bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Review on Li‐Sulfur Battery Systems: an Integral Perspective
Authors: Rosenman Ariel , Markevich Elena , Salitra Gregory , Aurbach Doron , Garsuch Arnd , Chesneau Frederick Francois
Published: May 2015

The development and commercialization of Li ion batteries during recent decades is one of the great successes of modern electrochemistry. The increasing reliability of Li ion batteries makes them natural candidates as power sources for electric vehicles. However, their current energy density, which can reach an average of 200 Wh kg−1 on the single cell level, limits the possible driving range of electric cars propelled by Li‐ion batteries. Thereby, there is a strong driving force to develop power sources technologies beyond Li‐ion batteries that will mark breakthroughs in energy density capabilities. Li‐sulfur batteries have high theoretical energy density that can revolutionize electrochemical propulsion capability. Consequently, in recent years there has been much work throughout the world related to these systems. The scope of work on this topic justifies frequent publications of review articles that summarize recent extensive work and provide guidelines and direction for focused future work. Here, a comprehensive, systematic work related to Li‐sulfur battery systems is described, beginning with the Li anode challenges, carbon‐encapsulated sulfur cathodes, and various kinds of relevant electrolyte solutions. Based on the work described and parallel recent studies by other groups, important and comprehensive guidelines for further research and development efforts in this field are provided.
Best practices for health and safety technology transfer in construction
Authors: Welch Laura S. , Russell Dustin , Weinstock Deborah , Betit Eileen
Published: May 2015

Background

Construction continues to be a dangerous industry, yet solutions that would prevent injury and illness do exist. Prevention of injury and illness among construction workers requires dissemination, adoption, and implementation of these effective interventions, or “research to practice” (r2p).

Methods

CPWR recruited participants with experience and insight into effective methods for diffusion of health and safety technologies in this industry for a symposium with 3 group sessions and 3 breakout groups. The organizers reviewed session notes and identified 141 recommendations, which were then assigned to 13 over‐arching themes.

Results

Recommendations included a guide for researchers on patenting and licensing, a business case model, and in‐depth case studies including development, testing, manufacturing, marketing, and diffusion.

Conclusions

A more comprehensive understanding of the health and safety technology transfer landscape, the various actors, and their motivators and goals will help to foster the successful commercialization and diffusion of health and safety innovations. Am. J. Ind. Med. 58:849–857, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Silicosis and chronic renal disease
Authors: Millerick‐May Melissa L. , Schrauben Sarah , Reilly Mary Jo , Rosenman Kenneth D.
Published: May 2015

Background

Silica has been associated with end stage kidney disease and kidney dysfunction.

Methods

Calculated glomerular filtration rate, history of kidney disease or chronic dialysis, elevated serum creatinine, and stages of chronic kidney disease among silicotics identified in Michigan's Silicosis Surveillance System from 1987 to 2009 were reviewed to determine the prevalence of kidney disease in confirmed cases of silicosis.

Results

Twenty‐four percent of 1,072 silicotics had a measure of kidney dysfunction (32.3% if diabetes or hypertension present vs. 20.2% if not). Sixty‐nine percent of silicotics had Stage I or greater chronic kidney dysfunction versus 38.8% of the U.S. general population ≥60 years. No association was found between kidney function and measures of silica exposure.

Conclusions

Individuals with silicosis have an increased prevalence of kidney disease. More work to define the pathological changes associated with silica exposure is needed to understand the cause of silica's adverse effect on the kidney. Am. J. Ind. Med. 58:730–736, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Fighting Sleep at Night: Brain Correlates and Vulnerability to Sleep Loss
Authors: Maire Micheline , Reichert Carolin Franziska , Gabel Virginie , Viola Antoine U. , Phillips Christophe , Krebs Julia , Scheffler Klaus , Klarhöfer Markus , Strobel Werner , Cajochen Christian , Schmidt Christina
Published: May 2015

Objective

Even though wakefulness at night leads to profound performance deterioration and is regularly experienced by shift workers, its cerebral correlates remain virtually unexplored.

Methods

We assessed brain activity in young healthy adults during a vigilant attention task under high and low sleep pressure during night‐time, coinciding with strongest circadian sleep drive. We examined sleep‐loss–related attentional vulnerability by considering a PERIOD3 polymorphism presumably impacting on sleep homeostasis.

Results

Our results link higher sleep‐loss–related attentional vulnerability to cortical and subcortical deactivation patterns during slow reaction times (i.e., suboptimal vigilant attention). Concomitantly, thalamic regions were progressively less recruited with time‐on‐task and functionally less connected to task‐related and arousal‐promoting brain regions in those volunteers showing higher attentional instability in their behavior. The data further suggest that the latter is linked to shifts into a task‐inactive default‐mode network in between task‐relevant stimulus occurrence.

Interpretation

We provide a multifaceted view on cerebral correlates of sleep loss at night and propose that genetic predisposition entails differential cerebral coping mechanisms, potentially compromising adequate performance during night work. Ann Neurol 2015;78:235–247
Electrokinetic Size and Mobility Traps for On‐site Therapeutic Drug Monitoring
Authors: Shallan Aliaa I. , Guijt Rosanne M. , Breadmore Michael C.
Published: May 2015

The extraction of target analytes from biological samples is a bottleneck in analysis. A microfluidic device featuring an electrokinetic size and mobility trap was formed by two nanojunctions of different pore size to extract and concentrate analytical targets from complex samples. The trap was seamlessly coupled with electrophoretic separation for quantitative analysis. The device was applied to the analysis of ampicillin levels in blood within 5 min and a linear response over the range of 2.5–20 μg mL−1. This covers the recommended levels for treating sepsis, a critical condition with 30 to 50 % mortality and unpredicted drug levels. The device provides a new opportunity for on‐site therapeutic drug monitoring, which should enable quick and accurate dosing and may save lives in such critical conditions.
Characterization of Mononuclear Non‐heme Iron(III)‐Superoxo Complex with a Five‐Azole Ligand Set
Authors: Oddon Frédéric , Chiba Yosuke , Nakazawa Jun , Ohta Takehiro , Ogura Takashi , Hikichi Shiro
Published: May 2015

Reaction of O2 with a high‐spin mononuclear iron(II) complex supported by a five‐azole donor set yields the corresponding mononuclear non‐heme iron(III)–superoxo species, which was characterized by UV/Vis spectroscopy and resonance Raman spectroscopy. 1H NMR analysis reveals diamagnetic nature of the superoxo complex arising from antiferromagnetic coupling between the spins on the low‐spin iron(III) and superoxide. This superoxo species reacts with H‐atom donating reagents to give a low‐spin iron(III)–hydroperoxo species showing characteristic UV/Vis, resonance Raman, and EPR spectra.
Cocrystal Formation through Mechanochemistry: from Neat and Liquid‐Assisted Grinding to Polymer‐Assisted Grinding
Authors: Hasa Dritan , Schneider Rauber Gabriela , Voinovich Dario , Jones William
Published: May 2015

Mechanochemistry is an effective method for the preparation of multicomponent crystal systems. In the present work, we propose an alternative to the established liquid‐assisted grinding (LAG) approach. Polymer‐assisted grinding (POLAG) is demonstrated to provide a new class of catalysts for improving reaction rate and increasing product diversity during mechanochemical cocrystallization reactions. We demonstrate that POLAG provides advantages comparable to the conventional liquid‐assisted process, whilst eliminating the risk of unwanted solvate formation as well as enabling control of resulting particle size. It represents a new approach for the development of functional materials through mechanochemistry, and possibly opens new routes toward the understanding of the mechanisms and pathways of mechanochemical cocrystal formation.
Ultrathin MoS2 Nanosheets Supported on N‐doped Carbon Nanoboxes with Enhanced Lithium Storage and Electrocatalytic Properties
Authors: Yu Xin‐Yao , Hu Han , Wang Yawen , Chen Hongyu , Lou Xiong Wen (David)
Published: May 2015

Molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) has received considerable interest for electrochemical energy storage and conversion. In this work, we have designed and synthesized a unique hybrid hollow structure by growing ultrathin MoS2 nanosheets on N‐doped carbon shells (denoted as C@MoS2 nanoboxes). The N‐doped carbon shells can greatly improve the conductivity of the hybrid structure and effectively prevent the aggregation of MoS2 nanosheets. The ultrathin MoS2 nanosheets could provide more active sites for electrochemical reactions. When evaluated as an anode material for lithium‐ion batteries, these C@MoS2 nanoboxes show high specific capacity of around 1000 mAh g−1, excellent cycling stability up to 200 cycles, and superior rate performance. Moreover, they also show enhanced electrocatalytic activity for the electrochemical hydrogen evolution.
Elaboration and relationships between structure and rheological properties of microtalc or nanotalc/polyamide composites
Authors: Beuguel Quentin , Ville Julien , Crépin‐Leblond Jérôme , Médéric Pascal , Aubry Thierry
Published: May 2015

This study focuses on the elaboration of nanocomposites processed by melt mixing of a polyamide 12 matrix and a hydrogel filled with synthetic talc particles. The systems are obtained by simultaneous mixing using either an internal mixer or a lab twin‐screw extruder. The structure and rheological properties of synthetic talc/polyamide composites are compared with those of natural talc/polyamide microcomposites and modified montmorillonite/polyamide nanocomposites. A multiscale structure, composed of numerous nanometric particles but also few micrometric aggregates, is obtained for synthetic talc/polyamide composites. In terms of processability, the lab twin‐screw extruder is more adequate than the internal mixer for the elaboration of synthetic talc/polyamide composites with relatively high filler volume fractions. For composites elaborated with the extruder, the percolation threshold, estimated from linear viscoelastic measurements, is close to 1, 6, and 11%, respectively, with modified montmorillonite, synthetic talc, and natural talc particles, in agreement with structural results. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015, 132, 42299.
Heat resistance of new biobased polymeric materials, focusing on starch, cellulose, PLA, and PHA
Authors: Peelman Nanou , Ragaert Peter , Ragaert Kim , De Meulenaer Bruno , Devlieghere Frank , Cardon Ludwig
Published: May 2015

This review provides state of the art information on the heat resistance of biobased thermoplastic materials. It gives an overview of the parameters used to indicate heat resistance, strategies to improve the heat resistance of (biobased) plastic materials and some current “heat resistant” commercially available biobased plastics materials. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015, 132, 42305.
Familial Risk of Sjögren's Syndrome and Co‐aggregation of Autoimmune Diseases in Affected Families: A Nationwide Population Study
Authors: Kuo Chang‐Fu , Grainge Matthew J. , Valdes Ana M. , See Lai‐Chu , Luo Shue‐Fen , Yu Kuang‐Hui , Zhang Weiya , Doherty Michael
Published: May 2015

Objective

To investigate familial aggregation of Sjögren's syndrome (SS) and the relative risks (RRs) of other autoimmune disease in relatives of patients with SS.

Methods

We identified 23,658,577 beneficiaries enrolled in the Taiwan National Health Insurance system in 2010, of whom 12,754 had SS. We identified 21,009,551 parent–child relationships and 17,168,340 pairs of full siblings. The familial risks of SS and other autoimmune diseases, tetrachoric correlation, and familial transmission were estimated.

Results

We identified 105 patients with SS who had an affected first‐degree relative. The RR of SS was 18.99 (95% confidence interval [95% CI] 9.76–36.93) in siblings of patients with SS, 11.31 (95% CI 8.34–15.33) in offspring, and 12.46 (95% CI 9.34–16.62) in parents. Tetrachoric correlation coefficients were 0.53 (95% CI 0.41–0.65) for cotwins of affected individuals and 0.21 (95% CI 0.16–0.26) for full siblings. The familial transmission (heritability plus shared environmental contribution) was 0.54 (95% CI 0.44–0.77). In first‐degree relatives of patients with SS, the RRs were 2.95 (95% CI 2.33–3.73) for rheumatoid arthritis, 6.25 (95% CI 5.15–7.58) for systemic lupus erythematosus, 2.39 (95% CI 0.77–7.41) for systemic sclerosis, 0.71 (95% CI 0.10–5.07) for idiopathic inflammatory myopathy, 1.97 (95% CI 1.29–3.02) for type 1 diabetes mellitus, 3.38 (95% CI 1.26–9.05) for multiple sclerosis, 1.67 (95% CI 0.83–3.33) for myasthenia gravis, 1.25 (95% CI 1.04–1.50) for psoriasis, 1.21 (95% CI 0.39–3.76) for inflammatory bowel disease, and 2.29 (95% CI 1.19–4.40) for vasculitis.

Conclusion

The risk of SS and other autoimmune diseases is increased in relatives of patients with SS, and more than one‐half of phenotypic variance in SS can be explained by familial factors.
Weight Loss, the Obesity Paradox, and the Risk of Death in Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Baker Joshua F. , Billig Erica , Michaud Kaleb , Ibrahim Said , Caplan Liron , Cannon Grant W. , Stokes Andrew , Majithia Vikas , Mikuls Ted R.
Published: May 2015

Objective

In contrast to what is observed in the general population, a low body mass index (BMI) has been associated with accelerated mortality in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The aim of this study was to assess whether weight loss might explain these seemingly paradoxical observations.

Methods

Our study included patients identified from the Veterans Affairs (VA) RA Registry. Dates of death were abstracted from VA electronic medical records. The BMI at each study visit and the change from the previous visit were determined. The maximum BMI of each patient was also obtained from medical records. The annualized rate of BMI loss was determined from the slope of change (per year) in BMI over visits within the preceding 13 months. Cox multivariable proportional hazards models were used to assess associations between BMI measures and mortality.

Results

In a sample of 1,674 patients, 312 deaths occurred over 9,183 person‐years. A loss in BMI of ≥1 kg/m2 was associated with a greater risk of death, after adjustment for demographics, comorbidities, BMI, smoking, and RA therapies (hazard ratio [HR] 1.99, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 1.53–2.59, P < 0.001). This association remained significant in a subsample analysis adjusting for C‐reactive protein and physical function (HR 1.81, 95% CI 1.36–2.41, P < 0.001). Weight loss at an annualized rate of ≥3 kg/m2 was associated with the greatest risk of death (HR 2.49, 95% CI 1.73–3.57, P < 0.001). Low BMI (<20 kg/m2) in patients with a history of obesity (>30 kg/m2) was associated with the greatest risk (HR 8.52, 95% CI 4.10–17.71, P < 0.001).

Conclusion

Weight loss is a strong predictor of death in patients with RA. These observations may explain the observed obesity paradox and do not support a biologically protective role of obesity.
Brief Report: Tumor Necrosis Factor and Interleukin‐6 Differentially Regulate Dkk‐1 in the Inflamed Arthritic Joint
Authors: Yeremenko Nataliya , Zwerina Karin , Rigter Gemma , Pots Desiree , Fonseca Joao E. , Zwerina Jochen , Schett Georg , Baeten Dominique
Published: May 2015

Objective

Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) drives bone destruction, but it also inhibits new bone formation by inducing Dkk‐1, an inhibitor of the Wnt pathway. Accordingly, blocking of Dkk‐1 reverses the phenotype in experimental arthritis from a pattern of bone destruction to a pattern of bone formation. To delineate the potential role of Dkk‐1 in the structural phenotype of human arthritis, we analyzed the expression of Dkk‐1 and its regulation by proinflammatory cytokines in the inflamed peripheral joints of patients with spondyloarthritis (SpA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Methods

Expression of Dkk‐1 and proinflammatory cytokines was determined by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay and microarray analysis in synovial fluid (SF) and synovial tissue, respectively. Regulation of Dkk‐1 production by proinflammatory cytokines was assessed in fibroblast‐like synoviocyte (FLS) cultures.

Results

TNF and interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β) levels, were higher in RA SF than in SpA SF (P < 0.001 for both), whereas levels of IL‐6 were not. Levels of Dkk‐1 were similar in SpA SF and RA SF and were not correlated with TNF and IL‐1β levels. However, Dkk‐1 levels showed an inverse correlation with IL‐6 levels in both SpA SF (r = −0.31, P = 0.04) and RA SF (r = −0.39, P = 0.01); this result was reproduced at the messenger RNA level in synovial tissue. In vitro experiments with FLS confirmed that Dkk‐1 production was strongly induced by TNF but clearly suppressed by IL‐6. Moreover, IL‐6 was able to suppress the TNF‐induced up‐regulation of Dkk‐1 production by FLS.

Conclusion

The inverse correlation of Dkk‐1 levels with IL‐6 levels observed in vivo in the inflamed joints was mirrored by the differential regulation of Dkk‐1 production by TNF and IL‐6 in vitro. The relative balance between these and other factors in the arthritic joints may determine functional Wnt signaling and tissue remodeling.
Social scientists' satisfaction with data reuse
Authors: Faniel Ixchel M. , Kriesberg Adam , Yakel Elizabeth
Published: May 2015

Much of the recent research on digital data repositories has focused on assessing either the trustworthiness of the repository or quantifying the frequency of data reuse. Satisfaction with the data reuse experience, however, has not been widely studied. Drawing from the information systems and information science literature, we developed a model to examine the relationship between data quality and data reusers' satisfaction. Based on a survey of 1,480 journal article authors who cited Inter‐University Consortium for Political and Social Research (ICPSR) data in published papers from 2008–2012, we found several data quality attributes—completeness, accessibility, ease of operation, and credibility—had significant positive associations with data reusers' satisfaction. There was also a significant positive relationship between documentation quality and data reusers' satisfaction.
Efficient sketch‐based creation of detailed character models through data‐driven mesh deformations
Authors: Kazmi Ismail Khalid , You Lihua , Yang Xiaosong , Jin Xiaogang , Zhang Jian J.
Published: May 2015

Creation of detailed character models is a very challenging task in animation production. Sketch‐based character model creation from a 3D template provides a promising solution. However, how to quickly find correct correspondences between user's drawn sketches and the 3D template model, how to efficiently deform the 3D template model to exactly match user's drawn sketches, and realize real‐time interactive modeling is still an open topic. In this paper, we propose a new approach and develop a user interface to effectively tackle this problem. Our proposed approach includes using user's drawn sketches to retrieve a most similar 3D template model from our dataset and marrying human's perception and interactions with computer's highly efficient computing to extract occluding and silhouette contours of the 3D template model and find correct correspondences quickly. We then combine skeleton‐based deformation and mesh editing to deform the 3D template model to fit user's drawn sketches and create new and detailed 3D character models. The results presented in this paper demonstrate the effectiveness and advantages of our proposed approach and usefulness of our developed user interface. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A Fluorescence‐Based Array Screen for Transglutaminase Substrates
Authors: Malešević Miroslav , Migge Andreas , Hertel Thomas C. , Pietzsch Markus
Published: May 2015

Transglutaminases (EC 2.3.2.13) form an enzyme family that catalyzes the formation of isopeptide bonds between the γ‐carboxamide group of glutamine and the ε‐amine group of lysine residues of peptides and proteins. Other primary amines can be accepted in place of lysine. Because of their important physiological and pathophysiological functions, transglutaminases have been studied for 60 years. However, the substrate preferences of this enzyme class remain largely elusive. In this study, we used focused combinatorial libraries of 400 peptides to investigate the influence of the amino acids adjacent to the glutamine and lysine residues on the catalysis of isopeptide bond formation by microbial transglutaminase. Using the peptide microarray technology we found a strong positive influence of hydrophobic and basic amino acids, especially arginine, tyrosine, and leucine. Several tripeptide substrates were synthesized, and enzymatic kinetic parameters were determined both by microarray analysis and in solution.
Ultramild Protein‐Mediated Click Chemistry Creates Efficient Oligonucleotide Probes for Targeting and Detecting Nucleic Acids
Authors: Nåbo Lina J. , Madsen Charlotte S. , Jensen Knud J. , Kongsted Jacob , Astakhova Kira
Published: May 2015

Functionalized synthetic oligonucleotides are finding growing applications in research, clinical studies, and therapy. However, it is not easy to prepare them in a biocompatible and highly efficient manner. We report a new strategy to synthesize oligonucleotides with promising nucleic acid targeting and detection properties. We focus in particular on the pH sensitivity of these new probes and their high target specificity. For the first time, human copper(I)‐binding chaperon Cox17 was applied to effectively catalyze click labeling of oligonucleotides. This was performed under ultramild conditions with fluorophore, peptide, and carbohydrate azide derivatives. In thermal denaturation studies, the modified probes showed specific binding to complementary DNA and RNA targets. Finally, we demonstrated the pH sensitivity of the new rhodamine‐based fluorescent probes in vitro and rationalize our results by electronic structure calculations.
Dendritic Domains with Hexagonal Symmetry Formed by X‐Shaped Bolapolyphiles in Lipid Membranes
Authors: Werner Stefan , Ebert Helgard , Lechner Bob‐Dan , Lange Frank , Achilles Anja , Bärenwald Ruth , Poppe Silvio , Blume Alfred , Saalwächter Kay , Tschierske Carsten , Bacia Kirsten
Published: May 2015

A novel class of bolapolyphile (BP) molecules are shown to integrate into phospholipid bilayers and self‐assemble into unique sixfold symmetric domains of snowflake‐like dendritic shapes. The BPs comprise three philicities: a lipophilic, rigid, π–π stacking core; two flexible lipophilic side chains; and two hydrophilic, hydrogen‐bonding head groups. Confocal microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, XRD, and solid‐state NMR spectroscopy confirm BP‐rich domains with transmembrane‐oriented BPs and three to four lipid molecules per BP. Both species remain well organized even above the main 1,2‐dipalmitoyl‐sn‐glycero‐3‐phosphocholine transition. The BP molecules only dissolve in the fluid membrane above 70 °C. Structural variations of the BP demonstrate that head‐group hydrogen bonding is a prerequisite for domain formation. Independent of the head group, the BPs reduce membrane corrugation. In conclusion, the BPs form nanofilaments by π stacking of aromatic cores, which reduce membrane corrugation and possibly fuse into a hexagonal network in the dendritic domains.
Fully Resolved NMR Correlation Spectroscopy
Authors: Pitoux Daisy , Plainchont Bertrand , Merlet Denis , Hu Zhaoyu , Bonnaffé David , Farjon Jonathan , Giraud Nicolas
Published: May 2015

A new correlation experiment cited as “push‐G‐SERF” is reported. In the resulting phased 2D spectrum, the chemical shift information is selected along the direct dimension, whereas scalar couplings involving a selected proton nucleus are edited in the indirect domain. The robustness of this pulse sequence is demonstrated on compounds with increasing structural and spectral complexity, using state‐of‐the‐art spectrometers. It allows for full resolution of both dimensions of the spectrum, yielding a straightforward assignment and measurement of the coupling network around a given proton in the molecule. This experiment is intended for chemists who want to address efficiently the structural analysis of molecules with an overcrowded spectrum.
Divergent Reactivity in Palladium‐Catalyzed Annulation with Diarylamines and α,β‐Unsaturated Acids: Direct Access to Substituted 2‐Quinolinones and Indoles
Authors: Kancherla Rajesh , Naveen Togati , Maiti Debabrata
Published: May 2015

A palladium‐catalyzed CH activation strategy has been successfully employed for exclusive synthesis of a variety of 3‐substituted indoles. A [3+3] annulation for synthesizing substituted 2‐quinolinones was recently developed by reaction of α,β‐unsaturated carboxylic acids with diarylamines under acidic conditions. In the present work, an analogous [3+2] annulation is achieved from the same set of starting materials under basic conditions to generate 1,3‐disubstituted indoles exclusively. Mechanistic studies revealed an ortho‐palladation–π‐coordination–β‐migratory insertion–β‐hydride elimination reaction sequence to be operative under the reaction conditions.
A Quantum Dynamical Approach to Matrix Khrushchev's Formulas
Authors: Cedzich C. , Grünbaum F. A. , Velázquez L. , Werner A. H. , Werner R. F.
Published: May 2015

Khrushchev's formula is the cornerstone of the so‐called Khrushchev theory, a body of results which has revolutionized the theory of orthogonal polynomials on the unit circle. This formula can be understood as a factorization of the Schur function for an orthogonal polynomial modification of a measure on the unit circle. No such formula is known in the case of matrix‐valued measures. This constitutes the main obstacle to generalize Khrushchev theory to the matrix‐valued setting, which we overcome in this paper.

It was recently discovered that orthogonal polynomials on the unit circle and their matrix‐valued versions play a significant role in the study of quantum walks, the quantum mechanical analogue of random walks. In particular, Schur functions turn out to be the mathematical tool which best codify the return properties of a discrete time quantum system, a topic in which Khrushchev's formula has profound and surprising implications.

We will show that this connection between Schur functions and quantum walks is behind a simple proof of Khrushchev's formula via “quantum” diagrammatic techniques for CMV matrices. This does not merely give a quantum meaning to a known mathematical result, since the diagrammatic proof also works for matrix‐valued measures. Actually, this path‐counting approach is so fruitful that it provides different matrix generalizations of Khrushchev's formula, some of them new even in the case of scalar measures.

Furthermore, the path‐counting approach allows us to identify the properties of CMV matrices which are responsible for Khrushchev's formula. On the one hand, this helps to formalize and unify the diagrammatic proofs using simple operator theory tools. On the other hand, this is the origin of our main result which extends Khrushchev's formula beyond the CMV case, as a factorization rule for Schur functions related to general unitary operators.© 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Hierarchical Interpolative Factorization for Elliptic Operators: Differential Equations
Authors: Ho Kenneth L. , Ying Lexing
Published: May 2015

This paper introduces the hierarchical interpolative factorization for elliptic partial differential equations (HIF‐DE) in two (2D) and three dimensions (3D). This factorization takes the form of an approximate generalized LU/LDL decomposition that facilitates the efficient inversion of the discretized operator. HIF‐DE is based on the nested dissection multifrontal method but uses skeletonization on the separator fronts to sparsify the dense frontal matrices and thus reduce the cost. We conjecture that this strategy yields linear complexity in 2D and quasilinear complexity in 3D. Estimated linear complexity in 3D can be achieved by skeletonizing the compressed fronts themselves, which amounts geometrically to a recursive dimensional reduction scheme. Numerical experiments support our claims and further demonstrate the performance of our algorithm as a fast direct solver and preconditioner. MATLAB® codes are freely available.© 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Synchronization analysis of complex‐Variable chaotic systems with discontinuous unidirectional coupling
Authors: Zheng Song
Published: May 2015

This article is concerned with the problem of synchronization between two uncertain complex‐variable chaotic systems with parameters perturbation and discontinuous unidirectional coupling. Based on the stability theory and comparison theorem of differential equations, some sufficient conditions for the complete synchronization and generalized synchronization are obtained. The theoretical results show that the two uncertain complex‐variable chaotic systems with discontinuous unidirectional coupling can achieve synchronization if the time‐average coupling strength is large enough. Finally, numerical examples are examined to illustrate the feasibility and effectiveness of the analytical results. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Complexity 21: 343–355, 2016
Exploring the properties of MTO4 compounds using high‐pressure powder x‐ray diffraction
Authors: Errandonea Daniel
Published: May 2015

Several ternary oxides with industrial applications, but also interesting for basic research, have been studied recently at room temperature under high‐pressure conditions using synchrotron powder x‐ray diffraction. In this article, part of these experiments will be summarized. The studied materials include zircon‐type vanadates and scheelite‐type tungstates as well as other oxides related to them. Several pressure‐induced structural phase transitions that take place in these compounds under compression will be here described. In addition, the determination of the crystal structure of the high‐pressure phases will be discussed. The reported studies have also allowed the accurate determination of the axial and bulk compressibility of the studied materials. The influence of experimental conditions on the reported results will be finally commented.
An Amorphous Carbon Nitride Composite Derived from ZIF‐8 as Anode Material for Sodium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Fan Jing‐Min , Chen Jia‐Jia , Zhang Qian , Chen Bin‐Bin , Zang Jun , Zheng Ming‐Sen , Dong Quan‐Feng
Published: May 2015

An composite comprising amorphous carbon nitride (ACN) and zinc oxide is derived from ZIF‐8 by pyrolysis. The composite is a promising anode material for sodium‐ion batteries. The nitrogen content of the ACN composite is as high as 20.4 %, and the bonding state of nitrogen is mostly pyridinic, as determined by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The composite exhibits an excellent Na+ storage performance with a reversible capacity of 430 mA h g−1 and 146 mA h g−1 at current densities of 83 mA g−1 and 8.33 A g−1, respectively. A specific capacity of 175 mA h g−1 was maintained after 2000 cycles at 1.67 A g−1, with only 0.016 % capacity degradation per cycle. Moreover, an accelerating rate calorimetry (ARC) test demonstrates the excellent thermal stability of the composite, with a low self heating rate and high onset temperature (210 °C). These results shows its promise as a candidate material for high‐capacity, high‐rate anodes for sodium‐ion batteries.
Pentanuclear and Octanuclear Manganese Helices
Authors: Sato Hiroki , Yamaguchi Momoyo , Onuki Tatsuya , Noguchi Mao , Newton Graham N. , Shiga Takuya , Oshio Hiroki
Published: May 2015

Invited for the cover of this issue is the group of Hiroki Oshio at the University of Tsukuba, Japan. The cover image shows the metaphoric link between the synthesis of two new manganese clusters and the ancient Japanese art of origami. Origami literally means “folded paper” and allows elaborate shapes to be created from the simplest materials, just like the rigid, planar ligands that were employed to “fold” manganese ions into sophisticated helical superstructures.
Here today, gone tomorrow: Short-term retention of pesticide-induced tolerance in amphibians
Authors: Jones Devin K. , Relyea Rick A.
Published: May 2015

Pesticide use has led to the ubiquitous contamination of natural habitats, which has inadvertently increased pesticide tolerance in target and nontarget species. Historically, increased pesticide tolerance has been attributed to natural selection for tolerance among individuals of affected populations. Recent research, however, has discovered that pesticide tolerance can be increased through phenotypic plasticity. Although induced pesticide tolerance may benefit organisms experiencing contaminated systems, little is known about its occurrence in vertebrates, its retention through ontogeny, or potential life history tradeoffs. Using time-to-death assays at 2 distinct developmental windows, the authors discovered that gray treefrog (Hyla versicolor) tadpoles exposed to sublethal concentrations (0 mg a.i./L, 0.5 mg a.i./L, and 1.0 mg a.i./L) of the insecticide Sevin® (carbaryl) early in life increased their pesticide tolerance to a lethal carbaryl concentration 5 d after sublethal exposure. However, this increased tolerance was not retained later in ontogeny (23 d post-sublethal exposure). Moreover, no indication was found of pesticide-induced treefrogs experiencing life-history tradeoffs in terms of survival to metamorphosis, mass, or snout–vent length. Gray treefrogs are only the second vertebrate species and the second amphibian family to exhibit pesticide-induced tolerance after sublethal exposure. The authors' data suggest that the ability to induce increased pesticide tolerance may play a critical role in amphibian survival in contaminated ecosystems. However, future work is needed to test the occurrence of inducible pesticide tolerance among numerous amphibian populations worldwide. Environ Toxicol Chem 2015;34:2295–2301. © 2015 SETAC
Influence of Smoking Status and Intensity on Discovery of Blood Pressure Loci Through Gene‐Smoking Interactions
Authors: Basson Jacob , Sung Yun Ju , de las Fuentes Lisa , Schwander Karen , Cupples L. Adrienne , Rao Dabeeru C.
Published: May 2015

Background

Genetic variation accounts for approximately 30% of blood pressure (BP) variability but most of that variability has not been attributed to specific variants. Interactions between genes and BP‐associated factors may explain some “missing heritability.” Cigarette smoking increases BP after short‐term exposure and decreases BP with longer exposure. Gene‐smoking interactions have discovered novel BP loci, but the contribution of smoking status and intensity to gene discovery is unknown.

Methods

We analyzed gene‐smoking intensity interactions for association with systolic BP (SBP) in three subgroups from the Framingham Heart Study: current smokers only (N = 1,057), current and former smokers (“ever smokers,” N = 3,374), and all subjects (N = 6,710). We used three smoking intensity variables defined at cutoffs of 10, 15, and 20 cigarettes per day (CPD). We evaluated the 1 degree‐of‐freedom (df) interaction and 2df joint test using generalized estimating equations.

Results

Analysis of current smokers using a CPD cutoff of 10 produced two loci associated with SBP. The rs9399633 minor allele was associated with increased SBP (5 mmHg) in heavy smokers (CPD > 10) but decreased SBP (7 mmHg) in light smokers (CPD ≤ 10). The rs11717948 minor allele was associated with decreased SBP (8 mmHg) in light smokers but decreased SBP (2 mmHg) in heavy smokers. Across all nine analyses, 19 additional loci reached P < 1 × 10−6.

Discussion

Analysis of current smokers may have the highest power to detect gene‐smoking interactions, despite the reduced sample size. Associations of loci near SASH1 and KLHL6/KLHL24 with SBP may be modulated by tobacco smoking.
Comparison of threshold hydrologic response across northern catchments
Authors: Ali Genevieve , Tetzlaff Doerthe , McDonnell Jeffrey J. , Soulsby Chris , Carey Sean , Laudon Hjalmar , McGuire Kevin , Buttle Jim , Seibert Jan , Shanley Jamie
Published: May 2015

Nine mid‐latitude to high‐latitude headwater catchments – part of the Northern Watershed Ecosystem Response to Climate Change (North‐Watch) programme – were used to analyze threshold response to rainfall and snowmelt‐driven events and link the different responses to the catchment characteristics of the nine sites. The North‐Watch data include daily time‐series of various lengths of multiple variables such as air temperature, precipitation and discharge. Rainfall and meltwater inputs were differentiated using a degree‐day snowmelt approach. Distinct hydrological events were identified, and precipitation‐runoff response curves were visually assessed. Results showed that eight of nine catchments showed runoff initiation thresholds and effective precipitation input thresholds. For rainfall‐triggered events, catchment hydroclimatic and physical characteristics (e.g. mean annual air temperature, median flow path distance to the stream, median sub‐catchment area) were strong predictors of threshold strength. For snowmelt‐driven events, however, thresholds and the factors controlling precipitation‐runoff response were difficult to identify. The variability in catchments responses to snowmelt was not fully explained by runoff initiation thresholds and input magnitude thresholds. The quantification of input intensity thresholds (e.g. snow melting and permafrost thawing rates) is likely required for an adequate characterization of nonlinear spring runoff generation in such northern environments. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
PARENTS' PSYCHOLOGICAL WELL‐BEING AND PARENTAL SELF‐EFFICACY IN RELATION TO THE FAMILY'S TRIADIC INTERACTION
Authors: Korja Riikka , Piha Jorma , Otava Riia , Lavanchy Scaiola Chloé , Ahlqvist‐Björkroth Sari , Junttila Niina , Aromaa Minna , Räihä Hannele , Study Group Steps
Published: May 2015

The aim of the study was to assess whether a parent's psychological well‐being and/or self‐efficacy relate to interaction within the family. This study is part of a Finnish follow‐up study called Steps to the Healthy Development and Well‐Being of Children (STEPS;). The study group included 120 families. Mother's and father's social anxiety and depression were assessed during pregnancy and at 18 months of the child's age using self‐report questionnaires; the mother's and father's self‐efficacy were assessed at 18 months using a parental self‐efficacy scale validated within the STEPS study. Mother–father–child triadic interaction was studied at 18 months within a Lausanne Triadic Play setting. Results showed that maternal symptoms of depression during pregnancy and maternal social anxiety at 18 months were related to triadic interaction within the family. There was no relation between father's psychological well‐being and triadic interaction within the family. Father's self‐efficacy in teaching tasks and the Mother's self‐efficacy in emotional support were associated with family interaction. The findings suggest that maternal psychological well‐being and self‐efficacy in emotional support may be important components of family triadic interaction whereas paternal self‐efficacy in teaching tasks seems to support family coordination in triadic interaction.
Synthesis and Structure of a New Copper(II) Coordination Polymer Alternately Bridged by Oxamido and Carboxylate Groups: Evaluation of DNA/BSA Binding and Cytotoxic Activities
Authors: Jin Xiao‐Ting , Zheng Kang , Li Yan‐Tuan , Wu Zhi‐Yong , Yan Cui‐Wei
Published: May 2015

A new one‐dimensional (1D) copper(II) coordination polymer {[Cu2(dmaepox)(dabt)](NO3)·0.5 H2O}n, where H3dmaepox and dabt denote N‐benzoato‐N′‐(3‐methylaminopropyl)oxamide and 2,2′‐diamino‐4,4′‐bithiazole, respectively, was synthesized and characterized by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction and other methods. The crystal structure analysis revealed that the two copper(II) ions are bridged alternately by cis‐oxamido and carboxylato groups to form a 1‐D coordination polymer with the corresponding Cu···Cu separations of 5.1946(19) and 5.038(2) Å. There is a three‐dimensional supramolecular structure constructed by hydrogen bonding and π–π stacking interactions in the crystal. The reactivity towards herring sperm DNA (HS‐DNA) and bovine serum albumin (BSA) indicated that the copper(II) polymer can interact with the DNA in the mode of intercalation, and bind to BSA responsible for quenching of tryptophan fluorescence by the static quenching mechanism. The in vitro cytotoxicity suggested that the copper(II) polymer exhibits cytotoxic effects against the selected tumor cell lines.
An automated imaging system for radiation biodosimetry
Authors: Garty Guy , Bigelow Alan W. , Repin Mikhail , Turner Helen C. , Bian Dakai , Balajee Adayabalam S. , Lyulko Oleksandra V. , Taveras Maria , Yao Y. Lawrence , Brenner David J.
Published: May 2015

We describe here an automated imaging system developed at the Center for High Throughput Minimally Invasive Radiation Biodosimetry. The imaging system is built around a fast, sensitive sCMOS camera and rapid switchable LED light source. It features complete automation of all the steps of the imaging process and contains built‐in feedback loops to ensure proper operation. The imaging system is intended as a back end to the RABiT—a robotic platform for radiation biodosimetry. It is intended to automate image acquisition and analysis for four biodosimetry assays for which we have developed automated protocols: The Cytokinesis Blocked Micronucleus assay, the γ‐H2AX assay, the Dicentric assay (using PNA or FISH probes) and the RABiT‐BAND assay. Microsc. Res. Tech. 78:587–598, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Cytotoxic chemotherapy for pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors
Authors: Okusaka Takuji , Ueno Hideki , Morizane Chigusa , Kondo Shunsuke , Sakamoto Yasunari , Takahashi Hideaki , Ohno Izumi , Shimizu Satoshi , Mitsunaga Shuichi , Ikeda Masafumi
Published: May 2015

Advanced neuroendocrine tumors are incurable, and most patients will succumb to the disease. Chemotherapies with cytotoxic agents such as streptozocin, 5‐fluorouracil, or temozolomide have been frequently used as drug therapies for neuroendocrine tumors. Streptozocin, which is the only approved cytotoxic agent available for the treatment of this disease in many countries, has been considered a key agent for the treatment of advanced neuroendocrine tumors based on the results of phase III studies. However, the widespread acceptance of streptozocin‐based chemotherapy for this indication has been limited by concerns regarding toxicity. Recent prospective and retrospective studies showed the promising activity of a temozolomide‐based regimen, although an adequate prospective controlled study defining the role of temozolomide in the treatment of neuroendocrine tumors is lacking. The promising activity of cytotoxic agents awaits confirmation; solid evidence‐based recommendations and treatment decisions are needed for the optimal use of chemotherapy against this disease.
Demographic factors and hospital size predict patient satisfaction variance—implications for hospital value‐based purchasing
Authors: McFarland Daniel C. , Ornstein Katherine A. , Holcombe Randall F.
Published: May 2015

BACKGROUND

Hospital Value‐Based Purchasing (HVBP) incentivizes quality performance‐based healthcare by linking payments directly to patient satisfaction scores obtained from Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (HCAHPS) surveys. Lower HCAHPS scores appear to cluster in heterogeneous population‐dense areas and could bias Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) reimbursement.

OBJECTIVE

Assess nonrandom variation in patient satisfaction as determined by HCAHPS.

DESIGN

Multivariate regression modeling was performed for individual dimensions of HCAHPS and aggregate scores. Standardized partial regression coefficients assessed strengths of predictors. Weighted Individual (hospital) Patient Satisfaction Adjusted Score (WIPSAS) utilized 4 highly predictive variables, and hospitals were reranked accordingly.

SETTING

A total of 3907 HVBP‐participating hospitals.

PATIENTS

There were 934,800 patient surveys by the most conservative estimate.

MEASUREMENTS

A total of 3144 county demographics (US Census) and HCAHPS surveys.

RESULTS

Hospital size and primary language (non–English speaking) most strongly predicted unfavorable HCAHPS scores, whereas education and white ethnicity most strongly predicted favorable HCAHPS scores. The average adjusted patient satisfaction scores calculated by WIPSAS approximated the national average of HCAHPS scores. However, WIPSAS changed hospital rankings by variable amounts depending on the strength of the predictive variables in the hospitals’ locations. Structural and demographic characteristics that predict lower scores were accounted for by WIPSAS that also improved rankings of many safety‐net hospitals and academic medical centers in diverse areas.

CONCLUSIONS

Demographic and structural factors (eg, hospital beds) predict patient satisfaction scores even after CMS adjustments. CMS should consider WIPSAS or a similar adjustment to account for the severity of patient satisfaction inequities that hospitals could strive to correct. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2015;10:503–509. © 2015 Society of Hospital Medicine
Change in T2* relaxation time of Hoffa fat pad correlates with histologic change in a rat anterior cruciate ligament transection model
Authors: Wang Chao‐Ying , Tsai Ping‐Huei , Siow Tiing Yee , Lee Herng‐Sheng , Chang Yue‐Cune , Hsu Yi‐Chih , Chiang Shih‐Wei , Lin Ming‐Huang , Chung Hsiao‐Wen , Huang Guo‐Shu
Published: May 2015

The Hoffa fat pad (infrapatellar fat pad) is a source of post‐traumatic anterior knee pain, and Hoffa disease is a syndrome leading to chronic inflammation of the fat pad. Herein, change in T2* relaxation time of the fat pad was measured in a rodent anterior cruciate ligament transection (ACLX) model in order to (i) examine the causal relationship of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) deficiency and Hoffa disease and (ii) demonstrate the feasibility of using T2* as an imaging biomarker to monitor disease progression. Three groups of male Sprague Dawley rats (n = 6 each group), received either (i) no intervention; (ii) sham surgery at the right knee; or (iii) right ACLX. T2* relaxation time was measured and histology was examined in the Hoffa fat pad after surgery. At 13 and 18 weeks after surgery, T2* values were significantly higher in the right fat pad than the left (p < 0.001) and significantly higher in the ACLX group than the control and sham groups (p < 0.001). Histology showed fibrosis and degeneration of adipocytes in the right knees of the ACLX group. We conclude that ACL deficiency and Hoffa disease are causally related and that MRI T2* value can serve as an imaging biomarker of Hoffa disease progression. © 2015 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 33:1348–1355, 2015.