bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Quantifying the significance of abrasion and selective transport for downstream fluvial grain size evolution
Authors: Miller Kimberly Litwin , Szabó Tímea , Jerolmack Douglas J. , Domokos Gábor
Published: October 2014

It is well known that pebble diameter systematically decreases downstream in rivers. The contribution of abrasion is uncertain, in part because (1) diameter is insufficient to characterize pebble mass loss due to abrasion and (2) abrasion rates measured in laboratory experiments cannot be easily extrapolated to the field. A recent geometric theory describes abrasion as a curvature‐dependent process that produces a two‐phase evolution: in Phase I, initially blocky pebbles round to smooth, convex shapes with little reduction in axis dimensions; then, in Phase II, smooth, convex pebbles slowly reduce their axis dimensions. Here we provide strong evidence that two‐phase abrasion occurs in a natural setting, by examining downstream evolution of shape and size of thousands of pebbles over ~10 km in a tropical montane stream. The geometric theory is verified in this river system using a variety of manual and image‐based shape parameters, providing a generalizable method for quantifying the significance of abrasion. Phase I occurs over ~1 km, in upstream bedrock reaches where abrasion is dominant and sediment storage is limited. In downstream alluvial reaches, where Phase II occurs, we observe the expected exponential decline in pebble diameter. Using a discretized abrasion model (the so‐called “box equations”) with deposition, we deduce that abrasion removes more than one third of the mass of a pebble but that size‐selective sorting dominates downstream changes in pebble diameter. Overall, abrasion is the dominant process in the downstream diminution of pebble mass (but not diameter) in the studied river, with important implications for pebble mobility and the production of fine sediments.
Analysis of graft survival in a trial of stem cell transplant in ALS
Authors: Tadesse Tezeta , Gearing Marla , Senitzer David , Saxe Debra , Brat Daniel J. , Bray Robert , Gebel Howard , Hill Charles , Boulis Nicholas , Riley Jonathan , Feldman Eva , Johe Karl , Hazel Thomas , Polak Meraida , Bordeau Jane , Federici Thais , Glass Jonathan D.
Published: October 2014

Objective

The first US Food and Drug Administration–approved clinical trial to treat amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) with neural stem cell–based therapy is in progress. The goal of the current study was to identify and assess the survival of human spinal cord–derived neural stem cells (HSSCs) transplanted into the spinal cord in patients with ALS.

Methods

Spinal cords transplanted with HSSCs were examined from six autopsy cases. Homogenized tissues were interrogated for the presence of donor versus recipient DNA using real‐time PCR methods (qPCR). Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) was performed using DNA probes for XY chromosomes to identify male donor HSSCs in one female case, and immunohistochemistry (IHC) was used to characterize the identified donor cells.

Results

Genomic DNA from donor HSSCs was identified in all cases, comprising 0.67–5.4% of total tissue DNA in patients surviving 196 to 921 days after transplantation. In the one female patient a “nest” of cells identified on H&E staining were XY‐positive by FISH, confirming donor origin. A subset of XY‐positive cells labeled for the neuronal marker NeuN and stem cell marker SOX2.

Interpretation

This is the first study to identify human neural stem cells transplanted into a human spinal cord. Transplanted HSSCs survived up to 2.5 years posttransplant. Some cells differentiated into neurons, while others maintained their stem cell phenotype. This work is a proof of concept of the survival and differentiation of human stems cell transplanted into the spinal cord of ALS patients.
Finely Tuned Blue Iridium Complexes with Varying Horizontal Emission Dipole Ratios and Quantum Yields for Phosphorescent Organic Light‐Emitting Diodes
Authors: Lee Jeong‐Hwan , Sarada Ganguri , Moon Chang‐Ki , Cho Woosum , Kim Kwon‐Hyeon , Park Young Geun , Lee Jin Yong , Jin Sung‐Ho , Kim Jang‐Joo
Published: October 2014

Two new heteroleptic blue emitting Ir(III) complexes, EtOCN‐FIracac and tBuCN‐FIracac, and a homoleptic Ir(III) complex, tBu‐FCNIr, consisting of 2′,4″‐difluorophenylpyridine (dfppy) with a cyano (CN) group at the 5′ position of the phenyl and an ethoxy (EtO‐) or tert‐butyl (tBu) group at the 4 position of the pyridine as the main ligands, are synthesized and characterized for phosphorescent organic light‐emitting diodes (PhOLEDs). The dual functionalization of the dfppy core with the electron‐withdrawing CN and electron‐donating EtO‐ or tBu‐ groups leads to improved blue color purity by compensating the bathochromic shift originating from the ancillary ligand of the heteroleptic Ir(III) complex and contributes to the enhancement of the horizontal ratio of emitting dipoles (Θ), which is one of the promising approaches to improve the efficiency of PhOLEDs. PhOLEDs based on tBuCN‐FIracac and EtOCN‐FIracac show one of the highest efficiencies ever achieved for blue color, with maximum external quantum efficiencies (EQEs) of 22.3% (39.2 cd A−1) and 21.5% (35.1 cd A−1), respectively, with a simple device structure; a similar device based on tBu‐FCNIr displays a maximum EQE of 16.2% (23.5 cd A−1). The performance of PhOLEDs based on the two heteroleptic Ir(III) complexes are highly improved compared to tBu‐FCNIr, due to the increased θ and photoluminescence quantum yield (PLQY).
Nosology and inheritance pattern(s) of joint hypermobility syndrome and Ehlers‐Danlos syndrome, hypermobility type: A study of intrafamilial and interfamilial variability in 23 Italian pedigrees
Authors: Castori Marco , Dordoni Chiara , Valiante Michele , Sperduti Isabella , Ritelli Marco , Morlino Silvia , Chiarelli Nicola , Celletti Claudia , Venturini Marina , Camerota Filippo , Calzavara‐Pinton Piergiacomo , Grammatico Paola , Colombi Marina
Published: October 2014

Joint hypermobility syndrome (JHS) and Ehlers‐Danlos syndrome, hypermobility type (EDS‐HT) are two markedly overlapping heritable connective tissue disorders. The cumulative frequency of JHS and EDS‐HT seems high, but their recognition remains an exclusion diagnosis based on different sets of diagnostic criteria. Although proposed by a panel of experts, clinical identity between JHS and EDS‐HT is still a matter of debate due to unknown molecular basis. We present 23 families with three or more individuals with a diagnosis of JHS and/or EDS‐HT. Rough data from the 82 individuals were used to assess the frequency of major and minor criteria, as well as selected additional features. A series of statistical tools were applied to assess intrafamilial and interfamilial variability, emphasizing intergenerational, and intersex differences. This study demonstrates marked heterogeneity within and between families in terms of agreement of available diagnostic criteria. In 21 pedigrees affected individuals belong to two or three phenotypic sub‐categories among JHS, EDS‐HT, and JHS + EDS‐HT overlap. Intergenerational analysis depicts a progressive shifting, also within the same pedigree, from EDS‐HT in childhood, to JHS + EDS‐HT in early adulthood and JHS later in life. Female‐male ratio is 2.1:1, which results lower than previously observed in unselected patients' cohorts. In these pedigrees, JHS, EDS‐HT, and JHS + EDS‐HT segregate as a single dominant trait with complete penetrance, variable expressivity, and a markedly evolving phenotype. This study represents a formal demonstration that EDS‐HT and JHS contitute the same clinical entity, and likely share the same genetic background, at least, in familial cases. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Ring 18 molecular assessment and clinical consequences
Authors: Carter Erika , Heard Patricia , Hasi Minire , Soileau Bridgette , Sebold Courtney , Hale Daniel E. , Cody Jannine D.
Published: October 2014

Ring chromosome 18 is a rare condition which has predominantly been described by case reports and small case series. We assessed a cohort of 30 individuals with ring 18 using both microarray comparative genomic hybridization (aCGH) and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). We determined that each participant had a unique combination of hemizygosity for the p and q arms. Four ring chromosomes had no detectable deletion of one of the chromosome arms using aCGH. However, two of these ring chromosomes had telomeric sequences detected using FISH. These data confirm the importance of molecular and cytogenetic analysis to determine both chromosome content and morphology. We failed to find dramatic changes in mosaicism percentage between cytogenetic measurements made at the time of diagnosis and those made years later at the time of this study, demonstrating that dynamic ring mosaicism is unlikely to be a major cause of phenotypic variability in the ring 18 population. Lastly, we present data on the clinical features present in our cohort, though the extreme genotypic variability makes it impossible to draw direct genotype‐phenotype correlations. Future work will focus on determining the role of specific hemizygous genes in order to create individualized projections of the effect of each person's specific ring 18 compliment. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Twenty‐one years to the right diagnosis – clinical overlap of Simpson–Golabi–Behmel and Beckwith–Wiedemann syndrome
Authors: Knopp C. , Rudnik‐Schöneborn S. , Zerres K. , Gencik M. , Spengler S. , Eggermann T.
Published: October 2014

Clinical overlap makes the diagnosis of overgrowth syndromes challenging. Clinical overlap exists between Simpson–Golabi–Behmel syndrome (SGBS) and Beckwith–Wiedemann syndrome (BWS) which share pre‐ and postnatal overgrowth, macroglossia, umbilical hernia, organomegaly, ear lobe creases, and occurrence of embryonal tumors as characteristic features. Based on the clinical history of a patient, who was diagnosed with BWS shortly after birth and reassessed and rediagnosed with SGBS at age 21 years, particular attention should be paid to developing facial dysmorphia. In addition, we delineate further clinical findings that may allow differentiation between both conditions. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Capturing the Mechanical Unfolding Pathway of a Large Protein with Coiled‐Coil Probes
Authors: Li Qing , Scholl Zackary N. , Marszalek Piotr E.
Published: October 2014

The folding behaviors and mechanisms of large multidomain proteins have remained largely uncharacterized, primarily because of the lack of appropriate research methods. To address these limitations, novel mechanical folding probes have been developed that are based on antiparallel coiled‐coil polypeptides. Such probes can be conveniently inserted at the DNA level, at different positions within the protein of interest where they minimally disturb the host protein structure. During single‐molecule force spectroscopy measurements, the forced unfolding of the probe captures the progress of the unfolding front through the host protein structure. This novel approach allows unfolding pathways of large proteins to be directly identified. As an example, this probe was used in a large multidomain protein with ten identical ankyrin repeats, and the unfolding pathway, its direction, and the order of sequential unfolding were unequivocally and precisely determined. This development facilitates the examination of the folding pathways of large proteins, which are predominant in the proteasomes of all organisms, but have thus far eluded study because of the technical limitations encountered when using traditional techniques.
TRANSCRIPTOME ANALYSIS OF AN ENDOPARASITOID WASP Cotesia chilonis (HYMENOPTERA: BRACONIDAE) REVEALS GENES INVOLVED IN SUCCESSFUL PARASITISM
Authors: Qi Yixiang , Teng Ziwen , Gao Lingfeng , Wu Shunfan , Huang Jia , Ye Gongyin , Fang Qi
Published: October 2014

For successful parasitization, parasitiods usually depend on the chemosensory cues for the selection of hosts, as well as a variety of virulence factors introduced into their hosts to overcome host immunity and prevent rejection of progeny development. In bracovirus‐carrying wasps, the symbiotic polydnaviruses act in manipulating development and immunity of hosts. The endoparasitoid Cotesia chilonis carrying bracovirus as a key host immunosuppressive factor is a superior endoparasitoid of rice stem borer, Chilo suppressalis. So far, genomic information for C. chilonis is not available and transcriptomic data may provide valuable resources for global studying on physiological processes of C. chilonis, including chemosensation and parasitism at molecular level. Here, we performed RNA‐seq to characterize the transcriptome of C. chilonis adults. We obtained 27,717,892 reads, assembled into 38,318 unigenes with a mean size of 690 bp. Approximately, 62.1% of the unigenes were annotated using NCBI databases. A large number of chemoreception‐related genes encoding proteins including odorant receptors, gustatory receptors, odorant‐binding proteins, chemosensory proteins, transient receptor potential ion channels, and sensory neuron membrane proteins were identified in silico. Totally, 72 transcripts possessing high identities with the bracovirus‐related genes were identified. We investigated the mRNA expression levels of several transcripts at different developmental stages (including egg, larva, pupae, and adult) by quantitative real‐time PCR analysis. The results revealed that some genes had adult‐specific expression, indicating their potential significance for mating and parasitism. Overall, these results provide comprehensive insights into transcriptomic data of a polydnavirus‐carrying parasitoid of a rice pest.
A Multidisciplinary Approach to Reveal and Interpret ‘Missing’ Archaeological Features at the Masseria Pantano Site in Apulia (Southern Italy)
Authors: Caldara Massimo , Ciminale Marcello , De Santis Vincenzo , Noviello Mariangela
Published: October 2014

A non‐invasive investigation, integrating aerial photography and high‐resolution magnetic survey, was carried out at the Masseria Pantano site (Apulia, Southern Italy) to obtain a more detailed reconstruction of an extensive ancient settlement, which revealed different phases of human frequentation. The results of the ground‐based survey were also used to guide some archaeological excavations, which brought to light, mainly, parts of Medieval wall and column foundations. The correlation between the magnetic anomalies and archaeological remains was very satisfying, except for the lack of a source body that could explain the origin of a positive anomaly, the intensity and extent of which is very significant. A supplementary magnetic survey combined with stratigraphic interpretation from two boreholes, followed by susceptibility measurements, were able to solve this interesting partial misunderstanding between archaeological and magnetic data. This approach revealed clear evidence for a canal, probably Roman in date, which lies beneath the presumed ancient surface identified during the excavation. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A Comprehensive Magnetic Survey of a Neolithic Causewayed Enclosure in West‐central France for the Interpretation of Archaeological Features
Authors: Ard Vincent , Mathé Vivien , Lévêque François , Camus Adrien
Published: October 2014

This paper describes an interdisciplinary study of the Neolithic causewayed enclosure of Bellevue (Chenommet, France). Geophysical investigations and archaeological excavations were used alternately in order to optimize the acquisition of accurate data at different spatial scales: mapping of major structures was obtained by magnetic prospection of the whole site, while excavation identified small features weakly expressed in the prospecting results. Measurements of magnetic susceptibility and total magnetic field anomalies were also recorded during the excavation in order to identify the source of the magnetic signal of the ditches. This mutual transdisciplinary contribution is also methodological: the geophysics reveals archaeological information invisible to the eye of the archaeologist and, in turn, the excavation allows refinement of the interpretation of the geophysical data by identifying the sources of signal variations. This article presents the results of the first comprehensive magnetic mapping of a Neolithic causewayed enclosure in the west of France. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Chiral Ammonium Betaine‐Catalyzed Highly Stereoselective Aza‐Henry Reaction of α‐Aryl Nitromethanes with Aromatic N‐Boc Imines
Authors: Uraguchi Daisuke , Oyaizu Keigo , Noguchi Haruhiro , Ooi Takashi
Published: October 2014

A highly stereoselective aza‐Henry reaction of α‐aryl nitromethanes with aromatic N‐Boc imines was established by using C1‐symmetric chiral ammonium betaine as a bifunctional organic base catalyst. Various substituted aryl groups for both imines and nitromethanes were tolerated in the reaction, and a series of precursors for the synthesis of unsymmetrical anti‐1,2‐diaryl ethylenediamines was provided.
Thermodynamic Phase Transition Triggered by Distinct Distortion and Ordering of Dipropylammonium Picrate
Authors: Zhou Yuelan , Chen Tianliang , Sun Zhihua , Zhang Shuquan , Ji Chengmin , Song Cheng , Luo Junhua
Published: October 2014

Dipropylammonium picrate (compound 1) undergoes a first‐order phase transition at 185.0 K. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) measurements show reversible anomaly peaks with a thermal hysteresis of 10.2 K. Dielectric responses with distinct anisotropy and striking anomaly further confirm the phase transition. Detailed structural analyses demonstrate that the phase transition in 1 is dominated by order–disorder transformations of the dipropylammonium (DPA) cations and the picrate anions. Moreover, the unique distortions of the terminal propyl moieties in the flexible chain‐like DPA cation also play an important role in this structural phase transition. All these results indicate that 1 is a potential phase‐transition material.
Template‐Directed In Situ Polymerization Preparation of Nanocomposites of PEDOT:PSS‐Coated Multi‐Walled Carbon Nanotubes with Enhanced Thermoelectric Property
Authors: Zhang Zhuang , Chen Guangming , Wang Hanfu , Li Xin
Published: October 2014

A template‐directed in situ polymerization preparation of nanocomposites of poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS)‐coated multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) with greatly enhanced thermoelectric property is presented. The results reveal that monomeric 3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene was successfully polymerized, enwrapping the surfaces of dispersed MWCNTs (templates) with the aid of PSS. The coated morphology was directly observed by high‐resolution transmission electron microscopy. The coated layer was further characterized by energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy and X‐ray diffraction. In addition, the interfacial interaction between PEDOT:PSS and MWCNTs was studied by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Finally, the thermoelectric measurements show that the obtained PEDOT:PSS/MWCNT nanocomposites exhibited greatly enhanced electrical conductivities, Seebeck coefficients, and power factors when compared with those of neat PEDOT:PSS.
When Father Doesn't Know Best: Selective Disagreement Between Self‐Report and Informant Report of the Broad Autism Phenotype in Parents of a Child with Autism
Authors: Sasson Noah J. , Faso Daniel J. , Parlier Morgan , Daniels Julie L. , Piven Joseph
Published: October 2014

The Broad Autism Phenotype Questionnaire (BAPQ) is a reliable tool for identifying three autism‐related traits—social aloofness, pragmatic language abnormalities and rigid personality—within families of a person with autism and the general population. Although little is known concerning agreement between self‐report and informant report versions of the BAPQ, identifying individual characteristics affecting agreement between the two can highlight important considerations for maximizing its yield, particularly when only one version is administered. Here, analysis of self‐report and informant report of the BAPQ completed by 444 parents of a child with autism revealed moderate to strong agreement between the two versions for all three broad autism phenotype (BAP) traits when the self‐reporting parent did not possess the trait being assessed. In contrast, disagreement selectively occurred when the assessed parent was positive for the BAP trait being rated. This pattern was driven primarily by fathers who were positive for a BAP trait endorsing lower levels of that trait relative to informant report. This discrepancy did not occur for mothers, nor did it occur for fathers lacking BAP traits. Because this pattern was specific to fathers positive for BAP traits, it likely reflects selective “blind spots” in their self‐reporting and not poorer self‐reporting by fathers more broadly, nor a general tendency of overreporting by informant mothers. The presence of BAP traits in informing parents, however, largely did not reduce agreement between self‐report and informant report. In sum, self‐report may underestimate the presence of BAP traits in fathers but is generally consistent with informant report for mothers. Autism Res 2014, 7: 731–739. © 2014 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Generalized Dice's coefficient‐based multi‐block principal component analysis with Bayesian inference for plant‐wide process monitoring
Authors: Wang Bei , Yan Xuefeng , Jiang Qingchao , Lv Zhaomin
Published: October 2014

Plant‐wide process monitoring is challenging because of the complex relationships among numerous variables in modern industrial processes. The multi‐block process monitoring method is an efficient approach applied to plant‐wide processes. However, dividing the original space into subspaces remains an open issue. The loading matrix generated by principal component analysis (PCA) describes the correlation between original variables and extracted components and reveals the internal relations within the plant‐wide process. Thus, a multi‐block PCA method that constructs principal component (PC) sub‐blocks according to the generalized Dice coefficient of the loading matrix is proposed. The PCs corresponding to similar loading vectors are divided within the same sub‐block. Thus, the PCs in the same sub‐block share similar variational behavior for certain faults. This behavior improves the sensitivity of process monitoring in the sub‐block. A monitoring statistic T2 corresponding to each sub‐block is produced and is integrated into the final probability index based on Bayesian inference. A corresponding contribution plot is also developed to identify the root cause. The superiority of the proposed method is demonstrated by two case studies: a numerical example and the Tennessee Eastman benchmark. Comparisons with other PCA‐based methods are also provided. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Protonation of a Biologically Relevant CuII μ‐Thiolate Complex: Ligand Dissociation or Formation of a Protonated CuI Disulfide Species?
Authors: Ording‐Wenker Erica C. M. , van der Plas Martijn , Siegler Maxime A. , Fonseca Guerra Célia , Bouwman Elisabeth
Published: October 2014

The proton‐induced electron‐transfer reaction of a CuII μ‐thiolate complex to a CuI‐containing species has been investigated, both experimentally and computationally. The CuII μ‐thiolate complex [CuII2(LMeS)2]2+ is isolated with the new pyridyl‐containing ligand LMeSSLMe, which can form both CuII thiolate and CuI disulfide complexes, depending on the solvent. Both the CuII and the CuI complexes show reactivity upon addition of protons. The multivalent tetranuclear complex [CuI2CuII2(LS)2(CH3CN)6]4+ crystallizes after addition of two equivalents of strong acid to a solution containing the μ‐thiolate complex [CuII2(LS)2]2+ and is further analyzed in solution. This study shows that, upon addition of protons to the CuII thiolate compound, the ligand dissociates from the copper centers, in contrast to an earlier report describing redox isomerization to a CuI disulfide species that is protonated at the pyridyl moieties. Computational studies of the protonated CuII μ‐thiolate and CuI disulfide species with LSSL show that already upon addition of two equivalents of protons, ligand dissociation forming [CuI(CH3CN)4]+ and protonated ligand is energetically favored over conversion to a protonated CuI disulfide complex.
HP‐CsB5O8: Synthesis and Characterization of an Outstanding Borate Exhibiting the Simultaneous Linkage of All Structural Units of Borates
Authors: Sohr Gerhard , Többens Daniel M. , Schmedt auf der Günne Jörn , Huppertz Hubert
Published: October 2014

The new cesium pentaborate HP‐CsB5O8 is synthesized under high‐pressure/high‐temperature conditions of 6 GPa and 900 °C in a Walker‐type multianvil apparatus. The compound crystallizes in the orthorhombic space group Pnma (Z=4) with the parameters a=789.7(1), b=961.2(1), c=836.3(1) pm, V=0.6348(1) nm3, R1=0.0359 and wR2=0.0440 (all data). The new structure type of HP‐CsB5O8 exhibits the simultaneous linkage of trigonal BO3 groups, corner‐sharing BO4 tetrahedra, and edge‐sharing BO4 tetrahedra including the presence of threefold‐coordinated oxygen atoms. With respect to the rich structural chemistry of borates, HP‐CsB5O8 is the second structure type possessing this outstanding combination of the main structural units of borates in one compound. The structure consists of corrugated chains of corner‐ and edge‐sharing BO4 tetrahedra interconnected through BO3 groups forming octagonal channels. Inside these channels, cesium is 13+3‐fold coordinated by oxygen atoms. 11B MQMAS NMR spectra are analyzed to estimate the isotropic chemical shift values and quadrupolar parameters. IR and Raman spectra are obtained and compared to the calculated vibrational frequencies at the Γ‐point. The high‐temperature behavior is examined by means of temperature‐programmed powder diffraction.
Synthesis of Single‐Crystalline Spinel LiMn2O4 Nanorods for Lithium‐Ion Batteries with High Rate Capability and Long Cycle Life
Authors: Xie Xiuqiang , Su Dawei , Sun Bing , Zhang Jinqiang , Wang Chengyin , Wang Guoxiu
Published: October 2014

The long‐standing challenge associated with capacity fading of spinel LiMn2O4 cathode material for lithium‐ion batteries is investigated. Single‐crystalline spinel LiMn2O4 nanorods were successfully synthesized by a template‐engaged method. Porous Mn3O4 nanorods were used as self‐sacrificial templates, into which LiOH was infiltrated by a vacuum‐assisted impregnation route. When used as cathode materials for lithium‐ion batteries, the spinel LiMn2O4 nanorods exhibited superior long cycle life owing to the one‐dimensional nanorod structure, single‐crystallinity, and Li‐rich effect. LiMn2O4 nanorods retained 95.6 % of the initial capacity after 1000 cycles at 3C rate. In particular, the nanorod morphology of the spinel LiMn2O4 was well‐preserved after a long‐term cycling, suggesting the ultrahigh structural stability of the single crystalline spinel LiMn2O4 nanorods. This result shows the promising applications of single‐crystalline spinel LiMn2O4 nanorods as cathode materials for lithium‐ion batteries with high rate capability and long cycle life.
Molecular Recognition and Scavenging of Arsenate from Aqueous Solution Using Dimetallic Receptors
Authors: Moffat Chris D. , Weiss Dominik J. , Shivalingam Arun , White Andrew J. P. , Salaün Pascal , Vilar Ramon
Published: October 2014

A series of copper(II), nickel(II) and zinc(II) dimetallic complexes were prepared and their affinities towards arsenate investigated. Indicator displacement assays (IDAs) were carried out to establish the complexes with best affinities towards arsenate. A di‐zinc complex (3) was selected and its arsenate‐binding abilities investigated by isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC). The X‐ray crystal structure of this metallo‐receptor bound to arsenate is also reported, which allowed us to establish the binding mode between 3 and this oxyanion. Immobilising 3 onto HypoGel resin yielded a novel adsorbent (Zn–HypoGel) with high affinity for arsenate. Adsorption of arsenate from competitive solutions and natural groundwater was greater than that of the commercially used iron oxide Bayoxide E33. Zn–HypoGel could be efficiently and simply regenerated by washing with sodium acetate solution.
Phenothiazine–BODIPY–Fullerene Triads as Photosynthetic Reaction Center Models: Substitution and Solvent Polarity Effects on Photoinduced Charge Separation and Recombination
Authors: KC Chandra B. , Lim Gary N. , Nesterov Vladimir N. , Karr Paul A. , D'Souza Francis
Published: October 2014

Novel photosynthetic reaction center model compounds of the type donor2–donor1–acceptor, composed of phenothiazine, BF2‐chelated dipyrromethene (BODIPY), and fullerene, respectively, have been newly synthesized using multistep synthetic methods. X‐ray structures of three of the phenothiazine‐BODIPY intermediate compounds have been solved to visualize the substitution effect caused by the phenothiazine on the BODIPY macrocycle. Optical absorption and emission, computational, and differential pulse voltammetry studies were systematically performed to establish the molecular integrity of the triads. The N‐substituted phenothiazine was found to be easier to oxidize by 60 mV compared to the C‐substituted analogue. The geometry and electronic structures were obtained by B3LYP/6‐31G(dp) calculations (for H, B, N, and O) and B3LYP/6‐31G(df) calculations (for S) in vacuum, followed by a single‐point calculation in benzonitrile utilizing the polarizable continuum model (PCM). The HOMO−1, HOMO, and LUMO were, respectively, on the BODIPY, phenothiazine and fullerene entities, which agreed well with the site of electron transfer determined from electrochemical studies. The energy‐level diagram deduced from these data helped in elucidating the mechanistic details of the photochemical events. Excitation of BODIPY resulted in ultrafast electron transfer to produce PTZ–BODIPY.+–C60.−; subsequent hole shift resulted in PTZ.+–BODIPY–C60.− charge‐separated species. The return of the charge‐separated species was found to be solvent dependent. In nonpolar solvents the PTZ.+–BODIPY–C60.− species populated the 3C60* prior to returning to the ground state, while in polar solvent no such process was observed due to relative positioning of the energy levels. The 1BODIPY* generated radical ion‐pair in these triads persisted for few nanoseconds due to electron transfer/hole‐shift mechanism.
Thermal Reaction Analysis of Oxidative Coupling of Methane
Authors: Godini Hamid Reza , Fleischer Vinzenz , Görke Oliver , Jaso Stanislav , Schomäcker Reinhard , Wozny Günter
Published: October 2014

For more than three decades, the oxidative coupling of methane (OCM) process has been investigated as a promising alternative approach for ethylene production. Simulations of different sets of surface mechanisms over the Na2WO4/Mn/SiO2 catalyst and the gas phase reactions that come along with the OCM reaction were analyzed in a fixed‐bed, membrane, and fluidized‐bed reactor. The results were compared with the experimental data generated in an OCM mini‐plant. It was observed that the gas phase reactions are crucial in reducing the overall selectivity, especially in the fluidized‐bed reactor.
Receptor‐Mediated Uptake of Boron‐Rich Neuropeptide Y Analogues for Boron Neutron Capture Therapy
Authors: Ahrens Verena M. , Frank René , Boehnke Solveig , Schütz Christian L. , Hampel Gabriele , Iffland Dorothée S. , Bings Nicolas H. , Hey‐Hawkins Evamarie , Beck‐Sickinger Annette G.
Published: October 2014

Peptidic ligands selectively targeting distinct G protein‐coupled receptors that are highly expressed in tumor tissue represent a promising approach in drug delivery. Receptor‐preferring analogues of neuropeptide Y (NPY) bind and activate the human Y1 receptor subtype (hY1 receptor), which is found in 90 % of breast cancer tissue and in all breast‐cancer‐derived metastases. Herein, novel highly boron‐loaded Y1‐receptor‐preferring peptide analogues are described as smart shuttle systems for carbaboranes as 10B‐containing moieties. Various positions in the peptide were screened for their susceptibility to carbaborane modification, and the most promising positions were chosen to create a multi‐carbaborane peptide containing 30 boron atoms per peptide with excellent activation and internalization patterns at the hY1 receptor. Boron uptake studies by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry revealed successful uptake of the multi‐carbaborane peptide into hY1‐receptor‐expressing cells, exceeding the required amount of 109 boron atoms per cell. This result demonstrates that the NPY/hY receptor system can act as an effective transport system for boron‐containing moieties.
O‐(Triazolyl)methyl Carbamates as a Novel and Potent Class of Fatty Acid Amide Hydrolase (FAAH) Inhibitors
Authors: Colombano Giampiero , Albani Clara , Ottonello Giuliana , Ribeiro Alison , Scarpelli Rita , Tarozzo Glauco , Daglian Jennifer , Jung Kwang‐Mook , Piomelli Daniele , Bandiera Tiziano
Published: October 2014

Inhibition of fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) activity is under investigation as a valuable strategy for the treatment of several disorders, including pain and drug addiction. A number of potent FAAH inhibitors belonging to different chemical classes have been disclosed to date; O‐aryl carbamates are one of the most representative families. In the search for novel FAAH inhibitors, a series of O‐(1,2,3‐triazol‐4‐yl)methyl carbamate derivatives were designed and synthesized exploiting a copper‐ catalyzed [3+2] cycloaddition reaction between azides and alkynes (click chemistry). Exploration of the structure–activity relationships within this new class of compounds identified potent inhibitors of both rat and human FAAH with IC50 values in the single‐digit nanomolar range. In addition, these derivatives showed improved stability in rat plasma and kinetic solubility in buffer with respect to the lead compound. Based on the results of the study, the novel analogues identified can be considered to be promising starting point for the development of new FAAH inhibitors with improved drug‐like properties.
Access to high‐tech health care: Ethics
Authors: Merrill John M.
Published: October 2014

Access to health care has always been limited by personal and social economics. Poverty remains one element that correlates with poor prognosis in all varieties of cancer. Prior to becoming standard therapy, elements of high‐tech health care are often widely available as research protocols, participation in which is generally available without considerations of insurance coverage or personal wealth. Any person may still volunteer participation in research protocols and thereby partake in high‐tech advances even before these become standard therapy. However, recent developments in the conduct of research now may limit participation. Medicare and third party insurance payers proscribe payment for research project care and always have. Recently, more than ever before, reimbursements to physicians and health care institutions have been more closely scrutinized to reject all payment in research settings. In situations in which cost and availability of the new technology, whether machine or drug, limit participation, research entrepreneurs have made research participation available to only those who can pay for it. These and similar developments threaten to limit access to high‐tech health care and to actually impede cancer research.
Changing demographics in the united states: Implications for health professionals
Authors: Frank‐Stromborg Marilyn
Published: October 2014

The coming decade will bring dramatic changes in the composition of the American population. Changes in immigration laws, illegal and legal immigration into this country, and the aging of the “baby boomers” will all result in profound changes in the demographics of this country. These demographic changes will necessitate alterations in all aspects of the health care system. This article focuses on the projected changes that will occur in relation to the elderly, Hispanics, Asian Americans, and the economically disadvantaged, and on the related implications for health care professionals. The cancer incidence and mortality rates for each discussed minority group differ from the rates presently reported for while Americans. Thus, health professionals will have to be aware of the differences among these groups and tailor their primary and secondary prevention efforts accordingly. The future task for all health care providers serving minorities and the elderly will be to familiarize themselves with the special health problems of the population with whom they work and with the ethnocultural barriers that deter proper use and delivery of health services.
Alternative therapies, 1990: An overview
Authors: Mcginnis Lamar S.
Published: October 2014

The availability of alternative therapies for many health problems is a well‐documented historical fact. Alternative therapies are generally understood to be those therapies outside of the usually accepted medical therapies for disease processes, such as cancer, arthritis, diabetes, psoriasis, lupus, and AIDS. Some other descriptive terms utilized include questionable, unproven, dubious, unorthodox, and unconventional. These alternative therapies vary from active involvement in promotion of one's own health (exercise, diet) to quackery. In today's society, with emphasis on self‐involvement with individual health, metabolic therapies have become the most widely practiced alternative therapy. In an antiestablishment, anti‐intellectual climate, with an increasingly mobile, rootless population, alternative therapies are in somewhat of a renaissance. Some confusion exists regarding clinical trials and alternative therapies in the general population and in the noninvolved health profession. Various studies indicate that from 10% to 50% of cancer patients use some alternative therapy, with national expenditures ranging as high as $10 billion annually. Better‐educated patients with higher‐than‐average income are more likely to choose alternative therapies and are frequently supported by a physician in this choice. Most cancer patients continue under a physician's care and continue usual therapy while pursuing alternative methods. Approximately 5% of cancer patients abandon appropriate therapy and pursue potentially harmful alternative methods. A variety of sociomedical questions are brought forth by studies of the use of alternative therapies. A great need for public and professional education regarding this subject is evident.
Quality of diagnostic staging in patients with bladder cancer: A process‐outcomes link
Authors: Chamie Karim , Ballon‐Landa Eric , Bassett Jeffrey C. , Daskivich Timothy J. , Leventhal Meryl , Deapen Dennis , Litwin Mark S.
Published: October 2014

BACKGROUND

Muscle sampling is often used as a surrogate for staging quality in patients with bladder cancer. The association of staging quality at diagnosis and survival was examined among patients with bladder cancer.

METHODS

The clinical records of all individuals within the Los Angeles Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results registry with an incident diagnosis of non–muscle‐invasive bladder cancer in 2004‐2005 were reviewed. Patient demographics, tumor characteristics, staging quality (presence of muscle in the specimen and mention of muscle in the pathology report), and vital status were recorded. With mixed‐effects and competing‐risks regression analyses, the association of patient and tumor characteristics with staging quality and cancer‐specific survival was quantified.

RESULTS

The sample included 1865 patients, 335 urologists, and 27 pathologists. Muscle was reported to be present in 972 (52.1%), was reported to be absent in 564 (30.2%), and was not mentioned in 329 (17.7%) of the initial pathology reports. The presence of muscle did not differ according to the grade or depth of invasion. Mortality was associated with staging quality (P < .05). Among patients with high‐grade disease, the 5‐year cancer‐specific mortality rates were 7.6%, 12.1%, and 18.8% when muscle was present, absent, and not mentioned, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The omission of muscle in the specimen or its mention in the pathology report in nearly half of all diagnostic resections was associated with increased mortality, particularly in patients with high‐grade disease. Because urologists cannot reliably discern between high‐ and low‐grade or Ta and T1 disease, it is contended that patients with bladder cancer should undergo adequate muscle sampling at the time of endoscopic resection. Cancer 2015;121:379–385. © 2014 American Cancer Society.
Controlling Porosity in Lignin‐Derived Nanoporous Carbon for Supercapacitor Applications
Authors: Jeon Ju‐Won , Zhang Libing , Lutkenhaus Jodie L. , Laskar Dhrubojyoti D. , Lemmon John P. , Choi Daiwon , Nandasiri Manjula I. , Hashmi Ali , Xu Jie , Motkuri Radha K. , Fernandez Carlos A. , Liu Jian , Tucker Melvin P. , McGrail Peter B. , Yang Bin , Nune Satish K.
Published: October 2014

Low‐cost renewable lignin has been used as a precursor to produce porous carbons. However, to date, it has not been easy to obtain high surface area porous carbon without activation processes or templating agents. Here, we demonstrate that low molecular weight lignin yields highly porous carbon with more graphitization through direct carbonization without additional activation processes or templating agents. We found that molecular weight and oxygen consumption during carbonization are critical factors to obtain high surface area, graphitized porous carbons. This highly porous carbon from low‐cost renewable lignin sources is a good candidate for supercapacitor electrode materials.
Molecular Basis for the High CO2 Adsorption Capacity of Chabazite Zeolites
Authors: Pham Trong D. , Hudson Matthew R. , Brown Craig M. , Lobo Raul F.
Published: October 2014

Invited for this month′s cover is the group of Raul F. Lobo at the University of Delaware. The image shows the migration of CO2 molecules from the earth′s atmosphere into the interior of a chabazite zeolite structure, as described in their article. The Full Paper itself is available at 10.1002/cssc.201402555.
An integrated modeling approach to estimating Gunnison sage‐grouse population dynamics: combining index and demographic data
Authors: Davis Amy J. , Hooten Mevin B. , Phillips Michael L. , Doherty Paul F.
Published: October 2014

Evaluation of population dynamics for rare and declining species is often limited to data that are sparse and/or of poor quality. Frequently, the best data available for rare bird species are based on large‐scale, population count data. These data are commonly based on sampling methods that lack consistent sampling effort, do not account for detectability, and are complicated by observer bias. For some species, short‐term studies of demographic rates have been conducted as well, but the data from such studies are typically analyzed separately. To utilize the strengths and minimize the weaknesses of these two data types, we developed a novel Bayesian integrated model that links population count data and population demographic data through population growth rate (λ) for Gunnison sage‐grouse (Centrocercus minimus). The long‐term population index data available for Gunnison sage‐grouse are annual (years 1953–2012) male lek counts. An intensive demographic study was also conducted from years 2005 to 2010. We were able to reduce the variability in expected population growth rates across time, while correcting for potential small sample size bias in the demographic data. We found the population of Gunnison sage‐grouse to be variable and slightly declining over the past 16 years.
Predistortion nonlinear compensator for microwave SSB‐AM system
Authors: Nojima Toshio , Okamoto Yoshiharu , Ohyama Satoshi
Published: October 2014

The authors previously proposed a complex power‐series representation for input‐output nonlinearities and, on the basis of analysis of a predistortion (PD) compensation algorithm using this representation, developed a complex synthesizing PD algorithm which can compensate simultaneously for phase and amplitude nonlinearities in the TWT amplifier [1]. The algorithm is applied in this paper to compensating the nonlinearity of a TWTA operating in a high‐capacity SSB‐AM microwave system and describes the realization of a nonlinear distortion compensator which gives excellent distortion reduction with high stability. First the PD circuit required to achieve the prescribed distortion reduction and the nonlinear characteristics and degradation factors of the TWTA are analyzed and the design method for the complex synthesizing PD circuit is clarified. Second, in order to achieve easy adjustment and long‐term stability in the counterbalancing compensation, an automatic self‐adjusting stabilization method using microprocessors is proposed. Application of the self‐adjusting system to this circuit has achieved a long‐term stable reduction of more than 30 dB per 30 MHz in the nonlinear distortion noise of TWTA. This reduction is sufficient to develop a practical radio relay system.
The performance of the dipole array applicator for radiofrequency hyperthermia
Authors: Terada Noriyoshi , Amemiya Yoshifumi
Published: October 2014

Hyperthermia is presently drawing attention in the field of cancer therapy. This paper describes the results of a heating experiment at 40 MHz using the dipole array applicator proposed by the authors as a means to realize deep heating in the human body. As the first step, numerical calculations are made of the electric field distribution in the object phantom (simulating human body), indicating that the electric field and consequently the heat generation is almost uniform in the phantom. Then a phantom is constructed in which the circulation of a saline solution can be varied depending on the location, and the heating experiment was performed. When the saline solution is not circulated, the temperature rise is almost uniform within the phantom, as is expected from the calculation of electric field distribution. When the saline solution is circulated, the temperature rise is high in the area of smaller circulation, which simulates the cancer. As an example, for 30‐minute heating by 1.6 kW, the temperature‐rise is 5°C.
CCD image sensors fabricated on Epi‐wafers
Authors: Hiroshima Yoshimitsu , Matsumoto Shigenori , Kuriyama Toshihiro , Kuroda Takao
Published: October 2014

The performance of CCD image sensors is strongly influenced by the crystal quality of the silicon wafer because it is an analog VLSI device which measures optical signals. In order to examine the relation between the imaging characteristics of the sensors and the crystal qualities of silicon wafers, the sensors were fabricated by the same process on three kinds of wafers (i.e., CZ, FZ and epitaxial wafers). It is found that image striation is attributable to resistivity inhomogeneity in the wafer, the white blemish to crystal defects in the surface depletion layer, the smear to effective thickness of the photoelectric conversion layer and the black swirl to inhomogeneous distribution of recombination centers in the material. These difficulties are solved by the use of epitaxial wafers in which the photocarrier lifetime can be controlled. The fixed‐pattern noise is suppressed to an S/N ratio greater than 60 dB and the smeared signal as low as 0.4%. The influence of the substrate on the crystal quality of the epitaxial layer is also discussed.