bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Solar cycle variation of the statistical distribution of the solar wind ε parameter and its constituent variables
Authors: Tindale E. , Chapman S. C.
Published: May 2016

We use 20 years of Wind solar wind observations to investigate the solar cycle variation of the solar wind driving of the magnetosphere. For the first time, we use generalized quantile‐quantile plots to compare the statistical distribution of four commonly used solar wind coupling parameters, Poynting flux, B2, the ε parameter, and vB, between the maxima and minima of solar cycles 23 and 24. We find the distribution is multicomponent and has the same functional form at all solar cycle phases; the change in distribution is captured by a simple transformation of variables for each component. The ε parameter is less sensitive than its constituent variables to changes in the distribution of extreme values between successive solar maxima. The quiet minimum of cycle 23 manifests only in lower extreme values, while cycle 24 was less active across the full distribution range.
Systematic correlations of the earthquake frequency‐magnitude distribution with the deformation and mechanical regimes in the Taiwan orogen
Authors: Chen Yen‐Ling , Hung Shu‐Huei , Jiang Juen‐Shi , Chiao Ling‐Yun
Published: May 2016

We investigate the correlation of the earthquake frequency‐magnitude distribution with the style of faulting and stress in Taiwan. The b values estimated for three types of focal mechanisms show significant differences with the lowest for thrust, intermediate for strike slip, and highest value for normal events, consistent with those found in global and other regional seismicity. Lateral distribution of the b values shows a good correlation with the predominant faulting mechanism, crustal deformation, and stress patterns. The two N‐S striking thrust zones in western and eastern Taiwan under the larger E‐W shortening and differential stress yield the lower b values than those in the in‐between mountain ranges subject to the smaller extensional stress and dominated by strike slip and normal faults. The termination of the monotonically decreasing b value with depth at ~15–20 km corroborates its inverse relationship with stress and the existence of the brittle‐plastic transition in the weak middle crust beneath the Taiwan orogen.
Electron dropout echoes induced by interplanetary shock: Van Allen Probes observations
Authors: Hao Y. X. , Zong Q.‐G. , Zhou X.‐Z. , Fu S. Y. , Rankin R. , Yuan C.‐J. , Lui A. T. Y. , Spence H. E. , Blake J. B. , Baker D. N. , Reeves G. D.
Published: May 2016

On 23 November 2012, a sudden dropout of the relativistic electron flux was observed after an interplanetary shock arrival. The dropout peaks at ∼1 MeV and more than 80% of the electrons disappeared from the drift shell. Van Allen twin Probes observed a sharp electron flux dropout with clear energy dispersion signals. The repeating flux dropout and recovery signatures, or “dropout echoes”, constitute a new phenomenon referred to as a “drifting electron dropout” with a limited initial spatial range. The azimuthal range of the dropout is estimated to be on the duskside, from ∼1300 to 0100 LT. We conclude that the shock‐induced electron dropout is not caused by the magnetopause shadowing. The dropout and consequent echoes suggest that the radial migration of relativistic electrons is induced by the strong dusk‐dawn asymmetric interplanetary shock compression on the magnetosphere.
Plankton patchiness investigated using simultaneous nitrate and chlorophyll observations
Authors: van Gennip Simon , Martin Adrian P. , Srokosz Meric A. , Allen John T. , Pidcock Rosalind , Painter Stuart C. , Stinchcombe Mark C.
Published: May 2016

The complex patterns observed in marine phytoplankton distributions arise from the interplay of biological and physical processes, but the nature of the balance remains uncertain centuries after the first observations. Previous observations have shown a consistent trend of decreasing variability with decreasing length scale. Influenced by similar scaling found for the properties of the water that the phytoplankton inhabit, “universal” theories have been proposed that simultaneously explain the variability seen from meters to hundreds of kilometers. However, data on the distribution of phytoplankton alone have proved insufficient to differentiate between the many causal mechanisms that have been suggested. Here we present novel observations from a cruise in the North Atlantic in which fluorescence (proxy for phytoplankton), nitrate, and temperature were measured simultaneously at scales from 10 m to 100 km for the first time in the open ocean. These show a change in spectra between the small scale (10–100 m) and the mesoscale (10–100 km) which is different for the three tracers. We discuss these observations in relation to the current theories for phytoplankton patchiness.
Mapping Disease Patterns
Authors: Barford Anna , Dorling Daniel
Published: May 2016

Cartograms make a distinctive contribution to disease mapping. By resizing areas of a map, not by land area but instead by another variable of interest, maps become humanized. In a cartogram health, population, morbidity, mortality, prevention, or control measures take the central role of determining the dimensions of the map. Map reading changes in nature; what is striking to the map reader when area is distorted by disease prevalence is not the larger land area, or a bolder color, but those expanded areas where the most is happening with regards to the map topic. This article showcases several instances of disease mapping with cartograms. We focus on the development of cartograms and two cholera epidemics, the one in London in 1848 and the other in Haiti, which began in 2010. Other forms of mapping are introduced to show the value of using several map forms in conjunction with one another.
Rasch Models for Measuring Change
Authors: Meiser Thorsten , Steinwascher Merle , Plieninger Hansjörg
Published: May 2016

This article presents Rasch models for the analysis of longitudinal discrete data and testing specific hypotheses about change. It is shown that Rasch models can be represented in terms of log‐linear models and hierarchical linear or factor models with a logit link function, which allows the specification of Rasch models using general software packages. The use of Rasch models for longitudinal data is illustrated with an empirical example. The final section discusses model extensions for the analysis of polytomous items, multidimensional latent constructs, and items with varying discrimination parameters.
Test Construction: Automated
Authors: Veldkamp Bernard P.
Published: May 2016

Optimal test construction deals with automated assembly of tests for educational and psychological measurement. Items are selected from an item bank to meet a predefined set of test specifications. Several models for optimal test construction are presented, and algorithms for optimal test assembly are discussed. A number of current issues are mentioned.
Computer‐Adaptive Testing
Authors: Luecht Richard M.
Published: May 2016

This article presents an overview of computer‐adaptive testing (CAT). The basic CAT algorithm is introduced, followed by a discussion of item response theory (IRT) test information functions and their role in adaptive testing. Issues such as test efficiency and security risks under CAT are also discussed. This article concludes with a description of four promising CAT variants, including CAT shadow tests, a‐stratified CAT, testlet‐based CAT, and computer‐adaptive multistage testing.
Model Identifiability
Authors: Huang Guan‐Hua
Published: May 2016

A model is identifiable if there is a one‐to‐one correspondence between the probability distribution of the data and the values of model parameters. When applying a nonidentifiable model, different people may draw different conclusions from the same model of the observed data. Before one can meaningfully discuss the estimation of a model, model identifiability must be verified.
Water Quality Modeling
Authors: Whitehead Paul G.
Published: May 2016

In addition to being major sources of water, river systems are used as the principal disposal pathways for industrial, agricultural, and domestic effluent. As demand for water increases and water quality deteriorates, there is a requirement for effective decision‐making techniques that can be applied to solve water quality management problems. Over the past century, increasing effort has been devoted to the development of suitable techniques, largely by engineers, system analysts, and scientists. Since 1912, the Royal Commission on Environmental Pollution in the UK proposed a simple 1–8 ratio for effluent discharge to river flow in an attempt to clean up UK rivers. In the United States, major developments by Streeter and Phelps led to the dissolved oxygen (DO) and biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) equations that enable steady‐state and dynamic modeling of oxygen balances in rivers. Major studies in the area of water quality modeling were undertaken in the United States (e.g., Great Lakes, Delaware Study), the United Kingdom (e.g., Trent Study and Bedford Case Study), and Australia (Peel–Harvey Inlet), and these all evolved new techniques to address major water quality problems. More recently, the INCA (Integrated Nitrogen in Catchments) family of models has been developed to link hydrology, water quality, and ecology across catchment systems.
Nanostructure/Swelling Relationships of Bulk and Thin‐Film PFSA Ionomers
Authors: Kusoglu Ahmet , Dursch Thomas J. , Weber Adam Z.
Published: May 2016

Perfluorinated sulfonic acid (PFSA) ionomers are the most widely used solid electrolyte in electrochemical technologies due to their remarkable ionic conductivity with simultanous mechanical stability, imparted by their phase‐separated morphology. In this work, the morphology and swelling of PFSA ionomers (Nafion and 3M) as bulk membranes (>10 μm) and dispersion‐cast thin films (<100 nm) are investigated to identify the roles of equivalent weight (EW) and side‐chain length across lengthscales. Humidity‐dependent structural changes as well as different PFSA chemistries are explored in the thin‐film regime, allowing for the development of thickness‐EW phase diagrams. The ratio of macroscopic (thickness) to nanoscopic (domain spacing) swelling during hydration is found to be affine (1:1) in thin films, but increases as the thickness approaches bulk values, revealing the existence of a mesoscale organization governing the multiscale swelling in PFSAs. Ionomer chemistry, in particular EW, is found to play a key role in altering the confinement‐driven structural changes, including thin‐film anisotropy, with phase separation becoming weaker as the film thickness is reduced below 25 nm or as EW is increased. For the lower‐EW 3M PFSA ionomers, confinement appears to induce even stronger phase separation accompanied by domain alignment parallel to the substrate.
Stimuli‐Regulated Enzymatically Degradable Smart Graphene‐Oxide‐Polymer Nanocarrier Facilitating Photothermal Gene Delivery
Authors: Kim Hyunwoo , Kim Jinhwan , Lee Minkyung , Choi Hee Cheul , Kim Won Jong
Published: May 2016

Graphene oxide (GO) has attracted huge interest in the area of biomedical application due to its unique physicochemical properties, but the issue of long‐term toxicity in the body remains unclear. Here, the rationally designed GO nanocarriers (ssPEG‐PEI‐GO) modified with polyethylene glycol (PEG) and branched polyethylenimine (BPEI) via disulfide linkage are described to control the biological activity of GO as a delivery carrier and its degradation in biological systems. The ssPEG‐PEI‐GO efficiently interacts with plasmid DNA (pDNA) to form a stable nanocomplex by electrostatic interaction. After cellular uptake, ssPEG‐PEI‐GO/pDNA complex can easily escape from endosomes by photothermal conversion of GO upon near‐infrared irradiation and subsequent photothermally induced endosome disruption. After endosomal escape, reducing intracellular environment enables polymer dissociation and rapid gene release and therefore shows enhanced gene transfection efficiency with low toxicity in comparison with non‐reducible amide‐functionalized GO nanocarriers (amPEG‐PEI‐GO) and control BPEIs. Besides, dePEGylated GO nanocarrier, owing to its disulfide bond, exhibits higher entrapment by macrophages compared with amide‐functionalized one and subsequently degrades in macrophage. The degradation process can be monitored by photoluminescence emitted from degraded GO. These results suggest new directions in the design of biodegradable and multifunctional GO‐based nanocarrier for biomedical application.
Highly Efficient Bipolar Deep‐Blue Fluorescent Emitters for Solution‐Processed Non‐Doped Organic Light‐Emitting Diodes Based on 9,9‐Dimethyl‐9,10‐dihydroacridine/Phenanthroimadazole Derivatives
Authors: Reddy Saripally Sudhaker , Sree Vijaya Gopalan , Gunasekar Kumarasamy , Cho Woosum , Gal Yeong‐Soon , Song Myungkwan , Kang Jae‐Wook , Jin Sung‐Ho
Published: May 2016

Highly efficient, solution‐processed, deep‐blue fluorescent emitters are urgently required to realize inexpensive organic light‐emitting diodes (OLEDs) for full‐color displays and lighting applications. Herein, two new bipolar fluorescent emitters: 2‐(4‐(7‐(9,9‐dimethylacridin‐10(9H)‐yl)‐9,9‐diethyl‐9H‐fluoren‐2‐yl)phenyl)‐1‐phenyl‐1H‐phenanthro[9,10‐d]imidazole (AFpPPI) and 2‐(3‐(7‐(9,9‐dimethylacridin‐10(9H)‐yl)‐9,9‐diethyl‐9H‐fluoren‐2‐yl)phenyl)‐1‐phenyl‐1H‐phenanthro[9,10‐d]imidazole (AFmPPI) are rationally designed and synthesized. These two are afforded from 9,9‐dimethyl‐9,10‐dihydroacridine (DMACR) as an electron donor and phenylphenanthroimadazole (PPI) as an electron acceptor, using 9,9‐diethylfluorene as a spacer with different substitution isomers (para or meta). The photophysical, electrochemical, thermal, and charge‐transport properties, as well as the electronic distribution of AFpPPI and AFmPPI are investigated and the results are well supported by density functional theory (DFT) and semi‐classical Marcus theory. Interestingly, AFpPPI and AFmPPI display deep‐blue emission with high fluorescence quantum yields (ΦF). Furthermore, solution‐processed, non‐doped OLEDs were fabricated with AFpPPI and AFmPPI as an emitter, in which AFpPPI delivered a maximum external quantum efficiency (EQE) of 5.76% with Commission Internationale de l'Eclairage (CIE) coordinates of (0.15, 0.10) and a maximum current efficiency (CE) of 5.39 cd A−1, which is the best performance for deep‐blue, solution‐processed fluorescent OLEDs based on non‐doped bipolar emitters.
Beyond Traditional RAFT: Alternative Activation of Thiocarbonylthio Compounds for Controlled Polymerization
Authors: McKenzie Thomas G. , Fu Qiang , Uchiyama Mineto , Satoh Kotaro , Xu Jiangtao , Boyer Cyrille , Kamigaito Masami , Qiao Greg G.
Published: May 2016

Recent developments in polymerization reactions utilizing thiocarbonylthio compounds have highlighted the surprising versatility of these unique molecules. The increasing popularity of reversible addition–fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) radical polymerization as a means of producing well‐defined, ‘controlled’ synthetic polymers is largely due to its simplicity of implementation and the availability of a wide range of compatible reagents. However, novel modes of thiocarbonylthio activation can expand the technique beyond the traditional system (i.e., employing a free radical initiator) pushing the applicability and use of thiocarbonylthio compounds even further than previously assumed. The primary advances seen in recent years are a revival in the direct photoactivation of thiocarbonylthio compounds, their activation via photoredox catalysis, and their use in cationic polymerizations. These synthetic approaches and their implications for the synthesis of controlled polymers represent a significant advance in polymer science, with potentially unforeseen benefits and possibilities for further developments still ahead. This Research News aims to highlight key works in this area while also clarifying the differences and similarities of each system.
A Porous Metal–Organic Framework Assembled by [Cu30] Nanocages: Serving as Recyclable Catalysts for CO2 Fixation with Aziridines
Authors: Xu Hang , Liu Xiao‐Fang , Cao Chun‐Shuai , Zhao Bin , Cheng Peng , He Liang‐Nian
Published: May 2016

Based on a novel ligand 5‐(2,6‐bis(4‐carboxyphenyl)pyridin‐4‐yl)isophthalic acid (H4BCP) with large skeletons, a unique porous framework {[Cu2(BCP)(H2O)2]·3DMF}n (1) assembled by nano‐sized and censer‐like [Cu30] cages is successfully obtained and structurally characterized. In 1, the large 1D channel in frameworks and window size in the nanocages can enrich methylene blue and capture CO2, exhibiting the promising applications in environmental protection. More importantly, the explorations on the cycloaddition reaction of CO2 and aziridines with various substituents suggest that 1 can serve as an efficient heterogeneous catalyst for CO2 conversion with aziridines in a solvent‐free system, which can be reused at least ten times without any obvious loss in catalytic activity. This is the first example of metal–organic framework (MOF)‐based catalysts in converting CO2 into high‐value oxazolidinones through activating aziridines and CO2, further extending the applications of MOFs materials in catalysis.
Formation of Uniform N‐doped Carbon‐Coated SnO2 Submicroboxes with Enhanced Lithium Storage Properties
Authors: Zhou Xiaosi , Yu Le , Lou Xiong Wen (David)
Published: May 2016

Rational design and preparation of SnO2‐based materials with superior electrochemical performance for lithium‐ion batteries are highly desirable. In this work, the synthesis of SnO2/nitrogen‐doped carbon (SnO2/NC) submicroboxes with excellent lithium storage properties is reported. The as‐synthesized SnO2/NC submicroboxes are highly porous with a high specific surface area of 125 m2 g−1, well‐defined hollow structure (around 400 nm in size) with a shell thickness of 40 nm, and ultrasmall SnO2 nanoparticles uniformly coated with nitrogen‐doped carbon layer. As a result, the SnO2/NC submicroboxes show outstanding electrochemical performance as an anode material for lithium‐ion batteries. A high reversible capacity of 491 mAh g−1 can be retained after 100 cycles at a current density of 0.5 A g−1.
Systematic integrated process design and control of binary element reactive distillation processes
Authors: Mansouri Seyed Soheil , Huusom Jakob Kjøbsted , Gani Rafiqul , Sales‐Cruz Mauricio
Published: May 2016

Integrated process design and control of reactive distillation processes is considered through a computer‐aided framework. First, a set of simple design methods for reactive distillation column (RDC) that are similar in concept to nonreactive distillation design methods are extended to design‐control of RDCs. These methods are based on the element concept where the reacting system of compounds is represented as elements. When only two elements are needed to represent the reacting system of more than two compounds, a binary element system is identified. It is shown that the same design‐control principles that apply to a nonreacting binary system of compounds are also valid for a reactive binary system of elements for distillation columns. Application of this framework shows that designing the reactive distillation process at the maximum driving force results in a feasible and reliable design of the process as well as the controller structure. © 2016 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 62: 3137–3154, 2016
A recessive syndrome of intellectual disability, moderate overgrowth, and renal dysplasia predisposing to Wilms tumor is caused by a mutation inFIBPgene
Authors: Akawi Nadia , Ben‐Salem Salma , Lahti Laura , Partanen Juha , Ali Bassam R. , Al‐Gazali Lihadh
Published: May 2016

Clinical classification of overgrowth syndromes represents a challenge since a wide spectrum of disorders result in marked overgrowth. Therefore, there is a continuous effort to identify the genetic basis of these disorders that will eventually facilitate their molecular classification. Here, we have identified the genetic etiology and the pathogenetic mechanism underlying a rare autosomal recessive overgrowth syndrome in three affected siblings. The overgrowth phenotype in the patients was accompanied by developmental delay, learning disabilities, and variable congenital abnormalities. To elucidate the genetic etiology of the disorder, whole‐genome genotyping and whole‐exome sequencing were used. The disease was mapped to 3p21.1‐p14.2 and 11q13.1‐q13.4, where an in‐frame insertion (c.175_176insTAA) inFIBPgene was revealed. The resulting indel (p.H59LN) was predicted to change the protein conformation with likely deleterious effect on its function as one of the fibroblast growth factor signaling mediators. In vitro cellular proliferation assay and in situ hypridization in vivo were then performed to understand the pathophysiology of the disease. The patients’ skin fibroblasts showed an increased proliferation capacity compared to the controls’ explaining the observed overgrowth phenotype. In addition, we detectedFibpexpression most notably in the brains of mice embryos suggesting a possible effect on cognitive functions early in development. To date, only one patient has been reported with a homozygous nonsense mutation inFIBPexhibiting an overgrowth syndrome with multiple congenital abnormalities. Taken all together, these findings provide convincing evidence implicatingFIBPaberrations in the newly recognized overgrowth syndrome and expand the associated phenotypes to include possible Wilms tumor predisposition. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The role of protein intrinsic disorder in major psychiatric disorders
Authors: Tovo‐Rodrigues Luciana , Recamonde‐Mendoza Mariana , Paixão‐Côrtes Vanessa Rodrigues , Bruxel Estela M. , Schuch Jaqueline B. , Friedrich Deise C. , Rohde Luis A. , Hutz Mara H.
Published: May 2016

Although new candidate genes for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Schizophrenia (SCZ), Attention‐Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), and Bipolar Disorder (BD) emerged from genome‐wide association studies (GWAS), their underlying molecular mechanisms remain poorly understood. Evidences of the involvement of intrinsically disordered proteins in diseases have grown in the last decade. These proteins lack tridimensional structure under physiological conditions and are involved in important cellular functions such as signaling, recognition and regulation. The aim of the present study was to identify the role and abundance of intrinsically disordered proteins in a set of psychiatric diseases and to test whether diseases are different regarding protein intrinsic disorder. Our hypothesis is that differences across psychiatric illnesses phenotypes and symptoms may arise from differences in intrinsic protein disorder content and properties of each group. A bioinformatics prediction of intrinsic disorder was performed in proteins retrieved based on top findings from GWAS, Copy Number Variation and candidate gene investigations for each disease. This approach revealed that about 80% of studied proteins presented long stretches of disorder. This amount was significantly higher than that observed in general eukaryotic proteins, and those involved in cardiovascular diseases. These results suggest that proteins with intrinsic disorder are a common feature of neurodevelopment and synaptic transmission processes which are potentially involved in the etiology of psychiatric diseases. Moreover, we identified differences between ADHD and ASD when the binary prediction of structure and putative binding sites were compared. These differences may be related to variation in symptom complexity between both diseases. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Gerüstdiversitätsbasierte Synthese und ihre Anwendung bei der Sonden‐ und Wirkstoffsuche
Authors: Garcia‐Castro Miguel , Zimmermann Stefan , Sankar Muthukumar G. , Kumar Kamal
Published: May 2016

Die Gerüstdiversität ist ein entscheidendes Merkmal von Verbindungskollektionen, das einen großen Einfluss auf deren Erfolg beim biologischen Screening hat. Die Synthese hochkomplexer und verschiedenartiger Gerüste, die beispielsweise auf Naturstoffen aufbauen könnte, ist eine mühsame Aufgabe, die in einer Reihe von Aspekten der organischen Synthese und Strukturanalyse Fachkompetenz erfordert. Diese Herausforderung wurde mithilfe etlicher Synthesemodelle angegangen, die Naturstoffe als Quelle der Gerüstdiversität einsetzen, passend gestaltete gängige Intermediate in verschiedene Molekülgerüste umwandeln oder zu hochpräzisen Synthesewegen für etliche unterschiedliche und komplexe Gerüste führen. In diesem Kurzaufsatz stellen wir neue Ansätze zur Synthese verschiedenartiger und komplexer Gerüste sowie die Anwendung der resultierenden Verbindungskollektionen bei der Suche nach Wirkstoffen und Sonden vor.
Total Synthesis of (+)‐Minfiensine: Construction of the Tetracyclic Core Structure by an Asymmetric Cascade Cyclization
Authors: Zhang Ze‐Xin , Chen Si‐Cong , Jiao Lei
Published: May 2016

A new method for one‐step construction of the tetracyclic core structure of the indole alkaloid (+)‐minfiensine was developed utilizing a palladium‐catalyzed asymmetric indole dearomatization/iminium cyclization cascade. An efficient total synthesis of (+)‐minfiensine was realized using this strategy. The present method enables access to the common core structure of a series of monoterpene indole alkaloids, such as vincorine, echitamine, and aspidosphylline A.
Scaffold Diversity Synthesis and Its Application in Probe and Drug Discovery
Authors: Garcia‐Castro Miguel , Zimmermann Stefan , Sankar Muthukumar G. , Kumar Kamal
Published: May 2016

Scaffold diversity is a crucial feature of compound collections that has a huge impact on their success in biological screenings. The synthesis of highly complex and diverse scaffolds, which could be based on natural products, for example, is an arduous task that requires expertise in various aspects of organic synthesis and structural analysis. This challenge has been addressed by a number of synthesis designs, which employ natural products as a source of scaffold diversity, transform suitably designed common intermediates into various molecular frameworks, or entail highly concise synthetic routes to a number of distinct and complex scaffolds. In this Minireview, we highlight recent synthetic developments towards the construction of diverse and complex scaffolds and the application of the resulting compound collections in drug and probe discovery.
Resistant in‐stent restenosis in the drug eluting stent era
Authors: Theodoropoulos Kleanthis , Mennuni Marco G. , Dangas George D. , Meelu Omar A. , Bansilal Sameer , Baber Usman , Sartori Samantha , Kovacic Jason C. , Moreno Pedro R. , Sharma Samin K. , Mehran Roxana , Kini Annapoorna S.
Published: May 2016

Background

In the drug eluting stent (DES) era, repeat in‐stent restenosis (ISR) of the same coronary lesion, despite percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), is a rare but challenging problem that has not been reported. We aim to describe what we propose as the occurrence of “resistant”‐ISR (R‐ISR) in the DES era, including angiographic patterns and outcomes.

Methods

We defined R‐ISR as the recurrence of an ISR episode after successful treatment of the same lesion. We identified 276 consecutive patients with 291 lesions who had R‐ISR between May 2003 and June 2012. Quantitative coronary angiography (QCA) was performed for the first and second ISR episodes. Outcomes at one year, including death, myocardial infarction (MI), and target lesion failure (TLF), were analyzed.

Results

Patients with R‐ISR had a high frequency of diabetes (62%), chronic kidney disease (39%), bifurcation lesions (51%), and moderate to severe calcified lesions (52%). The most common pattern of R‐ISR was focal (77%). R‐ISR lesions were treated with DES implantation (55%) or balloon‐only strategy (45%). The mortality rate and TLF at 2‐years were 9.3% and 51% respectively. The overall 2‐year TLF rate did not vary with the originally implanted stent, angiographic pattern (focal versus diffuse), or revascularization strategy.

Conclusions

R‐ISR appears to consist predominantly of focal lesions and occurs in patients at high clinical and angiographic risk, conceivably owing to their unique diabetic and coronary calcification profile. Clinical outcomes are suboptimal irrespective of angiographic pattern or treatment strategy, indicating the recalcitrant nature of the disease, and need for aggressive treatment of cardiovascular risk factors and novel interventional approaches. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Utility of the HAS‐BLED Score in Risk Stratifying Patients on Dual Antiplatelet Therapy Post 12 Months After Drug‐Eluting Stent Placement
Authors: Shah Ruchit R. , Pillai Ajay , Omar Abdullah , Zhao John , Arora Vishal , Kapoor Deepak , Poommipanit Paul
Published: May 2016

Introduction

Current guidelines recommend continuation of dual anti‐platelet therapy (DAPT) for 12 months after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Recent studies have shown benefit in continuing DAPT beyond 12 months but at the risk of increase bleeding. To date, there has been little data on risk stratifying patients to determine who can continue DAPT beyond 12 months at minimal bleeding risk. Methods: All patients who underwent drug‐eluting stent (DES) placement from January 1, 2013 to September 30, 2014 were reviewed. Patients who had follow‐up for at least 12 months, placement of 2nd generation everolimus‐coated DES, and were on DAPT for at least 12 months were included. Patients with a history of atrial fibrillation, follow‐up time less than 12 months, or were on concurrent oral anticoagulation therapy were excluded. Results: Five hundred thirty‐one patients were analyzed as described above. Two hundred two patients included in our study with 7 patients in the bleeding cohort and 195 patients in no‐bleed cohort. The HAS‐BLED score in patients who had a bleeding episode vs. those who did not was 3.29 vs. 2.24 (P value of 0.0009). Although not statistically significant, patients who had a bleeding episode were more likely to have renal dysfunction, alcohol use, be on prasugrel, and be on 325mg of aspirin. Conclusion: The study shows that the HAS‐BLED score can be of utility in risk stratifying patients in determining who can continue DAPT beyond 12 months. Furthermore, a HAS‐BLED score of less than 2 may help guide extended DAPT beyond 12 months at minimal bleeding risk. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Removal of Tl(I) Ions From Aqueous Solution Using Fe@Fe2O3 Core‐Shell Nanowires
Authors: Deng Hongmei , Zhang Zijun , Xu Nan , Chen Yongheng , Wu Honghai , Liu Tao , Ye Hengpeng
Published: May 2016

A unique nanoscale zero‐valent iron, Fe@Fe2O3 core–shell nanowire (FCSN) was synthesized and evaluated as adsorbent for effective removal of thallium(Ι) ions. Adsorption of Tl(I) onto FCSNs was pH‐independent and strongly dependent on ionic strength. However, even under high ionic strength condition, the FCSNs still showed fairly good adsorption capacity (distribution coefficient, Kd, = 103 ∼ 104 mL/g). The Tl(Ι) adsorption reached equilibrium within 180 min, and followed the pseudo‐second‐order rate equation. The adsorption capacity is 17.8 mg/g with an initial Tl(Ι) concentration of 10 mg/L at 303 K. The adsorption equilibrium data were fitted better by the Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm than the D–R isotherm. The thermodynamic parameters were estimated and the ΔH0 and ΔG0 values revealed Tl(Ι) adsorption on FCSNs was an endothermic and spontaneous process. The desorption and regeneration studies demonstrated that FCSNs still retained high Tl(I) removal efficiency after five consecutive adsorption–desorption processes. The as‐prepared and Tl‐loaded FCSNs were characterized by X‐ray powder diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy, and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy to identify elements and structure of the FCSNs, and verify the removal mechanisms. The characterization results suggested that the possible removal mechanism involved the dominant Tl(I) sorption, followed by the partial transformation of Tl(I) into Tl2O, precipitating on the surface of FCSNs without any redox reaction taking place. These results suggest that FCSNs may be the potential sorbents for the detoxication of Tl(Ι) from aqueous solution.
Kinetic Modeling for Simultaneous Biodegradation of Phenol and Formaldehyde at Inhibitory Concentrations by Ralstonia eutropha
Authors: Habibi Alireza , Sharifi Shahin
Published: May 2016

The degradation of phenol and formaldehyde (FA) at different concentrations as single or binary systems were experimentally investigated by a pure culture of Ralstonia eutropha in a batch mixed bioreactor operated at 30°C, initial pH 6.5, an aeration rate of 0.5 vvm, and 200 rpm, to determine the kinetics parameters of the processes. In single substrate experiments, the results of the kinetics studies with the Andrews and Noack equation showed that phenol and FA had a self‐inhibitory effect on their biodegradation when the initial concentration was higher than 284.1 and 215.4 mg L−1, respectively. In addition, kinetics studies indicated that partial non‐competitive enzyme inhibition could be used to describe the interactional effects of phenol and FA in the simultaneous biodegradation process. According to the non‐competitive inhibition kinetics applied, the inhibitory constant of phenol on FA biodegradation (KI 1→2) and partiality factor (β1→2) were estimated to be 81.31 mg L−1 and 0.357. In order to describe the effect of FA concentration on the phenol biodegradation, the following results were obtained: KI 2→1 = 37.63 and β2→1 = 0.171 mg L−1. The prediction capacity of the estimated parameters was examined using a model which could describe the dynamic feature of the bioprocesses.
CD11c.DTR mice develop a fatal fulminant myocarditis after local or systemic treatment with diphtheria toxin
Authors: Männ Linda , Kochupurakkal Nora , Martin Christian , Verjans Eva , Klingberg Anika , Sody Simon , Kraus Andreas , Dalimot Jill , Bergmüller Eileen , Jung Steffen , Voortman Sylvia , Winterhager Elke , Brandau Sven , Garbi Natalio , Kurrer Michael , Eriksson Urs , Gunzer Matthias , Hasenberg Mike
Published: May 2016

To assess the role of alveolar macrophages (AMs) during a pulmonaryAspergillus fumigatusinfection AMs were depleted by intratracheal application of diphtheria toxin (DTX) to transgenic CD11c.DTR mice prior to fungal infection. Unexpectedly, all CD11c.DTR mice treated with DTX died within 4–5 days, whether being infected withA. fumigatusor not. Despite measurable impact of DTX on lung functional parameters, these constrictions could not explain the high mortality rate. Instead, DTX‐treated CD11c.DTR animals developed fulminant myocarditis (FM) characterized by massive leukocyte infiltration and myocardial cell destruction, including central parts of the heart's stimulus transmission system. In fact, standard limb lead ECG recordings of diseased but not healthy mice showed a “Brugada”‐like pattern with an abnormally high ST segment pointing to enhanced susceptibility for potential lethal arrhythmias. While CD11c.DTR mice are extensively used for the characterization of CD11c+cells, including dendritic cells, several studies have already mentioned adverse side effects following DTX treatment. Our results demonstrate that this limitation is based on severe myocarditis but not on the expected lung constrictions, and has to be taken into consideration if this animal model is used. Based on these properties, however, the CD11c.DTR mouse might serve as useful animal model for FM.
Vibrational–Structural Combined Study into Luminescent Mixed Copper(I)/Copper(II) Cyanide Coordination Polymers
Authors: Grifasi Francesca , Priola Emanuele , Chierotti Michele R. , Diana Eliano , Garino Claudio , Gobetto Roberto
Published: May 2016

Herein, we report the characterization of a series of CuCN‐based coordination polymers that display different crystal packing and electronic properties, namely, [Na2Cu(CN)3·3H2O]n (1), [Cu4(CN)5(NH3)2(H2O)]n (2), [Cu3(CN)4(NH3)3]n (3), [Cu3(CN)3(O)0.25(NH3)]n (4), [Cu5(CN)6(NH3)4]n (5), and [Cu5(CN)6(NH3)2]n (6). Spectroscopic evidence of the presence of ammonia molecules coordinated to the metal centers is provided, in particular for 4, which is a new structure. The characterization has been performed by single‐crystal XRD (SCXRD), micro‐ IR spectroscopy, micro‐Raman spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The photophysical properties have been studied through solid‐state luminescence spectroscopy by acquiring the emission and excitation spectra and evaluating the emission quantum yields, which is an approach that has recently grown in importance in the solid‐state field. The goals of this work are (1) to elucidate the correlation between the luminescence properties and the presence of either CuI or mixed CuI/CuII oxidation states, (2) to evaluate the presence of NH3, H2O, or both in the polymers through a combined crystallographic–spectroscopic study, and (3) to rationalize the supramolecular architecture and its influence on the resulting luminescence.
The New Application of Boron Doped Diamond Electrode Modified with Nafion and Lead Films for Simultaneous Voltammetric Determination of Dopamine and Paracetamol
Authors: Tyszczuk‐Rotko Katarzyna , Sadok Ilona
Published: May 2016

A new voltammetric procedure for the simultaneous determination of dopamine (DA) and paracetamol (PA) using boron doped diamond electrode modified with Nafion and lead films (PbF/Nafion/BDDE) was investigated. The use of this electrode resolved the overlapped voltammetric waves of DA and PA into well‐defined peaks with peak to peak separation of about 320 mV. Under the optimized experimental conditions in differential pulse voltammetric technique, DA and PA gave a linear response over the ranges 2.0×10−7–1.0×10−4 mol L−1*(R2=0.9996) and 5.0×10−7–1.0×10−3 mol L−1 (R2=0.9979), respectively. The detection limits were found to be 5.4×10−8 mol L−1 for DA and 1.4×10−7 mol L−1 for PA. They are lower, comparable or in some cases a little bit higher than those obtained using other electrochemical sensors. However, the proposed procedure of the sensor preparation is much simpler than procedures described in the literature with a lower detection limit. The proposed procedure was successfully applied to the determination of PA in some commercial pharmaceuticals as well as to the simultaneous determination of DA and PA in human urine, whole blood and serum samples directly without any separation steps.
Mass spectrometry‐based proteomics of oxidative stress: Identification of 4‐hydroxy‐2‐nonenal (HNE) adducts of amino acids using lysozyme and bovine serum albumin as model proteins
Authors: Aslebagh Roshanak , Pfeffer Bruce A. , Fliesler Steven J. , Darie Costel C.
Published: May 2016

Modification of proteins by 4‐hydroxy‐2‐nonenal (HNE), a reactive by‐product of ω6 polyunsaturated fatty acid oxidation, on specific amino acid residues is considered a biomarker for oxidative stress, as occurs in many metabolic, hereditary, and age‐related diseases. HNE modification of amino acids can occur either via Michael addition or by formation of Schiff‐base adducts. These modifications typically occur on cysteine (Cys), histidine (His), and/or lysine (Lys) residues, resulting in an increase of 156 Da (Michael addition) or 138 Da (Schiff‐base adducts), respectively, in the mass of the residue. Here, we employed biochemical and mass spectrometry (MS) approaches to determine the MS “signatures” of HNE‐modified amino acids, using lysozyme and BSA as model proteins. Using direct infusion of unmodified and HNE‐modified lysozyme into an electrospray quadrupole time‐of‐flight mass spectrometer, we were able to detect up to seven HNE modifications per molecule of lysozyme. Using nanoLC‐MS/MS, we found that, in addition to N‐terminal amino acids, Cys, His, and Lys residues, HNE modification of arginine (Arg), threonine (Thr), tryptophan (Trp), and histidine (His) residues can also occur. These sensitive and specific methods can be applied to the study of oxidative stress to evaluate HNE modification of proteins in complex mixtures from cells and tissues under diseased versus normal conditions.
Biochemical characterization and molecular modeling of a unique lipase from Staphylococcus arlettae JPBW‐1
Authors: Chauhan Mamta , Yennamalli Ragothaman M. , Garlapati Vijay Kumar
Published: May 2016

A three‐step purification of a unique lipase with halo‐, solvent‐, detergent‐, and thermo‐tolerance from Staphylococcus arlettae JPBW‐1 gave raise to a 27‐fold purification with a specific activity of 32.5 U/mg. The molecular weight of the purified lipase was estimated to be 45 kDa using SDS–PAGE, and its amino acid sequence was characterized using MALDI‐TOF‐MS analysis. The sequence obtained from MALDI‐TOF‐MS showed significant similarity with the capsular polysaccharide biosynthesis protein (CapD) of Staphylococcus aureus through comparative modeling approach using ROBETTA server. Identification of responsible fragments for homodimer formation was performed using comparative modeling and substrate binding domain through C‐terminus matching of this new lipase with the CapD of Staphylococcus aureus was executed. Thus, the experimental coupled molecular modeling postulated a structure–activity relationship of lipase from S. arlettae JPBW‐1, a potential candidate for detergent, leather, pulp, and paper industries.
A Review of Hydrogen/Halogen Flow Cells
Authors: Cho Kyu Taek , Tucker Michael C. , Weber Adam Z.
Published: May 2016

Flow batteries provide an energy‐storage solution for various grid‐related stability and service issues that arise as renewable‐energy‐generation technologies are adopted. Among the most promising flow‐battery systems are those using hydrogen/halogen redox couples, which promise the possibility of meeting the cost target of the US Department of Energy (DOE), due to their fast and reversible kinetics and low materials cost. However, significant critical issues and barriers for their adoption remain. In this review of halogen/hydrogen systems, technical and performance issues, and research and development progress are reviewed. The information in this review can be used as a technical guide for research and development of related redox‐flow‐battery systems and other electrochemical technologies.
Sensitivity‐guided decision‐making for wind farm micro‐siting
Authors: Ulker Fatma , Allaire Douglas , Willcox Karen
Published: May 2016

This paper presents a quantitative risk assessment for design and development of a renewable energy system to support decision‐making among design alternatives. Throughout the decision‐making phases, resources are allocated among exploration and exploitation tasks to manage the uncertainties in design parameters and to adapt designs to new information for enhanced performance. The resource allocation problem is formulated as a sequential decision feedback loop for a quantitative analysis of exploration and exploitation trade‐offs. We support decision‐making by tracking the evolution of uncertainties, the sensitivity of design alternatives to the uncertainties, and the performance, reliability, and robustness of each design. This is achieved by analyzing the uncertainties in the wind resource, the turbine performance and operation, and the models that define the power curve and wake deficiency. Comparison of the performance, reliability, and robustness of aligned and staggered turbine layouts before and after wind assessment experiments aids in improving micro‐siting decisions. The results demonstrate that design decisions can be supported by efficiently allocating resources towards improved estimates of achievable design objectives and by quantitatively assessing the risk in meeting those objectives. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synthesis of Macrocyclic Lactones via Ring Transformation of 4‐(ω‐Hydroxyalkyl)‐1,3‐oxazol‐5(4H)‐ones
Authors: Fritschi Stephan P. , Linden Anthony , Heimgartner Heinz
Published: May 2016

The synthesis of α‐benzamido‐α‐benzyl lactones 23 of various ring size was achieved either via ‘direct amide cyclization’ by treatment of 2‐benzamido‐2‐benzyl‐ω‐hydroxy‐N,N‐dimethylalkanamides 21 in toluene at 90 – 110° with HCl gas or by ‘ring transformation’ of 4‐benzyl‐4‐(ω‐hydroxyalkyl)‐2‐phenyl‐1,3‐oxazol‐5(4H)‐ones under the same conditions. The precursors were obtained by C‐alkylations of 4‐benzyl‐2‐phenyl‐1,3‐oxazol‐5(4H)‐one (15) with THP‐ or TBDMS‐protected ω‐hydroxyalkyl iodides. Ring opening of the THP‐protected oxazolones by treatment with Me2NH followed by deprotection of the OH group gave the diamides 21, whereas deprotection of the TBDMS series of oxazolones 25 with TBAF followed by treatment with HCl gas led to the corresponding lactones 23 in a one‐pot reaction.
Analytical and statistical approach for evaluating the effects of a river barrage on river–aquifer interactions
Authors: Oh Yun‐Yeong , Hamm Se‐Yeong , Yoon Heesung , Kim Gyoo‐Bum
Published: May 2016

The construction of a river barrage can increase groundwater levels upstream of the barrage during the rainy season. Analytical and statistical approaches were applied to evaluate the relationship between groundwater and river water at the Changnyeong–Haman river barrage in Korea using time series data of water level and electrical conductivity from June 2011 to September 2014. An artificial neural network based time series model was designed to filter out the effect of rainfall from the groundwater level data in the study area. Aquifer diffusivity and river resistance were estimated from the analytical solution of a one‐dimensional unit step response function by using the filtered groundwater level data. River resistance increased in response to groundwater level fluctuations. Cross‐correlation analyses between the groundwater and the river water showed that the lag time increased during the observation period for both the water level and the electrical conductivity while the cross‐correlation function declined for the same period. The results indicated that a constant river stage maintained at the river barrage can weaken the hydrologic stress and reduce the exchange of material between the river and the adjacent aquifer because of the deposition of fine sediment on the river bottom and walls. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Assessment of the flow regime alterations in the middle reach of the Yangtze River associated with dam construction: potential ecological implications
Authors: Wang Yuankun , Rhoads Bruce L. , Wang Dong
Published: May 2016

Hydrological regimes strongly influence the biotic diversity of river ecosystems by structuring physical habitat within river channels and on floodplains. Modification of hydrological regimes by dam construction can have important consequences for river ecosystems. This study examines the impacts of the construction of two dams, the Gezhouba Dam and the Three Gorges Dam, on the hydrological regime of the Yangtze River in China. Analysis of hydrological change before and after dam construction is investigated by evaluating changes in the medians and ranges of variability of 33 hydrological parameters. Results show that the hydrological impact of the Gezhouba Dam is relatively small, affecting mainly the medians and variability of low flows, the rate of rise, and the number of hydrological reversals. The closure of the Three Gorges Dam has substantially altered the downstream flow regime, affecting the seasonal distribution of flows, the variability of flows, the magnitude of minimum flows, low‐flow pulses, the rate of rise, and hydrological reversals. These changes in flow regime have greatly influenced the aquatic biodiversity and fish community structure within the Yangtze River. In particular, populations of migratory fish have been negatively impacted. The results help to identify the magnitudes of hydrological alteration associated with the construction of dams on this important large river and also provide useful information to guide strategies aimed at restoration of the river's ecosystems. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.