bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Catalytic Ketone Hydrodeoxygenation Mediated by Highly Electrophilic Phosphonium Cations
Authors: Mehta Meera , Holthausen Michael H. , Mallov Ian , Pérez Manuel , Qu Zheng‐Wang , Grimme Stefan , Stephan Douglas W.
Published: June 2015

Ketones are efficiently deoxygenated in the presence of silane using highly electrophilic phosphonium cation (EPC) salts as catalysts, thus affording the corresponding alkane and siloxane. The influence of distinct substitution patterns on the catalytic effectiveness of several EPCs was evaluated. The deoxygenation mechanism was probed by DFT methods.
Regioselective Nucleophilic Functionalization of Antiaromatic Nickel(II) Norcorroles
Authors: Nozawa Ryo , Yamamoto Keitaro , Shin Ji‐Young , Hiroto Satoru , Shinokubo Hiroshi
Published: June 2015

Treatment of antiaromatic nickel(II) norcorrole with potassium cyanide provided nickel(II) 3‐cyanonorcorrole with perfect regioselectivity without the help of a catalyst. The reaction of the nickel(II) norcorrole with phenol or thiophenol in the presence of a base also yielded substitution products. The antiaromatic 16π conjugation system in the norcorrole core was preserved in the functionalized products. Introduction of phenylthio groups significantly decreased the HOMO–LUMO gap and enhanced the near IR absorption property.
Isolation and Total Synthesis of Kirkamide, an Aminocyclitol from an Obligate Leaf Nodule Symbiont
Authors: Sieber Simon , Carlier Aurélien , Neuburger Markus , Grabenweger Giselher , Eberl Leo , Gademann Karl
Published: June 2015

The new C7N aminocyclitol kirkamide (1) was isolated from leaf nodules of the plant Psychotria kirkii by using a genome‐driven 1H NMR‐guided fractionation approach. The structure and absolute configuration were elucidated by HRMS, NMR, and single‐crystal X‐ray crystallography. An enantioselective total synthesis was developed, which delivered kirkamide (1) on a gram scale in 11 steps and features a Ferrier carbocyclization and a Pd‐mediated hydroxymethylation. We propose that kirkamide is synthesized by Candidatus Burkholderia kirkii, the obligate leaf symbiont of Psychotria kirkii. Kirkamide (1) was shown to be toxic to aquatic arthropods and insects, thus suggesting that bacterial secondary metabolites play a protective role in the Psychotria/Burkholderia leaf nodule symbiosis.
An Alternative Anionic Polyelectrolyte for Aqueous PEDOT Dispersions: Toward Printable Transparent Electrodes
Authors: Hofmann Anna I. , Smaal Wiljan T. T. , Mumtaz Muhammad , Katsigiannopoulos Dimitrios , Brochon Cyril , Schütze Falk , Hild Olaf R. , Cloutet Eric , Hadziioannou Georges
Published: June 2015

Organic conducting polymers are promising electrode materials for printable organic electronics. One of the most studied conducting polymers is PEDOT:PSS, which is sufficiently conductive and transparent, but which shows some drawbacks, such as hygroscopicity and acidity. A new approach to stabilize PEDOT in aqueous dispersions involves the replacement of PSS with a basic polyanion based on a polystyrene backbone with (trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide (TSFI) side groups. The PEDOT:PSTFSIK dispersions were obtained by oxidative polymerization of EDOT in an aqueous PSTFSIK solution and were characterized with regard to their composition, morphology, doping, rheological behavior, and optoelectronic performance. The PEDOT:PSTFSIK dispersions showed excellent printability and good optoelectronic performance (238 Ohm sq−1 at 91 % transmittance, σ>260 S cm−1) and were successfully integrated as flexible electrodes in OLED and OPV devices.
Gold(I)‐Catalyzed Desymmetrization of 1,4‐Dienes by an Enantioselective Tandem Alkoxylation/Claisen Rearrangement
Authors: Wu Hongmiao , Zi Weiwei , Li Guigen , Lu Hongjian , Toste F. Dean
Published: June 2015

An enantioselective alkoxylation/Claisen rearrangement reaction was achieved by a strategic desymmetrization of 1,4‐dienes under the catalysis of (S)‐DTBM‐Segphos(AuCl)2/AgBF4. This reaction system was highly selective for the formation of 3,3‐rearrangement products, providing cycloheptenes with various substitutions in good yield and good to excellent enantioselectivity. This transformation was further extended to bicyclic ring substrates, providing the opportunity to easily assemble 5,6‐ and 6,7‐fused ring systems.
Genetic variation affects congenital heart defect susceptibility in offspring exposed to maternal tobacco use
Authors: Tang Xinyu , Hobbs Charlotte A. , Cleves Mario A. , Erickson Stephen W. , MacLeod Stewart L. , Malik Sadia ,   the National Birth Defects Prevention Study
Published: June 2015

Background

Congenital heart defects (CHDs) are among the most prevalent and serious birth defects, occurring in 8 to 10 of every 1000 live births in the United States. Epidemiologic studies have reported an association between CHDs and maternal smoking, but it remains unknown how genes impact the susceptibility of offspring to CHDs in the presence of maternal tobacco use.

Methods

Using data from 403 case‐ and 219 control‐parental triads enrolled in the National Birth Defects Prevention Study between 1998 and 2008, we investigated the association between CHDs and maternal and infant genetic variants involved in the tobacco metabolism and DNA repair pathways among mothers who smoked prenatally.

Results

The maternal genotypes of single nucleotide polymorphisms in the excision repair cross‐complementation group 1 (ERCC1), poly (ADP‐ribose) polymerase 2 (PARP2), and ERCC5 genes were identified to be significantly associated with the occurrence of CHDs in the presence of maternal tobacco use. Our analysis also revealed a moderate association between the infant genotypes of polymorphisms in the O‐sialoglycoprotein endopeptidase (OSGEP) gene and increased risk of CHDs among mothers who smoked.

Conclusion

Our study provides evidence that maternal and infant polymorphisms within the ERCC1, PARP2, ERCC5, and OSGEP genes are associated with CHD risk in the presence of maternal tobacco use. These results may provide insight into the susceptibility of having a pregnancy affected by CHDs among women who smoke. Birth Defects Research (Part A) 103:834–842, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A novelin situgas stripping‐pervaporation process integrated with acetone‐butanol‐ethanol fermentation for hyper n‐butanol production
Authors: Xue Chuang , Liu Fangfang , Xu Mengmeng , Zhao Jingbo , Chen Lijie , Ren Jiangang , Bai Fengwu , Yang Shang‐Tian
Published: June 2015

Butanol is considered as an advanced biofuel, the development of which is restricted by the intensive energy consumption of product recovery. A novel two‐stage gas stripping‐pervaporation process integrated with acetone‐butanol‐ethanol (ABE) fermentation was developed for butanol recovery, with gas stripping as the first‐stage and pervaporation as the second‐stage using the carbon nanotubes (CNTs) filled polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) mixed matrix membrane (MMM). Compared to batch fermentation without butanol recovery, more ABE (27.5 g/L acetone, 75.5 g/L butanol, 7.0 g/L ethanol vs. 7.9 g/L acetone, 16.2 g/L butanol, 1.4 g/L ethanol) were produced in the fed‐batch fermentation, with a higher butanol productivity (0.34 g/L · h vs. 0.30 g/L · h) due to reduced butanol inhibition by butanol recovery. The first‐stage gas stripping produced a condensate containing 155.6 g/L butanol (199.9 g/L ABE), which after phase separation formed an organic phase containing 610.8 g/L butanol (656.1 g/L ABE) and an aqueous phase containing 85.6 g/L butanol (129.7 g/L ABE). Fed with the aqueous phase of the condensate from first‐stage gas stripping, the second‐stage pervaporation using the CNTs‐PDMS MMM produced a condensate containing 441.7 g/L butanol (593.2 g/L ABE), which after mixing with the organic phase from gas stripping gave a highly concentrated product containing 521.3 g/L butanol (622.9 g/L ABE). The outstanding performance of CNTs‐PDMS MMM can be attributed to the hydrophobic CNTs giving an alternative route for mass transport through the inner tubes or along the smooth surface of CNTs. This gas stripping‐pervaporation process with less contaminated risk is thus effective in increasing butanol production and reducing energy consumption. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2016;113: 120–129. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Light‐field‐characterization in a continuous hydrogen‐producing photobioreactor by optical simulation and computational fluid dynamics
Authors: Krujatz Felix , Illing Rico , Krautwer Tobias , Liao Jing , Helbig Karsten , Goy Katharina , Opitz Jörg , Cuniberti Gianaurelio , Bley Thomas , Weber Jost
Published: June 2015

Externally illuminated photobioreactors (PBRs) are widely used in studies on the use of phototrophic microorganisms as sources of bioenergy and other photobiotechnology research. In this work, straightforward simulation techniques were used to describe effects of varying fluid flow conditions in a continuous hydrogen‐producing PBR on the rate of photofermentative hydrogen production (rH2) by Rhodobacter sphaeroides DSM 158. A ZEMAX optical ray tracing simulation was performed to quantify the illumination intensity reaching the interior of the cylindrical PBR vessel. 24.2% of the emitted energy was lost through optical effects, or did not reach the PBR surface. In a dense culture of continuously producing bacteria during chemostatic cultivation, the illumination intensity became completely attenuated within the first centimeter of the PBR radius as described by an empirical three‐parametric model implemented in Mathcad. The bacterial movement in chemostatic steady‐state conditions was influenced by varying the fluid Reynolds number. The “Computational Fluid Dynamics” and “Particle Tracing” tools of COMSOL Multiphysics were used to visualize the fluid flow pattern and cellular trajectories through well‐illuminated zones near the PBR periphery and dark zones in the center of the PBR. A moderate turbulence (Reynolds number = 12,600) and fluctuating illumination of 1.5 Hz were found to yield the highest continuous rH2 by R. sphaeroides DSM 158 (170.5 mL L−1 h−1) in this study. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2015;112: 2439–2449. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Multivariate analysis of PRISMA optimized TLC image for predicting antioxidant activity and identification of contributing compounds from Pereskia bleo
Authors: Sharif K. M. , Rahman M. M. , Azmir J. , Khatib A. , Sabina E. , Shamsudin S. H. , Zaidul I. S. M.
Published: June 2015

Multivariate analysis of thin‐layer chromatography (TLC) images was modeled to predict antioxidant activity of Pereskia bleo leaves and to identify the contributing compounds of the activity. TLC was developed in optimized mobile phase using the ‘PRISMA’ optimization method and the image was then converted to wavelet signals and imported for multivariate analysis. An orthogonal partial least square (OPLS) model was developed consisting of a wavelet‐converted TLC image and 2,2‐diphynyl‐picrylhydrazyl free radical scavenging activity of 24 different preparations of P. bleo as the x‐ and y‐variables, respectively. The quality of the constructed OPLS model (1 + 1 + 0) with one predictive and one orthogonal component was evaluated by internal and external validity tests. The validated model was then used to identify the contributing spot from the TLC plate that was then analyzed by GC‐MS after trimethylsilyl derivatization. Glycerol and amine compounds were mainly found to contribute to the antioxidant activity of the sample. An alternative method to predict the antioxidant activity of a new sample of P. bleo leaves has been developed. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A Call for Cultural Democracy
Authors: Graves Daniel E.
Published: June 2015

In this chapter, an incarcerated student in Illinois discusses the issue of cheating/plagiarism in the prison context and weighs in on the value of vocational education compared to degree‐granting academic programs in prison.
The Transformative Power of Sankofa: Teaching African History Inside San Quentin State Prison
Authors: Moore Nathaniel B. D.
Published: June 2015

This chapter describes the author's experience teaching ethnic studies inside a unique California prison, and calls for college‐in‐prison educators to engage culturally appropriate curricula to realize the full transformative potential of the prison classroom.
Developing a Prison Education Pedagogy
Authors: Gaskew Tony
Published: June 2015

This chapter calls for educators to specifically engage the needs of African‐American men, who often comprise the largest demographic in prison, in what the author calls the Humiliation‐to‐Humility Perspective.
Teaching Academic Writing in a Maximum Security Women's Prison
Authors: Maher Jane
Published: June 2015

In this chapter, the author describes her experience teaching in a women's prison in New York, the challenges that arose with teaching autobiography, and the distinct situation of women behind bars.
Palladium Nanoparticles Supported on Sulfonic Acid Functionalized Silica as Trifunctional Heterogeneous Catalysts for Heck and Suzuki Reactions
Authors: Oger Nicolas , Le Grognec Erwan , Felpin François‐Xavier
Published: June 2015

The arylation of acrylates and boronic acids with anilines, through in situ generated aryl diazonium salts, was successfully achieved by using trifunctional heterogeneous catalysts bearing Brønsted acid and metal active sites. The trifunctional materials were prepared by adsorption of palladium nanoparticles, generated by reduction of a solution of Pd(OAc)2 onto a commercially available sulfonic acid functionalized silica. These new trifunctional catalysts act as a 1) proton donor for the diazotization step, 2) counterion for the diazonium salt, and 3) Pd source for the coupling step. This unprecedented strategy, features mild and safe conditions as hazardous aryl diazonium salts are generated in situ and only produces environmentally friendly byproducts such as tBuOH, H2O, and N2.
Highly Stereoselective [4+2] and [3+2] Spiroannulations of 2‐(2‐Oxoindolin‐3‐ylidene)acetic Esters Catalyzed by Bifunctional Thioureas
Authors: Monari Magda , Montroni Elisa , Nitti Andrea , Lombardo Marco , Trombini Claudio , Quintavalla Arianna
Published: June 2015

A new Michael–Michael cascade reaction between 2‐(2‐oxoindolin‐3‐ylidene)acetic esters 1 and nitroenoates 2, catalyzed by bifunctional thioureas, is investigated. The combination of the two Michael reactions results in a novel and facile [4+2] or [3+2] spiroannulation process, which is characterized by the following features: 1) two carbon–carbon bonds and four stereocenters, including a quaternary spiro carbon, are formed under mild conditions; 2) an unprecedented and stereochemically defined substitution pattern on the spirocarbocyclic unit is obtained; 3) the double‐bond configuration of the donor–acceptor nitroenoate 2 determines the absolute configuration of the spiro center, whereas the remaining stereocenters are formed under control of the catalyst. The effect on the final stereochemical outcome of structural variations of each starting material, catalyst, and experimental conditions is analyzed in detail. In particular, the use of specifically designed chiral nitroenoates enables diverse polyfunctional spirocyclohexane derivatives containing six consecutive stereogenic centers to be constructed. To our knowledge, this is the first asymmetric organocatalytic strategy enabling both five‐ and six‐membered β‐nitro spirocarbocyclic oxindoles.
A Modular Synthesis of Modified Phosphoanhydrides
Authors: Hofer Alexandre , Cremosnik Gregor S. , Müller André C. , Giambruno Roberto , Trefzer Claudia , Superti‐Furga Giulio , Bennett Keiryn L. , Jessen Henning J.
Published: June 2015

Phosphoanhydrides (P‐anhydrides) are ubiquitously occurring modifications in nature. Nucleotides and their conjugates, for example, are among the most important building blocks and signaling molecules in cell biology. To study and manipulate their biological functions, a diverse range of analogues have been developed. Phosphate‐modified analogues have been successfully applied to study proteins that depend on these abundant cellular building blocks, but very often both the preparation and purification of these molecules are challenging. This study discloses a general access to P‐anhydrides, including different nucleotide probes, that greatly facilitates their preparation and isolation. The convenient and scalable synthesis of, for example, 18O labeled nucleoside triphosphates holds promise for future applications in phosphoproteomics.
Engineering Homochiral Metal–Organic Frameworks by Spatially Separating 1D Chiral Metal–Peptide Ladders: Tuning the Pore Size for Enantioselective Adsorption
Authors: Stylianou Kyriakos C. , Gómez Laura , Imaz Inhar , Verdugo‐Escamilla Cristóbal , Ribas Xavi , Maspoch Daniel
Published: June 2015

The reaction of the chiral dipeptide glycyl‐L(S)‐glutamate with CoII ions produces chiral ladders that can be used as rigid 1D building units. Spatial separation of these building units with linkers of different lengths allows the engineering of homochiral porous MOFs with enhanced pore sizes, pore volumes, and surface areas. This strategy enables the synthesis of a family of isoreticular MOFs, in which the pore size dictates the enantioselective adsorption of chiral molecules (in terms of their size and enantiomeric excess).
When do MNCs fail to learn from prior failure experience?
Authors: Hong Sungjin J.
Published: June 2015

Do multinational corporations (MNCs) learn from their prior failures in international joint ventures (IJVs)? When does decision makers’ cognitive inability hinder MNCs from learning through their prior failure experiences? In the context of IJV survival in subsequent IJV entries, this study compares predictions made from two distinct theoretical perspectives, both of which belong to the behavioural school in strategy literature. According to the performance feedback perspective, MNCs may effectively learn from their prior failure experiences gained in familiar decision‐making contexts. On the other hand, according to the cognitive bias perspective, MNCs may not be able to effectively learn from their prior failure experiences if they inaccurately interpret the causes of their prior failures. The results provide partial support for the notion that MNC decision makers may not be able to effectively learn from their prior failures because of their cognitive biases. Copyright © 2015 ASAC. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Design and validation of conditional ligands for HLA‐B*08:01, HLA‐B*15:01, HLA‐B*35:01, and HLA‐B*44:05
Authors: Frøsig Thomas Mørch , Yap Jiawei , Seremet Tina , Lyngaa Rikke , Svane Inge Marie , Thor Straten Per , Heemskerk Mirjam H. M. , Grotenbreg Gijsbert M. , Hadrup Sine Reker
Published: June 2015

We designed conditional ligands restricted to HLA‐B*08:01, −B*35:01, and −B*44:05 and proved the use of a conditional ligand previously designed for HLA‐B*15:02 together with HLA‐B*15:01. Furthermore, we compared the detection capabilities of specific HLA‐B*15:01‐restricted T cells using the HLA‐B*15:01 and HLA‐B*15:02 major histocompatibility complex (MHC) multimers and found remarkable differences in the staining patterns detected by flow cytometry. These new conditional ligands greatly add to the application of MHC‐based technologies in the analyses of T‐cell recognition as they represent frequently expressed HLA‐B molecules. This expansion of conditional ligands is important to allow T‐cell detection over a wide range of HLA restrictions, and provide comprehensive understanding of the T‐cell recognition in a given context. © 2015 International Society for Advancement of Cytometry
Immunoglobulin light chain allelic inclusion in systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Fraser Louise D. , Zhao Yuan , Lutalo Pamela M. K. , D'Cruz David P. , Cason John , Silva Joselli S. , Dunn‐Walters Deborah K. , Nayar Saba , Cope Andrew P. , Spencer Jo
Published: June 2015

The principles of allelic exclusion state that each B cell expresses a single light and heavy chain pair. Here, we show that B cells with both kappa and lambda light chains (Igκ and Igλ) are enriched in some patients with the systemic autoimmune disease systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), but not in the systemic autoimmune disease control granulomatosis with polyangiitis. Detection of dual Igκ and Igλ expression by flow cytometry could not be abolished by acid washing or by DNAse treatment to remove any bound polyclonal antibody or complexes, and was retained after two days in culture. Both surface and intracytoplasmic dual light chain expression was evident by flow cytometry and confocal microscopy. We observed reduced frequency of rearrangements of the kappa‐deleting element (KDE) in SLE and an inverse correlation between the frequency of KDE rearrangement and the frequency of dual light chain expressing B cells. We propose that dual expression of Igκ and Igλ by a single B cell may occur in some patients with SLE when this may be a consequence of reduced activity of the KDE.
Generation of oxysterols formed by free radicals and enzymes by electrochemical oxidation
Authors: Lizard Gérard
Published: June 2015

It is commonly accepted that cholesterol oxide derivatives, also named oxysterols, are 27 carbon‐atom molecules deriving either from enzymatic and non‐enzymatic oxidation of cholesterol. Most of these compounds can be synthesized by more or less difficult and time consuming chemical reactions, and some of them have been discovered before the identification of the enzymes [mainly cytochrome P450 enzymes (CYP enzymes)] involved in their biosynthesis. A wide range of biological activities depends on oxysterols. Some oxysterols are also involved in the synthesis of cholesterol metabolites which have various properties. The paper by Weber et al. in this issue of European Journal of Lipid Science and Technology is of interest because it reports that an electrochemical oxidation of cholesterol rapidly generates numerous oxysterols which are usually generated either by enzymatic processes in vivo or under the action of different chemical and physical agents (free radicals, sun light, …) in vivo or not. This has a crucial importance and suggests that the border between enzymatic and non‐enzymatic generation of oxysterols should be reconsidered, at least for some of these compounds. Consequently, these observations may have major chemical and physiopathological significance.
Hybrid mesh generation using advancing reduction technique
Authors: Zhang Yaoxin , Jia Yafei
Published: June 2015

This paper presents an application of the advancing reduction technique for 2D hybrid mesh generation (triangles + quadrilaterals). Based on an initial rectangle mesh (RM) covering the whole domain, the advancing reduction technique coarsens the base RM in a marching way from the boundary to the interior of the domain so that different zones of sub‐RMs with different edge lengths are recognized. These sub‐RMs are connected to each other with the so‐called transition layers which consist of the transition triangles and quadrilaterals. As demonstrated by examples, the proposed method is simple, efficient, and easy to implement. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Brg1 Controls the Expression of Pax7 to Promote Viability and Proliferation of Mouse Primary Myoblasts
Authors: Padilla‐Benavides Teresita , Nasipak Brian T. , Imbalzano Anthony N.
Published: June 2015

Brg1 (Brahma‐related gene 1) is a catalytic component of the evolutionarily conserved mammalian SWI/SNF ATP‐dependent chromatin remodeling enzymes that disrupt histone‐DNA contacts on the nucleosome. While the requirement for the SWI/SNF enzymes in cell differentiation has been extensively studied, its role in precursor cell proliferation and survival is not as well defined. Muscle satellite cells constitute the stem cell pool that sustains and regenerates myofibers in adult skeletal muscle. Here, we show that deletion of Brg1 in primary mouse myoblasts derived from muscle satellite cells cultured ex vivo leads to a cell proliferation defect and apoptosis. We determined that Brg1 regulates cell proliferation and survival by controlling chromatin remodeling and activating transcription at the Pax7 promoter, which is expressed during somite development and is required for controlling viability of the satellite cell population. Reintroduction of catalytically active Brg1 or of Pax7 into Brg1‐deficient satellite cells rescued the apoptotic phenotype and restored proliferation. These data demonstrate that Brg1 functions as a positive regulator for cellular proliferation and survival of primary myoblasts. Therefore, the regulation of gene expression through Brg1‐mediated chromatin remodeling is critical not just for skeletal muscle differentiation but for maintaining the myoblast population as well. J. Cell. Physiol. 230: 2990–2997, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Shortened directional coupler using slow wave structure of periodically loaded capacitance and inductance
Authors: Zhong Cuilin , Yu Fengqi , Sun Yuanpeng , Nie Wei , Wang Maoyan
Published: June 2015

This paper proposes an analytically based approach for the design of a length‐reduced directional coupler. This method of reduction is realizing the directional coupler's impedance transformers by using slow wave structures. These slow wave structures are designed by transmission lines periodically loading both shunt capacitances and series inductances. Loaded capacitance is realized by stub shunt capacitance on the top layer; at the same time, loaded inductance is realized by electromagnetic band gap structure on ground. Increasing parallel capacitance and series inductance can reduce the phase velocity of the propagating waves and hence engender higher electric lengths using smaller physical lengths. A directional coupler is designed using this slow wave structure, and the performance of coupling is analyzed with the generalized coupled‐mode theory. The design methodology is validated with the design of a length‐reduced directional coupler at 0.7 GHz. An approximate length reduction of 54% is achieved with this technique compared with the conventional directional coupler. The electromagnetic simulation and experimental results validate the proposed approach. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Observations‐based analysis of the summer temperature extremes in Moscow
Authors: Zyulyaeva Yulia A. , Zveryaev Igor I. , Koltermann Klaus Peter
Published: June 2015

Interannual variability and long‐term changes of summer temperature extremes and hot spells in Moscow during 1949–2012 are investigated using air temperature station data, the National Centres for Environmental Prediction/the National Centre for Atmospheric Research (NCEP/NCAR) reanalysis and the Climatic Research Unit (CRU) data sets. Significant interdecadal changes in different characteristics of the temperature extremes are revealed. It is shown that summertime warming detected in the Moscow region in recent decades is not solely due to an increase in the number of hot days, but also due to a decrease in the number of cold days. Statistically significant positive (negative) trends in the number of anomalously hot (cold) days since the mid 1970s are detected. Respective trend values are 5%/decade–1 for the positive trends and −6%/decade–1 for the negative trends. We find that in 1981–2012 the number of summer seasons with extremely hot days has doubled with respect to earlier period (1949–1980). However, we do not find statistically significant trend‐like changes in the duration of the hot events in Moscow. A chronology of temperature extremes in Moscow has been constructed. This can be used as a diagnostic tool allowing the detection of extremes. Typical regional sea level pressure patterns associated with air temperature extremes in Moscow are defined and briefly described.
Using regional climate models to simulate extreme rainfall events in the Western Cape, South Africa
Authors: Abiodun Babatunde J. , Abba Omar Sabina , Lennard Chris , Jack Chris
Published: June 2015

This study evaluates the capability of regional climate models (RCMs) in simulating extreme rainfall events over Southern Africa, and in reproducing the characteristics of widespread extreme rainfall events (WERE) in the Western Cape (South Africa). We obtained simulation datasets of nine RCMs from the Co‐ordinated Regional Downscaling Experiment (CORDEX) and compared them with observation datasets from the Global Precipitation Climatology Project (GPCP) and Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) as well as with the reanalysis dataset (ERAINT) that forced the simulations. A self‐organising map was used to classify the WEREs into 12 nodes. The contribution of each RCM to each node was compared with the contributions of GPCP, TRMM and ERAINT. Using ERAINT dataset, we analysed the synoptic‐scale atmospheric condition associated with each node.

The results show that, in simulating the spatial distribution of the extreme rainfall event over Southern Africa, only four RCMs perform better than the forcing reanalysis (ERAINT) while two RCMs perform worse than the reanalysis. All the RCMs underestimate the threshold of extreme rainfall over Western Cape, poorly simulate the inter‐annual variability of the WEREs (r ≤ 0.3), but correctly reproduce the maximum frequency of the WEREs in Autumn (March–May). The WEREs in the Western Cape may be broadly grouped into four synoptic rainfall patterns. The first pattern links WEREs with tropical rainfall activities (tropical‐temperate troughs); the second pattern shows isolated WEREs; the third and fourth patterns link WEREs with rainfall activities in the mid‐latitudes (frontal systems) and over the Agulhas Current, respectively. While most RCMs overestimate the frequency of the first pattern, they all underestimate the frequency of the second pattern but simulate the frequencies of the third and fourth patterns well. The results of this study should help in improving the RCM simulations over Southern Africa and in downscaling impacts of climate change on extreme rainfall events over the region.
Reconstruction of Block Copolymer Micelles to Long‐Range Ordered Dense Nanopatterns Via Light‐Tunable Hydrogen‐Bonding Association
Authors: Guo Lei , Ding Yi , Han Jie , Xu Na , Lu Xinhua , Cai Yuanli
Published: June 2015

Controlling the orientation and long‐range order of nanostructures is a key issue in the self‐assembly of block copolymer micelles. Herein, a versatile strategy is presented to transform one‐component oxime‐based block copolymer micelles into long‐range ordered dense nanopatterns. Photoisomerization provides a straightforward and versatile approach to convert the hydrogen‐bonding association from inward dimerization (E‐type oxime motifs, slightly desolvated in ethyl acetate) into outward interchain association (Z‐type ones, highly desolvated in ethyl acetate). This increases the glass transition temperature in bulk and converts swollen micelles into compact spherical micelles in solution. The reconstruction of these micelles on various substrates demonstrates that the phase transformation enables reconstruction of spherical micelles into mesoscopic sheets, nanorods, nanoworms, nanowires, networks, and eventually into long‐range ordered and densely packed textile‐like and lamellar nanopatterns on a macroscopic scale by adjusting E/Z‐oxime ratio and solvent‐evaporation rate.

image
An Update on the Hereditary Spastic Paraplegias: New Genes and New Disease Models
Authors: Kumar Kishore R. , Blair Nicholas F. , Sue Carolyn M.
Published: June 2015

Aims

The hereditary spastic paraplegias (HSPs) are a heterogeneous group of disorders characterized by spasticity in the lower limbs. We provide an overview of HSP with an emphasis on recent developments.

Methods

A PubMed search using the term “hereditary spastic paraplegia” and “hereditary spastic paraparesis” was conducted for a period from January 2012 to January 2015. We discuss and critique the major studies in the field over this 36‐month period.

Results

A total of 346 publications were identified, of which 47 were selected for review. We provide an update of the common forms of HSP and include patient videos. We also discuss how next‐generation sequencing (NGS) has led to the accelerated discovery of new HSP genes, including B4GALNT1, DDHD1, C19orf12, GBA2, TECPR2, DDHD2, C12orf65, REEP2, and IBA57. Moreover, a single study alone identified 18 previously unknown putative HSP genes and created a model for the protein interactions of HSP, called the “HSPome.” Many of the newly reported genes cause rare, complicated, autosomal recessive forms of HSP. NGS also has important clinical applications by facilitating the molecular diagnosis of HSP. Furthermore, common genetic forms of HSP have been studied using new disease models, such as neurons derived from induced pluripotent stem cells. These models have been used to elucidate important disease mechanisms and have served as platforms to screen for candidate drug compounds.

Conclusion

The field of HSP research has been progressing at a rapid pace. The challenge remains in translating these advances into new targeted disease therapies.
Extreme precipitation events over north China in August 2010 and their link to eastward‐propagating wave‐trains across Eurasia: observations and monthly forecasting
Authors: Orsolini Yvan J. , Zhang Ling , Peters Dieter H. W. , Fraedrich Klaus , Zhu Xiuhua , Schneidereit Andrea , van den Hurk Bart
Published: June 2015

Over the Far East in summer, climate is strongly influenced by the fluctuating Western Pacific Subtropical High (WPSH), and strong precipitation is often associated with southeasterly low‐level wind that brings moist air from the southern China seas. The WPSH intraseasonal variability is partly influenced by quasi‐stationary wave‐trains propagating eastwards from Europe across Asia along the two westerly jets: the Silk‐Road wave‐train along the Asian jet at midlatitudes and the polar wave‐train along the sub‐polar jet. In the unusual summer of 2010, northeast China experienced its worst seasonal flooding for a decade, triggered by unusually severe precipitation. That summer was also characterized by a record‐breaking heat wave over eastern Europe and Russia, whose impact on the precipitation further east over China has been little explored. Here, we examine the role of the Silk‐Road and polar wave‐trains, and their impact on precipitation over northeast China throughout August 2010, using station precipitation data and re‐analyses. We found that there is a strong link between the Silk‐Road wave‐train and extreme precipitation events.

Forecasting such regional precipitation events at the monthly time‐scale remains a big challenge for operational global prediction systems. In this study, we use simulations with the atmospheric model of the European Centre for Medium‐range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) to highlight the key role of the Silk‐Road and polar wave‐trains in modulating extreme precipitation over north and northeast China in August 2010. While the ensemble‐mean of the forecasts fails to predict the pulses of the Silk‐Road wave‐train, some model members show a high spatial correlation in upper‐level meridional winds with re‐analyses. Similarly, there is high spatial correlation between model meridional winds and precipitation. These results highlight the importance of better representing the intraseasonal evolution of the Silk‐Road wave‐train in order to improve the monthly prediction of summer precipitation over the Far East.
Assessment of the Ecological Reservoir Operation in the Yangtze Estuary Based on the Salinity Requirements of the Indicator Species
Authors: Wang C. , Yu Y. , Wang P. F. , Sun Q. Y. , Hou J. , Qian J.
Published: June 2015

In conventional reservoir operations, energy and economic benefits are typically optimized, and ecosystem values are only addressed as constraints. To reduce the negative influence of reservoir operation on the downstream ecological environment, ecological targets should be incorporated into reservoir operations. The concept of environmental flow was developed to define the quantity, quality and timing of water flows that are required to sustain freshwater and estuarine ecosystems. Based on the salinity requirements of the indicator species and the relationship between salinity and the freshwater inflows, environmental flows for the Yangtze Estuary were determined. Subsequently, an ecological reservoir operation model was established that incorporated the ecological target for the protection of the Qingcaosha water source; the Non‐dominated Sorting Genetic Algorithm II was applied to the model. Three typical periods of wet, normal and dry years were selected, and the operation results were analysed for the downstream Datong cross‐section and the environmental flows. The results showed that joint scheduling should be performed for the reservoirs upstream of the Yangtze Estuary. In June of wet and normal years, the current run‐off of the Datong should be reduced by 13.5% and 5%, respectively. In July and September of wet years, current run‐off should be reduced by 30.6% and 25.5%, respectively, as these reductions will not negatively affect the drinking‐water sources. The results of this study should provide guidance in decision‐making to improve the operation of the Three Gorges Reservoir. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Stabilization and Encapsulation of Gold Nanostars Mediated by Dithiols
Authors: Wang Yusong , Serrano Ana Belén , Sentosun Kadir , Bals Sara , Liz‐Marzán Luis M.
Published: June 2015

Surface chemistry plays a pivotal role in regulating the morphology of nanoparticles, maintaining colloidal stability, and mediating the interaction with target analytes toward practical applications such as surface‐enhanced Raman scattering (SERS)‐based sensing and imaging. The use of a binary ligand mixture composed of 1,4‐benzenedithiol (BDT) and hexadecyltrimethylammonium chloride (CTAC) to provide gold nanostars with long‐term stability is reported. This is despite BDT being a bifunctional ligand, which usually leads to bridging and loss of colloidal stability. It is found however that neither BDT nor CTAC alone are able to provide sufficient colloidal and chemical stability. BDT‐coated Au nanostars are additionally used as seeds to direct the encapsulation with a gold outer shell, leading to the formation of unusual nanostructures including semishell‐coated gold nanostars, which are characterized by high‐resolution electron microscopy and electron tomography. Finally, BDT is exploited as a probe to reveal the enhanced local electric fields in the different nanostructures, showing that the semishell configuration provides significantly high SERS signals as compared to other core–shell configurations obtained during seeded growth, including full shells.
Adaptive advantages of dietary mixing different‐aged foliage within conifers for a generalist defoliator
Authors: Johns Rob C. , Tobita Hiroyuki , Hara Hideho , Ozaki Kenichi
Published: June 2015

Few herbivores are well adapted to feeding on all foliage age classes available and most have evolved traits that are attuned to the characteristics of either developing or mature foliage; however, recent evidence has shown a number of insect herbivores that may mix different‐aged foliage as a means of enhancing fitness. We carried out a series of laboratory and field experiments to investigate whether larvae of Asian gypsy moth [L. umbrosa (Butler) = L. dispar hokkaidoensis Goldschmidt] (Lepidoptera: Lymantriidae) engage in and benefit from foliage‐age dietary mixing in common conifer species that naturally occur in its native range of Hokkaido, Japan. In a laboratory experiment, early instar larvae were observed on both developing and mature foliage when both age classes were available; however, larval survival and weight were highest on hosts with developing foliage available (larch, fir, and pine), whereas all larvae died on spruce where only mature foliage was available. In contrast, laboratory and field experiments indicated that late‐instar larvae often consumed both developing and mature foliage on all conifer species studied, although there was general preference bias towards mature foliage. Field bioassays indicated that late‐instar larvae provided both foliage age classes (a ‘mixed’ diet) had similar performance to those provided only developing or mature foliage. Results of this study indicate that larvae obtain limited performance benefits from mixing different foliage age‐classes into their diet, other than perhaps the benefits accrued from having a broader resource pool available on a single host tree.
“Hand Surgeons Probably don't Starve”: Patient's Perceptions of Physician Reimbursements for Performing an Open Carpal Tunnel Release
Authors: Kokko Kyle P. , Lipman Adam J. , Sapienza Anthony , Capo John T. , Barfield William R. , Paksima Nader
Published: June 2015

Background

The purpose of this study is to evaluate patient's perceptions of physician reimbursement for the most commonly performed surgery on the hand, a carpal tunnel release (CTR).

Methods

Anonymous physician reimbursement surveys were given to patients and non-patients in the waiting rooms of orthopaedic hand physicians' offices and certified hand therapist's offices. The survey consisted of 13 questions. Respondents were asked (1) what they thought a surgeon should be paid to perform a carpal tunnel release, (2) to estimate how much Medicare reimburses the surgeon, and (3) about how health care dollars should be divided among the surgeon, the anesthesiologist, and the hospital or surgery center. Descriptive subject data included age, gender, income, educational background, and insurance type.

Results

Patients thought that hand surgeons should receive $5030 for performing a CTR and the percentage of health care funds should be distributed primarily to the hand surgeon (56 %), followed by the anesthesiologist (23 %) and then the hospital/surgery center (21 %). They estimated that Medicare reimburses the hand surgeon $2685 for a CTR. Most patients (86 %) stated that Medicare reimbursement was “lower” or “much lower” than what it should be.

Conclusion

Respondents believed that hand surgeons should be reimbursed greater than 12 times the Medicare reimbursement rate of approximately $412 and that the physicians (surgeons and anesthesiologist) should command most of the health care funds allocated to this treatment. This study highlights the discrepancy between patient's perceptions and actual physician reimbursement as it relates to federal health care. Efforts should be made to educate patients on this discrepancy.
An Inaccuracy in the Determination of Cocoamidopropyl Betaine by the Potentiometric Method
Authors: Mostafalu Ramin , Banaei Abbas , Ghorbani Fatemeh
Published: June 2015

Cocoamidopropyl betaine (CAPB) is one of the most important amphoteric surfactants frequently used in cosmetic products, especially shampoos and bath products. Potentiometric and two‐phase active titrations of commercial grade CAPB are not in good agreement. The findings of this study suggest dimethylaminopropylamine‐betaines interfere with potentiometic titration.
Inhibition of Cycloartenol Synthase (CAS) Function in Tobacco BY‐2 Cells
Authors: Gas‐Pascual Elisabet , Simonovik Biljana , Schaller Hubert , Bach Thomas J.
Published: June 2015

Tobacco BY‐2 cell suspensions are our preferred model for studying isoprenoid biosynthesis pathways, due to their easy genetic transformation and the efficient absorption of metabolic precursors, intermediates, and/or inhibitors. Using this model system, we have analyzed the effects of chemical and genetic blockage of cycloartenol synthase (CAS, EC 5.4.99.8), an oxidosqualene cyclase that catalyzes the first committed step in the sterol pathway of plants. BY‐2 cells were treated with RO 48‐8071, a potent inhibitor of oxidosqualene cyclization. Short‐term treatments (24 h) resulted in accumulation of oxidosqualene with no changes in the final sterol products. Interestingly, long‐term treatments (6 days) induced down‐regulation in gene expression not only of CAS but also of the SMT2 gene coding sterol methyltransferase 2 (EC 2.1.1.41). This explains some of the increase in 24‐methyl sterols at the expense of the 24‐ethyl sterols stigmasterol and sitosterol. In our alternative strategy, CAS gene expression was partially blocked by using an inducible artificial microRNA. The limited effectiveness of this approach might be explained by some dependence of the machinery for RNAi formation on an operating MVA/sterol pathway. For comparison we checked the effect of RO 48‐8071 on a green cell suspension of Arabidopsis and on seedlings, containing a small spectrum of triterpenes besides phytosterols. Triterpenes remained essentially unaffected, but phytosterol accumulation was clearly diminished.
Elucidation of Kinetic and Symmetry Effects on the Viscosity and Flow Behavior of Stearic and Oleic Triacylglycerols
Authors: Bouzidi Laziz , Baker Mark , Garti Nissim , Narine Suresh S.
Published: June 2015

The flow behavior and viscosity of TAGs containing oleic and stearic acids were examined in the liquid phase as well as at temperatures close to the onset of crystallization by means of a temperature‐controlled rheometer. Gelling and crystallization transitions were unambiguously identified by singularities in the viscosity versus temperature curves of the TAGs. An additional transition between the gelling and onset of crystallization temperatures, attributed to the reorganization of the gel, was observed in the symmetrical TAGs only. The effect of the cooling rate, ranging between 0.1 and 5 °C/min, was investigated. The flow behavior of the studied TAGs was shown to be strongly determined by structural parameters (symmetry, degree of unsaturation). The flow behavior was also affected significantly by the cooling rate, suggesting that to certain extents the flow behavior determined by structural parameters could be changed by manipulating the cooling rate. The study confirmed that TAG crystallization is initiated by and depends, at least in part, on complex molecular short range order transformations occurring in the melt. The findings of the study may be valuable for evaluating systems and equipment that are involved in the storage, handling and processing of materials incorporating these TAGs.
La metamorfosis de la fe en creyentes de edad avanzada
Authors: Vázquez Palacios Felipe R.
Published: June 2015

El presente trabajo analiza si la práctica de la fe tiene su punto de apoyo en la interacción social y si sufre cambios en personas de edad avanzada debido a la vulnerabilidad, enfermedad, discapacidad o retiro laboral, o bien, en la medida en que se va reduciendo la fuerza física, las necesidades de consumo, las interacciones sociales y económicas, presentándose una disminución en las actividades cotidianas; es decir, todo aquello que produce cambios en el estilo de vida y en las relaciones sociales. Sostengo que en la medida en que se transita hacia una edad cada vez más avanzada, la fe pasa a ser menos activa y más pasiva, lo cual no implica que no se generen nuevas expresiones tanto públicas como privadas y, principalmente, íntimas de la fe, las cuales generan cambios en las percepciones del mundo material y espiritual.