bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of cigarette smoking on the middle meatus microbiome in health and chronic rhinosinusitis
Authors: Ramakrishnan Vijay R. , Frank Daniel N.
Published: August 2015

Background

Although cigarette smoking aggravates chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS), a detailed examination of the sinus microbiota in CRS and its clinical subtypes has yet to be performed in relation to history of smoking. Consequently, we examined associations between smoking history and sinonasal microbiome alterations in both CRS and non‐CRS populations.

Methods

Middle meatus swabs collected during endoscopic sinus surgery were analyzed by analysis of 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) sequences. Multiple analysis of variance tests were performed to determine whether microbiome composition varied with smoking history and other clinical/demographic covariates associated with CRS subtypes.

Results

A total 70 CRS patients and 31 control subjects were analyzed. In a univariate analysis, smoking (p = 0.04), preoperative antibiotics (p = 0.03), and purulence (p = 0.0002) were significantly associated with the genus‐level composition of the middle meatus microbiota. When included in a multivariable model, smoking was found to have significant interactions with CRS (p = 0.02), polyposis (p = 0.03), purulence (p = 0.0004), and use of saline rinses (p = 0.05). Diverse bacterial taxa differed significantly in abundance between never‐smokers and current/former smokers, as well as between different CRS subtypes.

Conclusion

Substantial changes in sinus bacterial colonization were observed in smokers and nonsmokers. Although the microbiota of both CRS and non‐CRS subjects were altered with smoking history, different bacterial taxa were affected by smoking in the 2 patient groups. Thus, the effects of smoking on the sinus microbiota are likely to be modified by physiological and immunological functions of the underlying sinus mucosa.
Identification of Intermediates in the Biosynthesis of PR Toxin by Penicillium roqueforti
Authors: Riclea Ramona , Dickschat Jeroen S.
Published: August 2015

The sesquiterpenoid 7‐epi‐neopetasone was synthesized via the Wieland–Miescher ketone. The compound was identical to a previously tentatively identified headspace constituent of Penicillium roqueforti. Feeding experiments with 13C‐labeled mevalonolactone isotopomers demonstrated that oxidation at C12 and an isomerization of the C11C12 to a C7C11 double bond must occur independently and not via a C7‐C11‐C12 allyl radical in one step. Feeding with (11,12,13‐13C3)‐7‐epi‐neopetasone resulted in labelling of the PR toxin, thus establishing this compound as a newly identified pathway intermediate.
Emulsifier‐free cationic latexes based on vinylbenzyl chloride and 2‐(dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate with adjusted hydrophilic–hydrophobic properties
Authors: Türk Hayrettin , Karabacak R. Bengü , Erdem Murat
Published: August 2015

Functional emulsifier‐free cationic latexes based on styrenic monomer vinylbenzyl chloride (VBC) and acrylic monomer 2‐(dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate (DMA) were successfully prepared with dual quaternary ammonium ions (36–63 mol %) on both monomer moieties in two‐stages. First, [2‐(methacryloyloxy)ethyl]dimethylhexadecylammonium bromide monomer (DMA(C16)), prepared via quaternization of DMA with 1‐bromohexadecane, was utilized as a comonomer (5–20%) as well as a surfactant in the emulsion polymerization of VBC. Next, the quaternization of chloromethyl groups in the VBC moiety in latex particles with trimethylamine and N,N‐dimethylhexadecylamine created a second type of quaternized sites on the latex particles. The percentages of the quaternary ammonium ions of the first‐stage latexes (P[VBC‐DMA(C16‐x)]) and the second‐stage latexes (P[VBC(R)‐DMA(C16‐x)]) were determined using bromide and chloride ion‐selective electrodes. The particles were characterized with a scanning electron microscope, Zetasizer, measuring water contact angles of their pellets. The polymer structure and the alkyl group length in their quaternary ammonium ions played an important role on the sizes, zeta potentials and hydrophilic–hydrophobic balances of the latexes. The water contact angles of the pellets of the latex particles varied from 50.3 to 109.6° depending on both the polymer structure and the alkyl group length. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015, 132, 42775.
Fibronectin binding protein and Ca2+ play an access key role to mediate pathogenesis in Mycobacterium tuberculosis: An overview
Authors: Meena Prem Raj , Monu  , Meena Laxman S.
Published: August 2015

The anomalous distribution of adhesive proteins throughout on the cell surface of the Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Rv and their contribution in cell surface adhesion and host–pathogen interaction remain elusive. The completion of M. tuberculosis H37Rv genome sequence analysis gives some interesting information about polymorphic GC‐rich repetitive sequence (PGRS) subfamily of M. tuberculosis that encodes fibronectin binding proteins (FnBP), which have been extensively studied, but the function in the pathogenesis of most of these proteins remains unknown and unclear. This review addresses the M. tuberculosis entry mechanism in the host cell. In particular, an effort has been made to focus on several aspects, (a) association of FnBP encodes by PE_PGRS protein family of M. tuberculosis during host–pathogen interactions. (b) Effect of calcium ions in and outside of the host cell is overriding to maintenance of calcium trafficking in phagocytosis. Furthermore, FnBP may be a potential source of antigenic variation that participating in evoking immune response. M. tuberculosis entry mechanism does not have a major influence alone, involvement of calcium ions, perhaps shed light on host–pathogen interaction relationship, and could open up new avenues for development of novel drug by targeting M. tuberculosis FnBP and blockade of selective adhesions could be useful for therapeutics.
A Review and Taxonomy of Choice Architecture Techniques
Authors: Münscher Robert , Vetter Max , Scheuerle Thomas
Published: August 2015

We present a taxonomy of choice architecture techniques that focus on intervention design, as opposed to the underlying cognitive processes that make an intervention work. We argue that this distinction will facilitate further empirical testing and will assist practitioners in designing interventions. The framework is inductively derived from empirically tested examples of choice architecture and consists of nine techniques targeting decision information, decision structure, and decision assistance. An inter‐rater reliability test demonstrates that these techniques can be used in an intersubjectively replicable way to describe sample choice architectures. We conclude by discussing limitations of the framework and key issues concerning the use of the techniques in the development of new choice architectures. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Proton‐Conducting Magnetic Coordination Polymers
Authors: Biswas Soumava , Jena Himanshu Sekhar , Sanda Suresh , Konar Sanjit
Published: August 2015

Three isostructural lanthanide‐based two‐ dimensional coordination polymers (CPs) {[Ln2(L)3(H2O)2]n⋅2n CH3OH)⋅2n H2O} (Ln=Gd3+ (1), Tb3+ (2), Dy3+ (3); H2L=cyclobutane‐1,1‐dicarboxylic acid) were synthesized by using a low molecular weight dicarboxylate ligand and characterized. Single‐crystal structure analysis showed that in complexes 1–3 lanthanide centers are connected by μ3‐bridging cyclobutanedicarboxylate ligands along the c axis to form a rod‐shaped infinite 1D coordination chain, which is further linked with nearby chains by μ4‐connected cyclobutanedicarboxylate ligands to form 2D CPs in the bc plane. Viewing the packing of the complexes down the b axis reveals that the lattice methanol molecules are located in the interlayer space between the adjacent 2D layers and form H‐bonds with lattice and coordinated water molecules to form 1D chains. Magnetic properties of complexes 1–3 were thoroughly investigated. Complex 1 exhibits dominant ferromagnetic interaction between two nearby gadolinium centers and also acts as a cryogenic magnetic refrigerant having a significant magnetic entropy change of −ΔSm=32.8 J kg−1 K−1 for ΔH=7 T at 4 K (calculated from isothermal magnetization data). Complex 3 shows slow relaxation of magnetization below 10 K. Impedance analysis revealed that the complexes show humidity‐dependent proton conductivity (σ=1.5×10−5 S cm−1 for 1, σ=2.07×10−4 S cm−1 for 2, and σ=1.1×10−3 S cm−1 for 3) at elevated temperature (>75 °C). They retain the conductivity for up to 10 h at high temperature and high humidity. Furthermore, the proton conductivity results were correlated with the number of water molecules from the water‐vapor adsorption measurements. Water‐vapor adsorption studies showed hysteretic and two‐step water vapor adsorption (182000 μL g−1 for 1, 184000 μL g−1 for 2, and 1874000 μL g−1 for 3) in the experimental pressure range. Simulation of water‐vapor adsorption by the Monte Carlo method (for 1) confirmed the high density of adsorbed water molecules, preferentially in the interlayer space between the 2D layers.
Highly Antiplasmodial Non‐Natural Oxidative Products of Dioncophylline A: Synthesis, Absolute Configuration, and Conformational Stability
Authors: Hemberger Yasmin , Zhang Guoliang , Brun Reto , Kaiser Marcel , Bringmann Gerhard
Published: August 2015

Four new compounds, the monomeric dioncotetralones A (6 a) and B (6 b) and the dimeric compounds jozimine A3 (7) and jozimine A4 (9), were semi‐synthesized from the natural product dioncophylline A (4) and its 5′‐O‐demethylated derivative (5), respectively, under phenol oxidative reaction conditions. Dioncotetralones A (6 a) and B (6 b) possess an unprecedented Z‐configured double bond, in contrast to the classic biaryl axis that is present in the precursor dioncophylline A (4), and an additional stereogenic center at the C2′ atom was generated due to the dearomatization. The resulting steric repulsion forced the expected planar double bond into a helical distorted conformation. The homocoupling of 5 yielded compounds 7 and 9, the latter of which is the first sp3–sp2 coupled product of a monomeric naphthylisoquinoline with a reduced one and, thus, contains a newly generated stereogenic center. The full stereostructures of 6 a, 6 b, 7, and 9 were successfully elucidated by the interplay of spectroscopic methods (1D/2D NMR and electronic circular‐dichroism spectroscopy) in combination with quantum‐chemical calculations. In addition, compounds 6 a and 7 exhibited high antiplasmodial activities with excellent half‐maximal inhibitory concentration values.
Design and Synthesis of a Berberine Dimer: A Fluorescent Ligand with High Affinity towards G‐Quadruplexes
Authors: Tera Masayuki , Hirokawa Takatsugu , Okabe Sachiko , Sugahara Kohtaro , Seimiya Hiroyuki , Shimamoto Keiko
Published: August 2015

G‐quadruplexes (G4) are thought to be important factors for telomerase inhibition and transcriptional/translational modulations. Bioinformatic analyses imply that the human genome and mRNA contain a multitude of G4‐forming sequences; however, their analysis requires selective and detectable ligands. Given that two molecules of fluorescent berberine (BBR) coordinate to telomeric G4 in their co‐crystals, we designed hydrocarbon‐linked BBR‐analogue dimers because we expected the alignment of two BBR chromophores would avoid Watson–Crick base pair intercalation, which should result in high selectivity towards G4. An alkene‐cis‐C2 BBR dimer showed the highest affinity (Kd ≤2.6 nM) and selectivity (ca. 900‐fold vs. duplex) towards G4. The intrinsic “light‐up” fluorescence properties of this BBR dimer, derived from its conformational switching by G4, allowed a selective visualization of various G4 in the gel without using additional bulky fluorescence dyes, which, combined with the observed lack of conformational change of the ligand, suggested future applications in in vitro detection systems.
Tuning the Magnetic Interactions and Relaxation Dynamics of Dy2 Single‐Molecule Magnets
Authors: Xue Shufang , Guo Yun‐Nan , Ungur Liviu , Tang Jinkui , Chibotaru Liviu F.
Published: August 2015

Efficient modulation of single‐molecule magnet (SMM) behavior was realized by deliberate structural modification of the Dy2 cores of [Dy2(a′povh)2(OAc)2(DMF)2] (1) and [Zn2Dy2(a′povh)2(OAc)6]⋅4 H2O (2; H2a′povh=N′‐[amino(pyrimidin‐2‐yl)methylene]‐o‐vanilloyl hydrazine). Compound 1 having fourfold linkage between the two dysprosium ions shows high‐performance SMM behavior with a thermal energy barrier of 322.1 K, whereas only slow relaxation is observed for compound 2 with only twofold connection between the dysprosium ions. This remarkable discrepancy is mainly because of strong axiality in 1 due to one pronounced covalent bond, as revealed by experimental and theoretical investigations. The significant antiferromagnetic interaction derived from bis(μ2‐O) and two acetate bridging groups was found to be crucial in leading to a nonmagnetic ground state in 1, by suppressing zero‐field quantum tunneling of magnetization.
Supramolecular Macrostructures of UPy‐Functionalized Carbon Nanotubes
Authors: Micoli Alessandra , Nieuwenhuizen Marko , Koenigs Marcel , Quintana Mildred , Sijbesma Rint , Prato Maurizio
Published: August 2015

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are considered excellent materials for the construction of flexible displays due to their nanoscale dimensions and unique physical and chemical properties. By using the recognition properties of 2‐ureido‐4[1H]pyrimidinone (UPy), a versatile and simple methodology was demonstrated for the construction of macroscopic structures based on UPy‐CNT/polymer composites prepared by a combination of two functionalization approaches: 1) covalent attachment of UPy pendants on the multiwalled CNT surface (UPy‐MWCNTs) and 2) directed self‐assembly of UPy‐MWCNTs within polymers bearing UPy pendants (Bis‐UPy 1 and Bis‐UPy 2) by quadruple complementary DDAA–AADD hydrogen‐bond recognition (D=donor, A=acceptor).
Activation of Strong Boron–Fluorine and Silicon–Fluorine σ‐Bonds: Theoretical Understanding and Prediction
Authors: Kameo Hajime , Sakaki Shigeyoshi
Published: August 2015

The oxidative addition of BF3 to a platinum(0) bis(phosphine) complex [Pt(PMe3)2] (1) was investigated by density functional calculations. Both the cis and trans pathways for the oxidative addition of BF3 to 1 are endergonic (ΔG°=26.8 and 35.7 kcal mol−1, respectively) and require large Gibbs activation energies (ΔG°≠=56.3 and 38.9 kcal mol−1, respectively). A second borane plays crucial roles in accelerating the activation; the trans oxidative addition of BF3 to 1 in the presence of a second BF3 molecule occurs with ΔG°≠ and ΔG° values of 10.1 and −4.7 kcal mol−1, respectively. ΔG°≠ becomes very small and ΔG° becomes negative. A charge transfer (CT), F→BF3, occurs from the dissociating fluoride to the second non‐coordinated BF3. This CT interaction stabilizes both the transition state and the product. The BF σ‐bond cleavage of BF2ArF (ArF=3,5‐bis(trifluoromethyl)phenyl) and the BCl σ‐bond cleavage of BCl3 by 1 are accelerated by the participation of the second borane. The calculations predict that trans oxidative addition of SiF4 to 1 easily occurs in the presence of a second SiF4 molecule via the formation of a hypervalent Si species.
Mild and Soft Catalyzed Trifluoromethylthiolation of Boronic Acids: The Crucial Role of Water
Authors: Glenadel Quentin , Alazet Sébastien , Tlili Anis , Billard Thierry
Published: August 2015

The most reactive 2nd generation of trifluoromethanesulfenamides undergoes a copper‐catalyzed cross‐coupling reaction with boronic acids to afford CF3S‐molecules. Contrary to the previous methods in the literature, no base addition, no heating, and no large excess of reagents are required to obtain good results. Furthermore, a crucial role of a small amount of water to favor this reaction has been demonstrated. This constitutes the mildest described conditions for such a reaction.
“Two‐Step” Raman Imaging Technique To Guide Chemo‐Photothermal Cancer Therapy
Authors: Deng Lin , Li Qiujin , Yang Yang , Omar Haneen , Tang Naijun , Zhang Jianfei , Nie Zhihong , Khashab Niveen M.
Published: August 2015

Graphene oxide‐wrapped gold nanorods (GO@AuNRs) offer efficient drug delivery as well as NIR laser photothermal therapy (PTT) in vitro and in vivo. However, no real‐time observation of drug release has been reported to better understand the synergy of chemotherapy and PTT. Herein, surface‐enhance Raman spectroscopy (SERS) is employed to guide chemo‐photothermal cancer therapy by a two‐step mechanism. In the presence of GO as an internal standard, SERS signals of DOX (doxorubicin) loaded onto GO@AuNRs are found to be pH‐responsive. Both DOX and GO show strong SERS signals before the DOX@GO@AuNRs are endocytic. However, when the DOX@GO@AuNRs enter acidic microenvironments such as endosomes and/or lysosomes, the DOX signals start decreasing while the GO signals remain the same. This plasmonic antenna could be used to identify the appropriate time to apply the PTT laser during chemo‐photothermal therapy.
Numerical analysis of the interphase forces in bubble columns using euler‐euler modelling framework
Authors: Soccol Renato , Galliani Piscke Ana Carolina , Noriler Dirceu , Georg Ivan Carlos , Meier Henry França
Published: August 2015

In the context of modelling the gas‐liquid multiphase flow in bubble columns, interface forces, such as drag, lift, and virtual mass forces, are of fundamental importance with regard to the accurate representation of physical phenomena. The approach used in this study was the Eulerian‐Eulerian modelling of turbulence in the continuous phase using the standard k‐ϵ model. Different models for the drag coefficient (CD) found in the literature were tested to obtain the best representation of the experimental data available in the literature. The relevance of the lift and virtual mass forces was also studied. The results show that the inclusion of lift contributes significantly to improving the representation of the experimental data when used in conjunction with the drag force. The inclusion of the virtual mass force did not prove to be relevant.
Components and characteristics of the dopamine reward utility signal
Authors: Stauffer William R. , Lak Armin , Kobayashi Shunsuke , Schultz Wolfram
Published: August 2015

Rewards are defined by their behavioral functions in learning (positive reinforcement), approach behavior, economic choices, and emotions. Dopamine neurons respond to rewards with two components, similar to higher order sensory and cognitive neurons. The initial, rapid, unselective dopamine detection component reports all salient environmental events irrespective of their reward association. It is highly sensitive to factors related to reward and thus detects a maximal number of potential rewards. It also senses aversive stimuli but reports their physical impact rather than their aversiveness. The second response component processes reward value accurately and starts early enough to prevent confusion with unrewarded stimuli and objects. It codes reward value as a numeric, quantitative utility prediction error, consistent with formal concepts of economic decision theory. Thus, the dopamine reward signal is fast, highly sensitive and appropriate for driving and updating economic decisions. J. Comp. Neurol. 524:1699–1711, 2016. © 2015 The Authors. The Journal of Comparative Neurology Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Leveraging cooperation for parallel multi‐objective feature selection in high‐dimensional EEG data
Authors: Kimovski Dragi , Ortega Julio , Ortiz Andrés , Baños Raúl
Published: August 2015

Bioinformatics applications frequently involve high‐dimensional model building or classification problems that require reducing dimensionality to improve learning accuracy while irrelevant inputs are removed. Thus, feature selection has become an important issue on these applications. Moreover, several approaches for supervised and unsupervised feature selections as a multi‐objective optimization problem have been recently proposed to cope with issues on performance evaluation of classifiers and models. As parallel processing constitutes an important tool to reach efficient approaches that make it possible to tackle complex problems within reasonable computing times, in this paper, alternatives for the cooperation of subpopulations in multi‐objective evolutionary algorithms have been identified and classified, and several procedures have been implemented and evaluated on some synthetic and Brain–Computer Interface datasets. The results show different improvements achieved in the solution quality and speedups, depending on the cooperation alternative and dataset. We show alternatives that even provide superlinear speedups with only small reductions in the solution quality, besides another cooperation alternative that improves the quality of the solutions with speedups similar to, or only slightly higher than, the speedup obtained by the parallel fitness evaluation in a master‐worker implementation (the alternative used as reference that behaves as the corresponding sequential multi‐objective approach). Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Theoretical Study of α‐V2O5‐Based Double‐Wall Nanotubes
Authors: Porsev Vitaly V. , Bandura Andrei V. , Evarestov Robert A.
Published: August 2015

First‐principles calculations of the atomic and electronic structure of double‐wall nanotubes (DWNTs) of α‐V2O5 are performed. Relaxation of the DWNT structure leads to the formation of two types of local regions: 1) bulk‐type regions and 2) puckering regions. Calculated total density of states (DOS) of DWNTs considerably differ from that of single‐wall nanotubes and the single layer, as well as from the DOS of the bulk and double layer. Small shoulders that appear on edges of valence and conduction bands result in a considerable decrease in the band gaps of the DWNTs (up to 1 eV relative to the single‐layer gaps). The main reason for this effect is the shift of the inner‐ and outer‐wall DOS in opposite directions on the energetic scale. The electron density corresponding to shoulders at the conduction‐band edges is localized on vanadium atoms of the bulk‐type regions, whereas the electron density corresponding to shoulders at the valence‐band edges belongs to oxygen atoms of both regions.
Modeling and Uncertainty Quantification of Vapor Sorption and Diffusion in Heterogeneous Polymers
Authors: Sun Yunwei , Harley Stephen J. , Glascoe Elizabeth A.
Published: August 2015

A high‐fidelity model of kinetic and equilibrium sorption and diffusion is developed and exercised. The gas‐diffusion model is coupled with a triple‐sorption mechanism: Henry’s law absorption, Langmuir adsorption, and pooling or clustering of molecules at higher partial pressures. Sorption experiments are conducted and span a range of relative humidities (0–95 %) and temperatures (30–60 °C). Kinetic and equilibrium sorption properties and effective diffusivity are determined by minimizing the absolute difference between measured and modeled uptakes. Uncertainty quantification and sensitivity analysis methods are described and exercised herein to demonstrate the capability of this modeling approach. Water uptake in silica‐filled and unfilled poly(dimethylsiloxane) networks is investigated; however, the model is versatile enough to be used with a wide range of materials and vapors.
Degenerate Effect on the Mobility of Holes in Graphane: A Study Based on Density Functional Theory Coupled with Deformation Potential Theory
Authors: Lü Tie‐Yu , Zheng Jin‐Cheng , Zhang Yufeng
Published: August 2015

The traditional deformation potential method is not able to calculate the charge mobility of heavily doped degenerate semiconductors, in which inter‐band scattering is not negligible. To theoretically predict the charge mobility of such semiconductors, an improved deformation potential method is required, in which the deformation potential constant is decomposed into two parts (hydrostatic and uniaxial terms) based on k⋅p theory to incorporate the inter‐band scattering between degenerate valence bands. We propose a new method to calculate the heavy‐ and light‐hole mobilities of graphane. The proposed method produces more appropriate values than the traditional methods. Hence, the new method can be applied to other 2D materials with degenerate bands.
Reorientation Dynamics of Chromophores in Photosensitive Polymers by Means of Coarse‐Grained Modeling
Authors: Ilnytskyi Jaroslav M. , Saphiannikova Marina
Published: August 2015

We study the photoisomerization of azobenzene chromophores embedded into a polymer matrix by using coarse‐grained simulations. Two types of beads are considered: t‐ and c‐beads, which are rich in trans and cis isomers, respectively. Simulations combine deterministic (molecular dynamics) and stochastic (random‐type switching) parts. The ratio between the characteristic times for photoinduced reorientation and for orientation relaxation is tuned to be of the order found in experiments. The essential features of the phenomenon: 1) the existence of a stationary state, and 2) anisotropic distribution of the orientations of t‐beads (orientation hole‐burning effect), are reproduced. We study population dynamics of c‐beads and the strength of the orientation hole burning, depending on the illumination wavelength and its intensity. The form of the reorientation potential of the mean force acting on the t‐beads is analyzed and its use is validated.
Competition between Halogen Bonding and π‐Hole Interactions Involving Various Donors: The Role of Dispersion Effects
Authors: Bauzá Antonio , Frontera Antonio
Published: August 2015

In this study several σ‐ and π‐hole complexes between IF and pnicogen ZO2F (Z=P, As), chalcogen ChO3 (Ch=S, Se) and tetrel TrOF2 (Tr=Si, Ge) ‐bearing compounds were optimized at the RI‐MP2/def2‐TZVPD level of theory. All complexes were characterized as minima by frequency analysis calculations. In addition, a comparative CCSD(T) and DFT (with and without dispersion correction) study using the BP86, B3LYP and M06‐2X method was done in order to analyze the role of dispersion effects in the σ‐/π‐hole binding. Finally the Bader’s AIM analysis of several complexes was performed to further characterize the interactions discussed herein.
Low‐complexity inter‐carrier interference cancelation scheme for SC‐IFDMA system
Authors: Deepak P. M. , Ali C. K.
Published: August 2015

After the standardization of SCFDMA as the uplink transmission scheme for LTE, frequency synchronization and resulting interference cancelation received considerable attention. In this paper, mathematical modeling of uplink SCFDMA system with interleaved subcarrier assignment scheme (SC‐IFDMA) is carried out in the presence of carrier frequency offset, and the results were utilized in framing the concept of effective interference matrix, which efficiently represents the interference cancelation problem. We propose two schemes to mitigate the effects of interference and channel based on linear filtering approach, and the typical structure of effective interference and channel matrices in SC‐IFDMA were utilized in formulating a low‐complexity implementation model for the proposed compensation schemes. Even though many works have been reported in the field of interference cancelation of SCFDMA system, majority of them were extension of the interference compensation schemes proposed for OFDMA system, whereas schemes proposed in this paper utilize the typical characteristics of the SC‐IFDMA system. The proposed schemes were simulated using MATLAB, and the performance is compared with existing schemes. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Minimum vertical load on masonry walls – a realistic view / Mindestauflast auf Mauerwerkswänden – eine realitätsnahe Betrachtung
Authors: Schmitt Michael , Graubner Carl‐Alexander , Förster Valentin
Published: August 2015

To transfer bending moments in building components consisting of a material without tensile strength always requires a simultaneously acting normal force. Accordingly, masonry walls exposed to horizontal loads (e.g. wind) require a minimum vertical load, so that the resultant stress at the mid‐height of the wall remains the same within the cross‐section. As part of the A2 amendment to DIN EN 1996‐3/NA, this verification of walls subjected to low vertical loads, such as outer walls on the top floor exposed to high wind load was implemented in the National Annex. Part 3 of DIN EN 1996‐3 includes a similar standard regulation for verification of the minimum vertical load, which is based on an arch effect within the wall cross‐section.

Based on this technical background and taking into account the main influencing parameters, a verification model is presented here which realistically describes the load‐bearing behaviour of unreinforced masonry walls subjected primarily to bending. Apart from the bending moments due to wind load, an initial eccentricity of the wall as well as second order effects due to wall deformations also have to be taken into account. In addition, a simple approximation equation is provided for the practical determination of the required minimum vertical load.
Characterization of uncertainty (probabilistic models) in verification of unreinforced masonry shear wall / Charakterisierung der Unschärfe (probabilistische Modelle) beim Nachweis von Wandscheiben aus unbewehrtem Mauerwerk
Authors: Montazerolghaem Mahdi , Jäger Wolfram
Published: August 2015

The model uncertainty has significant role in determination of safety factor. Eurocode has been considered partial factor covering uncertainties in the resistance model. Moreover, the model uncertainty has important role in full probabilistic verification. A stochastic analysis may yield to realistic results, only if the uncertainties have been involved in the calculation, properly.

The uncertainty in predicted load‐carrying model may be identified by comparing the observed (experimental records) load‐carrying behaviour with the predicted value. Some general recommendations for considering uncertainty in probabilistic verifications are available in literature. In this study, the deviation of predicted values according to DIN EN 1996‐1‐1/NA model of masonry shear wall from test results has been derived. The best‐fitted distribution with associated statistical parameters (type of distribution, mean and coefficient of variation) has been proposed for uncertainty model. The uncertainty models have been compared with recommendations in the literature.
Minimum surcharge load of URM walls under flexure and axial force / Mindestauflast bei Biegung mit Normalkraft
Authors: Jäger Wolfram , Montazerolghaem Mahdi , Hauschild Carola
Published: August 2015

This paper suggests a detailed parametric study, which has been drawn up in connection with the question of the necessity of verification of masonry wall by a minimum vertical load subject to bending and normal force by the author and his team [7]. It assumes the actual eccentricities from supporting due floors and takes into account the second order theory in middle of wall according to DIN EN 1996‐1‐1 or the German NA. In some cases, the model is derived for very high wind loads to its limits. Using the arch model which is introduced in DIN EN 1996‐1‐1 and may be applied by NA, is helpful and effective. This method may provide higher capacity rather than for example, with the bar or plate model.

In this article the verification by means of the arch model will be presented and discussed. It is also shown that, forming an arch opposing to the horizontal wind load and low vertical loads may not come to a stability failure.
Department of Justice files Statements of Interest in captioning cases against Harvard and MIT
Authors: Charmatz Marc
Published: August 2015

The United States Department of Justice has not issued regulations under the Americans with Disabilities Act on website accessibility, but DOJ has weighed in on the issue of access to online programming, filing Statements of Interest in National Association of the Deaf et al. v. Harvard University and President and Fellows of Harvard College, Civil Action No. 3:15‐cv‐30023‐MGM (D. Mass.); and National Association of the Deaf et al. v. Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Civil Action No. 3:15‐cv‐300024‐MGM (D.Mass.).
An example of phenotypic adherence to the island rule? – Anticosti gray jays are heavier but not structurally larger than mainland conspecifics
Authors: Strickland Dan , Norris D. Ryan
Published: August 2015

The island rule refers to the tendency of small vertebrates to become larger when isolated on islands and the frequent dwarfing of large forms. It implies genetic control, and a necessary linkage, of size and body‐mass differences between insular and mainland populations. To examine the island rule, we compared body size and mass of gray jays (Perisoreus canadensis) on Anticosti Island, Québec, located in the Gulf of St. Lawrence, with three mainland populations (2 in Québec and 1 in Ontario). Although gray jays on Anticosti Island were ca 10% heavier, they were not structurally larger, than the three mainland populations. This suggests that Anticosti jays are not necessarily genetically distinct from mainland gray jays and that they may have achieved their greater body masses solely through packing more mass onto mainland‐sized body frames. As such, they may be the first‐known example of a proposed, purely phenotypic initial step in the adherence to the island rule by an insular population. Greater jay body mass is probably advantageous in Anticosti's high‐density, intensely competitive social environment that may have resulted from the island's lack of mammalian nest predators.
IR Spectra and DFT Calculations of ­M–η2‐(NC)–CH3, CH3–MNC, and CH2=M(H)NC Prepared by Reactions of Laser‐Ablated Hf and Ti Atoms with Aceto­nitrile
Authors: Cho Han‐Gook , Andrews Lester
Published: August 2015

Laser‐ablated Hf and Ti atoms produce M–η2‐(NC)–CH3, CH3–MNC, and CH2=M(H)NC in reactions with acetonitrile, parallel to the earlier Zr results, based on isotopic substitution and frequencies computed by DFT. These products are the most stable components in the previously proposed reaction path for reactions of metal atoms with acetonitrile, in line with the observed products in other metal systems and DFT calculations. Other plausible products [CH3CN–M and CH≡M(H2)NC] are energetically too high to be generated in reactions of the group 4 metals. The group 4 metals form strong π complexes with the nitrile group as they do with acetylene and ethylene. The methylidenes are slightly more agostic due to the metal‐containing conjugation system than those produced from small alkanes and methyl halides. Relativistic contraction is also evident in that the Hf bonds are shorter than the Zr bonds.
Substrate‐Mediated Deactivation of a Ru(PtBu2NBn2) Cooperative Complex
Authors: Bow John‐Paul J. , Boyle Paul D. , Blacquiere Johanna M.
Published: August 2015

Ligand design for metal–ligand cooperative (MLC) catalysis is inherently more complex than that for traditional non‐cooperative ligands. The basicity, sterics and structure of the acid/base group in MLC proton‐transfer (PT) complexes, for instance, undoubtedly influence catalyst performance. Herein, we evaluate the highly tunable PR2NR′2 (1,5‐R′‐3,7‐R‐1,5‐diaza‐3,7‐diphosphacyclooctane) ligand family for the first time in an organic transformation. With [Ru(Cp)(PtBu2NBn2)(MeCN)][PF6] as the catalyst, no turnover was observed in the anti‐Markovnikov hydration of alkynes, a known PT MLC reaction. Treatment of the cooperative complex with phenylacetylene affords a vinylammonium product in which the pendant nitrogen atom of the PtBu2NBn2 ligand forms a Lewis acid–base adduct with the alpha‐carbon atom of the vinylidene intermediate. Characterization by X‐ray crystallography and NMR spectroscopy conclusively assign this structure in both the solid and the solution state. The adduct formation is irreversible, and the adduct is characterized as a catalyst deactivation product.
Now you see it, now you don't: Explaining inconsistent evidence on gender stereotyping of newborns
Authors: Thielmann Isabel , Erdfelder Edgar , Stahlberg Dagmar
Published: August 2015

Parental gender‐stereotyped perceptions of newborns—particularly their physical characteristics—have been discussed as important determinants of sex role socialization from birth on. However, corresponding empirical evidence is inconclusive. We propose that inconsistent findings on gender‐correlated perceptions are due to whether or not actual physical differences between newborn girls and boys are properly (statistically or experimentally) taken into account. In our study, 55 mother–father pairs rated both their own and two unknown newborns, labeled either female or male. Although we successfully replicated the typical gender‐correlated perceptions of own newborns' physical characteristics, all effects were explainable by actual physical sex differences in length and weight at birth. Similarly, no gender‐specific rating differences emerged as a function of labeled gender of unknown children matched in actual physical characteristics. Altogether, the findings demonstrate the vital importance of considering existing sex differences between newborn girls and boys for drawing valid conclusions on gender stereotyping of newborns.
Development of Electrochemical Paper‐based Glucose Sensor Using Cellulose‐4‐aminophenylboronic Acid‐modified Screen‐printed Carbon Electrode
Authors: Rungsawang Tipawan , Punrat Eakkasit , Adkins Jaclyn , Henry Charles , Chailapakul Orawon
Published: August 2015

The present work describes the fabrication of paper‐based analytical devices (μPADs) by immobilization of glucose oxidase onto the screen printed carbon electrodes (SPCEs) for the electrochemical glucose detection. The sensitivity towards glucose was improved by using a SPCE prepared from homemade carbon ink mixed with cellulose acetate. In addition, 4‐aminophenylboronic acid (4‐APBA) was used as a redox mediator giving a lower detection potential for improvement selectivity. Under optimized condition, the detection limit was 0.86 mM. The proposed device was applied in real samples. This μPAD has many advantages including low sample consumption, rapid analysis method, and low device cost.
Highly‐sensitive Electrochemical Sensor for Cd2+ and Pb2+ Based on the Synergistic Enhancement of Exfoliated Graphene Nanosheets and Bismuth
Authors: Wang Jiao , Chen Xuerong , Wu Kangbing , Zhang Miao , Huang Wensheng
Published: August 2015

Graphene nanosheets (GS) were prepared via ultrasonic exfoliation, and used to modify glass carbon electrode (GCE). Compared with GCE, the GS‐modified GCE (GS/GCE) greatly increased the anodic stripping peak currents of Cd2+ and Pb2+. Moreover, the response signals of Cd2+ and Pb2+ on GS/GCE further enhanced remarkably in the presence of Bi3+. Based on the synergistic enhancement effects of GS and Bi3+, a novel electrochemical sensor was developed for Cd2+ and Pb2+. The detection limits were 0.35 and 0.045 μg L−1 for Cd2+ and Pb2+. It was used in food sample analysis, and the accuracy was tested by ICP‐MS.
Genetic and chromosomal alterations in Kenyan Wilms Tumor
Authors: Lovvorn Harold N. , Pierce Janene , Libes Jaime , Li Bingshan , Wei Qiang , Correa Hernan , Gouffon Julia , Clark Peter E. , Axt Jason R. , Hansen Erik , Newton Mark , O'Neill James A. ,   on behalf of the Kenyan Wilms Tumor Consortium
Published: August 2015

Wilms tumor (WT) is the most common childhood kidney cancer worldwide and poses a cancer health disparity to black children of sub‐Saharan African ancestry. Although overall survival from WT at 5 years exceeds 90% in developed countries, this pediatric cancer is alarmingly lethal in sub‐Saharan Africa and specifically in Kenya (36% survival at 2 years). Although multiple barriers to adequate WT therapy contribute to this dismal outcome, we hypothesized that a uniquely aggressive and treatment‐resistant biology compromises survival further. To explore the biologic composition of Kenyan WT (KWT), we completed a next generation sequencing analysis targeting 10 WT‐associated genes and evaluated whole‐genome copy number variation. The study cohort was comprised of 44 KWT patients and their specimens. Fourteen children are confirmed dead at 2 years and 11 remain lost to follow‐up despite multiple tracing attempts. TP53 was mutated most commonly in 11 KWT specimens (25%), CTNNB1 in 10 (23%), MYCN in 8 (18%), AMER1 in 5 (11%), WT1 and TOP2A in 4 (9%), and IGF2 in 3 (7%). Loss of heterozygosity (LOH) at 17p, which covers TP53, was detected in 18% of specimens examined. Copy number gain at 1q, a poor prognostic indicator of WT biology in developed countries, was detected in 32% of KWT analyzed, and 89% of these children are deceased. Similarly, LOH at 11q was detected in 32% of KWT, and 80% of these patients are deceased. From this genomic analysis, KWT biology appears uniquely aggressive and treatment‐resistant. © 2015 The Authors. Genes, Chromosomes & Cancer Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
68Ga‐DOTA‐peptide: A novel molecular biomarker for nasopharyngeal carcinoma
Authors: Khor Lih Kin , Loi Hoi Yin , Sinha Arvind Kumar , Tong Kian Ti , Goh Boon Cher , Loh Kwok Seng , Lu Suat‐Jin
Published: August 2015

Background

Increased somatostatin receptor (SSTR) expression in patients with undifferentiated nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) has been demonstrated with receptor autoradiography, 111In‐Octreotide scintigraphy, and 68Ga‐DOTA‐TOC positron emission tomography (PET)/CT imaging. We sought to compare and correlate the uptake of fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) and DOTA‐NOC in undifferentiated NPC to ascertain the possible role of 68Ga‐DOTA‐NOC PET/CT as a new imaging biomarker and to assess whether targeted peptide receptor radionuclide therapy is a feasible treatment option.

Methods

After obtaining approval from our institutional review board, 4 patients with biopsy proven nonkeratinizing undifferentiated NPC who had just undergone routine staging/restaging 18F‐FDG PET/CT imaging were prospectively and consecutively recruited for 68Ga‐DOTA‐NOC PET/CT imaging. Of these 4 patients, 3 were newly diagnosed with untreated NPC, whereas 1 patient was diagnosed with a case of recurrent NPC with previous treatment. These patients subsequently underwent 68Ga‐DOTA‐NOC PET/CT within 10 days from the 18F‐FDG PET/CT to ensure lesion comparability. Tracer uptake in tumor lesions were assessed visually and semiquantitatively by measuring maximum standardized uptake values (SUVmax).

Results

There were 12 FDG‐avid lesions of which 7 showed avid uptake of DOTA‐NOC greater than liver uptake, whereas 5 showed low uptake of DOTA‐NOC less than liver uptake. Subset analysis of the FDG‐avid lesions at the primary and recurrent sites showed that all the FDG‐avid primary tumors in the nasopharynx showed avid uptake of DOTA‐NOC. On the contrary, the case of recurrent NPC showed avid FDG uptake but low DOTA‐NOC uptake. Subset analysis of the suspicious FDG‐avid cervical lymph nodes showed that 50% of them demonstrated avid DOTA‐NOC uptake greater than liver uptake, whereas the remaining demonstrated low‐grade DOTA‐NOC uptake less than liver uptake. The 2 subcentimeter cervical lymph nodes that showed low‐grade uptake of FDG lower than mediastinal blood pool activity were deemed to be reactive/inflammatory and showed low‐grade uptake of DOTA‐NOC.

Conclusion

This study highlights the potential of 68Ga‐DOTA‐peptide PET/CT as a new molecular biomarker for newly diagnosed undifferentiated NPC, and less so for recurrent NPC and metastatic nodes. This potentially opens up new diagnostic and therapeutic options in the management of undifferentiated NPC. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 38: E76–E80, 2016
Establishment of a bioluminescence model for microenvironmentally induced oral carcinogenesis with implications for screening bioengineered scaffolds
Authors: Suliman Salwa , Parajuli Himalaya , Sun Yang , Johannessen Anne Christine , Finne–Wistrand Anna , McCormack Emmet , Mustafa Kamal , Costea Daniela Elena
Published: August 2015

Background

Microenvironmental cues play a major role in head and neck cancer. Biodegradable scaffolds used for bone regeneration might also act as stimulative cues for head and neck cancer. The purpose of this study was to establish an experimental model for precise and noninvasive evaluation of tumorigenic potential of microenvironmental cues in head and neck cancer.

Methods

Bioluminescence was chosen to image tumor formation. Early neoplastic oral keratinocyte (DOK) cells were luciferase‐transduced (DOKLuc), then tested in nonobese diabetic severe combined immunodeficient IL2rγnull mice either orthotopically (tongue) or subcutaneously for their potential as “screening sensors” for diverse microenvironmental cues.

Results

Tumors formed after inoculation of DOKLuc were monitored easier by bioluminescence, and bioluminescence was more sensitive in detecting differences between various microenvironmental cues when compared to manual measurements. Development of tumors from DOKLuc grown on scaffolds was also successfully monitored noninvasively by bioluminescence.

Conclusion

The model presented here is a noninvasive and sensitive model for monitoring the impact of various microenvironmental cues on head and neck cancer in vivo. © 2015 The Authors Head & Neck Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 38: E1177–E1187, 2016
Using LM‐OSL of quartz to distinguish sediments derived from surface‐soil and channel erosion
Authors: Haddadchi Arman , Olley Jon , Pietsch Timothy
Published: August 2015

This study describes the use of linearly modulated optically stimulated luminescence (LM‐OSL) to distinguish surface‐soil derived sediments from those derived from channel bank erosion. LM‐OSL signals from quartz extracted from 15 surface‐soil and five channel bank samples were analysed and compared to signals from samples collected from two downstream river sites. Discriminant analysis showed that the detrapping probabilities of fast, first slow and second slow components of the LM‐OSL signal can be used to differentiate between the samples collected from the channel bank and surface‐soil sources. We show that for each of these source end members these components are all normally distributed. These distributions are then used to estimate the relative contribution of surface‐soil derived and channel bank derived sediment to the river bed sediments. The results indicate that channel bank derived sediments dominate the sediment sources at both sites, with 90.1 ± 3% and 91.9 ± 1.9% contributions. These results are in agreement with a previous study which used measurements of137Cs and210Pbexfallout radionuclides to estimate the relative contribution from these two sources. This result shows that LM‐OSL may be a useful method, at least in the studied catchment, to estimate the relative contribution of surface soil and channel erosion to river sediments. However, further research in different settings is required to test the difference of OSL signals in distinguishing these sediment sources. And if generally acceptable, this technique may provide an alternative to the use of fallout radionuclides for source tracing. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.