bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Developing the Leuven Embedded Figures Test (L-EFT): testing the stimulus features that influence embedding
Authors: de-Wit Lee , Huygelier Hanne , Van der Hallen Ruth , Chamberlain Rebecca , Wagemans Johan
Published: January 2017

Background

The Embedded Figures Test (EFT, developed by Witkin and colleagues (1971)) has been used extensively in research on individual differences, particularly in the study of autism spectrum disorder. The EFT was originally conceptualized as a measure of field (in)dependence, but in recent years performance on the EFT has been interpreted as a measure of local versus global perceptual style. Although many have used the EFT to measure perceptual style, relatively few have focused on understanding the stimulus features that cause a shape to become embedded. The primary aim of this work was to investigate the relation between the strength of embedding and perceptual grouping on a group level.

Method

New embedded figure stimuli (both targets and contexts) were developed in which stimulus features that may influence perceptual grouping were explicitly manipulated. The symmetry, closure and complexity of the target shape were manipulated as well as its good continuation by varying the number of lines from the target that continued into the context. We evaluated the effect of these four stimulus features on target detection in a new embedded figures task (Leuven Embedded Figures Test, L-EFT) in a group of undergraduate psychology students. The results were then replicated in a second experiment using a slightly different version of the task.

Results

Stimulus features that influence perceptual grouping, especially good continuation and symmetry, clearly affected performance (lower accuracy, slower response times) on the L-EFT. Closure did not yield results in line with our predictions.

Discussion

These results show that some stimulus features, which are known to affect perceptual grouping, also influence how effectively a stimulus becomes embedded in different contexts. Whether these results imply that the EFT measures individual differences in perceptual grouping ability must be further investigated.
An examination of factors potentially influencing birth distributions in golden snub-nosed monkeys (Rhinopithecus roxellana)
Authors: Xiang Zuofu , Yang Wanji , Qi Xiaoguang , Yao Hui , Grueter Cyril C. , Garber Paul A. , Li Baoguo , Li Ming
Published: January 2017

Many species of primates are considered seasonal breeders, but the set of factors, such as food availability, day length and temperature, that influence the timing of reproductive events for both wild and captive individuals remains unclear. Here, we examine the role of factors in shaping breeding patterns inRhinopithecus roxellana, a temperate colobine primate. We used circular statistics to describe and compare the patterns of reproductive seasonality among individuals in 13 captive groups and two free ranging but provisioned groups at various locations throughout China. Almost 90% of births occurred in March, April and May in adult females residing in both free ranging (n = 131) and captive groups (n = 407). Births occurred principally in 2–4 months prior to the peak of food availability, while conceptions occurred in 1–2 months after the peak of food availability in free ranging but provisioned groups. Day length (latitude) had a significant effect on the timing of reproduction. However, females that experienced a wide variation of temperature between the lowest and highest monthly average temperature had a later conception date. These results support that day length and temperature might be factor influencing the timing of reproductive activity.
Exploration of immunoglobulin transcriptomes from mice immunized with three-finger toxins and phospholipases A2from the Central American coral snake,Micrurus nigrocinctus
Authors: Laustsen Andreas H. , Engmark Mikael , Clouser Christopher , Timberlake Sonia , Vigneault Francois , Gutiérrez José María , Lomonte Bruno
Published: January 2017

Snakebite envenomings represent a neglected public health issue in many parts of the rural tropical world. Animal-derived antivenoms have existed for more than a hundred years and are effective in neutralizing snake venom toxins when timely administered. However, the low immunogenicity of many small but potent snake venom toxins represents a challenge for obtaining a balanced immune response against the medically relevant components of the venom. Here, we employ high-throughput sequencing of the immunoglobulin (Ig) transcriptome of mice immunized with a three-finger toxin and a phospholipase A2from the venom of the Central American coral snake,Micrurus nigrocinctus.Although exploratory in nature, our indicate results showed that only low frequencies of mRNA encoding IgG isotypes, the most relevant isotype for therapeutic purposes, were present in splenocytes of five mice immunized with 6 doses of the two types of toxins over 90 days. Furthermore, analysis of Ig heavy chain transcripts showed that no particular combination of variable (V) and joining (J) gene segments had been selected in the immunization process, as would be expected after a strong humoral immune response to a single antigen. Combined with the titration of toxin-specific antibodies in the sera of immunized mice, these data support the low immunogenicity of three-finger toxins and phospholipases A2found inM. nigrocinctusvenoms, and highlight the need for future studies analyzing the complexity of antibody responses to toxins at the molecular level.
The Value of Dual-Phase Enhancement CT as a Predictor of the Preoperative Preparation of Adrenal Pheochromocytoma
Authors: Cheng Shaoping , Wang Xinghuan , Huang Jinbai , Luo Jing
Published: January 2017

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the function of adrenal pheochromocytoma with the value of dual-phase enhancement computed tomography (CT) and to guide the preoperative preparation of adrenal pheochromocytoma. From June 2009 to December 2015, the patients with a diagnosis of pheochromocytoma were divided into 2 groups according to the length of preparation time (group 1, ≤2 weeks; group 2, >2 weeks). Two experienced radiologists measured adrenal lesion attenuation from dual-phase, contrast-enhanced CT examinations. Student t-test analysis was performed to compare arterial and venous phase enhancement levels and the maximum increased enhancement CT value. There were 31 cases of pheochromocytoma that were accepted into the study: 13 cases in group 1 and 18 cases in group 2. At contrast-enhanced CT, the mean arterial enhancement and venous enhancement of pheochromocytoma were 74 ± 20 Hounsfield units (HU; range, 50–107 HU) and 72 ± 18 HU (range, 44–109 HU), respectively, in group 1, which were significantly less than those in group 2, with a mean of 101 ± 26 HU (range, 64–138 HU) and 100 ± 22 HU (range, 61–131 HU; P < 0.05). The average maximum increased attenuation at enhancement CT in group 1 was 41 ± 12 HU (range, 24–62 HU), significantly less than that in group 2, with a mean of 62 ± 22 HU (range, 26-102 HU; P < 0.05). The preparation time was related to the absolute enhancement level, especially with the maximum increased attenuation of pheochromocytoma at enhanced CT. More preparation time before surgery was needed if the maximum enhancement level during arterial phase and venous phase was greater than 109 HU and the maximum increased attenuation was greater than 62 HU.
Lowest matric potential in quartz: Metadynamics evidence
Authors: Zhang Chao , Dong Yi , Liu Zhen
Published: January 2017

The lowest matric potential is an important soil property characterizing the strength of retaining water molecules and a key parameter in defining a complete soil water retention curve. However, the exact value of the lowest matric potential is still unclear and cannot be measured due to the limitation of current experimental technology. In this study, a general theoretical framework based on metadynamics was proposed to determine the lowest matric potential in quartz minerals. The matric potential was derived from partial volume free energy and can be further calculated by the difference between the adsorption free energy and self‐hydration free energy. Metadynamics was employed to enhance molecular dynamics for determination of the adsorption free energy. In addition to the water‐mineral interaction, the adsorptive water layer structure was identified as an important mechanism that may lower the free energy of water molecules. The lowest matric potential for quartz mineral was found as low as −2.00 GPa.
Evolution of seismicity near the southernmost terminus of the San Andreas Fault: Implications of recent earthquake clusters for earthquake risk in southern California
Authors: Hauksson Egill , Meier Men‐Andrin , Ross Zachary E. , Jones Lucile M.
Published: January 2017

Three earthquake clusters that occurred in the direct vicinity of the southern terminus of the San Andreas Fault (SAF) in 2001, 2009, and 2016 raised significant concern regarding possible triggering of a major earthquake on the southern SAF, which has not ruptured in more than 320 years. These clusters of small and moderate earthquakes with M ≤ 4.8 added to an increase in seismicity rate in the northern Brawley seismic zone that began after the 1979 Mw 6.5 Imperial Valley earthquake, in contrast to the quiet from 1932 to 1979. The clusters so far triggered neither small nor large events on the SAF. The mostly negative Coulomb stress changes they imparted on the SAF may have reduced the likelihood that the events would initiate rupture on the SAF, although large magnitude earthquake triggering is poorly understood. The relatively rapid spatial and temporal migration rates within the clusters imply aseismic creep as a possible driver rather than fluid migration.
Observational needs for estimating Alaskan soil carbon stocks under current and future climate
Authors: Vitharana U. W. A. , Mishra U. , Jastrow J. D. , Matamala R. , Fan Z.
Published: January 2017

Representing land surface spatial heterogeneity when designing observation networks is a critical scientific challenge. Here we present a geospatial approach that utilizes the multivariate spatial heterogeneity of soil‐forming factors—namely, climate, topography, land cover types, and surficial geology—to identify observation sites to improve soil organic carbon (SOC) stock estimates across the State of Alaska, USA. Standard deviations in existing SOC samples indicated that 657, 870, and 906 randomly distributed pedons would be required to quantify the average SOC stocks for 0–1 m, 0–2 m, and whole‐profile depths, respectively, at a confidence interval of 5 kg C m−2. Using the spatial correlation range of existing SOC samples, we identified that 309, 446, and 484 new observation sites are needed to estimate current SOC stocks to 1 m, 2 m, and whole‐profile depths, respectively. We also investigated whether the identified sites might change under future climate by using eight decadal (2020–2099) projections of precipitation, temperature, and length of growing season for three representative concentration pathway (RCP 4.5, 6.0, and 8.5) scenarios of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. These analyses determined that 12 to 41 additional sites (906 + 12 to 41; depending upon the emission scenarios) would be needed to capture the impact of future climate on Alaskan whole‐profile SOC stocks by 2100. The identified observation sites represent spatially distributed locations across Alaska that captures the multivariate heterogeneity of soil‐forming factors under current and future climatic conditions. This information is needed for designing monitoring networks and benchmarking of Earth system model results.
Examination of the seepage face boundary condition in subsurface and coupled surface/subsurface hydrological models
Authors: Scudeler C. , Paniconi C. , Pasetto D. , Putti M.
Published: January 2017

A seepage face is a nonlinear dynamic boundary that strongly affects pressure head distributions, water table fluctuations, and flow patterns. Its handling in hydrological models, especially under complex conditions such as heterogeneity and coupled surface/subsurface flow, has not been extensively studied. In this paper, we compare the treatment of the seepage face as a static (Dirichlet) versus dynamic boundary condition, we assess its resolution under conditions of layered heterogeneity, we examine its interaction with a catchment outlet boundary, and we investigate the effects of surface/subsurface exchanges on seepage faces forming at the land surface. The analyses are carried out with an integrated catchment hydrological model. Numerical simulations are performed for a synthetic rectangular sloping aquifer and for an experimental hillslope from the Landscape Evolution Observatory. The results show that the static boundary condition is not always an adequate stand‐in for a dynamic seepage face boundary condition, especially under conditions of high rainfall, steep slope, or heterogeneity; that hillslopes with layered heterogeneity give rise to multiple seepage faces that can be highly dynamic; that seepage face and outlet boundaries can coexist in an integrated hydrological model and both play an important role; and that seepage faces at the land surface are not always controlled by subsurface flow. The paper also presents a generalized algorithm for resolving seepage face outflow that handles heterogeneity in a simple way, is applicable to unstructured grids, and is shown experimentally to be equivalent to the treatment of atmospheric boundary conditions in subsurface flow models.
Current Risk Adjustment and Comorbidity Index Underperformance in Predicting Post‐Acute Utilization and Hospital Readmissions After Joint Replacements: Implications for Comprehensive Care for Joint Replacement Model
Authors: Kumar Amit , Karmarkar Amol , Downer Brian , Vashist Amit , Adhikari Deepak , Al Snih Soham , Ottenbacher Kenneth
Published: January 2017

Objective

To compare the performances of 3 comorbidity indices, the Charlson Comorbidity Index, the Elixhauser Comorbidity Index, and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) risk adjustment model, Hierarchical Condition Category (HCC), in predicting post‐acute discharge settings and hospital readmission for patients after joint replacement.

Methods

A retrospective study of Medicare beneficiaries with total knee replacement (TKR) or total hip replacement (THR) discharged from hospitals in 2009–2011 (n = 607,349) was performed. Study outcomes were post‐acute discharge setting and unplanned 30‐, 60‐, and 90‐day hospital readmissions. Logistic regression models were built to compare the performance of the 3 comorbidity indices using C statistics. The base model included patient demographics and hospital use. Subsequent models included 1 of the 3 comorbidity indices. Additional multivariable logistic regression models were built to identify individual comorbid conditions associated with high risk of hospital readmissions.

Results

The 30‐, 60‐, and 90‐day unplanned hospital readmission rates were 5.3%, 7.2%, and 8.5%, respectively. Patients were most frequently discharged to home health (46.3%), followed by skilled nursing facility (40.9%) and inpatient rehabilitation facility (12.7%). The C statistics for the base model in predicting post‐acute discharge setting and 30‐, 60‐, and 90‐day readmission in TKR and THR were between 0.63 and 0.67. Adding the Charlson Comorbidity Index, the Elixhauser Comorbidity Index, or HCC increased the C statistic minimally from the base model for predicting both discharge settings and hospital readmission. The health conditions most frequently associated with hospital readmission were diabetes mellitus, pulmonary disease, arrhythmias, and heart disease.

Conclusion

The comorbidity indices and CMS‐HCC demonstrated weak discriminatory ability to predict post‐acute discharge settings and hospital readmission following joint replacement.
Harvesting of Living Cell Sheets by the Dynamic Generation of Diffractive Photothermal Pattern on PEDOT
Authors: Na Jongbeom , Heo June Seok , Han Minsu , Lim Hanwhuy , Kim Hyun Ok , Kim Eunkyoung
Published: January 2017

Near infrared (NIR) photothermal pattern on conductive polymer film enables unique approaches to harvest large‐area cell sheets with various patterns without the use of patterned culture dish. The NIR photothermal pattern is generated from a patterned optical lens (POL), which creates a dynamic near IR light pattern and the corresponding photothermal pattern (PTP) on the polymer film. The POL is prepared from transparent polydimethylsiloxane designed to generate various light patterns. The PTPs allow a noninvasive harvest of cultured cells as an intact living cell sheet with a high harvesting efficiency (ηcell > 100). Various PTPs are generated by the diffraction of NIR light through POLs having different micropatterns, which afford cell sheets with a desired pattern without changing the original cell morphology at cultured state. Furthermore, a large‐area living cell sheet is obtained with a detached area larger than 19 cm2, which is the largest living cell sheet up to date. Further optical engineering of the harvesting system allows multiple productions of cell sheets with one dose of light. It is possible to harvest cell sheets not only from human fibroblast cells but also from human adipose‐derived stem cells, indicating that the method can be applied to engineer various cells.
Ligand‐Free C–C Coupling Reactions Promoted by Hexagonal Boron Nitride‐Supported Palladium(II) Catalyst in Water
Authors: Cheng Xu , Li Weijian , Nie Ruifang , Ma Xiaojun , Sang Rui , Guo Li , Wu Yong
Published: January 2017

A micron‐scale palladium(II) material has been successfully prepared using Schiff base‐modified hexagonal boron nitride as a support and used for the first time as an efficient and recyclable catalyst in organic synthesis. The morphology, composition, metal loading and thermal stability of the catalyst were studied using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR), inductively coupled plasma (ICP) and thermogravimetric (TG) analyses. Then, the micron material was tested in various C–C cross‐coupling reactions and exhibited excellent catalytic activities in the Suzuki and Heck reactions. Moreover, the catalyst could be easily recovered by simple filtration and reused at least ten times without significant loss of its catalytic activity. In general, this work demonstrates the possibility of using Schiff‐base@hexagonal boron nitride as an efficient support for heterogeneous catalysts.

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Palladium‐Catalyzed Oxidative Sulfamidation: A Stereoselective Synthesis for Enesulfonamides
Authors: Panda Niranjan , Yadav Sushree Arpitabala , Giri Santanab
Published: January 2017

A palladium‐catalyzed protocol involving oxidative C–H sulfamidation of electron‐deficient terminal alkenes is described for the stereoselective synthesis of Z‐enesulfonamides. The possible intramolecular hydrogen bonding between the sulfamido proton (SO2N–H) and the carbonyl oxygen (C=O) of the ester group provides extra stability to the resulting alkyl‐palladium complex as well as to the transition state. Notably, this reaction operates at room temperature under ligand‐free conditions and does not require any inert atmosphere or dry solvent or expensive terminal oxidant. The present protocol enables the stereoselective synthesis of Z‐enesulfonamides from the primary sulfonamides and of E‐enesulfonamides from N‐substituted sulfonamides. Furthermore, the selective deallylation of sulfonamides in the presence of an N‐benzyl group was performed under the above reaction conditions.

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Palladium(II)/N‐Heterocyclic Carbene‐Catalyzed Regioselective Heteroannulation of Tertiary Propargyl Alcohols and o‐Haloanilines to form 2‐Alkenylindoles
Authors: Panyam Pradeep Kumar Reddy , Gandhi Thirumanavelan
Published: January 2017

Monometallic and bimetallic palladium(II)/N‐heterocyclic carbene complexes appended with naphthalimide or bisnaphthalimide moieties were designed, synthesized, and characterized. Employment of these catalysts brings about the step‐economic and regioselective heteroannulation of tertiary propargyl alcohols with o‐haloanilines resulting in biologically and pharmaceutically relevant 2‐alkenylindoles. Basis for the regioselective heteroannulation is unraveled by coordination of the propargylic hydroxy moiety to palladium during insertion. Embracing this methodology, a single regioisomer of unsymmetrical 2,3‐disubstituted indoles could be achieved through late‐stage modification. The role of the naphthalimide or bisnaphthalimide appended to the NHC on the catalytic efficiency has been studied.

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Evolution of Hot Polaron States with a Nanosecond Lifetime in a Manganite Perovskite
Authors: Raiser Dirk , Mildner Stephanie , Ifland Benedikt , Sotoudeh Mohsen , Blöchl Peter , Techert Simone , Jooss Christian
Published: January 2017

Understanding and controlling the relaxation process of optically excited charge carriers in solids with strong correlations is of great interest in the quest for new strategies to exploit solar energy. Usually, optically excited electrons in a solid thermalize rapidly on a femtosecond to picosecond timescale due to interactions with other electrons and phonons. New mechanisms to slow down thermalization will thus be of great significance for efficient light energy conversion, e.g., in photovoltaic devices. Ultrafast optical pump–probe experiments in the manganite Pr0.65Ca0.35MnO3, a photovoltaic, thermoelectric, and electrocatalytic material with strong polaronic correlations, reveal an ultraslow recombination dynamics on a nanosecond‐time scale. The nature of long living excitations is further elucidated by photovoltaic measurements, showing the presence of photodiffusion of excited electron–hole polaron pairs. Theoretical considerations suggest that the excited charge carriers are trapped in a hot polaron state. Escape from this state is possible via a slow dipole‐forbidden recombination process or via rare thermal fluctuations toward a conical intersection followed by a radiation‐less decay. The strong correlation between the excited polaron and the octahedral dynamics of its environment appears to be substantial for stabilizing the hot polaron.
Proteintemplat‐gesteuerte Fragmentligationen – von der molekularen Erkennung zur Wirkstofffindung
Authors: Jaegle Mike , Wong Ee Lin , Tauber Carolin , Nawrotzky Eric , Arkona Christoph , Rademann Jörg
Published: January 2017

Proteintemplat‐gesteuerte Fragmentligationen sind ein neuartiges Konzept zur Unterstützung der Wirkstofffindung und können dazu beitragen, die Wirksamkeit von Proteinliganden zu verbessern. Es handelt sich dabei um chemische Reaktionen zwischen niedermolekularen Verbindungen (“Fragmenten”), die die Oberfläche eines Proteins als Reaktionsgefäß verwenden, um die Bildung eines Proteinliganden mit erhöhter Bindungsaffinität zu katalysieren. Die Methode nutzt die molekulare Erkennung kleiner reaktiver Fragmente durch die Proteine sowohl zur Assemblierung der Liganden als auch zur Identifizierung bioaktiver Fragmentkombinationen. Chemische Synthese und Bioassay werden dabei in einem Schritt vereint. Dieser Aufsatz diskutiert die biophysikalischen Grundlagen der reversiblen und irreversiblen Fragmentligationen und gibt einen Überblick über die Methoden, mit denen die durch das Proteintemplat gebildeten Ligationsprodukte detektiert werden können. Der chemische Reaktionsraum und aktuelle Anwendungen wie auch die Bedeutung dieses Konzeptes für die Wirkstofffindung werden erörtert.
Deprotonierung eines Hydridoborat‐Anions
Authors: Landmann Johannes , Keppner Fabian , Hofmann Daniel B. , Sprenger Jan A. P. , Häring Mathias , Zottnick Sven H. , Müller‐Buschbaum Klaus , Ignat'ev Nikolai V. , Finze Maik
Published: January 2017

Die Reaktionen von [BH(CN)3]− mit starken nicht‐nucleophilen Basen sind die ersten Beispiele für die Deprotonierung eines Hydridoborat‐Anions. Diese liefern Alkalimetall‐Salze mit dem Tricyanoborat‐Dianion B(CN)32− in bis zu 97 % Ausbeute und 99.5 % Reinheit. [BH(CN)3]− ist weniger acide als (Me3Si)2NH, aber eine stärkere Säure als iPr2NH. Sterisch weniger gehinderte, stärker nucleophile Basen wie PhLi und MeLi greifen hauptsächlich die CN‐Gruppen unter Bildung von Imino‐Dianionen [RC(N)B(CN)3]2− an, die mit Wasser zu Ketonen vom Typ [RC(O)B(CN)3]− reagieren. Das Bor‐zentrierte Nucleophil B(CN)32− reagiert mit CO2 und CN+‐Reagenzien in exzellenten Ausbeuten zu Salzen mit dem [B(CN)3CO2]2−‐ bzw. dem Tetracyanoborat‐Anion [B(CN)4]−.
Protein‐Templated Fragment Ligations—From Molecular Recognition to Drug Discovery
Authors: Jaegle Mike , Wong Ee Lin , Tauber Carolin , Nawrotzky Eric , Arkona Christoph , Rademann Jörg
Published: January 2017

Protein‐templated fragment ligation is a novel concept to support drug discovery and can help to improve the efficacy of protein ligands. Protein‐templated fragment ligations are chemical reactions between small molecules (“fragments”) utilizing a protein's surface as a reaction vessel to catalyze the formation of a protein ligand with increased binding affinity. The approach exploits the molecular recognition of reactive small‐molecule fragments by proteins both for ligand assembly and for the identification of bioactive fragment combinations. In this way, chemical synthesis and bioassay are integrated in one single step. This Review discusses the biophysical basis of reversible and irreversible fragment ligations and gives an overview of the available methods to detect protein‐templated ligation products. The chemical scope and recent applications as well as future potential of the concept in drug discovery are reviewed.
Polyacrylamide hydrogels for stone restoration: Effect of salt solutions on swelling/deswelling degree and dynamic correlation length
Authors: Vicini Silvia , Castellano Maila , Faria Soares Lima Meiriane C. , Licinio Pedro , Goulart Silva Glaura
Published: January 2017

Hydrogels have prominent roles in many fields, being applied from the biomedical and pharmacological to engineering and chemical fields. Polyacrylamide (PAM) hydrogels with different crosslinking degree are synthesized and studied in this work by different analytical techniques. Swelling properties are characterized in water and in different aqueous salt solutions, and the results are correlated with the dynamic light scattering measurements of swollen hydrogels; it is demonstrated that gels are more swollen in salt solutions than in pure water. The dynamic correlation length in the swollen gel networks follows closely their mean linkage distance in accordance with De Gennes prescription. SEM observations show that the porous structure is associated with the variation of crosslinking agent amount. The cleaning process of artwork, in the cultural heritage field, can strongly benefit from the use of hydrogels. The desalting efficiency of the gel, when applied to salt contaminated stone surface for cleaning purpose, is tested and the ability of remove efflorescence is demonstrated. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017, 134, 44726.
Flexible freestanding cotton–graphene composites for lithium‐ion batteries
Authors: Zhang Xueqian , Huang Xiaoxiao , Xia Long , Zhong Bo , Zhang Xiaodong , Zhang Tao , Wen Guangwu
Published: January 2017

Flexible freestanding cotton–graphene (CGN) composites were prepared by a simple immersion and freeze‐drying method and a thermal annealing process together. The composites had a constant cotton microstructure covered by graphene. The microstructure and morphology of the composites could be easily adjusted through the variation of the thermal annealing temperatures. Electrochemical tests demonstrated that the annealing temperatures had great effects on the electrochemical performances of the obtained composites. The CGN composite annealed at 700 °C exhibited a reversible capacity of 245.2 mAh/g after 100 cycles. Even after it was bent 1000 times, the CGN composite still maintained its superior electrochemical properties. The results suggest that because of its high flexibility and excellent conductive and electrochemical activities, the CGN composites could be used as lithium‐ion battery anode materials on a large scale for corresponding applications. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017, 134, 44727.
Multifunctional Cu2+‐montmorillonite/epoxy resin nanocomposites with antibacterial activity
Authors: Bartolozzi Alessandra , Bertani Roberta , Burigo Elisa , Fabrizi Alberto , Panozzo Francesco , Quaresimin Marino , Simionato Fabio , Sgarbossa Paolo , Tamburini Sergio , Zappalorto Michele , Zorzi Federico
Published: January 2017

Multifunctional nanocomposites can be achieved by addition of modified layered nanoclays to impart to the final materials a designed set of properties. The easy reproducible preparation of copper modified montmorillonite has been reported here together with its spectroscopic characterization, including 29Si NMR in the solid state. Epoxy‐nanocomposites and glass fiber reinforced laminates containing 1% wt and 3% wt of Cu2+‐MMT have been prepared and characterized. Thermal and mechanical properties have been evaluated. The experiments carried out to evaluate the antibacterial activity showed that the epoxy‐resin nanocomposites with 3% wt of Cu2+‐MMT exhibited an inhibition action higher than 96% against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017, 134, 44733.
Effect of β‐tricalcium phosphate on the thermal foaming behavior of poly(vinyl alcohol)/water system
Authors: Zhu Jun , Li Li , Wang Qi
Published: January 2017

Poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA)/β‐tricalcium phosphate (β‐TCP, Ca3 (PO4)2) porous composite, which has potential application in articular cartilage repair, was prepared through thermal foaming using water as both plasticizer and physical blowing agent. The effects of β‐TCP content on the foaming behavior, the structure and properties of the porous composites were studied. The results showed that β‐TCP could form hydrogen bonds or coordination interaction with PVA and water; with the incorporation of β‐TCP, the content of nonfreezable bound water in system increased, the water evaporation reduced, beneficial to the controllable foaming of water. The interactions between PVA‐β‐TCP led to the enhanced melt viscosity of PVA. Simultaneously, the β‐TCP particles in matrix could act as heterogeneous nucleation agent to increase the cell density. When β‐TCP content was 7.4 wt %, the porous composite showed the optimal cell structure, i.e., 250 μm average cell size and 87% porosity. The dynamic modulus of the porous composites increased with β‐TCP content and showed frequency‐dependence. The surface contact angle and permeability of the porous composites varied with β‐TCP content, which ranged from 35° to 48° and 11 × 10−14 to 27 × 10−14 m2, respectively. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017, 134, 44737.
Brief Report: Treatment of Tumor Necrosis Factor–Transgenic Mice With Anti–Tumor Necrosis Factor Restores Lymphatic Contractions, Repairs Lymphatic Vessels, and May Increase Monocyte/Macrophage Egress
Authors: Bouta Echoe M. , Kuzin Igor , de Mesy Bentley Karen , Wood Ronald W. , Rahimi Homaira , Ji Rui‐Cheng , Ritchlin Christopher T. , Bottaro Andrea , Xing Lianping , Schwarz Edward M.
Published: January 2017

Objective

Recent studies have demonstrated that there is an inverse relationship between lymphatic egress and inflammatory arthritis in affected joints. As a model, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)–transgenic mice develop advanced arthritis following draining lymph node (LN) collapse, and loss of lymphatic contractions downstream of inflamed joints. It is unknown if these lymphatic deficits are reversible. This study was undertaken to test the hypothesis that anti‐TNF therapy reduces advanced erosive inflammatory arthritis, associated with restoration of lymphatic contractions, repair of damaged lymphatic vessels, and evidence of increased monocyte egress.

Methods

TNF‐transgenic mice with advanced arthritis and collapsed popliteal LNs were treated with anti‐TNF monoclonal antibody (10 mg/kg weekly) or placebo for 6 weeks, and effects on knee synovitis, lymphatic vessel ultrastructure and function, and popliteal LN cellularity were assessed by ultrasound, histology, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), near‐infrared indocyanine green imaging, and flow cytometry.

Results

Anti‐TNF therapy significantly decreased synovitis (∼5‐fold; P < 0.05 versus placebo), restored lymphatic contractions, and significantly increased the number of popliteal LN monocyte/macrophages (∼2‐fold; P < 0.05 versus placebo). TEM demonstrated large activated macrophages attached to damaged lymphatic endothelium in mice with early arthritis, extensively damaged lymphatic vessels in placebo‐treated mice with advanced arthritis, and rolling leukocytes in repaired lymphatic vessels in mice responsive to anti‐TNF therapy.

Conclusion

These findings support the concept that anti‐TNF therapy ameliorates erosive inflammatory arthritis, in part via restoration of lymphatic vessel contractions and potential enhancement of inflammatory cell egress.
Brief Report: Pharmacodynamics, Safety, and Clinical Efficacy of AMG 811, a Human Anti–Interferon‐γ Antibody, in Patients With Discoid Lupus Erythematosus
Authors: Werth Victoria P. , Fiorentino David , Sullivan Barbara A. , Boedigheimer Michael J. , Chiu Kit , Wang Christine , Arnold Gregory E. , Damore Michael A. , Bigler Jeannette , Welcher Andrew A. , Russell Chris B. , Martin David A. , Chung James B.
Published: January 2017

Objective

Interferon‐γ (IFNγ) is implicated in the pathogenesis of discoid lupus erythematosus (DLE). This study sought to evaluate a single dose of AMG 811, an anti‐IFNγ antibody, in patients with DLE.

Methods

The study was designed as a phase I randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled crossover study of the pharmacodynamics, safety, and clinical efficacy of AMG 811 in patients with DLE. Patients received a single subcutaneous dose of AMG 811 (180 mg) or placebo. The patients in sequence 1 received AMG 811 followed by placebo, while those in sequence 2 received placebo followed by AMG 811. Pharmacodynamic end points included global transcriptional analyses of lesional and nonlesional skin, IFNγ blockade signature (IGBS) transcriptional scores in the skin and blood, keratinocyte IFNγ RNA scores, and serum levels of CXCL10 protein. Additional end points were efficacy outcome measures, including the Cutaneous Lupus Erythematosus Disease Area and Severity Index, and safety outcome measures.

Results

Sixteen patients with DLE were enrolled in the study (9 in sequence 1 and 7 in sequence 2). AMG 811 treatment reduced the IGBS score (which was elevated in DLE patients at baseline) in both the blood and lesional skin. The keratinocyte IFNγ RNA score was not affected by administration of AMG 811. Serum CXCL10 protein levels (which were elevated in the blood of DLE patients) were reduced with AMG 811 treatment. The AMG 811 treatment was well tolerated but did not lead to statistically significant improvements in any of the efficacy outcome measures.

Conclusion

AMG 811 treatment led to changes in IFNγ‐associated biomarkers and was well tolerated, but no significant clinical benefit was observed in patients with DLE.
Synthesis and optical properties of Eu3+‐substituted glaserite‐type orthovanadates CsK2Y[VO4]2
Authors: David A. Duke John , Muhammad G. Shakil , Sivakumar V.
Published: January 2017

A new Eu3+‐substituted CsK2Y[VO4]2 glaserite‐type orthovanadate phosphor was synthesized by the conventional high temperature solid‐state reaction method. The phase purity was confirmed by powder X‐ray diffraction study and it reveals that all the compositions crystallize in the hexagonal structure. The morphology and elemental composition were measured by FE‐SEM with Energy Dispersive Analysis Of X Rays (EDAX). The band gap is determined by diffuse reflectance spectra. The self‐activated luminescence of the host and Eu3+‐substituted luminescence behaviours were studied in detail by photoluminescence spectra. The host CsK2Y[VO4]2 shows green emission, whereas the Eu3+‐substituted compositions show red emission. Effect of Eu3+ concentrations on the photoluminescence behaviour were also been studied. The Eu3+‐doped samples show not only several sharp emission lines but also a broad emission band due to presence of the [VO4]3− in the host, which clearly indicates that there is incomplete energy transfer from (VO4) charge transfer band to Eu3+. The life time of the phosphors also been studied. The Commission Internationale de l'Eclairage (CIE) chromaticity colour coordinates were calculated and it is very much closer to the National Television Standard Committee (NTSC) standards. These investigations evidently reveal that the self‐activated and Eu3+‐activated phosphors show a great potential applications as a red phosphor for solid‐state lighting includes white light‐emitting diodes (wLEDs).
Improved Behavior of Copper–Amine Complexes During Thermal Annealing for Conductive Thin Film Synthesis
Authors: Ayag Kevin Ray , Panama Gustavo , Paul Shrabani , Kim Hongdoo
Published: January 2017

Previous studies successfully produced conductive thin films from organo‐metallic‐compounds‐based inks. Some inks like those made from copper salt and amines, however, tend to move during thermal annealing and, thus, affect the conductive pattern on the substrate. In this study, conductive inks were synthesized by forming complexes of copper with amines and/or blended amines. To build‐up an organo‐metallic framework and preserve the pattern throughout the annealing period, diamine was added to the complex in different proportions. The prepared inks were coated on glass substrate and were annealed on a hot plate at 170°C under the gaseous mixture of formic acid and alcohol for 5 min. The metallic film was observed to retain the original pattern of the ink during and after annealing. Adhesion on the substrate was also improved. Inks with blended amines produced films with lower resistivities. The lowest electrical resistivity recorded was 4.99 μΩ cm, three times that of bulk copper.
Can Implicit Associations Distinguish True and False Eyewitness Memory? Development and Preliminary Testing of the IATe
Authors: Helm Rebecca K. , Ceci Stephen J. , Burd Kayla A.
Published: January 2017

Eyewitness identification has been shown to be fallible and prone to false memory. In this study we develop and test a new method to probe the mechanisms involved in the formation of false memories in this area, and determine whether a particular memory is likely to be true or false. We created a seven‐step procedure based on the Implicit Association Test to gauge implicit biases in eyewitness identification (the IATe). We show that identification errors may result from unconscious bias caused by implicit associations evoked by a given face. We also show that implicit associations between negative attributions such as guilt and eyewitnesses' final pick from a line‐up can help to distinguish between true and false memory (especially where the witness has been subject to the suggestive nature of a prior blank line‐up). Specifically, the more a witness implicitly associates an individual face with a particular crime, the more likely it is that a memory they have for that person committing the crime is false. These findings are consistent with existing findings in the memory and neuroscience literature showing that false memories can be caused by implicit associations that are outside conscious awareness. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Training, collaboration, communications promote campus safety
Authors: Hope Joan
Published: January 2017

Christopher T. Lloyd started in campus safety as a part‐time security officer at a residence hall, not expecting to make a career in the profession. But now he is director of safety and security at Cairn University, which students rated as one of the best colleges for campus safety in reviews on cappex.com.
Correlation found between decreased risk of school shootings, mandatory background checks on gun sales
Authors: Sutton Halley
Published: January 2017

A recent study has concluded that states that require background checks before allowing a citizen to purchase a gun were around half as likely to have school shootings occur. The study, which was based on reports of school shootings between Jan. 1, 2013, and Dec. 31, 2015, found that the 17 states that required at least some form of mandatory background checks before purchasing a firearm were 45 percent less likely to experience a school shooting. In addition, states that required mandatory background checks before the purchase of ammunition were less likely to see school shootings.
Pass the Rock: Calcium, the achilles' heel of transcatheter valve replacement
Authors: McCabe James M. , Dean Larry S.
Published: January 2017

Key Points

Increasing annular calcification portends more adverse outcomes and worse hemodynamic results following percutaneous structural heart interventions.

Though the Direct Flow prosthesis did not appear to have significantly different post‐procedural gradients based on aortic valve calcium burden in a selected group of patients, the average residual gradients were relatively high in all cases and the presence of a paravalvular leak was more common with increasing valvular calcification.

It is unclear how the Direct Flow prosthesis fits into the armamentarium of TAVR prostheses
The elusive prediction of stent thrombosis
Authors: Nuñez López Vanesa F. , Cohen Mauricio G.
Published: January 2017

Key Points

Stent thrombosis is a rare PCI complication that occurs in approximately 1% of cases after successful PCI. In about 50% of cases ST occur after 30 days, and in 15% after 1 year.

Lesion complexity and baseline presence of thrombus are angiographic predictors for ST and can potentially guide antithrombotic therapy.

Further studies are needed to demonstrate whether these predictors can be used to individualize intensity and duration of DAPT.
Infective endocarditis and infected aneurysm caused by Streptococcus dysgalactiae subsp. equisimilis: a case report
Authors: Watanabe Naoki , Bandoh Shuji , Ishii Tomoya , Negayama Kiyoshi , Kadowaki Norimitsu , Yokota Kyoko
Published: January 2017

Key Clinical Message

Endocarditis caused by Streptococcus dysgalactiae subsp. equisimilis (SDSE) is rare. Infected aneurysm is one of the most serious complications of infective endocarditis. However, no reports have described SDSE‐related infected aneurysm. We herein report a successfully treated case of SDSE‐associated infective endocarditis with an infected aneurysm.
Anatase TiO2 Mesocrystals: Green Synthesis, In Situ Conversion to Porous Single Crystals, and Self‐Doping Ti3+ for Enhanced Visible Light Driven Photocatalytic Removal of NO
Authors: Tan Biying , Zhang Xuehao , Li Yongjun , Chen Hao , Ye Xiaozhou , Wang Yun , Ye Jianfeng
Published: January 2017

Mesocrystals are of great interest for a wide range of applications owing to their unique structural features and properties. The realization of well‐defined metal oxide mesocrystals through a facile and green synthetic approach still remains a great challenge. Here, a novel synthesis strategy is reported for the production of spindle‐shaped anatase TiO2 mesocrystals with a single‐crystal‐like structure, which was simply achieved through the one‐step hydrolysis reaction of TiCl3 in the green and recyclable media polyethylene glycol (PEG‐400) without any additives. Such anatase mesocrystals were constructed from small nanocrystal subunits (≈1.5–4.5 nm in diameter) and formed through oriented aggregation of the nanocrystals pre‐formed in the reaction system. Owing to their novel structural characteristics, the as‐synthesized anatase mesocrystals could be easily fused in situ into porous single crystals by annealing in air. More significantly, after being annealed in vacuum, Ti3+ sites could be easily induced in the anatase crystal lattice, resulting in the formation of Ti3+ self‐doped anatase mesocrystals. The thus‐transformed mesocrystals exhibited enhanced visible light activity towards the photocatalytic oxidation of nitric oxide (NO) to NO3−, which could be largely attributed to their intrinsic Ti3+ self‐doped nature, as well as high crystallinity and high porosity of the mesocrystalline architecture.
Modelling and optimization of hydrogen yield in membrane steam reforming reactors
Authors: Murmura Maria Anna , Cerbelli Stefano , Annesini Maria Cristina
Published: January 2017

Low‐temperature steam reforming is an interesting alternative to traditional hydrogen production methods, making it possible to couple the reactor with solar heating. The main limitation in this process is imposed by thermodynamic equilibrium, which may be overcome by considering the use of a pre‐reformer, in which equilibrium conversions are easily reached, followed by a membrane reactor, in which additional hydrogen production takes place along with its separation from the other products. This work is based on an overview of studies previously carried out by the same authors on the influence of pressure on the interplay between transport, permeation, and reaction in methane steam reforming membrane reactors and focuses on the behaviour of yield, defined as the ratio between the flow rate of hydrogen permeating across the membrane and at the inlet of the reactor. In the present work we show that all the curves depicting the yield, corresponding to a variety of operating conditions, can be rescaled onto a single master curve, thus providing the most compact representation of the reactor's performance. Furthermore, we show that the invariant scaling is robust with respect to changes of the reactor geometry.
Approaches to designing micro‐solenoidal RF probes for 14 T MRI studies of millimeter‐range sized objects
Authors: Seifi Bahram , Semouchkina Elena , Lanagan Michael , Neuberger Thomas
Published: January 2017

Full‐wave electromagnetic simulations have been employed to analyze the design approaches that allow for solving the problems preventing inductive performance of micro‐solenoidal RF probes and formation of strong and homogeneous magnetic fields inside probes at the studies of millimeter‐range sized objects in 14 T MRI scanners. In particular, the effects of non‐uniform coil wrapping on field homogeneity inside extended coils and of partitioning the coils by dielectric separators on coil self‐resonances have been investigated. The possibility to utilize tunable C‐C matching circuits with the coils and to mitigate the effects of sample insertion on the probe resonance frequency has been demonstrated. Challenges of coil fabrication have been also addressed.
Reaction‐Induced Self‐Assembly of CoO@Cu2O Nanocomposites In Situ onto SiC‐Foam for Gas‐Phase Oxidation of Bioethanol to Acetaldehyde
Authors: Zhao Guofeng , Fan Songyua , Pan Xiaxia , Chen Pengjing , Liu Ye , Lu Yong
Published: January 2017

A high‐performance SiC‐foam‐structured nanocomposite catalyst of CoO@Cu2O (i.e., 50–100 nm CoO partially covered with ca. 10 nm Cu2O) was engineered from nano‐ to macro‐scales in one step for the high‐throughput gas‐phase aerobic oxidation of bioethanol to acetaldehyde. This special CoO@Cu2O nanostructure shows much higher activity/selectivity than other binary metal‐oxide assemblies such as CuOx&CoO nano‐mixtures or inverse Cu2O@CoO nanostructures. The catalyst was facilely but exclusively obtainable by in situ reaction‐induced transformation of the respective metal nitrates supported on SiC‐foam into the CoO@Cu2O nanostructure in the reaction stream. It achieved 95 % conversion with 98 % selectivity under mild conditions and was stable for at least 150 h for a feed of 20 vol % ethanol (much higher than in the literature: 1–6 vol %) at a high EtOH weight hourly space velocity of 8.5 h−1. Abundant Cu2O–CoO interfaces and high stability of the CoO@Cu2O nanostructure were responsible for the high activity/selectivity and promising stability in this reaction.