bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Automatic Mode Switching Method for Torque Priority Control of IPMSM Considering Voltage Saturation
Authors: Nakama Takao , Hanada Toshihiro , Ohishi Kiyoshi , Makishima Shingo , Uezono Keiichi , Yasukawa Shinobu
Published: December 2014

This paper proposes a new current control method for an interior permanent magnet synchronous motor (IPMSM). In the case of ac motor control, two‐axis current feedback control is performed to control the voltage amplitude and phase. When the inverter voltage is saturated, current control is achieved by controlling the voltage phase. Conventional techniques require switching the mode of the control system from variable voltage mode to voltage saturation mode. However, in the conventional techniques, transient voltage saturation occurs due to switching the control system. The proposed method achieves current control in the variable voltage mode and voltage saturation mode without switching the control system. Moreover, the current response is not affected by the rotor speed. Numerical simulation results and experimental results confirm the effectiveness of the proposed current control method.
Synthesis and Reactions of PdII Complexes with Aryl, Aroyl, and Iminoaroyl Ligands – Insertion of CO and RNC into the Pd–Ar Bond and Intermolecular Coupling of the Ligands
Authors: Suzaki Yuji , Shirokawa Masanori , Yagyu Takeyoshi , Osakada Kohtaro
Published: December 2014

The arylpalladium(II) complexes [PdIAr(bpy)] (Ar = Ph, C6H3‐3,5‐Me2, C6H4‐4‐OMe, C6H4‐2‐OMe, C6H4‐4‐C6H4‐4‐I, 1‐naphthyl; bpy = 2,2′‐bipyridine) undergo insertion of CO and CNR (R = tBu, C6H3‐2,6‐Me2) into the Pd–aryl bond to produce [PdI(COAr)(bpy)] and [PdI{C(=N–R)Ar}(bpy)]. The dinuclear complex [C6H3‐3,5‐{(OCH2CH2)2C6H4‐3‐PdI(bpy)}2] is synthesized by the oxidative addition reaction of 1,3‐bis[(3‐iodophenyl)‐1,4,7‐trioxaheptyl]benzene to [Pd(dba)2] (dba = dibenzylideneacetone). The addition of AgBF4 to the arylpalladium(II) complexes [PdIAr(bpy)] (Ar = C6H4‐4‐OMe, C6H4‐2‐OMe, 1‐naphthyl) produces the intermolecular coupling products of the aryl ligands, Ar–Ar. The reactions of AgBF4 with the aroylpalladium(II) complexes [PdI(COAr)(bpy)] (Ar = C6H3‐3,5‐Me2, C6H4‐2‐OMe) result in decarbonylation and intermolecular coupling of the ligands to yield the diarylketones. The iminoaroylpalladium(II) complex [PdI{C(=NtBu)C6H3‐3,5‐Me2}(bpy)] undergoes hydrolysis of the ligand to yield tBuNHCO(C6H3‐3,5‐Me2). The addition of AgBF4 to the dinuclear complex [C6H3‐3,5‐{(OCH2CH2)2C6H4‐3‐PdI(bpy)}2] yields a mixture of the cyclic oligomers cyclo‐[C6H3‐3,5‐{(OCH2CH2)2C6H4‐3‐}2]n (n = 1–4) by inter‐ and intramolecular coupling of the aryl ligands.
Three Polyoxometalate‐Based Coordination Polymers Constructed from the Same Dimetallic Cyclic Building Block
Authors: Gu Min , Ren Yuanhang , Hu Yichen , Tang Min , Kong Zuping , Yue Bin , He Heyong
Published: December 2014

The reactions of silicotungstate, 2,5‐bis(3‐pyridyl)‐1,3,4‐oxadiazole (3‐bpo), and copper, cobalt, or nickel acetate under hydrothermal condition yield the three compounds [(SiW12O40)Cu2(3‐bpo)2(C5H4NCOOH)2]·H2O (1), [(SiW12O40)Co2(3‐bpo)2(C5H4NCOOH)2(H2O)2]·2H2O (2), and [(SiW12O40)Ni2(3‐bpo)2(C5H4NCOOH)2(H2O)2]·3H2O (3), respectively, in which the nicotinic acid ligands are generated from the in situ decomposition of 3‐bpo during the hydrothermal process. In the three structures, the polyoxometalate (POM) serves as the center and is imbedded within the dimetallic cyclic [M2(3‐bpo)2(C5H4NCOOH)2]4+ moiety through coordination bonds to form infinite one‐dimensional (1D) supramolecular snadwich‐like structures. Owing to the difference in the metal ions, the packing style of [Cu2(3‐bpo)2(C5H4NCOOH)2]4+ is different from that of [M2(3‐bpo)2(C5H4NCOOH)2]4+ (M = Co, Ni). The electrochemical behaviors of compounds 1–3 were studied by cyclic voltammetry.
Directed Functionalization of Halophenyl‐2‐oxazolines with TMPMgCl·LiCl
Authors: Batista João H. C. , dos Santos Fernanda M. , Bozzini Leandro A. , Vessecchi Ricardo , Oliveira Alfredo R. M. , Clososki Giuliano C.
Published: December 2014

A variety of difunctionalized aryl‐2‐oxazolines were prepared from the reaction of halophenyl‐2‐oxazolines and TMPMgCl·LiCl to give an organomagnesium reagent, which was then treated with various electrophiles. The metalation step takes place under mild conditions, and this process allows for the isolation of the desired products in good yields. No isomeric or other benzyne‐derived products were detected. The influence of the halogen substituents on the acidity of the aromatic hydrogen atoms was evaluated by using density functional theory (DFT) calculations.
Involvement of the endocannabinoid system in attentional modulation of nociceptive behaviour in rats
Authors: Ford G.K. , Moriarty O. , Okine B.N. , Tully E. , Mulcahy A. , Harhen B. , Finn D.P.
Published: December 2014

Background

Distraction is used clinically to relieve and manage pain. It is hypothesized that pain demands attention and that exposure to another attention‐demanding stimulus causes withdrawal of attention away from painful stimuli, thereby reducing perceived pain. We have recently developed a rat model that provides an opportunity to investigate the neurobiological mechanisms mediating distraction‐induced analgesia, as these mechanisms are, at present, poorly understood. Given the well‐described role of the endogenous cannabinoid (endocannabinoid; EC) system in the modulation of pain and attentional processing, the present study investigated its role in distraction‐induced antinociception in rats.

Methods

Animals received the CB1 receptor antagonist/inverse agonist, rimonabant or vehicle intraperitoneally, 30 min prior to behavioural evaluation. Formalin‐evoked nociceptive behaviour was measured in the presence or absence of a novel‐object distractor. Liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry was used to determine the levels of the endogenous cannabinoids anandamide and 2‐arachidonoylglycerol (2‐AG) in the ventral hippocampus (vHip).

Results

Exposure to a novel object distractor significantly reduced formalin‐evoked nociceptive behaviour. The novel object‐induced reduction in nociceptive behaviour was attenuated by rimonabant. Novel object exposure was also associated with increased tissue levels of anandamide and 2‐AG in the vHip.

Conclusions

These data suggest that the reduction in formalin‐evoked nociceptive behaviour that occurs as a result of exposure to a novel object may be mediated by engagement of the EC system, in particular in the vHip. The results provide evidence that the EC system may be an important neural substrate subserving attentional modulation of pain.
Dual‐Carbon Network for the Effective Transport of Charged Species in a LiFePO4 Cathode for Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Ding Bo , Ji Ge , Sha Zhou , Wu Jishan , Lu Li , Lee Jim Yang
Published: December 2014

Cost and safety considerations have driven up the interest in LiFePO4 as a lithium‐ion battery cathode material. Carbon nanopainting is currently the most common approach to increase the power density of LiFePO4, but more can be done to improve the application performance further. In this study the rate performance of LiFePO4 was increased by using a conductive dual‐carbon network that can extract and conduct electrons from the Li+ storage host more effectively than common pyrolyzed carbon. The dual‐carbon network consists of a connected network of graphene sheets and a nanoscale continuous coating of pyrolyzed conductive carbon on the surface of the aggregated LiFePO4 nanocrystals. Such a construction supports fast electron transport between the aggregated LiFePO4 nanocrystals as well as within them. Consequently the LiFePO4/C composite fabricated as such delivered very high rate performances even at very high discharge rates (104 mAh g−1 at 50 C where 1 C=170 mA g−1).
High fat diet deviates PtC‐specific B1 B cell phagocytosis in obese mice
Authors: Vo Hung , Chiu Joanna , Allaimo Danielle , Mao Changchuin , Wang Yaqi , Gong Yuefei , Ow Hooisweng , Porter Tyrone , Zhong Xuemei
Published: December 2014

Phagocytosis had been attributed predominantly to “professional” phagocytes such as macrophages, which play critical roles in adipose tissue inflammation. However, recently, macrophage‐like phagocytic activity has been reported in B1 B lymphocytes. Intrigued by the long‐established correlation between high fat diet (HFD)‐induced obesity and immune dysfunction, we investigated how HFD affects B1 B cell phagocytosis. A significant number of B1 B cells recognize phosphatidylcholine (PtC), a common phospholipid component of cell membrane. We report here that unlike macrophages, B1 B cells have a unique PtC‐specific phagocytic function. In the presence of both PtC‐coated and non‐PtC control fluorescent nano‐particles, B1 B cells from healthy lean mice selectively engulfed PtC‐coated beads, whereas B1 B cells from HFD‐fed obese mice non‐discriminately phagocytosed both PtC‐coated and control beads. Morphologically, B1 B cells from obese mice resembled macrophages, displaying enlarged cytosol and engulfed more beads. Our study suggests for the first time that HFD can affect B1 B cell phagocytosis, substantiating the link of HFD‐induced obesity and immune deviation.
Computerized tomography of the otic capsule and otoliths in the oyster toadfish, Opsanus tau
Authors: Edds‐Walton Peggy L. , Arruda Julie , Fay Richard R. , Ketten Darlene R.
Published: December 2014

The neurocranium of the toadfish (Opsanus tau) exhibits a distinct translucent region in the otic capsule (OC) that may have functional significance for the auditory pathway. This study used ultrahigh resolution computerized tomography (100 µm voxels) to compare the relative density of three sites along the OC (dorsolateral, midlateral, and ventromedial) and two reference sites (dorsal: supraoccipital crest; ventral: parasphenoid bone) in the neurocranium. Higher attenuation occurs where structural density is greater; thus, we compared the X‐ray attenuations measured, which provided a measure of relative density. The maximum attenuation value was recorded for each of the five sites (x and y) on consecutive sections throughout the OC and for each of the three calcareous otoliths associated with the sensory maculae (lagena, saccule, and utricle) in the OC. All three otoliths had higher attenuations than any sites in the neurocranium. Both dorsal and ventral reference sites (supraoccipital crest and parasphenoid bone, respectively) had attenuation levels consistent with calcified bone and had relatively small, irregular variations along the length of the OC in all individuals. The lowest relative attenuations (lowest densities) occurred consistently at the three sites along the OC. In addition, the lowest attenuations measured along the OC occurred at the ventromedial site around the saccular otolith for all seven fish. The decrease in bone density along the OC is consistent with the hypothesis that there is a low‐density channel in the skull to facilitate transmission of acoustic stimuli to the auditory endorgans of the ear. J. Morphol. 276:228–240, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Chronic fetal hypoxia affects axonal maturation in guinea pigs during development: A longitudinal diffusion tensor imaging and T2 mapping study
Authors: Kim Jieun , Choi In‐Young , Dong Yafeng , Wang Wen‐Tung , Brooks William M. , Weiner Carl P. , Lee Phil
Published: December 2014

Purpose

To investigate the impact of chronic hypoxia on neonatal brains, and follow developmental alterations and adaptations noninvasively in a guinea pig model. Chronic hypoxemia is the prime cause of fetal brain injury and long‐term sequelae such as neurodevelopmental compromise, seizures, and cerebral palsy.

Materials and Methods

Thirty guinea pigs underwent either normoxic and hypoxemic conditions during the critical stage of brain development (0.7 gestation) and studied prenatally (n = 16) or perinatally (n = 14). Fourteen newborns (7 hypoxia and 7 normoxia group) were scanned longitudinally to characterize physiological and morphological alterations, and axonal myelination and injury using in vivo diffusion tensor imaging (DTI), T2 mapping, and T2‐weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Sixteen fetuses (8 hypoxia and 8 normoxia) were studied ex vivo to assess hypoxia‐induced neuronal injury/loss using Nissl staining and quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction methods.

Results

Developmental brains in the hypoxia group showed lower fractional anisotropy in the corpus callosum (−12%, P = 0.02) and lower T2 values in the hippocampus (−16%, P = 0.003) compared with the normoxia group with no differences in the cortex (P > 0.07), indicating vulnerability of the hippocampus and cerebral white matter during early development. Fetal guinea pig brains with chronic hypoxia demonstrated an over 10‐fold increase in expression levels of hypoxia index genes such as erythropoietin and HIF‐1α, and an over 40% reduction in neuronal density, confirming prenatal brain damage.

Conclusion

In vivo MRI measurement, such as DTI and T2 mapping, provides quantitative parameters to characterize neurodevelopmental abnormalities and to monitor the impact of prenatal insult on the postnatal brain maturation of guinea pigs. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2015;42:658–665.
Narrative abilities in early implanted children
Authors: Murri Alessandra , Cuda Domenico , Guerzoni Letizia , Fabrizi Enrico
Published: December 2014

Objectives/Hypothesis

To investigate the effect of age at cochlear implant activation on oral narrative ability in children implanted before 2.5 years of age and to examine the role of other variables (gender, parental education level, stimulation modality) in narrative skills.

Study design

retrospective nonrandomized group study

Methods

Thirty children (21 females; 9 males) with congenital, bilateral severe‐to‐profound sensorineural hearing loss were included in this study. The mean age at cochlear implant activation was 14.7 months (standard deviation [SD] ± 5.3). The Renfrew Bus Story was used to analyze oral narrative skills at mean chronological age of 63 months (SD ± 0.2).

Results

The total information on the Renfrew Bus Story raw score ranged from 8 to 40, with a mean of 22.7 (SD ± 8.6). Children produced on average 7.5 words in a sentence (SD ± 1.5). The mean score for complexity was 2.2 (SD ± 1.5). Regression analysis revealed a highly significant and negative linear effect of age at cochlear implant activation on all outcomes. The mother's education level had a positive strong effect on sentence length but a weak effect on total information and complexity. The paternal education score had a weak influence on the sentence length. Gender, age at diagnosis, and stimulation modality were not correlated with the narrative outcomes.

Conclusions

Early implanted children can develop narrative skills close to normal hearing children. The sociocultural context, expressed by maternal and paternal educational level, are positively related to the development of oral narrative.

Levels of Evidence

4. Laryngoscope, 125:1685–1690, 2015
PEGylated Metalloporphyrin Nanoparticles as a Promising Catalyst for the Heterogeneous Oxidation of Cyclohexene in Water
Authors: Xu Li Qun , Chen Jiu Cun , Qian Shan Shan , Zhang Ao Kai , Fu Guo Dong , Li Chang Ming , Kang En‐Tang
Published: December 2014

Amphiphilic poly[poly(ethylene glycol) methyl ether methacrylate]‐b‐poly(azidopropyl acrylamide) (PPEGMEMA‐b‐PAzPA) block copolymers are synthesized via a combination of reversible addition‐fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization and a reactive ester‐amine reaction. The azido‐functionalized PPEGMEMA‐b‐PAzPA block copolymers can self‐assemble into polymeric micelles in an aqueous medium and encapsulate hydrophobic alkynyl‐containing manganese(III)porphyrin (MnP) within the core domain. The subsequent in situ copper(I)‐catalyzed azide‐alkyne cycloaddition (CuAAC) leads to the formation of PEGylated‐MnP nanoparticles (PEG‐MnP NPs). The as‐synthesized PEG‐MnP NPs are explored as a heterogeneous catalyst for oxidation of cyclohexene in water. The effect of various parameters, such as precursor oxidants, substrate to catalyst loading ratio, and presence of a cocatalyst, is investigated to optimize the oxidation conditions. The catalytic activity of PEG‐MnP NPs in water is also compared with that of dissolved MnP in organic solvent.

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Fetal cardiac biometry and function in HIV‐infected pregnant women exposed to HAART therapy
Authors: De la Calle M. , Rodriguez R. , Deirós L. , Bartha J. L.
Published: December 2014

Objective

Previous studies have suggested that antiretroviral therapy in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)‐infected pregnant women can cause alterations in cardiac structure and function in fetuses or children, although the results are not very clear. The aim of this study is to assess whether or not these alterations are present in the heart of fetuses of HIV‐infected pregnant women, undergoing treatment with highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART).

Study Design

We performed a prospective study on 29 consecutive HIV‐positive pregnant women treated with HAART and 70 consecutive HIV‐negative pregnant women as controls. Fetal cardiac biometry and function was evaluated by echocardiography at 30–32 weeks of gestation. Fetal biometry, estimated fetal weight and umbilical artery Doppler were also measured.

Results

We found E/A tricuspid ratio values slightly increased (0.84 vs 0.80, p = 0.03) and diastolic length shortened (49.7 vs 51.7%, p = 0.03) in the HIV‐infected group. The rest of the biometric and functional cardiac parameters were not different between both groups. There were no cases of vertical transmission of HIV infection.

Conclusion

In HIV‐infected pregnant women treated with HAART, no significant changes are showed in fetal cardiac parameters. © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Control of mechanically activated polymersome fusion: Factors affecting fusion
Authors: Henderson Ian M. , Paxton Walter F.
Published: December 2014

Previously, it was found that extruded (200 nm) polymer vesicles are capable of fusion into giant polymersomes using agitation in the presence of salt. In this study, several factors contributing to this phenomenon, including the effects of (i) polymer vesicle concentration, (ii) agitation speed and duration, and (iii) variation of the salt and its concentration are investigated. To accomplish these goals dynamic light scattering is used in conjunction with fluorescence microscopy, which provides insight into vesicles above the practical limit for DLS characterization. Increasing the concentration of the polymer dramatically increases the production of giant vesicles through the increased collisions of polymersomes. Likewise, increasing the frequency of agitation increases the efficiency of fusion, although ultimately the size of vesicle that could be produced is limited due to the high shear involved. Finally, salt‐mediation of the fusion process was not limited to NaCl, but is instead a general effect facilitated by the presence of solvated ionic compounds, albeit with different salts initiating fusion at different concentrations. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2015, 53, 297–303
Proteomic approaches to the study of malignant lymphoma: Analyses on patient samples
Authors: Ludvigsen Maja , Hamilton‐Dutoit Stephen Jacques , d’Amore Francesco , Honoré Bent
Published: December 2014

We describe the application of proteomic techniques for protein profiling and biomarker discovery in malignant lymphoma. Hematologic malignancies are primarily characterized by their clinical, morphological, immunophenotypical, and molecular‐genetic features. However, when based on these parameters, apparently identical lymphomas may show distinct clinical courses, suggesting underlying biological heterogeneity. Recent proteomic analyses have identified differences in protein expression both with regard to subclassification of the malignant lymphoma entities, as well as in correlation with clinical outcome. In this review, studies on quantification of differential protein expression in and between malignant lymphoma entities are included. Studies are included that are based on patient samples, that is, serum/plasma or cytological specimens, as well as intact tumor tissues, together with studies that focus on tumor cells alone, or in conjunction with the tumor microenvironment. For biomarker discovery in malignant lymphoma, these approaches are used to uncover the underlying biological mechanisms and identify proteins with potential diagnostic and prognostic utility, either as predictive biomarkers or as novel future treatment targets.
Chemical explosion isolation applied to small mills
Authors: Taveau Jérôme R. , Farrell Thomas M.
Published: December 2014

Mills are used in many branches of the process industries (food, chemical, pharmaceutical, and energy). According to accident statistics, this type of equipment is also among the most likely places for a dust deflagration to occur:

fine dust is continuously produced and suspended

mechanical sparks or hot particles can be created during the milling operation, ignite an explosible atmosphere within the mill, or travel with the process flow into downstream equipment.

Protection of both the mill and the interconnected equipment needs to be addressed for an effective explosion protection strategy. Since mills generally exhibit a fairly strong design, they are expected to withstand a dust explosion without any additional overpressure protection (in this case, high strength pipes need to be employed with). On the other hand, explosion isolation must be considered carefully, as a dust explosion can propagate through pipes and reach other equipment. The fact that reduced explosion pressure in a mill is typically an order of magnitude higher than in a vented enclosure poses some challenges to isolation techniques, and particularly chemical isolation barriers. An experimental investigation was carried out to verify the effectiveness of a chemical explosion isolation barrier applied to a small unvented vessel (representing a mill) equipped with long pipes. Dust was injected inside the pipes to promote flame propagation and create challenging conditions for the isolation barrier. Application limits, specifically focusing on installation distances, were studied. The effect of chemical isolation upon downstream pipe pressure development was also investigated. © 2014 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Process Saf Prog 34: 157–166, 2015
Back Cover: High mobility In2O3:H transparent conductive oxides prepared by atomic layer deposition and solid phase crystallization (Phys. Status Solidi RRL 12/2014)
Authors: Macco B. , Wu Y. , Vanhemel D. , Kessels W. M. M.
Published: December 2014

No abstract is available for this article.
Comparing the Adoption of Contaminated Land Remediation Technologies in the United States, United Kingdom, and China
Authors: Hou Deyi , O'Connor David , Al‐Tabbaa Abir
Published: December 2014

In many locations across the world, land contamination poses a serious threat to human health and the wider environment. For instance, a report published on April 17, 2014, revealed that China now has 16.1 percent of its land contaminated by various organic and inorganic contaminants, posing a range of challenges from human health risk to food security. The innovation and adoption of suitable remediation technologies is critical for solving land contamination issues. However, little is known about the pattern of remediation technology adoption, as well as its determining factors. This study uses a questionnaire survey in the United States, United Kingdom, and China to examine the spatial variation of remediation technology adoption. It further explores the temporal trend of remediation technology adoption using secondary data from the U.S. Superfund program. The study identified significant differences in remediation technology adoption among these countries, which are attributed to the different environmental, social, economic, and regulatory contexts. It is argued that the full implications of remediation technology adoption to sustainable development should be further studied, and policy instruments should be designed accordingly to promote those remediation technologies that align the best with long‐term sustainability. Technology developers may also use these implications to adjust their research and development priorities. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Lysinibacillus sphaericus and Geobacillus sp Biodegradation of Petroleum Hydrocarbons and Biosurfactant Production
Authors: Manchola Lina , Dussán Jenny
Published: December 2014

Petroleum oil is a major driver of worldwide economic activity, but it has also created contamination problems during the storage and refining process. Also, unconventional resources are natural resources, which require greater than industry‐standard levels of technology or investment to exploit. In the case of unconventional hydrocarbon resources, additional technology, energy, and capital have to be applied to extract the gas or oil. Bioremediation of petroleum spill is considered of great importance due to the contaminating effects on human health and the environment. For this reason, it is important to reduce total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPH) in contaminated soil. In addition, biosurfactant production is a desirable property of hydrocarbon‐degrading microorganisms. Seven strains belonging to Lysinibacillus sphaericus and Geobacillus sp were selected to evaluate their ability to biodegrade TPH in the presence of toxic metals, their potential to produce biosurfactants, and their ability to improve the biodegradation rate. The seven bacterial strains examined in this study were able to utilize crude petroleum‐oil hydrocarbons as the sole source of carbon and energy. In addition, their ability to degrade crude oil was not affected by the presence of toxic metals such as chromium and arsenic. At the same time, the strains were able to reduce toxic metals concentration through biosorption processes. Biosurfactant production was determined using the drop‐collapsed method for all strains, and they were characterized as both anionic and cationic biosurfactants. Biosurfactants showed an increase in biodegradation efficiency both in liquid minimal salt medium and landfarming treatments. The final results in field tests showed an efficiency of 93 percent reduction in crude oil concentration by the selected consortium compared to soil without consortium. The authors propose L. sphaericus and Geobacillus sp consortium as an optimum treatment for contaminated soils. In addition, production of biosurfactants could have an application in the extraction of crude oil from unconventional hydrocarbon resources. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Influence of Some Chelators on the Phytoextraction Ability of Sunflower (Helianthus annuus) for Nickel‐Contaminated Soil
Authors: Lotfy Siad M. , Zhran Mostafa A. , Abdel‐Sabour Mamdouh
Published: December 2014

Chelation and complexation of nickel were evaluated as practical ways to solubilize, detoxify, and enhance nickel accumulation by plants. Sunflower (Helianthus annuus) was selected as a potential nickel accumulator in two selected soils with different textures and nickel‐contamination levels. To enhance metal phytoextraction, ammonium nitrate and organic chelators (EDTA and citric acid) were added to soils in pots at rates of 0, 5, 10, and 20 mmol/kg. The pot experiments were run for eight weeks. The highest nickel uptake was obtained in plants grown on clayey soil, and the lowest uptake was observed in sandy soil. Citric acid was the most effective chelator of nickel metals that could enhance nickel accumulation in the sunflower shoots. The ammonium nitrate application showed a low effect on metal translocation into the sunflower shoots. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Intravital Multiphoton Imaging of the Selective Uptake of Water‐Dispersible Quantum Dots into Sinusoidal Liver Cells
Authors: Liang Xiaowen , Grice Jeffrey E. , Zhu Yian , Liu David , Sanchez Washington Y. , Li Zhen , Crawford Darrell H. G. , Le Couteur David G. , Cogger Victoria C. , Liu Xin , Xu Zhi Ping , Roberts Michael S.
Published: December 2014

Although many studies reporting the organ‐level biodistribution of nanoparticles (NPs) in animals, very few have addressed the fate of NPs in organs at the cellular level. The liver appears to be the main organ for accumulation of NPs after intravenous injection. In this study, for the first time, the in vivo spatiotemporal disposition of recently developed mercaptosuccinic acid (MSA)‐capped cadmium telluride/cadmium sulfide (CdTe/CdS) quantum dots (QDs) is explored in rat liver using multiphoton microscopy (MPM) coupled with fluorescence lifetime imaging (FLIM), with subcellular resolution (∼1 μm). With high fluorescence efficiency and largely improved stability in the biological environment, these QDs show a distinct distribution pattern in the liver compared to organic dyes, rhodamine 123 and fluorescein. After intravenous injection, fluorescent molecules are taken up by hepatocytes and excreted into the bile, while negatively charged QDs are retained in the sinusoids and selectively taken up by sinusoidal cells (Kupffer cells and liver sinusoidal endothelial cells), but not by hepatocytes within 3 h. The results could help design NPs targeting the specific types of liver cells and choose the fluorescent markers for appropriate cellular imaging.
Crystal Networks in Silk Fibrous Materials: From Hierarchical Structure to Ultra Performance
Authors: Nguyen Anh Tuan , Huang Qiao‐Ling , Yang Zhen , Lin Naibo , Xu Gangqin , Liu Xiang Yang
Published: December 2014

This review provides a comprehensive survey of the structural characteristics of crystal networks of silk soft fibrous materials in correlation with the macroscopic properties/performance and the network formation mechanisms. The correlation between the hierarchical mesoscopic structures and the mechanical properties of silk soft fibrous materials including silk fibroin hydrogels and naturally spun silk fibers are addressed based on the hierarchical crystal network models. Namely, two types of hierarchical networks are identified: the weak nanofibril–nanofibril interaction case (i.e., silk fibroin hydrogels), and the strong nanofibril–nanofibril interaction case (i.e., silk fibers). The macroscopic properties, i.e., the rheological/mechanical properties, can be controlled in terms of tuning different levels of hierarchical network structures by ultrasonication‐induced gelation, introducing the initial nucleation centers, etc. Such controls take effect by different mesoscale assembly pathways, which are found to occur via different routes of the nucleation and growth processes. Furthermore, the hierarchical network model of soft fibrous materials can be applied to explain the superior mechanical properties and the unique strain‐hardening behaviors of spider silk fibers within the framework of hierarchical breaking mechanism. Obviously, a knowledge of crystal networks will allow the prediction of the performance and engineering strategy of silk fibrous materials in generals.
Examination of Extraction of Vanadium(V) by Trioctylamine from Sulfuric Solutions
Authors: Kurbatova Ludmilla D. , Koryakova Olga V. , Valova Marina A. , Yanchenko Mikhail Yu.
Published: December 2014

The effect of different factors, such as pH of the medium (1.5 < pH < 4.0; 1 × 10–4 mol·L–1 < [SO42–] < 1 × 10–1 mol·L–1), the concentration of extracting agent, temperature and the type of the solvent, on the extraction of vanadium(V) by trioctylamine was studied. It was shown that the extraction of vanadium(V) by trioctylamine at 25 ± 0.5 °C takes place in the pH range 2.0–3.5 and the extracting complex contains decavanadate anion H2V10O284– and four molecules of the extracting agent. This allows the reaction of vanadium(V) extraction by trioctylamine to be described by the following equation: 2(R3NH)2SO4 + H2V10O284– → (R3NH)4H2V10O28 + 2SO4. The effect of the length of the alkyl chain of alcohol (propyl, butyl, isododecyl alcohol) on the homogeneity of the system VV‐TOA‐toluene‐alcohol was investigated. It was established that the solubility of the extracting complexes of vanadium(V) with trioctylamine can be increased by using isododecyl alcohol C12H25OH as a modifying agent. It was shown that under optimal conditions in the presence of isododecyl alcohol at temperatures above 25 °C in the pH interval 2.0–3.5 trioctylamine extracts vanadium(V) with a high distribution coefficient (lg DVV > 2).
Organization‐Level Predictors of Sustained Social Movement Participation
Authors: Tesdahl Eric A. , Speer Paul W.
Published: December 2014

Long‐term sustained participation represents one of the most important resources available to community organizations and social movement organizations (SMOs). The participatory literature on community and SMOs has identified a host of individual‐level factors that influence participation beyond initial engagement, and has more recently identified contextual factors that influence participation. This study builds upon current understandings of participation in SMOs by examining how sustained participation in movement activities is affected by two qualities of SMO settings: repertoire of organizational activity, and equality of staff contact with organization members to cultivate and facilitate individual participation. To this end, we employ multi‐level regression techniques to examine longitudinal data on participation within 50 local chapters of a national congregation‐based community organizing federation. We find that the conduct of organizational activities previously shown to increase levels of participation among individual persons does not necessarily lead to increases in aggregate or organization‐level participation. Further, we find that conditions of unequal staff contact among organization members represent a notable drag on organization‐level participation over time. Our findings suggest that organizers and organizational leaders may well see greater levels of participation in their organizations by simply re‐distributing resources and opportunities more equitably within their organizations.
An unusual polynodular liver disease: Multiple biliary hamartoma
Authors: Teng Shih‐Lun , Shin Jeng‐Shiann , Huang Jen‐Chieh
Published: December 2014

We report a 73‐year‐old male patient who suffered from right upper abdominal dull pain, fever, and chills for 2 days. Gall bladder stones and acute cholecystitis were diagnosed, and parenteral antibiotics were used. The abdominal ultrasonography showed multiple tiny hyperechoic nodules over both lobes of the liver. His computed tomography scan revealed low‐density lesions without contrast enhancement. Magnetic resonance imaging and magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography further revealed lesions that were hypointense on T1‐weighted images and hyperintense on T2‐weighted images. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy and liver biopsy were performed, and biliary hamartoma was diagnosed based on the pathology. This report describes an unusual case of multiple biliary hamartomas and reviews the literature regarding the incidence, pathogenesis, and diagnosis of this disease.
Algebraic independence of multipliers of periodic orbits in the space of polynomial maps of one variable
Authors: GORBOVICKIS IGORS
Published: December 2014

We consider the space of complex polynomials of degree $n\geq 3$ with $n-1$ distinct marked periodic orbits of given periods. We prove that this space is irreducible and the multipliers of the marked periodic orbits, considered as algebraic functions on that space, are algebraically independent over $\mathbb{C}$. Equivalently, this means that at its generic point the moduli space of degree-$n$ polynomial maps can be locally parameterized by the multipliers of $n-1$ arbitrary distinct periodic orbits. We also prove a similar result for a certain class of affine subspaces of the space of complex polynomials of degree $n$.
Random affine code tree fractals and Falconer–Sloan condition
Authors: JÄRVENPÄÄ ESA , JÄRVENPÄÄ MAARIT , LI BING , STENFLO ÖRJAN
Published: December 2014

We calculate the almost sure dimension for a general class of random affine code tree fractals in $\mathbb{R}^{d}$. The result is based on a probabilistic version of the Falconer–Sloan condition $C(s)$ introduced in Falconer and Sloan [Continuity of subadditive pressure for self-affine sets. Real Anal. Exchange 34 (2009), 413–427]. We verify that, in general, systems having a small number of maps do not satisfy condition $C(s)$. However, there exists a natural number $n$ such that for typical systems the family of all iterates up to level $n$ satisfies condition $C(s)$.
SUCCESSIVE RADII OF FAMILIES OF CONVEX BODIES
Authors: GONZÁLEZ BERNARDO , HERNÁNDEZ CIFRE MARÍA A. , HINRICHS AICKE
Published: December 2014

We study properties of the so-called inner and outer successive radii of special families of convex bodies. First we consider the balls of the $p$-norms, for which we show that the precise value of the outer (inner) radii when $p\geq 2$ ($1\leq p\leq 2$), as well as bounds in the contrary case $1\leq p\leq 2$ ($p\geq 2$), can be obtained as consequences of known results on Gelfand and Kolmogorov numbers of identity operators between finite-dimensional normed spaces. We also prove properties that successive radii satisfy when we restrict to the families of the constant width sets and the $p$-tangential bodies.
Larval morphology of the family Parthenopidae, with the description of the megalopa stage of Derilambrus angulifrons (Latreille, 1825) (Decapoda: Brachyura), identified by DNA barcode
Authors: Marco-Herrero Elena , González-Gordillo J. Ignacio , Cuesta José A.
Published: December 2014

Although Parthenopidae is a brachyuran decapod family comprising almost 140 species, there is little knowledge about its larval morphology. There are only two complete larval developments reared in the laboratory and some larval stages described for seven species. In the present work these data are compared and analysed. A summary is made of the larval features that characterize parthenopids that can be used to distinguish them from other brachyuran larvae. In addition, the megalopa stage of Derilambrus angulifrons and Parthenopoides massena was collected from plankton and identified by DNA barcodes. The morphology of the megalopa of D. angulifrons is described for the first time, and that of P. massena is compared with a previous description.
Vulnerability modelling with functional programming and dependent types
Authors: IONESCU CEZAR
Published: December 2014

We present an interdisciplinary effort in the field of global environmental change, related to the understanding of the concept of ‘vulnerability’. We have used functional programming to capture the generic aspects of the myriad of definitions of vulnerability, and have used the resulting formalization to learn something new about vulnerability and to write some better software for vulnerability assessment. In the process, we have also found out something about formalization in general, about the advantages and disadvantages of dependent types, and about the role of computing science in the larger intellectual landscape.
Professionalization of Anesthesiologists and Critical Care Specialists in Humanitarian Action: A Nationwide Poll Among Italian Residents
Authors: Ripoll Gallardo Alba , Ingrassia Pier Luigi , Ragazzoni Luca , Djalali Ahmadreza , Carenzo Luca , Burkle Frederick M. , Della Corte Francesco
Published: December 2014

Background

Over the last decades, humanitarian crises have seen a sharp upward trend. Regrettably, physicians involved in humanitarian action have often demonstrated incomplete preparation for these compelling events which have proved to be quite different from their daily work. Responders to these crises have included an unpredictable mix of beginner-level, mid-level, and expert-level providers. The quality of care has varied considerably. The international humanitarian community, in responding to international calls for improved accountability, transparency, coordination, and a registry of professionalized international responders, has recently launched a call for further professionalization within the humanitarian assistance sector, especially among academic-affiliated education and training programs. As anesthetists have been involved traditionally in medical relief operations, and recent disasters have seen a massive engagement of young physicians, the authors conducted, as a first step, a poll among residents in Anesthesia and Critical Care Medicine in Italy to evaluate their interest in participating in competency-based humanitarian assistance education and in training incorporated early in residencies.

Methods

The Directors of all the 39 accredited anesthesia/critical care training programs in Italy were contacted and asked to submit a questionnaire to their residents regarding the objectives of the poll study. After acceptance to participate, residents were enrolled and asked to complete a web-based poll.

Results

A total of 29 (74%) of the initial training programs participated in the poll. Out of the 1,362 questionnaires mailed to residents, 924 (68%) were fully completed and returned. Only 63(6.8%) of the respondents voiced prior participation in humanitarian missions, but up to 690 (74.7%) stated they were interested in participating in future humanitarian deployments during their residency that carried over into their professional careers. Countrywide, 896 (97%) favored prior preparation for residents before participating in humanitarian missions, while the need for a specific, formal, professionalization process of the entire humanitarian aid sector was supported by 889 (96.2%).

Conclusions

In Italy, the majority of anesthesia/critical care residents, through a formal poll study, affirmed interest in participating in humanitarian assistance missions and believe that further professionalization within the humanitarian aid sector is required. These results have implications for residency training programs worldwide.

Ripoll GallardoA,IngrassiaPL,RagazzoniL,DjalaliA,CarenzoL,BurkleFMJr,Della CorteF.Professionalization of anesthesiologists and critical care specialists in humanitarian action: a nationwide poll among Italian residents.Prehosp Disaster Med.2015;30(1):1-6.
A Hierarchical Factor Model of Executive Functions in Adolescents: Evidence of Gene-Environment Interplay
Authors: Li James J. , Chung Tammy A. , Vanyukov Michael M. , Scott Wood D. , Ferrell Robert , Clark Duncan B.
Published: December 2014

Executive functions (EF) are a complex set of neurodevelopmental, higher-ordered processes that are especially salient during adolescence. Disruptions to these processes are predictive of psychiatric problems in later adolescence and adulthood. The objectives of the current study were to characterize the latent structure of EF using bifactor analysis and to investigate the independent and interactive effects of genes and environments on EF during adolescence. Using a representative young adolescent sample, we tested the interaction of a polymorphism in the serotonin transporter gene (5-HTTLPR) and parental supervision for EF through hierarchical linear regression. To account for the possibility of a hierarchical factor structure for EF, a bifactor analysis was conducted on the eight subtests of the Delis-Kaplan Executive Functions System (D-KEFS). The bifactor analysis revealed the presence of a general EF construct and three EF subdomains (i.e., conceptual flexibility, inhibition, and fluency). A significant5-HTTLPRby parental supervision interaction was found for conceptual flexibility, but not for general EF, fluency or inhibition. Specifically, youth with the L/L genotype had significantly lower conceptual flexibility scores compared to youth with S/S or S/L genotypes given low levels of parental supervision. Our findings indicate that adolescents with the L/L genotype were especially vulnerable to poor parental supervision on EF. This vulnerability may be amenable to preventive interventions. (JINS, 2014,20, 62–73)
Differences in L1 linguistic attention control between monolinguals and bilinguals
Authors: DUNCAN HILARY D. , SEGALOWITZ NORMAN , PHILLIPS NATALIE A.
Published: December 2014

Relational elements of language (e.g. spatial prepositions) act to direct attention to aspects of an incoming message. The listener or reader must be able to use these elements to focus and refocus attention on the mental representation being constructed. Research has shown that this type of attention control is specific to language and can be distinguished from attention control for non-relational (semantic or content) elements. Twenty-two monolinguals (18–30 years) and nineteen bilinguals (18–30 years) completed two conditions of an alternating-runs task-switching paradigm in their first language. The relational condition involved processing spatial prepositions, and the non-relational condition involved processing concrete nouns and adjectives. Overall, monolinguals had significantly larger shift costs (i.e. greater attention control burden) in the relational condition than the non-relational condition, whereas bilinguals performed similarly in both conditions. This suggests that proficiency in a second language has a positive impact on linguistic attention control in one's native language.
How stress alters immune responses during respiratory infection
Authors: Griebel Philip , Hill Kevin , Stookey Joseph
Published: December 2014

Fall-weaned calves entering the feedlot experience a variety of psychological and physical stressors, including maternal separation, transportation, social mixing, restraint, and dietary changes. Mixing calves from multiple sources also exposes them to respiratory pathogens at a time when maternal immunity has waned. Using an experimental bovine respiratory disease (BRD) challenge, we analyzed the effects of specific stressors on clinical disease and immune responses following bovine herpes virus (BHV-1/IBR) infection of naïve calves. Transportation stress was compared to either abrupt weaning plus transportation or transportation following a two-step weaning process. Transportation alone significantly (P < 0.05) increased BHV-1 shedding in nasal secretions despite elevated interferon-gamma production in the upper respiratory tract. In contrast, abrupt weaning and transportation, significantly (P < 0.05) increased serum haptoglobin on day 3 post-infection (PI) and blood leukocyte tumor necrosis factor α secretion on day 5 PI. These systemic responses were reduced by instituting a two-step weaning process 4 days prior to transportation and BHV-1 infection. In conclusion, these observations are consistent with earlier studies implicating weaning and transportation as stressors contributing to BRD severity and mortality. Current studies also revealed that different stressors or combination of stressors have distinct effects on host responses to viral infection in naïve calves.