bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Magnetism of Al‐substituted magnetite reduced from Al‐hematite
Authors: Jiang Zhaoxia , Liu Qingsong , Zhao Xiang , Roberts Andrew P. , Heslop David , Barrón Vidal , Torrent José
Published: June 2016

Aluminum‐substituted magnetite (Al‐magnetite) reduced from Al‐substituted hematite or goethite (Al‐hematite or Al‐goethite) is an environmentally important constituent of magnetically enhanced soils. In order to characterize the magnetic properties of Al‐magnetite, two series of Al‐magnetite samples were synthesized through reduction of Al‐hematite by a mixed gas (80% CO2 and 20% CO) at 395°C for 72 h in a quartz tube furnace. Al‐magnetite samples inherited the morphology of their parent Al‐hematite samples, but only those transformed from Al‐hematite synthesized at low temperature possessed surficial micropores, which originated from the release of structural water during heating. Surface micropores could thus serve as a practical fingerprint of fire or other high‐temperature mineralogical alteration processes in natural environments, e.g., shear friction in seismic zones. In addition, Al substitution greatly affects the magnetic properties of Al‐magnetite. For example, coercivity (Bc) increases with increasing Al content and then decreases slightly, while the saturation magnetization (Ms), Curie temperature (Tc), and Verwey transition temperature (Tv) all decrease with increasing Al content due to crystal defect formation and dilution of magnetic ions caused by Al incorporation. Moreover, different trends in the correlation between Tc and Bc can be used to discriminate titanomagnetite from Al‐magnetite, which is likely to be important in environmental and paleomagnetic studies, particularly in soil.
Effects of anthropogenic water regulation and groundwater lateral flow on land processes
Authors: Zeng Yujin , Xie Zhenghui , Yu Yan , Liu Shuang , Wang Linying , Zou Jing , Qin Peihua , Jia Binghao
Published: June 2016

Both anthropogenic water regulation and groundwater lateral flow essentially affect groundwater table patterns. Their relationship is close because lateral flow recharges the groundwater depletion cone, which is induced by over‐exploitation. In this study, schemes describing groundwater lateral flow and human water regulation were developed and incorporated into the Community Land Model 4.5. To investigate the effects of human water regulation and groundwater lateral flow on land processes as well as the relationship between the two processes, three simulations using the model were conducted for the years 2003–2013 over the Heihe River Basin in northwestern China. Simulations showed that groundwater lateral flow driven by changes in water heads can essentially change the groundwater table pattern with the deeper water table appearing in the hillslope regions and shallower water table appearing in valley bottom regions and plains. Over the last decade, anthropogenic groundwater exploitation deepened the water table by approximately 2 m in the middle reaches of the Heihe River Basin and rapidly reduced the terrestrial water storage, while irrigation increased soil moisture by approximately 0.1 m3 m−3. The water stored in the mainstream of the Heihe River was also reduced by human surface water withdrawal. The latent heat flux was increased by 30 W m−2 over the irrigated region, with an identical decrease in sensible heat flux. The simulated groundwater lateral flow was shown to effectively recharge the groundwater depletion cone caused by over‐exploitation. The offset rate is higher in plains than mountainous regions.
Enterprise Social Media
Authors: Weber Matthew S. , Shi Wei
Published: June 2016

Enterprise social media have emerged as an important form of information and communication technology (ICT) for organizations. Many large multinational organizations are utilizing customized forms of social media for proprietary communication within and between organizations. Recent research has focused on the impact that enterprise social media has had on organizational communication processes. First, central theoretical perspectives are examined, including affordances, social capital, and social network theories. These theoretical lenses help to better understand the impact that enterprise social media have on organizational communication processes. Second, recent research examining the impact of enterprise social media on organizations is reviewed. Scholars have emphasized the impact of enterprise social media on team communication, knowledge sharing, and collaboration, among other functions.
Leadership in Organizations
Authors: Jian Guowei , Fairhurst Gail T.
Published: June 2016

Modern scientific research on leadership in organizations has been evolving for nearly a century. Over the course of its development, four particular discourses of leadership have emerged: normative, interpretive, critical, and dialogical. This entry surveys major leadership theories and research within each discourse. It pays particular attention to ways in which the concept of communication has evolved and its role expanded from being a subsidiary component in normative, psychological theories to being a primary process in the leadership theories and research found in the other three lenses. The entry ends with several suggestions for the future growth of leadership studies.
Listening and Organizing
Authors: Barbour Joshua B.
Published: June 2016

Listening may be conceptualized as skillful organizational practice and processes integral to organizational phenomena. Competent listening has been linked to organizational outcomes, and organizational communication interventions include efforts to make listening more effective (e.g., listening skill development, dialogue, appreciative inquiry). Listening may be evaluated by individual and interactional outcomes, and competent listening is skillful and situation appropriate. Listening may also be conceptualized as an organizational level as well as individual level construct.
Postmodern/Poststructural Approaches
Authors: Mease Jennifer J.
Published: June 2016

Postmodern and poststructural approaches to organizational communication are marked by an emphasis on ruptures, disjunctions, tensions, instabilities, and other inconsistencies as a part of everyday organizational life. This entry introduces postmodern and poststructural theory broadly before addressing three ways that these bodies of theory have been incorporated into organizational communication research: complicating narratives, reconceptualizing power and identity, and the communicative constitution of organization. The entry concludes with a list of seven characteristics that help to identify postmodern and poststructural analyses of organizations.
Ultrathin Amorphous Ni(OH)2 Nanosheets on Ultrathin α‐Fe2O3 Films for Improved Photoelectrochemical Water Oxidation
Authors: Liu Qiong , Cao Fengren , Wu Fangli , Lu Hao , Li Liang
Published: June 2016

Hematite (α‐Fe2O3) is a promising photoanode material for photoelectrochemical (PEC) water splitting, however, its performance is largely limited by the short hole diffusion length that requires the thin active layer and efficient catalysts. In this work, ultrathin α‐Fe2O3 films are fabricated using atomic layer deposition technology, and then ultrathin amorphous Ni(OH)2 nanosheets are decorated on α‐Fe2O3 films through a hydrothermal method. The microscopic morphology, phase, and composition are characterized by scanning electron microscopy, X‐ray diffraction, X‐ray photoelectron spectra, and high resolution transmission electron microscopy. The quantity of Ni(OH)2 is adjusted by controlling the growth time. The results show that the onset potential of the optimum thick Ni(OH)2/Fe2O3 films demonstrate a cathodical shift by 400 mV, and the photocurrent density at 1.23 V is enhanced from 0.21 to 0.37 mA cm−2 compared with the pristine ultrathin α‐Fe2O3 films. The Ni(OH)2/Fe2O3 films show the superior stability up to 20 h. The enhanced PEC performances are attributed to the amorphous Ni(OH)2 nanosheets that do not affect obviously the light utilization, maintain large specific area to the electrolyte, and store holes produced in Fe2O3 for oxidizing water efficiently in situ with fast regeneration of Ni2+.
Aliphatic Diamide as Novel Asphalt‐Modified Epoxy Curing Agent for Enhanced Performance
Authors: Jiang Liang , Hu Kai , Liu Zhimeng , Yuan Ye , Zhou Changlin , Lei Jingxin
Published: June 2016

Adipamide used as the curing agent of asphalt‐modified epoxy resin was synthesized by esterification and ammonolysis, and its chemical structure was confirmed by the Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), 1H and 13C nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR and 13C NMR) analysis. The thermal stability, Vicat softening temperature, tensile strength, and Shore D hardness of the cured asphalt‐modified epoxy resin were studied by thermogravimetric analysis (TG), Vicat softening tester, tensile tests, and Shore D plastic hardness tester, respectively. The surface morphology of epoxy resin tensile fracture was also observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The Vicat softening temperature of cured epoxy resin decreased from 95 to 64°C with increasing modified asphalt (MA) contents from 0 wt.% to 25 wt.%. The maximum tensile strength of cured epoxy resin reached 45.4 MPa when MA content was 5 wt.% of the whole resin. The Shore D hardness slightly decreased from 86 D to 79 D as the MA was enhanced from 0 wt.% to 25 wt.%. TG results displayed that the thermostable temperature of cured epoxy resin was higher than 280°C.
Symmetric Electrodes for Electrochemical Energy‐Storage Devices
Authors: Zhang Lei , Dou Shi Xue , Liu Hua Kun , Huang Yunhui , Hu Xianluo
Published: June 2016

Increasing environmental problems and energy challenges have so far attracted urgent demand for developing green and efficient energy‐storage systems. Among various energy‐storage technologies, sodium‐ion batteries (SIBs), electrochemical capacitors (ECs) and especially the already commercialized lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs) are playing very important roles in the portable electronic devices or the next‐generation electric vehicles. Therefore, the research for finding new electrode materials with reduced cost, improved safety, and high‐energy density in these energy storage systems has been an important way to satisfy the ever‐growing demands. Symmetric electrodes have recently become a research focus because they employ the same active materials as both the cathode and anode in the same energy‐storage system, leading to the reduced manufacturing cost and simplified fabrication process. Most importantly, this feature also endows the symmetric energy‐storage system with improved safety, longer lifetime, and ability of charging in both directions. In this Progress Report, we provide the comprehensive summary and comment on different symmetric electrodes and focus on the research about the applications of symmetric electrodes in different energy‐storage systems, such as the above mentioned SIBs, ECs and LIBs. Further considerations on the possibility of mass production have also been presented.
A novel feasibility analysis method for black‐box processes using a radial basis function adaptive sampling approach
Authors: Wang Zilong , Ierapetritou Marianthi
Published: June 2016

Feasibility analysis is used to determine the feasible region of a multivariate process. This can be difficult when the process models include black‐box constraints or the simulation is computationally expensive. To address such difficulties, surrogate models can be built as an inexpensive approximation to the original model and help identify the feasible region. An adaptive sampling method is used to efficiently sample new points toward feasible region boundaries and regions where prediction uncertainty is high. In this article, cubic Radial Basis Function (RBF) is used as the surrogate model. An error indicator for cubic RBF is proposed to indicate the prediction uncertainty and is used in adaptive sampling. In all case studies, the proposed RBF‐based method shows better performance than a previously published Kriging‐based method. © 2016 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 63: 532–550, 2017
Chronic intestinal pseudo‐obstruction in a child harboring a founder Hirschsprung RET mutation
Authors: Rossi Valentina , Mosconi Manuela , Nozza Paolo , Murgia Daniele , Mattioli Girolamo , Ceccherini Isabella , Pini Prato Alessio
Published: June 2016

Chronic intestinal pseudo obstruction (CIPO) is a rare clinical entity characterized by symptoms and signs of intestinal obstruction without either recognizable anatomical abnormalities or intestinal aganglionosis. A Chinese female infant presented to our institution with a clinical diagnosis of CIPO. Aganglionosis was ruled out by full thickness colonic and ileal biopsies and by rectal suction biopsies. Unexpectedly, direct sequencing and PCR amplification of RET proto‐oncogene from peripheral blood extracted DNA identified a RET R114H mutation. This mutation has already been reported as strongly associated with Asian patients affected by Hirschsprung's disease (HSCR) and is considered a founder mutation in Asia. The same mutation has never been reported in patients with CIPO, so far. These findings support the role of RET in the development of the enteric nervous system but underline the importance of other genetic or environmental factors contributing to the gastrointestinal phenotype of the disease. Somehow, this RET R114H mutation proved to have a role in the etiology of both CIPO and HSCR and could contribute to a more diffuse imbalance of gut dysmotility. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Call rates of mothers change with maternal experience and with infant characteristics in free‐ranging gray‐cheeked mangabeys
Authors: Arlet Małgorzata E. , Veromann Linda‐Liisa , Mänd Raivo , Lemasson Alban
Published: June 2016

Studies have shown that becoming a mother triggers important social changes within females, according to both social experience and infant characteristics, showing different maternal concerns. But how this impacts call usage has been far less studied. Based on 6 months of observations of five free‐ranging groups of gray‐cheeked mangabeys, we investigated variations in the production of three call types (contact, excitement, and alarm calls) in 29 females of different ages, dominance ranks, and infant rearing experiences: 15 females with infants of different ages and sexes, and 14 females without infants. We found that in females with infants—both maternal and infant characteristics influenced call production in a call type‐dependent way. Females produced contact calls at a higher rate during the first month of infant age and after weaning when infants start to move away. Mothers of daughters produced more contact calls than mothers of sons. More excitement calls were recorded for first‐time and young mothers and for females with young infants, while alarm call rates were not influenced by any of these factors. Increased mother–infant spatial separation enhanced only contact and excitement call rates. Finally, we found that females with infants vocalized much more than females without infants. Our results contribute to the current debate about the social factors responsible for the flexibility of call usage in nonhuman primates and open new lines for research on mothering behavior in forest‐dwelling species. Am. J. Primatol. 78:983–991, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
One‐Pot C−H Functionalization of Arenes by Diaryliodonium Salts
Authors: Reitti Marcus , Villo Piret , Olofsson Berit
Published: June 2016

A transition‐metal‐free, mild, and highly regioselective synthesis of nitroarenes from arenes has been developed. The products are obtained in a sequential one‐pot reaction by nitration of iodine(III) reagents with two carbon ligands, which are formed in situ from iodine(I). This novel concept has been extended to formation of aryl azides, and constitutes an important step towards catalytic reactions with these hypervalent iodine reagents. An efficient nitration of isolated diaryliodonium salts has also been developed, and the mechanism is proposed to proceed by a [2,2] ligand coupling pathway.
Catalytic C(sp3)−H Arylation of Free Primary Amines with an exo Directing Group Generated In Situ
Authors: Xu Yan , Young Michael C. , Wang Chengpeng , Magness David M. , Dong Guangbin
Published: June 2016

Herein, we report the palladium‐catalyzed direct arylation of unactivated aliphatic C−H bonds in free primary amines. This method takes advantage of an exo‐imine‐type directing group (DG) that can be generated and removed in situ. A range of unprotected aliphatic amines are suitable substrates, undergoing site‐selective arylation at the γ‐position. Methyl as well as cyclic and acyclic methylene groups can be activated. Furthermore, when aniline‐derived substrates were used, preliminary success with δ‐C−H arylation was achieved. The feasibility of using the DG component in a catalytic fashion was also demonstrated.
Self‐Assembly of Complex DNA Tessellations by Using Low‐Symmetry Multi‐arm DNA Tiles
Authors: Zhang Fei , Jiang Shuoxing , Li Wei , Hunt Ashley , Liu Yan , Yan Hao
Published: June 2016

Modular DNA tile‐based self‐assembly is a versatile way to engineer basic tessellation patterns on the nanometer scale, but it remains challenging to achieve high levels of structural complexity. We introduce a set of general design principles to create intricate DNA tessellations by employing multi‐arm DNA motifs with low symmetry. We achieved two novel Archimedean tiling patterns, (4.8.8) and (3.6.3.6), and one pattern with higher‐order structures beyond the complexity observed in Archimedean tiling. Our success in assembling complicated DNA tessellations demonstrates the broad design space of DNA structural motifs, enriching the toolbox of DNA tile‐based self‐assembly and expanding the complexity boundaries of DNA tile‐based tessellation.
Thermoset Shape‐Memory Polyurethane with Intrinsic Plasticity Enabled by Transcarbamoylation
Authors: Zheng Ning , Fang Zizheng , Zou Weike , Zhao Qian , Xie Tao
Published: June 2016

Thermoset polymers are known for their superior thermomechanical properties, but the chemical crosslinking typically leads to intractability. This is reflected in the great differences between thermoset and thermoplastic shape‐memory polymers; the former exhibit a robust shape memory but are not capable of redefining the permanent shape. Contrary to current knowledge, we reveal here that a classical thermoset shape‐memory polyurethane is readily capable of permanent reshaping (plasticity) after a topological network rearrangement that is induced by transcarbamoylation. By employing the Jianzhi technique (also known as kirigami), unexpected shape‐shifting versatility was observed for this otherwise classical material. As the essential carbamate moiety in polyurethanes is one of the most common polymer building units, we anticipate that our finding will have significant benefits beyond shape shifting.
Highly Stable, Amide‐Bridged Autoinducing Peptide Analogues that Strongly Inhibit the AgrC Quorum Sensing Receptor in Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Tal‐Gan Yftah , Ivancic Monika , Cornilescu Gabriel , Yang Tian , Blackwell Helen E.
Published: June 2016

Blocking quorum sensing (QS) pathways has attracted considerable interest as an approach to suppress virulence in bacterial pathogens. Toward this goal, we recently developed analogues of a native autoinducing peptide (AIP‐III) signal that can inhibit AgrC‐type QS receptors and attenuate virulence phenotypes in Staphylococcus aureus. Application of these compounds is limited, however, as they contain hydrolytically unstable thioester linkages and have only low aqueous solubilities. Herein, we report amide‐linked AIP analogues with greatly enhanced hydrolytic stabilities and solubilities relative to our prior analogues, whilst maintaining strong potencies as AgrC receptor inhibitors in S. aureus. These compounds represent powerful tools for the study of QS.
Influence of a rigid polystyrene block on the free volume and ionic conductivity of a gel polymer electrolyte based on poly(methyl methacrylate)‐block‐polystyrene
Authors: Guan Xinghua , Chen Fang , Li Zhiguang , Zhou Hualong , Ma Xiaoyan
Published: June 2016

Diblock copolymers poly(methyl methacrylate)‐block‐polystyrene with three different molar ratios [poly(methyl methacrylate)/polystyrene (PS) = 1:1, 1:1.5, and 1:1.8] were synthesized by atom transfer radical polymerization and used as a polymer matrix for gel polymer electrolytes (GPEs). The positron annihilation lifetime spectroscopy was applied to determine the free‐volume behaviors of different GPEs, respectively. We illustrated that a proper PS ratio may led to the formation of a high fraction of free volume, and the influence of the PS ratio on the free‐volume fraction was caused by the different morphologies of the GPEs because of the different packing densities of the PS rigid block. The ionic conductivity was correlated with the free volume in the GPE through the study of the ionic conductivity dependence on the temperature; this followed the Vogel–Tamman–Fulcher equation. Moreover, an ionic conductive model was proposed, in which variations of the free‐volume behavior provide different ionic‐conducting abilities. Thermogravimetric analysis indicated that GPEs based on different block copolymers exhibited high liquid‐electrolyte preservation properties. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016, 133, 43901.
Impact of the first 5 years of a national abdominal aortic aneurysm screening programme
Authors: Jacomelli J , Summers L , Stevenson A , Lees T , Earnshaw J J
Published: June 2016

Background

The Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA) Screening Programme was introduced by the National Health Service (NHS) in England to reduce the rate of death from ruptured AAA in men. The programme commenced in 2009 and was implemented completely across the country in April 2013. The aim was to review the first 5 years of the programme, looking specifically at compliance and early outcome.

Methods

Men aged 65 years were invited for a single abdominal ultrasound scan. Data were entered into a bespoke database (AAA SMaRT). This was a planned analysis after the first 5 years of the programme.

Results

The summation analysis involved the first 700 000 men screened, and the first 1000 men with a large AAA referred for possible treatment. The prevalence of AAA (aortic diameter larger than 2·9 cm) in 65-year-old men was 1·34 per cent. Mean uptake was 78·1 per cent, but varied from 61·7 to 85·8 per cent across the country. Based on the Index of Multiple Deprivation, uptake was 65·1 per cent in the most deprived versus 84·1 per cent in the least deprived areas. Of the first 1000 men referred for possible treatment of a large AAA (greater than 5·4 cm), the false-positive rate was 3·2 per cent. Some 870 men underwent a planned AAA intervention (non-intervention rate 9·2 per cent), with seven deaths (perioperative mortality rate 0·8 per cent).

Conclusion

The processes in the NHS AAA Screening Programme are effective in detecting and treating men with AAA.
The Structure of LiuC, a 3‐Hydroxy‐3‐Methylglutaconyl CoA Dehydratase Involved in Isovaleryl‐CoA Biosynthesis in Myxococcus xanthus, Reveals Insights into Specificity and Catalysis
Authors: Bock Tobias , Reichelt Joachim , Müller Rolf , Blankenfeldt Wulf
Published: June 2016

Myxobacteria are able to produce the important metabolite isovaleryl coenzyme A by a route other than leucine degradation. The first step into this pathway is mediated by LiuC, a member of the 3‐methylglutaconyl CoA hydratases (MGCH). Here we present crystal structures refined to 2.05 and 1.1 Å of LiuC in the apo form and bound to coenzyme A, respectively. By using simulated annealing we modeled the enzyme substrate complex and identified residues potentially involved in substrate binding, specificity, and catalysis. The dehydration of 3‐hydroxy‐3‐methylglutaconyl CoA to 3‐methylglutaconyl CoA catalyzed by LiuC involves Glu112 and Glu132 and likely employs the typical crotonase acid‐base mechanism. In this, Tyr231 and Arg69 are key players in positioning the substrate to enable catalysis. Surprisingly, LiuC shows higher sequence and structural similarity to human MGCH than to bacterial forms, although they convert the same substrate. This study provides structural insights into the alternative isovaleryl coenzyme A biosynthesis pathway and might open a path for biofuel research, as isovaleryl‐CoA is a source for isobutene, a precursor for renewable fuels and chemicals.
Assisted care as a baseline patient risk characteristic affecting the outcome of transcatheter aortic valve insertion
Authors: Traynor Megan M. , Greason Kevin L. , Nkomo Vuyisile T. , Pochettino Alberto , Holmes David R. , Rihal Charanjit S. , Reeder Guy S. , Bresnahan John F. , Mathew Verghese
Published: June 2016

Background

Objective measures of frailty have not been well defined as risk factors for a poor outcome after transcatheter aortic valve insertion. We hypothesized that assisted care as a baseline patient characteristic was a simple objective measure of frailty. We reviewed our experience to assess for an association between assisted care and outcome of operation.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed the records of 597 patients operated with transcatheter aortic valve insertion from November 2008 through July 2015. The study cohort included patients with a dichotomous baseline characteristic of receiving assisted care (AC group, n = 60, 10.1%) or not receiving assisted care (NC group, n = 537, 89.9%). The endpoints of the study were operative stroke/death and 1‐year survival.

Results

The age of the patients was 80.6 ± 9.0 years, male sex was present in 349 (58.5%), and STS predicted risk of mortality was 9.2 ± 6.2%. Alternate access was used in 26 (43.3%) patients in the AC care group and in 220 (41.0%) in the NC group (P = 0.724). Operative stroke/death occurred in 4 (6.7%) patients in the AC group and in 25 (4.7%) in the NC group (P = 0.492). Mortality at 1 year in the AC group was 14.8 ± 5.2% and in the NC group was 12.9 ± 1.7%; (P = 0. 250).

Conclusions

Assisted care as a baseline patient characteristic does not result in increased operative stroke/death or 1‐year mortality in patients following transcatheter aortic valve insertion. Assisted care should not by itself preclude operation. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Purification of Ginkgo biloba Extract by Antisolvent Recrystallization
Authors: Zu Yuan Gang , Wang Lingling , Zhao Xiuhua , Li Yuanyuan , Wu Weiwei , Zu Chang , Huang Yannian , Wu Mingfang , Feng Ziqi
Published: June 2016

The content of flavonoids in Gingko biloba extract (GBE) could be increased by antisolvent recrystallization (ASR) using ethanol as solvent and hexane as antisolvent. By means of the single‐factor method, the effect of main factors on the content of flavonoids in purified GBE was investigated. Under optimal conditions, the content of flavonoids and ginkgo terpene lactones in purified GBE could be significantly enhanced. In addition, the content of total ginkgolic acid in purified GBE was reduced. The morphologies of raw and purified GBE were characterized by scanning electron microscopy. It was found that the particle size of purified GBE was much smaller than that of raw GBE. At the same time, the saturated solubility could be improved by more than four times.
Quasi‐Block Copolymers Based on a General Polymeric Chain Stopper
Authors: Sanguramath Rajashekharayya A. , Nealey Paul F. , Shenhar Roy
Published: June 2016

Quasi‐block copolymers (q‐BCPs) are block copolymers consisting of conventional and supramolecular blocks, in which the conventional block is end‐terminated by a functionality that interacts with the supramolecular monomer (a “chain stopper” functionality). A new design of q‐BCPs based on a general polymeric chain stopper, which consists of polystyrene end‐terminated with a sulfonate group (PS‐SO3Li), is described. Through viscosity measurements and a detailed diffusion‐ordered NMR spectroscopy study, it is shown that PS‐SO3Li can effectively cap two types of model supramolecular monomers to form q‐BCPs in solution. Furthermore, differential scanning calorimetry data and structural characterization of thin films by scanning force microscopy suggests the existence of the q‐BCP architecture in the melt. The new design considerably simplifies the synthesis of polymeric chain stoppers; thus promoting the utilization of q‐BCPs as smart, nanostructured materials.
A Pd‐Catalyzed Synthesis of Functionalized Piperidines
Authors: Allen Benjamin D. W. , Connolly Matthew J. , Harrity Joseph P. A.
Published: June 2016

A readily available cyclic carbamate 1 functions as a general precursor to a range of functionalized piperidine products via a new Pd‐catalyzed annulation strategy. An asymmetric catalytic variant provides a rapid and efficient means to access these heterocycles with high to excellent levels of enantiocontrol. Finally, these richly functionalized compounds are amenable to further chemoselective elaboration.
Contributions of prestrains, hyperelasticity, and muscle fiber activation on mitral valve systolic performance
Authors: Prot Victorien , Skallerud Bjorn
Published: June 2016

The present study addresses the contributions of prestrains and muscle fiber activation to the global response of the mitral valve during systole. A finite element model of a porcine mitral valve is created using anatomical measurements and 3D echocardiographic recordings. The passive behavior of the leaflets is modeled using a transversely isotropic hyperelastic constitutive model, and we assume orthotropic muscle activations in the anterior leaflet. A simple approach to incorporate prestrains in the mitral valve apparatus is used by expanding the mitral annulus before applying the ventricular pressure to the mitral leaflets. Several finite element analyses are run with or without muscle activation and with or without prestrains. The analysis results are compared at peak systole with the echocardiograpic recordings. The case where prestrains and activation are accounted for simultaneously is the most efficient to approach the physiological flat shape of the closed valve observed in the echocardiograpic measurements. These results suggest that the active components present in the mitral leaflets and the presence of prestrains contribute to the physiological deformations of the mitral valve at peak systole and that material models based on in vitro mechanical testing are not sufficient for numerical studies of the mitral apparatus. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Multicomponent Syntheses of Fluorophores Initiated by Metal Catalysis
Authors: Levi Lucilla , Müller Thomas J. J.
Published: June 2016

This microreview summarizes, explains, and highlights endeavors in the field of multicomponent chemistry with a focus on luminophore development by this approach. Most of the fluorophores accessed by this concept are heterocyclic. The mild reaction conditions of the palladium‐, palladium–copper‐, and copper‐catalyzed processes open highly diversity‐oriented approaches to classical and also unusual luminophore classes in a straightforward and highly convergent fashion.
Lithium Vanadium Phosphate/Carbon Nanofiber Films as Selfstanding, Binderfree, and Flexible Cathodes for Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Pi Zhi‐chao , Jing Mao‐xiang , Li Jing‐quan , Zhai Hong‐ai , Chen Li‐li , Yao Shan‐shan , Shen Xiang‐qian , Xi Xiao‐ming , Xiao Ke‐song
Published: June 2016

Flexible lithium vanadium phosphate/carbon nanofiber (i.e., Li3V2(PO4)3/C) were fabricated by an electrospinning process combined with hot‐pressed sintering, and are used in lithium‐ion batteries as selfstanding, binderfree and flexible cathodes. The microstructure and crystalline phase of the as‐prepared films are characterized by scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and X‐ray diffractometry. The electrochemical properties of the Li3V2(PO4)3/C nanofiber films were analyzed by cyclic voltammetry and galvanostatic charge/discharge tests. When the nanofiber precursor was sintered at 850 °C for 20 h, the resulting film displays high flexibility and crystallinity. This selfstanding Li3V2(PO4)3/C film exhibits a superior rate performance even at 20 C and good cycle ability, with a retention capacity of 112 mAh g−1 at a current density of 1 C after 1000 cycles and 71 mAh g−1 at 5 C after 800 cycles. These features are attributed to the special composite structure formed by the Li3V2(PO4)3 and the carbon support, and the 3D long‐range conductive networks.
Multivariate time series based radial basis function neural network modeling of air quality inside a public transportation bus using available software
Authors: Kadiyala Akhil , Kumar Ashok
Published: June 2016

The development of valid air quality models (adressing the complex interrelationships between air contaminants and influential variables) is an integral component to developing good indoor air quality (IAQ) management strategies. With an increase in the capabilities of computational resources to process large datasets utilizing the hybrid mathematical calculations, environmentalists are now better equipped to develop and use hybrid IAQ models. This software review paper presents the development and evaluation of one such hybrid IAQ model, referred to as the multivariate time series based radial basis function neural network models (multivariate time series + radial basis function neural networks) for the monitored contaminants of carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide inside a public transportation bus using available software. © 2016 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 35: 931–935, 2016
Interlaboratory evaluation of the assessment of arsenic bioaccumulation from field collected sediments using Hexagenia spp
Authors: Watson-Leung Trudy , Oke Moustapha , McElroy Mike , Stuart Marilyne , Rendas Martina , Raby Melanie , Mahon Kim
Published: June 2016

Standardized bioaccumulation testing of aquatic organisms is essential to understanding the impact of historical contamination on the quality of water and sediment. A standardized 28-d laboratory bioaccumulation method with a freshwater burrowing mayfly, Hexagenia spp., has been developed and internally validated by the Ontario Ministry of the Environment and Climate Change (MOECC). An interlaboratory comparison was conducted to assess the precision of this method. Field-collected sediment contaminated with arsenic was chosen for the present study. Control and test sediments were subsampled and sent to 6 laboratories to perform the bioaccumulation test. One laboratory failed to meet the control survival criterion of ≥80%. When results of this laboratory are removed from the arsenic accumulation assessment, the mean interlaboratory variability (expressed as coefficient of variation) of the arsenic whole-body concentration is reduced from 44% to 24% in the test sediment–exposed Hexagenia spp. There was no significant interlaboratory difference between the Hexagenia spp. arsenic accumulations. While improved culturing and organism holding guidance may increase laboratory success, the MOECC Hexagenia spp. bioaccumulation test method has tight biological method precision when the control survival criterion is met. Environ Toxicol Chem 2016;35:2448–2455. © 2016 SETAC
Prototype filter design for FBMC systems via evolutionary PSO algorithm in highly doubly dispersive channels
Authors: Tabatabaee S.M.J. Asgari , Zamiri‐Jafarian H.
Published: June 2016

This paper proposes a new prototype filter design method based on the time‐frequency constellation for filter bank multicarrier (FBMC) systems in highly doubly dispersive channels. Maximal spectral efficiency, complex orthogonality and a well‐localised pulse shaping in time and frequency domains are three criteria in the prototype filter design. Satisfying these criteria simultaneously is a challenging issue in the FBMC system design. In order to meet these criteria as much as possible, we consider an FBMC system in which the complex‐valued data symbols are transmitted via a selected time‐frequency constellation with maximal spectral efficiency. Based on the selected constellation and channel statistic properties, the prototype filter is designed by maximising a new utility function called signal to weighted interference ratio (SWIR), which is defined according to the channel time and frequency dispersions. Because the SWIR is a nonlinear utility function, its maximisation is not straightforward. In this paper, for prototype filter design, a reliable, robust and fast converging algorithm called evolutionary cooperatively coevolving particle swarm optimisation is used to maximise the SWIR. The FBMC system, which uses the proposed prototype filter design method, can be combined with the MIMO techniques efficiently because of its capability of sending complex‐valued symbols. Simulation results show that the performance and bandwidth efficiency of the proposed method are superior to those of other techniques, for both cases of single antenna and multiple antennas, in highly doubly dispersive channels. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effect of chronic somatic diseases on the course of late‐life depression
Authors: Hegeman Johanna M. , van Fenema Esther M. , Comijs Hannie C. , Kok Rob M. , van der Mast Roos C. , de Waal Margot W.M.
Published: June 2016

Objective

To examine the influence of specific chronic somatic diseases and overall somatic diseases burden on the course of depression in older persons.

Methods

This was a prospective cohort study with a 2‐year follow‐up. Participants were depressed persons (n = 285) from the Netherlands Study of Depression in Older Persons. The presence of chronic somatic diseases was based on self‐report. Diagnosis of depression was assessed with the Composite International Diagnostic Interview, and severity of depression was measured with the Inventory of Depressive Symptomatology Self‐report.

Results

Cardiovascular diseases (odds ratio [OR] = 1.67, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.02–2.72, p = 0.041), musculoskeletal diseases (OR = 1.71, 95% CI = 1.04–2.80, p = 0.034), and the number of chronic somatic diseases (OR = 1.37, 95% CI = 1.16–1.63, p < 0.001) were associated with having a depressive disorder at 2‐year follow‐up. Furthermore, chronic non‐specific lung diseases, cardiovascular diseases, musculoskeletal diseases, cancer, or cumulative somatic disease burden were associated with a chronic course of depression.

Conclusions

Somatic disease burden is associated with a poor course of late‐life depression. The course of late‐life depression is particularly unfavorable in the presence of chronic non‐specific lung diseases, cardiovascular diseases, musculoskeletal diseases, and cancer. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Development of Rigid Motion Perception in Response to Radially Expanding Optic Flow
Authors: Izumi Erika , Shirai Nobu , Kanazawa So , K. Yamaguchi Masami
Published: June 2016

A radially expanding flow with a linear positive speed gradient is perceived as a rigid object approaching the observer, whereas such a flow having no or a reduced speed gradient is perceived as a non‐rigid, two‐dimensionally deforming object (De Bruyn & Orban, 1990). We tested elementary school‐aged children (younger children, 6–9 years, and older children, 9–11 years) and adults (20–22 years) to examine the development of the perception of rigidity. The results suggest that the perception of rigidity in response to a radial flow pattern with a speed gradient is similar in older (but not younger) children and adults. The development of rigidity perception from a radial flow pattern may be related to the maturation of the dorsal and ventral visual pathways during the elementary school years. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Kif14 overexpression accelerates murine retinoblastoma development
Authors: O'Hare Michael , Shadmand Mehdi , Sulaiman Rania S. , Sishtla Kamakshi , Sakisaka Toshiaki , Corson Timothy W.
Published: June 2016

The mitotic kinesin KIF14 has an essential role in the recruitment of proteins required for the final stages of cytokinesis. Genomic gain and/or overexpression of KIF14 has been documented in retinoblastoma and a number of other cancers, such as breast, lung and ovarian carcinomas, strongly suggesting its role as an oncogene. Despite evidence of oncogenic properties in vitro and in xenografts, Kif14's role in tumor progression has not previously been studied in a transgenic cancer model. Using a novel Kif14 overexpressing, simian virus 40 large T‐antigen retinoblastoma (TAg‐RB) double transgenic mouse model, we aimed to determine Kif14's role in promoting retinal tumor formation. Tumor initiation and development in double transgenics and control TAg‐RB littermates were documented in vivo over a time course by optical coherence tomography, with subsequent ex vivo quantification of tumor burden. Kif14 overexpression led to an accelerated initiation of tumor formation in the TAg‐RB model and a significantly decreased tumor doubling time (1.8 vs. 2.9 weeks). Moreover, overall percentage tumor burden was also increased by Kif14 overexpression. These data provide the first evidence that Kif14 can promote tumor formation in susceptible cells in vivo.
Dynamic single gold nanoparticle visualization by clinical intracoronary optical coherence tomography
Authors: Hu Jie , Rivero Fernando , Torres Rio Aguilar , Loro Ramírez Héctor , Rodríguez Emma Martín , Alfonso Fernando , García Solé José , Jaque Daniel
Published: June 2016

The potential use of Gold Nanoparticles (GNPs) as contrast agents for clinical intracoronary frequency domain Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) is here explored. The OCT contrast enhancement caused by GNPs of different sizes and morphologies has been systematically investigated and correlated with their optical properties. Among the different GNPs commercially available with plasmon resonances close to the operating wavelength of intracoronary OCT (1.3 µm), Gold Nanoshells (GNSs) have provided the best OCT contrast due to their largest scattering cross section at this wavelength. Clinical intracoronary OCT catheters are here demonstrated to be capable of three dimensional visualization and real‐time tracking of individual GNSs. Results here included open an avenue to novel application of intravascular clinical OCT in combination with GNPs, such as real time evaluation of intravascular obstructions or pressure gradients.

magnified image
Association between resource utilization and patient satisfaction at a tertiary care medical center
Authors: Biondi Eric A. , Hall Matthew , Leonard Michael S. , Pirraglia Paul A. , Alverson Brian K.
Published: June 2016

BACKGROUND

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services has emphasized patient satisfaction as a means by which hospitals should be compared and as a component of financial reimbursement. We sought to identify whether resource utilization is associated with patient satisfaction ratings.

DESIGN

This was a retrospective, cohort study over a 27‐month period from January 2012 to April 2014 of adult respondents (n = 10,007) to the Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems survey at a tertiary care medical center. For each returned survey, we developed a resource intensity score related to the corresponding hospitalization. We calculated a raw satisfaction rating (RSR) for each returned survey. Multivariable logistic regression was used to determine the association between resource intensity and top decile RSRs, using those with the lowest resource intensity as the reference group.

RESULTS

Adjusting for age, gender, insurance payer, severity of illness, and clinical service, patients in higher resource intensity groups were more likely to assign top decile RSRs than the lowest resource intensity group (“moderate” [adjusted odds ratio {aOR}: 1.42, 95% confidence interval {CI}: 1.11‐1.83], “major” [aOR: 1.56, 95% CI: 1.22‐2.01], and “extreme” [aOR: 2.29, 95% CI: 1.8‐2.92]).

CONCLUSIONS

Resource utilization may be positively associated with patient satisfaction. These data suggest that hospitals with higher per‐patient expenditures may receive higher ratings, which could result in hospitals with higher per‐patient resource utilization appearing more attractive to healthcare consumers. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2016;11:785–791. © 2016 Society of Hospital Medicine
Quantitative analysis of sugar composition in honey using 532‐nm excitation Raman and Raman optical activity spectra
Authors: Šugar Jan , Bouř Petr
Published: June 2016

Raman spectroscopy based on the 1064‐nm laser excitation was suggested as a handy non‐invasive technique allowing to quickly determine sugar content in honey and similar food products. In the present study, the green 532‐nm laser radiation is explored instead as it provides higher‐quality spectra in a shorter time. The sample fluorescence was quenched by purification with activated carbon. For control mixture decomposition of Raman spectra to standard subspectra led to a typical error of the sugar content of 3%. Raman optical activity (ROA) spectra that could be measured at the shorter excitation wavelength as well provided a lower accuracy (~8%) than the Raman spectra because of instrumental sensitivity and noise limitations. The results show that Raman spectroscopy provides elegant and reliable means for fast analyses of sugar‐based food products. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Complete hepatitis B virus prophylaxis withdrawal in hepatitis B surface antigen–positive liver transplant recipients after longterm minimal immunosuppression
Authors: Lenci Ilaria , Baiocchi Leonardo , Tariciotti Laura , Di Paolo Daniele , Milana Martina , Santopaolo Francesco , Manzia Tommaso Maria , Toti Luca , Svicher Valentina , Tisone Giuseppe , Perno Carlo Federico , Angelico Mario
Published: June 2016

Tailored approaches have been attempted to prevent hepatitis B virus (HBV) reinfection in antibodies against hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg)–positive liver transplantation (LT) recipients in order to minimize the use of hepatitis B immune globulin (HBIG) and nucleoside analogues (NAs). We report the results of complete HBV prophylaxis withdrawal after a follow‐up of at least 6 years in LT recipients with undetectable serum HBV DNA and intrahepatic total HBV DNA and covalently closed circular DNA at LT. We included 30 HBsAg positive, hepatitis B e antigen–negative recipients, 6 with hepatitis C virus and 7 with hepatitis D virus coinfection, who had received HBIG plus NA for at least 5 years after LT. Stepwise HBIG and NA withdrawal was performed in two 6‐month periods under strict monitoring of HBV virology. All patients underwent a clinical, biochemical, and virological follow‐up at 3‐6 month intervals. HBV recurrence (HBsAg seroreversion ± detectable HBV DNA) occurred in 6 patients: in 1 patient after HBIG interruption and in 5 after both HBIG and NA cessation. Only 3 patients required reinstitution of HBV prophylaxis because of persistent HBV replication, and all achieved optimal control of HBV infection and did not experience clinical events. The other who recurred showed only short‐lasting HBsAg positivity, with undetectable HBV DNA, followed by spontaneous anti‐HBs seroconversion. An additional 15 patients mounted an anti‐HBs titer, without previous serum HBsAg detectability. At the end of follow‐up, 90% of patients were still prophylaxis‐free, 93.3% were HBsAg negative, and 100% were HBV DNA negative; 60% had anti‐HBs titers >10 IU/L (median, 143; range, 13‐1000). This small series shows that complete prophylaxis withdrawal is safe in patients transplanted for HBV‐related disease at low risk of recurrence and is often followed by spontaneous anti‐HBs seroconversion. Further studies are needed to confirm this finding. Liver Transplantation 22 1205–1213 2016 AASLD