bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analysis of ground‐based 222Rn measurements over Spain: Filling the gap in southwestern Europe
Authors: Grossi C. , Àgueda A. , Vogel F. R. , Vargas A. , Zimnoch M. , Wach P. , Martín J. E. , López‐Coto I. , Bolívar J. P. , Morguí J. A. , Rodó X.
Published: September 2016

Harmonized atmospheric 222Rn observations are required by the scientific community: these data have been lacking in southern Europe. We report on three recently established ground‐based atmospheric 222Rn monitoring stations in Spain. We characterize the variability of atmospheric 222Rn concentrations at each of these stations in relation to source strengths, local, and regional atmospheric processes. For the study, measured atmospheric 222Rn concentrations, estimated 222Rn fluxes, and regional footprint analysis have been used. In addition, the atmospheric radon monitor operating at each station has been compared to a 222Rn progeny monitor. Annual means of 222Rn concentrations at Gredos (GIC3), Delta de l'Ebre (DEC3), and Huelva (UHU) stations were 17.3 ± 2.0 Bq m−3, 5.8 ± 0.8 Bq m−3, and 5.1 ± 0.7 Bq m−3, respectively. The GIC3 station showed high 222Rn concentration differences during the day and by seasons. The coastal station DEC3 presented background concentrations typical of the region, except when inland 222Rn‐rich air masses are transported into the deltaic area. The highest 222Rn concentrations at UHU station were observed when local recirculation facilitates accumulation of 222Rn from nearby source represented by phosphogypsum piles. Results of the comparison performed between monitors revealed that the performance of the direct radon monitor is not affected by meteorological conditions, whereas the 222Rn progeny monitor seems to underestimate 222Rn concentrations under saturated atmospheric conditions. Initial findings indicate that the monitor responses seem to be in agreement for unsaturated atmospheric conditions but a further long‐term comparison study will be needed to confirm this result.
Exhumation history along the eastern Amundsen Sea coast, West Antarctica, revealed by low‐temperature thermochronology
Authors: Lindow Julia , Kamp Peter J. J. , Mukasa Samuel B. , Kleber Michel , Lisker Frank , Gohl Karsten , Kuhn Gerhard , Spiegel Cornelia
Published: September 2016

West Antarctica experienced a complex tectonic history, which is still poorly documented, in part due to extensive ice cover. Here we reconstruct the Cretaceous to present thermotectonic history of Pine Island Bay area and its adjacent coasts, based on a combination of apatite and zircon fission track and apatite (U‐Th‐Sm)/He thermochronology. In addition, we report petrographic information for the catchments of Pine Island, Thurston Island, and Thwaites glaciers. Our data suggest that the underlying bedrock of the Pine Island and Thwaites Glacier catchments are very different and vary from granitoids to (Cenozoic?) volcanogenic sequences and low‐grade metamorphics. Our thermochronology data show that the upper crustal rocks of Pine Island Bay experienced very rapid cooling during the late Cretaceous. We attribute this rapid cooling of basement rocks and associated reduction in mean elevation to tectonic denudation driven by gravitational collapse of the Cretaceous orogen along the proto‐Pacific Gondwana margin. Rapid Cretaceous crustal cooling was followed by very slow cooling during the Cenozoic, with no erosional response—within the limits of thermochronological methods—to the onset of glaciation and subsequent climatic changes. Cenozoic rifting within the West Antarctic Rift appears to have had little effect on erosion processes around Pine Island Bay; instead, our data suggest Cenozoic crustal tilting toward Pine Island Trough, a major geomorphic feature previously suggested to be a branch of the rift system.
A new technique for measuring the bed surface texture during flow and application to a degradational sand‐gravel laboratory experiment
Authors: Orrú Clara , Blom Astrid , Chavarrías Victor , Ferrara Velia , Stecca Guglielmo
Published: September 2016

We present a new image analysis technique for measuring the grain size distribution (texture) of the bed surface during flow in a laboratory experiment. A camera and a floating device are connected to a carriage used to take images of the bed surface over the entire flume length. The image analysis technique, which is based on color segmentation, provides detailed data on spatial and temporal changes of the areal fraction content of each grain size at the bed surface. The technique was applied in a laboratory experiment conducted to examine a degradational reach composed of a well sorted two‐fraction mixture of sand and gravel. The initial bed consisted of an upstream reach that was characterized by an imposed stepwise fining pattern (the bimodal reach) and a downstream sand reach. A lack of sediment supply and partial transport conditions led to the formation of a static armor in the bimodal reach, which resulted in a more abrupt spatial transition in the bed surface mean grain size. The associated spatial transition in slope led to a backwater effect over the bimodal reach, a streamwise reduction in sand mobility, and so a static armor that was governed by a downstream fining pattern. Although a morphodynamic equilibrium state under steady flow is generally characterized by normal flow, here the partial transport regime prevented the bed from adjusting toward normal flow conditions and the morphodynamic steady state was governed by a backwater. We applied a numerical morphodynamic sand‐gravel model to reproduce the laboratory experiment. The numerical model captured the hydrodynamic and morphodynamic adjustment and the static armor well, yet the armoring occurred too slowly. Although the final configuration of the experiment shows features of a gravel‐sand transition (i.e., a sudden transition in slope and mean grain size), we are hesitant to claim similarities between our results and the physical mechanisms governing a gravel‐sand transition in the field.
Unifying catchment water balance models for different time scales through the maximum entropy production principle
Authors: Zhao Jianshi , Wang Dingbao , Yang Hanbo , Sivapalan Murugesu
Published: September 2016

The paper presents a thermodynamic basis for water balance partitioning at the catchment scale, through formulation of flux‐force relationships for the constituent hydrological processes, leading to the derivation of optimality conditions that satisfy the principle of Maximum Entropy Production (MEP). Application of these optimality principles at three different time scales leads to the derivation of water balance equations that mimic widely used, empirical models, i.e., Budyko‐type model over long‐term scale, the “abcd” model at monthly scale, and the SCS model at the event scale. The applicability of MEP in each case helps to draw connections between the water balances at the three different time scales, and to demonstrate a common thermodynamic basis for the otherwise empirical water balance models. In particular, it is concluded that the long time scale Budyko‐type model and the event scale SCS model are both special cases of the monthly “abcd” model.
Analytical solutions of seawater intrusion in sloping confined and unconfined coastal aquifers
Authors: Lu Chunhui , Xin Pei , Kong Jun , Li Ling , Luo Jian
Published: September 2016

Sloping coastal aquifers in reality are ubiquitous and well documented. Steady state sharp‐interface analytical solutions for describing seawater intrusion in sloping confined and unconfined coastal aquifers are developed based on the Dupuit‐Forchheimer approximation. Specifically, analytical solutions based on the constant‐flux inland boundary condition are derived by solving the discharge equation for the interface zone with the continuity conditions of the head and flux applied at the interface between the freshwater zone and the interface zone. Analytical solutions for the constant‐head inland boundary are then obtained by developing the relationship between the inland freshwater flux and hydraulic head and combining this relationship with the solutions of the constant‐flux inland boundary. It is found that for the constant‐flux inland boundary, the shape of the saltwater interface is independent of the geometry of the bottom confining layer for both aquifer types, despite that the geometry of the bottom confining layer determines the location of the interface tip. This is attributed to that the hydraulic head at the interface is identical to that of the coastal boundary, so the shape of the bed below the interface is irrelevant to the interface position. Moreover, developed analytical solutions with an empirical factor on the density factor are in good agreement with the results of variable‐density flow numerical modeling. Analytical solutions developed in this study provide a powerful tool for assessment of seawater intrusion in sloping coastal aquifers as well as in coastal aquifers with a known freshwater flux but an arbitrary geometry of the bottom confining layer.
Respiratory training in an individual with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Authors: Tabor Lauren C. , Rosado Karen M. , Robison Raele , Hegland Karen , Humbert Ianessa A. , Plowman Emily K.
Published: September 2016

We examined the impact of expiratory muscle strength training on maximum expiratory pressure, cough spirometry, and disease progression in a 71‐year‐old male with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Maximum expiratory pressure declined 9% over an 8‐week sham training period, but subsequently improved by 102% following 8 weeks of expiratory muscle strength training. Improvements in cough spirometry and mitigated disease progression were also observed post expiratory muscle strength training. Improvements in maximum expiratory pressures were maintained 6 months following expiratory muscle strength training and were 79% higher than baseline data obtained 301 days prior. In this spinal‐onset amyotrophic lateral sclerosis patient, respiratory training improved subglottic air pressure generation and sequential cough generation.
Rapid number naming in chronic concussion: eye movements in the King–Devick test
Authors: Rizzo John‐Ross , Hudson Todd E. , Dai Weiwei , Birkemeier Joel , Pasculli Rosa M. , Selesnick Ivan , Balcer Laura J. , Galetta Steven L. , Rucker Janet C.
Published: September 2016

Objective

The King–Devick (KD) test, which is based on rapid number naming speed, is a performance measure that adds vision and eye movement assessments to sideline concussion testing. We performed a laboratory‐based study to characterize ocular motor behavior during the KD test in a patient cohort with chronic concussion to identify features associated with prolonged KD reading times.

Methods

Twenty‐five patients with a concussion history (mean age: 31) were compared to control participants with no concussion history (n = 42, mean age: 32). Participants performed a computerized KD test under infrared‐based video‐oculography.

Results

Average intersaccadic intervals for task‐specific saccades were significantly longer among concussed patients compared to controls (324.4 ± 85.6 msec vs. 286.1 ± 49.7 msec, P = 0.027). Digitized KD reading times were prolonged in concussed participants versus controls (53.43 ± 14.04 sec vs. 43.80 ± 8.55 sec, P = 0.004) and were highly correlated with intersaccadic intervals. Concussion was also associated with a greater number of saccades during number reading and larger average deviations of saccade endpoint distances from the centers of the to‐be‐read numbers (1.22 ± 0.29° vs. 0.98 ± 0.27°, P = 0.002). There were no differences in saccade peak velocity, duration, or amplitude.

Interpretation

Prolonged intersaccadic intervals, greater numbers of saccades, and larger deviations of saccade endpoints underlie prolonged KD reading times in chronic concussion. The KD test relies upon a diffuse neurocognitive network that mediates the fine control of efferent visual function. One sequela of chronic concussion may be disruption of this system, which may produce deficits in spatial target selection and planning of eye movements.
Clinical and biophysical characterization of 19 GJB1 mutations
Authors: Tsai Pei‐Chien , Yang De‐Ming , Liao Yi‐Chu , Chiu Tai‐Yu , Kuo Hung‐Chou , Su Yu‐Ping , Guo Yuh‐Cherng , Soong Bing‐Wen , Lin Kon‐Ping , Liu Yo‐Tsen , Lee Yi‐Chung
Published: September 2016

Objective

Charcot–Marie–Tooth disease type X1 (CMTX1), which is caused by mutations in the gap junction (GJ) protein beta‐1 gene (GJB1), is the second most common form of Charcot–Marie–Tooth disease (CMT). GJB1 encodes the GJ beta‐1 protein (GJB1), which forms GJs within the myelin sheaths of peripheral nerves. The process by which GJB1 mutants cause neuropathy has not been fully elucidated. This study evaluated the biophysical characteristics of GJB1 mutants and their correlations with the clinical features of CMTX1 patients.

Methods

All patients with a validated GJB1 mutation were assessed using the Charcot–Marie–Tooth disease neuropathy score version 2 (CMTNS). The impacts of the mutations on the biophysical functions of GJB1 were characterized by assessing intracellular localization, expression patterns, and GJ Ca2+ permeability.

Result

Nineteen GJB1 mutations were identified in 24 patients with a clinical diagnosis of CMT. Six are novel mutations: p.L6S, p.I20F, p.I101Rfs*8, p.F153L, p.R215P, and p.D278V. Diverse pathological effects of the mutations were demonstrated, including reduced GJB1 expression, intracellular mislocalization, and altered GJ functions. GJB1 mutations that caused a complete loss of GJ Ca2+ permeability appeared to be associated with an earlier disease onset, whereas those resulting in preservation of GJ permeability and with predominant cell membrane expression tended to have a later onset and a milder phenotype.

Interpretation

This study demonstrated that the degree of loss of GJ function caused by the GJB1 mutations might contribute to the onset and severity of neuropathic symptoms in CMTX1.
Electrically Actuated Hydraulic Solids
Authors: Lipton Jeffrey Ian , Angle Sarah , Banai Rona Elinor , Peretz Eliad , Lipson Hod
Published: September 2016

The authors introduce a new class of electrically‐actuated soft materials. Electro‐active hydraulic solids (EAHSs) are comprised of numerous microscale phase change capsules embedded inside a conductive elastomer matrix which replicate traditional wax actuators in a massively parallel fashion. EAHS can generate forces and stress densities that exceed traditional electroactive actuators. For example, a 14 mm diameter 50 mm long cylinder can generate 4 500 N force and have over 3% strain. The authors describe a simple method for fabricating EAHS and demonstrate their compatibility with a wide range of manufacturing processes including additive manufacturing, subtractive manufacturing, and forming.
Local Release of Paclitaxel from Aligned, Electrospun Microfibers Promotes Axonal Extension
Authors: Roman Jose A. , Reucroft Ian , Martin Russell A. , Hurtado Andres , Mao Hai‐Quan
Published: September 2016

Traumatic spinal cord injuries ultimately result in an inhibitory environment that prevents axonal regeneration from occurring. A low concentration administration of paclitaxel has been previously shown to promote axonal extension and attenuate the upregulation of inhibitory molecules after a spinal cord injury. In this study, paclitaxel is incorporated into electrospun poly(l‐lactic acid) (PLA) microfibers, and it is established that a local release of paclitaxel from aligned, electrospun microfibers promotes neurite extension in a growth‐conducive and inhibitory environment. Isolated dorsal root ganglion cells are cultured for 5 d directly on tissue culture polystyrene surface, PLA film, random, or aligned electrospun PLA microfibers (1.44 ± 0.03 μm) with paclitaxel incorporated at various concentrations (0%–5.0% w/w in reference to fiber weight). To determine the effect of a local release of paclitaxel, paclitaxel‐loaded microfibers are placed in CellCrown inserts above cultured neurons. Average neurite extension rate is quantified for each sample. A local release of paclitaxel maintains neuronal survival and neurite extension in a concentration‐dependent manner when coupled with aligned microfibers when cultured on laminin or an inhibitory surface of aggrecan. The findings provide a targeted approach to improve axonal extension across the inhibitory environment present after a traumatic injury in the spinal cord.
The Interaction between Soft Interfaces: Forces and Structural Aspects
Authors: Schneck Emanuel
Published: September 2016

Soft interfaces constituted by two‐dimensional molecular layers play important roles in numerous technological applications and are major components of all biological matter, for example in the form of biomembranes. The mutual interaction between such interfaces often crucially influences their function as well as the structural organization of the entities they form. The forces acting between two soft interfaces in liquids not only depend on their chemical properties, like charge density or hydrophilicity. They are often also closely connected to the structural response of the interfaces to their interaction, for instance in terms of molecular conformations or ion distributions. This interplay renders the description of the interaction between soft or chemically complex interfaces challenging. In the present article, various experimental and theoretical approaches to the study of interacting soft interfaces are reviewed with a focus on structural aspects.
A Facile Self‐Templated Approach for the Synthesis of Pt Hollow Nanospheres with Enhanced Electrocatalytic Activity
Authors: Li Fu‐Min , Zhai Ya‐Nan , Wu Zhu‐Qing , Li Shu‐Ni , Lee Jong‐Min
Published: September 2016

In this work, the well‐defined Pt hollow nanospheres with the rough porous surface are synthesized by a facile self‐templated approach. The formation of the spherical Pt(II)‐urea complex plays a key role in the generation of Pt hollow nanospheres. Sodium formate is employed as the suitable reducing agent for reducing Pt(II)‐urea complexes. The hollow structure and the rough porous surface with abundant atomic defects are confirmed by scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy, respectively. The CO‐stripping experiment reveals that these abundant atomic defects effectually enhance the electrocatalytic activity of the Pt hollow nanospheres for the CO oxidation reaction. Moreover, the low activation energy of the ethanol oxidation reaction (EOR) on the Pt hollow nanospheres indicates that the hollow structure and the rough porous surface are beneficial kinetically for the EOR in alkaline media. Compared with commercial Pt black, the as‐prepared Pt hollow nanospheres show the enhanced electrocatalytic activity and stability for the EOR in alkaline media. In view of the enhanced catalytic activity and the facile self‐templated approach, the Pt hollow nanospheres may be a new promising electrocatalyst for alkaline direct ethanol fuel cells.
Improving the Performance of a CH3NH3PbBr3 Perovskite Microrod Laser through Hybridization with Few‐Layered Graphene
Authors: Zhang Chen , Wang Kaiyang , Yi Ningbo , Gao Yisheng , Zhu Maoxia , Sun Wenzhao , Liu Shuai , Xu Ke , Xiao Shumin , Song Qinghai
Published: September 2016

Lead halide perovskite micro‐ and nanolasers have been thoroughly studied in past two years. Record low threshold and high Q factor have been demonstrated in perovskite nanorods. However, most of the researches are focusing on the observations of lasing actions. The performances of perovskite microlasers at high excitation power, which are supposed to be more important in applications such as displays and laser sources, have not been studied. Herein the perovskite microlasers have been studied at high pumping density and the mechanism to improve their performances has been explored. Different from the typical gain saturation, the perovskite microlaser shows a flat or a negative power slope at high pumping density and its total output power is thus limited. By transferring CH3NH3PbBr3 perovskite microrod onto a few‐layered graphene slice, it is found that the total output intensity has been significantly enhanced more than four times and the threshold is reduced around 20%. The following experiments show that the improvements are attributed to the electron acceptor property of graphene and the long carrier diffusion length. As the electrons are attracted by graphene, the electrons and holes are separated in different regions in the hybrid perovskite/graphene system and thus the Auger recombination at high pumping power can be dramatically reduced. The finding of this study will be important not only for the perovskite lasers but also for other semiconductor lasers.
Palladium on Carbon‐Catalyzed C−H Amination for Synthesis of Carbazoles and its Mechanistic Study
Authors: Monguchi Yasunari , Okami Hiroki , Ichikawa Tomohiro , Nozaki Kei , Maejima Toshihide , Oumi Yasunori , Sawama Yoshinari , Sajiki Hironao
Published: September 2016

10% Palladium on carbon (10% Pd/C) successfully catalyzed the intramolecular C−H amination of various N‐mesylated 2‐aminobiphenyls in the presence of a catalytic amount of pyridine N‐oxide in heated dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) under an oxygen atmosphere to afford the corresponding N‐mesylcarbazoles. The reaction would proceed via a single‐electron transfer process based on its significant suppression by the addition of a single‐electron scavenger, tetracyanoquinodimethane (TCNQ), and the substituents on the aromatic rings of the substrate have an insignificant effect on the reaction progress.

magnified image
High‐Pressure‐Mediated Asymmetric Organocatalytic Hydroxyalkylation of Indoles with Trifluoromethyl Ketones
Authors: Kasztelan Adrian , Biedrzycki Michał , Kwiatkowski Piotr
Published: September 2016

An enantioselective hydroxyalkylation of indoles and 7‐azaindole with trifluoromethyl ketones was found to be effectively promoted under high‐pressure conditions with a low loading of Cinchona alkaloids (e.g., 1–3 mol% of cinchonidine). Chiral tertiary alcohols containing a trifluoromethyl group were obtained at 9 kbar with good yield and enantioselectivity up to 89%, whereas usually merely traces of products were detected at atmospheric pressure.

magnified image
Guidable Thermophoretic Janus Micromotors Containing Gold Nanocolorifiers for Infrared Laser Assisted Tissue Welding
Authors: He Wenping , Frueh Johannes , Hu Narisu , Liu Liping , Gai Meiyu , He Qiang
Published: September 2016

Current wound sealing systems such as nanoparticle‐based gluing of tissues allow almost immediate wound sealing. The assistance of a laser beam allows the wound sealing with higher controllability due to the collagen fiber melting which is defined by loss of tertiary protein structure and restoration upon cooling. Usually one employs dyes to paint onto the wound, if water absorption bands are absent. In case of strong bleeding or internal wounds such applications are not feasible due to low welding depth in case of water absorption bands, dyes washing off, or the dyes becoming diluted within the wound. One possible solution of these drawbacks is to use autonomously movable particles composing of biocompatible gold and magnetite nanoparticles and biocompatible polyelectrolyte complexes. In this paper a proof of principle study is presented on the utilization of thermophoretic Janus particles and capsules employed as dyes for infrared laser‐assisted tissue welding. This approach proves to be efficient in sealing the wound on the mouse in vivo. The temperature measurement of single particle level proves successful photothermal heating, while the mechanical characterizations of welded liver, skin, and meat confirm mechanical restoration of the welded biological samples.
Household resources and seasonal patterns of child growth in rural Timor‐Leste
Authors: Spencer Phoebe R. , Sanders Katherine A. , Canisio Amaral Pedro , Judge Debra S.
Published: September 2016

Objectives

This study aimed to determine through detailed contextual investigation the effects of seasonal resource shortages, and household and individual level differences, on child growth in rural Timor‐Leste. We compared trends in growth across two rural Timorese villages with different ecologies.

Methods

Heads of 104 households in Natarbora, Timor‐Leste, were interviewed and resource levels assessed during the food shortage season. In these households, 337 children were measured for height, weight, and mid‐upper arm circumference. World Health Organization standardized measures were calculated and compared with dry season measurements. Using hierarchical linear models, child growth was related to household resource levels. Results were then compared to data from rural mountainous Ossu, Timor‐Leste.

Results

z BMI declined over the wet season when food resources were scarce compared with the dry season (P < .001). Both age and sex were strong predictors of child growth, with older children having worse z height‐for‐age (P = .001) and z weight‐for‐age (P < .001) and boys shorter for age than girls (P = .049). Children were taller in households with modern flushable toilets (P = .005). Agricultural strategies such as crop diversity and land cultivation were linked to child growth. Results parallel findings from Ossu on the effects of season, child age and sex, but not household level socioeconomic differences.

Conclusions

Results highlight the importance of subsistence‐based resource stabilization and of early intervention to prevent growth faltering. Predicting growth using ecological models requires small‐scale investigation, as variation exists among rural areas within an ecologically and culturally diverse country.
Impact of 9/11‐related chronic conditions and PTSD comorbidity on early retirement and job loss among World Trade Center disaster rescue and recovery workers
Authors: Yu Shengchao , Brackbill Robert M. , Locke Sean , Stellman Steven D. , Gargano Lisa M.
Published: September 2016

Background

The economic impact of the 9/11 terrorist attacks has rarely been studied. We examined the association between 9/11‐related chronic health conditions with or without post‐traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and one important aspect of the economic impact, retirement, and job loss before age 60.

Methods

A total of 7,662 workers who participated in the World Trade Center Health Registry surveys were studied. Logistic regression models examined the association of 9/11‐related health and labor force exit.

Results

Workers with chronic conditions were more likely to experience early retirement and job loss, and the association was stronger in the presence of PTSD comorbidity: the odds ratios for reporting early retirement or job loss were increased considerably when chronic conditions were comorbid with PTSD.

Conclusions

Disaster‐related health burden directly impacts premature labor force exit and income. Future evaluation of disaster outcome should include its long‐term impact on labor force. Am. J. Ind. Med. 59:731–741, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Biomarkers of patient intrinsic risk for upper and lower airway injury after exposure to the World Trade Center atrocity
Authors: Zeig‐Owens Rachel , Nolan Anna , Putman Barbara , Singh Ankura , Prezant David J. , Weiden Michael D.
Published: September 2016

Background

High rates of upper and lower airways disease have occurred in Fire Department of the City of New York (FDNY) workers exposed to the World Trade Center (WTC) disaster site. Most experienced acute declines in pulmonary function, and some continued to experience decline over 14 years of follow‐up. Similarly, some with rhinosinusitis had symptoms requiring sinus surgery.

Aim

To increase generalizability of biomarker investigation, we describe biomarkers of risk for upper and lower airway injury that do not require stored serum.

Methods

We review WTC biomarker literature.

Results

Cytokines expressed in stored serum from the first 6 months post‐9/11 can identify individuals at higher risk for future abnormal pulmonary function.

Conclusion

This research will help identify individuals at high risk of lung and sinus disease that develop after these, or future, irritant exposures for intensive monitoring and treatment. It may also identify targets for effective therapeutic interventions. Am. J. Ind. Med. 59:788–794, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Effect of asthma and PTSD on persistence and onset of gastroesophageal reflux symptoms among adults exposed to the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks
Authors: Li Jiehui , Brackbill Robert M. , Jordan Hannah T. , Cone James E. , Farfel Mark R. , Stellman Steven D.
Published: September 2016

Background

Little is known about the direction of causality among asthma, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and onset of gastroesophageal reflux symptoms (GERS) after exposure to the 9/11/2001 World Trade Center (WTC) disaster.

Methods

Using data from the WTC Health Registry, we investigated the effects of early diagnosed post‐9/11 asthma and PTSD on the late onset and persistence of GERS using log‐binomial regression, and examined whether PTSD mediated the asthma‐GERS association using structural equation modeling.

Results

Of 29,406 enrollees, 23% reported GERS at follow‐up in 2011–2012. Early post‐9/11 asthma and PTSD were each independently associated with both the persistence of GERS that was present at baseline and the development of GERS in persons without a prior history. PTSD mediated the association between early post‐9/11 asthma and late‐onset GERS.

Conclusions

Clinicians should assess patients with post‐9/11 GERS for comorbid asthma and PTSD, and plan medical care for these conditions in an integrated fashion. Am. J. Ind. Med. 59:805–814, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The prevalence of metabolic syndrome among law enforcement officers who responded to the 9/11 World Trade Center attacks
Authors: Moline Jacqueline M. , McLaughlin Mary Ann , Sawit Simonette T. , Maceda Cynara , Croft Lori B. , Goldman Martin E. , Garcia Mario J. , Iyengar Rupa L. , Woodward Mark
Published: September 2016

Background

Law enforcement officers (LEOs) experience high rates of cardiovascular events compared with the general US population. Metabolic syndrome (MetS) confers an increased risk of cardiovascular disease and all‐cause mortality. Data regarding MetS among LEOs are limited.

Methods

We sought to determine the prevalence of MetS and its associated risk factors as well as gender differences among LEOs who participated in the World Trade Center (WTC) Law Enforcement Cardiovascular Screening (LECS) Program from 2008 to 2010. We evaluated a total of 2,497 participants, 40 years and older, who responded to the 9/11 WTC attacks.

Results

The prevalence of MetS was 27%, with abdominal obesity and hypertension being the most frequently occurring risk factors. MetS and its risk factors were significantly higher among male compared to female LEOs, except for reduced HDL‐cholesterol levels.

Conclusions

MetS is a rising epidemic in the United States, and importantly, approximately one in four LEOs who worked at the WTC site after 9/11 are affected. Am. J. Ind. Med. 59:752–760, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Ruthenium‐Catalyzed Synthesis of Dialkoxymethane Ethers Utilizing Carbon Dioxide and Molecular Hydrogen
Authors: Thenert Katharina , Beydoun Kassem , Wiesenthal Jan , Leitner Walter , Klankermayer Jürgen
Published: September 2016

The synthesis of dimethoxymethane (DMM) by a multistep reaction of methanol with carbon dioxide and molecular hydrogen is reported. Using the molecular catalyst [Ru(triphos)(tmm)] in combination with the Lewis acid Al(OTf)3 resulted in a versatile catalytic system for the synthesis of various dialkoxymethane ethers. This new catalytic reaction provides the first synthetic example for the selective conversion of carbon dioxide and hydrogen into a formaldehyde oxidation level, thus opening access to new molecular structures using this important C1 source.
Stereospecific Synthesis of Alkenes by Eliminative Cross‐Coupling of Enantioenriched sp3‐Hybridized Carbenoids
Authors: Wu Zhenhua , Sun Xun , Potter Kristin , Cao Yang , Zakharov Lev N. , Blakemore Paul R.
Published: September 2016

1‐Aryl‐1,2‐dialkylethenes were generated by a sequence of electrophilic substitution, 1,2‐metalate rearrangement, and β‐elimination initiated by the addition of enantioenriched α‐(carbamoyloxy)alkylboronates to enantioenriched lithiated carbamates. The carbenoid stereochemical pairing [i.e., “like”=(S)+(S) or “unlike”=(S)+(R)] and the elimination mechanism (syn or anti), not substituent effects, determined the configuration of the trisubstituted alkene target. For example, (Z)‐2,5‐diphenyl‐2‐pentene was produced in 70 % yield with E/Z=5:95 by a like combination of Li and B carbenoids and syn (thermal) elimination whereas the E isomer was obtained in the same yield with E/Z>98:2 by an otherwise identical process involving an unlike stereochemical pairing. The concept elaborated overcomes an intrinsic limitation of traditional strategies for direct connective alkene synthesis, which cannot realize meaningful stereochemical bias unless the alkene substituents are strongly differentiated.
Hydrothermal Synthesis of Metal–Polyphenol Coordination Crystals and Their Derived Metal/N‐doped Carbon Composites for Oxygen Electrocatalysis
Authors: Wei Jing , Liang Yan , Hu Yaoxin , Kong Biao , Zhang Jin , Gu Qinfen , Tong Yuping , Wang Xianbiao , Jiang San Ping , Wang Huanting
Published: September 2016

Cobalt (or iron)–polyphenol coordination polymers with crystalline frameworks are synthesized for the first time. The crystalline framework is formed by the assembly of metal ions and polyphenol followed by oxidative self‐polymerization of the organic ligands (polyphenol) during hydrothermal treatment in alkaline condition. As a result, such coordination crystals are even partly stable in strong acid (such as 2 m HCl). The metal (Co or Fe)‐natural abundant polyphenol (tannin) coordination crystals are a renewable source for the fabrication of metal/carbon composites as a nonprecious‐metal catalyst, which show high catalytic performance for both oxygen reduction reaction and oxygen evolution reaction. Such excellent performance makes metal–polyphenol coordination crystals an efficient precursor to fabricate low‐cost catalysts for the large‐scale application of fuel cells and metal–air batteries.
Analysis of the influence of the injection molding process on the crystallization kinetics of a HDPE
Authors: Giboz Julien , Copponnex Thierry , Mélé Patrice
Published: September 2016

Thermal analyses of microparts in high density polyethylene (HDPE) have shown that the specific processing conditions used in microinjection molding have irreversible consequences on the polymer morphology. This result has been demonstrated with the analysis of the non‐isothermal crystallization behavior of a HDPE with different thermal histories. The evolution of the absolute crystallinity has been analyzed with a relevant model able to separate the primary and secondary mechanisms all over the crystallization duration. This model has emphasized that the evolution of the primary crystallinity with time is different for the microparts compared to the conventional objects. These differences were attributed to variations of the crystallization mechanisms, especially within the nucleation phase, where a persistent melt memory effect of the former chains orientation/extension was assumed. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016, 133, 44239.
Structure and adhesive properties of the RFL‐coated continuous basalt fiber cord/rubber interface
Authors: Li Zhuo , Xiao Tongliang , Kong Lingyi , Wan Jijun , Zhao Shugao
Published: September 2016

The relationships between the structure of the resorcinol‐formaldehyde‐latex (RFL) layer, static adhesion, and interfacial fatigue properties between the RFL‐coated continuous basalt fiber (CBF) cord and a rubber matrix were studied using films prepared from RFL systems with various formulas and H samples prepared with RFL‐coated CBF cord and NR/SBR matrix. Thermomechanical analysis and tensile testing of the RFL films were carried out using a dynamic mechanical analyzer (DMA). The H pull‐out force and fatigue properties were tested using a universal testing machine and an MTS, respectively. The interfacial fatigue life of the RFL‐coated CBF cord/rubber samples exhibited different variation regularity from the variation of the H pull‐out force as F/R and L/RF changed. The static adhesion reflected the connection strength between the cord and the rubber matrix, whereas the characteristics and the properties of the RFL layer played a decisive role in determining the damage rate of the adhesion. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016, 133, 44353.
Solvent effect and macrovoid formation in cellulose acetate phthalate (CAP)–polyacrylonitrile (PAN) blend hollow fiber membranes
Authors: Roy Anirban , Bhunia Prasenjit , De Sirshendu
Published: September 2016

The interactions which govern the morphology of blend hollow fiber membranes is explored in detail in the present work. A hydrophilic (cellulose acetate phthalate) and a relatively hydrophobic polymer (polyacrylonitrile, critical surface tension 47.0 mJ/m2) blend in three solvents, viz., n‐methylpyrrolidone (NMP), dimethyl formamide (DMF), and dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO), has been selected as an example to understand the polymeric blend—solvent and nonsolvent interactions. The deviation intrinsic parameter (
) is estimated as well as cloud point, linearized cloud point (LCP), and Fourier transform‐infrared (FT‐IR) analysis have been performed for the blend membranes. The analysis yields that
is negative for both DMF and NMP indicating miscibility, whereas for DMSO it is positive indicating immiscibility. Cloud point and LCP analysis too reveal DMSO to be the poorest solvent and liquid‐liquid demixing is the governing phenomenon for the phase inversion. In depth interaction is conducted with help of FT‐IR spectra. The higher red shift of >C==O (1747 to 1665 cm−1) after complete phase inversion indicates stronger interaction in DMF and NMP, whereas, no shift in >C==O stretching in DMSO indicates weak or no interaction. This reveals that polymer blend‐solvent interaction is weak in case of DMSO than DMF or NMP. These observations manifest in DMSO membranes being most porous, with highest permeability and molecular weight cut off with poor tensile strength. On the other hand, NMP and DMF hollow fiber membranes yields denser structure with better mechanical properties. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016, 133, 44366.
Quantized Iterative Learning Control Design For Linear Systems Based On A 2‐D Roesser Model
Authors: Yanling Yin , Xuhui Bu , Jiaqi Liang
Published: September 2016

This paper considers the problem of iterative learning control design for linear systems with data quantization. It is assumed that the control input update signals are quantized before they are transmitted to the iterative learning controller. A logarithmic quantizer is used to decode the signal with a number of quantization levels. Then, a 2‐D Roesser model is established to describe the entire dynamics of the iterative learning control (ILC) system. By using the sector bound method, a sufficient asymptotic stability condition for such a 2‐D system is established and then the ILC design is given simultaneously. The result is also extended to more general cases where the system matrices contain uncertain parameters. The effectiveness of the proposed method is illustrated by a numerical example.
Ezrin and HNRNP expression correlate with increased virus release rate and early onset of virus‐induced apoptosis of MDCK suspension cells
Authors: Kluge Sabine , Genzel Yvonne , Laus Kim , Serve Anja , Pflugmacher Antje , Peschel Britta , Rapp Erdmann , Reichl Udo
Published: September 2016

With the aim to adapt high‐yield adherent cell lines to suspension growth, Madin Darby canine kidney (MDCK) suspension cells were developed recently that achieved comparable influenza virus yields despite an early induction of apoptosis compared to the parental adherent cell line. For both cell lines, a comprehensive study under comparable infection conditions is performed comprising information on: time course of viral infection, antiviral state of cells, virus‐induced apoptosis, and virus‐induced cellular protein expression for early and late infection with influenza A/PuertoRico/8/34 H1N1. The proteomic analysis is performed with 2D differential gel electrophoreses followed by mass spectrometry. Based on flow cytometric data and on the differential expression of various stress and apoptosis‐related proteins, the earlier onset of virus‐induced apoptosis is confirmed for suspension cells. Surprisingly, the data indicated an increased virus release rate for suspension cells. These observations correlate with an increased expression of the apical marker protein ezrin, known to play a role in influenza‐induced cytoskeletal rearrangement, and the differential expression of heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoproteins, known to bind actively influenza viral proteins and play a central role in regulating gene expression. Based on these findings, additional studies towards the design of MDCK suspension cells with further increase in influenza virus yields will be performed.
A Novel Stable Crystalline Triamcinolone Acetonide‐loaded PLGA Microsphere for Prolonged Release After Intra‐Articular Injection
Authors: Ho Myoung Jin , Kim Sung Rae , Choi Young Wook , Kang Myung Joo
Published: September 2016

The aim of this study was to fabricate novel poly(lactic‐co‐glycolic acid) microspheres (PLGA MSs) containing triamcinolone acetonide (TA), a potent corticosteroid, to achieve the sustained release profile in joints after intra‐articular injection. The TA‐loaded MSs were prepared by layering the suspended drug crystals with PLGA using spray‐drying. The MS consisting of the drug crystals, PLGA, and lecithin was spherical with size 9.7–10.3 µm. Hyperspectral analysis (CytoViva®) and powder X‐ray diffraction studies revealed that the drug crystals were predominantly located in the inner compartment of MS in a stable crystalline form. In an in vitro release test under sink condition, over 90% of TA was released from drug powder within 1 h. However, the MS system released only 35% of the drug during 1 h, achieving 80% drug release after 48 h. Moreover, the steroid‐embedded MS was stable for 6 months under long‐term storage condition (25°C/60% RH) with no physicochemical changes. These findings suggest that PLGA‐based MSs of TA can be a sustained release formula for the treatment of chronic diseases with less frequent intra‐articular injection and improved patient compliance.
Bergamotane Sesquiterpenes with Alpha‐Glucosidase Inhibitory Activity from the Plant Pathogenic Fungus Penicillium expansum
Authors: Ying You‐Min , Fang Cheng‐An , Yao Feng‐Qi , Yu Yuan , Shen Ying , Hou Zhuo‐Ni , Wang Zhen , Zhang Wei , Shan Wei‐Guang , Zhan Zha‐Jun
Published: September 2016

Two new bergamotane sesquiterpene lactones, named expansolides C and D (1 and 2), together with two known compounds expansolides A and B (3 and 4), were isolated from the plant pathogenic fungus Penicillium expansum ACCC37275. The structures of the new compounds were established by detailed analyses of the spectroscopic data, especially 1D‐, 2D‐NMR, and HR‐ESI‐MS. In an in vitro bioassay, the epimeric mixture of expansolides C and D (1 and 2) (in a ratio of 2:1 at the temprature of the bioassay) exhibited more potent α‐glucosidase inhibitory activity (IC50 =0.50 ± 0.02 mm) as compared with the positive control acarbose (IC50 = 1.90 ± 0.05 mm). To the best of our knowledge, it was the first report on the α‐glucosidase inhibitory activity of bergamotane sesquiterpenes.
Chemical Composition of Roots Flemingia philippinensis and Their Inhibitory Kinetics on Aromatase
Authors: Sun Fang , Li Qin , Xu Jin
Published: September 2016

Aromatase is the key enzyme responsible for catalyzing the conversion of C19 steroids to estrogens. Its inhibitors are widely used in breast cancer therapy. The CH2Cl2 partition of a crude ethanolic extract from the roots of Flemingia philippinensis showed potent inhibitory activity of aromatase. The constituents of the extract were analyzed and identified by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry. Five purified prenylated isoflavones were evaluated for aromatase inhibition and their IC50 values ranged between 2.98 and 58.08 μm. In kinetic studies, all tested compounds behaved as reversible competitive inhibitors and their Ki values were calculated by Dixon plots. The most potent inhibitor (6,8‐diprenylorobol) had a Ki value of 1.42 μm. Furthermore, using UPLC and LC/MS, 6,8‐diprenylorobol was proven to be present in the native roots in high quantities.
Essential Oil Variability of Tetraclinis articulata (Vahl) Mast. Parts During Its Phenological Cycle and Incidence on the Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Activities
Authors: Djouahri Abderrahmane , Saka Boualem , Boudarene Lynda , Lamari Lynda , Sabaou Nasserdine , Baaliouamer Aoumeur
Published: September 2016

The impact of phenological stages (vegetative, flowering and fruiting stages) on chemical composition, antioxidant, and antimicrobial activities of Tetraclinis articulata (Vahl) Mast. parts essential oils were investigated for the first time. GC and GC/MS analyses pointed to a quantitative variability of components; terpene hydrocarbons derivatives, represented by α‐pinene (16.38 ± 0.19 – 31.78 ± 0.35%) and limonene (3.41 ± 0.07 – 9.49 ± 0.14%) as major components, predominate at the vegetative stage, whereas oxygenated derivatives, represented by camphor (16.11 ± 0.23 – 26.17 ± 0.29%) and bornyl acetate (15.21 ± 0.21 – 27.33 ± 0.33%) as major components, predominate at the fruiting stage. Furthermore, our findings showed that the plant parts collected at the fruiting stage possess the highest antioxidant activity and the best antimicrobial activity against the tested microorganisms, than plant parts collected at the vegetative and flowering stages. This highlighted variability reflects the high impact of phenological cycle on chemical composition and biological activities, which led to conclude that we should select essential oils to be investigated carefully depending on phenological stage, in order to have the highest effectiveness of essential oil in terms of biological activities for human health purposes.
Comprehensive Characterisation of n‐Alkylresorcinols and Other Lipid Constituents of Mercurialis tomentosa L. from Alicante, Spain
Authors: Lorenz Peter , Heinrich Miriam , Conrad Jürgen , Heller Annerose , Stintzing Florian C. , Kammerer Dietmar R.
Published: September 2016

Mercurialis tomentosa L. has been used in Spanish ethnomedicine. In the present study the first phytochemical characterisation of a lipid fraction from M. tomentosa was performed. The CHCl3 extraction of aerial parts from M. tomentosa and GC/MS investigations revealed the occurrence of cuticular lipid and wax constituents, like long chain n‐alcohols and n‐aldehydes (C22 – C30), besides several aromatic constituents, i.e., phenylpropanoids and n‐alkylresorcinols. The latter were further purified by CC and analysed by LC/MSn. In contrast to other Mercurialis species, i.e., M. annua, M. perennis, which exclusively contain 5‐n‐alkylresorcinols (1a – j, Cn), mainly 5‐n‐alkyl‐2‐methylresorcinols (2a – j, Cn*) with side chain lengths of C15 – C25 were found in M. tomentosa, in addition to 1a – j. Thus, the latter compounds may be utilised for analytical characterisation and authentication of M. tomentosa based on fingerprinting methods. For structure elucidation a novel facile total synthesis of one representative 5‐n‐alkyl‐2‐methylresorcinol homologue (2d, C19*) was developed, starting with a Grignard reaction from a substituted benzoic acid chloride (19). The compound obtained by synthesis was identical to the natural product 2d in terms of its chromatographic and spectroscopic features. Futhermore, 2d exhibited satisfactory DPPH free radical scavenging activity (IC50 = 37.8 μm) when compared to trolox (IC50 = 21.0 μm), corroborating the antioxidant features of these amphipathic molecules.