bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Highly Fluorescent and Water‐Soluble Diketopyrrolopyrrole Dyes for Bioconjugation
Authors: Heyer Elodie , Lory Pauline , Leprince Jérôme , Moreau Mathieu , Romieu Anthony , Guardigli Massimo , Roda Aldo , Ziessel Raymond
Published: February 2015

The preparation of highly water‐soluble and strongly fluorescent diketopyrrolopyrrole (DPP) dyes using an unusual taurine‐like sulfonated linker has been achieved. Exchanging a phenyl for a thienyl substituent shifts the emission wavelength to near λ=600 nm. The free carboxylic acid group present in these new derivatives was readily activated and the dyes were subsequently covalently linked to a model protein (bovine serum albumin; BSA). The bioconjugates were characterized by electronic absorption, fluorescence spectroscopy and MALDI‐TOF mass spectrometry, thus enabling precise determination of the labeling density (ratio DPP/BSA about 3 to 8). Outstanding values of fluorescence quantum yield (30 % to 59 %) for these bioconjugates are obtained. The photostability of these DPP dyes is considerably greater than that of fluorescein under the same irradiation conditions. Remarkably low detection limits between 80 and 300 molecules/μm2 were found for the BSA bioconjugates by fluorescence imaging with a epifluorescence microscope.
A C3‐Symmetric Macrocycle‐Based, Hydrogen‐Bonded, Multiporous Hexagonal Network as a Motif of Porous Molecular Crystals
Authors: Hisaki Ichiro , Nakagawa Shoichi , Tohnai Norimitsu , Miyata Mikiji
Published: February 2015

A C3‐symmetric π‐conjugated macrocycle combined with an appropriate hydrogen bonding module (phenylene triangle) allowed the construction of crystalline supramolecular frameworks with a cavity volume of up to 58 %. The frameworks were obtained through non‐interpenetrated stacking of a hexagonal sheet possessing three kinds of pores with different sizes and shapes. The activated porous material absorbed CO2 up to 96 cm3 g−1 at 195 K under 1 atm.
Antitumor Drug Delivery Modulated by A Polymeric Micelle with an Upper Critical Solution Temperature
Authors: Li Weishuo , Huang Liwen , Ying Xiaoying , Jian You , Hong Yuan , Hu Fuqiang , Du Yongzhong
Published: February 2015

Thermally sensitive polymeric nanocarriers were developed to optimize the release profile of encapsulated compounds to improve treatment efficiency. However, when referring to thermally sensitive polymeric nanocarriers, this usually means systems fabricated from lower critical solution temperature (LCST) polymers, which have been intensively studied. To extend the field of thermally sensitive polymeric nanocarriers, we for the first time fabricated a polymeric drug delivery system having an upper critical solution temperature (UCST) of 43 °C based on an amphiphilic polymer poly(AAm‐co‐AN)‐g‐PEG. The resulting polymeric micelles could effectively encapsulate doxorubicin and exhibited thermally sensitive drug release both in vitro and in vivo. A drastically improved anticancer efficiency (IC50 decreased from 4.6 to 1.6 μg mL−1, tumor inhibition rate increased from 55.6 % to 92.8 %) was observed. These results suggest that UCST‐based drug delivery can be an alternative to thermally sensitive LCST‐based drug delivery systems for an enhanced antitumor efficiency.
Addition of Ethylene or Hydrogen to a Main‐Group Metal Cluster under Mild Conditions
Authors: Vasko Petra , Wang Shuai , Tuononen Heikki M. , Power Philip P.
Published: February 2015

Reaction of the tin cluster Sn8(Ar)4 (Ar=C6H2‐2,6‐(C6H3‐2,4,6‐Me3)2) with excess ethylene or dihydrogen at 25 °C/1 atmosphere yielded two new clusters that incorporated ethylene or hydrogen. The reaction with ethylene yielded Sn4(Ar)4(C2H2)5 that contained five ethylene moieties bridging four aryl substituted tin atoms and one tin–tin bond. Reaction with H2 produced a cyclic tin species of formula (Sn(H)Ar)4, which could also be synthesized by the reaction of {(Ar)Sn(μ‐Cl)}2 with DIBAL‐H. These reactions represent the first instances of direct reactions of isolable main‐group clusters with ethylene or hydrogen under mild conditions. The products were characterized in the solid state by X‐ray diffraction and IR spectroscopy and in solution by multinuclear NMR and UV/Vis spectroscopies. Density functional theory calculations were performed to explain the reactivity of the cluster.
Enantioselective Palladium‐Catalyzed Dearomative Cyclization for the Efficient Synthesis of Terpenes and Steroids
Authors: Du Kang , Guo Pan , Chen Yuan , Cao Zhen , Wang Zheng , Tang Wenjun
Published: February 2015

A novel enantioselective palladium‐catalyzed dearomative cyclization has been developed for the efficient construction of a series of chiral phenanthrenone derivatives bearing an all‐carbon quaternary center. The effectiveness of this method in the synthesis of terpenes and steroids was demonstrated by a highly efficient synthesis of a kaurene intermediate, the facile construction of the skeleton of the anabolic steroid boldenone, and the enantioselective total synthesis of the antimicrobial diterpene natural product (−)‐totaradiol.
Preparation of Nanocrystalline Silicon from SiCl4 at 200 °C in Molten Salt for High‐Performance Anodes for Lithium Ion Batteries
Authors: Lin Ning , Han Ying , Wang Liangbiao , Zhou Jianbin , Zhou Jie , Zhu Yongchun , Qian Yitai
Published: February 2015

Crystalline Si nanoparticles are prepared by reduction of SiCl4 with metallic magnesium in the molten salt of AlCl3 at 200 °C in an autoclave. AlCl3 not only acts as molten salt, but also participates in the reaction. The related experiments confirm that metallic Mg reduces AlCl3 to create nascent Al which could immediately reduce SiCl4 to Si, and the by‐product MgCl2 would combine with AlCl3 forming complex of MgAl2Cl8. As anode for rechargeable lithium ion batteries, the as‐prepared Si delivers the reversible capacity of 3083 mAh g−1 at 1.2 A g−1 after 50 cycles, and 1180 mAh g−1 at 3 A g−1 over 500 cycles.
SrNb0.1Co0.7Fe0.2O3−δ Perovskite as a Next‐Generation Electrocatalyst for Oxygen Evolution in Alkaline Solution
Authors: Zhu Yinlong , Zhou Wei , Chen Zhi‐Gang , Chen Yubo , Su Chao , Tadé Moses O. , Shao Zongping
Published: February 2015

The perovskite SrNb0.1Co0.7Fe0.2O3−δ (SNCF) is a promising OER electrocatalyst for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER), with remarkable activity and stability in alkaline solutions. This catalyst exhibits a higher intrinsic OER activity, a smaller Tafel slope and better stability than the state‐of‐the‐art precious‐metal IrO2 catalyst and the well‐known BSCF perovskite. The mass activity and stability are further improved by ball milling. Several factors including the optimized eg orbital filling, good ionic and charge transfer abilities, as well as high OH− adsorption and O2 desorption capabilities possibly contribute to the excellent OER activity.
Clotting Activity of Polyphosphate‐Functionalized Silica Nanoparticles
Authors: Kudela Damien , Smith Stephanie A. , May‐Masnou Anna , Braun Gary B. , Pallaoro Alessia , Nguyen Chi K. , Chuong Tracy T. , Nownes Sara , Allen Riley , Parker Nicholas R. , Rashidi Hooman H. , Morrissey James H. , Stucky Galen D.
Published: February 2015

We present a silica nanoparticle (SNP) functionalized with polyphosphate (polyP) that accelerates the natural clotting process of the body. SNPs initiate the contact pathway of the blood‐clotting system; short‐chain polyP accelerates the common pathway by the rapid formation of thrombin, which enhances the overall blood‐clotting system, both by accelerating fibrin generation and by facilitating the regulatory anticoagulation mechanisms essential for hemostasis. Analysis of the clotting properties of bare SNPs, bare polyP, and polyP‐functionalized SNPs in plasma demonstrated that the attachment of polyP to SNPs to form polyP‐SNPs creates a substantially enhanced synergistic effect that lowers clotting time and increases thrombin production at low concentrations. PolyP‐SNP even retains its clotting function at ambient temperature. The polyP‐SNP system has the potential to significantly improve trauma‐treatment protocols and outcomes in hospital and prehospital settings.
Quadruple Switching of Pleated Foldamers of Tetrathiafulvalene–Bipyridinium Alternating Dynamic Covalent Polymers
Authors: Chen Lan , Wang Hui , Zhang Dan‐Wei , Zhou Yaming , Li Zhan‐Ting
Published: February 2015

Two dynamic covalent polymers P1 and P2 were prepared by alternately linking electron‐rich tetrathiafulvalene (TTF) and electron‐deficient bipyridinium (BIPY2+) through hydrazone bonds. In acetonitrile, the polymers were induced by intramolecular donor–acceptor interactions to form pleated foldamers, which unfolded upon oxidation of the TTF units to the radical cation TTF.+. Reduction of the BIPY2+ units to BIPY.+ led to the formation of another kind of pleated secondary structures, which are stabilized by intramolecular dimerization of the BIPY.+ units. The diradical dicationic cyclophane cyclobis(paraquat‐p‐phenylene) (CBPQT2(.+)) could further force the folded structures to unfold by including the BIPY.+ units of the polymers. Upon oxidation of the BIPY.+ units of the cyclophane and polymers to BIPY2+, the first folded state was regenerated. Switching or conversion between the four conformational states was confirmed by UV/Vis spectroscopic experiments.
Evaluation of polymer hydrophobic recovery behavior following H2O plasma processing
Authors: Tompkins Brendan D. , Fisher Ellen R.
Published: February 2015

Inductively coupled radio frequency (rf) H2O vapor plasma was used to modify a range of polymers to better elucidate the dependence of hydrophobic recovery on polymer composition and structure. Freshly modified and aged samples were examined using scanning electron microscopy, (SEM), X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, (XPS), and water contact angle (wCA) goniometry. Initially, wettability was increased on each polymer surface due to the implantation of polar oxide groups, an effect exacerbated by increased surface roughness with plasma treatment. Polypropylene and polystyrene exhibit nearly complete hydrophobic recovery as polar groups are subsumed as samples age. High‐density polyethylene and polycarbonate exhibit minimal hydrophobic recovery, owing to plasma‐induced cross‐linking and intrinsic thermal stability, respectively. Overall, the hydrophobic performance following H2O plasma modification is similar to other oxidizing plasmas, suggesting that recovery behavior is intrinsic to the polymer. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015, 132, 41978.
Pore morphology control and hydrophilicity of polyacrylonitrile ultrafiltration membranes
Authors: Ding Shan Gang , Cheng Xi Quan , Jiang Zai Xing , Bai Yong Ping , Shao Lu
Published: February 2015

The effects of different solvents (dimethyl formamide: DMF and dimethylsulfoxide: DMSO) on the solubility of polyacrylonitrile (PAN) were investigated by the phase diagrams of H2O/DMF/PAN and H2O/DMSO/PAN ternary systems through cloud‐point titration method at low polymer concentration. The influences of polymer concentrations and temperatures on the morphologies of PAN ultrafiltration membranes were elucidated. The morphologies of fabricated UF membranes were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and atomic force microscope (AFM), and the basic performance of ultrafiltration including pure water flux and rejection of BSA were explored. At 25°C, the pure water flux of ultrafiltration membranes at the lower PAN content (16 wt % PAN in 84 wt % DMSO) reached 213.8 L/m/bar and the rejection of BSA was 100%. Interestingly, the water flux of UF membranes dramatically decreased to 20.6 L/m/bar (20 wt %) and 2.9 L/m/bar (24 wt %) when increasing PAN concentrations in DMSO. On the other hand, the hydrophilicity of membranes can be enhanced by increasing coagulation temperatures and polymer concentrations which were characterized by static contact angle, fitting well with the variation tendency of roughness. Although there are many works concerning on the effects of phase inversion conditions on the performance of PAN UF membranes, to our best knowledge, there is seldom works focusing on investigating the membrane hydrophilicity trend by adjusting phase inversion conditions. To disclose the reason of the enhanced hydrophilicity, the water and glycol contact angles of various membranes were measured and the surface tensions were presented. The results illustrated that the enhanced hydrophilicity of PAN UF membranes fabricated at higher temperatures or higher polymer concentrations was due to the higher polarity on membrane surface. Since the vast majority of ultrafiltration membranes in labs and in industrial scale have been fabricated by immersion phase inversion method, this work can provide a guidance to obtain hydrophilic PAN UF membranes by adjusting the process of phase inversion. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015, 132, 41991.
Zur Anwendung des Hauptzugspannungskriteriums bei der Nachrechnung bestehender Spannbetonbrücken
Authors: Hegger Josef , Marzahn Gero , Teworte Frederik , Herbrand Martin
Published: February 2015

Bisher durchgeführte Nachrechnungen bestehender Spannbetonbrücken auf Basis der vom Bundesverkehrsministerium veröffentlichten Nachrechnungsrichtlinie haben in vielen Fällen Defizite der Querkraft‐ und Torsionstragfähigkeit sowie des Ermüdungswiderstands ergeben. In einem Forschungsvorhaben im Auftrag der Bundesanstalt für Straßenwesen wurden daher Bemessungsverfahren formuliert, die in die erste Ergänzung zur bestehenden Nachrechnungsrichtlinie implementiert wurden. Der vorliegende Beitrag beschreibt die entsprechenden Verfahren zur Ermittlung der Querkrafttragfähigkeit unter statischer und zyklischer Belastung ohne Berücksichtigung einer Querkraftbewehrung. Die Verfahren berücksichtigen neben neueren Forschungsergebnissen die technischen Regelwerke für Betonbrücken und basieren auf einem Nachweis der Hauptzugspannungen. Anhand einer typischen Hohlkastenbrücke des Bundesautobahnnetzes werden die Anwendung der Verfahren exemplarisch erläutert und die wesentlichen Ergebnisse dargestellt.

Principal tensile stress criterion for the shear assessment of existing concrete bridges

The structural assessment of existing road bridges that has been recently performed on the basis of the equally named provisions, issued in 2011 by the Federal Ministry of Transport and Urban Affairs, have revealed significant deficits in shear and torsion as well as fatigue resistance especially in prestressed concrete bridges. In a research project, funded by the Federal Highway Research Institute of Germany, design methods have been developed that were incorporated into the first addendum of the Structural Assessment Provisions. This paper describes the respective design methods for shear under static and cyclic loading without shear reinforcement. The procedures take into account current research results as well as the design codes for concrete bridges and are based on a verification of the principal tensile stresses. The use of the procedure and the main results are shown exemplarily by a design example of a typical box girder bridge of the German road network.
Activity‐Based Protein Profiling: Recent Advances in Probe Development and Applications
Authors: Yang Pengyu , Liu Kai
Published: February 2015

The completion of the human genome sequencing project has provided a wealth of new information regarding the genomic blueprint of the cell. Although, to date, there are roughly 20 000 genes in the human genome, the functions of only a handful of proteins are clear. The major challenge lies in translating genomic information into an understanding of their cellular functions. The recently developed activity‐based protein profiling (ABPP) is an unconventional approach that is complementary for gene expression analysis and an ideal utensil in decoding this overflow of genomic information. This approach makes use of synthetic small molecules that covalently modify a set of related proteins and subsequently facilitates identification of the target protein, enabling rapid biochemical analysis and inhibitor discovery. This tutorial review introduces recent advances in the field of ABPP and its applications.
Green Process of Propylene Oxide Reaction for Thermal Hazard Assessment by Differential Scanning Calorimetry and Simulation
Authors: Wang Tien‐Szu , Liu Shang‐Hao , Lin Yu‐Chi , Chen Ying‐Cyuan , Shu Chi‐Min
Published: February 2015

In addition to polypropylene, acrylonitrile, and carbonyl alcohol, propylene oxide is the fourth major derivative among propylene derivatives and one of the important basic organic chemicals. A thermal stability test of catalyst, methanol, and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) was conducted via differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Propylene epoxidation with H2O2 over catalyst, methanol, and propylene evenly mixed by specific pressure was carried out, and then the runaway reaction under adiabatic conditions was further simulated by the vent sizing package 2 (VSP2) to measure temperature and pressure data with respect to time of the runaway excursion. Finally, the apparent activation energy of H2O2 and propylene oxide reaction was obtained via temperature variation equation to evaluate the degree of potential hazard in industry.
Silica‐Supported Phosphotungstic Acid for Gas Phase Dehydration of Glycerol
Authors: Herbon Martin , Lange Andreas , Weiß Michael , Suprun Wladimir , Enke Dirk
Published: February 2015

Phosphotungstic acid (H3PW12O40 6H2O) was immobilized within a hierarchically structured silica matrix by sol–gel inclusion using polyethylene oxide as a phase separation initiator (one‐pot synthesis). The macropore size of the SiO2‐HPW composites was controlled by the polymer content. The hierarchically structured catalysts with different HPW loadings were tested against their counterparts with monomodal pore size distribution, applying the dehydration of glycerol as a test reaction. The catalysts with bimodal pore size distribution showed a significantly better long‐term stability. The improved performance was attributed to their balanced acidity, excellent leaching stability, and enhanced mass transfer within the hierarchically structured pore system.
Novel Biocompatible and Self‐buffering Ionic Liquids for Biopharmaceutical Applications
Authors: Taha Mohamed , Almeida Mafalda R. , Silva Francisca A. e. , Domingues Pedro , Ventura Sónia P. M. , Coutinho João A. P. , Freire Mara G.
Published: February 2015

Antibodies obtained from egg yolk of immunized hens, immunoglobulin Y (IgY), are an alternative to the most focused mammal antibodies, because they can be obtained in higher titers by less invasive approaches. However, the production cost of high‐quality IgY for large‐scale applications remains higher than that of other drug therapies due to the lack of efficient purification methods. The search for new purification platforms is thus vital. The solution could be liquid–liquid extraction by using aqueous biphasic systems (ABS). Herein, we report the extraction and attempted purification of IgY from chicken egg yolk by using a new ABS composed of polymers and Good’s buffer ionic liquids (GB‐ILs). New self‐buffering and biocompatible ILs based on the cholinium cation and anions derived from Good’s buffers were synthesized and the self‐buffering characteristics and toxicity were characterized. Moreover, when these GB‐ILs are combined with PPG 400 (poly(propylene) glycol with a molecular weight of 400 g mol‐1) to form ABS, extraction efficiencies, of the water‐soluble fraction of proteins, ranging between 79 and 94 % were achieved in a single step. Based on computational investigations, we also demonstrate that the preferential partitioning of IgY for the GB‐IL‐rich phase is dominated by hydrogen‐bonding and van der Waals interactions.
Intrinsic Organic‐Based Synthetic/Artificial Antiferromagnets
Authors: Miller Joel S.
Published: February 2015

Mn(TCNE)[C4(CN)8]1/2 (TCNE=tetracyanoethylene) and [NEt4]MnII3(CN)7 have extended layers with nearest neighbor intralayer S=5/2 and S=1/2 spin sites that couple antiferromagnetically forming ferrimagnetic layers. These layers are uniformly connected via diamagnetic (nonmagnetic) bridging μ4‐[(C4(CN)8]2− (8.77 Å) or μ‐CN (5.48 Å) ligands, respectively, that antiferromagnetic couple the ferrimagnetic layers resulting in an antiferromagnet. The Jinter/kB is −1.0 and −1.8 K (H=−JSi⋅Sj) for Mn(TCNE)[C4(CN)8]1/2 and [NEt4]MnII3(CN)7, respectively. Albeit intrinsically multilayered, these antiferromagnets have the same motif as that for artificial/synthetic antiferromagnets that exhibit giant magnetoresistance (GMR) and are commercially used in many magnetic memory applications.
A Si Photocathode Protected and Activated with a Ti and Ni Composite Film for Solar Hydrogen Production
Authors: Lai Yi‐Hsuan , Park Hyun S. , Zhang Jenny Z. , Matthews Peter D. , Wright Dominic S. , Reisner Erwin
Published: February 2015

An efficient, stable and scalable hybrid photoelectrode for visible‐light‐driven H2 generation in an aqueous pH 9.2 electrolyte solution is reported. The photocathode consists of a p‐type Si substrate layered with a Ti and Ni‐containing composite film, which acts as both a protection and electrocatalyst layer on the Si substrate. The film is prepared by the simple drop casting of the molecular single‐source precursor, [{Ti2(OEt)9(NiCl)}2] (TiNipre), onto the p‐Si surface at room temperature, followed by cathodic in situ activation to form the catalytically active TiNi film (TiNicat). The p‐Si|TiNicat photocathode exhibits prolonged hydrogen generation with a stable photocurrent of approximately −5 mA cm−2 at 0 V vs. RHE in an aqueous pH 9.2 borate solution for several hours, and serves as a benchmark non‐noble photocathode for solar H2 evolution that operates efficiently under neutral–alkaline conditions.
Wirtschaftschemie – Zu Hause in zwei Welten
Authors: Michel M.‐A. , Sieweke J.
Published: February 2015

“Aus meiner eigenen Erfahrung weiß ich: Die Kombination aus sehr guten chemischen Kenntnissen und einem soliden kommerziellen Verständnis – gepaart mit dem richtigen Maß an sozialer Kompetenz – macht Menschen sehr attraktiv für den Arbeitsmarkt”, Dr. Dorit Baucke (Senior Vice President, Global Purchasing Scent & Care, Symrise AG, Holzminden).
Colloidal Synthesis of Quaternary Wurtzite Cu3AlSnS5 Nanocrystals and Their Photoresponsive Properties
Authors: Bai Tianyu , Xing Shanghua , Lou Yue , Chen Cailing , Huang He , Li Chunguang , Shi Zhan , Feng Shouhua
Published: February 2015

Novel wurtzite Cu3AlSnS5 nanocrystals with uniform size and shape are synthesized for the first time using a facile colloidal synthetic approach. The nanocrystals are characterized in detail and have a band gap of 1.35 eV. The photoresponsive behavior indicates their potential application in solar energy conversion devices.
A Hetero‐Bifunctional Spacer for the Smart Engineering of Carbon‐Based Nanostructures
Authors: Tuci Giulia , Luconi Lapo , Rossin Andrea , Baldini Francesco , Cicchi Stefano , Tombelli Sara , Trono Cosimo , Giannetti Ambra , Manet Ilse , Fedeli Stefano , Brandi Alberto , Giambastiani Giuliano
Published: February 2015

Invited for this month’s cover are collaborators from four different Italian research groups, three at the National Research Council (ICCOM, IFAC, and ISOF) and one at the University of Florence. The cover picture shows a representative cartoon of engineered 1D carbon nanomaterials and their effective surface decoration with (bio)molecules and fluorescent markers. Read the full text of the article at 10.1002/cplu.201402391
Understanding Clinicians' Use of Cues When Assessing the Future Risk of Violence: A Clinical Judgement Analysis in the Psychiatric Setting
Authors: Brown Barbara , Rakow Tim
Published: February 2015

Research is sparse on how clinicians' judgement informs their violence risk assessments. Yet, determining preferences for which risk factors are used, and how they are weighted and combined, is important to understanding such assessments. This study investigated clinicians' use of static and dynamic cues when assessing risk in individual patients and for dynamic cues considered in the recent and distant past. Clinicians provided three violence risk assessments for 41 separate hypothetical cases of hospitalized patients, each defined by eight cues (e.g., psychopathy and past violence severity/frequency). A clinical judgement analysis, using regression analysis of judgements for multiple cases, created linear models reflecting the major influences on each individual clinician's judgement. Risk assessments could be successfully predicted by between one and four cues, and there was close agreement between different clinicians' models regarding which cues were relevant for a given assessment. However, which cues were used varied between assessments: history ofrecentviolence predicted assessments of in‐hospital risk, whereas violence in thedistant pastpredicted the assessed risk in the community. Crucially, several factors included in actuarial/structured risk assessment tools had little influence on clinicians' assessments. Our findings point to the adaptivity in clinicians' violence risk assessments, with a preference for relying on information consistent with the setting for which the assessment applies. The implication is that clinicians are open to using different structured assessment tools for different kinds of risk assessment, although they may seek greater flexibility in their assessments than some structured risk assessment tools afford (e.g., discounting static risk factors). Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Key Practitioner Message

Across three separate violence risk assessments, clinicians' risk assessments were more strongly influenced by dynamic cues that can vary over time (e.g., level of violence) than by static cues that are fixed for a given individual (e.g., a diagnosis of psychopathy).

The variation in the factors affecting risk assessments for different settings (i.e., in hospital versus in the community) was greater than the variability between clinicians for such judgements.

The findings imply a preference for risk assessment strategies that offer flexibility: either using different risk assessment tools for different purposes and settings or employing a single tool that allows for different inputs into the risk assessment depending upon the nature of the assessment.

The appropriateness of these clinical intuitions about violence risk that are implied by our findings warrants further investigation.
Automated nonparametric method for detection of step‐like features in biological data sets
Authors: Tyson C. , McAndrew C. , Tuma P. L. , Pegg I. , Sarkar A.
Published: February 2015

Experimental data from single‐molecule DNA‐protein experiments, such as experiments using optical traps or magnetic tweezers, typically contain steps, plateaus, or dwell regions that are obscured by thermal and other noise sources. We present a nonparametric method for detecting step‐like features in noisy biological data sets. Our algorithm does not assume that the steps can be modeled as Heaviside functions or any particular parametric form. No assumptions about the noise source, such as whether the noise is Gaussian or colored, are made either. Instead, for detection of plateaus, the algorithm uses the novel method of analyzing a probability distribution function of the data values. The vast majority of previously published methods for step detection rely on statistical fitting of step functions with the flat segments linked by vertical segments. Our approach is intended for use on data which cannot be modelled as a series of step functions but applies to step functions as a special case. These type of data traces have, so far, been difficult to characterize effectively. We examine the performance of the algorithm through systematic simulation studies and illustrate the use of our algorithm to analyze single molecule DNA‐protein micromanipulation experiments carried out by our laboratory. The simulation results and experimental validation suggest that our method is very robust, avoids overfitting, and functions effectively in the presence of noise sources characteristic of single molecule experiments. © 2015 International Society for Advancement of Cytometry
Increased yolk progesterone interferes with prenatal auditory learning and elevates emotional reactivity in bobwhite quail (Colinus virginianus) chicks
Authors: Herrington Joshua , Vallin Claudia , Lickliter Robert
Published: February 2015

Avian eggs contain maternally derived hormones, including testosterone and progesterone. Little is currently known about the effects of these hormones on early behavioral development. We assessed the effects of elevated levels of progesterone levels on prenatal perceptual learning and postnatal emotional reactivity in Northern bobwhite quail. Prior to incubation, eggs received an injection of either progesterone (P) or oil vehicle (V). In P eggs, levels of progesterone were elevated two standard deviations above the mean based on ELISA analysis of progesterone yolk concentrations from a previous study. A third group of eggs served as controls and received no injection (C). Chicks hatched from P eggs displayed elevated levels of emotional reactivity compared to V and C chicks in a tonic immobility task and a hole‐in‐the‐wall emergence task. Chicks from P eggs also failed to demonstrate a preference for a familiarized bobwhite maternal call that had been presented prenatally. In contrast, the V and C chicks demonstrated a significant preference for the familiarized maternal call following hatching, indicating prenatal auditory learning. Our results are consistent with previous findings from precocial birds demonstrating that hormones of maternal origin can influence prenatal perceptual learning as well as emotional reactivity in the period following hatching. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Dev Psychobiol 57: 255–262, 2015.
Prenatal tobacco exposure and infant stress reactivity: Role of child sex and maternal behavior
Authors: Eiden Rina D. , Molnar Danielle S. , Granger Douglas A. , Colder Craig R. , Schuetze Pamela , Huestis Marilyn A.
Published: February 2015

This study examined the association between prenatal tobacco exposure (PTE) and infant cortisol reactivity at 9 months of infant age. Child sex and maternal parenting behavior were hypothesized moderators. The sample included 217 (148 tobacco‐exposed, 69 non‐exposed) mother‐child dyads. Data used were obtained from pregnancy assessments, mother‐infant feeding interactions at 2 months, and salivary cortisol at four time points in response to frustration at 9 months. Results indicated a significant association between PTE and infant cortisol that was moderated by infant sex and maternal intrusiveness. That is, PTE boys had lower cortisol than control boys, but there was no association between PTE and cortisol among girls. There was a significant association between PTE and cortisol among infants of intrusive mothers, but not among infants with non‐intrusive mothers. Thus, PTE was associated with cortisol hypo‐reactivity such that boys and non‐exposed infants experiencing high maternal intrusiveness were at greater risk. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Dev Psychobiol 57: 212–225, 2015.
Sim1 is required for the migration and axonal projections of V3 interneurons in the developing mouse spinal cord
Authors: Blacklaws Jake , Deska‐Gauthier Dylan , Jones Christopher T , Petracca Yanina L. , Liu Mingwei , Zhang Han , Fawcett James P. , Glover Joel C. , Lanuza Guillermo M. , Zhang Ying
Published: February 2015

V3 spinal interneurons (INs) are a group of excitatory INs that play a crucial role in producing balanced and stable gaits in vertebrate animals. In the developing mouse spinal cord, V3 INs arise from the most ventral progenitor domain and form anatomically distinctive subpopulations in adult spinal cords. They are marked by the expression of transcription factor Sim1 postmitotically, but the function of Sim1 in V3 development remains unknown. Here, we used Sim1Cre;tdTomato mice to trace the fate of V3 INs in a Sim1 mutant versus control genetic background during development. In Sim1 mutants, V3 INs are produced normally and maintain a similar position and organization as in wild types before E12.5. Further temporal analysis revealed that the V3 INs in the mutants failed to migrate properly to form V3 subgroups along the dorsoventral axis of the spinal cord. At birth, in the Sim1 mutant the number of V3 INs in the ventral subgroup was normal, but they were significantly reduced in the dorsal subgroup with a concomitant increase in the intermediate subgroup. Retrograde labeling at lumbar level revealed that loss of Sim1 led to a reduction in extension of contralateral axon projections both at E14.5 and P0 without affecting ipsilateral axon projections. These results demonstrate that Sim1 is essential for proper migration and the guidance of commissural axons of the spinal V3 INs. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Develop Neurobiol 75: 1003–1017, 2015
Epigenetic regulation of presenilin 1 and 2 in the cerebral cortex of mice during development
Authors: Kumar Ashish , Thakur Mahendra Kumar
Published: February 2015

Previously, we reported differential expression profile of Presenilin (PS)1 and 2 and their interacting partners in mouse cerebral cortex during development. Our findings indicated crucial involvement of these proteases in prenatal and postnatal development of mouse cerebral cortex. However, the mechanisms that precisely control their expression in stage‐specific manner during brain development are still elusive. In this regard, epigenetic modifications by DNA methylation and histone acetylation during brain development deserve major attention. Therefore, we have analyzed the epigenetic regulation of PS1 and PS2 in mouse cerebral cortex during development. The data demonstrated a good correspondence of H3K9/14 Ac level in PS1 and PS2 promoter with their expression profile during cerebral cortical development. H3K9/14 Ac level was high at embryonic day (E)12.5, declined at E18.5, increased from postnatal day (P)0 to P45 and decreased again at 20 weeks (w) in PS1 promoter. For PS2, H3K9/14 Ac level was high at E12.5, thereafter, reduced upto P20 and increased at P45 and 20 weeks. DNA methylation sites also varied in number and position at different developmental stages, and some of them are putative sites for binding of transcription factors like HSF‐1, Ets‐1, and Sp1 that are crucial for brain developmental processes, as revealed by in silico analysis. Though MeCP2 level also altered during development, they did not correlate with PS1 and PS2 expression profile. Taken together, our findings provide the first evidence of epigenetic regulation of PS1 and PS2 by H3K9/14 histone acetylation and DNA methylation in mouse cerebral cortex during development. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Develop Neurobiol 75: 1165–1173, 2015
Understanding the development of the respiratory glands
Authors: May Alison , Tucker Abigail
Published: February 2015

Background: The submucosal glands (SMGs) of the respiratory system are specialized structures essential for maintaining airway homeostasis. The significance of SMGs is highlighted by their involvement in respiratory diseases such as cystic fibrosis, asthma and chronic bronchitis, where their phenotype and function are severely altered. Uncovering the normal development of the airway SMGs is essential to elucidate their role in these disorders, however, very little is known about the cellular mechanisms and intracellular signals involved in their morphogenesis. Results: This review describes in detail the embryonic developmental journey of the nasal SMGs and the postnatal development of the tracheal SMGs in the mouse. Current knowledge of the genes and signalling molecules involved in SMG organogenesis is also explored. Conclusion: Here we review the temporal localisation and development of the murine respiratory glands in the hope of stimulating further research into the mechanisms required for successful SMG patterning and function. Developmental Dynamics 244:525–539, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A systematic review and meta‐analysis of gene therapy in animal models of cerebral glioma: why did promise not translate to human therapy?
Authors: Hirst T. C. , Vesterinen H. M. , Conlin S. , Egan K. J. , Antonic A. , Lawson McLean A. , Macleod M. R. , Grant R. , Brennan P. M. , Sena E. S. , Whittle I. R.
Published: February 2015

Background

The development of therapeutics is often characterized by promising animal research that fails to translate into clinical efficacy; this holds for the development of gene therapy in glioma. We tested the hypothesis that this is because of limitations in the internal and external validity of studies reporting the use of gene therapy in experimental glioma.

Method

We systematically identified studies testing gene therapy in rodent glioma models by searching three online databases. The number of animals treated and median survival were extracted and studies graded using a quality checklist. We calculated median survival ratios and used random effects meta‐analysis to estimate efficacy. We explored effects of study design and quality and searched for evidence of publication bias.

Results

We identified 193 publications using gene therapy in experimental glioma, including 6,366 animals. Overall, gene therapy improved median survival by a factor of 1.60 (95% CI 1.53–1.67). Study quality was low and the type of gene therapy did not account for differences in outcome. Study design characteristics accounted for a significant proportion of between‐study heterogeneity. We observed similar findings in a data subset limited to the most common gene therapy.

Conclusion

As the dysregulation of key molecular pathways is characteristic of gliomas, gene therapy remains a promising treatment for glioma. Nevertheless, we have identified areas for improvement in conduct and reporting of studies, and we provide a basis for sample size calculations. Further work should focus on genes of interest in paradigms recapitulating human disease. This might improve the translation of such therapies into the clinic.
A rapid method to collect methane from peatland streams for radiocarbon analysis
Authors: Garnett M. H. , Gulliver P. , Billett M. F.
Published: February 2015

Peatland streams typically contain high methane concentrations and act as conduits for the release of this greenhouse gas to the atmosphere. Radiocarbon analysis provides a unique tracer that can be used to identify the methane source, and quantify the time elapsed between carbon fixation and return to the atmosphere as CH4. Few studies – those that have focus largely on sites with bubble (ebullition) emissions – have investigated the 14C age of methane in surface waters because of the difficulty in collecting sufficient CH4 for analysis. Here, we describe new sampling methods for the collection of CH4 samples from CH4‐oversaturated peatland streams for radiocarbon analysis. We report the results of a suite of tests, including using methane 14C standards and replicated field measurements, to verify the methods. The methods are not restricted to ebullition sites, and can be applied to peatland streams with lower methane concentrations. We report the 14C age of methane extracted from surface water samples (~4–13 l) at two contrasting locations in a temperate raised peat bog. Results indicate substantial spatial variation with ages ranging from ~400 (ditch in afforested peatland) to ~3000 years BP (bog perimeter stream). These contrasting ages suggest that methane in stream water can be derived from a wide range of peat depths. This new method provides a rapid (10–15 min per sample) and convenient approach, which should make 14CH4 dating of surface water more accessible and lead to an increased understanding of carbon cycling within the soil–water–atmosphere system. © 2015 The Authors. Ecohydrology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
System solutions for headraces of high head hydropower plants / Systemlösungen für Kraftabstiege von Hochdruck‐Wasserkraftanlagen
Authors: Vigl Alois
Published: February 2015

Pressure shafts, due to their complexity and length, are one of the most challenging parts of the headrace system of a high head hydropower plant. Pressure shafts offer great potential for optimisation and this has to be reflected in their design and construction. The article first describes most common system concepts for headrace systems. Then it introduces the graphical‐analytical design method from Seeber in its main features and uses this as a basis for understanding the mode of action of common lining systems. Finally, the common mechanised heading methods are briefly discussed in terms of their areas of application depending on the expected ground behaviour with a qualitative risk assessment of their feasibility.

Kraftabstiege gehören gemessen an Komplexität, Längenerstreckung und Anpassungsmöglichkeiten an die Gegebenheiten vor Ort zu den anspruchsvollsten Anlageteilen von Hochdruckanlagen. Sie bergen ein entsprechendes Optimierungspotenzial und erfordern eine entsprechend hohe Beachtung bei der Planung und Ausführung. Der Beitrag geht zunächst auf die gebräuchlichsten Anlagenkonzepte ein, stellt anschließend das graphisch‐analytische Bemessungsverfahren nach Seeber in seinen Grundzügen vor und nutzt dieses als Basis für das Verständnis der Wirkungsweise gängiger Auskleidungssysteme. Abschließend werden die gängigen mechanischen Vortriebsverfahren hinsichtlich ihrer Einsatzgebiete kurz erläutert und in Abhängigkeit des erwarteten Gebirgsverhaltens einer qualitativen Risikobetrachtung hinsichtlich ihrer Einsatzeignung unterzogen.
Surge tanks for high head hydropower plants – Hydraulic layout – New developments / Wasserschlösser für Hochdruck‐Wasserkraftanlagen – Hydraulische Auslegung – Neue Entwicklungen
Authors: Richter Wolfgang , Zenz Gerald , Schneider Josef , Knoblauch Helmut
Published: February 2015

High head hydropower plants can generate high electrical power at very short notice, or if equipped with pumps can also draw electricity from the distribution grid and store its energy very efficiently. In this way, hydropower plants can make an indispensable contribution to regulating the grid and the use of regenerative energy sources. Physically, this requires reservoirs at various altitudes connected through headraces.

In order to be able to use high head hydropower plants with longer headrace tunnels for the generation of electricity, surge tanks are needed to compensate the kinetic energy. A surge tank thus represents an interface between civil, mechanical and electrical engineering. The construction of new high head plants and particularly of pumped storage schemes, exploiting ever greater quantities of water and with increasingly stringent demands for flexibility, leads to additional criteria and requirements, which are explained in this article. The article describes also some specific designs of surge tanks in Austria.

Hochdruckwasserkraftanlagen können hohe elektrische Leistungen in kürzester Zeit bereitstellen oder bei zusätzlichen Pumpanlagen aus dem Netz abziehen und diese damit sehr effizient speicherbar machen. Damit leisten diese Anlagen einen unverzichtbaren Beitrag zur Netzregelung und Nutzung der regenerativen Energiequellen. Physikalisch sind dazu Speicher auf unterschiedlichen Höhen verbunden durch Triebwasserwege erforderlich.

Um nun Hochdruckwasserkraftanlagen mit längeren Stollen für die Erzeugung von elektrischem Strom betreiben zu können, sind zum Ausgleich der kinetischen Energie Wasserschlösser notwendig. Das Wasserschloss stellt dabei eine Schnittstelle zwischen Bauingenieurwesen, Maschinenbau und Elektrotechnik dar. Durch den Bau von neuen Hochdruckanlagen und insbesondere von Pumpspeicherkraftwerken mit steigenden Ausbauwassermengen und steigenden Anforderungen an die Anlagenflexibilität ergeben sich auch für die hydraulische Auslegung von Wasserschlössern zusätzliche Kriterien und Anforderungen, die in diesem Beitrag erörtert werden. Auch werden in diesem Artikel zusammenfassend spezifische Wasserschlossdesigns in Österreich dargestellt.
Geological experience with the design of pressure shafts / Geologische Erfahrungen mit dem Entwurf von Druckschächten
Authors: Gerstner Reinhold
Published: February 2015

The example of many hydropower plants shows that the pressure shafts of high pressure power stations lie in very varied geological conditions, which has a great influence on the layout of the pressure shaft and the structural design of the lining. Despite this variability, it is possible to formulate a few basic geological criteria whose application, however, cannot replace the detailed consideration of the specific geological conditions that is essential for every pressure shaft.

Die Beispiele mehrerer Wasserkraftwerke zeigen, dass die Druckschächte von Hochdruckanlagen in sehr unterschiedlichen geologischen Verhältnissen liegen, die den Entwurf des Druckschachts und die Bemessung der Auskleidung stark beeinflussen. Bei aller Variabilität können aber einige grundsätzliche geologische Kriterien formuliert werden, deren Anwendung jedoch nicht die eingehende Befassung mit den spezifischen geologischen Verhältnissen ersetzt, die für jeden Druckschacht unabdingbar ist.
Spirulan from Blue‐Green Algae Inhibits Fibrin and Blood Clots: Its Potent Antithrombotic Effects
Authors: Choi Jun‐Hui , Kim Seung , Kim Sung‐Jun
Published: February 2015

We investigated in vitro and in vivo fibrinolytic and antithrombotic activity of spirulan and analyzed its partial biochemical properties. Spirulan, a sulfated polysaccharide from the blue‐green alga Arthrospira platensis, exhibits antithrombotic potency. Spirulan showed a strong fibrin zymogram lysis band corresponding to its molecular mass. It specifically cleaved Aα and Bβ, the major chains of fibrinogen. Spirulan directly decreased the activity of thrombin and factor X activated (FXa), procoagulant proteins. In vitro assays using human fibrin and mouse blood clots showed fibrinolytic and hemolytic activities of spirulan. Spirulan (2 mg/kg) showed antithrombotic effects in the ferric chloride (FeCl3)‐induced carotid arterial thrombus model and collagen and epinephrine‐induced pulmonary thromboembolism mouse model. These results may be attributable to the prevention of thrombus formation and partial lysis of thrombus. Therefore, we suggest that spirulan may be a potential antithrombotic agent for thrombosis‐related diseases.
Hepatotoxicity associated with agomelatine and other antidepressants: Disproportionality analysis using pooled pharmacovigilance data from the Uppsala Monitoring Centre
Authors: Gahr Maximilian , Zeiss René , Lang Dirk , Connemann Bernhard J. , Schönfeldt‐Lecuona Carlos
Published: February 2015

Since its marketing approval, the attention to the hepatic side‐effect profile of the antidepressant agomelatine (AGM) has gradually increased. Several cases of severe hepatotoxic adverse drug reactions (ADR) have been reported and the European Medicines Agency has released a safety warning regarding AGM‐associated hepatotoxicity. However, there are insufficient data for an adequate safety assessment of AGM‐related hepatotoxicity. Therefore, we performed a quantitative signal detection analysis using pharmacovigilance data from the Uppsala Monitoring Centre from the WHO that records ADR data from worldwide sources; we calculated reporting odds ratios (ROR) as measures for disproportionality within a case/non‐case approach for AGM and several other antidepressants. AGM was statistically associated with an increased risk of hepatotoxicity (ROR 6.4 [95%CI 5.7–7.2]) as well as both positive controls: amineptine (ROR 38.4 [95%CI 33.8–43.6]) and nefazodone (ROR 3.2 [95%CI 3.0–3.5]). Following amineptine, AGM was associated with the second highest ROR, followed by tianeptine (ROR 4.4 [95%CI 3.6–5.3]), mianserin (ROR 3.6 [95%CI 3.3–3.9]), and nefazodone. These results support the hypothesis that AGM is associated with relevant hepatotoxicity. However, the used data and applied method do not allow a quantitative evaluation of hepatotoxicity or assessment of substance‐specific differences regarding the extent of hepatotoxicity.