bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tetrazine Chromophore‐Based Metal–Organic Frameworks with Unusual Configurations: Synthetic, Structural, Theoretical, Fluorescent, and Nonlinear Optical Studies
Authors: Li Jianghua , Jia Ding , Meng Suci , Zhang Jinfang , Cifuentes Marie P. , Humphrey Mark G. , Zhang Chi
Published: April 2015

Three unusual three‐dimensional (3D) tetrazine chromophore‐based metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) {(Et4N)[WS4Cu3(CN)2(4,4′‐pytz)0.5]}n (1), {[MoS4Cu4(CN)2(4,4′‐pytz)2]⋅CH2Cl2}n (2), and {[WS4Cu3(4,4′‐pytz)3]⋅[N(CN)2]}n (3; 4,4′‐pytz=3,6‐bis(4‐pyridyl)tetrazine) have been synthesized and characterized by using FTIR and UV/Vis spectroscopy, elemental analysis, powder X‐ray diffraction, gel permeation chromatography, steady‐state fluorescence, and thermogravimetric analysis; their identities were confirmed by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction studies. MOF 1 possesses the first five‐connected M/S/Cu (M=Mo, W) framework with an unusual 3D (44⋅66) topology constructed from T‐shaped [WS4Cu3]+ clusters as nodes and single CN−/4,4′‐pytz bridges as linkers. MOF 2 features a novel 3D MOF structure with (420⋅68) topology, in which the bridging 4,4′‐pytz ligands exhibit unique distorted arch structures. MOF 3 displays the first 3D MOF structure based on flywheel‐shaped [WS4Cu3]+ clusters with a non‐interpenetrating honeycomb‐like framework and a heavily distorted “ACS” topology. Steady‐state fluorescence studies of 1–3 reveal significant fluorescence emissions. The nonlinear optical (NLO) properties of 1–3 were investigated by using a Z‐scan technique with 5 ns pulses at λ=532 nm. The Z‐scan experimental results show that the π‐delocalizable tetrazine‐based 4,4′‐pytz ligands contribute to the strong third‐order NLO properties exhibited by 1–3. Time‐dependent density functional theory studies afforded insight into the electronic transitions and spectral characterization of these functionalized NLO molecular materials.
Synthesis, Structure, and Reactivity of Anionic sp2–sp3 Diboron Compounds: Readily Accessible Boryl Nucleophiles
Authors: Pietsch Sabrina , Neeve Emily C. , Apperley David C. , Bertermann Rüdiger , Mo Fanyang , Qiu Di , Cheung Man Sing , Dang Li , Wang Jianbo , Radius Udo , Lin Zhenyang , Kleeberg Christian , Marder Todd B.
Published: April 2015

Lewis base adducts of tetra‐alkoxy diboron compounds, in particular bis(pinacolato)diboron (B2pin2), have been proposed as the active source of nucleophilic boryl species in metal‐free borylation reactions. We report the isolation and detailed structural characterization (by solid‐state and solution NMR spectroscopy and X‐ray crystallography) of a series of anionic adducts of B2pin2 with hard Lewis bases, such as alkoxides and fluoride. The study was extended to alternative Lewis bases, such as acetate, and other diboron reagents. The B(sp2)–B(sp3) adducts exhibit two distinct boron environments in the solid‐state and solution NMR spectra, except for [(4‐tBuC6H4O)B2pin2]−, which shows rapid site exchange in solution. DFT calculations were performed to analyze the stability of the adducts with respect to dissociation. Stoichiometric reaction of the isolated adducts with two representative series of organic electrophiles—namely, aryl halides and diazonium salts—demonstrate the relative reactivities of the anionic diboron compounds as nucleophilic boryl anion sources.
Powerful Bispyridinylidene Organic Reducing Agents with Iminophosphorano π‐Donor Substituents
Authors: Hanson Samuel S. , Richard Nicholas A. , Dyker C. Adam
Published: April 2015

Four members of a new family of powerful bispyridinylidene organic reducing agents have been prepared, which exploit iminophosphorano (N=PR3; R=Ph, Cy) π‐donor substituents. Electrochemical studies show exceptionally high oxidation potentials, ranging from 1.30 to 1.51 V versus SCE. These new reductants were shown to effectively convert 1‐bromonaphthalene to naphthalene under mild reaction conditions. From the redox potentials, substituent constants (σp+) for the iminophosphorano groups Ph3P=N (−1.82) and Cy3P=N (−2.21) were determined, demonstrating their superior π‐donating properties compared to traditional amino substituents.
Site‐Selective Approach to β‐Fluorination: Photocatalyzed Ring Opening of Cyclopropanols
Authors: Bloom Steven , Bume Desta Doro , Pitts Cody Ross , Lectka Thomas
Published: April 2015

To expand upon the recent pioneering reports of catalyzed sp3 CH fluorination methods, the next rational step is to focus on directing “radical‐based fluorination” more effectively. One potential solution entails selective CC bond activation as a prelude to selective fluorination. Herein, we report the tandem photocatalyzed ring‐opening/fluorination reactions of cyclopropanols by 1,2,4,5‐tetracyanobenzene (TCB) and Selectfluor to afford a process tantamount to site‐selective β‐fluorination of carbonyl‐containing compounds. This new approach provides a synthetically mild and operationally simple route to otherwise difficult‐to‐prepare β‐fluorinated products in good yields and with good‐to‐excellent regioselectivity. Remarkably, substrates that contain other usually reactive (e.g., benzylic) sites undergo ring‐opening fluorination preferably. The versatility of this method to give cyclic β‐fluorides from tertiary cyclopropanols and γ‐fluoro alcohols is also highlighted.
Linking extremely low birth weight and internalizing behaviors in adult survivors: Influences of neuroendocrine dysregulation
Authors: Waxman Jordana A. , Lieshout Ryan J.Van , Boyle Michael H. , Saigal Saroj , Schmidt Louis A.
Published: April 2015

Young adult survivors of extremely low birth weight (ELBW; <1000 g) are known to be at elevated risk for internalizing problems, though little is known about the mechanisms that may lead to higher levels of psychopathology in this vulnerable group. We examined the moderating influence of neuroendocrine functioning on the link between being born at ELBW and internalizing behaviors at age 30–35. Salivary cortisol was collected 20 min after completion of a social stress task in 83 ELBW adult survivors and 89 normal birth weight (NBW; >2500 g) controls. Using a median split, participants were separated into two groups (high or low afternoon cortisol levels). ELBW survivors with “high” afternoon cortisol levels self‐reported significantly higher levels of internalizing behaviors compared to those with “low” afternoon cortisol levels. This association between afternoon cortisol and internalizing symptoms did not exist among NBW controls. These results are suggestive of a differential susceptibility for internalizing behaviors among ELBW survivors, depending on their ability to regulate neuroendocrine responses. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Dev Psychobiol 57: 486–496, 2015.
Performance Comparison of Circuits for Pole‐Mounted STATCOM Using SiC Devices
Authors: Kikuma Toshiaki , Ishikawa Tadao , Takasaki Masahiro , Mochikawa Hiroshi , Kuzumaki Atsuhiko , Kodani Kazuya , Murao Takeru
Published: April 2015

The recent years have seen an increasing trend in the cumulative installed capacity of distributed generators. As a result, voltage management may become difficult in existing power distribution systems in the future. A STATCOM (STAtic synchronous COMpensator) is a promising option for solving this problem because it can control reactive power rapidly and continuously. For a distribution system, STATCOM needs to be pole‐mounted to realize its low cost. However, a transformer for a STATCOM is large and heavy, and hence it is difficult to install a STATCOM on a distribution pole. We adopt a transformerless STATCOM to reduce STATCOM size and use SiC devices with low‐loss performance to obtain a more compact and efficient STATCOM. There are a large number of circuits available for a STATCOM, and there has been considerable research on performance comparisons among these circuits. However, these comparisons were drawn under different conditions, including switching frequency and level number for the circuits. In addition, these comparisons do not include the use of SiC devices. We made an equitable comparison for a 100 kVa pole‐mounted STATCOM using SiC devices. We discuss the performance and characteristics of each circuit in terms of efficiency and volume.
Evaluation of Power Surpluses and Shortfalls Due to Error in Forecasting of Photovoltaic Generation Output
Authors: Masuta Taisuke , Oozeki Takashi , Da Silva Fonseca Junior Joao Gari , Murata Akinobu
Published: April 2015

The 2011 Tohoku earthquake had a great impact on Japanese energy policy. It is expected that nuclear power plants will be phased out and a large amount of generation from renewable energy sources will be installed. Attention is particularly focused on photovoltaic (PV) generation, technology in which Japan is superior, and a high price is set in the feed‐in tariff policy, which started in 2012. However, large integration of PV into power grids may cause imbalances between power supply and demand. It will be indispensable to use PV power generation forecasts in economic‐load dispatching control (EDC), so that the economics and reliability of power systems networks can be maintained. Thus, in the previous study, we proposed an EDC method with unit commitment (UC) based on the results provided by a day‐ahead PV forecast. In this study, we evaluate the frequency and trend of shortfalls and surpluses of power due to error in forecasting PV power generation by numerical simulations using the power system model of the Kanto area in Japan. The results showed that shortfalls or surplus power occur not only due to overestimations or underestimations of PV power, but also due to the operating conditions of the power systems.
Serological comparative proteomics analysis of mitochondrial autoantibody‐negative and ‐positive primary biliary cirrhosis
Authors: Deng Chuiwen , Hu Chaojun , Wang Li , Zhang Shulan , Li Ping , Wu Ziyan , Chen Si , Zhang Fengchun , Li Yongzhe
Published: April 2015

Here, we investigated the pathogenesis of primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) by using 2D‐DIGE to analyze serological differences between anti‐mitochondrial antibody (AMA)‐positive and ‐negative PBC patients. The study comprised 30 patients with PBC; 20 AMA‐positive and ten AMA‐negative patients matched for age, sex, and pathological stage. A screening group (four AMA‐positive and four AMA‐negative patients) was used for 2D‐DIGE. Protein spots that were differently abundant between the two groups were identified via dye intensity and MS. Nine candidate proteins were identified from these spots. Western blotting was used to verify two of the identified proteins, serum amyloid P‐component (SAP) and vitronectin (VN). VN levels were significantly higher in the sera of AMA‐negative PBC patients (p < 0.01), whereas no significant difference was found between the two groups for SAP. To our knowledge, this is the first study to use serological comparative proteomics to explore differences between AMA‐positive and ‐negative PBC patients. VN levels were higher in AMA‐negative PBC patients, and this finding could be related to the more severe bile duct destruction observed in this group.
Quantification of nanomaterial bioconjugation based on electrophoretic mobility shift
Authors: Vaculovicova Marketa , Adam Vojtech , Kizek Rene
Published: April 2015

Electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA) is a well‐established technique to monitor interactions between biomolecules particularly DNA and proteins. Even though numerous variations of this method have been presented, challenges in the form of detection sensitivity and/or variations in the stability of the formed complex still remain. With advances in the area of nanomaterials improvements in EMSA have been also suggested. Recently, Zhang and Wang (Electrophoresis 2015, 36, 1011–1015) presented electrophoretic mobility shift method for determination of number of DNA molecules conjugated to quantum dots (QDs), which was further utilized for calculation of enzymatic activity, sequence specific DNA detection, and neutral molecule quantification.
Energy Recovery in a Naphtha Splitter Process through Debottlenecking of Retrofitted Thermally Coupled and Double‐Effect Distillation Sequences
Authors: Minh Le Quang , Van Duc Long Nguyen , Lee Moonyong
Published: April 2015

A thermally coupled distillation sequence (TCDS) and a double‐effect sequence (DES) were proposed to retrofit an existing naphtha splitter process in the refinery plant for enhanced energy efficiency. This, however, can create a bottleneck in the columns. A side reboiler was proposed to debottleneck the retrofitted columns. The concept of minimum vapor flow rate was used as a preliminary calculation to determine the benefits of these proposed arrangements. A practical optimization using the response surface methodology was applied to the design of TCDS and DES. In addition, a column grand composite curve was used to highlight the thermodynamic feasibility of the implementation of a side reboiler into the retrofitted sequences. As a result, the DES was shown as the best alternative through combination of a side reboiler, and this achieved 32.7 % savings on operating costs with a maximum reuse of the existing equipment.
Improved Method to Identify Hydraulic Flow Units for Reservoir Characterization
Authors: Mirzaei‐Paiaman Abouzar , Saboorian‐Jooybari Hadi , Pourafshary Peyman
Published: April 2015

Identification of hydraulic flow units (HFUs) is an important part of reservoir characterization. Rock samples within a given HFU are expected to have the same mean hydraulic radius. We show that the famous reservoir quality index‐flow zone indicator (RQI/FZI) technique and its recent modifications do not use the concept of mean hydraulic radius. Each predicted HFU by these methods may contain the samples with different pore structures, and further the rocks with similar structures may be distributed in more than one HFU. This makes the reservoir characterization very complicated and sometimes an erroneous process. An improved method, referred to as FZI star method (FZI*), is presented here using the base form of the Kozeny–Carmen (K–C) equation, opposed to RQI/FZI method which relies on the generalized form of the K–C equation, by proper consideration of the mean hydraulic radius concept. The presented method is verified using a large set of capillary pressure measurements.
Aromatic effect of fat and oxidized fat on a meat‐like model reaction system of cysteine and glucose
Authors: Yang Zheng , Xie Jianchun , Zhang Ling , Du Rongqiang , Cao Changchun , Wang Meng , Acree Terry , Sun Baoguo
Published: April 2015

It is well known that lipid degradation modifies the aroma of the meat‐like reaction of cysteine and reducing sugars. However, how aroma modification is caused by the odourants produced in the reaction mixtures is rarely studied. In the present study, 76 volatiles were reported from the reaction models containing cysteine and glucose with (or without) chicken fat or oxidized chicken fat. Using aroma extract dilution analysis (AEDA) of gas chromatography‐olfactory (GC‐O), 15 potent odourants were screened, whereby 12 of them were identified and quantified to be 1~77889 µg/kg of the reaction mixtures. Aroma models, with similarity ratings to the reaction mixtures (by sensory analysis) ranging as high as 90%, were prepared. Sensory assessment by omission study showed that the presence of fatty compounds from lipid degradation in the reaction mixtures although of low FD factors by GCO, nonetheless contributed the greatest to the alteration of overall aroma, followed by the quantitative reduction of the thiols from the Maillard reaction. The quantitative change of the heterocyclic odourants which formed from the Maillard reaction or the interaction of the Maillard reaction with lipid degradation was found to have a marginal impact. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Visualization and segmentation of reciprocal cerebrocerebellar pathways in the healthy and injured brain
Authors: Law Nicole , Greenberg Mark , Bouffet Eric , Laughlin Suzanne , Taylor Michael D. , Malkin David , Liu Fang , Moxon‐Emre Iska , Scantlebury Nadia , Skocic Jovanka , Mabbott Donald
Published: April 2015

Detailed information regarding the neuroanatomy of reciprocal cerebrocerebellar pathways is based on well‐documented animal models. This knowledge has not yet been fully translated to humans, in that the structure of reciprocal cerebrocerebellar pathways connecting the cerebellum with frontal lobe has not been shown in its entirety. We investigated the impact of injury and age on cerebrocerebellar pathway microstructure using diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) and probabilistic tractography. We used medulloblastoma (MB) as an injury model due to the known impact of tumor/treatment on the cerebellum, one of the main nodes of cerebrocerebellar pathways. We delineated and segmented reciprocal cerebrocerebellar pathways connecting the cerebellum with frontal lobe in 38 healthy children (HC) and 34 children treated for MB, and compared pathway segment DTI measures between HC and MB and across three age cohorts: childhood, early adolescence, and late adolescence. Pathway compromise was evident for the MB group compared to HC, particularly within posterior segments (Ps<0.01). Though we found no age effect, group differences in microstructure were driven by pathway segment (posterior) and age cohort (adolescence), which may reflect the extent of injury to the posterior fossa following treatment for MB and age cohort differences in radiation treatment protocol in our sample. We have examined the microstructure of reciprocal cerebrocerebellar connections in the pediatric brain and have found that these pathways are injured in MB, a clinical population treated with surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy. Our findings support the late effects literature describing white matter injury emergence in the years following treatment for MB. Hum Brain Mapp 36:2615–2628, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Beta oscillations reflect memory and motor aspects of spoken word production
Authors: Piai Vitória , Roelofs Ardi , Rommers Joost , Maris Eric
Published: April 2015

Two major components form the basis of spoken word production: the access of conceptual and lexical/phonological information in long‐term memory, and motor preparation and execution of an articulatory program. Whereas the motor aspects of word production have been well characterized as reflected in alpha‐beta desynchronization, the memory aspects have remained poorly understood. Using magnetoencephalography, we investigated the neurophysiological signature of not only motor but also memory aspects of spoken‐word production. Participants named or judged pictures after reading sentences. To probe the involvement of the memory component, we manipulated sentence context. Sentence contexts were either constraining or nonconstraining toward the final word, presented as a picture. In the judgment task, participants indicated with a left‐hand button press whether the picture was expected given the sentence. In the naming task, they named the picture. Naming and judgment were faster with constraining than nonconstraining contexts. Alpha‐beta desynchronization was found for constraining relative to nonconstraining contexts pre‐picture presentation. For the judgment task, beta desynchronization was observed in left posterior brain areas associated with conceptual processing and in right motor cortex. For the naming task, in addition to the same left posterior brain areas, beta desynchronization was found in left anterior and posterior temporal cortex (associated with memory aspects), left inferior frontal cortex, and bilateral ventral premotor cortex (associated with motor aspects). These results suggest that memory and motor components of spoken word production are reflected in overlapping brain oscillations in the beta band. Hum Brain Mapp 36:2767–2780, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
PM2.5‐induced oxidative stress increases adhesion molecules expression in human endothelial cells through the ERK/AKT/NF‐κB‐dependent pathway
Authors: Rui Wei , Guan Longfei , Zhang Fang , Zhang Wei , Ding Wenjun
Published: April 2015

The aim of this study was to explore the intracellular mechanisms underlying the cardiovascular toxicity of air particulate matter (PM) with an aerodynamic diameter of less than 2.5 µm (PM2.5) in a human umbilical vein cell line, EA.hy926. We found that PM2.5 exposure triggered reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, resulting in a significant decrease in cell viability. Data from Western blots showed that PM2.5 induced phosphorylation of Jun N‐terminal kinase (JNK), extracellular signal regulatory kinase (ERK), p38 mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) and protein kinase B (AKT), and activation of nuclear factor kappa B (NF‐κB). We further observed a significant increase in expressions of intercellular adhesion molecule‐1 (ICAM‐1) and vascular adhesion molecule‐1 (VCAM‐1) in a time‐ and dose‐dependent manner. Moreover, the adhesion of monocytic THP‐1 cells to EA.hy926 cells was greatly enhanced in the presence of PM2.5. However, N‐acetylcysteine (NAC), a scavenger of ROS, prevented the increase of ROS generation, attenuated the phosphorylation of the above kinases, and decreased the NF‐κB activation as well as the expression of ICAM‐1 and VCAM‐1. Furthermore, ERK inhibitor (U0126), AKT inhibitor (LY294002) and NF‐κB inhibitor (BAY11‐7082) significantly down‐regulated PM2.5‐induced ICAM‐1 and VCAM‐1 expression as well as adhesion of THP‐1 cells, but not JNK inhibitor (SP600125) and p38 MAPK inhibitor (SB203580), indicating that ERK/AKT/NF‐κB is involved in the signaling pathway that leads to PM2.5‐induced ICAM‐1 and VCAM‐1 expression. These findings suggest PM2.5‐induced ROS may function as signaling molecules triggering ICAM‐1 and VCAM‐1 expressions through activating the ERK/AKT/NF‐κB‐dependent pathway, and further promoting monocyte adhesion to endothelial cells. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Microminipigs as a new experimental animal model for toxicological studies: comparative pharmacokinetics of perfluoroalkyl acids
Authors: Guruge Keerthi S. , Noguchi Michiko , Yoshioka Koji , Yamazaki Eriko , Taniyasu Sachi , Yoshioka Miyako , Yamanaka Noriko , Ikezawa Mitsutaka , Tanimura Nobuhiko , Sato Masumi , Yamashita Nobuyoshi , Kawaguchi Hiroaki
Published: April 2015

In this study, we evaluated the efficacy of a novel minipig strain, the Microminipig (MMPig), as an animal model for studying the pharmacokinetics of a mixture of 10 perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs). After a single oral dose was given, we found that the blood depuration of PFAAs (blood t1/2), which we calculated using first‐order elimination curves, ranged from 1.6 to 86.6 days. Among the five body compartments analyzed, the liver was the greatest site of accumulation of perfluorooctanesulfonate and longer chain perfluorinated carboxylates such as perfluorodecanoic acid, perfluoroundecanoic acid and perfluorododecanoic acid. We observed an increasing accumulation trend of perfluorinated carboxylates in the organs associated with the fluorinated carbon chain length. The perfluorononanoic acid burden was the highest among the treated compounds 21 days after a single exposure, as 29% of the given perfluorononanoic acid dose was accumulated in the tissues. The persistence of PFAAs in edible pig tissues even after 21 days post‐exposure raises concerns about the safety of swine products. This was the first study to use MMPigs to elucidate the pharmacokinetics of a group of environmental pollutants. We found that MMPigs could be excellent experimental animals for toxicological studies due to their easy handling, cost efficacy for target compounds and ease of waste treatment. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Diffusion kurtosis imaging predicts neoadjuvant chemotherapy responses within 4 days in advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma patients
Authors: Chen Yunbin , Ren Wang , Zheng Dechun , Zhong Jing , Liu Xiangyi , Yue Qiuyuan , Liu Meng , Xiao Youping , Chen Weibo , Chan Queenie , Pan Jianji
Published: April 2015

Purpose

To explore the clinical value of diffusion kurtosis imaging (DKI) and monoexponential diffusion‐weighted imaging (DWI) for predicting early response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC).

Materials and Methods

Fifty‐nine patients with stage III‐IVb NPC underwent four 3.0T MR scans: prior to, and on the 4th, 21st, 42nd days after NAC initiation. The parameters of DKI (corrected diffusion coefficient, D; excess diffusion kurtosis coefficient, K) and monoexponential DWI (apparent diffusion coefficient, ADC) were obtained at the first three scans. Statistical methods included Student's t‐test or Mann‐Whitney U‐test, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analyses and paired X2 test.

Results

D(pre) in responders group (RG) was significantly lower than nonresponders group (NRG) (1.029 ± 0.033 vs. 1.184 ± 0.055, ×10−3 mm2/s, P = 0.020). ADC(day4) and ΔD(day4) were the most useful parameters of the two diffusional models to distinguish RG from NRG, respectively (area under the curve, 0.761 vs. 0.895). ΔD(day4) was more sensitive than ADC(day4) to predict treatment response to NAC (P = 0.006).

Conclusion

Both DKI and monoexponential DWI showed potential to predict treatment response to NAC prior to morphological change. DKI may be superior to monoexponential DWI for predicting early response to NAC in patients with locally advanced NPC. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2015;42:1354–1361.
Revealing the biotic origin of silicified Precambrian carbonaceous microstructures using Raman spectroscopic mapping, a potential method for the detection of microfossils on Mars
Authors: Foucher Frédéric , Ammar Mohamed‐Ramzi , Westall Frances
Published: April 2015

Demonstrating the biogenicity of carbonaceous microfossils can be relatively difficult because of their small size and simple shape, and to the degradation of the associated organic molecules with time. For Precambrian fossils, it generally requires the use of several techniques to study the shape and the composition of the structure itself, as well as its mineral environment. The ability to identify both organic matter and minerals using Raman spectroscopy makes it a key technique in the field of micropaleontology. Raman instruments are also being developed for the upcoming missions to Mars, ExoMars and Mars 2020, both dedicated to the search for past or present traces of life. However, demonstrating the biotic origin of carbonaceous matter in geological materials using this technique is controversial. Here, we show that Raman mapping instead of single spot analysis can detect variations in the composition of carbonaceous matter associated with fossilized microbes in the 800‐Ma‐old microfossils from the Draken Formation, Svalbard. This discovery is of great interest because it permits assessment of the biotic origin of a fossilized carbonaceous structure. Raman mapping could thus be of crucial importance in the near future for detecting potential fossilized microbial remains in Martian rocks. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The genetic aspects of berries: from field to health
Authors: Mazzoni Luca , Perez‐Lopez Patricia , Giampieri Francesca , Alvarez‐Suarez Jose M , Gasparrini Massimiliano , Forbes‐Hernandez Tamara Y , Quiles Jose L , Mezzetti Bruno , Battino Maurizio
Published: April 2015

Berries are a relevant source of micronutrients and nonessential phytochemicals, such as polyphenol compounds, that play a synergistic and cumulative role in human health promotion. Several systematic analyses showed that berry phenolics are able to detoxify reactive oxygen and nitrogen species, blocking their production, to intervene in the cell cycle, participating in the transduction and expression of genes involved in apoptosis, and to repair oxidative DNA damage. As a consequence, the improvement of the nutritional quality of berries has become a new quality target of breeding and biotechnological strategies, to control or to increase the content of specific health‐related compounds in fruits. This work reviews, on the basis of the in vitro and in vivo evidence, the main berries' phytochemical compounds and their possible mechanisms of action on pathways involved in several type of diseases, with particular attention to cancer, inflammation, neurodegeneration, diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry
Capillary electrophoresis with electrochemiluminescence detection for the simultaneous determination of cisatracurium besylate and its degradation products in pharmaceutical preparations
Authors: Zuo Ming , Gao Jieying , Zhang Xiaoqing , Cui Yue , Fan Zimian , Ding Min
Published: April 2015

Capillary electrophoresis with electrochemiluminescence detection for the simultaneous analysis of cisatracurium besylate and its degradation products (laudanosine, quaternary monoacrylate) in pharmaceutical preparation was developed and fully validated. The significant parameters that influence capillary electrophoresis separation and electrochemiluminescence detection were optimized. The total analysis time of the analytes was 15 min. The linearities of the method were 0.1∼40.0 μg/mL for cisatracurium besylate and 0.04∼8.00 μg/mL for laudanosine, with correlation coefficients (r) of 0.999 and 0.998, respectively. The detection limits (S/N = 3) were 83.0 ng/mL for cisatracurium besylate and 32.0 ng/mL for laudanosine. The intraday relative standard deviations of the analytes were <3.0%, and the interday relative standard deviations were <8.0%. The developed method was cost‐effective, sensitive, fast, and resource‐saving, which was suitable for the ingredient analysis in pharmaceutical preparation.
Upregulation of Caveolin‐1 correlate with Akt expression and poor prognosis in NPC patients
Authors: Wang Ying‐Piao , Lin Chih‐Feng , Tsai Shu‐Chun , Tsai Ching‐Hwa , Yeh Te‐Huei
Published: April 2015

Objectives

The aim of this study is to investigate the role of Caveolin‐1 (Cav‐1) in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) progression and correlated with clinical outcomes.

Methods

We used quantitative real‐time PCR (qPCR) to detect the difference in the expression of mRNA level of Cav‐1 mRNA in NPC, non‐NPC cell lines, and 74 NPC and 29 nontumorous nasopharyngeal mucosa biopsies. Western blotting and immunohistochemistry staining were used to detect the protein expression of Cav‐1 in cell lines and biopsy tissues. We collected clinical follow‐up data to investigate the association with expression of Cav‐1 mRNA. Also, transfection of Cav‐1 and suppression by delivery of shRNA against Cav‐1 into NPC derived cell lines to analyze its influence in Akt signaling.

Results

By use of qPCR, immunohistochemical staining, and western blotting, we found that not only is Cav‐1 overexpressed in human NPC tumor cells and NPC‐derived cell lines but high Cav‐1 mRNA expression is associated with poor overall survival time of NPC patients. Furthermore, phosphorylated Akt expression was enhanced by Cav‐1 transfection and suppressed by delivery of shRNA against Cav‐1. These data suggested a possible regulatory mechanism of Cav‐1 on Akt signaling pathway. We also transfected the Cav‐1 construct and shRNA in TW01 cells to prove the effect on Akt protein expression.

Conclusions

Overexpression of Cav‐1 is related to poor prognosis in NPC patients, which correlated with Akt signaling pathway. Abrogation of Akt signaling by shRNA‐mediated knockdown of Cav‐1 decreased malignant properties of tumor cells. These data suggest the potential for Cav‐1 as a possible novel therapeutic target in NPC treatment.

Level of Evidence

N/A. Laryngoscope, 125:E231–E238, 2015
Determination of compounding formulation of cured rubber by reverse engineering
Authors: Datta Sanjoy , Stoček Radek , Kuřitka Ivo , Sáha Petr
Published: April 2015

The present work deals with reverse engineering on four rubber formulations. Information about the material composition of the compounding formulations was obtained by using techniques such as acetone extract, thermogravimetric analysis, energy dispersive X‐ray fluorescence studies, and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy in attenuated total reflection mode. The reverse engineered formulations were compared on a qualitative and quantitative basis with the initial formulations. The aim was to ascertain the validity of the methodology, which may be used as reverse engineering of rubber compounds to quantitatively analyze unknown ground tire rubber in future. The state of the art was based on a fractional mass transfer from acetone extract to the rubbers detected in TGA. Through this new approach, the formulations calculated were very consistent with the formulations employed, thus establishing the validity of the methodology used. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 55:1450–1458, 2015. © 2015 Society of Plastics Engineers
From single‐chain folding to polymer nanoparticles via intramolecular quadruple hydrogen‐bonding interaction
Authors: Wang Fei , Pu Hongting , Jin Ming , Pan Haiyan , Chang Zhihong , Wan Decheng , Du Jiang
Published: April 2015

Single‐chain folding via intramolecular noncovalent interaction is regarded as a facile mimicry of biomacromolecules. Single‐chain folding and intramolecular crosslinking is also an effective method to prepare polymer nanoparticles. In this study, poly(methyl methacrylate‐co−2‐ureido‐5‐deazapterines functionalized ethylene methacrylate) (P(MMA‐co‐EMA‐DeAP)) is synthesized via free radical polymerization. The single‐chain folding of P(MMA‐co‐EMA‐DeAP) and the formation of the nanoparticles in diluted solution (concentration <0.005 mg/mL) are achieved via supramolecular interaction and intramolecular collapsing during the disruption‐reformation process of the hydrogen bonding triggered by water. The size and the morphology of the nanoparticles are characterized by dynamic light scattering, transmission electron microscope, and atomic force microscope. The results show that the size of the nanoparticles depends on the molecular weight of the polymer and the loading of 2‐ureido‐5‐deazapterines functionalized ethylene methacrylate (EMA‐DeAP) on the polymer backbone. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2015, 53, 1832–1840
Assessing the effectiveness of decision aids for decision making in prostate cancer testing: a systematic review
Authors: Ilic Dragan , Jammal Walid , Chiarelli Pauline , Gardiner Robert A. , Hughes Suzanne , Stefanovic Dana , Chambers Suzanne K.
Published: April 2015

Background

Prostate cancer is a leading disease affecting men worldwide. Conflicting evidence within the literature provides little guidance to men contemplating whether or not to be screened for prostate cancer. This systematic review aimed to determine whether decision aids about early detection of prostate cancer improve patient knowledge and decision making about whether to undergo prostate‐specific antigen testing.

Methods

Medline, EMBASE, CINAHL, PsychINFO, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Database of Abstracts of Reviews of Effects and Health Technology Assessment databases up until March 2014 were searched. All included randomised controlled trials were assessed for methodological quality. Clinical selection and assessment heterogeneity among studies prevented the pooling of data for meta‐analyses. Descriptive analyses of all included studies and comparison were performed.

Results

A total of 13 randomised controlled trials met the inclusion criteria. Significant heterogeneity was present for the design and implementation of decision aids including comparative interventions and outcomes. Eight studies were of a low methodological quality, with the remaining five of medium quality. Improvements in patient knowledge following use of a decision aid were demonstrated by 11 of the 13 included studies. Seven of 10 studies demonstrated a reduction in decisional conflict/distress. Three of four studies demonstrated no difference between a decision aid and information only in reducing decisional uncertainty. Three of five studies demonstrated an increase in decisional satisfaction with use of a decision aid.

Conclusions

Decision aids increase patient knowledge and confidence in decision making about prostate cancer testing. Further research into effective methods of implementation is needed. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Structural studies on TlInSe thermoelectric material by X‐ray fluorescence holography, XAFS, and X‐ray diffraction
Authors: Hosokawa Shinya , Kamimura Kenji , Ikemoto Hiroyuki , Happo Naohisa , Mimura Kojiro , Hayashi Kouichi , Takahashi Kohki , Wakita Kazuki , Mamedov Nazim
Published: April 2015

The local structure around the Tl atoms in TlInSe thermoelectric material was investigated by X‐ray fluorescence holography (XFH), XAFS, and X‐ray diffraction (XD). The temperature dependent XAFS and XD data reveal that no distinct phase change features are found, and the position of the Tl atoms are fluctuated randomly in the Tl chain direction of the crystal, which is consistent with the XFH result at room temperature. Also, an interference between the positions of Tl and In atoms is suggested by all of these experiments.
H∞output tracking control for uncertain networked control systems via a switched system approach
Authors: Wu Ying , Liu Tianshi , Wu Yanpeng , Zhang Yabin
Published: April 2015

In this paper, the problem ofH∞output tracking control for networked control systems with random time delays and system uncertainties is investigated. Effective sampling instant that is tightly related with transmission delay from sensor to actuator is proposed to ensure that the random variable time delay is always shorter than one effective sampling period. By using both active time‐varying sampling period strategy and hybrid node‐driven mechanism, the switching instant is coincided with the effective sampling instant. An augmented time‐varying networked tracking system model is provided by including the output tracking error as an additional state. However, random transmission delay causes indeterminate sampling period, which induces infinite subsystems. Gridding approach is introduced to transform the continuous time axis into discrete‐time sequences, which guarantees the finite number of switching rules. By employing multiple Lyapunov–Krasovskii functions, linear matrix inequality (LMI)‐based output trackingH∞performance analysis is presented, and robust switchingH∞model reference tracking controller for networked control systems with communication constraints and system uncertainties is designed to guarantee asymptotic tracking of prescribed reference outputs while rejecting disturbances. Finally, simulation results illustrate the correctness and effectiveness of the proposed approaches. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Relationships Between Simple Toe Elevation Angle in the Standing Position and Dynamic Balance and Fall Risk Among Community‐Dwelling Older Adults
Authors: Takatori Katsuhiko , Matsumoto Daisuke
Published: April 2015

Objective

To investigate the relationships between toe elevation ability in the standing position and dynamic balance and fall risk among community‐dwelling older adults.

Design

Cross‐sectional survey.

Setting

General community.

Participants

Community‐dwelling older adults (N = 287).

Main Outcome Measure

Toe elevation angles in the standing position.

Results

Intra‐rater and inter‐rater reliability of measurements of the toe elevation angle was high (internal coefficient of correlation [ICC] (1,2) = 0.94 for the former and ICC (2,1) = 0.90 for the latter). Significant correlations were found between the toe elevation angle and age (r = −0.20, P < .01), 5‐m walking time (r = −0.31, P < .01), Functional Reach Test (r = 0.36, P < .01), Timed Up and Go Test (r = −0.36, P < .01), and Chair Stand Test (r = 0.26, P < .01). Subjects who experienced a fall in the previous 6 months had a significantly lower toe elevation angle compared with subjects who did not experience a fall (t = 2.19, P < .05). Multiple regression analysis revealed that results of the Functional Reach Test (β = .22, P < .001) and Timed Up and Go Test (β = −0.74, P < .001) were significantly associated with the toe elevation angle.

Conclusions

Toe elevation angle was an index of dynamic balance ability and appears to be a simple screening test for fall risk in community‐dwelling older adults.
Artifacts of Elegy: The Foundling Hospital Tokens
Authors: Zytaruk Maria
Published: April 2015

This article explores the objects that were left as identifiers for the children abandoned to London's Foundling Hospital in the eighteenth century. Required by the hospital in order to permit a future reclaiming by a parent and to guard against a charge of infanticide, these tokens fulfilled an institutional priority. The token procedure, this article argues, resulted in a class of objects that can be aligned closely with elegy. Occasional objects, the tokens communicate maternal affection and a sense of dislocation. As distillations of grief and imaginative framings of loss, the foundling tokens constitute eighteenth-century artifacts of elegy.
Tayler instability in liquid metal columns and liquid metal batteries
Authors: Herreman W. , Nore C. , Cappanera L. , Guermond J.-L.
Published: April 2015

In this paper we investigate the Tayler instability in an incompressible, viscous and resistive liquid metal column and in a model of a liquid metal battery (LMB). Detailed comparisons between theory and numerics, both in linear and nonlinear regimes, are performed. We identify the timescale that is well adapted to the quasi-static (QS) regime and find the range of Hartmann numbers where this approximation applies. The scaling law$\mathit{Re}\sim \mathit{Ha}^{2}$for the amplitude of the Tayler destabilized flow is explained using a weakly nonlinear argument. We calculate a critical electrolyte height above which the Tayler instability is too weak to disrupt the electrolyte layer in a LMB. Applied to present day Mg-based batteries, this criterion shows that short circuits can occur only in very large batteries. Finally, preliminary results demonstrate the feasibility of direct numerical multiphase simulations of the Tayler instability in a model battery.
Time-optimal path tracking for robots under dynamics constraints based on convex optimization
Authors: Zhang Qiang , Li Shurong , Guo Jian-Xin , Gao Xiao-Shan
Published: April 2015

To fully utilize the dynamic performance of robotic manipulators and enforce minimum motion time in path tracking, the problem of minimum time path tracking for robotic manipulators under confined torque, change rate of the torque, and voltage of the DC motor is considered. The main contribution is the introduction of the concepts of virtual change rate of the torque and the virtual voltage, which are linear functions in the state and control variables and are shown to be very tight approximation to the real ones. As a result, the computationally challenging non-convex minimum time path tracking problem is reduced to a convex optimization problem which can be solved efficiently. It is also shown that introducing dynamics constraints can significantly improve the motion precision without costing much in motion time, especially in the case of high speed motion. Extensive simulations are presented to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed approach.
Design of an active device for controlling lateral stability of fast mobile robot
Authors: Krid M. , Benamar F. , Zamzami Z.
Published: April 2015

Motivated by the trade-off between speed and stability for off-road navigation, a novel active anti-roll system has been developed in the context of a multidisciplinary project which aims at developing a high-speed and agile autonomous off-road rover. This paper presents the design, simulation and experimental validation of an active anti-roll system and its associated control. The proposed system possess the advantage of having a modular design that can be installed on any off-road chassis with independent suspensions. The proposed system controls directly the roll angle of the rover which is usually uncontrollable in conventional vehicles, hence improving off-road stability while maneuverings at high speed over uneven terrain. Furthermore, the control of the proposed active anti-roll system is based on a model predictive control (MPC) for the roll dynamics, which minimizes the load transfer during cornering and the energy consumed by the actuators. The control model is based on a dynamic model of the rover and on a stability criteria defined by the lateral load transfer (LLT). Moreover, this paper presents, simulation results from the high fidelity virtual platform modeled inMSC.Adams®, as well as, results from recent field tests demonstrating the effectiveness of a hydraulic active anti-roll system mounted on, an especially developed experimental platform, SPIDO ROBOT while cornering at a high speed reaching 8 m/s.
Canada–Renewable Energy: Implications for WTO Law on Green and Not-So-Green Subsidies
Authors: CHARNOVITZ STEVE , FISCHER CAROLYN
Published: April 2015

In the first dispute on renewable energy to come to WTO dispute settlement, the domestic content requirement of Ontario's feed-in tariff was challenged as a discriminatory investment-related measure and as a prohibited import substitution subsidy. The Panel and Appellate Body agreed that Canada was violating the GATT and the TRIMS Agreement. But the SCM Article 3 claim by Japan and the European Union remains unadjudicated, because neither tribunal made a finding that the price guaranteed for electricity from renewable sources constitutes a ‘benefit’ pursuant to the SCM Agreement. Although the Appellate Body provides useful guidance to future Panels on how the existence of a benefit could be calculated, the most noteworthy aspect of the new jurisprudence is the Appellate Body's reasoning that delineating the proper market for ‘benefit’ analysis entails respect for the policy choices made by a government. Thus, in this dispute, the proper market is electricity produced only from wind and solar energy.
All-photonic quantum repeaters
Authors: Azuma Koji , Tamaki Kiyoshi , Lo Hoi-Kwong
Published: April 2015

Quantum communication holds promise for unconditionally secure transmission of secret messages and faithful transfer of unknown quantum states. Photons appear to be the medium of choice for quantum communication. Owing to photon losses, robust quantum communication over long lossy channels requires quantum repeaters. It is widely believed that a necessary and highly demanding requirement for quantum repeaters is the existence of matter quantum memories. Here we show that such a requirement is, in fact, unnecessary by introducing the concept of all-photonic quantum repeaters based on flying qubits. In particular, we present a protocol based on photonic cluster-state machine guns and a loss-tolerant measurement equipped with local high-speed active feedforwards. We show that, with such all-photonic quantum repeaters, the communication efficiency scales polynomially with the channel distance. Our result paves a new route towards quantum repeaters with efficient single-photon sources rather than matter quantum memories.
Increased prevalence of EPAS1 variant in cattle with high-altitude pulmonary hypertension
Authors: Newman John H. , Holt Timothy N. , Cogan Joy D. , Womack Bethany , Phillips John A. , Li Chun , Kendall Zachary , Stenmark Kurt R. , Thomas Milton G. , Brown R. Dale , Riddle Suzette R. , West James D. , Hamid Rizwan
Published: April 2015

High-altitude pulmonary hypertension (HAPH) has heritable features and is a major cause of death in cattle in the Rocky Mountains, USA. Although multiple genes are likely involved in the genesis of HAPH, to date no major gene variant has been identified. Using whole-exome sequencing, we report the high association of anEPAS1(HIF2α) double variant in the oxygen degradation domain ofEPAS1in Angus cattle with HAPH, mean pulmonary artery pressure >50 mm Hg in two independent herds. Expression analysis shows upregulation of 26 of 27 HIF2α target genes inEPAS1carriers with HAPH. Of interest, this variant appears to be prevalent in lowland cattle, in which 41% of a herd of 32 are carriers, but the variant may only have a phenotype when the animal is hypoxemic at altitude. TheEPAS1variant will be a tool to determine the cells and signalling pathways leading to HAPH.