bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
One‐Step Solvothermal Synthesis of Nanostructured Manganese Fluoride as an Anode for Rechargeable Lithium‐Ion Batteries and Insights into the Conversion Mechanism
Authors: Rui Kun , Wen Zhaoyin , Lu Yan , Jin Jun , Shen Chen
Published: December 2014

A nanostructured manganese fluoride is successfully synthesized for the first time through a facile one‐step solvothermal method. Ionic liquid (IL) 1‐butyl‐3‐methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate (BmimBF4) as fluorine source and manganese (II) acetate tetrahydrate (Mn(CH3COO)2·4H2O) as manganese source are used. By controlling the amount of manganese source and both the reaction time and temperature, pure phase tetragonal MnF2 with a uniformly distributed nanocrystalline of 100–300 nm can be obtained. A possible formation mechanism related to the role of the IL is proposed. Electrochemical performance of MnF2 nanocrystals as anodes for rechargeable lithium batteries is investigated. A low discharge plateau around 0.6 V at 0.1 C of the first cycle is obtained for lithium uptake reactions with a reversible discharge capacity as high as 300 mAh g−1. The new MnF2 anode is found to deliver significantly improved cycling performance than conventional conversion reaction electrodes with a capacity retention of 237 mAh g−1 at 10 C even after 5000 cycles, indicating its promising utilization as anode material for future lithium‐ion batteries with long cycle life. High‐resolution transmission electron microscopy and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy analyses for lithiated and delithiated MnF2 electrodes are used to reveal the conversion mechanism for the reversible electrochemical reaction of MnF2 with Li.
Supramolecular Architectures Incorporating Hydrogen‐Bonding Barbiturate Receptors
Authors: Tron Arnaud , Rocher Mathias , Thornton Peter J. , Tucker James H. R. , McClenaghan Nathan D.
Published: December 2014

An overview is presented of the representative members of the wide range of supramolecular host–guest complexes and polymers formed through the association of complementary hydrogen‐bonding motifs comprising barbiturates (or structurally related cyanurates in specific cases) and Hamilton‐type, bis(amidopyridine) receptor motifs, which offer strong selective binding in non‐competitive media. A particular emphasis is placed on photoaddressable systems.
Paralytic ileus induced by glyphosate intoxication successfully treated using Kampo medicine
Authors: Nakae Hajime , Kusanagi Misato , Okuyama Manabu , Igarashi Toshiko
Published: December 2014

Case

A 65‐year‐old woman ingested glyphosate–surfactant herbicide in an attempt to commit suicide. She experienced glyphosate intoxication associated with multiple organ failure and developed a paralytic ileus. Daijokito, a traditional Japanese Kampo medicine was given to the patient to improve constipation and psychological symptoms. Next, rikkunshito was given to increase her gastric motility. Finally, daikenchuto was given to improve overall digestive peristalsis.

Outcome

All abdominal symptoms ultimately improved after treatment with daikenchuto.

Conclusion

Kampo medicines may help improve abdominal symptoms associated with glyphosate intoxication in cases where modern medical treatment alone proves inadequate.
Oxidative stress and heart rate variability in patients with vertigo
Authors: Ohara Keiichiro , Inoue Yoshiaki , Sumi Yuka , Morikawa Miki , Matsuda Shigeru , Okamoto Ken , Tanaka Hiroshi
Published: December 2014

Aims

Peripheral vertigo has been reported to result from oxidative stress or autonomic nervous dysfunction. Recently, heart rate variability has been used to evaluate autonomic nervous activity. Parasympathetic nervous dysfunction is associated with peripheral vertigo; however, the relationships between vertigo, oxidative stress, and autonomic nervous activity have not been investigated. The aim of this study was to elucidate the changes in oxidative stress and autonomic nervous activity in vertigo patients compared with healthy volunteers.

Methods

Oxidative stress was assessed by evaluating biological antioxidant potential and reactive oxygen metabolites, and heart rate variability was measured to evaluate autonomic nervous activity. Thirty‐four patients who complained of peripheral vertigo and were treated in our emergency department betweenJanuary andAugust 2011 were enrolled in study 1. Oxidative stress and heart rate variability were measured and compared with those of healthy volunteers (n = 23). In study 2, oxidative stress in 18 vertigo patients and heart rate variability in 41 vertigo patients were measured betweenJanuary andAugust 2012 before and after conventional treatment of vertigo to evaluate the effect of the treatment on oxidative stress and autonomic nervous activity.

Results

Reactive oxygen metabolites were higher in vertigo patients than in healthy volunteers. Parasympathetic nervous activity was lower and the sympathetic/parasympathetic nervous activity ratio (autonomic nervous activity ratio) was higher in vertigo patients than in healthy volunteers. After treatment of vertigo, reactive oxygen metabolites decreased significantly and the autonomic nervous activity ratio became similar to that observed in healthy volunteers.

Conclusions

Bedside monitoring of oxidative stress and heart rate variability may be useful for the diagnosis of vertigo and evaluation of the effect of treatment.
High‐Resolution Single‐Molecule Fluorescence Imaging of Zeolite Aggregates within Real‐Life Fluid Catalytic Cracking Particles
Authors: Ristanović Zoran , Kerssens Marleen M. , Kubarev Alexey V. , Hendriks Frank C. , Dedecker Peter , Hofkens Johan , Roeffaers Maarten B. J. , Weckhuysen Bert M.
Published: December 2014

Fluid catalytic cracking (FCC) is a major process in oil refineries to produce gasoline and base chemicals from crude oil fractions. The spatial distribution and acidity of zeolite aggregates embedded within the 50–150 μm‐sized FCC spheres heavily influence their catalytic performance. Single‐molecule fluorescence‐based imaging methods, namely nanometer accuracy by stochastic chemical reactions (NASCA) and super‐resolution optical fluctuation imaging (SOFI) were used to study the catalytic activity of sub‐micrometer zeolite ZSM‐5 domains within real‐life FCC catalyst particles. The formation of fluorescent product molecules taking place at Brønsted acid sites was monitored with single turnover sensitivity and high spatiotemporal resolution, providing detailed insight in dispersion and catalytic activity of zeolite ZSM‐5 aggregates. The results point towards substantial differences in turnover frequencies between the zeolite aggregates, revealing significant intraparticle heterogeneities in Brønsted reactivity.
Matting films prepared from waterborne acrylic/micro‐SiO2 blends
Authors: Ou Juhua , Zhang Min , Liu Hailu , Zhang Lei , Pang Hao
Published: December 2014

Acrylic resin/micro‐SiO2/polymethyl urea (AC/SiO2/PMU) composites were prepared by physical blends of acrylic resin latex (AC), polymethyl urea resin (PMU), and modified SiO2. The effects of SiO2 and PMU content in the hybrid composites morphology and physical properties were investigated in detail using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), UV‐Vis spectrometry (UV‐Vis), scanning electron microscope (SEM), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and contact angle measurement. The results showed that introduction of SiO2 into AC composites could increase the viscosity which caused by gelation and agglomeration of SiO2. The TEM, SEM images, and TGA results indicated that hybrid membranes have phase separation. During the film formation process, a high number of PMU and SiO2 particles of an appropriate size were stranded on the surface of the film to form matting surface. These results highlight the sensitivity of the gloss to the polymer morphology and surface. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015, 132, 41707.
Expeditious Synthesis of Enantiopure, Orthogonally Protected Bis‐α‐Amino Acids (OPBAAs) and their Use in a Study of Nod1 Stimulation
Authors: Chen Po‐Ting , Lin Cheng‐Kun , Tsai Chih‐Ju , Huang Duen‐Yi , Nien Fu‐Yao , Lin Wan‐Wan , Cheng Wei‐Chieh
Published: December 2014

A convenient approach towards the synthesis of orthogonally protected chiral bis‐α‐amino acids (OPBAAs) is described. The key transformations include: (1) a highly stereoselective conjugation (alkylation) of the Schöllkopf bis‐lactim ethers and oxazolidinyl alkyl halides to build a backbone skeleton; and (2) our orthogonal protection strategy. A series of enantiopure OPBAAs bearing a variety of alkyl chain as a spacer; two stereogenic centers; and three protecting groups were prepared as examples. These versatile molecules were applied to the synthesis of biologically interesting di‐ or tri‐peptide analogues, including chiral iE‐meso‐DAP and A‐iE‐meso‐DAP, for the study of Nod1 activation in the innate immune response.
Expression of difficult‐to‐remove host cell protein impurities during extended Chinese hamster ovary cell culture and their impact on continuous bioprocessing
Authors: Valente Kristin N. , Lenhoff Abraham M. , Lee Kelvin H.
Published: December 2014

During biopharmaceutical manufacturing, Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells produce hundreds of extracellular host cell protein (HCP) impurities, which must be removed from the therapeutic product by downstream purification operations to ensure patient safety. A subset of 118 of these HCPs have been reported as exceptionally difficult to remove during downstream purification because they co‐purify due to retention characteristics on chromatographic media and/or product‐association through strongly attractive interactions to the therapeutic protein. As the biopharmaceutical industry moves towards continuous bioprocessing, it is important to consider the impact of extended culture of CHO cells on the expression of extracellular HCP impurities, especially those HCPs known to challenge downstream purification. Two complementary proteomic techniques, two‐dimensional electrophoresis (2DE) and shotgun, were applied to detect variations in the extracellular CHO HCP profile over 500 days of culture. In total, 92 HCPs exhibited up to 48‐fold changes in expression, with 34 of these HCPs previously reported as difficult to purify. Each proteomic technique detected differential expression by a distinct set of HCPs, with 10 proteins exhibiting significant variable expression by both methods. This study presents the impact of cell age on the extracellular CHO HCP impurity profile and identifies HCPs with variable expression levels, which warrant further investigation to facilitate their clearance in downstream purification. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2015;112: 1232–1242. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Algal productivity modeling: A step toward accurate assessments of full‐scale algal cultivation
Authors: Béchet Quentin , Chambonnière Paul , Shilton Andy , Guizard Guillaume , Guieysse Benoit
Published: December 2014

A new biomass productivity model was parameterized for Chlorella vulgaris using short‐term (<30 min) oxygen productivities from algal microcosms exposed to 6 light intensities (20–420 W/m2) and 6 temperatures (5–42°C). The model was then validated against experimental biomass productivities recorded in bench‐scale photobioreactors operated under 4 light intensities (30.6–74.3W/m2) and 4 temperatures (10–30°C), yielding an accuracy of ± 15% over 163 days of cultivation. This modeling approach addresses major challenges associated with the accurate prediction of algal productivity at full‐scale. Firstly, while most prior modeling approaches have only considered the impact of light intensity on algal productivity, the model herein validated also accounts for the critical impact of temperature. Secondly, this study validates a theoretical approach to convert short‐term oxygen productivities into long‐term biomass productivities. Thirdly, the experimental methodology used has the practical advantage of only requiring one day of experimental work for complete model parameterization. The validation of this new modeling approach is therefore an important step for refining feasibility assessments of algae biotechnologies. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2015;112: 987–996. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
NaCS‐PDMDAAC immobilized cultivation of recombinant Dictyostelium discoideum for soluble human Fas ligand production
Authors: Zheng Chao , Zeng Xianhai , Danquah Michael K. , Lu Yinghua
Published: December 2014

Dictyostelium discoideum is a promising eukaryotic host for the expression of heterologous proteins requiring post‐translational modifications. However, the dilute nature of D. discoideum cell culture limits applications for high value proteins production. D. discoideum cells, entrapped in sodium cellulose sulfate/poly‐dimethyl‐diallyl‐ammonium chloride (NaCS‐PDMDAAC) capsules were used for biosynthesis of the heterologous protein, soluble human Fas ligand (hFasL). Semi‐continuous cultivations with capsules recycling were carried out in shake flasks. Also, a scaled‐up cultivation of immobilized D. discoideum for hFasL production in a customized vitreous airlift bioreactor was conducted. The results show that NaCS‐PDMDAAC capsules have desirable biophysical properties including biocompatibility with the D. discoideum cells and good mechanical stability throughout the duration of cultivation. A maximum cell density of 2.02 × 107 cells mL−1 (equivalent to a maximum cell density of 2.22 × 108 cells mL−1 in capsules) and a hFasL concentration of 130.40 μg L−1 (equivalent to a hFasL concentration of 1434.40 μg L−1 in capsules) were obtained in shake flask cultivation with capsules recycling. Also, a maximum cell density of 1.72 × 107cells mL−1 (equivalent to a maximum cell density of 1.89 × 108 cells mL−1 in capsules) and a hFasL concentration of 106.10 μg L−1 (equivalent to a hFasL concentration of 1167.10 μg L−1 in capsules) were obtained after ∼170 h cultivation in the airlift bioreactor (with a working volume of 200 mL in a 315 mL bioreactor). As the article presents a premier work in the application of NaCS‐PDMDAAC immobilized D. discoideum cells for the production of hFasL, more work is required to further optimize the system to generate higher cell densities and hFasL titers for large‐scale applications. © 2014 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 31:424–430, 2015
Investigation of Ce–Zr Oxide‐Supported Ni Catalysts in the Steam Reforming of meta‐Cresol as a Model Component for Bio‐Derived Tar
Authors: Hoang Thi Minh Chau , Rao N. Koteswara , Lefferts Leon , Seshan K.
Published: December 2014

Phenols are major components in the tar vapours formed during gasification of biomass‐based feedstocks. The steam reforming of m‐cresol was demonstrated for tar removal and H2 production in this study. Ceria–zirconia based catalysts containing nickel were developed and investigated by using multiple characterisation techniques such as X‐ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and temperature‐programmed reduction and oxidation. These catalysts show high activity and excellent stability for producing hydrogen. The influence of the preparation method for the support on the catalyst performance was studied. Ni deposited on a hydrothermally prepared Ce–Zr solid solution was shown to be the most promising catalyst because of its excellent anti‐coking properties resulting from its high oxygen mobility. Insight into the steam‐reforming reactions was gained by in situ FTIR spectroscopy. The IR results reveal different geometries of adsorbed m‐cresol on the different supports. It also indicates that multiple sites (Ni and Ce) on the catalysts are involved in the reactions.
CO2 Capture Using Monoethanolamine in a Bubble‐Column Scrubber
Authors: Chen Pao‐Chi , Luo Yi Xin , Cai Pao Wein
Published: December 2014

A continuous bubble‐column scrubber, capturing CO2 gas by monoethanolamine (MEA) solution in a pH‐stat operation, is used to search for optimum process parameters by means of the Taguchi method. The process variables are the pH of the solution, gas flow rate, concentration of CO2 gas, and temperature. From the measured outlet CO2 gas concentrations, the absorption rate and overall mass transfer coefficient can be determined with the support of a steady‐state material balance equation as well as a two‐film model. According to the signal‐to‐noise ratio, the significance sequence influencing the parameters and optimum conditions can be determined. CO2 concentration and pH value proved to be decisive parameters, while temperature and gas flow rate were minor. Five sets of optimum conditions were obtained and could be further verified by empirical equations.
Selectively Measuring π Back‐Donation in Gold(I) Complexes by NMR Spectroscopy
Authors: Ciancaleoni Gianluca , Biasiolo Luca , Bistoni Giovanni , Macchioni Alceo , Tarantelli Francesco , Zuccaccia Daniele , Belpassi Leonardo
Published: December 2014

Even though the Dewar–Chatt–Duncanson model has been successfully used by chemists since the 1950s, no experimental methodology is yet known to unambiguously estimate the constituents (donation and back‐donation) of a metal–ligand interaction. It is demonstrated here that one of these components, the metal‐to‐ligand π back‐donation, can be effectively probed by NMR measurements aimed at determining the rotational barrier of a CN bond (ΔHr≠) of a nitrogen acyclic carbene ligand. A large series of gold(I) complexes have been synthesized and analyzed, and it was found that the above experimental observables show an accurate correlation with back‐donation, as defined theoretically by the appropriate charge displacement originated upon bond formation. The proposed method is potentially of wide applicability for analyzing the ligand effect in metal catalysts and guiding their design.
Thermal and pH Dual Responsive Copolymer and Silver Nanoparticle Composite for Catalytic Application
Authors: Shah Luqman Ali , Chen Wulian , Siddiq Mohammad , Hu Jianhua , Dong Angang , Yang Dong
Published: December 2014

N‐Isopropylacrylamide and vinyl imidazole copolymer, P(NIPAM‐co‐VI), was synthesized by free radical emulsion polymerization. Then, the copolymer and silver nanoparticle composite, P(NIPAM‐co‐VI)‐Ag, was prepared by in situ reduction of AgNO3 with NaBH4. Due to the coexistence of thermal‐responsive PNIPAM and pH‐responsive PVI, P(NIPAM‐co‐VI) and P(NIPAM‐co‐VI)‐Ag exhibited both thermal and pH responsibility, their size would change while altering the temperature or pH of the circumvent. Their thermal and pH dual responsive properties were studied by dynamic light scattering (DLS). P(NIPAM‐co‐VI)‐Ag could be stably dispersed in water at a pH range from 3.0 to 9.3, which is favorable to use P(NIPAM‐co‐VI)‐Ag as a catalyst in the reduction reaction of p‐nitrophenol. The reaction rate constant (kapp) increased with the decrease of pH or the increase of VI content in the copolymer.
Development and Validation of a Short Version of the Supervisory Relationship Questionnaire
Authors: Cliffe Tom , Beinart Helen , Cooper Myra
Published: December 2014

The Supervisory Relationship Questionnaire (SRQ) is one of the few theoretically sound and psychometrically valid questionnaires for measuring the SR within clinical supervision. However, its length can make it difficult to use in clinical practice and research. This study aimed to produce a shorter version of the SRQ (the Short Supervisory Relationship Questionnaire: S‐SRQ) that retained its reliability and psychometric validity. The SRQ's 67 items were initially reduced using the criteria of external, internal and face validity. Two hundred and three UK trainee clinical psychologists then completed a series of online questionnaires including the S‐SRQ and other clinical supervision measures. A Principal Component Analysis identified three components of the S‐SRQ: ‘safe base’, ‘reflective education’ and ‘structure’, and an 18‐item version was produced. Analyses revealed that the S‐SRQ has high internal reliability, adequate test–retest reliability and good convergent, divergent and predictive validity. Participants also rated the S‐SRQ as easy to use and potentially helpful for providing feedback on the SR in supervision. The S‐SRQ (three subscales, 18 items) is a valid and reliable measure of the SR from the supervisee perspective. The current findings also support aspects of existing models of the SR. The S‐SRQ is a promising measure for use in clinical, training and research settings. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Key Practitioner Message

The Short Supervisory Relationship Questionnaire (S‐SRQ) is a psychometrically reliable and valid 18‐item measure of the supervisory relationship based on the SRQ.

Clinically, the measure represents a quick and accessible means for supervisees to assess the quality of their supervisory relationship and discuss this with their supervisors.

It can also be used in conjunction with the supervisor‐completed Supervisory Relationship Measure to support a dyadic discussion about clinical supervision and the supervisory relationship.
Methyl N‐Phenyl Carbamate Synthesis from Aniline and Methyl Formate: Carbon Recycling to Chemical Products
Authors: Yalfani Mohammad S. , Lolli Giulio , Müller Thomas E. , Wolf Aurel , Mleczko Leslaw
Published: December 2014

Methyl N‐phenyl carbamate was synthesized from aniline by using methyl formate as a green and efficient carbonylating agent. High yields were obtained at milder reaction conditions compared to the conventional CO/CH3OH route. Studies on the reaction sequence led to suggest an alternative and more efficient route to the carbamate via formanilide as intermediate.
Clinicians' practices regarding blind versus open weighing among patients with eating disorders
Authors: Forbush Kelsie T. , Richardson Jonathan H. , Bohrer Brittany K.
Published: December 2014

Background

Empirically supported treatments for eating disorders, such as cognitive‐behavioral therapy and family‐based treatment, stress the importance of weighing patients during therapy and using this information as part of treatment. However, weighing practices vary widely across eating disorders professionals, including those that purport to provide empirically supported interventions.

Objectives

To characterize clinicians' practices regarding the decision to share (open weighing) or withhold (blind weighing) weight information with patients, a topic that has received limited prior attention.

Method

Clinicians (N = 114; 85% female) who regularly treat individuals with an eating disorder completed an online survey to identify factors that might impact their decision to practice blind or open weighing.

Results

Approximately half of the clinicians reported generally using open weighing procedures (n = 53; 46.49%). Endorsement of cognitive‐behavioral or family‐based therapeutic orientation was not significantly associated with open weighing. However, clinicians who endorsed therapeutic modalities that do not specifically encourage open weighing were significantly more likely to engage in blind weighing. Clinicians working with clients with anorexia nervosa were significantly more likely to practice blind weighing, compared to clients with other eating disorder diagnoses, and cognitive or emotional impairment from malnutrition emerged as the strongest predictor of clinicians' decisions to practice blind weighing, controlling for all other variables.

Discussion

Development of specific training modules may be useful for improving adherence to empirically supported protocols that recommend open weighing. More importantly, however, our results highlight the need for future treatment studies to identify whether blind or open weighing is beneficial for improving patient outcomes. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. (Int J Eat Disord 2015; 48:905–911)
Synthesis, Characterisation and Modelling of a Ferromagnetically Coupled Chromium(III) Dimer: Di‐μ‐hydroxobis[tetrakis(isothiocyanato)chromate(III)]
Authors: Morsing Thorbjørn J. , Weihe Høgni , Bendix Jesper
Published: December 2014

Invited for the cover of this issue is the group of Jesper Bendix from the University of Copenhagen, Denmark. The cover image shows the title molecule hovering over a sea with three racing boats: the first boat represents the EPR experiment, pursued by the competing second and third boats representing DFT and ligand field theory, respectively.
Enzymatic Sulfation of Phenolic Hydroxy Groups of Various Plant Metabolites by an Arylsulfotransferase
Authors: van der Horst Michael A. , Hartog Aloysius F. , El Morabet Rabab , Marais Arthur , Kircz Menzo , Wever Ron
Published: December 2014

The bacterial arylsulfate sulfotransferase (AST) from Desulfitobacterium hafniense was used as a catalytic tool to derivatize poorly soluble aromatic compounds (polyphenols). As examples, we sulfated the natural occurring compounds p‐coumaric acid, 6‐hydroxyflavone, resveratrol, phloretin, and quercetin, using p‐nitrophenylsulfate as the sulfate donor. The water‐soluble sulfate esters were purified and characterized. Depending on the nature of the compound, one or more sulfate groups could be introduced in a stepwise order. The sulfation of resveratrol resulted in two different monosulfates (4′‐ and 3‐sulfates), the 3,4′‐disulfate, and the 3,5,4′‐trisulfate. Sulfation of phloretin resulted in a monosulfate (4′‐sulfate) and a disulfate (4,4′‐disulfate). Although quercetin has five hydroxy groups that could be sulfated, surprisingly this enzyme system primarily catalyses the sulfation only at the 4′ position. This simple enzymatic one‐step sulfation method is easy to use, and it allows a convenient and simple production of sulfated compounds with improved solubility.
Loneliness in the elderly is associated with the use of psychotropic drugs
Authors: Boehlen Friederike , Herzog Wolfgang , Quinzler Renate , Haefeli Walter E. , Maatouk Imad , Niehoff Dorothea , Saum Kai‐Uwe , Brenner Hermann , Wild Beate
Published: December 2014

Objective

The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between loneliness in elderly people with the use of psychotropic drugs.

Methods

A subsample of 3111 participants (ages 55–85) of the large population‐based German ESTHER study was included in the study. Loneliness was measured by using a three‐item questionnaire. Two subgroups were defined according to their degrees of loneliness. Psychotropic drugs were categorized by study doctors. Logistic regression analyses were conducted to determine the association between loneliness subgroups and the use of psychotropic drugs adjusted for psychosocial variables, multimorbidity, depression, anxiety, and somatic symptom severity.

Results

Of the participants 14.1% (95%‐CI = [12.9; 15.4]) were estimated to have a high degree of loneliness (women > men); 19% (95%‐CI = [17.6; 20.4]) of the participants used psychotropic drugs, 8.4% (95%‐CI = [7.5; 9.5]) antidepressants. Logistic regression analysis showed that more lonely participants had significantly higher odds for using psychotropic drugs (OR: 1.495; 95%‐CI = [1.121; 1.993]). Depression severity, somatic symptom severity, and female gender were also positively associated with the use of psychotropic drugs.

Conclusion

A high degree of subjective loneliness in the elderly is associated with the use of psychotropic drugs, even after adjustment for somatic and psychological comorbidities and psychosocial variables. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Mnemonic Multiples: The Case of the Columbia Panel Studies
Authors: Pooley Jefferson D.
Published: December 2014

This article uses the Bureau of Applied Social Research's mid‐century book‐length panel studies—The People's Choice (1944), Voting (1954), and Personal Influence (1955)—to identify and illustrate a neglected phenomenon in the remembered history of social science: mnemonic multiples. The article describes the way that the Bureau books, originally published into a post–World War II interdisciplinary social science milieu, have since come to be remembered along distinct disciplinary tracks by sociologists, political scientists, and communication researchers. A contextual analysis of references to the Bureau studies in the flagship journals of the three disciplines, from 1960 through 2011, provides tentative support for the mnemonic multiples concept.
Influence of the Boron Moiety and Water on Suzuki–Miyaura Catalyst‐Transfer Condensation Polymerization
Authors: Kosaka Kentaro , Ohta Yoshihiro , Yokozawa Tsutomu
Published: December 2014

Although water promotes Suzuki–Miyaura coupling reaction, it also induces side reactions such as deboronation and dehalogenation. Therefore, Suzuki–Miyaura polymerization of triolborate halothiophene monomer 1 with tBu3PPd(o‐tolyl)Br (2) in dry tetrahydrofuran (THF) is investigated. However, the resultant poly(3‐hexylthiophene) (P3HT) shows a broad molecular weight distribution and uncontrolled polymer ends. Model reactions of a number of boron reagents 3 with 2,5‐dibromothiophene (4) in the presence or absence of water indicate that intramolecular transfer of the catalyst is hardly affected by the boron moiety of 3, whereas it is hindered in the absence of water. Indeed, polymerization of 1 with 2 in H2O/THF affords P3HT with a narrower molecular weight distribution and controlled tolyl/H ends, as compared to the reaction in dry THF.

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Calcium Fluoride and Barium Fluoride Crystals in Optics
Authors: Hahn Daniel
Published: December 2014

Calcium fluoride has a long tradition as an optical material in microlithography for semiconductor production. Based on the limited choice of optical materials transmitting well in the deep UV wavelength range, calcium fluoride could establish as an industry standard material for excimer laser optics in projection and illumination optical designs for the microlithography process. But beyond the UV, calcium fluoride and barium fluoride crystals also exhibit an excellent broadband transmittance and feature unique optical properties. These open up a variety of advanced applications covering the full visible range up to the mid‐infrared wavelength range.
Diamond — A Laser Engineer's Best Friend
Authors: Bennett Andrew
Published: December 2014

Diamond is a material made famous by its rarity, beauty and hardness. Historically, this led to its use almost exclusively in jewellery, yet over the last two decades an increasing number of industrial applications have been developed utilising specifically engineered, volume produced, synthetic diamond. Due to its range of extreme properties it has offered access to applications that were previously not viable. This has been particularly true in the optical applications of microwave powered chemical vapour deposition (MW‐CVD) diamond, where, in the last few years, diamond parts have been shown to offer significant improvements over incumbent material solutions.
Cytoskeleton and Chromosome Damage Leading to Abnormal Mitosis Were Involved in Multinucleated Cells Induced by Silicon Nanoparticles
Authors: Li Yang , Jing Li , Yu Yongbo , Yu Yang , Duan Junchao , Yang Man , Geng Weijia , Jiang Lizhen , Li Qiuling , Sun Zhiwei
Published: December 2014

Recently, amorphous silicon nanoparticles (SNPs) are widely used in a variety of fields, especially in biological and medical science. Thus, the adverse effect of these nanoparticles should be carefully investigated. The multinucleation effect of SNPs was firstly reported in our previous studies, while the relative mechanism is still unclear. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to investigate the mechanisms with regard to the formation of multinucleated cells. Two sizes of amorphous SNPs (Nano‐Si64 and Nano‐Si46) are carefully characterized. Cytotoxicity and rate of multinucleated cells are firstly determined after human hepatic L‐02 cells are treated with two SNPs for 24 h. Then cell fusion and abnormal mitosis, two ways could form multinucleated cells, are investigated, respectively. Results indicated that SNPs produce a dose‐dependent and size‐related multinucleation effect in L‐02 cells. Abnormal mitosis instead of cell fusion is the main reason for the formation of multinucleated cells caused by SNPs. Both two SNPs could affect the quantity and distribution of cytoskeleton through extra ROS and Ca2+ leading to abnormal mitosis and cytokinesis. Additionally, chromosome damage resulting in corresponding G2/M cell cycle arrest should be another aspect, which finally leads to the formation of multinucleated cells in L‐02 cell line.
Painful Intercourse Is Significantly Associated with Evoked Pain Perception and Cognitive Aspects of Pain in Women with Pelvic Pain
Authors: Alappattu Meryl J. , George Steven Z. , Robinson Michael E. , Fillingim Roger B. , Moawad Nashat , LeBrun Emily Weber , Bishop Mark D.
Published: December 2014

Introduction

Evidence suggests that painful intercourse, pain-related psychosocial factors, and altered pain processing magnify the pain experience, but it is not clear how these factors are related to each other.

Aim

The aims were to (i) characterize differences between women with pelvic pain and pain-free women using a battery of pain-related psychosocial measures, clinical pain ratings, and evoked local and remote pain sensitivity; and (ii) examine the relationship between intercourse pain, clinical pain, and local and remote evoked pain sensitivity.

Methods

Women with pelvic pain lasting at least 3 months and pain-free women completed questionnaires and underwent pain sensitivity testing. Self-report measures included clinical pain intensity, pain catastrophizing, pain-related fear, pain anxiety, depression, sexual function, and self-efficacy. Pain sensitivity measures included threshold and tolerance and temporal summation of pain. Separate analyses of variance (anova) were used to test group differences in self-report and pain sensitivity measures. Correlations were calculated among dyspareunia, psychosocial factors, and evoked pain.

Main Outcome Measures

Self-reported pain and pain sensitivity measures.

Results

Twenty-eight pain-free women and 14 women with pelvic pain participated in this study. Women with pelvic pain reported greater pain intensity and greater psychosocial involvement compared with pain-free women. No differences existed between groups for thermal or pressure measures, but women with pelvic pain rated their pain with pain testing significantly higher than pain-free women. Intercourse pain was significantly associated with affective and sensory pain and pressure pain ratings at the puborectalis, vulvar vestibule, adductor longus tendons, and tibialis anterior muscle.

Conclusions

Differences in local pain ratings suggest that women with pelvic pain perceive stimuli in this region as more painful than pain-free women although the magnitude of stimuli does not differ.
Space‐Based Infrared Sensor Scheduling with High Uncertainty: Issues and Challenges
Authors: Luo Kaiping
Published: December 2014

The space‐based infrared system (SBIRS) is the most advanced missile‐defense system. However, available infrared sensors in the system are scarce, and their tracking abilities are still very limited. To improve the integrated power, SBIRS needs an approach to scheduling online infrared staring sensors. This paper focuses on the new problem and its characteristics. Compared with other similar problems, the proposed problem has scarce resources, sudden missions, an uncertain environment and complex constraints, so it shows many unique characteristics, such as strong real‐time, high uncertainty and extreme complexity. This causes that the routine formulation of other similar problems may be unsuitable for the new problem. Hence, we have to face many challenges in modeling, solving and simulating for the proposed problem. Finally, the idea of our solution is presented. Simulation results confirm the effectiveness of our solution.
Erweiterung der Anwendungsbereiche für Flüssigkeitsringpumpen
Authors: Schreiber Christoph , Kopf Markus
Published: December 2014

Die Technologie der Flüssigkeitsringpumpe hat sich durch technische Weiterentwicklung und Optimierung auf spezielle Anwendungen einen festen Platz in der Technik gesichert. Dank der neuen Kreislaufaggregate sind jetzt Plug & Play Lösungen möglich. In der Kombination mit dem kompakten Hochleistungsgebläse G‐BH8 führt das bei erweitertem Leitungsbereich zu deutlichen Energieeinsparungen.
Aufgedampfte SiOx Barriereschichten unter monoaxialem Stress
Authors: Dribinskiy Stanislav , Flüß Daniel
Published: December 2014

Die Anwendung von transparenten anorganischen Schichten wie SiOx scheint durch eine limitierte Flexibilität und einen geringen Bruchwiderstand begrenzt zu sein. Um den Einfluss von monoaxialem mechanischem Stress auf eine mit SiOx beschichtete PET‐Folie zu untersuchen, ist ein Messverfahren am Fraunhofer IVV entwickelt worden. Mit Hilfe dieses Messsystems lässt sich die Sauerstoff‐ und Wasserdampfdurchlässigkeit an Kunststofffolien im relaxierten Zustand nach der Dehnung und im gedehnten Zustand messen. Messungen zeigen, dass die kritische Dehnung zwischen 1 und 2 % für Folien im gedehnten Zustand und bei 4 % für relaxierte Folien liegt.
Electronic properties and charge carrier mobilities of graphynes and graphdiynes from first principles
Authors: Xi Jinyang , Wang Dong , Shuai Zhigang
Published: December 2014

The sp1 + sp2 hybridized carbon allotropes, graphynes (GYs) and graphdiynes (GDYs), have attracted increased attention, and researches from both theoretical and experimental communities are emerging. Theoretical calculations show that the electronic properties of GYs and GDYs can be tuned by straining, cutting into nanoribbons with different widths and edge morphology, and applying external electric fields. Due to their unique electronic properties, GYs and GDYs exhibit charge carrier mobility as high as ∼104–105 cm2 V−1 second−1 at room temperature based on the first‐principle calculations and the Boltzmann transport equation. Interestingly, the charge carrier mobility in 6,6,12‐GY with double Dirac cone structure is found to be even larger than that in graphene at room temperature. Through an in‐depth description of electron–phonon couplings by density functional perturbation theory, it is suggested that the intrinsic charge carrier transport in these carbon allotropes is dominated by the longitudinal acoustic phonon scatterings over a wide range of temperatures, although scatterings with optical phonon modes cannot be neglected at high temperatures. The unique electronic properties of GYs and GDYs make them highly promising for applications in next generation nanoelectronics. WIREs Comput Mol Sci 2015, 5:215–227. doi: 10.1002/wcms.1213

This article is categorized under:

Structure and Mechanism > Computational Materials Science
Tumor necrosis factor alpha inhibits ovulation and induces granulosa cell death in rat ovaries
Authors: Yamamoto Yuri , Kuwahara Akira , Taniguchi Yuka , Yamasaki Mikio , Tanaka Yu , Mukai Yukari , Yamashita Mizuho , Matsuzaki Toshiya , Yasui Toshiyuki , Irahara Minoru
Published: December 2014

Purpose

We evaluated the role of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) in rat ovulation and granulosa cell death of ovarian follicles during the periovulatory stage.

Methods

Immature rats primed with pregnant mare serum gonadotropin were injected intraperitoneally with human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), and TNFα was injected into the bursa 48 h later. The total number of released oocytes was counted. Apoptosis was measured with terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase‐mediated dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) and the expression of cleaved caspase 3 and Bax/Bcl‐2. Autophagy was assessed by the expression of light chain protein 3 (LC3) and autophagosomes under transmission electron microscopy.

Results

TNFα significantly decreased the number of released oocytes, and many unruptured follicles were observed. TUNEL analysis revealed a larger number of apoptotic cells, and the cleaved caspase 3 and Bax/Bcl‐2 increased more than that of the control 12 h after hCG administration. Furthermore, the expression of LC3 wwas significantly higher than that of the control, and autophagosomes were observed in the cytoplasm.

Conclusions

Our data indicated that TNFα is an important mediator of ovulation in terms of decreasing the number of released oocytes and inducing granulosa cell death of unruptured follicles via apoptosis and autophagy for remodeling ovarian tissues.
The complex Impact of Five Years of Stress Related to Life-Threatening Events on Pregnancy Outcomes: A Preliminary Retrospective Study
Authors: Keren M. , Keren N. , Eden A. , Tsangen S. , Weizman A. , Zalsman G.
Published: December 2014

Objective:

To study the impact of chronic, life-threatening stressors in the form of daily missile attacks, for five consecutive years, on pregnancy outcomes.

Method:

Charts of deliveries from two neighboring towns in the south of Israel, covering the years 2000 and 2003–2008, were reviewed retrospectively. One city had been exposed to missile attacks, while the other was not. For each year, 100 charts were chosen at random.

Results:

Significant association was found between exposure to stress and frequency of pregnancy complications (P = 0.047) and premature membrane rupture (P = 0.029). A more detailed analysis, based on dividing the stressful years into three distinct periods: early (2003–2004), intermediate (2005–2006) and late (2007–2008), revealed that preterm deliveries were significantly more frequent (P = 0.044) during the intermediate period, as was premature membrane rupture during the late period (P = 0.014).

Conclusion:

Exposure to chronic life-threatening stress resulted in more pregnancy complications and in particular more premature membrane ruptures. The impact was most significant during the middle period of the 5-year-exposure to the stressor. Hence it seems that factors of duration and habituation may play a role in the impact of chronic, life-threatening stressors on pregnancy.
Are Stressful Life Events Causally Related to the Severity of Obsessive-Compulsive Symptoms? A Monozygotic Twin Difference Study
Authors: Vidal-Ribas P. , Stringaris A. , Rück C. , Serlachius E. , Lichtenstein P. , Mataix-Cols D.
Published: December 2014

Traumatic or stressful life events have long been hypothesized to play a role in causing or precipitating obsessive-compulsive symptoms but the impact of these environmental factors has rarely been investigated using genetically informative designs. We tested whether a wide range of retrospectively-reported stressful life events (SLEs) influence the lifetime presence and severity of obsessive-compulsive symptoms (OCS) in a large Swedish population-based cohort of 22,084 twins. Multiple regression models examined whether differences in SLEs within twin pairs were significantly associated with differences in OCS. In the entire sample (i.e., both monozygotic [MZ] and dizygotic twin pairs), two SLEs factors, “abuse and family disruption” and “sexual abuse”, were significantly associated with the severity of OCS even after controlling for depressive symptoms. Other SLEs factors were either not associated with OCS (“loss”, “non-sexual assault”) or were no longer associated with OCS after controlling for depression (“illness/injury”). Within MZ pair analyses, which effectively control for genetic and shared environmental effects, showed that only the “abuse and family disruption” factor remained independently related to within-pair differences in OCS severity, even after controlling for depressive symptoms. Despite being statistically significant, the magnitude of the associations was small; “abuse and family disruption” explained approximately 3% of the variance in OCS severity. We conclude that OCS are selectively associated with certain types of stressful life events. In particular, a history of interpersonal abuse, neglect and family disruption may make a modest but significant contribution to the severity of OCS. Further replication in longitudinal cohorts is essential before causality can be firmly established.
Knowledge, attitude and practice of parents regarding pediatric antiepileptic drug therapy
Authors: Shaju Minumaria , Vinayan Kollencheri , Abraham Suja
Published: December 2014

Objectives To evaluate the parental knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) regarding the antiepileptic medication therapy in childhood.

Methods This study was carried out over a period of 10 months in the division of Pediatric Neurology of Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences. The cohort of patients was selected randomly meeting the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Parents' KAP regarding epilepsy and antiepileptic drug therapy was assessed using a questionnaire prepared by the authors and patient adherence towards antiepileptic drug therapy by using Pediatric Epilepsy Self-Management Questionnaire (PEMSQ).

Results A total of 123 patients were selected and enrolled in the study. Seventy eight percent of the respondents knew that epilepsy is a brain disorder, while only 6% of them were aware about all the treatment options. The scoring in the domain of “Disease and Treatment Knowledge & Expectations of parents” was found to be significantly low (69.07%) when compared to other domains in the PEMSQ. Although socioeconomic status did not correlate with knowledge score of the parents (p = 0.216), it was significantly related to adherence (p = 0.042).

Conclusion In this cohort, even though the parents had a fair knowledge about the nature of epilepsy, they were found to be less aware about its characteristics, causes and prognosis. The awareness about the nature and duration of treatment, its objectives, use of drugs, their side effects and importance of adherence to drug regimen was found to be significantly low with a potential for affecting the therapeutic outcome. Special awareness programs for parents of children with epilepsy may be needed to reduce the knowledge gaps in the management of epilepsy and to ensure compliance and optimal therapeutic outcomes.
Near Field Communications Technology and Applications
Authors: Hendry Mike
Published: December 2014

Whether you are a developer, engineer, researcher or student, this practical guide gives you everything you need to know about NFC technology and its applications. You will learn what differentiates NFC from other short-range technologies such as contactless cards, RFID and Bluetooth, as well as discovering the opportunities it provides, from a fast and instinctive user interface with no infrastructure requirements to the world of Secure Elements, Trusted Service Managers, mobile wallets and the Internet of Things. With critical applications in areas including advertising, retail and transportation, this book demonstrates how you can use NFC technology practically to make transactions easier and quicker. All of this is supplemented with an array of in-depth case studies and real-life examples to reinforce your understanding, along with detailed coverage of the problems associated with the wider commercial introduction of NFC and strategies that can be used to aid its future development.
1919, The Year of Racial Violence
Authors: Krugler David F.
Published: December 2014

1919, The Year of Racial Violence recounts African Americans' brave stand against a cascade of mob attacks in the United States after World War I. The emerging New Negro identity, which prized unflinching resistance to second-class citizenship, further inspired veterans and their fellow black citizens. In city after city - Washington, DC; Chicago; Charleston; and elsewhere - black men and women took up arms to repel mobs that used lynching, assaults, and other forms of violence to protect white supremacy; yet, authorities blamed blacks for the violence, leading to mass arrests and misleading news coverage. Refusing to yield, African Americans sought accuracy and fairness in the courts of public opinion and the law. This is the first account of this three-front fight - in the streets, in the press, and in the courts - against mob violence during one of the worst years of racial conflict in US history.