental variables include the geometry, including asymmetry, of both top (tower) and bottom (pedestal) bodies, input motion, and the coefficient of friction beneath the system. Furthermore, the tower structures were tested both in dual‐body configurations as well as in single‐body configurations allowing an understanding of the effect of the pedestal. The tests indicate that the presence of a pedestal increases the likelihood of collapse and amplitude of rocking demands, in general. However, certain geometric and interface combinations yield a more stable tower in a dual‐body configuration compared to a single‐body configuration, because of the dependence of the pedestal response on the geometry of the tower. Furthermore, a low‐friction interface beneath the pedestal reduces demands on the tower. However, this low‐friction interface may still transfer long‐period contributions of the input motion to the tower, which may be detrimental to its response. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The effect of lithology on valley width, terrace distribution, and bedload provenance in a tectonically stable catchment with flat‐lying stratigraphy
Authors: Keen‐Zebert Amanda , Hudson Mark R. , Shepherd Stephanie L. , Thaler Evan A.
Published: January 2017

How rock resistance or erodibility affects fluvial landforms and processes is an outstanding question in geomorphology that has recently garnered attention owing to the recognition that the erosion rates of bedrock channels largely set the pace of landscape evolution. In this work, we evaluate valley width, terrace distribution, and bedload provenance in terms of reach scale variation in lithology in the study reach and discuss the implications for landscape evolution in a catchment with relatively flat‐lying stratigraphy and very little uplift. A reach of the Buffalo National River in Arkansas was partitioned into lithologic reaches and the mechanical and chemical resistance of the main lithologies making up the catchment was measured. Valley width and the spatial distribution of terraces were compared among the different lithologic reaches. The surface grain size and provenance of coarse (2–90 mm) sediment of both modern gravel bars and older terrace deposits that make up the former bedload were measured and defined. The results demonstrate a strong impact of lithology upon valley width, terrace distribution, and bedload provenance and therefore, upon landscape evolution processes. Channel down‐cutting through different lithologies creates variable patterns of resistance across catchments and continents. Particularly in post‐tectonic and non‐tectonic landscapes, the variation in resistance that arises from the exhumation of different rocks in channel longitudinal profiles can impact local base levels, initiating responses that can be propagated through channel networks. The rate at which that response is transmitted through channels is potentially amplified and/or mitigated by differences between the resistance of channel beds and bedload sediment loads. In the study reach, variation in lithologic resistance influences the prevalence of lateral and vertical processes, thus producing a spatial pattern of terraces that reflects rock type rather than climate, regional base level change, or hydrologic variability. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Returning to normal? Assessing transcriptome recovery over time in male rainbow darter (Etheostoma caeruleum) liver in response to wastewater-treatment plant upgrades
Authors: Marjan Patricija , Martyniuk Christopher J. , Fuzzen Meghan L.M. , MacLatchy Deborah L. , McMaster Mark E. , Servos Mark R.
Published: January 2017

The present study measured hepatic transcriptome responses in male rainbow darter (Etheostoma caeruleum) exposed to 2 municipal wastewater-treatment plants (MWWTPs; Kitchener and Waterloo) over 4 fall seasons (2011–2014) in the Grand River (Ontario, Canada). The overall goal was to determine if upgrades at the Kitchener MWWTP (in 2012) resulted in transcriptome responses indicative of improved effluent quality. The number of differentially expressed probes in fish downstream of the Kitchener outfall (904–1223) remained comparable to that downstream of Waterloo (767–3867). Noteworthy was that year and the interaction of year and site explained variability in more than twice the number of transcripts than site alone, suggesting that year and the interaction of year and site had a greater effect on the transcriptome than site alone. Gene set enrichment analysis revealed a gradual reduction in the number of gene ontologies over time at exposure sites, which corresponded with lower contaminant load. Subnetwork enrichment analysis revealed that there were noticeable shifts in the cell pathways differently expressed in the liver preupgrade and postupgrade. The dominant pathways altered preupgrade were related to genetic modifications and cell division, whereas postupgrade they were associated with the immune system, reproduction, and biochemical responses. Molecular pathways were dynamic over time, and following the upgrades, there was little evidence that gene expression profiles in fish collected from high-impact sites postupgrade were more similar to those in fish collected from reference site. Environ Toxicol Chem 2017;36:2108–2122. © 2017 SETAC
A re-evaluation of PETROTOX for predicting acute and chronic toxicity of petroleum substances
Authors: Redman Aaron D. , Parkerton Thomas F. , Leon Paumen Miriam , Butler Josh D. , Letinski Daniel J. , den Haan Klass
Published: January 2017

The PETROTOX model was developed to perform aquatic hazard assessment of petroleum substances based on substance composition. The model relies on the hydrocarbon block method, which is widely used for conducting petroleum substance risk assessments providing further justification for evaluating model performance. Previous work described this model and provided a preliminary calibration and validation using acute toxicity data for limited petroleum substance. The objective of the present study was to re-evaluate PETROTOX using expanded data covering both acute and chronic toxicity endpoints on invertebrates, algae, and fish for a wider range of petroleum substances. The results indicated that recalibration of 2 model parameters was required, namely, the algal critical target lipid body burden and the log octanol–water partition coefficient (KOW) limit, used to account for reduced bioavailability of hydrophobic constituents. Acute predictions from the updated model were compared with observed toxicity data and found to generally be within a factor of 3 for algae and invertebrates but overestimated fish toxicity. Chronic predictions were generally within a factor of 5 of empirical data. Furthermore, PETROTOX predicted acute and chronic hazard classifications that were consistent or conservative in 93 and 84% of comparisons, respectively. The PETROTOX model is considered suitable for the purpose of characterizing petroleum substance hazard in substance classification and risk assessments. Environ Toxicol Chem 2017;36:2245–2252. © 2017 SETAC
Lost Illusions
Authors: Unterstell Rembert
Published: January 2017

In 1968, at the height of the German student movement, nothing seemed impossible, even in pedagogy. But in education, many of the dreams of liberalisation turned to dust. A conversation with Meike Baader, one of the first to study both sides of the story — a broad arc ranging from early years education in “Kinderläden” to contemporary sex education books and sexual abuse.
True Impact
Authors: Strohschneider Peter
Published: January 2017

Throughout the world, the ideologeme of effectiveness in science policy and research funding is touching the very foundations of modern societies in a way similar to populism. But research can only have true impact when anticipated short‐term benefits are not allowed to become the general criterion for funding decisions.
Top Form
Authors: Merklein Marion
Published: January 2017

Integral components are becoming increasingly important, and not just in the automotive industry. Sheet‐bulk metal forming is an innovative technique for manufacturing these lightweight base bodies with highly resilient multifunctional elements.
Incubator for New Ideas
Authors: Winter Marten , Hahn Volker , Thier‐Lange Rebecca , Wirth Christian
Published: January 2017

Beating a path through the complexity jungle: the German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research's synthesis centre is piecing together existing knowledge to gain new insights.
Efficacy and safety of high‐dose chemotherapy with autologous stem cell transplantation in senior versus younger adults with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma
Authors: Huang Li‐Wen , Bacon Wendi , Cirrincione Constance , Peterson Bercedis , Long Gwynn , Rizzieri David , Sullivan Keith M. , Corbet Kelly , Horwitz Mitchell , Chao Nelson , Gasparetto Cristina , Tuchman Sascha A.
Published: January 2017

We retrospectively studied 340 fit patients with multiple myeloma (MM) who underwent autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT). We hypothesized that progression‐free survival (PFS) of older patients was non‐inferior to that of younger patients after ASCT. Our null hypothesis was that the PFS hazard ratio (HR) for a 5‐year increase in age was ≥1.05; the alternative (non‐inferiority) hypothesis was that the HR was ≤1. The observed HR was 0.94 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.86‐1.03); since the CI upper bound was <1.05, we reject the null hypothesis and conclude that PFS in older patients was at least as good as in younger patients. We cannot reject an analogous null hypothesis for overall survival (HR 1.06 [95% CI 0.94‐1.19]), since the CI upper bound >1.05. Toxicity was similar across ages and transplant‐related mortality was minimal. 28% of subjects <65 versus 45% of those ≥65 received maintenance therapy. In summary, ASCT prolongs PFS equally well in older vs. younger adults. Although we cannot exclude maintenance as a confounder, these data support ASCT for fit seniors with MM.
Reversing the Amyloid Trend: Mechanism of Fibril Assembly and Dissolution of the Repeat Domain from a Human Functional Amyloid
Authors: McGlinchey Ryan P. , Lee Jennifer C.
Published: January 2017

Amyloids are traditionally observed in the context of disease. However, there is growing momentum that these structures can serve a beneficial role where the amyloid carries out a specific function. These so called ‘functional amyloids’ have all the structural hallmarks of disease‐associated amyloids, raising the question as to what differentiates a well‐behaved benign amyloid from a lethally destructive one. Here, we review our work on the repeat domain (RPT) from Pmel17, an important functional amyloid involved in melanin biosynthesis. Particularly, we focused our attention on the unique reversible aggregation‐disaggregation process of RPT that is controlled strictly by solution pH. This pH dependence of RPT amyloid formation functions as a switch to control fibril assembly and maintains the benign nature that is associated with functional amyloids.