bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
New insights into leaf and fine‐root trait relationships: implications of resource acquisition among 23 xerophytic woody species
Authors: Li Fang Lan , Bao Wei Kai
Published: October 2015

Functional traits of leaves and fine root vary broadly among different species, but little is known about how these interspecific variations are coordinated between the two organs. This study aims to determine the interspecific relationships between corresponding leaf and fine‐root traits to better understand plant strategies of resource acquisition. SLA (Specific leaf area), SRL (specific root length), mass‐based N (nitrogen) and P (phosphorus) concentrations of leaves and fine roots, root system, and plant sizes were measured in 23 woody species grown together in a common garden setting. SLA and SRL exhibited a strong negative relationship. There were no significant relationships between corresponding leaf and fine‐root nutrient concentrations. The interspecific variations in plant height and biomass were tightly correlated with root system size characteristics, including root depth and total root length. These results demonstrate a coordinated plant size‐dependent variation between shoots and roots, but for efficiency, plant resource acquisition appears to be uncoupled between the leaves and fine roots. The different patterns of leaf and fine‐root traits suggest different strategies for resource acquisition between the two organs. This provides insights into the linkage between above‐ and belowground subsystems in carbon and nutrient economy.
Bis(pyrazolyl)methane Copper Complexes as Robust and Efficient Catalysts for Sonogashira Couplings
Authors: Moegling Julian , Benischke Andreas D. , Hammann Jeffrey M. , Vepřek Nynke A. , Zoller Florian , Rendenbach Bettina , Hoffmann Alexander , Sievers Holger , Schuster Michael , Knochel Paul , Herres‐Pawlis Sonja
Published: October 2015

A series of bis(pyrazolyl)methane copper complexes were found to catalyze a fast palladium‐free Sonogashira coupling reaction of several iodoarenes with terminal alkynes such as phenylacetylene, propargyl benzyl ether, and (tert‐butyl‐dimethyl)silylacetylene. These reactions proceed with CuCl2·2H2O (10 mol‐%) under aerobic conditions and the corresponding chelate ligand (10 mol‐%), with its tailored facial coordination mode, is crucial for the success of the reaction. The coupling can also be carried out in water with liquid aryl halides and a phase‐transfer catalyst.
HBF4‐Catalysed Nucleophilic Substitutions of Propargylic Alcohols
Authors: Barreiro Elena , Sanz‐Vidal Alvaro , Tan Eric , Lau Shing‐Hing , Sheppard Tom D. , Díez‐González Silvia
Published: October 2015

The activity of HBF4 (aqueous solution) as a catalyst in propargylation reactions is presented. Diverse types of nucleophiles were employed in order to form new C–O, C–N and C–C bonds in technical acetone and in air. Good to excellent yields and good chemoselectivities were obtained using low acid loading (typically 1 mol‐%) under simple reaction conditions.
Thermodynamic analysis of a diesel engine fueled with diesel and peanut biodiesel
Authors: Hürdoğan Ertaç
Published: October 2015

This study deals with energy and exergy analyses of a four stroke, four cylinders, naturally aspirated, direct‐injected diesel engine fueled with diesel and peanut biodiesel. Energetic and exergetic performance parameters of the engine for each fuel were computed and compared with each other. The effect of varying dead state temperatures on exergetic parameters was also investigated. It is concluded that peanut biodiesel indicated similar performance with diesel fuel in terms of the energy and exergy efficiencies. Energy efficiencies of the engine fueled with diesel and peanut biodiesel were determined to be 35.26% and 34.37% while the corresponding exergy efficiencies were calculated to be 33.09% and 32.02%, respectively. The exergy efficiency values for fuels decreased from 35.39 to 31.34% with increasing the dead state temperature from 0 to 35°C. © 2015 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 35: 891–897, 2016
Evidence for a role of adaptive immune response in the disease pathogenesis of theMPTPmouse model of Parkinson's disease
Authors: Martin Heather L. , Santoro Matteo , Mustafa Sarah , Riedel Gernot , Forrester John V. , Teismann Peter
Published: October 2015

Parkinson's disease (PD) is the second most common neurodegenerative disease and results from the loss of dopaminergic neurons of the nigrostriatal pathway. The pathogenesis of PD is poorly understood, but inflammatory processes have been implicated. Indeed increases in the number of major histocompatibility complex II (MHC II) reactive cells have long been recognised in the brains of PD patients at post‐mortem. However whether cells expressing MHC II play an active role in PD pathogenesis has not been delineated. This was addressed utilising a transgenic mouse null for MHC II and the parkinsonian toxin 1‐methyl‐4‐phenyl‐1,2,3,6‐tetrahydropyridine (MPTP). In wild‐type mice MHC II levels in the ventral midbrain were upregulated 1–2 days after MPTP treatment and MHC II was localized in both astrocytes and microglia. MHC II null mice showed significant reductions in MPTP‐induced dopaminergic neuron loss and a significantly reduced invasion of astrocytes and microglia in MHC II null mice receiving MPTP compared with controls. In addition, MHC II null mice failed to show increases in interferon‐γ or tumour necrosis factor‐α in the brain after MPTP treatment, as was found in wild‐type mice. However, interleukin‐1β was significantly increased in both wild‐type and MHC II null mice. These data indicate that in addition to microglial cell/myeloid cell activation MHC Class II‐mediated T cell activation is required for the full expression of pathology in this model of PD. GLIA 2016;64:386–395
An evaluation of choice on instructional efficacy and individual preferences among children with autism
Authors: Toussaint Karen A. , Kodak Tiffany , Vladescu Jason C.
Published: October 2015

The current study compared the differential effects of choice and no‐choice reinforcement conditions on skill acquisition. In addition, we assessed preference for choice‐making opportunities with 3 children with autism, using a modified concurrent‐chains procedure. We replicated the experiment with 2 participants. The results indicated that choice‐making opportunities increased treatment efficacy for 2 of the 3 participants, and all 3 participants demonstrated a preference for choice‐making opportunities.
Development of novel in vitro photosafety assays focused on the Keap1–Nrf2–ARE pathway
Authors: Tsujita‐Inoue Kyoko , Hirota Morihiko , Atobe Tomomi , Ashikaga Takao , Tokura Yoshiki , Kouzuki Hirokazu
Published: October 2015

Although photoallergens require UV energy for antigen formation, the subsequent immune response is considered to be the same as in ordinary skin sensitization. Therefore, in vitro tests for skin sensitization should also be applicable for photoallergy testing. In this study, we examined whether activation of the Keap1 (Kelch‐like ECH‐associated protein 1)–Nrf2 (nuclear factor‐erythroid 2‐related factor 2)–ARE (antioxidant response element) pathway could be used to assess the photoallergenic potential of chemicals, using the reporter cell line AREc32 or KeratinoSensTM. First, we identified an appropriate UVA irradiation dose [5 J cm–2 irradiation in phosphate‐buffered saline (PBS)] by investigating the effect of UV irradiation on ARE‐dependent gene induction using untreated or 6‐methylcoumarin (6‐MC)‐treated cells. Irradiation of well‐known photoallergens under this condition increased ARE‐dependent gene expression by more than 50% compared with both vehicle and non‐irradiated controls. When the cut‐off value for detecting photoallergens was set at 50% induction, the accuracy of predicting photoallergenic/phototoxic chemicals was 70% in AREc32 cells and 67% in KeratinoSensTM cells, and the specificity was 100% in each case. We designate these assays as a photo‐ARE assay and photo‐KeratinoSensTM, respectively. Our results suggest that activation of the Keap1‐Nrf2‐ARE pathway is an effective biomarker for evaluating both photoallergenic and phototoxic potentials. Either of the above tests might be a useful component of a battery of in vitro tests/in silico methods for predicting the photoallergenicity and phototoxicity of chemicals. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Biodegradable nasal stents (MgF2‐coated Mg–2 wt %Nd alloy)—A long‐termin vivostudy
Authors: Durisin Martin , Reifenrath Janin , Weber Constantin M. , Eifler Rainer , Maier Hans J. , Lenarz Thomas , Seitz Jan‐Marten
Published: October 2015

Despite innovative surgical techniques and use of current frontal sinus stents from different materials, the problem of treatment failure with consecutive reoperation remains present. The aim of our study is to investigate biocompatibility, degradation kinetics, and functionality of a newly developed fluoride‐coated magnesium‐based nasal stent. A minipig anatomy of frontal sinus adapted design and an external surgical approach were developed and established. The functionality of the stents was evaluated endoscopically. The stent‐tissue blocks were analysed after 90 and 180 days using microcomputed tomography (µ‐CT), histology, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDS). Functional evaluation revealed an unobstructed stent lumen in all cases. Histological analysis showed moderate mucosal hyperplasia with a mild, nonspecific inflammatory response, and nonosteoconductive effect. Rejection reactions or necrosis did not occur. The volumetric analysis of the stents showed 51% volume loss after 180 days. The EDS analysis did not detect any neodymium (Nd) in the mucosa or bone. The Mg–2 wt % Nd stents are a promising option when treating the narrow passages following paranasal sinus surgery. In particular, its good biocompatibility and good functionality facilitate the re‐epithelization of these constricted passages. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 105B: 350–365, 2017.
In vitro and in vivo evaluation of effect of excipients in local delivery of paclitaxel using microporous infusion balloon catheters
Authors: Anderson Jordan A. , Remund Tyler , Pohlson Kathryn , Lamichhane Sujan , Evans Claire , Evans Rick , Clark Melanee , Egland Kristi , Kelly Patrick , Mani Gopinath
Published: October 2015

Drug‐infusion balloons are one of the currently used local drug delivery devices for preventing restenosis after endovascular treatments. An antiproliferative drug (paclitaxel, PAT) is infused through the balloon using a cremophor‐based formulation to control restenosis. However, the major limitations of this approach are poor in vivo drug uptake and a limit in the amount of PAT delivered because of cremophor toxicity. In this study, we have investigated the use of different excipients for effectively infusing PAT out of the balloon for improved drug uptake in the tissue. The excipients include nanoparticle albumin‐bound PAT (nab‐PAT, a nanobiomaterial used in cancer therapy), urea (a hydrophilic agent used for faster drug transfer), iodixanol (a contrast agent used for coronary angiography), and cremophor‐PAT (the most commonly used PAT formulation). An in vitro drug release, smooth muscle cell (SMC) response, endothelial cell (EC) response, and in vivo drug uptake were investigated for all the different excipients of PAT infused through the balloon. The nab‐PAT was as effective as cremophor in infusing out of the balloon and inhibiting SMC growth. Also, nab‐PAT showed a significantly greater amount of in vivo PAT uptake than that of cremophor‐PAT. Urea and iodixanol were not effective in delivering a clinically relevant dose of PAT due to the poor solubility of PAT in these excipients. Urea eradicated all the SMCs and ECs, suggesting a toxic effect, which impedes its use in balloon‐based therapy. Thus, this study demonstrated that nab‐PAT is an effective formulation to locally deliver PAT through infusion balloons. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 105B: 376–390, 2017.
Modified HPLC–ESI–MS Method for Glycated Hemoglobin Quantification Based on the IFCC Reference Measurement Procedure and Its Application for Quantitative Analyses in Clinical Laboratories of China
Authors: Song Zhixin , Xie Baoyuan , Ma Huaian , Zhang Rui , Li Pengfei , Liu Lihong , Yue Yuhong , Zhang Jianping , Tong Qing , Wang Qingtao
Published: October 2015

Background

The level of glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) has been recognized as an important indicator of long‐term glycemic control. However, the HbA1c measurement is not currently included as a diagnostic determinant in China. Current study aims to assess a candidate modified International Federation of Clinical Chemistry reference method for the forthcoming standardization of HbA1c measurements in China.

Methods

The HbA1c concentration was measured using a modified high‐performance liquid chromatography–electrospray ionization–mass spectrometry (HPLC–ESI–MS) method. The modified method replaces the propylcyanide column with a C18 reversed‐phase column, which has a lower cost and is more commonly used in China, and uses 0.1% (26.5 mmol/l) formic acid instead of trifluoroacetic acid. Moreover, in order to minimize matrix interference and reduce the running time, a solid‐phase extraction was employed. The discrepancies between HbA1c measurements using conventional methods and the HPLC–ESI–MS method were clarified in clinical samples from healthy people and diabetic patients. Corresponding samples were distributed to 89 hospitals in Beijing for external quality assessment.

Results

The linearity, reliability, and accuracy of the modified HPLC–ESI–MS method with a shortened running time of 6 min were successfully validated. Out of 89 hospitals evaluated, the relative biases of HbA1c concentrations were < 8% for 74 hospitals and < 5% for 60 hospitals. Compared with other conventional methods, HbA1c concentrations determined by HPLC methods were similar to the values obtained from the current HPLC–ESI–MS method.

Conclusion

The HPLC–ESI–MS method represents an improvement over existing methods and provides a simple, stable, and rapid HbA1c measurement with strong signal intensities and reduced ion suppression.
Cranial morphological variation inPeromyscus maniculatusover nearly a century of environmental change in three areas ofCalifornia
Authors: Holmes Michael W. , Boykins Genevieve K. R. , Bowie Rauri C. K. , Lacey Eileen A.
Published: October 2015

Determining how species respond to prolonged environmental change is critical to understanding both their evolutionary biology and their conservation needs. In general, organisms can respond to changing environmental conditions by moving, by adapting in situ, or by going locally or globally extinct. Morphological changes, whether plastic or adaptive, are one way that species may respond in situ to local environmental change. Because cranial morphology is influenced by selective pressures arising from an organism's abiotic and biotic environments, including aspects of thermal physiology, diet, and sensory ecology, studies of cranial morphology may generate important insights into how species are responding to environmental change. To assess potential response of deer mice (Peromyscus maniculatus) to changing conditions in the Sierra Nevada Mountains of California, we quantified cranial variation in museum specimens of this species collected approximately 100 years apart. Specifically, we examined how cranial morphology varies in three populations of this geographically widespread, ecological generalist over elevation and time. Our analyses indicate that cranial morphology does not differ with elevation within either modern or historical samples but does vary between time periods, suggesting that in situ responses to environmental change have occurred. Contrary to predictions based on Bergmann's rule, we found no consistent relationship between body size and either elevation or time, suggesting that morphological differences detected between historic and modern specimens are specific to factors influencing cranial structure. Collectively, these analyses demonstrate the potential importance of in situ changes in morphology as a response to changing environmental conditions. J. Morphol. 277:96–106, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Dysfunctional or hyperfunctional? The amygdala in posttraumatic stress disorder is the bull in the evolutionary China shop
Authors: Diamond David M. , Zoladz Phillip R.
Published: October 2015

Our motivation in writing this Review arose not only from the great value in contributing to this special issue of theJournal of Neuroscience Researchbut also from the desire to express our opinion that the description of the amygdala as “dysfunctional” in posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) might not be appropriate. We acknowledge that excessive activation of the amygdala contributes to the cluster of PTSD symptoms, including hypervigilance, intrusive memories, and impaired sleep, that underlies the devastating mental and physical outcomes in trauma victims. The issue that we address is whether the symptoms of PTSD represent an impaired (dysfunctional) or sensitized (hyperfunctional) amygdala status. We propose that the amygdala in PTSD is hyperfunctional rather than dysfunctional in recognition of the fact that the individual has already survived one life‐threatening attack and that another may be forthcoming. We therefore consider PTSD to be a state in which the amygdala is functioning optimally if the goal is to ensure a person's survival. The misery caused by a hyperfunctional amygdala in PTSD is the cost of inheriting an evolutionarily primitive mechanism that considers survival more important than the quality of one's life. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
High‐resolution technology for FPD manufacturing
Authors: Yabu Nobuhiko , Nagano Kouhei , Izumi Nozomu
Published: October 2015

Using shorter wavelength for exposure light is one way to achieve high resolution while keeping sufficient depth of focus.

We show exposure results for high resolution to confirm the effect of deep UV exposure light. With deep UV light, 1.2‐µm line and space pattern and 1.8‐µm contact hole pattern are resolved while keeping sufficient depth of focus.
Operational stability enhancement of white OLEDs with single solution‐processed emitting layer fabricated by “self‐layered technique”
Authors: Aratani Sukekazu , Sakuma Hirotaka , Harada Motoko , Wakana Hironori , Nobuki Shunichiro , Kawasaki Masahiro
Published: October 2015

Abstract — We achieved operationally stable white OLEDs with a single solution processed EML fabricated using a self‐layered technique. An LT70 of 10 khr at an initial luminance of 1000 cd/m2 was obtained by suppressing the exciplex formation between the EML and ETL, preventing Li diffusion into the EMLs, and using red dopants with shallow LUMO levels and stable host materials.
Previous radiation for prostate neoplasm alters surgical and oncologic outcomes after rectal cancer surgery
Authors: Guandalino Marlène , Dupré Aurélien , François Marie , Leroy Bertrand , Antomarchi Olivier , Buc Emmanuel , Dubois Anne , Guy Laurent , Pezet Denis , Gagnière Johan
Published: October 2015

Background

Previous radiation for prostate cancer (PC) contra‐indicates neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy for rectal cancer (RC) because of risk of cumulative radiation dose toxicity. Postoperative outcomes after proctectomy have not been well studied in these patients who did not receive optimal treatment.

Methods

Eighty‐four consecutive male patients underwent surgery for stage II–III mid or low RC between 2002 and 2011. Patients who previously received radiation for PC (n = 8) and patients who had not previously undergone radiation for PC but who received neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy for RC (n = 64) were retrospectively compared.

Results

Previous radiation for PC was an independent factor that significantly increased intraoperative (25% vs. 1.6%, P = 0.002) and postoperative morbidities (62.5% vs. 28.1%, P = 0.028), anastomotic leakage (62.5% vs. 12.5%, P < 0.001) and definitive stoma rates (25% vs. 17.4%, P = 0.022). It significantly altered median overall survival (32.0 vs. 130.6 months, P = 0.05) and local recurrence‐free survival rates (14.0 months vs. “median not reached,” P = 0.016).

Conclusions

This is the first report of altered survival rates after proctectomy in patients who had previously received radiation for PC. Postoperative morbidity and definitive defunctioning stoma rates were significantly increased in these patients with poor prognoses. Therapeutic strategies should thus be individualized. Large, multicenter cohort studies are needed. J. Surg. Oncol. 2015;112:802–808. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Rapid extraction of dissolved inorganic carbon from seawater and groundwater samples for radiocarbon dating
Authors: Gospodinova K. , McNichol A. P. , Gagnon A. , Shah Walter S. R.
Published: October 2015

We designed and developed a system to efficiently extract dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) from seawater and groundwater samples for radiocarbon dating. The Rapid Extraction of Dissolved Inorganic Carbon System (REDICS) utilizes a gas‐permeable polymer membrane contactor to extract the DIC from an acidified water sample in the form of carbon dioxide (CO2), introduce it to a helium gas stream, cryogenically isolate it, and store it for stable and radiocarbon isotope analysis. The REDICS system offers multiple advantages to the DIC extraction method which has been used for the last several decades at the National Ocean Sciences Accelerator Mass Spectrometry Facility (NOSAMS) at the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, including faster DIC extraction, streamlined analysis, and minimized set‐up and prep time. The system was tested using sodium carbonate and seawater standards, duplicates of which were also processed on the water stripping line (WSL) at NOSAMS. The results demonstrate that the system successfully extracts, quantifies, and stores more than 99% of the DIC in less than 20 min. Stable and radiocarbon isotope analysis demonstrated system precision of 0.04‰ and 7.8‰, respectively. A Sargasso Sea depth profile was used to further validate the system. The results show high precision for both stable and radiocarbon analysis with pooled standard deviations of 0.02‰ and 5.6‰, respectively. A comparison between the REDICS and WSL analyses indicates a good accuracy for both stable and radio‐isotope analysis.
Diphenylphosphoryl‐Triazole‐Tethered, AIEE‐Type Conjugated Polymer as Optical Probe for Silver Ion in Relatively High‐Water‐Fraction Medium
Authors: Shi Wei , Sun Xinhua , Chen Xin , Zhao Shiyu , Xie Zhengfeng
Published: October 2015

A type of conjugated polymer (P3) with the feature of aggregation‐induced emission enhancement, and with diphenylphosphoryl‐triazole (DPPT) attachment, was successfully synthesized by Cu+‐catalyzed click postpolymerization. P3 displayed specific optical response toward Ag+ in organic/aqueous mixtures with relatively high‐water‐fraction ratio (VTHF/Vwater = 2:3). With the addition of Ag+, absorption profile of P3 exhibited obvious redshift (≈ 30 nm), accompanied by the decrease of absorbance and fluorescence (at ≈ 500 nm). As evaluated from the detailed fluorescence alteration of P3 against incremental Ag+, the detection limit of Ag+ reached ≈ 11 × 10−9m (3σ, S/N = 3). The presence of other common background metal ions brought insignificant interference for the Ag+ probing by P3. Further investigation revealed that the presence of DPPT segment played a key role for the detection of Ag+ by P3.

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A note on the substructural hierarchy
Authors: Jeřábek Emil
Published: October 2015

We prove that all axiomatic extensions of the full Lambek calculus with exchange can be axiomatized by formulas on the  level of the substructural hierarchy.
Anandamide‐induced endoplasmic reticulum stress and apoptosis are mediated by oxidative stress in non‐melanoma skin cancer: Receptor‐independent endocannabinoid signaling
Authors: Soliman Eman , Van Dross Rukiyah
Published: October 2015

Endocannabinoids are neuromodulatory lipids that regulate central and peripheral physiological functions. Endocannabinoids have emerged as effective antitumor drugs due to their ability to induce apoptosis in various cancer studies. The G‐protein coupled cannabinoid receptors (CB1 and CB2) and the TRPV1 ion channel were reported to mediate the antiproliferative activity of endocannabinoids. However, receptor‐independent effects also account for their activity. Our previous studies showed that the antiproliferative activity of anandamide (AEA) was regulated by cyclooxygenase‐2 (COX‐2) via induction of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. We also determined that AEA induced oxidative stress. However, the role of oxidative stress, the cannabinoid receptors, and TRPV1 in AEA‐induced ER stress‐apoptosis was unclear. Therefore, the current study examines the role of oxidative stress in ER stress‐apoptosis and investigates whether this effect is modulated by CB1, CB2, or TRPV1. In non‐melanoma skin cancer (NMSC) cells, AEA reduced the total intracellular level of glutathione and induced oxidative stress. To evaluate the importance of oxidative stress in AEA‐induced cell death, the antioxidants, N‐acetylcysteine (NAC) and Trolox, were utilized. Each antioxidant ameliorated the antiproliferative effect of AEA. Furthermore, Trolox inhibited AEA‐induced CHOP10 expression and caspase 3 activity, indicating that oxidative stress was required for AEA‐induced ER stress‐apoptosis. On the other hand, selective blockade of CB1, CB2, and TRPV1 did not inhibit AEA‐induced oxidative stress or ER stress‐apoptosis. These findings suggest that AEA‐induced ER stress‐apoptosis in NMSC cells is mediated by oxidative stress through a receptor‐independent mechanism. Hence, receptor‐independent AEA signaling pathways may be targeted to eliminate NMSC. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A Note on Managerial Delegation with Asymmetric and Convex Costs
Authors: Fanti Luciano , Meccheri Nicola
Published: October 2015

In this note, we investigate if the standard result by the managerial delegation literature, i.e., the sub‐game perfect Nash equilibrium is not Pareto‐optimal from the firms' viewpoint, still applies when asymmetric and convex costs are introduced into the analysis. In such a framework, the managerial delegation choice still represents a sub‐game Nash perfect equilibrium, but the more efficient firm may obtain higher profits provided that the degree of cost asymmetry between firms is sufficiently large. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Analysing changes to the spatial structures of precipitation and temperature under different ENSO phases in the Southeast and Midwest United States
Authors: Nam Won‐Ho , Baigorria Guillermo A.
Published: October 2015

The widespread influence of El Niño‐Southern Oscillation (ENSO) phases on regional climate is well known to contribute to climate anomalies around the world. Understanding the effects of climate variability given the ENSO phases is an important component to improve crop management and reduce climate risk due to potential changes in temperature and precipitation patterns. Recognizing the spatial structure in precipitation and temperature under different ENSO phases is fundamental for comprehensive environmental assessments through decisions and policies that consider climate variability at regional scales. The objective of this study was to investigate if there is evidence of changes to the spatial structure of precipitation and temperature associated with the three categories of ENSO phases: El Niño, La Niña and neutral years in two study areas, the Southeast (Alabama, Florida and Georgia) and the Midwest (Nebraska) United States. Daily data of maximum temperature, minimum temperatures and precipitation (1981–2010) from 407 weather stations were analysed. The spatial structure was measured by analysing the monthly correlation matrices calculated from daily observations. To determine the potential changes to spatial structures of precipitation and temperature, the spatial structure was compared with using the complete 30 year period divided by the three categories of the ENSO phases. The results showed statistically significant differences in the spatial structures of maximum and minimum temperature and precipitation (amount and distribution) among the different ENSO phases and between the combinations of two kinds of different ENSO phases. Statistically significant changes in spatial correlation at seasonal and monthly timescales among the different ENSO phases were also observed in both regions. The statistical differences were not uniform in both regions, and some region‐variable‐month combinations showed no significance. Knowledge of spatial structure among some combinations of different ENSO phases at each region would be useful to improve further applications of weather/climate data in other disciplines such as geo‐spatial weather generator.
Impact of active thermoregulation on the microcirculation of free flaps
Authors: Dornseifer Ulf , Fichter Andreas Max , Von Isenburg Sarah , Stergioula Sofia , Rondak Ina‐Christine , Ninkovic Milomir
Published: October 2015

Background

While it is a known fact that warming increases blood flow in healthy tissue, little is known about the impact of active thermoregulation on the altered microcirculation of free flaps. The objective of the study was to identify the impact of postoperative active thermoregulation on free flap microcirculation.

Methods

Tissue temperature was assessed in 25 free perforator flaps using an implanted probe. Active thermoregulation was achieved using a water circulation based system. Changes in microcirculation were evaluated at the day of surgery and throughout the first three postoperative days after passive cooling (room temperature), passive warming (wound dressing), active warming (38°C) and active cooling (15°C) using laser Doppler flowmetry and remission spectroscopy.

Results

Active warming increased flap temperature by 7.7% to 36.4°C ± 0.5°C in comparison to the initial values of flaps without dressing (P < 0.001). As a result, the blood flow increased by 77.7% of the base value (P < 0.001). A significant correlation between all microcirculation parameters and tissue temperature was observed with a 5.52 AU blood flow increase per degree temperature increase (r = 0.7; P < 0.001). All microcirculation parameters showed a statistically significant increase after both passive and active warming, whereby active warming showed significantly higher values than passive warming.

Conclusions

Active thermoregulation using water‐based circulation is an effective and safe procedure to improve microcirculation in free flaps and is superior to conventional passive warming strategies. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microsurgery 36:216–224, 2016.
Orientation dependence of microcirculation‐induced diffusion signal in anisotropic tissues
Authors: Abdullah Osama M. , Gomez Arnold David , Merchant Samer , Heidinger Michael , Poelzing Steven , Hsu Edward W.
Published: October 2015

Purpose

To seek a better understanding of the effect of organized capillary flow on the MR diffusion‐weighted signal.

Methods

A theoretical framework was proposed to describe the diffusion‐weighted MR signal, which was then validated both numerically using a realistic model of capillary network and experimentally in an animal model of isolated perfused heart preparation with myocardial blood flow verified by means of direct arterial spin labeling measurements.

Results

Microcirculation in organized tissues gave rise to an MR signal that could be described as a combination of the bi‐exponential behavior of conventional intravoxel incoherent motion (IVIM) theory and diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) ‐like anisotropy of the vascular signal, with the flow‐related pseudo diffusivity represented as the linear algebraic product between the encoding directional unit vector and an appropriate tensor entity. Very good agreement between theoretical predictions and both numerical and experimental observations were found.

Conclusion

These findings suggest that the DTI formalism of anisotropic spin motion can be incorporated into the classical IVIM theory to describe the MR signal arising from diffusion and microcirculation in organized tissues. Magn Reson Med 76:1252–1262, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Inactivation of TGFβ receptor II signalling in pancreatic epithelial cells promotes acinar cell proliferation, acinar‐to‐ductal metaplasia and fibrosis during pancreatitis
Authors: Grabliauskaite Kamile , Saponara Enrica , Reding Theresia , Bombardo Marta , Seleznik Gitta M , Malagola Ermanno , Zabel Anja , Faso Carmen , Sonda Sabrina , Graf Rolf
Published: October 2015

Determining signalling pathways that regulate pancreatic regeneration following pancreatitis is critical for implementing therapeutic interventions. In this study we elucidated the molecular mechanisms underlying the effects of transforming growth factor‐β (TGFβ) in pancreatic epithelial cells during tissue regeneration. To this end, we conditionally inactivated TGFβ receptor II (TGFβ‐RII) using a Cre–LoxP system under the control of pancreas transcription factor 1a (PTF1a) promoter, specific for the pancreatic epithelium, and evaluated the molecular and cellular changes in a mouse model of cerulein‐induced pancreatitis. We show that TGFβ‐RII signalling does not mediate the initial acinar cell damage observed at the onset of pancreatitis. However, TGFβ‐RII signalling not only restricts acinar cell replication during the regenerative phase of the disease but also limits ADM formation in vivo and in vitro in a cell‐autonomous manner. Analyses of molecular mechanisms underlying the observed phenotype revealed that TGFβ‐RII signalling stimulates the expression of cyclin‐dependent kinase inhibitors and intersects with the EGFR signalling axis. Finally, TGFβ‐RII ablation in epithelial cells resulted in increased infiltration of inflammatory cells in the early phases of pancreatitis and increased activation of pancreatic stellate cells in the later stages of pancreatitis, thus highlighting a TGFβ‐based crosstalk between epithelial and stromal cells regulating the development of pancreatic inflammation and fibrosis. Collectively, our data not only contribute to clarifying the cellular processes governing pancreatic tissue regeneration, but also emphasize the conserved role of TGFβ as a tumour suppressor, both in the regenerative process following pancreatitis and in the initial phases of pancreatic cancer. Copyright © 2015 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
An epithelial to mesenchymal transition programme does not usually drive the phenotype of invasive lobular carcinomas
Authors: McCart Reed Amy E , Kutasovic Jamie R , Vargas Ana C , Jayanthan Janani , Al‐Murrani Amel , Reid Lynne E , Chambers Rachael , Da Silva Leonard , Melville Lewis , Evans Elizabeth , Porter Alan , Papadimos David , Thompson Erik W , Lakhani Sunil R , Simpson Peter T
Published: October 2015

Epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a cellular phenotype switching phenomenon which occurs during normal development and is proposed to promote tumour cell invasive capabilities during tumour progression. Invasive lobular carcinoma (ILC) is a histological special type of breast cancer with a peculiar aetiology – the tumour cells display an invasive growth pattern, with detached, single cells or single files of cells, and a canonical feature is the loss of E‐cadherin expression. These characteristics are indicative of an EMT or at the very least that they represent some plasticity between phenotypes. While some gene expression profiling data support this view, the tumour cells remain epithelial and limited immunohistochemistry data suggest that EMT markers may not feature prominently in ILC. We assessed the expression of a panel of EMT markers (fibronectin, vimentin, N‐cadherin, smooth muscle actin, osteonectin, Snail, Twist) in 148 ILCs and performed a meta‐analysis of publically available molecular data from 154 ILCs. Three out of 148 (2%) ILCs demonstrated an early and coordinated alteration of multiple EMT markers (down‐regulation of E‐cadherin, nuclear TWIST, and up‐regulation of vimentin, osteonectin, and smooth muscle actin). However, the data overall do not support a role for EMT in defining the phenotypic peculiarities of the majority of ILCs. Copyright © 2015 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Pushing the limits of concentrated photovoltaic solar cell tunnel junctions in novel high‐efficiency GaAs phototransducers based on a vertical epitaxial heterostructure architecture
Authors: Masson Denis , Proulx Francine , Fafard Simon
Published: October 2015

A monolithic compound semiconductor phototransducer optimized for narrow‐band light sources was designed for achieving conversion efficiencies exceeding 50%. The III‐V heterostructure was grown by metal‐organic chemical vapor deposition, based on the vertical stacking of 5 partially absorbing GaAs n/p junctions connected in series with tunnel junctions. The thicknesses of the p‐type base layers of the diodes were engineered for optimal absorption and current matching for an optical input with wavelengths centered near 830 nm. Devices with active areas of ~3.4 mm2 were fabricated and tested with different emitter gridline spacings. The open circuit voltage (Voc) of the electrical output is five times or more than that of a single GaAs n/p junction under similar illumination. The device architecture allows for improved Voc generation in the individual base segments because of efficient carrier extraction while simultaneously maintaining a complete absorption of the input photons with no needs for complicated fabrication processes or reflecting layers. With illumination powers in the range of a few 100 mW, the measured fill factor (FF) varied between 88 and 89%, and the Voc reached over 5.75 V. The data also demonstrated that a proper combination of highly doped emitter and window layers without gridlines is adequate for sustaining such FF values for optical input powers of several hundred milliwatts. As the optical input power is further increased and approaches 2 W (intensities ~58 W/cm2), the multiple tunnel junctions sequentially exceed their peak current densities in the case for which typical (n++)GaInP/ (p++)AlGaAs concentrated photovoltaic tunnel junctions are used. Lower bandgap tunnel junctions designed with improved peak current densities result in phototransducer devices having high FF and conversion efficiencies for up to 5 W optical input powers (intensities ~144 W/cm2). Measurements at different temperatures revealed a Voc reduction of −6 mV/°C at ~59 W/cm2. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A New Method for Determining the Vapor Pressure of Nitroglycerine Above Solid Rocket Propellants
Authors: Tunnell Ruth , Tod Dave
Published: October 2015

Measuring the vapor pressure of compounds such as nitroglycerine (NG) which have a low volatility has not been a straightforward task in the past. There are a wide range of values in the literature for the vapor pressure of NG and furthermore, there is little information regarding the vapor pressure of this compound above solid rocket propellant formulations. We have devised a new method for determining the vapor pressure of NG both above the pure material and solids containing this nitrate ester. The values obtained for pure liquid NG are in good agreement with some previously published values. It was also found that the vapor pressure of this compound is slightly lowered when it is incorporated into solid rocket propellant formulations.
The thermal scalar and random walks in curved spacetime
Authors: Mertens Thomas G. , Verschelde Henri , Zakharov Valentin I.
Published: October 2015

The curved space generalization of near‐Hagedorn string thermodynamics is discussed in terms of the thermal scalar mode. This mode singly winds the compact time direction and represents the most dominating state near the Hagedorn temperature. We discuss the random walk picture in a curved background and its relation to the thermal scalar. Then we apply this formalism to the thermal gas near black hole horizons, where a long random walking string is found at string length from the black hole horizon, in agreement with Susskind's picture of the stretched membrane.
Investigation of optical parameters of thermally evaporated ZnSe thin films
Authors: Güllü H. H. , Coşkun E. , Parlak M.
Published: October 2015

In this work, zinc selenide (ZnSe) thin films were deposited by thermal evaporation method using pure elemental (Zn and Se) sources. The physical properties of the films have been investigated in terms of the structural and optical characterizations depending on the post‐annealing process under nitrogen atmosphere in the temperature between 300 and 500 °C for 30 min. The structural and compositional analyses were carried out by means of X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDS). The compositional ana‐ lysis indicated that the deposited films were nearly stoichiometric whereas there was a decrease in Se and increase in the Zn contents. This implies the segregation and/or re‐evaporation of Se atoms from the thin film structure. The optical characteristics were studied by using the room temperature transmission measurements. The analysis of transmission values showed that the band gap values changed in between 2.38 and 2.62 eV depending on the annealing temperatures. (© 2015 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Comparative study of SnS recrystallization in molten CdI2, SnCl2and KI
Authors: Timmo Kristi , Kauk‐Kuusik Marit , Pilvet Maris , Mikli Valdek , Kärber Erki , Raadik Taavi , Leinemann Inga , Altosaar Mare , Raudoja Jaan
Published: October 2015

In the present study, the recrystallization of polycrystalline SnS in different molten salts CdI2, SnCl2 and KI as flux materials are presented. The recrystallization and growth of polycrystalline material in molten salts produces unique SnS monograin powders usable in monograin layer solar cells. XRD and Raman analysis revealed that single phase SnS powder can be obtained in KI at 740 °C and in SnCl2 at 500 °C. Long time heating of SnS in molten CdI2 was accompanied by chemical interaction between SnS and CdI2 that resulted in a mixture of CdS and Sn2S3 crystals. SEM images showed that morphology of crystals can be controlled by the nature of the flux materials: needle‐like Sn2S3 together with round edged crystals of CdS in CdI2, flat crystals of SnS with smooth surfaces in SnCl2 and well‐formed SnS crystals with rounded edges in KI had been formed. The temperatures of phase transitions and/or the interactions of SnS and flux materials were determined by differential thermal analysis. (© 2015 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Predicting the energy yield of a photovoltaic system from an individual photovoltaic module
Authors: Şentürk Ali , Eke Rustu
Published: October 2015

In this study, energy yield of a photovoltaic (PV) system is predicted from the output peak power of an individual PV module. Measured energy yield of an individual back contact single crystalline silicon PV module is scaled with total number of PV module within the PV array to calculate the energy yield. Regarding the conversion efficiency of the inverter in the PV system, calculated and measured energy yield of PV system were compared for selected dates. To confirm the accuracy of the proposed model, days with clear and cloudy irradiation profile were selected from August and November. The difference between calculated and measured energy yield of PV array were found to be insignificant. Thus, current method which is straightforward, feasible and reliable to predict the energy yield of PV array using just an individual PV module. (© 2015 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Synthesis of MAPbBr3‐iYi (Y=I, Cl and i=0, 1, 2, 3) thin film perovskites
Authors: Vega Erika , Mollar Miguel , Marí Bernabé
Published: October 2015

Methylammonium lead halide perovskites with different halides (iodide, bromide and chloride) have been synthetized from methylamine, lead nitrate and the corresponding hydroX acid (X = I, Br, Cl) precursors. Subsequently MAPbBr3‐iYi (Y = I, Cl; i=0, 1, 2, 3) perovskites were deposited as thin films onto FTO substrates by spin coating or dipping. Thin film perovskites were then characterized by X‐Ray Diffraction, elemental analysis and optical spectrometry. Crystallites' sizes are between 100‐600 nm depending on the synthesis temperature. All synthetized MAPbX3‐iYi perovskites crystallized in the same cubic phase irrespective of the X and Y components and a unique phase is observed. Elemental analysis shows that in all cases the atomic components meet the expected stoichiometric formulae. The bandgap of thin film MAPbX3‐iYi perovskites were inferred from transmittance and reflectance spectral measurements. It is found that the onset of the absorption edge for thin film MAPbX3 perovskites is about 1.66, 2.55 and 3.37 eV for X= I, Br, Cl, respectively and it reaches intermediate values for mixed MAPbX3‐iYi perovskites. (© 2015 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Study of intersystem crossing mechanism in organic materials
Authors: Ompong David , Singh Jai
Published: October 2015

Intersystem crossing rate from singlet excited state to triplet excited state of an organic molecule has been derived using exciton‐spin‐orbit‐molecular vibration interaction as a perturbation operator. Incorporation of heavy metal atom enhances the spin‐orbit interaction and hence the intersystem crossing rate because it depends on the square of the heaviest atomic number. We found that in the presence of heavy atom the singlet‐triplet energy difference still plays an influential role in the intersystem crossing process. The derived exciton‐spin‐orbit‐molecular vibration interaction operator flips the spin of the singlet exciton to triplet exciton after photoexcitaion from the singlet ground state with the assistance of molecular vibrational energy. From this operator an expression for the intersystem crossing rate is derived and calculated in some organic solids. (© 2016 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Optoelectronic properties of OLEDs based on CdSe/ZnS quantum dots and F8BT
Authors: Borriello C. , Prontera C. T. , Mansour Sh. A. , Aprano S. , Maglione M. G. , Bruno A. , Luccio T. Di , Minarini C.
Published: October 2015

We report our work about OLED devices where the emissive layer is based on CdSe/ZnS quantum dots (QDs) combined with poly[(9,9‐di‐n‐octylfluorenyl‐2,7‐diyl)‐alt‐(benzo[2,1,3]thiadiazol‐4,8‐diyl)] (F8BT) in two different ways: blends at various QDs concentrations and sequential deposition of QDs and F8BT layers. The fluorescence of the blends presents a wide emission in the range (500‐700) nm due to the combination of fluorescence by the polymer (maximum at 540 nm) and QDs (maximum at 634 nm). Among the layered structures, the fluorescence emission by the QDs substantially contributes to the spectrum only for the F8BT/QDs bilayer. The OLEDs devices realized with the blend at 15 wt% of QDs show the highest luminance respect to all the devices, and threshold voltage values similar to the neat polymer device. (© 2015 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)