bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Persistent landfalling atmospheric rivers over the west coast of North America
Authors: Payne Ashley E. , Magnusdottir Gudrun
Published: November 2016

Landfalling atmospheric rivers (ARs) are linked to heavy precipitation and extreme flooding, and are well known along the western coast of North America. The hydrological impacts of ARs upon landfall are correlated with their duration and magnitude. In order to improve the forecast of these hydrologically significant landfalling events, a better understanding of how they differ from other landfalling events must be established through an investigation of the mechanisms leading to their development prior to landfall. A subset of persistent landfalling AR events between 30°N and 50°N is identified in 3‐hourly Modern‐Era Retrospective Analysis for Research and Applications reanalysis and validated against existing data sets. These events are identified as features in the low troposphere with high moisture transport and extended geometry that persist over a limited region of the coastline for longer than 63 h (85th percentile of AR duration). A composite analysis shows that persistent events have distinct thermodynamical and dynamical characteristics compared to all AR events. They are characterized by greater moisture content, suggestive of Pineapple Express‐type events, a perturbed upper level jet and anticyclonic overturning of potential vorticity contours associated with anticyclonic Rossby wave breaking. Moreover, the location of the Rossby wave breaking is shifted inland compared to all AR events. Analogue analysis of the 500 hPa geopotential height anomalies is used to find nonpersistent events with similar dynamical characteristics to persistent events. Despite their similarity to persistent events, nonpersistent analogues show very little shift toward longer duration. A comparison of the development of persistent and nonpersistent analogues shows that persistent events have much greater moisture content.
Effects of climate change on deepwater oxygen and winter mixing in a deep lake (Lake Geneva): Comparing observational findings and modeling
Authors: Schwefel Robert , Gaudard Adrien , Wüest Alfred , Bouffard Damien
Published: November 2016

Low concentrations of dissolved oxygen remain a global concern regarding the ecological health of lakes and reservoirs. In addition to high nutrient loads, climate‐induced changes in lake stratification and mixing represent additional anthropogenic menace resulting in decreased deepwater oxygen levels. The analysis of 43 years of monitoring data from Lake Geneva shows no decreasing trend neither in the areal hypolimnetic mineralization rate nor in the extent of hypoxia. Instead, hypoxic conditions are predominantly controlled by deep mixing in winter and much less by the trophic variations over the past decades. To reproduce winter mixing, the one‐dimensional hydrodynamic model SIMSTRAT was specially adapted to deep lakes and run for several climate scenarios. The simulations predicted a decrease in the maximum winter mixing depth from an average of ∼172 m for 1981–2012 to ∼136 m and ∼127 m in response to predicted atmospheric temperatures between 2045–2076 and 2070–2101 according to Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change scenarios. Concurrently, events with complete homogenization of temperature and oxygen in winter will decrease by ∼50%. Consequently, the hypolimnetic oxygen concentrations will significantly decrease. These results demonstrate that changes in deep mixing can have stronger impact than eutrophication on the deepwater oxygen levels of oligomictic lakes.
Ethylbenzene [BAT Value Documentation, 2001]
Authors: Knecht U.
Published: November 2016

This article has no abstract
Addendum to Ethylbenzene [BAT Value Documentation, 2012]
Authors: Klotz K.
Published: November 2016

This article has no abstract
Addendum to 4,4′‐Diaminodiphenylmethane [BAT Value Documentation, 2011]
Authors: Leng G.
Published: November 2016

This article has no abstract
1‐Bromopropane [BAT Value Documentation, 2011]
Authors: Göen T.
Published: November 2016

This article has no abstract
Addendum to Chlorobenzene [BAT Value Documentation, 2009]
Authors: Göen T.
Published: November 2016

This article has no abstract
2,4,6‐Trinitrotoluene [BAT Value Documentation, 2009]
Authors: Kraus T. , Letzel S.
Published: November 2016

This article has no abstract
1,4‐Dioxane [BAT Value Documentation, 2007]
Authors: Kraus T. , Schaller K.H. , Csanády C.
Published: November 2016

This article has no abstract
Addendum to N,N‐Dimethyl acetamide [BAT Value Documentation, 2010]
Authors: Bader M.
Published: November 2016

This article has no abstract
1‐Ethoxy‐2‐propanol and 1‐Ethoxy‐2‐propyl acetate [BAT Value Documentation, 2009]
Authors: Bader M.
Published: November 2016

This article has no abstract
tert‐Butyl methyl ether [BAT Value Documentation, 2006]
Authors: Schaller K. H. , Csanády G.
Published: November 2016

This article has no abstract
Addendum to Lindane (γ‐1,2,3,4,5,6‐Hexachlorocyclohexane) [BAT Value Documentation, 2001]
Authors: Angerer J.
Published: November 2016

This article has no abstract
Addendum to Beryllium and its Inorganic Compounds [BAT Value Documentation, 2010]
Authors: Schaller K. H.
Published: November 2016

This article has no abstract
Addendum to Vinyl Chloride [BAT Value Documentation, 2010]
Authors: Kraus T. , Schettgen T.
Published: November 2016

This article has no abstract
Addendum to Hydrogen Fluoride and Inorganic Fluorine Compounds (Fluorides) [BAT Value Documentation, 2007]
Authors: Schaller K.H.
Published: November 2016

This article has no abstract
Addendum to Acrylamide [BAT Value Documentation, 2009]
Authors: Angerer J. , Drexler H. , Hartwig A. ,   MAK Commission
Published: November 2016

This article has no abstract
Addendum to Benzidine [BAT Value Documentation, 2010]
Authors: Nasterlack M.
Published: November 2016

This article has no abstract
High Strain Rate Tensile and Compressive Testing and Performance of Mesoporous Invar (FeNi36) Matrix Syntactic Foams Produced by Feedstock Extrusion
Authors: Peroni Lorenzo , Scapin Martina , Lehmhus Dirk , Baumeister Joachim , Busse Matthias , Avalle Massimiliano , Weise Jörg
Published: November 2016

The present study investigates the high strain rate behavior of mesoporous metal matrix syntactic foams focusing on the dependence of compressive and tensile properties on strain rate. The strain rate range, covered both in compression and tension, extends from quasi‐static conditions or 10−3 s−1 to 103 s−1. Syntactic foams based on commercial high strength hollow glass microspheres and Invar (FeNi36) matrix are produced by means of feedstock extrusion and subsequent sintering. Levels of glass microsphere addition examined are 5 and 10 wt%, respectively, corresponding to approximately 40 and 60 vol% of microspheres in the initial mix prior to sintering, and considering the metal and filler fraction only. Reference samples containing no microsphere addition have been included in the study. Mechanical testing is accompanied by metallographic examinations.
Torquoselective Nazarov Cyclization Mediated by a Chiral Sulfoxide: First Enantioselective Synthesis of two Known Anticancer Agents
Authors: Grenet Erwann , Martinez Jean , Salom‐Roig Xavier J.
Published: November 2016

Herein, we report a Nazarov cyclization reaction between activated dienones that contain an aromatic moiety as an electron‐donating group and chiral sulfoxides that act as both an electron‐withdrawing group and a chiral inductor. The sulfinyl group directed the torquoselectivity and AlCl3 was used as a promoter. Only the trans stereoisomers were observed. Substrates that contained activated aromatic moieties, including phenyl and aromatic heterocycles, led to the desired cyclopentenones. The potential use of this method was highlighted in the first enantioselective synthesis of two anticancer agents.
Copper‐Catalyzed Selective Aerobic Oxidative Cascade Reaction of Hydrazines, DABSO, and Amines for the Direct Synthesis of Sulfonamides
Authors: Du Bingnan , Wang Yang , Sha Wanxing , Qian Ping , Mei Haibo , Han Jianlin , Pan Yi
Published: November 2016

A Cu‐catalyzed highly selective aerobic oxidative coupling reaction of hydrazines and amines has been achieved with the use of 1,4‐diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octane bis(sulfur dioxide) (DABSO) as a sulfonyl group source. The hydrazines were explored as aryl precursors for the coupling reaction with DABSO, which directly reacted with amines without use of any additional additives. The cascade reaction was performed under mild conditions and tolerated a wide range of substrates affording the corresponding sulfonamides with good chemical yields. This conceptually new method proceeds with the release of nitrogen, providing an easy and practical strategy for the preparation of sulfonamides.
Magnetically Induced Continuous CO2 Hydrogenation Using Composite Iron Carbide Nanoparticles of Exceptionally High Heating Power
Authors: Bordet Alexis , Lacroix Lise‐Marie , Fazzini Pier‐Francesco , Carrey Julian , Soulantica Katerina , Chaudret Bruno
Published: November 2016

The use of magnetic nanoparticles to convert electromagnetic energy into heat is known to be a key strategy for numerous biomedical applications but is also an approach of growing interest in the field of catalysis. The heating efficiency of magnetic nanoparticles is limited by the poor magnetic properties of most of them. Here we show that the new generation of iron carbide nanoparticles of controlled size and with over 80 % crystalline Fe2.2C leads to exceptional heating properties, which are much better than the heating properties of currently available nanoparticles. Associated to catalytic metals (Ni, Ru), iron carbide nanoparticles submitted to magnetic excitation very efficiently catalyze CO2 hydrogenation in a dedicated continuous‐flow reactor. Hence, we demonstrate that the concept of magnetically induced heterogeneous catalysis can be successfully applied to methanation of CO2 and represents an approach of strategic interest in the context of intermittent energy storage and CO2 recovery.
Diagnostic model generated by MRI‐derived brain features in toddlers with autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Xiao Xiang , Fang Hui , Wu Jiansheng , Xiao ChaoYong , Xiao Ting , Qian Lu , Liang FengJing , Xiao Zhou , Chu Kang Kang , Ke Xiaoyan
Published: November 2016

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder mainly showed atypical social interaction, communication, and restricted, repetitive patterns of behavior, interests and activities. Now clinic diagnosis of ASD is mostly based on psychological evaluation, clinical observation and medical history. All these behavioral indexes could not avoid defects such as subjectivity and reporter‐dependency. Therefore researchers devoted themselves to seek relatively stable biomarkers of ASD as supplementary diagnostic evidence. The goal of present study is to generate relatively stable predictive model based on anatomical brain features by using machine learning technique. Forty‐six ASD children and thirty‐nine development delay children aged from 18 to 37 months were evolved in. As a result, the predictive model generated by regional average cortical thickness of regions with top 20 highest importance of random forest classifier showed best diagnostic performance. And random forest was proved to be the optimal approach for neuroimaging data mining in small size set and thickness‐based classification outperformed volume‐based classification and surface area‐based classification in ASD. The brain regions selected by the models might attract attention and the idea of considering biomarkers as a supplementary evidence of ASD diagnosis worth exploring. Autism Res 2017, 0: 000–000. © 2016 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Autism Res 2017, 10: 620–630. © 2016 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Executive functioning in men and women with an autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Kiep Michelle , Spek Annelies A.
Published: November 2016

Executive functioning (EF) is thought to be linked to autism spectrum disorders (ASD) specific symptoms. The majority of research has focused on children and adolescents with ASD and, therefore, little is known about EF in adults. Furthermore, little is known about gender differences. Ninety‐nine men and forty women with ASD were compared with and 35 neurotypical men 25 neurotypical women. Participants were matched on age, total intelligence, and verbal ability. The following instruments were used to measure executive functioning: digit span and letter and number sequencing of the WAIS‐III, Tower of Hanoi, WCST, and Verbal fluency. Multiple analysis of variance was conducted to determine group differences. Women with ASD performed worse on the working memory tasks of the WAIS‐III than neurotypical women. Furthermore, women with ASD had more perseverations on the WCST than neurotypical women. The gender comparison in the ASD group showed differences in performance on mental flexibility (WCST), working memory (WAIS‐III), generativity and self‐monitoring (Verbal fluency). However, these differences were unequivocal and no gender specific cognitive profile could be pinpointed. Individual strengths and frailties should be highlighted in clinical practice, as impairments in EF can be under influence of the overall cognitive abilities of the individual. Furthermore, gender differences were found. This could explain differences in representation of ASD symptoms in both groups. These differences show how important thorough diagnostics are. Autism Res 2017, 10: 940–948. © 2016 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Characterization of endogenous promoters for control of recombinant gene expression in Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans
Authors: Kernan Timothy , West Alan C. , Banta Scott
Published: November 2016

Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans is an important iron‐ and sulfur‐oxidizing acidophilic chemolithoautotroph that is used extensively in metal extraction and refining, and more recently in the bioproduction of chemicals. However, a lack of genetic tools has limited the further development of this organism for industrial bioprocesses. Using prior microarray studies that identified genes, which may express differentially in response to the availability of iron and sulfur, the cycA1 and tusA promoter sequences have been characterized for their ability to drive green fluorescent protein expression. The promoters exhibited opposite control behavior, where the cycA1 sequence was repressed and the tusA promoter was induced by the presence of sulfur in the growth medium. Sulfur was found to be the dominant signal. The sulfur IC50 for cycA1 was 0.56 mM (18 mg/L), whereas the sulfur EC50 of tusA was 2.5 mM (80 mg/L). Together these sequences provide two new tools to selectively induce or repress gene expression in A. ferrooxidans. Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans is an important industrial organism; however, genetic tools for control of gene expression do not exist. Here, we report the identification of promoter sequences that allow for the development of control of gene expression for engineering this organism.
Distinguishing Governance
Authors: Oliver Caroline
Published: November 2016

Synopsis of a contribution to the Shaking the Foundations of Governance—Ownership Discussion Forum, hosted by UKPGA and The CRSA Forum, supported by Mazars LLP, held on November 1, 2016, London, UK.
Severe carotid artery stenosis evaluated by ultrasound is associated with post stroke vascular cognitive impairment
Authors: Li Xuefeng , Ma Xiangling , Lin Jing , He Xiangqin , Tian Feng , Kong Dongmei
Published: November 2016

Background

Acute ischemic stroke has been recognized as one key cause of vascular cognitive impairment (VCI). The purpose of this study was to evaluate the correlation between carotid artery stenosis and post VCI in acute ischemic stroke patients.

Methods

In this study, B‐mode ultrasound was applied to measure the degree of carotid artery stenosis. After 1 year, the stroke patients’ cognitive function was assessed by the mini‐mental state examination (MMSE) score. The relationship between the VCI and degree of carotid artery stenosis was evaluated by multivariate regression analysis.

Results

VCI was observed in 136 (37.2%) of the 365 participants. High degree of carotid artery stenosis was significantly correlated with VCI (p < .01), and this correlation remained unchanged even adjustment for age, gender, education level, stroke features, and vascular risk factors.

Conclusions

These findings indicate that high‐grade stenosis of carotid artery is positively correlated with post stroke VCI in patients with acute ischemic stroke. The evaluation of 1 year post stroke cognitive function may be a potential tool for screening stroke patients at risk of VCI.
Transcutaneous pollinosis immunotherapy using a solid‐in‐oil nanodispersion system carrying T cell epitope peptide and R848
Authors: Kitaoka Momoko , Naritomi Ayaka , Kawabe Yoshinori , Kamihira Masamichi , Kamiya Noriho , Goto Masahiro
Published: November 2016

Antigen‐specific immunotherapy is the only curative approach for the treatment of allergic diseases such as Japanese cedar pollinosis. Immunotherapy using a T cell epitope vaccine in combination with the adjuvant R848 is of particular interest as a safe and effective approach to treat allergic diseases. Herein, we propose a simple and easy to handle vaccine administration method using the original solid‐in‐oil (S/O) nanodispersion system that permeates through the skin. The S/O nanodispersion system is composed of nanoparticles of hydrophilic molecules surrounded with hydrophobic surfactants that are dispersed in an oil vehicle. The system has potential to carry and deliver both hydrophilic and hydrophobic bioactives. Hydrophilic T cell epitope peptide was efficiently delivered through mouse skin using the S/O nanodispersion system and lowered antigen‐specific IgE levels in pollinosis model mice. Addition of the hydrophobic adju1vant R848 significantly lowered the antibody secretion and shifted the Th1/Th2‐balance toward Th1‐type immunity in the model mice, showing the potential to alleviate Japanese cedar pollinosis.
Sodium Percarbonate Based, Mixed‐Media Fuel Cells Supported on Paper with Gold/Nickel Oxide Catalysts
Authors: Verma Rajat , Lal Sweta , Deepa Melepurath , Janardhanan Vinod M. , Sahu Kirti Chandra
Published: November 2016

Self‐pumping T‐shaped mixed‐media paper‐based fuel cells are prepared for the first time by using sodium percarbonate as the fuel, KMnO4 as the oxidant, and a proton‐conducting gel as the electrolyte. Whatman filter papers serve as porous supports for the fluid (catholyte and anolyte) streams. The cell architecture with the Au/NiO (with 11 wt % Au) composite as the catalyst deposited at both electrodes delivers high current and power densities of 5.6 mA cm−2 and 2.6 mW cm−2, respectively. With this catalyst, the maximum current and power densities are enhanced by 75 and 121 %, respectively, as compared to the case without catalyst. Impedance analysis shows that ohmic and polarization resistances can be reduced significantly by use of the Au/NiO (with 11 wt % Au) composite as the catalyst. The ability of this cell to revive and restore its original performance once both the open‐circuit voltage and current density have decayed clearly demonstrates the applicability of this robust, easily disposable cell for powering micro‐/nanodevices.
Design, Synthesis, and Evaluation of Dasatinib–Amino Acid and Dasatinib–Fatty Acid Conjugates as Protein Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors
Authors: Tiwari Rakesh K. , Brown Alex , Sadeghiani Neda , Shirazi Amir Nasrolahi , Bolton Jared , Tse Amanda , Verkhivker Gennady , Parang Keykavous , Sun Gongqin
Published: November 2016

Derivatives of the tyrosine kinase inhibitor dasatinib were synthesized by esterification with 25 carboxylic acids, including amino acids and fatty acids, thereby extending the drug to interact with more diverse sites and to improve specificity. The dasatinib–l‐arginine derivative (Das‐R, 7) was found to be the most potent of the inhibitors tested, with IC50 values of 4.4, <0.25, and <0.45 nm against Csk, Src, and Abl kinases, respectively. The highest selectivity ratio obtained in our study, 91.4 Csk/Src, belonged to compound 18 (Das‐C10) with an IC50 value of 3.2 μm for Csk compared with 35 nm for Src. Furthermore, many compounds displayed increased selectivity toward Src over Abl. Compounds 15 (Das–glutamic acid) and 13 (Das–cysteine) demonstrated the largest gains (10.2 and 10.3 Abl/Src IC50 ratios). Das‐R (IC50=2.06 μm) was significantly more potent than the parent dasatinib (IC50=26.3 μm) against Panc‐1 cells, whereas both compounds showed IC50<51.2 pm against BV‐173 and K562 cells. Molecular modeling and binding free energy simulations revealed good agreements with the experimental results and rationalized the differences in selectivity among the studied compounds. Integration of experimental and computational approaches in the design and biochemical screening of dasatinib derivatives facilitated rational engineering and diversification of the dasatinib scaffold, providing useful insight into mechanisms of kinase selectivity.
A Deep Hydrophobic Binding Cavity is the Main Interaction for Different Y2R Antagonists
Authors: Burkert Kerstin , Zellmann Tristan , Meier René , Kaiser Anette , Stichel Jan , Meiler Jens , Mittapalli Gopi K. , Roberts Edward , Beck‐Sickinger Annette G.
Published: November 2016

The neuropeptide Y2 receptor (Y2R) is involved in various pathophysiological processes such as epilepsy, mood disorders, angiogenesis, and tumor growth. Therefore, the Y2R is an interesting target for drug development. A detailed understanding of the binding pocket could facilitate the development of highly selective antagonists to study the role of Y2R in vitro and in vivo. In this study, several residues crucial to the interaction of BIIE0246 and SF‐11 derivatives with Y2R were investigated by signal transduction assays. Using the experimental results as constraints, the antagonists were docked into a comparative structural model of the Y2R. Despite differences in size and structure, all three antagonists display a similar binding site, including a deep hydrophobic cavity formed by transmembrane helices (TM) 4, 5, and 6, as well as a hydrophobic patch at the top of TM2 and 7. Additionally, we suggest that the antagonists block Q3.32, a position that has been shown to be crucial for binding of the amidated C terminus of NPY and thus for receptor activation.
Pole plate effected gradient coils design in permanent magnet MRI system
Authors: Xu Yajie , Lopez Hector Sanchez , Chen Qiaoyan , Yang Xiaodong
Published: November 2016

Pole plate in permanent magnet MRI system leads to serious impact on the strength, linearity, and inductance of gradient coils due to the induced current of its pure iron material. In this article, a modified mirror current (MC) model of pole plate based on z gradient coil is established, aiming at improving gradient coil performance. Levenberg‐Marquardt (LM) algorithm is applied for the gradient coil optimization with and without constraint of the current density coefficient that determines the coil complexity and structure. With the optimal constraint radius 4.466 and 4.942, the minimum square of gradient field errors are obtained as and for longitudinal and transverse gradient coils, respectively. Optimization results combining linearity, inductance and field error ameliorate all three parameters prominently comparing with the original MC model, which proves the efficiency of the modified MC model and LM optimization algorithm in gradient coil construction to compensate the pole plate effect.
Hippocampal‐like circuitry in the pallium of an electric fish: Possible substrates for recursive pattern separation and completion
Authors: Elliott S. Benjamin , Harvey‐Girard Erik , Giassi Ana C.C. , Maler Leonard
Published: November 2016

Teleost fish are capable of complex behaviors, including social and spatial learning; lesion studies show that these abilities require dorsal telencephalon (pallium). The teleost telencephalon has subpallial and pallial components. The subpallium is well described and highly conserved. In contrast, the teleost pallium is not well understood and its relation to that of other vertebrates remains controversial. Here we analyze the connectivity of the subdivisions of dorsal pallium (DD) of an electric gymnotiform fish, Apteronotus leptorhynchus: superficial (DDs), intermediate (DDi) and magnocellular (DDmg) components. The major pathways are recursive: the dorsolateral pallium (DL) projects strongly to DDi, with lesser inputs to DDs and DDmg. DDi in turn projects strongly to DDmg, which then feeds back diffusely to DL. Our quantitative analysis of DDi connectivity demonstrates that it is a global recurrent network. In addition, we show that the DD subnuclei have complex reciprocal connections with subpallial regions. Specifically, both DDi and DDmg are reciprocally connected to pallial interneurons within the misnamed rostral entopeduncular nucleus (Er). Based on DD connectivity, we illustrate the close similarity, and possible homology, between hippocampal and DD/DL circuitry. We hypothesize that DD/DL circuitry can implement the same pattern separation and completion computations ascribed to the hippocampal dentate gyrus and CA3 fields. We further contend that the DL to DDi to DDmg to DL feedback loop makes the pattern separation/completion operations recursive. We discuss our results with respect to recent studies on fear avoidance conditioning in zebrafish and attention and spatial learning in a pulse gymnotiform fish. J. Comp. Neurol. 525:8–46, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Large‐Scale, Ultrasensitive, Highly Reproducible and Reusable Smart SERS Platform Based on PNIPAm‐Grafted Gold Grating
Authors: Guselnikova Olga , Postnikov Pavel , Kalachyova Yevgeniya , Kolska Zdenka , Libansky Milan , Zima Jiri , Svorcik Vaclav , Lyutakov Oleksiy
Published: November 2016

A smart plasmonic sensor based on periodic gold gratings grafted with poly(N‐isopropyl acrylamide) (PNIPAm) has been designed and realized. A periodic gold structure was created on the polymer backing with an excimer laser (1×2 cm2 modified area) and was subsequently covered by thin gold film. In the next step, a 7 nm thick PNIPAm layer was grafted to the gold surface through a two‐step procedure: covalent attachment of 4‐carboxybenzil groups followed by carboxyl groups activation and their coupling with amino‐terminated PNIPAm. Surface properties of the prepared structure and their switchable behavior were investigated using refractometry, wettability measurements, AFM in water, cyclic voltammetry, and pH‐ and temperature‐dependent Z‐potential measurements. The structure enables effective entrapment and SERS detection of azo dyes, significant reduction of minimal detectable concentration of target molecules, and a detection limit down to femtomolar concentrations. Excitation of plasmons on the well‐ordered surface structure also gives excellent reproducibility for SERS along the particular sample surface and as well as on different samples. Additionally, the reversible switching of wettability under repeated temperature changes on the gold plasmonic platform allows multiple uses of the developed system.
Characterization of Tin/Ethylene Glycol Solar Nanofluids Synthesized by Femtosecond Laser Radiation
Authors: Torres‐Mendieta Rafael , Mondragón Rosa , Puerto‐Belda Verónica , Mendoza‐Yero Omel , Lancis Jesús , Juliá J. Enrique , Mínguez‐Vega Gladys
Published: November 2016

Solar energy is available over wide geographical areas and its harnessing is becoming an essential tool to satisfy the ever‐increasing demand for energy with minimal environmental impact. Solar nanofluids are a novel solar receiver concept for efficient harvesting of solar radiation based on volumetric absorption of directly irradiated nanoparticles in a heat transfer fluid. Herein, the fabrication of a solar nanofluid by pulsed laser ablation in liquids was explored. This study was conducted with the ablation of bulk tin immersed in ethylene glycol with a femtosecond laser. Laser irradiation promotes the formation of tin nanoparticles that are collected in the ethylene glycol as colloids, creating the solar nanofluid. The ability to trap incoming electromagnetic radiation, thermal conductivity, and the stability of the solar nanofluid in comparison with conventional synthesis methods is enhanced.
Enhancing Electrocatalytic Performance of Bifunctional Cobalt–Manganese‐Oxynitride Nanocatalysts on Graphene
Authors: Li Yang , Kuttiyiel Kurian A. , Wu Lijun , Zhu Yimei , Fujita Etsuko , Adzic Radoslav R. , Sasaki Kotaro
Published: November 2016

We report the synthesis and characterization of graphenesupported cobalt–manganese‐oxynitride nanocatalysts (CoMnON/G) as bifunctional electrocatalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER). A nitriding treatment of spinel compound CoMnO increased the ORR activity considerably, and the most active material catalyzed the ORR with only a 30 mV half‐wave potential difference from the commercial carbon‐supported platinum (Pt/C) in alkaline media. In addition to high activity, the catalyst also exhibited an intrinsic stability that outperformed Pt/C. An appropriately designed nitridation thus facilitates new directions for developing active and durable non‐precious‐metal oxynitride electocatalysts.
Highly Active NaTaO3‐Based Photocatalysts for CO2 Reduction to Form CO Using Water as the Electron Donor
Authors: Nakanishi Haruka , Iizuka Kosuke , Takayama Tomoaki , Iwase Akihide , Kudo Akihiko
Published: November 2016

Doped NaTaO3 (NaTaO3:A, where A=Mg, Ca, Sr, Ba, or La) has arisen as a highly active photocatalyst for CO2 reduction to simultaneously form CO, H2, and O2 using water as the electron donor when used with an Ag cocatalyst, under UV irradiation, and with 1 atm (0.1 MPa) of CO2. The ratio of the number of reacted electrons/holes was almost unity, indicating that water was consumed as the electron donor. A liquid‐phase reduction method for loading of the Ag cocatalyst was superior to photodeposition and impregnation methods. The Ag cocatalyst‐loaded NaTaO3:Ba was the most active photocatalyst in water with no required additives. The addition of bases, such as hydrogencarbonate, was effective to enhance the CO formation for Mg‐, Ca‐, Sr‐, Ba‐, and La‐doped NaTaO3 photocatalysts with an Ag cocatalyst. Ca‐ and Sr‐doped NaTaO3 photocatalysts showed especially high activity along with the Ba‐doped photocatalyst in the aqueous NaHCO3 solution. The selectivity for the CO formation [CO/(CO+H2)] on Ca‐, Sr‐, and Ba‐doped NaTaO3 photocatalysts with Ag cocatalyst reached around 90 %.
The perfect mixing paradox and the logistic equation: Verhulst vs. Lotka
Authors: Arditi Roger , Bersier Louis‐Félix , Rohr Rudolf P.
Published: November 2016

A theoretical analysis of density‐dependent population dynamics in two patches sheds novel light on our understanding of basic ecological parameters. Firstly, as already highlighted in the literature, the use of the traditional r‐K parameterization for the logistic equation (due to Lotka and Gause) can lead to paradoxical situations. We show that these problems do not exist with Verhulst's original formulation, which includes a quadratic “friction” term representing intraspecific competition (parameter α) instead of the so‐called carrying capacity K. Secondly, we show that the parameter α depends on the number of patches, or more generally on area. This is also the case of all parameters that quantify the interaction strengths between individuals, either of the same species or of different species. The consequence is that estimates of interaction strength will vary when population size is measured in absolute terms. In order to obtain scale‐invariant parameter estimates, it is essential to express population abundances as densities. Also, the interaction parameters must be reported with all explicit units, such as (m2·individual−1·d−1), which is rarely the case.
Effects of sildenafil on cardiac structure and function, cardiopulmonary exercise testing and health‐related quality of life measures in heart failure patients with preserved ejection fraction and pulmonary hypertension
Authors: Liu Licette C.Y. , Hummel Yoran M. , van der Meer Peter , Berger Rolf M.F. , Damman Kevin , van Veldhuisen Dirk J. , Voors Adriaan A. , Hoendermis Elke S.
Published: November 2016

Aims

We recently showed that sildenafil did not improve pulmonary pressures and exercise capacity in a cohort of patients with heart failure and preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) and predominantly postcapillary pulmonary hypertension. Here, we present the effects of sildenafil on cardiac structure and function, cardiopulmonary exercise testing, laboratory parameters and health‐related quality of life measures.

Methods and results

Fifty‐two HFpEF patients with pulmonary hypertension (mean pulmonary artery pressure >25 mmHg; pulmonary artery wedge pressure >15 mmHg) were randomized to sildenafil 60 mg three times a day or placebo and treated for 12 weeks. Sildenafil neither changed cardiac structure nor function on echocardiography compared with placebo. Considering all patients irrespective of maximal effort, sildenafil reduced peak heart rate by 8 b.p.m. [95% confidence interval (CI) –14.97 to −1.03] and peak blood pressure by 13.8 mmHg (95% CI −22.04 to −5.47)/7.3 mmHg (95% CI −13.60 to −1.07) (both P < 0.05 vs. placebo). The minute ventilation/carbon dioxide production (VE/VCO2) slope remained unchanged in the sildenafil group (0.3, 95% CI −1.37–1.98), while it was reduced in the placebo group (−7.6, 95% CI −12.97 to −2.25, P = 0.002). In both groups, renal function improved and N‐terminal pro‐brain natriuretic peptide concentration reduced equally. Haemoglobin and glycated haemoglobin levels slightly decreased in the sildenafil group (P < 0.05 vs. placebo). All domains of the Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire increased during treatment, but no differences between sildenafil and placebo were found.

Conclusion

Treatment with sildenafil for 12 weeks in patients with HFpEF and predominantly isolated postcapillary pulmonary hypertension did not affect cardiac structure and function, integrative exercise responses, laboratory parameters, and/or quality of life. Clinicaltrials.gov number NCT01726049.
Data and Safety Monitoring Board evaluation and management of a renal adverse event signal in TOPCAT
Authors: Bristow Michael R. , Sharma Kavita , Assmann Susan F. , Linas Stuart , Gersh Bernard J. , Grady Christine , Rice Madeline Murguia , Singh Steven , Boineau Robin , McKinlay Sonja M. , Greenberg Barry H.
Published: November 2016

Clinical trial Data and Safety Monitoring Boards (DSMBs) have a primary obligation of ensuring study participant safety, while maintaining trial integrity. The role of DSMBs is expanding, and ideally should include post‐hoc reporting of deliberative processes related to clinically important safety issues or factors that could impact on future trial designs. We describe how the TOPCAT DSMB detected, investigated, and adjudicated an unexpectedly large renal adverse event signal midway through the trial, and offer general guidelines for dealing with similar unanticipated occurrences in future trials. The detection of a greater than expected incidence of deterioration in renal function, occurring in 6.1% of patients in the spironolactone arm compared with 3.9% in the placebo arm (P = 0.009), led to an in‐depth DSMB review of associated study medication withdrawals and adverse events. The trial continued uninterrupted throughout the review, which reached the conclusions that spironolactone‐associated renal dysfunction did not compromise overall patient safety or interfere with a perceived efficacy signal. Although no discrete mechanism for the spironolactone‐associated renal adverse event signal was identified, likely possibilities are discussed. In clinical trials, DSMBs and co‐ordinating centres should have the resources to detect, investigate, and adjudicate unexpected safety issues, with goals of ensuring patient safety and preserving the potential for detection of therapeutic effectiveness. In TOPCAT, spironolactone‐associated renal dysfunction emerged as a potentially trial‐threatening adverse event and, although clinically important, did not lead to compromise of patient safety, trial interruption, termination, or apparent loss of treatment effectiveness.
A toolbox for the characterization of biobased waxes
Authors: Floros Michael C. , Raghunanan Latchmi , Narine Suresh S.
Published: November 2016

Waxes are a diverse class of molecules with numerous industrial, commercial, household, medical, and personal applications. Despite the wide variety of applications and chemical structures, most waxes are currently classified entirely by their melting and congealing points. This limits the ability to compare wax performance across the literature and impedes efforts at improving the physical functionality of biobased wax mimetics; many applications require waxes with specific physical properties that cannot be correlated to congealing or melting points alone. A toolbox of procedures to characterize and compare waxes based on not only their melting and congealing points, but also the hardness, yield force, viscosity, and solid fat content is presented. This comprehensive toolbox for the characterization of waxes provides a detailed assessment of their individual functional properties and provides an important tool for holistic comparisons of types of waxes based on their performance. This toolbox is especially useful for analyzing and finding potential applications for the next generation of emerging renewable waxes which are being introduced to the market.

Practical applications: An increasing number of lipid derived waxes are entering the market. This toolbox provides a set of reproducible and useful experiments which can be used to analyze and compare the properties of waxes. By focusing on properties relevant to a wide range of wax applications, both end users and suppliers can quickly screen new waxes and determine their applicability for specific functions. This is presently not accomplished using only the ASTM standards of the industry.

A wax toolbox containing a series of reproducible methods are presented for determining the melting point, congealing point, hardness, yield force, viscosity, and solid fat content of waxes. This toolbox is especially useful for characterization and comparison of waxes based on their functional performance, and can be used to predict the suitability of waxes for specific applications.
Electrochemiluminescence Based Enzymatic Urea Sensor Using Nanohybrid of Isoluminol‐gold Nanoparticle‐graphene Oxide Nanoribbons
Authors: Ismail Nur Syakimah , Hoa Le Quynh , Huong Vu Thi , Inoue Yuki , Yoshikawa Hiroyuki , Saito Masato , Tamiya Eiichi
Published: November 2016

This study evaluates on the possibility of using gold nanoparticles functionalized with the luminol derivative N‐(aminobutyl)‐N‐(ethylisoluminol) (ABEI) and hybridized with graphene oxide nanoribbons on a carbon based screen‐printed electrode (ABEI‐AuNP‐GONR/SPE) as an enzymatic electrochemiluminescence (ECL) urea sensor. The electrocatalytic activity and ECL intensity of ABEI‐AuNP‐GONR/SPE were found to increase proportionally with the concentration of urea in the analyte sample, owing to the rise in pH value. These phenomena are attributed to increased formation of luminol monoanion precursors for further electrochemical oxidation, which in turn produce either luminol radicals or excited 3‐amino‐phthalate molecules. The luminescence is most likely caused by the interaction of luminol radicals with superoxide radicals formed from dissolved oxygen. The sensitivity of our sensor was determined to be 170.58 mM−1 and 16.23 mM−1 for urea concentrations from 2 to 5.82 mM and from 5.82 to 30 mM, respectively, covering the normal urea level in human blood.
What Pacemakers Can Teach Us about the Ethics of Maintaining Artificial Organs
Authors: Hutchison Katrina , Sparrow Robert
Published: November 2016

One day soon it may be possible to replace a failing heart, liver, or kidney with a long‐lasting mechanical replacement or perhaps even with a 3‐D printed version based on the patient's own tissue. Such artificial organs could make transplant waiting lists and immunosuppression a thing of the past. Supposing that this happens, what will the ongoing care of people with these implants involve? In particular, how will the need to maintain the functioning of artificial organs over an extended period affect patients and their doctors and the responsibilities of those who manufacture such devices? Drawing on lessons from the history of the cardiac pacemaker, this article offers an initial survey of the ethical issues posed by the need to maintain and service artificial organs.

We briefly outline the nature and history of cardiac pacemakers, with a particular focus on the need for technical support, maintenance, and replacement of these devices. Drawing on the existing medical literature and on our conversations and correspondence with cardiologists, regulators, and manufacturers, we describe five sources of ethical issues associated with pacemaker maintenance: the location of the devices inside the human body, such that maintenance generates surgical risks; the complexity of the devices, which increases the risk of harms to patients as well as introducing potential injustices in access to treatment; the role of software—particularly software that can be remotely accessed—in the functioning of the devices, which generates privacy and security issues; the impact of continual development and improvement of the device; and the influence of commercial interests in the context of a medical device market in which there are several competing products. Finally, we offer some initial suggestions as to how these questions should be answered.
Development of crizotinib, a rationally designed tyrosine kinase inhibitor for non‐small cell lung cancer
Authors: Poon Candice C. , Kelly John J.
Published: November 2016

Non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the number one cause of global mortality. Despite aggressive treatment, the prognosis is dismal. Patients with advanced NSCLC have a median survival of 4 months from the time of diagnosis. Fortunately, molecularly based approaches to drug discovery have yielded a tyrosine kinase inhibitor, crizotinib, which significantly prolongs median progression‐free survival in a subset of patients. Although initial clinical trial results demonstrate crizotinib has a promising role to play in NSCLC treatment, development of resistance leaves much to be elucidated about how to effectively combat this deadly disease. In this review, we follow the discovery and development of crizotinib from bench to bedside and provide an example of successful bottom‐up drug design. Then, we explore the clinical trial results that fast‐tracked its eventual use as a frontline therapy for sensitive NSCLC patients and the development of resistance. Lastly, we discuss the potential for future uses of crizotinib both within and beyond NSCLC.
Performance of a new HPV and biomarker assay in the management of hrHPV positive women: Subanalysis of the ongoing multicenter TRACE clinical trial (n > 6,000) to evaluate POU4F3 methylation as a potential biomarker of cervical precancer and cancer
Authors: Kocsis Adrienn , Takács Tibor , Jeney Csaba , Schaff Zsuzsa , Koiss Róbert , Járay Balázs , Sobel Gábor , Pap Károly , Székely István , Ferenci Tamás , Lai Hung‐Cheng , Nyíri Miklós , Benczik Márta
Published: November 2016

The ongoing Triage and Risk Assessment of Cervical Precancer by Epigenetic Biomarker (TRACE) prospective, multicenter study aimed to provide a clinical evaluation of the CONFIDENCE™ assay, which comprises a human papillomavirus (HPV) DNA and a human epigenetic biomarker test. Between 2013 and 2015 over 6,000 women aged 18 or older were recruited in Hungary. Liquid‐based cytology (LBC), high‐risk HPV (hrHPV) DNA detection and single target host gene methylation test of the promoter sequence of the POU4F3 gene by quantitative methylation‐specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR) were performed from the same liquid‐based cytology sample. The current analysis is focused on the baseline cross‐sectional clinical results of 5,384 LBC samples collected from subjects aged 25 years or older. The performance of the CONFIDENCE HPV™ test was found to be comparable to the cobas® HPV test with good agreement. When applying the CONFIDENCE Marker™ test alone in hrHPV positives, it showed significantly higher sensitivity with matching specificity compared to LBC‐based triage. For CIN3+ histological endpoint in the age group of 25–65 and 30–65, the methylation test of POU4F3 achieved relative sensitivities of 1.74 (95% CI: 1.25–2.33) and 1.64 (95% CI: 1.08–2.27), respectively, after verification bias adjustment. On the basis of our findings, POU4F3 methylation as a triage test of hrHPV positives appears to be a noteworthy method. We can reasonably assume that its quantitative nature offers the potential for a more objective and discriminative risk assessment tool in the prevention and diagnostics of high‐grade cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) lesions and cervical cancer.
Preparation of chitosan/amino multiwalled carbon nanotubes nanocomposite beads for bilirubin adsorption in hemoperfusion
Authors: Zong Wenhui , Chen Jian , Han Wenyan , Chen Jie , Wang Yue , Wang Weichao , Cheng Guanghui , Ou Lailiang , Yu Yaoting
Published: November 2016

Chitosan–carbon nanotube composite beads combines the advantages of chitosan in forming a stable biocompatible framework and carbon nanotube that provide nanometer effects (high strength and high specific surface area etc.). In this study, chitosan/amino multiwalled carbon nanotubes (CS/AMWCNT) composite beads was prepared by phase‐inversion method, in which CS and AMWCNT was crosslinked by ethylene glycol diglycidyl ether (EGDE). The CS/AMWCNT nanocomposite beads produced has been characterized by BET, SEM, TGA, and Raman spectroscopy which exhibited enhanced thermal stability due to the incorporation of AMWCNT. Mechanical test results showed that mechanical strength of the CS/AMWCNT composite beads was significantly enhanced when comparing to unmodified chitosan beads, the breakage percentage decreased from 34.1% to 0.67%. The adsorption capacity for bilirubin was measured in PBS and BSA solutions, and the CS/AMWCNT composite beads with 5 wt% AMWCNT showed much higher adsorption capacity (12.7 mg/g in PBS and 7.6 mg/g in BSA) to bilirubin than chitosan beads (8.5 mg/g in PBS and 4.2 mg/g in BSA). Our nanocomposite beads with excellent hemocompatibility has a high potential application in blood purification as an efficient adsorbent for bilirubin. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 106B: 96–103, 2018.