bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Overview of Pharmacokinetics
Authors: Aimone Lisa D. , de Lannoy Inés A.M.
Published: September 2014

In addition to having selective potency against the molecular target(s), a compound must be able to reach its intended site of action in vivo in sufficient quantity and for the appropriate duration of time to exert a biological effect. The fate of a compound after in vivo administration depends upon its absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion (ADME), as well as its target residence time. The concentration of the compound in the blood, plasma, and other tissues represents the sum of all of these processes. Described in this unit are protocols for administering a compound by various routes to rats and for collecting the appropriate samples to determine the pharmacokinetics profile. The basic terms used in pharmacokinetics studies are defined, and representative examples are given to illustrate important variables to consider. Curr. Protoc. Pharmacol. 66:7.1.1‐7.1.31. © 2014 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
In Vitro Assays of Lipidation of Mammalian Atg8 Homologs
Authors: Tanida Isei , Ueno Takashi , Kominami Eiki
Published: September 2014

Atg8 modifier in yeast is conjugated to phosphatidylethanolamine via ubiquitylation‐like reactions essential for autophagy. Mammalian Atg8 homologs (Atg8s) including LC3, GABARAP, and GATE‐16, are also ubiquitin‐like modifiers. The carboxyl termini of mammalian Atg8 homologs are cleaved by Atg4B, a cysteine protease, to expose carboxyl terminal Gly which is essential for this ubiquitylation‐like reaction. Thereafter, the Atg8 homologs are activated by Atg7, an E1‐like enzyme, to form unstable Atg7‐Atg8 E1‐substrate intermediates via a thioester bond. The activated Atg8 homologs are transferred to mammalian Atg3, an E2‐like enzyme, to form unstable Atg3‐Atg8 E2‐substrate intermediates via a thioester bond. Finally, Atg8 homologs are conjugated to phospholipids, phosphatidylethanolamine, and phosphatidylserine. Here, we describe a protocol for the reconstituted conjugation systems for mammalian Atg8 homologs in vitro using purified recombinant Atg proteins and liposomes. Curr. Protoc. Cell Biol. 64:11.20.1‐11.20.13. © 2014 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Best Practices for Mapping Replication Origins in Eukaryotic Chromosomes
Authors: Besnard Emilie , Desprat Romain , Ryan Michael , Kahli Malik , Aladjem Mirit I. , Lemaitre Jean‐Marc
Published: September 2014

Understanding the regulatory principles ensuring complete DNA replication in each cell division is critical for deciphering the mechanisms that maintain genomic stability. Recent advances in genome sequencing technology facilitated complete mapping of DNA replication sites and helped move the field from observing replication patterns at a handful of single loci to analyzing replication patterns genome‐wide. These advances address issues, such as the relationship between replication initiation events, transcription, and chromatin modifications, and identify potential replication origin consensus sequences. This unit summarizes the technological and fundamental aspects of replication profiling and briefly discusses novel insights emerging from mining large datasets, published in the last 3 years, and also describes DNA replication dynamics on a whole‐genome scale. Curr. Protoc. Cell Biol. 64:22.18.1‐22.18.13. © 2014 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Diurnal cross‐shore thermal exchange on a tropical forereef
Authors: Molina L. , Pawlak G. , Wells J. R. , Monismith S. G. , Merrifield M. A.
Published: September 2014

Observations of the velocity structure at the Kilo Nalu Observatory on the south shore of Oahu, Hawaii show that thermally driven baroclinic exchange is a dominant mechanism for cross‐shore transport for this tropical forereef environment. Estimates of the exchange and net volume fluxes are comparable and show that the average residence time for the zone shoreward of the 12 m isobath is generally much less than 1 day. Although cross‐shore wind stress influences the diurnal cross‐shore exchange, surface heat flux is identified as the primary forcing mechanism from the phase relationships and from analysis of momentum and buoyancy balances for the record‐averaged diurnal structure. Dynamic flow regimes are characterized based on a two‐dimensional theoretical framework and the observations of the thermal structure at Kilo Nalu are shown to be in the unsteady temperature regime. Diurnal phasing and the cross‐shore momentum balance suggest that turbulent stress divergence is an important driver of the baroclinic exchange. While the thermally driven exchange has a robust diurnal profile in the long term, there is high temporal variability on shorter time scales. Ensemble‐averaged diurnal profiles indicate that the exchange is strongly modulated by surface heat flux, wind speed/direction, and alongshore velocity direction. The latter highlights the role of alongshore variability in the thermally driven exchange. Analysis of the thermal balance in the nearshore region indicates that the cross‐shore exchange accounts for roughly 38% of the advective heat transport on a daily basis.
Impact of a half‐space interface on the wireless link between tiny sensor nodes
Authors: Penkin Dmitriy , Janssen Gerard , Yarovoy Alexander
Published: September 2014

The power budget of a wireless link between two electrically small sensor nodes located close to an interface between two media is studied. The model includes both the propagation channel losses and input impedance of the radio frequency antennas. It is shown that a highly inductive half‐space significantly enhances the received power due to the contribution of the surface wave while not resulting in considerable mismatch losses between the antennas and electronics. Hence, such a half‐space improves the link gain, which may compensate the limited energy available for transmission from electrically and physically small nodes.
Future Mars Rovers: The Next Places to Direct Our Curiosity
Authors: Thomson Bradley J. , El‐Baz Farouk
Published: September 2014

When the $2.5 billion dollar Mars Science Laboratory (MSL) rover Curiosity was designed and built, its landing site was not known in advance. Rather, a series of open‐invitation workshops was convened to solicit input from the scientific community to help evaluate potential sites.
Lindstrom Receives 2013 Ocean Sciences Award: Citation
Authors: Gordon Arnold L. , Lagerloef Gary S. E.
Published: September 2014

Eric J. Lindstrom's record over the last 3 decades exemplifies both leadership and service to the ocean science community. Advancement of ocean science not only depends on innovative research but is enabled by support of government agencies. As NASA program scientist for physical oceanography for the last 15 years, Eric combined his proven scientific knowledge and skilled leadership abilities with understanding the inner workings of our government bureaucracy, for the betterment of all. He is a four‐time NASA headquarters medalist for his achievements in developing a unified physical oceanography program that is well integrated with those of other federal agencies.
Proposed satellite would improve study of cloud physics
Authors: Wendel JoAnna
Published: September 2014

Aerosols can have a profound impact on cloud formation and thus an impact on the global climate. Cloud droplets forming around aerosols tend to be smaller, increasing the cloud's ability to reflect radiation back into space, thus shading the Earth. However, how much light is scattered by different types of aerosols and how that relates to climate change still represent the largest uncertainty in climate change research.
Assessing active faulting by hydrogeological modeling and superconducting gravimetry: A case study for Hsinchu Fault, Taiwan
Authors: Lien Tzuyi , Cheng Ching‐Chung , Hwang Cheinway , Crossley David
Published: September 2014

We develop a new hydrology and gravimetry‐based method to assess whether or not a local fault may be active. We take advantage of an existing superconducting gravimeter (SG) station and a comprehensive groundwater network in Hsinchu to apply the method to the Hsinchu Fault (HF) across the Hsinchu Science Park, whose industrial output accounts for 10% of Taiwan's gross domestic product. The HF is suspected to pose seismic hazards to the park, but its existence and structure are not clear. The a priori geometry of the HF is translated into boundary conditions imposed in the hydrodynamic model. By varying the fault's location, depth, and including a secondary wrench fault, we construct five hydrodynamic models to estimate groundwater variations, which are evaluated by comparing groundwater levels and SG observations. The results reveal that the HF contains a low hydraulic conductivity core and significantly impacts groundwater flows in the aquifers. Imposing the fault boundary conditions leads to about 63–77% reduction in the differences between modeled and observed values (both water level and gravity). The test with fault depth shows that the HF's most recent slip occurred in the beginning of Holocene, supplying a necessary (but not sufficient) condition that the HF is currently active. A portable SG can act as a virtual borehole well for model assessment at critical locations of a suspected active fault.
Change in surface energy balance in Alaska due to fire and spring warming, based on upscaling eddy covariance measurements
Authors: Ueyama Masahito , Ichii Kazuhito , Iwata Hiroki , Euskirchen Eugénie S. , Zona Donatella , Rocha Adrian V. , Harazono Yoshinobu , Iwama Chie , Nakai Taro , Oechel Walter C.
Published: September 2014

Warming in northern high latitudes has changed the energy balance between terrestrial ecosystems and the atmosphere. This study evaluated changes in regional surface energy exchange in Alaska from 2000 to 2011 when substantial declines in spring snow cover due to spring warming and large‐scale fire events were observed. Energy fluxes from a network of 20 eddy covariance sites were upscaled using a support vector regression (SVR) model, by combining satellite remote sensing data and global climate data. Based on site‐scale analysis, SVR reproduced observed net radiation, sensible heat flux, latent heat flux, and ground heat flux; 8 day root‐mean‐square errors for these variables were 15, 10, 9, and 3 W m−2, respectively. Based on upscaled fluxes, decreases in spring snow cover induced an increase in surface net radiation, a net heating effect, of 0.56 W m−2 decade−1. This heating effect was comparable to the net cooling effect due to increased fire extent during the study period (up to 0.59 W m−2 decade−1). These land cover effects were larger than the change in the energy forcing associated with CO2 balance for the Alaska region. Spring warming and postfire land cover change increased the regional latent heat flux. The regional sensible heat flux decreased with the postfire land cover change. Our results highlight the importance of positive spring snow albedo feedback to climate and a postfire negative feedback under the expected warming climate in the Arctic.
Process consistency in models: The importance of system signatures, expert knowledge, and process complexity
Authors: Hrachowitz M. , Fovet O. , Ruiz L. , Euser T. , Gharari S. , Nijzink R. , Freer J. , Savenije H. H. G. , Gascuel‐Odoux C.
Published: September 2014

Hydrological models frequently suffer from limited predictive power despite adequate calibration performances. This can indicate insufficient representations of the underlying processes. Thus, ways are sought to increase model consistency while satisfying the contrasting priorities of increased model complexity and limited equifinality. In this study, the value of a systematic use of hydrological signatures and expert knowledge for increasing model consistency was tested. It was found that a simple conceptual model, constrained by four calibration objective functions, was able to adequately reproduce the hydrograph in the calibration period. The model, however, could not reproduce a suite of hydrological signatures, indicating a lack of model consistency. Subsequently, testing 11 models, model complexity was increased in a stepwise way and counter‐balanced by “prior constraints,” inferred from expert knowledge to ensure a model which behaves well with respect to the modeler's perception of the system. We showed that, in spite of unchanged calibration performance, the most complex model setup exhibited increased performance in the independent test period and skill to better reproduce all tested signatures, indicating a better system representation. The results suggest that a model may be inadequate despite good performance with respect to multiple calibration objectives and that increasing model complexity, if counter‐balanced by prior constraints, can significantly increase predictive performance of a model and its skill to reproduce hydrological signatures. The results strongly illustrate the need to balance automated model calibration with a more expert‐knowledge‐driven strategy of constraining models.
Real‐Time Ultrasound‐Guided Needle Injection of the Mouse Jugular Vein
Authors: Abrahams Dominique , Jeune‐Smith Yolaine , Bode Aimee , Baldwin Margaret , Choi Jung W.
Published: September 2014

This unit describes a novel method for direct venous injection into mice that offers potentially significant advantages over commonly used mouse vein injection techniques. This is achieved via percutaneous needle placement into the mouse jugular vein under real‐time B‐mode ultrasound (US) imaging. Real‐time US imaging of the injection process allows for immediate determination of the overall success of injection. Unique, and potentially significant, advantages of this technique over others include: (1) direct visual confirmation of needle tip placement in the lumen of the vein, (2) immediate visual detection of extravascular extravasation of injectate, when compared to blinded techniques, such as tail vein injections, and (3) reduced morbidity and mortality compared to surgical vascular access techniques (i.e., jugular vein cannulation). This technique may lead to more accurate determination of the success of the injection procedure for each mouse, thus improving the quality of acquired data in dependent mouse experiments. Curr. Protoc. Mouse Biol. 4:141‐150 © 2014 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Consumer Willingness to Pay for Catechin‐enriched Yogurt: Evidence from a Stated Choice Experiment
Authors: Moro Daniele , Veneziani Mario , Sckokai Paolo , Castellari Elena
Published: September 2014

In recent years, food manufacturers have been devoting a large portion of their R&D budgets to the development of functional foods. Although functional foods exhibit a significant level of information asymmetry, consumers appear to be increasingly appreciative, recognizing their role in preventing or reducing health risks and/or improving other physiological functions. This paper quantifies the willingness to pay of a representative sample of 600 Italian consumers for a hypothetical yogurt using a web‐based stated choice experiment. The willingness to pay for two functional attributes (probiotics and catechin enrichment) was measured using the panel data version of a Random Parameters Logit model. The results show that respondents are willing to pay a premium for a catechin‐enriched yogurt (0.38 €/jar), which is well above their willingness to pay for the probiotic attribute (0.21 €/jar). Averaging the individual values across sample sub‐groups indicates that the willingness to pay for catechin enrichment may be related to age, income, health status, lifestyle and education. [EconLit citation: C25, C93, D12]
Environmental controls and avoidance measures
Authors: Krouse Helene J.
Published: September 2014

Background

Environmental control measures refer to using 1 or more interventions aimed at avoiding, reducing, or eliminating allergens and irritants in the environment to improve symptoms of allergic rhinitis. Although avoiding known allergens is highly effective, completely eliminating an allergen from one's environment is often impractical or even impossible.

Methods

The purpose of this work is to review evidence on the efficacy of various environmental control measures aimed at preventing the development of new sensitizations, reducing the progression of allergic rhinitis, and improving its symptoms and quality of life.

Results

Current literature examining the protective effects of specific measures such as breastfeeding and early pet exposure against the development of allergic diseases including allergic rhinitis has been inconclusive. Environmental measures such as frequently washing cats and dogs, encasing bedding within impermeable covers, air filtration, and chemicals can effectively reduce levels of allergens in the home. Although environmental control measures reduce allergen exposure levels, significant alleviation in symptoms or improvement in quality of life in patients with allergic rhinitis have not been shown.

Conclusion

An evidence‐based approach can assist health providers in educating patients and helping them to make informed decisions in selecting the most appropriate and cost‐effective environmental control strategies to manage their disease. The greatest benefits can be achieved from using a multifaceted environmental approach aimed at routinely and systematically reducing exposure to allergens over time.
In vitro allergy testing
Authors: Osguthorpe John David
Published: September 2014

Background

History and physical examination are the first, and most important steps, in the evaluation of a patient suspected of having an allergy. The diagnosis can be confirmed with either skin or serum testing for evidence of immunoglobulin E (IgE)‐mediated reactivity.

Methods

The recent literature on serum‐based testing for the detection and quantitation of allergen specific IgE (sIgE) was reviewed, identifying where available the “best practices” from high level of evidence studies and/or physician organization guidelines.

Results

Current practices for documenting sIgE are detailed, including enzyme‐linked immunoassays on conventional extracts (standardized or not), similar on microarrays of highly purified or recombinant allergens, and basophil activation testing.

Conclusion

Serum testing is an equal alternative to skin testing for establishing the presence of IgE‐mediated sensitivity and for identifying the allergens involved. Like skin testing, limitations include the availability of fully detailed allergenic extracts, particularly for foods, drugs, and occupational agents, and the possibility of non‐IgE mediated issues.
Synthesis and gas permeation parameters of metathesis polytricyclononenes with pendant Me3E‐groups (E = C, Si, Ge)
Authors: Bermeshev Maxim , Bulgakov Boris , Starannikova Lyudmila , Dibrov Georgii , Chapala Pavel , Demchuk Dmitry , Yampolskii Yurii , Finkelshtein Eugene
Published: September 2014

Metathesis polytricyclononenes were synthesized via ROMP polymerization in the presence of the 1‐st generation Grubbs catalyst and their gas‐transport properties were studied for the first time. The aim of this work was to evaluate the influence of Me3E‐groups (E = C, Si, Ge) on gas permeation parameters of ROMP materials. New metathesis poly(3‐tert‐butyltricyclononene‐7) and poly(3‐trimethylgermyltricyclononene‐7) were obtained with high yields (up to 95%) and high‐molecular weights (Mw∼3–7×105 g mol−1). The glass transition temperatures of the ROMP polytricyclononenes with Me3E‐groups decreased when E was changed from C to Si and then to Ge. It was shown that the polytricyclononene containing Me3Si‐groups has the highest gas permeability while the polytricyclononene containing Me3C‐substituents has the lowest gas permeability. In addition, the gas permeation parameters were estimated for ROMP Me3Si‐ and Me3Ge‐substituted polytricyclonona‐3,7‐dienes. So the influence of the second double bond in the monomer units on the permeability of the polymers obtained was studied. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015, 132, 41395.
5‐Nitro‐5′hydroxy‐indirubin‐3′oxime Is a Novel Inducer of Somatic Cell Transdifferentiation
Authors: Jung Da‐Woon , Hong Young J. , Kim Soo‐Yeon , Kim Woong‐Hee , Seo Shinae , Lee Jung‐Eun , Shen Haihong , Kim Yong‐Chul , Williams Darren R.
Published: September 2014

Patient‐derived cell transplantation is an attractive therapy for regenerative medicine. However, this requires effective strategies to reliably differentiate patient cells into clinically useful cell types. Herein, we report the discovery that 5‐nitro‐5′hydroxy‐indirubin‐3′oxime (5′‐HNIO) is a novel inducer of cell transdifferentiation. 5′‐HNIO induced muscle transdifferentiation into adipogenic and osteogenic cells. 5′‐HNIO was shown to inhibit aurora kinase A, which is a known cell fate regulator. 5′‐HNIO produced a favorable level of transdifferentiation compared to other aurora kinase inhibitors and induced transdifferentiation across cell lineage boundaries. Significantly, 5′‐HNIO treatment produced direct transdifferentiation without up‐regulating potentially oncogenic induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) reprogramming factors. Thus, our results demonstrate that 5′‐HNIO is an attractive molecular tool for cell transdifferentiation and cell fate research.
Vascular limb defects and maternal age
Authors: Nasri Hanah Z. , Westgate Marie‐Noel , Macklin Eric A. , Holmes Lewis B.
Published: September 2014

Background

The prenatal diagnosis procedure chorionic villus sampling is associated with increased risk of vascular disruption limb defects. Some studies have suggested that these defects are more common among infants born to women 35 years and older while other studies have shown a correlation with younger mothers.

Methods

All infants with vascular disruption defects were identified in the Active Malformations Surveillance Program at Brigham and Women's Hospital in the years 1972–1974, 1979–2011. We compared the rate of occurrence of infants with vascular limb defects among women in theses age groups: ≤19, 20 to 34, and ≥35 years to the rate of occurrence of infants with preaxial polydactyly, adjusting for race. Infants with an identifiable cause of their defects were excluded.

Results

106 infants with vascular disruption defects and 67 with preaxial polydactyly were identified. Seventeen percent of the infants with vascular disruption defects and 25% of the infants with preaxial polydactyly were born to women 35 and older (p = 0.23). In contrast, 16% of the infants with vascular disruption defects were born to young mothers (≤19 years) compared with 6.0% of the mothers of infants with preaxial polydactyly (adjusted odds ratio vs. 35+ years = 5.3, 95% confidence interval 1.4–21, p = 0.017).

Conclusion

Women 35 years old or older did not have increased risk for having a child with vascular disruption defects, but these defects were more common among infants of young (≤19) mothers, compared with the preaxial polydactyly group. Birth Defects Research (Part A) 100:760–763, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Pre‐birth world and the development of the immune system: Mum's diet affects our adult health
Authors: Ferreira Manuela , Veiga‐Fernandes Henrique
Published: September 2014

Secondary lymphoid organs form in utero through an inherited and well‐established developmental program. However, maternal non‐heritable features can have a major impact on the gene expression of the embryo, hence influencing the future health of the offspring. Recently, maternal retinoids were shown to regulate the formation of immune structures, shedding light on the role of maternal nutrition in the genetic signature of emergent immune cells. Here we highlight evidence showing how the maternal diet influences the establishment of the immune system, and we also discuss how unbalanced maternal diets may set the response to infection and vaccination in the progeny.
Catalytically impaired fluorescent Class C β‐lactamase enables rapid and sensitive cephalosporin detection by stabilizing fluorescence signals: Implications for biosensor design
Authors: Tsang Man‐Wah , So Pui‐Kin , Liu Sze‐Yan , Tsang Chun‐Wai , Chan Pak‐Ho , Wong Kwok‐Yin , Leung Yun‐Chung
Published: September 2014

Biosensors have found applications in many sectors including the food industry, where cephalosporin detection has played an important role in reducing the incidence of cephalosporin contamination, ensuring food safety, and reducing the spread of antibiotic resistance. Taking advantage of the specific interaction between β‐lactamase and its cephalosporin substrates/inhibitors, we previously constructed a biosensor based on a fluorescein‐labeled class C β‐lactamase mutant, V211Cf, for specific and reagentless detection of cephalosporins and class C β‐lactamase inhibitors (Anal. Chem. 2011, 83, 1996–2004). Upon the addition of substrate/ inhibitor (i.e. the biosensor's analyte), the analyte induced a change in the local environment of the fluorescein molecule that was covalently tethered to a site close to the enzyme's active site (the 211 position), triggering a fluorescence enhancement of V211Cf. To improve the performance of V211Cf for better cephalosporin detection of the biosensor, we have developed Y150S/V211Cf, a derivative of V211Cf constructed by introducing the Y150S mutation to suppress the hydrolytic activity of V211Cf thereby improving the stability of the fluorescence signal. From our results, Y150S/V211Cf not only demonstrated improved fluorescence signal sustainability over V211Cf, but also showed a rapid response towards cephalothin (a first generation cephalosporin). These features make it feasible to of use Y150S/V211Cf for the rapid and specific detection of cephalosporins, and illustrate the possibilities for rational biosensor design of catalytically impaired fluorescent enzymes for rapid and sensitive analyte detection purposes.
Fundamental Issues of Catalytic Conversion of Bio‐Ethanol into Butadiene
Authors: Ezinkwo Godwin O. , Tretyakov Valentine Philippovich , Aliyu Auwal , Ilolov Akhmadsho Mamadshoevich
Published: September 2014

This paper reviews issues related to butadiene production via bio‐ethanol conversion from the days of Lebedev until today. A catalogue of catalytic systems proposed till date were identified; the inevitable role of various dopants in enhancing catalytic activity, physico‐chemical analysis of certain catalytic trends and prospects for the development of the old process by the implementation of process initiators and the use of new generation catalysts with higher performance and better tolerance to coking problems, and the impact of shale gas exploitation on the supply and demand of butadiene were also discussed.
Design Strategies for Integrated β‐Galactosidase Purification Processes
Authors: Lemes Ailton C. , Machado Juliana Ribeiro , Brites Marcela Lazzare , Luccio Marco Di , Kalil Susana Juliano
Published: September 2014

The operational conditions for an aqueous two‐phase system (ATPS) for β‐galactosidase purification were optimized and applied to the design of a purification strategy as an alternative to the primary purification steps. The ATPS proved to be suitable for the recovery and primary enzyme purification. The purification process design developed by ATPS, diafiltration, ion exchange, and diafiltration/ultrafiltration was successful, yielding a more than tenfold purification. The purification strategy design resulted in a powerful integrated purification and recovery process, an evidence of the potential for a scale‐up of the β‐galactosidase purification process.
Mass Transfer Reaction Kinetics of β‐Isophorone Oxidation by Air in an Agitator Bubbling Reactor
Authors: Yin Hong , Sheng Caiping , Chen Zhirong , Yuan Shenfeng , Li Haoran , Mei Jun
Published: September 2014

The mass transfer reaction kinetics of β‐isophorone (β‐IP) oxidation reaction by air was investigated in a lab‐scale agitator bubbling reactor. This reaction can be regarded as instantaneous and there exists a critical concentration of β‐IP. When the catalyst concentration is kept unchanged, the reaction rate is only controlled by the gas film and the reaction kinetics is of zero order with respect to β‐IP when the β‐IP concentration lies over the critical concentration. The reaction rate is controlled by the dual film and the kinetics is of first order with respect to β‐IP when its concentration is below the critical concentration. Under the gas film‐controlling condition, the effect of temperature, agitator speed, and aeration on the reaction rate is evaluated. A correlation equation of gas phase volumetric mass transfer coefficients combining superficial gas velocity and agitator speed is defined.
Germylene Cyanide Complex: A Reagent for the Activation of Aldehydes with Catalytic Significance
Authors: Siwatch Rahul Kumar , Nagendran Selvarajan
Published: September 2014

The first example of a germanium(II) cyanide complex [GeCN(L)] (2) (L=aminotroponiminate (ATI)) has been synthesized through a novel and relatively benign route that involves the reaction of a digermylene oxide [(L)GeOGe(L)] (1) with trimethylsilylcyanide (TMSCN). Interestingly, compound 2 activates several aldehydes (RCHO) at room temperature and results in the corresponding cyanogermylated products [RC{OGe(L)}(CN)H] (R=H 3, iPr 4, tBu 5, CH(Ph)Me 6). Reaction of one of the cyanogermylated products (4) with TMSCN affords the cyanosilylated product [(iPr)C(OSiMe3)(CN)H] (7) along with [GeCN(L)] quantitatively, and insinuates the possible utility of [GeCN(L)] as a catalyst for the cyanosilylation reactions of aldehydes with TMSCN. Accordingly, the quantitative formation of several cyanosilylated products [RC(OSiMe3)(CN)H] (7–9) in the reaction between RCHO and TMSCN by using 1 mol % of [GeCN(L)] as a catalyst is also reported for the first time.
Fast terminal sliding mode controller design for nonlinear second‐order systems with time‐varying uncertainties
Authors: Mobayen Saleh
Published: September 2014

This article investigates a novel fast terminal sliding mode control approach combined with global sliding surface structure for the robust tracking control of nonlinear second‐order systems with time‐varying uncertainties. The suggested control technique is formulated based on the Lyapunov stability theory and guarantees the existence of the sliding mode around the sliding surface in a finite time. Using the new form of switching surface, the reaching phase elimination and the robustness improvement of the whole system are satisfied. Simulation results demonstrate the efficiency of the proposed technique. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Complexity 21: 239–244, 2015
Effect of thickness on structural and optical properties of vacuum‐deposited Sn2Sb2S5 thin films
Authors: Khedmi N. , Rabeh M. Ben , Abdelkadher D. , Ousgi F. , Kanzari M.
Published: September 2014

Sn2Sb2S5 thin films in thickness of 100 to 900 nm were deposited on glass substrates using thermal evaporation method. XRD indicated that all the Sn2Sb2S5 samples are polycrystalline in nature having orthorhombic structure. The various structural parameters such as crystalline size (D), dislocation density (δ), strain (ε) and texture coefficient TC (hkl) were calculated and the surface morphology of the films was also analyzed. The optical constants, i.e., refractive index, absorption coefficient and optical band gap of the deposited films have been determined from the analysis of the transmittance and reflectance spectral data over the wavelength range 300–1800nm. The averages transmittance for all films is over 80% in the near infrared spectral range. Furthermore, the absorption coefficient of Sn2Sb2S5 thin films was evaluated and found to be in the range 104–105cm−1 in the UV. However, the optical band gap was found to decrease from 1.72 to 1.5eV when the thickness of films increases.
Dye‐Sensitized Solar Cells with Improved Performance using Cone‐Calix[4]Arene Based Dyes
Authors: Tan Li‐Lin , Liu Jun‐Min , Li Shao‐Yong , Xiao Li‐Min , Kuang Dai‐Bin , Su Cheng‐Yong
Published: September 2014

Three cone‐calix[4]arene‐based sensitizers (Calix‐1–Calix‐3) with multiple donor–π–acceptor (D–π–A) moieties are designed, synthesized, and applied in dye‐sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). Their photophysical and electrochemical properties are characterized by measuring UV/Vis absorption and emission spectra, cyclic voltammetry, and density functional theory (DFT) calculations. Calix‐3 has excellent thermo‐ and photostability, as illustrated by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and dye‐aging tests, respectively. Importantly, a DSSC using the Calix‐3 dye displays a conversion efficiency of 5.48 % in under standard AM 1.5 Global solar illumination conditions, much better than corresponding DSSCs that use the rod‐shaped dye M‐3 with a single D–π–A chain (3.56 %). The dyes offer advantages in terms of higher molar extinction coefficients, longer electron lifetimes, better stability, and stronger binding ability to TiO2 film. This is the first example of calixarene‐based sensitizers for efficient dye‐sensitized solar cells.
Genetic variation in nuclear and mitochondrial markers supports a large sex difference in lifetime reproductive skew in a lekking species
Authors: Verkuil Yvonne I. , Juillet Cedric , Lank David B. , Widemo Fredrik , Piersma Theunis
Published: September 2014

Sex differences in skews of vertebrate lifetime reproductive success are difficult to measure directly. Evolutionary histories of differential skew should be detectable in the genome. For example, male‐biased skew should reduce variation in the biparentally inherited genome relative to the maternally inherited genome. We tested this approach in lek‐breeding ruff (Class Aves,Philomachus pugnax) by comparing genetic variation of nuclear microsatellites (θn; biparental) versus mitochondrial D‐loop sequences (θm; maternal), and conversion to comparable nuclear (Ne) and female (Nef) effective population size using published ranges of mutation rates for each marker (μ). We provide a Bayesian method to calculateNe(θn = 4Neμn) andNef(θm = 2Nefμm) using 95% credible intervals (CI) ofθnandθmas informative priors, and accounting for uncertainty inμ. In 96 male ruffs from one population,Newas 97% (79–100%) lower than expected under random mating in an ideal population, whereNe:Nef = 2. This substantially lower autosomal variation represents the first genomic support of strong male reproductive skew in a lekking species.
Experimental evolution alters the rate and temporal pattern of population growth in Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis, a lethal fungal pathogen of amphibians
Authors: Voyles Jamie , Johnson Leah R. , Briggs Cheryl J. , Cashins Scott D. , Alford Ross A. , Berger Lee , Skerratt Lee F. , Speare Rick , Rosenblum Erica Bree
Published: September 2014

Virulence of infectious pathogens can be unstable and evolve rapidly depending on the evolutionary dynamics of the organism. Experimental evolution can be used to characterize pathogen evolution, often with the underlying objective of understanding evolution of virulence. We used experimental evolution techniques (serial transfer experiments) to investigate differential growth and virulence of Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd), a fungal pathogen that causes amphibian chytridiomycosis. We tested two lineages of Bd that were derived from a single cryo‐archived isolate; one lineage (P10) was passaged 10 times, whereas the second lineage (P50) was passaged 50 times. We quantified time to zoospore release, maximum zoospore densities, and timing of zoospore activity and then modeled population growth rates. We also conducted exposure experiments with a susceptible amphibian species, the common green tree frog (Litoria caerulea) to test the differential pathogenicity. We found that the P50 lineage had shorter time to zoospore production (Tmin), faster rate of sporangia death (ds), and an overall greater intrinsic population growth rate (λ). These patterns of population growth in vitro corresponded with higher prevalence and intensities of infection in exposed Litoria caerulea, although the differences were not significant. Our results corroborate studies that suggest that Bd may be able to evolve relatively rapidly. Our findings also challenge the general assumption that pathogens will always attenuate in culture because shifts in Bd virulence may depend on laboratory culturing practices. These findings have practical implications for the laboratory maintenance of Bd isolates and underscore the importance of understanding the evolution of virulence in amphibian chytridiomycosis.
Pan‐European, open‐label dose titration study of fentanyl buccal tablet in patients with breakthrough cancer pain
Authors: Kleeberg U.R. , Davies A. , Jarosz J. , Mercadante S. , Poulain P. , O'Brien T. , Schneid H. , Kress H.G.
Published: September 2014

Background

Fentanyl buccal tablet (FBT), a rapid onset opioid used to treat breakthrough cancer pain, must be titrated to an effective dose that provides adequate analgesia and minimizes undesirable events. This open‐label, randomized study compared the percentage of patients achieving an effective dose of FBT when starting titration at 100 or 200 μg.

Methods

Opioid‐tolerant patients with chronic cancer‐related pain who experienced up to four breakthrough pain episodes daily were randomized to a starting dose of 100 or 200 μg for the titration period. The dose was increased until an effective dose (100, 200, 400, 600 or 800 μg) providing adequate analgesia with acceptable adverse events was achieved. Patients achieving an effective dose entered a treatment period during which they treated up to eight breakthrough pain episodes with their effective dose.

Results

A total of 442 patients from 135 sites in seven European countries were screened. Non‐inferiority was established with the percentage of patients achieving an effective dose starting titration at 200 μg (81.4%) compared with the 100‐μg (75.2%) starting dose. The most common effective doses of FBT were 200 μg (39.6%) and 400 μg (26.9%). No new safety concerns were identified with use of FBT at doses up to 800 μg per episode.

Conclusions

This study involving a real clinical practice setting showed a similar percentage of patients safely achieving an effective dose by titration starting with 100 versus 200 μg of FBT.
Further development in the assessment of psychological flexibility: A shortened Committed Action Questionnaire (CAQ‐8)
Authors: McCracken L.M. , Chilcot J. , Norton S.
Published: September 2014

Background

Committed action is a relatively understudied facet of the psychological flexibility model but a potentially important process of overt behaviour in relation to chronic pain. In this study, we take a previously developed measure of committed action, the Committed Action Questionnaire (CAQ), and validate a shorter version.

Methods

A total of 664 adults seeking treatment for chronic pain participated in this study. They provided responses to the CAQ and also completed measures of acceptance and health‐related daily functioning. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses as well as Mokken scaling analysis were used to explore the structure of the CAQ and produce an 8‐item version (CAQ‐8).

Results

A two‐factor scale emerged from the analyses that both meets criteria for reliability and validity and performs comparably to the longer original version. In validity correlation analyses, committed action as measured by the CAQ‐8 was significantly associated with pain‐related and general acceptance and with depression, physical and social functioning, mental health, vitality and general health.

Conclusions

The CAQ‐8 appears equally adequate as the CAQ as a measure of committed action. Its development ought to facilitate further study of this process of engagement in activity and of the wider psychological flexibility model in relation to chronic pain.
Characterization and Electrochemical Properties of P(VdF‐co‐HFP) Based Electrospun Nanocomposite Fibrous Polymer Electrolyte Membrane for Lithium Battery Applications
Authors: Padmaraj O. , Venkateswarlu M. , Satyanarayana N.
Published: September 2014

Effect of ZnAl2O4 nanofillers concentration on the physical and electrochemical properties of electrospun P(VdF‐co‐HFP) based nanocomposite electrolyte membranes were studied. By optimizing the spinning process parameters, the bead free and an average range (0.5–1.0 µm) of diametered fibrous membranes were developed using an electrospinning technique. The nanocomposite fibrous membrane with 5 wt% ZnAl2O4 fillers showed reduction of crystallinity, good thermal stability and smooth morphology were studied by X‐ray diffraction, differential scanning calorimetry and scanning electron microscopy techniques. The fibrous P(VdF‐co‐HFP) copolymer and nanocomposite P(VdF‐co‐HFP)/ZnAl2O4 polymer electrolytes were prepared by soaking the prepared electrospun fibrous membranes in 1 M LiPF6 in EC: DEC (1 : 1, v/v) and evaluated the wet‐ability properties by electrolyte uptake method. The activated nanocomposite fibrous polymer electrolyte membrane with 5 wt% ZnAl2O4 fillers content shows high ionic conductivity of 1.59×10−3 S cm−1 at room temperature and good electrochemical stability window higher than 4.3 V. Electrochemical performance of Li/PE, NCPE/LiCoO2 CR 2032 coin cells containing the prepared fibrous polymer electrolyte (PE) and nanocomposite polymer electrolyte (NCPE) membranes with 5 wt% ZnAl2O4 filler content is evaluated at current density 0.1 C‐rate over the potential range 2.8–4.2 V.
Electrochemical Performance of Lithium Titanate Submicron Rods Synthesized by Sol‐Gel/Electrospinning
Authors: Haridas Anulekha K. , Sharma Chandra S. , Rao Tata N.
Published: September 2014

Lithium titanate (LTO) submicron rods with grain sizes varying from 50–80 nm were synthesized without any polymer additive by sol‐gel assisted electrospinning. The obtained phase pure (spinal phase) LTO submicron structures exhibited fast charge/discharge profiles at varying charging rates (C rates). After initial charge/discharge studies at various C rates (0.1 C – 30 C) followed by at 1 C rate for 200 cycles, the cell has shown specific capacity of 140.6 mA h/g with columbic efficiency of 99.8 %. The ordered crystalline nanostructure enabling reduced diffusion path could explain this excellent performance of LTO submicron rods which may find potential applications as anode materials in lithium ion battery for electric vehicles.
Synthesis and Evaluation of Carbon Nanotubes Supported Silver Catalyst for Alkaline Fuel Cell
Authors: Fazil A. , Chetty R.
Published: September 2014

Silver catalysts with three different metal loadings e.g. 10, 20 and 40 wt% were synthesised on carbon nanotubes (Ag/CNT) support by glycerol reduction method. The catalysts were characterised by X‐ray diffraction, electron microscopy and thermogravimetric analysis. The average crystalline size of Ag was found between 10 and 16 nm for the metal loading from 10 to 40 wt%. The catalytic activity towards oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) in alkaline solution was studied for the Ag/CNT catalysts in terms of mass activity as well as specific activity. Cyclic voltammetry and rotating disc electrode studies showed higher current density for 40 wt% Ag/CNT catalyst, which maintained suitable durability in potential sweeping cycling in comparison to 10 and 20 wt% Ag/CNT. The fuel cell studies of the synthesized catalysts were conducted using an anion exchange membrane, and all the three Ag/CNT catalysts showed open circuit voltage above 1 V with 40 wt% Ag/CNT gave the highest peak power density of 26.1 mW cm−2 at room temperature, in good agreement with the kinetic data obtained from the half‐cell studies.
Modeling of a Cylindrical Shell and Helical Tube Condenser of HFC‐134a
Authors: Dabas J. K. , Kumar Sudhir , Dodeja A. K. , Kasana K. S.
Published: September 2014

A computer program was developed for the performance analysis and design optimization of a cylindrical shell and helical tube type HFC134a condenser and its predicted results were verified against the experimentally determined data. The computer model is based on a numerical method of cell discretization. The local values of variables like heat transfer rate, pressure drop, and the properties of refrigerant are calculated on the basis of appropriate theoretical and empirical correlations available in the literature and the mass, momentum, and energy balance is applied to each cell. The whole sequential and iterative procedure to satisfy the boundary conditions of each cell and of the whole condenser has been transformed into a computer program written in C++. This computer model was used in a parametric study to analyze the effects of varying the input parameters of both fluids on the performance of the condenser. It gives the optimal values of refrigerant mass velocity and of the tube diameter against the available conditions of external cooling fluid, mass flow rate of refrigerant, and degree of subcooling of the refrigerant at the condenser outlet. Its utility was found in the performance optimization of an existing condenser as well as in the design optimization of a new condenser.
National heart, lung, and blood institute state of the science symposium in therapeutic apheresis—Therapeutic apheresis in cardiovascular disease
Authors: Winters Jeffrey L. , Cooper Leslie T. , Ratcliffe Nora R. , Wu Yanyun , Moriarty Patrick M.
Published: September 2014

The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute in collaboration with the American Society for Apheresis, convened a State of the Science Symposium in November of 2012 due to the expanding application of therapeutic apheresis despite the lack of well‐designed research to address its efficacy. This article reviews the opportunities that were presented at this meeting in the area of cardiovascular disease (CVD), specifically the use of columns to adsorb autoantibodies in dilated cardiomyopathy or damaging lipids in peripheral vascular disease. Understanding how absorption of these pathologic substances alters the inflammatory response in these disorders is important for the application of these technologies to the treatment of CVD. J. Clin. Apheresis 30:183–187, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A Tale of Two Congresses: The Psychological Study of Psychical, Occult, and Religious Phenomena, 1900–1909
Authors: Taves Ann
Published: September 2014

In so far as researchers viewed psychical, occult, and religious phenomena as both objectively verifiable and resistant to extant scientific explanations, their study posed thorny issues for experimental psychologists. Controversies over the study of psychical and occult phenomena at the Fourth Congress of International Psychology (Paris, 1900) and religious phenomena at the Sixth (Geneva, 1909) raise the question of why the latter was accepted as a legitimate object of study, whereas the former was not. Comparison of the Congresses suggests that those interested in the study of religion were willing to forego the quest for objective evidence and focus on experience, whereas those most invested in psychical research were not. The shift in focus did not overcome many of the methodological difficulties. Sub‐specialization formalized distinctions between psychical, religious, and pathological phenomena; obscured similarities; and undercut the nascent comparative study of unusual experiences that had emerged at the early Congresses.