bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Contrast‐enhanced susceptibility weighted imaging with ultrasmall superparamagnetic iron oxide improves the detection of tumor vascularity in a hepatocellular carcinoma nude mouse model
Authors: Yang Shuo‐hui , Lin Jiang , Lu Fang , Dai Yuan‐yuan , Han Zhi‐hong , Fu Cai‐xia , Hu Feng‐lin , Gu Hong‐chen
Published: January 2016

Purpose

To evaluate the effectiveness of contrast‐enhanced susceptibility‐weighted imaging with ultrasmall superparamagnetic iron oxide (USPIO‐enhanced SWI) in the assessment of intratumoral vascularity in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

Materials and Methods

Orthotopic xenograft HCC nude mouse models were established first and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examinations were performed on a 1.5T MR scanner 28 days later. Three groups of mice, 10 in each, were imaged using unenhanced and USPIO‐enhanced SWI at doses of 4, 8, and 12 mg Fe/kg. Intratumoral susceptibility signal intensity (ITSS) was scored. ITSS‐to‐tumor contrast‐to‐noise ratio (ITSST‐CNR) was measured. These measurements were compared between unenhanced and USPIO‐enhanced SWI at each dose and differences in the measurements between different dose groups were estimated. Correlation between ITSS and tumor microvessel density (MVD) was analyzed.

Results

Compared with unenhanced SWI, significantly higher ITSS was identified on USPIO‐enhanced SWI at doses of 8 mg Fe/kg (Z = –2.000, P = 0.046) and 12 mg Fe/kg (Z = –2.333, P = 0.020). Significantly higher ITSST‐CNR was found on USPIO‐enhanced SWI than that on unenhanced SWI (P < 0.05). Significantly higher ITSST‐CNR at a dose of 8 mg Fe/kg was observed than that at 4 mg Fe/kg (Z = –3.326, P = 0.001). Positive correlation between ITSS on USPIO‐enhanced SWI at a dose of 8 mg Fe/kg and tumor MVD was demonstrated (r = 0.817, P = 0.004).

Conclusion

USPIO‐enhanced SWI at a dose of 8 mg Fe/kg greatly improves the detection of intratumoral vascularity in a xenograft HCC model. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2016;44:288–295.
How Artists Create: An Empirical Study of MFA Painting Students
Authors: Sawyer R. Keith
Published: January 2016

This paper reports on an interview study with MFA students in two different full‐time MFA degree programs in painting. The interviews were conducted as part of two ethnographic studies, each one academic year in length, of art and design schools at two U.S. universities. The goal was to explore the extended process whereby MFA student artists, in the second and final year of their degree program, create the works to be displayed in their public graduation exhibition. Using a grounded theory approach, an emergent theory was developed from the interviews, with additional information provided by studio observations and analyses of the graduation exhibitions and the accompanying written theses. This emergent theory describes the artistic creative process to be wandering, unpredictable, non‐linear, and embedded in the physical act of generating work. There is no evidence that either moments of insight, or the attempt to be original, play a role in their creative process. This emergent theory is compared with theories of the creative process by creativity researchers, and with theories of the design process proposed by design studies researchers.
Defining Creativity: Don't We Also Need to Define What Is Not Creative?
Authors: Simonton Dean Keith
Published: January 2016

I argue that any attempt to define creative ideas cannot fully succeed without also defining uncreative ideas. This argument begins by defining three parameters that characterize a potentially creative thought: the idea's initial probability (p), the final utility (u), and the creator's prior knowledge of that utility (v). The three parameters then lead to a three‐criterion multiplicative definition of personal creativity, namely, c = (1 − p)u(1 − v), where the first factor indicates originality and the third factor surprise. Although creativity can only maximize as originality, utility, and surprise all approach unity, the same definition indicates that there are seven different ways that creativity can minimize. These alternatives were identified as (a) routine, reproductive, or habitual ideas, (b) fortuitous response bias, (c) irrational perseveration, (d) problem finding, (e) rational suppression, (f) irrational suppression, and (g) blissful ignorance. If the third parameter v is omitted, then the number of creative and noncreative outcomes reduces to just four, making creativity indistinguishable from irrational suppression. The alternative outcomes are then illustrated using the classic two‐string problem. Besides providing a more finely differentiated conception of creativity failures, the definition has critical implications regarding the processes and procedures required to generate highly creative ideas.
The Influence of Openness to Experience on Perceived Employee Creativity: The Moderating Roles of Individual Trust
Authors: Xu Sen , Jiang Xueting , Walsh Ian J.
Published: January 2016

In this paper, we explain the influence of co‐worker trust on the effect of employees' openness to experience on their perceptions of their own creativity. We surveyed 199 working professionals in Ireland and found that openness to experience was positively associated with both employees' perceptions of their radical creativity and incremental creativity. In addition, the relationship between openness to experience and incremental creativity was negatively moderated by cognition‐based trust in his or her co‐worker. In conclusion, we discuss the theoretical and managerial implications of our findings and highlight directions for future research.
Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L. Walp), a renewed multipurpose crop for a more sustainable agri‐food system: nutritional advantages and constraints
Authors: Gonçalves Alexandre , Goufo Piebiep , Barros Ana , Domínguez‐Perles Raúl , Trindade Henrique , Rosa Eduardo A S , Ferreira Luis , Rodrigues Miguel
Published: January 2016

The growing awareness of the relevance of food composition for human health has increased the interest of the inclusion of high proportions of fruits and vegetables in diets. To reach the objective of more balanced diets, an increased consumption of legumes, which constitutes a sustainable source of essential nutrients, particularly low‐cost protein, is of special relevance. However, the consumption of legumes also entails some constraints that need to be addressed to avoid a deleterious impact on consumers' wellbeing and health. The value of legumes as a source of nutrients depends on a plethora of factors, including genetic characteristics, agro‐climatic conditions, and postharvest management that modulate the dietary effect of edible seeds and vegetative material. Thus, more comprehensive information regarding composition, especially their nutritional and anti‐nutritional compounds, digestibility, and alternative processing procedures is essential. These were the challenges to write this review, which focusses on the nutritional and anti‐nutritional composition of Vigna unguiculata L. Walp, an emerging crop all over the world intended to provide a rational support for the development of valuable foods and feeds of increased commercial value. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry
Effect of acidification on the protection of alginate‐encapsulated probiotic based on emulsification/internal gelation
Authors: Qu Fangning , Zhao Meng , Fang Yapeng , Nishinari Katsuyoshi , Phillips Glyn O , Wu Zhengjun , Chen Chen
Published: January 2016

BACKGROUND

The method of emulsification/internal gelation is commonly used to prepare alginate microspheres for lactic acid bacteria (LAB). This paper focused on the influence of acidification parameters, i.e. acid/Ca molar ratio and acidification time, on the physical properties and cell protection efficiency of microspheres and their correlations.

RESULTS

With increasing acid/Ca molar ratio and acidification time, the average diameter of microspheres decreased and their mechanical strength increased. Interestingly, wet alginate microspheres shrank in simulated gastric juice (SGJ) while they swelled in bile salts solution (BS). The shrinkage or swelling ratio decreased with increasing mechanical strength. Correlation analysis showed that the encapsulated cell survivals in both SGJ and BS were positively correlated with the mechanical strength of microspheres but negatively with the shrinkage or swelling ratio. BacLight LIVE/DEAD assay suggested that the viability of encapsulated cells in fresh, SGJ‐treated and BS‐treated microspheres was closely related to cell membrane integrity.

CONCLUSION

Acidification is a key step during microsphere preparation, which strongly affected the physical properties of alginate microspheres, resulting in different cell protection efficiency. The resulting well‐protected LAB can be applied in probiotics foods. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry
Quantitative Comparison of the Antimicrobial Efficiency of Leaching versus Nonleaching Polymer Materials
Authors: Bruenke Joerg , Roschke Ingolf , Agarwal Seema , Riemann Thomas , Greiner Andreas
Published: January 2016

New antimicrobial materials will be more and more in the focus for hygienic and clinical disease control. Antimicrobial materials have to be distinguished in leaching and nonleaching materials. For many applications of antimicrobial materials on implants the use of nonleaching materials is essential. Therefore, the antimicrobial efficiency of leaching and nonleaching polymers has been investigated quantitatively in vitro in direct comparison on a highly relevant implant of central venous catheters (CVCs) using a well‐established called Certika test. This test is especially designed to test antimicrobial properties of leachable and nonleachable materials. This contribution demonstrates that newly developed nonleaching antimicrobial CVCs are equivalent to conventional leaching CVC systems in their antimicrobial performance against gram‐positive and gram‐negative bacteria, as well as Candida species. The use of new nonleaching antimicrobial polymers as shown here for CVCs represents a different mode of action with the aim to prevent infections also with antibiotic‐resistant strains and reduced side effects.

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Design Strategies in Hydrothermal Polymerization of Polyimides
Authors: Baumgartner Bettina , Bojdys Michael J. , Skrinjar Philipp , Unterlass Miriam M.
Published: January 2016

Hydrothermal polymerization (HTP) is a technique to synthesize highly crystalline polyimides in solely water. The process involves monomer salt intermediates also able to undergo other polymerizations during the HTP experiment: sub‐hydrothermal polymerization (sHTP) and solid‐state polycondensation (SSP). Both processes yield semicrystalline polyimides at best. This is widely believed to result from irreversible bond‐formation and the incorporation of conformational defects during chain growth. Here, microwave‐assisted HTP is used, allowing for controlling the heating time to the reaction temperature, and thus to strongly reduce sHTP. Moreover, we show that highest crystallinity can be obtained in the higher hydrothermal regime (≈200 °C), and synthesize two polyimides of sufficient crystallinity to refine their crystal structures from powder X‐ray diffraction data. This study brings us one step closer to a general picture and rational design of the hydrothermal synthesis of polyimides.

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Skew‐selfadjoint Dirac systems with rational rectangular Weyl functions: explicit solutions of direct and inverse problems and integrable wave equations
Authors: Fritzsche B. , Kaashoek M. A. , Kirstein B. , Sakhnovich A. L.
Published: January 2016

In this paper we study direct and inverse problems for discrete and continuous skew‐selfadjoint Dirac systems with rectangular (possibly non‐square) pseudo‐exponential potentials. For such a system the Weyl function is a strictly proper rational matrix function and any strictly proper rational matrix function appears in this way. In fact, extending earlier results, given a strictly proper rational matrix function we present an explicit procedure to recover the corresponding potential using techniques from mathematical system and control theory. We also introduce and study a nonlinear generalized discrete Heisenberg magnet model, extending earlier results for the isotropic case. A large part of the paper is devoted to the related discrete systems of which the pseudo‐exponential potential depends on an additional continuous time parameter. Our technique allows us to obtain explicit solutions for the generalized discrete Heisenberg magnet model and evolution of the Weyl functions.
Quantitative Voronovskaja formulae for generalized Durrmeyer sampling type series
Authors: Bardaro Carlo , Faina Loris , Mantellini Ilaria
Published: January 2016

We give for generalized Durrmeyer type series and their linear combinations quantitative Voronosvskaja formulae in terms of the classical Peetre K‐functional. Finally we apply the general theory to various kernels
Helicobacter pylori induces Snail expression through ROS‐mediated activation of Erk and inactivation of GSK‐3β in human gastric cancer cells
Authors: Ngo Hoang‐Kieu‐Chi , Lee Hee Geum , Piao Juan‐Yu , Zhong Xiancai , Lee Ha‐Na , Han Hyeong‐Jun , Kim Wonki , Kim Do‐Hee , Cha Young‐Nam , Na Hye‐Kyung , Surh Young‐Joon
Published: January 2016

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection has been known to be implicated in human gastric carcinogenesis. Snail, the zinc‐finger transcription factor known as a key inducer of changes in the cell shape and morphogenetic movement, is aberrantly overexpressed and correlates with lymph node metastasis in gastric cancer. In the present study, we investigated whether H. pylori could induce Snail activation to provoke these changes. Using a cell scatter assay, we noticed that human gastric cancer AGS cells infected with H. pylori underwent morphological changes as well as disruption of cell–cell interaction, which was then reversed by silencing of Snail by use of small interfering RNA (siRNA). In addition, infection with H. pylori resulted in an increased intracellular level of Snail in gastric cancer cells, which was abrogated in the presence of U0126 and LY294002, inhibitors of MEK/Erk and PI3K/Akt pathways, respectively. Cycloheximide pulse‐chase experiments coupled with immunocytochemical analysis revealed that the induction of Snail by H. pylori was regulated at multiple levels, including increased transcription of Snail mRNA, inhibition of protein degradation, and enhancement of nuclear translocation of Snail. Pre‐treatment of AGS cells with N‐acetylcysteine, a well‐known reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenger, attenuated the H. pylori‐induced activation of Erk, its binding to Snail promoter, inactivation of GSK‐3β, and accumulation of Snail. Collectively, these findings suggest that the upregulation of Snail expression induced by H. pylori and transformation to a spindle‐like shape as a consequence in gastric cancer cells are attributable to ROS‐mediated activation of Erk and the inhibition of GSK‐3β signaling. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Short‐Interval Retreatment With Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy (SBRT) for Pediatric Neuroblastoma Resulting in Severe Myositis
Authors: Taunk Neil K. , Kushner Brian , Ibanez Katarzyna , Wolden Suzanne L.
Published: January 2016

We report a severe and not previously reported toxicity after short‐interval retreatment with stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) in a pediatric patient with neuroblastoma. This patient experienced Grade III radiation myositis after treatment with conventional radiation therapy followed by high‐dose SBRT for persistent disease a short interval after the initial radiotherapy course. While SBRT shows outstanding rates of local control in adult disease, data in pediatric cancers are extremely limited. In this report, we discuss the rationale of SBRT in this patient's multimodality neuroblastoma treatment, management of the toxicity, and future perspectives on the use of SBRT in pediatric cancer.
Novel polyurethane‐based thermosensitive hydrogels as drug release and tissue engineering platforms: design and in vitro characterization
Authors: Boffito Monica , Gioffredi Emilia , Chiono Valeria , Calzone Stefano , Ranzato Elia , Martinotti Simona , Ciardelli Gianluca
Published: January 2016

Poloxamer P407 (P407) is a Food and Drug Administration approved triblock copolymer; its hydrogels show fast dissolution in aqueous environment and weak mechanical strength, limiting their in vivo application. In this work, an amphiphilic poly(ether urethane) (NHP407) was synthesized from P407, an aliphatic diisocyanate (1,6‐hexanediisocyanate) and an amino acid derived diol (N‐Boc serinol). NHP407 solutions in water‐based media were able to form biocompatible injectable thermosensitive hydrogels with a lower critical gelation temperature behavior, having lower critical gelation concentration (6% w/v versus 18% w/v), superior gel strength (G′ at 37 °C about 40 000 Pa versus 10 000 Pa), faster gelation kinetics (<5 min versus 15–30 min) and higher stability in physiological conditions (28 days versus 5 days) compared to P407 hydrogels. Gel strength and PBS absorption at 37 °C increased whereas dissolution rate (in phosphate‐buffered saline (PBS) at 37 °C) and permeability to nutrients (studied using fluorescein isothiocyanate–dextran model molecule) decreased as a function of NHP407 hydrogel concentration from 10% to 20% w/v. By varying the concentration, NHP407 hydrogels were thus prepared with different properties which could suit specific applications, such as in situ drug/cell delivery or bioprinting of scaffolds. Moreover, deprotected amino groups in NHP407 could be exploited for the grafting of bioactive molecules obtaining biomimetic hydrogels. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry
Phase behavior of binary blends ofPP/PP‐g‐AA: limitations of the conventional characterization techniques
Authors: Saffar Amir , Jalali Dil Ebrahim , Carreau Pierre J , Ajji Abdellah , Kamal Musa R
Published: January 2016

In this study, miscibility/immiscibility issues of a binary blend consisting of polypropylene (PP) and acrylic acid grafted polypropylene (PP‐g‐AA) were investigated using rheometry,DSC, dynamic mechanical and thermal analysis (DMTA),AFMand time‐of‐flight secondary‐ion mass spectrometry (ToF‐SIMS). Phase separation analysis of such blend systems is a challenge and complex due to chemically similar components as well as the low value of acrylic acid groups in the graft copolymer. Thus, it is crucial to determine if the present blend shows some degree of miscibility or develops co‐continuous morphology between the components. The analysis of rheometrical,DSCandDMTAresults indicated no sensitivity of these classical techniques for detecting the miscibility or immiscibility of such a system. However,AFMdata effectively detected dispersed‐phase domains corresponding to thePP‐g‐AArich phase. The results, for the first time, indicated that the start of phase separation occurs at a critical copolymer concentration between 2 and 5 wt%. Furthermore it was observed that, as thePP‐g‐AAcontent increases, the size and continuity of the dispersed phase increase and reach a highly continuous morphology. Additionally,ToF‐SIMSchemical imaging was carried out to aid in the interpretation of theAFMdata. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry
Properties of AOT reverse micelle interfaces with different polar solvents
Authors: Luna M. Alejandra , Correa N. Mariano , Silber Juana J. , Falcone R. Dario , Moyano Fernando
Published: January 2016

The behavior of polar solvents such as formamide, ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, glycerol, dimethylformamide (DMF), and dimethylacetamide (DMA), entrapped in n‐heptane/sodium 1,4‐bis‐2‐ethylhexylsulfosuccinate (AOT) reverse micelles (RMs) was investigated using absorption, emission, and the red edge excitation shift technique.

We use the solvatochromism behavior of the hemycianine 4‐(4‐[dimethylamino]‐styryl)‐1‐methylpyridinium iodide (HC) to investigate the physicochemical properties such as micropolarity, microviscosity, and hydrogen bond (H‐bond) interaction in the non‐aqueous RMs. Our results demonstrate that AOT surfactant interacts through H‐bond with formamide, ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, and glycerol,and this interaction is responsible for weakening the electrostatic interaction between HC‐AOT when entrapped in n‐heptane/AOT RMs in absence of a polar solvent. On the other hand, when non‐H‐bond donor solvents (DMF and DMA) are incorporated inside the RMs, the structure of both pure solvents is destroyed upon encapsulation by the Na+‐DMF or Na+‐DMA interaction at Ws (Ws = [polar organic solvent]/[AOT]) ≤1.5.

Our results show how the physicochemical properties, such as micropolarity, microviscosity, and H‐bond interaction, of non‐aqueous n‐heptane/AOT RMs interfaces can be dramatically changed by simply using different non‐aqueous polar solvent. Thus, these results can be very useful for employing these RMs, stabilizing enzymes, and using them as nanoreactors. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Making one‐dimensional electrical contacts to molybdenum disulfide‐based heterostructures through plasma etching
Authors: Chai Yu , Ionescu Robert , Su Shanshan , Lake Roger , Ozkan Mihrimah , Ozkan Cengiz S.
Published: January 2016

A “passivation first, metallization second” technique is developed for fabricating edge contacts to a multi‐layer MoS2 sample encapsulated under an Al2O3 thin film. The in‐time sealing of the newly exfoliated MoS2 under a dielectric ensures a complete isolation from the environment. CF4 plasma is used to open trenches in the passivation layer and to expose the atoms at the edges of MoS2. Edge contacts are next made to h‐BN/MoS2/h‐BN 3‐level heterostructures, earlier assembled through a solvent‐free 2D material transfer procedure. Both types of MoS2‐based heterostructures are further fabricated into back‐gated FETs and show n‐type doping behavior. In particular, trends of field‐effect mobility with respect to a varying drain voltage are analyzed based on the ID–VDS data measured from each device. The result verifies the effect of Schottky barrier on channel conduction, which is, only at the presence of a highly transparent contact interface, the field‐effect mobility can manifest the intrinsic material property by staying constant against the changes in drain voltage. The wide applicability of the processing sequence makes edge contacts an appealing option to future nanoelectronics on 2D heterostructures.
Comparative study of sputter‐deposited SnO2 films doped with antimony or tantalum
Authors: Weidner Mirko , Jia Junjun , Shigesato Yuzo , Klein Andreas
Published: January 2016

SnO2 films doped with antimony or tantalum were sputter‐deposited for comparison, using an identical set of parameters. The influence of dopant concentration and choice of deposition parameters such as substrate temperature on the optoelectronic properties, especially film resistivity, were determined. Comparative analysis shows that tantalum doping yields lower film resistivity, probably due to an increased inhibiting influence of grain boundary scattering in the case of antimony doping. Sputter‐deposited tantalum‐doped films with lower than previously achieved resistivity  , carrier density  , and mobility are reported, while maintaining optical transmittance above 85% at a film thickness 400 nm. Ta/Sb co‐doped thin films were synthesized for the first time, achieving similar results.

Comparison of resistivity values achievable by doping sputter‐deposited tin oxide films with antimony (blue) or tantalum (red) as a function of dopant concentration.
Serum Metabolomic Profiling in a Rat Model Reveals Protective Function of Paeoniflorin Against ANIT Induced Cholestasis
Authors: Chen Zhe , Zhu Yun , Zhao Yanling , Ma Xiao , Niu Ming , Wang Jiabo , Su Haibin , Wang Ruilin , Li Jianyu , Liu Liping , Wei Zhenman , Zhao Qingguo , Chen Hongge , Xiao Xiaohe
Published: January 2016

Cholestasis is a leading cause of hepatic accumulation of bile acids resulting in liver injury, fibrosis, and liver failure. Paeoniflorin displays bright prospects in liver protective effect. However, its molecular mechanism has not been well‐explored. This study was designed to assess the effects and possible mechanisms of paeoniflorin against alpha‐naphthylisothiocyanate‐induced liver injury. Ultraperformance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time‐of‐flight combined with principle component analysis and partial least squares discriminant analysis were integrated to obtain differentiating metabolites for the pathways and clarify mechanisms of disease. The results indicated that paeoniflorin could remarkably downregulate serum biochemical indexes and alleviate the histological damage of liver tissue. Different expression of 14 metabolites demonstrated that paeoniflorin mainly regulated the dysfunctions of glycerophospholipid metabolism and primary bile acid biosynthesis. Moreover, several pathways such as arginine and proline metabolism, ether lipid metabolism, and arachidonic acid metabolism were also related to the efficacy. In conclusion, paeoniflorin has indicated favorable pharmacological effect on serum biochemical indexes and pathological observation on cholestatic model. And metabolomics is a promising approach to unraveling hepatoprotective effects by partially regulating the perturbed pathways, which provide insights into mechanisms of cholestasis. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synthesis and Properties of (3‐Phenyl‐1‐azulenyl)tetracyanobetadienes and Tris(aryltetracyanobetadiene)s Connected with 1,3,5‐Tri(1‐azulenyl)benzene Core
Authors: Shoji Taku , Maruyama Akifumi , Tanaka Miwa , Nagai Daichi , Shimomura Erika , Fujimori Kunihide , Ito Shunji , Okujima Tetsuo , Toyota Kozo , Yasunami (the late) Masafumi
Published: January 2016

Tris[(3‐phenyl‐1‐azulenyl)tetracyanobutadiene]s and tris(aryltetracyanobutadiene)s connected to a 1,3,5‐tri(1‐azulenyl)benzene core (tris‐AzTCBDs) have been prepared by the Pd‐catalyzed alkynylation of tris(3‐iodo‐1‐azulenyl)benzene derivative with the corresponding 1‐ethynylazulene or ethynylbenzene derivatives under Sonogashira–Hagihara cross‐coupling conditions, followed by the reaction with tetracyanoethylene (TCNE) in a formal [2 + 2] cycloaddition‐retroelectrocyclization (CA–RE) reaction. The intramolecular charge‐transfer (ICT) interactions of the new chromophores were investigated by the comparison with those of the model tetracyanobutadiene derivatives with azulene substituents (AzTCBDs), which were prepared by the reaction of the corresponding 1‐ethynylazulene derivative with iodoarenes, followed by the CA–RE reaction with TCNE, utilizing UV/Vis spectroscopy and theoretical calculations. The redox behavior of the alkyne precursors and the tetracyanobutadiene derivatives was examined by cyclic voltammetry (CV) and differential pulse voltammetry (DPV), which revealed their multistep electrochemical reduction properties. Moreover, significant color changes of these compounds were observed by visible spectroscopy under the electrochemical reduction conditions.
An old dog with new tricks: Schiff bases for liquid crystals materials based on isoxazolines and isoxazoles.
Authors: Fritsch Luma , Merlo Aloir A.
Published: January 2016

Schiff bases are in action again showing an exuberant mesophase range despite their chemical and thermal weakness. Two series of Schiff bases (SB), based on isoxazolines 9 a–f and isoxazoles 10 a–f, are described. 9 a–f were synthesized by a [3+2] cycloaddition 1,3‐dipolar of arylnitrile oxide from p‐nitrobenzaldehyde (1) and alkenes. And, subsequently oxidized to 10 a–f by MnO2. The isoxazolines and isoxazoles thus obtained were reduced to aniline derivatives and condensed with appropriated arylaldehydes. The SBs series isoxazolines 9 a–f presented a narrow mesophase range, while SBs series isoxazoles 10 a–f showed a large mesophase range. Nematic mesophase was observed for SBs with short and non‐polar groups, while SmA and SmC mesophase for SBs with long and more polar terminal groups. The stability of the SBs is also dependent on the clearing temperature. For 10 a–f with high clearing temperature, decomposition induced by heat was observed during the first cycle of heating and in solutions of CDCl3. Series 9 a–f was more resistant to the thermal decomposition.
Synthesis of Mannose‐Cholesterol Conjugates for Targeted Liposomal Drug Delivery
Authors: Nguyen Huong , Katavic Peter , Bashah Nur Atikah Halim , Ferro Vito
Published: January 2016

Several novel, mannose‐cholesterol conjugates for use in targeted liposomal drug delivery were synthesized via a modular strategy utilizing the Cu(I)‐catalysed Huisgen azide‐alkyne cycloaddition (“Click”) reaction. The conjugates, which were fully characterized, comprised either a single mannose unit or a trivalent mannose cluster joined to cholesterol via bifunctional PEG‐based linkers of different lengths. The neutral conjugates offer advantages over a previously reported cationic conjugate and the modular strategy employed can be readily adapted for the preparation of conjugates with alternative targeting groups.
Gradient descent learning rule for complex‐valued associative memories with large constant terms
Authors: Kobayashi Masaki
Published: January 2016

Complex‐valued associative memories (CAMs) are one of the most promising associative memory models by neural networks. However, the low noise tolerance of CAMs is often a serious problem. A projection learning rule with large constant terms improves the noise tolerance of CAMs. However, the projection learning rule can be applied only to CAMs with full connections. In this paper, we propose a gradient descent learning rule with large constant terms, which is not restricted by network topology. We realize large constant terms by regularization to connection weights. By computer simulations, we prove that the proposed learning algorithm improves noise tolerance. © 2016 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
High‐efficiency CMOS push‐pull power amplifier with multilayer center‐tapped transformer
Authors: Nakamura Shingo , Kanemoto Daisuke , Sadakiyo Tomoki , Kanaya Haruichi
Published: January 2016

This paper describes the design of a push‐pull power amplifier (PA) with a center‐tapped transformer for transmitter applications on the 5.2‐GHz band using 0.18μm CMOS technology. The type of the proposed PA is based on a double‐ended push–pull (DEPP) configuration. DEPP has a simple construction with only transistors and transformers. The PA has reverse‐phased cascode‐connected transistors. The proposed transformer has a multilayer structure and was designed using electromagnetic field simulation. To achieve high power added efficiency (PAE), we assumed the optimized output impedance technique with a tunable impedance antenna. The PA has 13.2 dB linearity gain, 14.9 dBm 1‐dB compression point (P1dB), and 27.4% maximum PAE. © 2016 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Importance of tritium‐based transit times in hydrological systems
Authors: Stewart Michael K. , Morgenstern Uwe
Published: January 2016

Disappearance of bomb tritium from the atmospheres of both hemispheres in recent years means that tritium is becoming more effective for determining transit times in hydrological systems. In particular, increasing use of tritium is being made to determine transit times of water through catchments from rainfall to rivers in order to derive vital information for the protection and management of river systems. Tritium reveals the transit times of the older water in streamflow, transit times which are too long to be seen by stable isotope or major chemical variation methods (this has been characterized as ‘hidden streamflow’). Documenting these longer timescales is vital for understanding the flow and water quality responses of rivers to changes in land use, diffuse or point‐source chemical pollution, ecological degradation, and climate change, responses which have proven to be considerably longer than previously expected. Including the longer timescales in the models allows more realistic approaches to management of catchments and emphasizes interdisciplinary differences between surface water and groundwater hydrologists’ views of river basins. Contrasting research agendas are proposed for effective use of tritium in the Northern and Southern Hemispheres based on their different tritium input histories since the advent of nuclear testing in the atmosphere. WIREs Water 2016, 3:145–154. doi: 10.1002/wat2.1134

This article is categorized under:

Science of Water > Hydrological Processes

Science of Water > Water Quality
Securitization in Chinese climate and energy politics
Authors: Nyman Jonna , Zeng Jinghan
Published: January 2016

This article provides an overview of securitization in Chinese climate and energy debates. Scholars have debated the merits as well as the potentially problematic implications of securitization, or framing issues as ‘security,’ since the early 1990s. Early concern focused on the potential problems with linking environmental issues with ‘security,’ and the debate has since also turned specifically to the climate and energy. However, it is only recently that this debate has begun to pay attention to China. Energy and climate concerns are of increasing importance to China: the sheer scale of its energy consumption and air pollution struggles dwarf the challenges seen by other states, and its policy choices play a key role in shaping global climate and energy dynamics. Thus, while securitization in the Chinese context is rarely studied, how China frames its energy and climate policy matters. Both energy and climate are taken increasingly seriously, and security plays an increasing role in debates. This review surveys the increasing popularity of linking security with climate and energy issues both in the academic debate on China and in official discourse, and some of the potential implications. WIREs Clim Change 2016, 7:301–313. doi: 10.1002/wcc.387

This article is categorized under:

Policy and Governance > National Climate Change Policy
Contribution of bulk energy storage to integrating variable renewable energies in future European electricity systems
Authors: Zach Karl Anton , Auer Hans
Published: January 2016

Remarkably higher expected shares of variable renewable energy sources for electricity generation (RES‐Electricity) than those available today will be a great challenge for the European power system. Bulk electricity storage technologies—that is, pumped hydro energy storage—are considered a key component while facing these future challenges. The conducted analysis is based on the modeling results of the Blue storyline of the
SUSPLAN
project that is characterized by a high growth of RES‐Electricity deployment. The RES‐Electricity deployment results on a country level for the years 2030 and 2050, the age structure of the existing thermal power plant portfolio, and hourly values of electricity demand and RES‐Electricity generation are taken as input for a linear optimization algorithm, which is implemented to analyse the importance of bulk electricity storage technologies for integrating large amounts of variable RES‐Electricity in European regions. Two regions are analysed in detail: Central Western Europe and the Iberian Peninsula. The results show that due to the age‐related phase out of thermal power plants in the future, additional new power plant capacities will be needed in many European regions by the year 2030. Only some European regions also have sufficient flexible generation capacity available to cover the residual load in the long term. Furthermore, RES‐Electricity feed‐in will exceed electricity demand for some time during the year 2050 in several regions. The Iberian Peninsula shows especially high RES‐Electricity feed‐in exceeding electricity demand about half the time during the year 2050. This surplus RES‐Electricity generation can be used for bulk electricity storage and/or for exports to neighboring European regions. WIREs Energy Environ 2016, 5:451–469. doi: 10.1002/wene.195

This article is categorized under:

Energy Infrastructure > Systems and Infrastructure

Energy Systems Economics > Systems and Infrastructure

Energy and Development > Systems and Infrastructure
Biodiversity of autolytic ability in flocculent Saccharomyces cerevisiae strains suitable for traditional sparkling wine fermentation
Authors: Perpetuini Giorgia , Di Gianvito Paola , Arfelli Giuseppe , Schirone Maria , Corsetti Aldo , Tofalo Rosanna , Suzzi Giovanna
Published: January 2016

Yeasts involved in secondary fermentation of traditional sparkling wines should show specific characteristics, such as flocculation capacity and autolysis. Recently it has been postulated that autophagy may contribute to the outcome of autolysis. In this study, 28 flocculent wine Saccahromyces cerevisiae strains characterized by different flocculation degrees were studied for their autolytic and autophagic activities. Autolysis was monitored in synthetic medium through the determination of amino acid nitrogen and total proteins released. At the same time, novel primer sets were developed to determine the expression of the genes ATG1, ATG17 and ATG29. Twelve strains were selected on the basis of their autolytic rate and ATG gene expressions in synthetic medium and were inoculated in a base wine. After 30, 60 and 180 days the autolytic process and ATG gene expressions were evaluated. The obtained data showed that autolysis and ATG gene expressions differed among strains and were independent of the degree of flocculation. This biodiversity could be exploited to select new starter stains to improve sparkling wine production. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Donor‐unsupported Phosphanylmethanides Li[CH2PR2] (R = tBu, Ph) – Crystal Structure of Li[CH2PtBu2] Solved by XRPD and DFT‐D Calculations
Authors: Fink Lothar , Samigullin Kamil , Bodach Alexander , Alig Edith , Wagner Matthias , Lerner Hans‐Wolfram
Published: January 2016

The solvent‐free methyllithium derivatives Li[CH2PR2] (R = tBu, Ph) were prepared via the reaction of CH3PR2 with Li[tBu]. It should be noted that the deprotonation of CH3PtBu2 with Li[tBu] occurred at 60 °C, whereas Li[CH2PPh2] was already formed from CH3PPh2 with Li[tBu] at ambient temperature. The structure determination of di‐tert‐butylphosphanylmethyllithium was performed by high resolution X‐ray powder diffraction analysis at different temperatures. This led to two possible structure solutions with similar quality criteria (space groups Iba2 and I2/a). Therefore CASTEP DFT‐D calculations were applied to verify the correct crystal structure. The solid‐state structure of di‐tert‐butylphosphanylmethyllithium consists of alternating edge‐sharing six‐ and four‐membered rings, which form a polymeric, infinite double‐chain along the crystallographic c axis in the monoclinic space group I2/a. Two Li[CH2PtBu2] units connected via an inversion center form a six‐membered Li2C2P2 ring in the chair conformation. The nearly flat four‐membered Li2C2 ring, is oriented perpendicularly to the twofold axis.
Reported provision of analgesia to patients with acute abdominal pain in Canadian paediatric emergency departments
Authors: Poonai Naveen , Cowie Allyson , Davidson Chloe , Benidir Andréanne , Thompson Graham C. , Boisclair Philippe , Harman Stuart , Miller Michael , Butter Andreana , Lim Rod , Ali Samina
Published: January 2016

Objectives

Evidence exists that analgesics are underutilized, delayed, and insufficiently dosed for emergency department (ED) patients with acute abdominal pain. For physicians practicing in a Canadian paediatric ED setting, we (1) explored theoretical practice variation in the provision of analgesia to children with acute abdominal pain; (2) identified reasons for withholding analgesia; and (3) evaluated the relationship between providing analgesia and surgical consultation.

Methods

Physician members of Paediatric Emergency Research Canada (PERC) were prospectively surveyed and presented with three scenarios of undifferentiated acute abdominal pain to assess management. A modified Dillman’s Tailored Design method was used to distribute the survey from June to July 2014.

Results

Overall response rate was 74.5% (149/200); 51.7% of respondents were female and mean age was 44 (SD 8.4) years. The reported rates of providing analgesia for case scenarios representative of renal colic, appendicitis, and intussusception, were 100%, 92.1%, and 83.4%, respectively, while rates of providing intravenous opioids were 85.2%, 58.6%, and 12.4%, respectively. In all 60 responses where the respondent indicated they would obtain a surgical consultation, analgesia would be provided. In the 35 responses where analgesia would be withheld, 21 (60%) believed pain was not severe enough, while 5 (14.3%) indicated it would obscure a surgical condition.

Conclusions

Pediatric emergency physicians self-reported rates of providing analgesia for acute abdominal pain scenarios were higher than previously reported, and appeared unrelated to request for surgical consultation. However, an unwillingness to provide opioid analgesia, belief that analgesia can obscure a surgical condition, and failure to take self-reported pain at face value remain, suggesting that the need exists for further knowledge translation efforts.
Unbuilding from the Inside: Leadership and Democratization in South Africa and South Korea
Authors: O’Brien Thomas
Published: January 2016

Leaders have an important role in initiating and shaping the democratization process. Formal and informal structures within the political system constrain possible options requiring leaders to exercise agency to manage expectations and facilitate change. This article examines the actions of F.W. de Klerk (South Africa) and Roh Tae Woo (South Korea) in initiating processes that eventually led to the consolidation of democratic political systems. The aims of the article are: (1) to identify the array of opportunities and threats faced by the two leaders; and (2) to determine the effect of regime form in shaping these structural factors. Drawing on previous work on the role of leadership in democratization, the analysis focuses on four factors: authority, institutions, opposition and continuity. To assess decisions made in the distinct political contexts the article examines how the respective structural configuration (one-party and military) was managed.
The impact of multiple layering on internal wave transmission
Authors: Ghaemsaidi S. J. , Dosser H. V. , Rainville L. , Peacock T.
Published: January 2016

Given the ubiquity of layering in environmental stratifications, an interesting example being double-diffusive staircase structures in the Arctic Ocean, we present the results of a joint theoretical and laboratory experimental study investigating the impact of multiple layering on internal wave propagation. We first present results for a simplified model that demonstrates the non-trivial impact of multiple layering. Thereafter, utilizing a weakly viscous linear model that can handle arbitrary vertical stratifications, we perform a comparison of theory with experiments. We conclude by applying this model to a case study of a staircase stratification profile obtained from the Arctic Ocean, finding a rich landscape of transmission behaviour.
Innovation's Golden Triangle: Finance, Regulation, and Science at the Bell System, 1877–1940
Authors: Miranti Paul J.
Published: January 2016

This article explains how the Bell System succeeded during the presidency of Theodore N. Vail (1907–1919) in reversing a declining business trend by laying the foundations for sustained technological achievement through the development of an operating model that satisfied corporate imperatives related to finance, regulation, and research. By exploiting the potentials of rate-base regulation, Bell was able to create strong scientific capabilities that supported the growth of what became arguably the world's premier telecommunications system. The legacy of these efforts includes the winning of seven Nobel Prizes by Bell scientists, an achievement unequaled by any other industrial laboratory.
Can stakeholders agree on how to reduce human–carnivore conflict on Namibian livestock farms? A novel Q-methodology and Delphi exercise
Authors: Rust Niki A.
Published: January 2016

Conflict between carnivores and livestock farmers affects human livelihoods and predator populations. Historically, successful mitigation of this conflict has been limited, sometimes because of a lack of participation among stakeholders to create and implement agreeable and effective solutions. Finding common ground between stakeholders can, however, be difficult, partly because of the range and intensity of values held. Using a novel combination of Q-methodology and the Delphi technique, I investigated whether a diverse range of stakeholders could agree on how to mitigate conflict between carnivores and livestock farmers in Namibia. A strong consensus was reached on using conservation education and husbandry training to reduce livestock depredation. Two narratives emerged: one group preferred non-lethal methods to manage the conflict, whereas a smaller group preferred lethal measures. This new decision-making exercise has potential to be applied to other conservation conflicts to assist with participatory decision making.
Specific cognitive–neurophysiological processes predict impulsivity in the childhood attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder combined subtype
Authors: Bluschke A. , Roessner V. , Beste C.
Published: January 2016

Background

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of the most prevalent neuropsychiatric disorders in childhood. Besides inattention and hyperactivity, impulsivity is the third core symptom leading to diverse and serious problems. However, the neuronal mechanisms underlying impulsivity in ADHD are still not fully understood. This is all the more the case when patients with the ADHD combined subtype (ADHD-C) are considered who are characterized by both symptoms of inattention and hyperactivity/impulsivity.

Method

Combining high-density electroencephalography (EEG) recordings with source localization analyses, we examined what information processing stages are dysfunctional in ADHD-C (n = 20) compared with controls (n = 18).

Results

Patients with ADHD-C made more impulsive errors in a Go/No-go task than healthy controls. Neurophysiologically, different subprocesses from perceptual gating to attentional selection, resource allocation and response selection processes are altered in this patient group. Perceptual gating, stimulus-driven attention selection and resource allocation processes were more pronounced in ADHD-C, are related to activation differences in parieto-occipital networks and suggest attentional filtering deficits. However, only response selection processes, associated with medial prefrontal networks, predicted impulsive errors in ADHD-C.

Conclusions

Although the clinical picture of ADHD-C is complex and a multitude of processing steps are altered, only a subset of processes seems to directly modulate impulsive behaviour. The present findings improve the understanding of mechanisms underlying impulsivity in patients with ADHD-C and might help to refine treatment algorithms focusing on impulsivity.
‘That Cross's Children, Which Our Crosses Are’:Imitatio Christi, Imitatio Crucis
Authors: Carnes Natalie
Published: January 2016

How does one rightly name and discernimitatio Christi, imitatio crucis, and the relation between them? In one provocative attempt to answer this question, John Howard Yoder identifies Christ-imaging in vulnerable enemy love and rejects all other criteria. This essay reads the iconoclasm of Yoder's approach through poetry of the cross by William Mure and John Donne. It then proceeds to repair Yoder's Mure-like posture with Donne, as well as the writings of Margaret Ebner and Margery Kempe. These texts destabilise the dichotomies that sustain Yoder's iconoclasm and illustrate the inadequacy of a single criterion forimitatio Christi.Yet Kempe and Ebner's texts are also infected with violence such that they, too, need repair. Vulnerable enemy love thus returns as a negative condition for Christ-imaging, and Yoder's strong iconoclasm is moderated to a weaker iconoclasm that breaks images purporting to be Christ-like but are, in fact, violent.