bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Leading the way: Changing the focus from teaching to learning in large subjects with limited budgets
Authors: Fildes Karen , Kuit Tracey , O'Brien Glennys , Keevers Lynne , Bedford Simon
Published: February 2015

To lead positive change in the teaching practice of teams that service large numbers of diverse students from multiple degree programs provides many challenges. The primary aim of this study was to provide a clear framework on which to plan the process of change that can be utilized by academic departments sector wide. Barriers to change were reduced by adapting and utilizing Kotter's principals of change specifically by creating a sense of urgency and defining a clear goal designed to address the problem. Changing attitudes involved training staff in new teaching and learning approaches and strategies, and creating a collaborative, supportive team‐based teaching environment within which the planned changes could be implemented and evaluated. As a result senior academics are now directly involved in delivering sections of the face‐to‐face teaching in the new environment. Through promoting positive change we enabled deeper student engagement with the theoretical concepts delivered in lectures as evidenced by favorable student evaluations, feedback, and improved final exam results. A collaborative team‐based approach that recognizes the importance of distributed leadership combined with a clearly articulated change management process were central to enabling academics to design, try, and evaluate the new teaching and learning practices. Our study demonstrates that a concerted focus on “change management” enabled teaching team members to adopt a major shift in the teaching and learning approach that resulted in measurable improvements in student learning. © 2015 by The International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, 43(2):88–99, 2015.
Engineering towards Nitroreductase Functionality in Ene‐Reductase Scaffolds
Authors: Park Jonathan T. , Gómez Ramos Lizzette M. , Bommarius Andreas S.
Published: February 2015

Nitroreductases (NRs) and ene‐reductases (ERs) both utilize flavin mononucleotide cofactors but catalyze distinct reactions. NRs reduce nitroaromatics, whereas ERs reduce unsaturated CC double bonds, and these functionalities are known to somewhat overlap. Recent studies on the ER xenobiotic reductase A (XenA) from Pseudomonas putida demonstrated the possibility of increasing NR activity with active site modifications. Structural comparison between NRs and ERs led us to hypothesize that active site cavity size plays an important role in determining enzyme functionality. Residues of ER KYE1 from Kluyveromyces lactis were selected to increase the binding pocket size, compensate for hydrogen bonding pattern changes, and eliminate ER activity. Single variants were screened, and promising mutations were combined. Variant F296A/Y275A showed a 100‐fold improvement in NR specific activity over wild‐type, and variant H191A/F296A/Y375A exhibited complete conversion to a NR.
Incidence, prognostic impact, and optimal definition of contrast‐induced acute kidney injury in consecutive patients with stable or unstable coronary artery disease undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention. insights from the all‐comer PRODIGY trial
Authors: Crimi Gabriele , Leonardi Sergio , Costa Francesco , Ariotti Sara , Tebaldi Matteo , Biscaglia Simone , Valgimigli Marco
Published: February 2015

Background

Contrast‐induced acute kidney injury (CI‐AKI) is associated with poor outcome. Whether this association differs in stable coronary artery disease (CAD) as compared to acute coronary syndrome (ACS) patients is unknown.

Definitions and Methods: PRODIGY trial patients were defined as stable CAD or ACS according to the initial presentation. CI‐AKI was defined as an increase (Δ) of serum creatinine (SCr) ≥25% above baseline. Two endpoints were considered: all‐cause death and the composite of death, stroke, or myocardial infarction (MI). The interaction between CI‐AKI, clinical setting, and the impact of increasing ΔSCr% cut‐offs were also explored.

Results

Two thousand three patients were enrolled in the PRODIGY trial, 85 patients were excluded for missing SCr data, leading to a population of 1,918 patients. CI‐AKI incidence was 6.7% in stable CAD and 12.2% in ACS patients. CI‐AKI was associated with all‐cause mortality [adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) of 2.05, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.38–3.05, P < 0.001] and the composite of death, stroke, or MI [aHR of 1.49, 95% CI 1.13–1.97, P < 0.001]. The risk of CI‐AKI for the composite endpoint was higher in stable CAD, P for interaction: 0.048. A ΔSCr of 35% was associated with the highest aHR for all‐cause mortality: 2.34 [95% CI, 1.46–3.76, P < 0.001] and the composite of death, stroke, or MI: 1.70 [95% CI, 1.20–2.40, P > 0.001].

Conclusions

In a large, contemporary, all‐comers percutaneous coronary intervention population, CI‐AKI was associated with an increased risk of all‐cause death and the composite of death, stroke, or MI. While CI‐AKI is more common in ACS than in stable CAD patients, its adjusted prognostic impact on the composite endpoint appears to be more pronounced in patients with stable CAD. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Another Challenge for the Presumed Safety Advantage of Bare Metal Stents
Authors: Vetrovec George W.
Published: February 2015

Key Points

Compared to BMS, DES may pose no greater and likely less cardiovascular risk particularly after 90 days post‐implantation for patients undergoing noncardiac surgery (NCS) post‐PCI.

Optimal peri‐surgical antiplatelet and general risk (Statins etc) management remains to be specifically defined.

A creative, prospective, and ideally randomized trial of DES vs. BMS is needed in high‐risk patients with well defined need for pre‐operative PCI utilizing standardized adjunctive medical management.

While this analysis focuses on the comparative risk of DES vs. BMS, it remains clear that serious and even fatal events occur in patients undergoing NCS post particularly recent PCI regardless of stent type, thus re‐emphasizing the importance of risk assessment regarding need for pre‐operative PCI revascularization and the timing of NCS post PCI.

© 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The relationship between fractional flow reserve and index of microcirculatory resistance: Be careful with whom you associate
Authors: Kobayashi Yuhei , Tremmel Jennifer A.
Published: February 2015

Key Points

The study by Murai et al. demonstrated that microvascular dysfunction, as assessed by IMR, is associated with reduced hyperemic coronary flow and a higher FFR immediately after PCI for stable angina.

Incorporating IMR and FFR measurements appears to be important for precisely assessing coronary physiology.

Future research is needed to determine whether knowledge of the presence of microvascular dysfunction might improve the accuracy and the prognostic value of FFR.
Fractional Flow Reserve for the Evaluation of Coronary Stenoses
Authors: Jeremias Allen , Stone Gregg W.
Published: February 2015

Key Points

To guide the decision‐making process for coronary revascularization in the cath lab, FFR has been proven to enhance patient outcomes and reduce costs compared with angiography alone

However, FFR is prone to artifacts, may yield inaccurate results, and is under‐utilized in practice, in part because of the requisite use of hyperemia which is cumbersome and produces variable clinical responses

Interest is growing in resting indices such as Pd/Pa and iFR that do not require hyperemia and therefore simplify the procedure and allow for multiple pre‐ and post‐procedural lesion assessments

Two large randomized trials are ongoing comparing clinical outcomes with iFR vs. FFR that may determine the future adoption of resting coronary indices
Inhibition of thrombus formation inside the stent during PCI
Authors: Topaz On
Published: February 2015

Key Points

Topic relevant to PCI management.

Observations and conclusions may be limited by the small size study.

A prospective randomized study is warranted.
In‐stent neoatherosclerosis and distal embolization: Lesion architecture, composition, and PCI compression
Authors: Goldstein James A. , Dixon Simon R.
Published: February 2015

Key Points

This article teaches the importance of plaque composition as a risk factor for distal embolization complications.

This article may impact clinical practice by emphasizing the importance of plaque characterization of In‐Stent Restenosis.

This study has implications for future research on distal protection devices to prevent distal embolization.
Direct Electrochemical Addressing of Immobilized Alcohol Dehydrogenase for the Heterogeneous Bioelectrocatalytic Reduction of Butyraldehyde to Butanol
Authors: Schlager S. , Neugebauer H. , Haberbauer M. , Hinterberger G. , Sariciftci N. S.
Published: February 2015

Modified electrodes using immobilized alcohol dehydrogenase enzymes for the efficient electroreduction of butyraldehyde to butanol are presented as an important step for the utilization of CO2‐reduction products. Alcohol dehydrogenase was immobilized, embedded in an alginate–silicate hybrid gel, on a carbon felt (CF) electrode. The application of this enzyme to the reduction of an aldehyde to an alcohol with the aid of the coenzyme nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH), in analogy to the final step in the natural reduction cascade of CO2 to alcohol, has been already reported. However, the use of such enzymatic reductions is limited because of the necessity of providing expensive NADH as a sacrificial electron and proton donor. Immobilization of such dehydrogenase enzymes on electrodes and direct pumping of electrons into the biocatalysts offers an easy and efficient way for the biochemical recycling of CO2 to valuable chemicals or alternative synthetic fuels. We report the direct electrochemical addressing of immobilized alcohol dehydrogenase for the reduction of butyraldehyde to butanol without consumption of NADH. The selective reduction of butyraldehyde to butanol occurs at room temperature, ambient pressure and neutral pH. Production of butanol was detected by using liquid‐injection gas chromatography and was estimated to occur with Faradaic efficiencies of around 40 %.
Counter Electrodes for Quantum‐Dot‐Sensitized Solar Cells
Authors: Hwang Insung , Yong Kijung
Published: February 2015

On the basis of the many advantages of quantum dots (QDs) including multiple exciton generation, high absorption coefficient, and band‐gap energy controllability, quantum‐dot‐sensitized solar cells (QDSSCs) have been studied for a few decades. However, despite the many advantages, improvement in the power‐conversion efficiencies of QDSSCs has been stagnated for a long time. To suggest a breakthrough in this stagnated QDSSC field, counter electrodes (CEs) have been focused on and are introduced in this Review article. Counter electrodes have been paid relatively less attention, whereas QDs and photoanode structures have been intensively studied. Nevertheless, it is an unchanged fact that CEs are also of considerable importance in QDSSCs, as they hold the possibility to enhance the performance of QDSSCs. In this Review, as an introduction, the basic working principles of QDSSCs are covered, and some widely used analytical tools for CEs are discussed, such as current density–voltage measurements, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, cyclic voltammetry, and Tafel polarization measurements. Then, some interesting representative work on CEs is introduced. Given that various types of CEs exist, categorization of the CEs was conducted as follows: noble metals, metal sulfides, carbon derivatives, conducting polymers, and combinations of these types. With this Review article, it is hoped that insight will be gained to achieve a breakthrough in the stagnant field of QDSSC research.
Morphology‐Controlled Self‐Assembly of an Organic/Inorganic Hybrid Porphyrin Derivative Containing Polyhedral Oligomeric Silsesquioxane (POSS)
Authors: Liu Feng , Zhang Yuan , Xu Lei , Zhang Weian
Published: February 2015

An organic/inorganic hybrid porphyrin derivative, namely, metal‐free tetrakisphenyl porphyrin–polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxanes (H2TPP‐POSS) was synthesized by azide–alkyne click chemistry. The self‐assembly behavior of H2TPP‐POSS was systematically studied in CHCl3 at different concentrations and in solvents with different polarities. Novel nanovesicles could be obtained through the self‐assembly of H2TPP‐POSS in CHCl3 at a concentration lower than 10−4 m. Diffuse microrods formed at a concentration higher than 10−4 M. Additionally, the polarity of the solvent also greatly influenced the assembled morphologies, and a series of assembled morphologies, including crescent‐shaped micelles, spherical micelles, doughnut‐shaped vesicles, and ordered square sheets, could form in solvents with different polarities.
Heterotrimetallic Coordination Polymers: {CuIILnIIIFeIII} Chains and {NiIILnIIIFeIII} Layers: Synthesis, Crystal Structures, and Magnetic Properties
Authors: Alexandru Maria‐Gabriela , Visinescu Diana , Andruh Marius , Marino Nadia , Armentano Donatella , Cano Joan , Lloret Francesc , Julve Miguel
Published: February 2015

The use of the [FeIII(AA)(CN)4]− complex anion as metalloligand towards the preformed [CuII(valpn)LnIII]3+ or [NiII(valpn)LnIII]3+ heterometallic complex cations (AA=2,2′‐bipyridine (bipy) and 1,10‐phenathroline (phen); H2valpn=1,3‐propanediyl‐bis(2‐iminomethylene‐6‐methoxyphenol)) allowed the preparation of two families of heterotrimetallic complexes: three isostructural 1D coordination polymers of general formula {[CuII(valpn)LnIII(H2O)3(μ‐NC)2FeIII(phen)(CN)2 {(μ‐NC)FeIII(phen)(CN)3}]NO3⋅7 H2O}n (Ln=Gd (1), Tb (2), and Dy (3)) and the trinuclear complex [CuII(valpn)LaIII(OH2)3(O2NO)(μ‐NC)FeIII(phen)(CN)3]⋅NO3⋅H2O⋅CH3CN (4) were obtained with the [CuII(valpn)LnIII]3+ assembling unit, whereas three isostructural heterotrimetallic 2D networks, {[NiII(valpn)LnIII(ONO2)2(H2O)(μ‐NC)3FeIII(bipy)(CN)]⋅2 H2O⋅2 CH3CN}n (Ln=Gd (5), Tb (6), and Dy (7)) resulted with the related [NiII(valpn)LnIII]3+ precursor. The crystal structure of compound 4 consists of discrete heterotrimetallic complex cations, [CuII(valpn)LaIII(OH2)3(O2NO)(μ‐NC)FeIII(phen)(CN)3]+, nitrate counterions, and non‐coordinate water and acetonitrile molecules. The heteroleptic {FeIII(bipy)(CN)4} moiety in 5–7 acts as a tris‐monodentate ligand towards three {NiII(valpn)LnIII} binuclear nodes leading to heterotrimetallic 2D networks. The ferromagnetic interaction through the diphenoxo bridge in the CuIILnIII (1–3) and NiIILnIII (5–7) units, as well as through the single cyanide bridge between the FeIII and either NiII (5–7) or CuII (4) account for the overall ferromagnetic behavior observed in 1–7. DFT‐type calculations were performed to substantiate the magnetic interactions in 1, 4, and 5. Interestingly, compound 6 exhibits slow relaxation of the magnetization with maxima of the out‐of‐phase ac signals below 4.0 K in the lack of a dc field, the values of the pre‐exponential factor (τo) and energy barrier (Ea) through the Arrhenius equation being 2.0×10−12 s and 29.1 cm−1, respectively. In the case of 7, the ferromagnetic interactions through the double phenoxo (NiII–DyIII) and single cyanide (FeIII–NiII) pathways are masked by the depopulation of the Stark levels of the DyIII ion, this feature most likely accounting for the continuous decrease of χMT upon cooling observed for this last compound.
Resolution of Mixed Site DNA Complexes with Dimer‐Forming Minor‐Groove Binders by Using Electrospray Ionization Mass Spectrometry: Compound Structure and DNA Sequence Effects
Authors: Laughlin Sarah , Wang Siming , Kumar Arvind , Farahat Abdelbasset A. , Boykin David W. , Wilson W. David
Published: February 2015

Small‐molecule targeting of the DNA minor groove is a promising approach to modulate genomic processes necessary for normal cellular function. For instance, dicationic diamindines, a well‐known class of minor groove binding compounds, have been shown to inhibit interactions of transcription factors binding to genomic DNA. The applications of these compounds could be significantly expanded if we understand sequence‐specific recognition of DNA better and could use the information to design more sequence‐specific compounds. Aside from polyamides, minor groove binders typically recognize DNA at A‐tract or alternating AT base pair sites. Targeting sites with GC base pairs, referred to here as mixed base pair sequences, is much more difficult than those rich in AT base pairs. Compound 1 is the first dicationic diamidine reported to recognize a mixed base pair site. It binds in the minor groove of ATGA sequences as a dimer with positive cooperativity. Due to the well‐characterized behavior of 1 with ATGA and AT rich sequences, it provides a paradigm for understanding the elements that are key for recognition of mixed sequence sites. Electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI‐MS) is a powerful method to screen DNA complexes formed by analogues of 1 for specific recognition. We also report a novel approach to determine patterns of recognition by 1 for cognate ATGA and ATGA‐mutant sequences. We found that functional group modifications and mutating the DNA target site significantly affect binding and stacking, respectively. Both compound conformation and DNA sequence directionality are crucial for recognition.
Regio‐ and Chemoselective N‐1 Acylation of Indoles: Pd‐Catalyzed Domino Cyclization to Afford 1,2‐Fused Tricyclic Indole Scaffolds
Authors: Liu Yongxian , Huang Yuanqiong , Song Hongjian , Liu Yuxiu , Wang Qingmin
Published: February 2015

A concise method for the synthesis of 1,2‐fused tricyclic indole scaffolds by domino cyclization involving a Pd‐catalyzed Sonogashira coupling, indole cyclization, regio‐ and chemoselective N‐1 acylation, and 1,4‐Michael addition is reported. This method provides straightforward access to tetrahydro[1,4]diazepino[1,2‐a]indole and hexahydro[1,5]diazocino[1,2‐a]indole scaffolds.
Power‐to‐Liquids: Synthetisches Rohöl aus CO2, Wasser und Sonne
Authors: Verdegaal Wolfgang Michael , Becker Sebastian , Olshausen Christian von
Published: February 2015

Flüssigkraftstoffe können durch unterschiedliche Prozesse aus regenerativ erzeugtem Strom hergestellt werden (e‐fuels). Viele der sog. Power‐to‐Liquids (PtL) Verfahren basieren auf der Umsetzung von Wasserstoff und Kohlendioxid zu einem flüssigen Energieträger. In der Pilotanlage, die zurzeit in Dresden von der sunfire GmbH in Betrieb genommen wird, werden Dampfelektrolyse, CO2‐Konvertierung und die Fischer‐Tropsch‐Synthese in einem Prozess realisiert. In der Anlage soll die Machbarkeit des Prozesses demonstriert und dabei ein Fass flüssige Kohlenwasserstoffe pro Tag produziert werden.
Robust state space models for estimating fish stock maturities
Authors: Xu Ximing , Cantoni Eva , Flemming Joanna Mills , Field Chris
Published: February 2015

Here, we formulate robust state space models (SSMs) and develop inference tools in the context of fisheries science and management. Our prototype model concerns the maturity of fish by age over time, knowledge of which is fundamental to understanding the dynamics and productivity of fish stocks, a key component in fish stock assessment. Our SSM incorporates dynamics over time and yields robust estimates of the proportion of fish mature at various ages for a collection of cohorts of interest. The estimates are obtained using an iterative weighted likelihood where the high‐dimensional unobserved dynamics of the SSM and the optimization over the fixed parameters are handled with the Automatic Differentiation Model Builder. The data used to both demonstrate and validate our new approach comes from the annual sampling program of Fisheries and Oceans Canada, the primary scientific and regulatory body responsible for stock assessments. In addition, we carried out a comprehensive simulation study to demonstrate the robustness of our approach to realistic contamination. The Canadian Journal of Statistics 43: 133–150; 2015 © 2015 Statistical Society of Canada
Photoswitching Behavior of a Cyclohexene‐Bridged versus a Cyclopentene‐Bridged Dithienylethene System
Authors: Steenbock Torben , Escribano Alejandra , Heck Jürgen , Herrmann Carmen
Published: February 2015

Photoswitching is an intriguing way of incorporating functionality into molecules or their subunits. Dithienylethene switches are particularly promising, but have so far mostly been studied with five‐membered ring (cyclopentenyl) backbones. We aim at comparing the switching properties of backbones with five and six carbon atoms in the ring. A major advantage is that cyclohexenyl rings offer new options for chiral functionalization. A slight change in the reaction conditions of a McMurry ring closure reaction leads to the formation of dithienyl derivatives with a cyclohexene backbone in reasonable yield. Density functional theory calculations were carried out, demonstrating the similarity of both compounds. Experimental results confirm the theoretical outcomes.
Combined Effects of Temperature, Pressure, and Co‐Solvents on the Polymerization Kinetics of Actin
Authors: Rosin Christopher , Estel Kathrin , Hälker Jessica , Winter Roland
Published: February 2015

In vivo studies have shown that the cytoskeleton of cells is very sensitive to changes in temperature and pressure. In particular, actin filaments get depolymerized when pressure is increased up to several hundred bars, conditions that are easily encountered in the deep sea. We quantitatively evaluate the effects of temperature, pressure, and osmolytes on the kinetics of the polymerization reaction of actin by high‐pressure stopped‐flow experiments in combination with fluorescence detection and an integrative stochastic simulation of the polymerization process. We show that the compatible osmolyte trimethylamine‐N‐oxide is not only able to compensate for the strongly retarding effect of chaotropic agents, such as urea, on actin polymerization, it is also able to largely offset the deteriorating effect of pressure on actin polymerization, thereby allowing biological cells to better cope with extreme environmental conditions.
Enhanced Catalytic Performance of (CuO)x/Ce0.9Cu0.1O2 Nanospheres: Combined Contribution of the Synergistic Effect and Surface Defects
Authors: Yang Hongxiao , Pan Yue , Xu Yucong , Yang Yanzhao , Sun Guoxin
Published: February 2015

Copper‐modified ceria catalysts, (CuO)x/Ce0.9Cu0.1O2 nanospheres, for low‐temperature CO oxidation were fabricated simply by using the hydrothermal synthesis of Cu‐doped CeO2 (Ce0.9Cu0.1O2) nanospheres followed by deposition of CuO over Ce0.9Cu0.1O2. The X‐ray diffraction and electron spectroscopy characterizations demonstrated that the as‐prepared nanospheres were composed of cubic CeO2 and monoclinic CuO with a typical diameter of around 70 nm. Moreover, the X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis illustrated the coexistence of Ce4+/Ce3+ and Cu2+/Cu+ redox couples in (CuO)x/Ce0.9Cu0.1O2 and H2 temperature‐programmed reduction (TPR) measurements indicated the excellent reduction behavior of the catalyst. The Raman spectra illustrated the oxygen vacancy in (CuO)0.3/Ce0.9Cu0.1O2, and diffuse‐reflectance infrared Fourier transform spectroscopy (DRIFTS) demonstrated the stable existence of Cu+ species during CO oxidation. The (CuO)x/Ce0.9Cu0.1O2 nanospheres showed excellent catalytic activity toward CO oxidation in normal feed gas (volume ratio of CO/O2/N2=1:10:89) at ambient temperature. Catalytic tests revealed that the proportion of CuO in the final product has a strong influence on the resultant catalytic activities. The (CuO)x/Ce0.9Cu0.1O2 nanospheres hold great application potential as new catalysts for CO oxidation.
Measuring Subtypes of Emotion Regulation: From Broad Behavioural Skills to Idiosyncratic Meaning‐making
Authors: Pascual‐Leone Antonio , Gillespie Nicole M. , Orr Emily S. , Harrington Shawn J.
Published: February 2015

The current paper introduces the notion of clinically relevant subtypes of emotion regulation behaviours. A new measure of emotion regulation, the Complexity of Emotional Regulation Scale (CERS), was established as psychometrically sound. It was positively correlated with a measure of emotional awareness (r = 0.28, p < 0.001) and negatively correlated with measures of self‐criticism (r = −0.28, p < 0.001) and depression (r = −0.35, p = 0.025), among others. Participants were drawn from two samples: clients from a university counselling centre and a non‐clinical student sample. Comparisons were conducted between non‐clinical and clinical samples to determine the effects of depression and other symptoms of psychopathology on participant's generation of strategies for emotion regulation. Participants in the clinical sample more often identified an intention to soothe but did not follow through as compared with the non‐clinical group, F(1, 198) = 4.662, p < 0.04. Furthermore, individuals in the non‐clinical sample were more likely to engage in specific, meaning‐making strategies when compared with the clinical group, F(1, 198) = 5.875, p < 0.02. Implications from the current studies suggest the possible applicability of the CERS to clinical settings using an interview rather than questionnaire format. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Key Practitioner Message:

Emotion regulation should be thought of as being on a continuum of complexity, where strategies range from general (‘one size fits all’) action to specific (‘personal and idiosyncratic’) meaning. The best emotion regulation strategy depends on a client's presenting difficulty and level of distress.
Acidic Ionic Liquids as Sustainable Approach of Cellulose and Lignocellulosic Biomass Conversion without Additional Catalysts
Authors: da Costa Lopes André M. , Bogel‐Łukasik Rafał
Published: February 2015

The use of ionic liquids (ILs) for biomass processing has attracted considerable attention recently as it provides distinct features for pre‐treated biomass and fractionated materials in comparison to conventional processes. Process intensification through integration of dissolution, fractionation, hydrolysis and/or conversion in one pot should be accomplished to maximise economic and technological feasibility. The possibility of using alternative ILs capable not only of dissolving and deconstructing selectively biomass but also of catalysing reactions simultaneously are a potential solution of this problem. In this Review a critical overview of the state of the art and perspectives of the hydrolysis and conversion of cellulose and lignocellulosic biomass using acidic ILs using no additional catalyst are provided. The efficiency of the process is mainly considered with regard to the hydrolysis and conversion yields obtained and the selectivity of each reaction. The process conditions can be easily tuned to obtain sugars and/or platform chemicals, such as furans and organic acids. On the other hand, product recovery from the IL and its purity are the main challenges for the acceptance of this technology as a feasible alternative to conventional processes.
Photocurrent Generation from Thylakoid Membranes on Osmium‐Redox‐Polymer‐Modified Electrodes
Authors: Hamidi Hassan , Hasan Kamrul , Emek Sinan Cem , Dilgin Yusuf , Åkerlund Hans‐Erik , Albertsson Per‐Åke , Leech Dónal , Gorton Lo
Published: February 2015

Thylakoid membranes (TMs) are uniquely suited for photosynthesis owing to their distinctive structure and composition. Substantial efforts have been directed towards use of isolated photosynthetic reaction centers (PRCs) for solar energy harvesting, however, few studies investigate the communication between whole TMs and electrode surfaces, due to their complex structure. Here we report on a promising approach to generate photosynthesis‐derived bioelectricity upon illumination of TMs wired with an osmium‐redox‐polymer modified graphite electrode, and generate a photocurrent density of 42.4 μA cm−2.
Current Technologies, Economics, and Perspectives for 2,5‐Dimethylfuran Production from Biomass‐Derived Intermediates
Authors: Saha Basudeb , Abu‐Omar Mahdi M.
Published: February 2015

Since the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) published a perspective article that described the potential of the top ten biomass‐derived platform chemicals as petroleum replacements for high‐value commodity and specialty chemicals, researchers around the world have been motivated to develop technologies for the conversion of biomass and biomass‐derived intermediates into chemicals and fuels. Among several biorefinery processes, the conversion of biomass carbohydrates into 2,5‐dimethylfuran (DMF) has received significant attention because of its low oxygen content, high energy content, and high octane value. DMF can further serve as a petroleum‐replacement, biorenewable feedstock for the production of p‐xylene (pX). In this review, we aim specifically to present a concise and up‐to‐date analysis of DMF production technologies with a critical discussion on catalytic systems, mechanistic insight, and process economics, which includes sensitivity analysis, so that more effective catalysts can be designed. Special emphasis has been given to bifunctional catalysts that improve DMF yields and selectivity and the synergistic effect of the bifunctional sites. Process economics for the current processes and the scope for further improvement are discussed. It is anticipated that the chemistry detailed in this review will guide researchers to develop more practical catalytic processes to enable the economic production of bio‐based DMF. Processes for the upgrade of DMF to pX are also described.
Governing Chemistry of Cellulose Hydrolysis in Supercritical Water
Authors: Cantero Danilo A. , Bermejo M. Dolores , Cocero M. José
Published: February 2015

At extremely low reaction times (0.02 s), cellulose was hydrolyzed in supercritical water (T=400 °C and P=25 MPa) to obtain a sugar yield higher than 95 wt %, whereas the 5‐hydroxymethylfurfural (5‐HMF) yield was lower than 0.01 wt %. If the reaction time was increased to 1 s, the main product was glycolaldehyde (60 wt %). Independently of the reaction time, the yield of 5‐HMF was always lower than 0.01 wt %. To evaluate the reaction mechanism of biomass hydrolysis in pressurized water, several parameters (temperature, pressure, reaction time, and reaction medium) were studied for different biomasses (cellulose, glucose, fructose, and wheat bran). It was found that the H+ and OH− ion concentration in the reaction medium as a result of water dissociation is the determining factor in the selectivity. The reaction of glucose isomerization to fructose and the further dehydration to 5‐HMF are highly dependent on the ion concentration. By an increase in the pOH/pH value, these reactions were minimized to allow control of 5‐HMF production. Under these conditions, the retroaldol condensation pathway was enhanced, instead of the isomerization/dehydration pathway.
Microparticle analysis in disorders of hemostasis and thrombosis
Authors: Mooberry Micah J. , Key Nigel S.
Published: February 2015

Microparticles (MPs) are submicron vesicles released from the plasma membrane of eukaryotic cells in response to activation or apoptosis. MPs are known to be involved in numerous biologic processes, including inflammation, the immune response, cancer metastasis, and angiogenesis. Their earliest recognized and most widely accepted role, however, is the ability to promote and support the process of blood coagulation. Consequently, there is ongoing interest in studying MPs in disorders of hemostasis and thrombosis. Both phosphatidylserine (PS) exposure and the presence of tissue factor (TF) in the MP membrane may account for their procoagulant properties, and elevated numbers of MPs in plasma have been reported in numerous prothrombotic conditions. To date, however, there are few data on true causality linking MPs to the genesis of thrombosis. A variety of methodologies have been employed to characterize and quantify MPs, although detection is challenging due to their submicron size. Flow cytometry (FCM) remains the most frequently utilized strategy for MP detection; however, it is associated with significant technological limitations. Additionally, preanalytical and analytical variables can influence the detection of MPs by FCM, rendering data interpretation difficult. Lack of methodologic standardization in MP analysis by FCM confounds the issue further, although efforts are currently underway to address this limitation. Moving forward, it will be important to address these technical challenges as a scientific community if we are to better understand the role that MPs play in disorders of hemostasis and thrombosis. © 2015 International Society for Advancement of Cytometry
Evaluating the efficiency of isotope transmission for improved panel design and a comparison of the detection sensitivities of mass cytometer instruments
Authors: Tricot Sabine , Meyrand Mickael , Sammicheli Chiara , Elhmouzi‐Younes Jamila , Corneau Aurélien , Bertholet Sylvie , Malissen Marie , Le Grand Roger , Nuti Sandra , Luche Hervé , Cosma Antonio
Published: February 2015

The recent introduction of mass cytometry, a technique coupling a cell introduction system generating a stream of single cells with mass spectrometry, has greatly increased the number of parameters that can be measured per single cell. As with all new technology there is a need for dissemination of standardization and quality control procedures. Here, we characterize variations in sensitivity observed across the mass range of a mass cytometer, using different lanthanide tags. We observed a five‐fold difference in lanthanide detection over the mass range and demonstrated that each instrument has its own sensitivity pattern. Therefore, the selection of lanthanide combinations is a key step in the establishment of a staining panel for mass cytometry‐based experiments, particularly for multicenter studies. We propose the sensitivity pattern as the basis for panel design, instrument standardization and future implementation of normalization algorithms. © 2015 International Society for Advancement of Cytometry
Understand what research says about how to best meet the needs of your adult learners
Authors: Graves Frank , Bledsoe Christie
Published: February 2015

As colleges see their adult‐student enrollments grow, it's imperative that those tasked with serving this population have a deep understanding of adults' learning needs. Fortunately, decades of research into adult learning provide some key strategies for serving adults.
One‐Step Green Synthesis of Multifunctional Fe3O4/Cu Nanocomposites toward Efficient Reduction of Organic Dyes
Authors: Wang Zhen‐Zhen , Zhai Shang‐Ru , Zhai Bin , An Qing‐Da
Published: February 2015

Noble‐metal‐derived functional materials have played indispensable roles in the reduction of dye under aqueous conditions; however, their cost and separation are great limitations on their wider practical applications. Therefore, an alternative preparation of comparable materials with low cost and good ease of separation is required. Herein magnetic microspheres (i.e., Fe3O4/Cu) were synthesized through a green single‐step solvothermal method for the first time with ethylene glycol serving as reductant and reaction media. The prepared materials were characterized by means of powder X‐ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectrometry, a vibrating sample magnetometer, and so forth. Additionally, by employing the reduction of 4‐nitrophenol to 4‐aminophenol as a model reaction, the effects of preparation time and the initial dosage of Cu(NO3)2 on the rate constant of the catalytic reduction reaction were systematically investigated. Moreover, the obtained hybrid nanocatalysts were also applied to reduce and degrade common organic dyes (rhodamine B and methylene blue) in the presence of NaBH4. Quite significantly, it was shown that it could catalytically degrade different organic dyes with excellent catalytic performance and high stability in recycled reactions up to five times. More interestingly, the material can be easily separated from the catalytic system for further use.
Coordinating Chiral Ionic Liquids: Design, Synthesis, and Application in Asymmetric Transfer Hydrogenation under Aqueous Conditions
Authors: Vasiloiu Maria , Gaertner Peter , Zirbs Ronald , Bica Katharina
Published: February 2015

Hydrophilic coordinating chiral ionic liquids with an amino alcohol substructure were developed and efficiently applied to the asymmetric reduction of ketones. Their careful design and adaptability to the desired reaction conditions allow for these chiral ionic liquids to be used as the sole source of chirality in a ruthenium‐catalyzed transfer hydrogenation reaction of aromatic ketones. When used in this reaction system, these chiral ionic liquids afforded excellent yields and high enantioselectivities.
General Preparation of 1‐Substituted (E)‐1,3‐Dienes under Mild Conditions
Authors: Soengas Raquel G. , Rodríguez‐Solla Humberto , Díaz‐Pardo Ainhoa , Acúrcio Rita , Concellón Carmen , del Amo Vicente , Silva Artur M. S.
Published: February 2015

We describe the stereoselective synthesis of highly functionalized 1‐substituted (E)‐1,3‐dienes by reductive β‐elimination of 2‐chloroallyl acetates, derived from the indium‐promoted allylation of aldehydes with 1,3‐dichloropropene and subsequent acetylation. The procedure is mild, straightforward, and simple, and it is generally applicable to a very diverse range of functionalized substrates.
Sickness absence due to back pain or depressive episode and the risk of all‐cause and diagnosis‐specific disability pension: A Swedish cohort study of 4,823,069 individuals
Authors: Dorner T.E. , Alexanderson K. , Svedberg P. , Ropponen A. , Stein K.V. , Mittendorfer‐Rutz E.
Published: February 2015

Background

The aim of this study was to investigate the associations between sickness absence due to back pain or depressive episode with future all‐cause and diagnosis‐specific disability pension, while adjusting for comorbidity and socio‐demographics, for all and stratifying for sex.

Method

In total, 4,823,069 individuals aged 16–64 years, living in Sweden at the end of 2004, not on old‐age or disability pension in 2005 and without ongoing sickness absence at the turn of 2004/2005 formed the study population. Crude and adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) for all‐cause and diagnosis‐specific disability pension (2006–2010) in relation to diagnosis‐specific sickness absence with sickness benefits paid by the Social Insurance Agency were estimated using Cox regression.

Results

The HR for all‐cause disability pension was 7.52 (7.25–7.52) in individuals with an incident sick‐leave spell due to back pain, compared to individuals without sickness absence in 2005 in the fully adjusted (socio‐demographics and comorbidity) model. The fully adjusted (multivariate) HRs for diagnosis‐specific disability pension were musculoskeletal diagnoses 23.87 (22.75–25.04), mental 2.49 (2.27–2.73) or all other diagnoses, 3.44 (3.17–3.75). In individuals with an incident sick‐leave spell due to a depressive episode in 2005, the multivariate adjusted HR for all‐cause disability pension was 12.87 (12.42–13.35), while the multivariate HRs for disability pension due to musculoskeletal diagnoses were 4.39 (3.89–4.96), for mental diagnoses 25.32 (24.29–26.38) and for all other somatic diagnoses 3.44 (3.09–3.82). Men who were sickness absent due to a depressive episode had a higher HR for disability pension compared to women.

Conclusion

Results indicate that sickness absence due to a depressive episode or back pain is a strong risk factor for a future disability pension due to mental, musculoskeletal or other somatic diagnoses.
Electrocatalytic Nitrite Determination Using Iron Phthalocyanine Modified Gold Nanoparticles
Authors: Saeed Ayman Ali , Singh Baljit , Abbas Mohammed Nooredeen , Issa Yousry Moustafa , Dempsey Eithne
Published: February 2015

Electrochemical detection of nitrite was achieved via electrodeposition of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) onto glassy carbon electrodes, followed by 3‐mercaptopropionic acid (MPA) self‐assembly, enabling attachment of an iron(III) monoamino‐phthalocyanine (FeMAPc) catalyst via amide bond formation. The use of scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy and ultraviolet‐visible spectroscopy realised surface characterisation while cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy techniques were applied for electrochemical interrogation. The electrochemical behaviour of nitrite at the bare (GCE), AuNPs/GCE, FeMAPc/GCE and FeMAPc‐MPA/AuNPs/GCE was further scrutinised using differential pulse voltammetry in phosphate buffer solution (0.1 M PBS, pH 5.8). Overall the FeMAPc‐MPA/AuNPs/GCE resulted in sensitivity 14.5 nA/µM, which was double that of AuNPs/GCE, 2.4 times FeMAPc/GCE and 3.5 times the response at a bare GCE, with linear range 1.9 µM–2.04 mM (PBS, pH 5.8) and LOD 0.21 µM. An interference study revealed that the proposed sensor (FeMAPc‐MPA/AuNPs/GCE) exhibited a selective response in the presence of interfering anions and the analytical capability of the sensor was demonstrated via nitrite ion determination in real water samples.
Validating a Central Approximation in Theories of Regular Electrode Electrochemical Arrays of Various Common Geometries
Authors: Sliusarenko Oleksii , Oleinick Alexander , Svir Irina , Amatore Christian
Published: February 2015

Thirty years ago one of us introduced a central approximation according to which the regular arrays behaviors could be estimated based on those of arrays of cylindrical unit cells with the same relative surface area of their central disks for the insulating section. This work examines and validates this approximation on the basis of 3D‐simulations of Brownian particles motion for inlaid or recessed electroactive disks as well as for protruding cylindrical electrodes. The approximation is perfectly adequate for predicting the behavior of realistic experimental arrays and is valid within a few percent even in extreme situations when adjacent electroactive sections are almost touching.
Don't be afraid to mentor a millennial
Authors: Williams Kate
Published: February 2015

As a college administrator, you may have thought about mentoring one of your junior millennial employees but are hesitant due to negative generational stereotypes. As a millennial who is currently in a mentor‐mentee relationship with a baby boomer, I want to plead our case and explain the top five reasons we need your help.
Uptake, distribution, depletion, and in ovo transfer of isomers of hexabromocyclododecane flame retardant in diet-exposed American kestrels (Falco sparverius)
Authors: Letcher Robert J. , Mattioli Lisa C. , Marteinson Sarah C. , Bird David , Ritchie Ian J. , Fernie Kim J.
Published: February 2015

Hexabromocyclododecane (HBCDD) is a flame retardant and a global contaminant, yet the toxicokinetics of HBCDD diastereoisomers remains unknown in wildlife species. The present study examined in captive American kestrels (Falco sparverius) (diastereo) isomer-specific HBCDD uptake, depletion, tissue distribution, and transfer to eggs in a dietary dosing study with an HBCDD technical mixture (HBCDD-TM). Adult tissue and plasma collections were from separate cohorts of unpaired individual males (n = 10) and females (n = 10) exposed for 21 d to 800 ng/g wet weight of HBCDD-TM (in safflower oil and injected into their cockerel [brain] diet), followed by a 25-d depuration period. A separate cohort of 12 males only was used for control adult tissue and plasma collections. For egg collections, separate cohorts of 11 control pairs (n = 22 birds) and 20 HBCDD-exposed pairs (n = 40 birds) were allowed to breed, and their eggs were collected (n = 19 exposed eggs and n = 10 control eggs). The sum (Σ) HBCDD concentrations were near or below detection (<0.01–0.1 ng/g wet wt) in all control samples but quantifiable in all samples from exposed birds (no differences [p > 0.05] between males and females). Arithmetic mean ΣHBCDD concentrations were highest in fat >> eggs > liver > plasma. The mean ΣHBCDD depletion rate in plasma between the uptake and depuration periods was estimated to be 0.22 ng/g/d with a half-life of approximately 15 d. The γ-HBCDD diastereoisomer was >60% of the ΣHBCDD in plasma after the uptake period and similar to the HBCDD-TM (∼80%). After the depuration period, α-HBCDD was >70% of the HBCDD in plasma, fat, liver, and eggs; and this α-HBCDD domination indicated isomer-specific accumulation as a result of selective metabolism, uptake, protein binding, and/or in ovo transport. Environ Toxicol Chem 2015;34:1103–1112. © 2015 SETAC
Reduced mobility of fomesafen through enhanced adsorption in biochar-amended soil
Authors: Khorram Mahdi Safaei , Wang Yun , Jin Xiangxiang , Fang Hua , Yu Yunlong
Published: February 2015

The residual soil material resulting from biomass thermochemical transformation during carbon separation, known as biochar, has been introduced as a soil amendment because of its numerous environmental benefits, including uses for contaminated land management. Adsorption and leaching of fomesafen in soils amended with 3 different rates of rice hull biochar (0.5%, 1%, and 2% w/w) under laboratory conditions were investigated, and studies were performed following a batch equilibration adsorption–desorption procedure and a column experiment for leaching. Adsorption–desorption data fit with the Freundlich equation well. The adsorption coefficient of fomesafen sharply increased from 0.59 to 0.99 to 8.02 to 22.23 when the amount of biochar amendment in the soil increased from 0% to 2% (w/w). In addition, a strong correlation was found between the amount of adsorbed fomesafen and the rate of amended biochar (r > 0.992, p < 0.01). Furthermore, biochar amendments reduced the desorption percentage of fomesafen in the soils. The outcomes of the leaching experiment also illustrated that the lowest fomesafen concentration in the leachate (21.4%) occurred in the soil amended with 2% (w/w) biochar. Moreover, the adsorption coefficients (Kfads) of the soil were positively correlated with the total amount of adsorbed fomesafen in the corresponding soil columns (r = 0.990, p < 0.01) and negatively correlated with the leachate percentage (r = 0.987, p < 0.05). The results of the present study suggest that biochar amendments in agricultural soils likely alter the fate of herbicides by decreasing their transport through enhanced adsorption. Environ Toxicol Chem 2015;34:1258–1266. © 2015 SETAC
Effects of benthos, temperature, and dose on the fate of hexabromocyclododecane in experimental coastal ecosystems
Authors: Bradshaw Clare , Strid Anna , von Stedingk Hans , Gustafsson Kerstin
Published: February 2015

The authors studied the fate of the brominated flame retardant hexabromocyclododecane (HBCDD) added in a particulate suspension to experimental ecosystems assembled from brackish (Baltic Sea) coastal bays. Two experiments examined how benthic macrofauna (over 21 d) and increased temperature (14 d) affected HBCDD concentrations and fractionation of α, β, and γ diastereomers in the water, sediment, and biota. A third experiment run over 3 seasons (231 d), studied the effect of HBCDD dose on the same endpoints. In all treatments of the 3 experiments, HBCDD partitioned mainly to the sediment, and this proportion increased with time. Presence of macrofauna tended to increase the HBCDD concentration in the sediment and decreased its concentration in the water. Increased temperature (+ 5°C) decreased the amount of HBCDD in sediment and water but not in the filter- and deposit-feeding infaunal bivalves (Macoma balthica). The partitioning between water, sediment, and biota was not concentration dependent. In all treatments, sediment became enriched in γ-HBCDD, M. balthica in α-HBCDD, and water in α- and β-HBCDD. Bioaccumulation of HBCDD in M. balthica was high in all experiments (log biota-sediment accumulation factor [BSAF] > 1.25), the α diastereomer contributing the most (log BSAF 2.1–5.2). There is a risk of trophic transfer of HBCDD from benthic to pelagic food webs, as well as secondary poisoning of marine consumers. Environ Toxicol Chem 2015;34:1246–1257. © 2015 SETAC