bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of the global warming hiatus on Andean temperature
Authors: Vuille Mathias , Franquist Eric , Garreaud René , Lavado Casimiro Waldo Sven , Cáceres Bolivar
Published: April 2015

The recent hiatus in global warming is likely to be reflected in Andean temperature, given its close dependence on tropical Pacific sea surface temperature (SST). While recent work in the subtropical Andes has indeed documented a cooling along coastal areas, trends in the tropical Andes show continued warming. Here we analyze spatiotemporal temperature variability along the western side of the Andes with a dense station network updated to 2010 and investigate its linkages to tropical Pacific modes of variability. Results indicate that the warming in tropical latitudes has come to a halt and that the subtropical regions continue to experience cooling. Trends, however, are highly dependent on elevation. While coastal regions experience cooling, higher elevations continue to warm. The coastal cooling is consistent with the observed Pacific Decadal Oscillation (PDO) fingerprint and can be accurately simulated using a simple PDO‐analog model. Much of the PDO imprint is modulated and transmitted through adjustments in coastal SST off western South America. At inland and higher‐elevation locations, however, temperature trends start to diverge from this PDO‐analog model in the late 1980s and have by now emerged above the 1σ model spread. Future warming at higher elevation is likely and will contribute to further vertical stratification of atmospheric temperature trends. In coastal locations, future warming or cooling will depend on the potential future intensification of the South Pacific anticyclone but also on continued temperature dependence on the state of the PDO.
Polymer‐Derived Ceramic Coil Springs
Authors: Loginkin Sofia , Schlier Lorenz , Harris Joseph , Travitzky Nahum , Greil Peter
Published: April 2015

Polymer‐derived ceramic coil springs were manufactured by thermoplastic coiling of extruded filaments. Feedstocks for extrusion were processed from polymethylsilsesquioxane loaded with 34 vol% FeSiCr (reactive filler) and 16 vol% Si3N4 (inert filler). The pyrolytic conversion into a composite residue, the surface reactions, and the mechanical properties were analyzed. Annealing the extruded spring preforms in a reactive nitrogen atmosphere at 1300 °C resulted in the formation of a surface reaction zone with a thickness <10 μm where nitridation reaction products are likely to heal cracks and pores. The as‐pyrolyzed ceramic springs (without surface machining) were loaded in compression. Ceramic coil springs with a filament diameter of 2.5 mm were characterized by a spring constant of 14.3 N mm−1 and attained a fracture stress of 187 ± 40 MPa.
Organocatalytic Asymmetric Vinylogous Michael Addition of 3‐(2‐Oxoindolin‐3‐ylidene)butanoates to Nitroalkenes Catalyzed by a Bifunctional Cinchona‐Based Squaramide
Authors: Zheng Chen , Wang Hai‐Feng , Chen Wei‐Qi , Chen Wen‐Xue , Chen Fen‐Er
Published: April 2015

The highly efficient asymmetric vinylogous Michael addition of 3‐(2‐oxoindolin‐3‐ylidene)butanoates to nitroalkenes, catalyzed by a cinchona‐based squaramide, is described. The enantioselectivity (up to 99 % ee) and diastereoselectivity (>20:1 d.r.) of the reaction is excellent.
Untersuchung der Struktur und Dynamik von Wasser an der Wasser‐Luft‐Grenzfläche mittels oberflächenspezifischer Schwingungsspektroskopie
Authors: Bonn Mischa , Nagata Yuki , Backus Ellen H. G.
Published: April 2015

Die Grenzfläche von Wasser zu Luft bietet eine Plattform für viele wichtige biologische, chemische und physikalische Prozesse. Die Wasser‐Luft‐Grenzfläche ist die verbreitetste und einfachste Grenzfläche und dient als Modellsystem für Wasser an hydrophoben Oberflächen. Die Aufklärung der mikroskopischen (<1 nm) Struktur und Dynamik von Wasser an der Wasser‐Luft‐Grenzfläche ist zum Verständnis der an der Wasseroberfläche auftretenden Prozesse unerlässlich. Das Netzwerk sehr starker intermolekularer Wechselwirkungen, der Wasserstoffbrücken (H‐Brücken), ist an der Wassergrenzfläche unterbrochen. Ebenso ist dort die Dichte von Wasser verringert. Eine zentrale Frage bezüglich Wasser an Grenzflächen ist, inwieweit Struktur und Dynamik der Wassermoleküle von Unterbrechungen des H‐Brückennetzwerks beeinflusst werden und sich dadurch von Wasser im Volumen unterscheiden. In diesem Aufsatz werden jüngste Fortschritte in der Untersuchung von Wasser an der Wasser‐Luft‐Grenzfläche mittels Laser‐basierter oberflächenspezifischer Schwingungsspektroskopie diskutiert.
Strukturrevision und Aufklärung der Biosynthese von Hypodoratoxid durch ein 13C,13C‐COSY‐NMR‐Experiment
Authors: Barra Lena , Ibrom Kerstin , Dickschat Jeroen S.
Published: April 2015

Die Fütterung von (2,3,4,5,6‐13C5)Mevalonolacton an den Pilz Hypomyces odoratus lieferte einen komplett markierten Sesquiterpenether. Die Konnektivität der Kohlenstoffatome wurde aus einem 13C,13C‐COSY‐Spektrum erschlossen und ergab eine Struktur, die sich von der für Hypodoratoxid zuvor berichteten unterschied, obwohl die 13C‐NMR‐spektroskopischen Daten übereinstimmten. Die Strukturrevision für Hypodoratoxid wird präsentiert. Dessen absolute Konfiguration wurde vorläufig aus derjenigen des Cometaboliten cis‐Dihydroagarofuran abgeleitet. Die Biosynthese wurde durch Fütterung von (3‐13C)‐ und (4,6‐13C2)Mevalonolacton untersucht, die Einblicke in komplexe Gerüstumlagerungen während der Terpencyclisierung durch 13C,13C‐Kopplungen gaben.
Frontispiz: Palladium versus Platin – das Metall im Katalysezentrum eines molekularen Photokatalysators bestimmt den Mechanismus der Wasserstoffproduktion mit sichtbarem Licht
Authors: Pfeffer Michael G. , Schäfer Bernhard , Smolentsev Grigory , Uhlig Jens , Nazarenko Elena , Guthmuller Julien , Kuhnt Christian , Wächtler Maria , Dietzek Benjamin , Sundström Villy , Rau Sven
Published: April 2015

Photokatalytische H2‐Produktion

In der Zuschrift auf S. 5132 ff. untersuchen S. Rau et al. den Mechanismus der photokatalytischen Wasserstoffproduktion in Ru‐Pd‐ und Ru‐Pt‐Systemen. Während Pd als initialen Schritt metallische Kolloide bildet, zeigt Pt keine Veränderung der Koordinationssphäre.
Real‐Time Results for High Order Neural Identification and Block Control Transformation Form Using High Order Sliding Modes
Authors: Rodríguez Sergio Alvarez , Castañeda Hdez Carlos E. , Morfin G. Onofre A. , Jurado Francisco , Prado P. Esquivel
Published: April 2015

In this paper, real‐time results for a novel continuous‐time adaptive tracking controller algorithm for nonlinear multiple input multiple output systems are presented. The control algorithm includes the combination of a recurrent high order neural network with block control transformation using a high order sliding modes technique as control law. A neural network is used to identify the dynamic plant behavior where a filtered error algorithm is used to train the neural identifier. A decentralized high order sliding mode, named the twisting algorithm, is used to design chattering‐reduced independent controllers to solve the trajectory tracking problem for a robot arm with three degrees of freedom. Stability analyses are given via a Lyapunov approach.
Synthesis of fluorescent and low cytotoxicity phenol formaldehyde resin (PFR)@Ag composites for cell imaging and antibacterial activity
Authors: Yang Ping , Dong Hao , Xia Jun , Xu Andong , Shi Jianjun , He Jie , Ding Jianzhong , Li Dewei
Published: April 2015

Ag nanoparticles (NPs) were loaded onto the surface of phenol formaldehyde resin (PFR) NPs without any reducing agent. The as‐synthesized PFR@Ag composites have low cytotoxicity, which makes them promising antibacterial agents. Furthermore, the good fluorescence of PFR could be used for cell imaging. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Utility of gold nanoparticles in luminescence determination of trovafloxacin: comparison of chemiluminescence and fluorescence detection
Authors: Alarfaj Nawal A. , El‐Tohamy Maha F.
Published: April 2015

Two novel sensitive sequential injection chemiluminescence analysis and fluorescence methods for trovafloxacin mesylate detection have been developed. The methods were based on the enhancement effect of gold nanoparticles on luminol–ferricyanide–trovafloxacin and europium(III)–trovafloxacin complex systems. The optimum conditions for both detection methods were investigated. The chemiluminescence signal was emitted due to the enhanced effect of gold nanoparticles on the reaction of luminol–ferricyanide–trovafloxacin in an alkaline medium. The response was linear over a concentration range of 1.0 × 10–9 to 1.0 × 10–2 mol/L (%RSD = 1.3), (n = 9, r = 0.9991) with a detection limit of 1.7 × 10–10 mol/L (S/N = 3). The weak fluorescence intensity signal of the oxidation complex of europium(III)–trovafloxacin was strongly enhanced by gold nanoparticles and detected at λex = 330 and λem = 540 nm. Fluorescence detection enabled the determination of trovafloxacin mesylate over a linear range of 1.0 × 10–8 to 1.0 × 10–3 mol/L (%RSD = 1.2), (n = 6, r = 0.9993) with a detection limit of 3.3 × 10–9 mol/L. The proposed methods were successfully applied to the determination of the studied drug in its bulk form and in pharmaceutical preparations. The results were treated statistically and compared with those obtained from other reported methods. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A ratiometric fluorescence sensor for Fe3+ based on FRET and PET processes
Authors: Hu Yongjun , Wang Jiaoliang , Long Liping , Xiao Xiaoming
Published: April 2015

A rhodamine/coumarin‐based ratiometric fluorescent Fe3+ sensor has been designed and synthesized. The sensor exhibits a good response to Fe3+ ions with high sensitivity, selectivity and a large shift in the emission spectra (>100 nm), which shows Fe3+‐induced FRET OFF–ON and PET ON–OFF behavior. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synthesis of molecularly imprinted polypyrrole as an adsorbent for solid‐phase extraction of warfarin from human plasma and urine
Authors: Peyrovi Moazameh , Hadjmohammadi Mohammadreza
Published: April 2015

The aim of this work was to develop a method for the clean‐up and preconcentration of warfarin from biological sample employing a new molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) as a selective adsorbent for solid‐phase extraction (SPE). This MIP was synthesized using warfarin as a template, pyrrole as a functional monomer and vinyl triethoxysilane as a cross‐linker. The molar ratio of 1:4:20 (template–functional monomer–cross‐linker) showed the best results. Nonimprinted polymers (NIPs) were prepared and treated with the same method, but in the absence of warfarin. The prepared polymer was characterized by Fourier transmission infrared spectrometry and scanning electron microscopy. An adsorption process (SPE) for the removal of warfarin using the fabricated MIPs and NIPs was evaluated under various conditions. Effective parameters on warfarin extraction, for example, type and volume of elution solvent, pH of sample solution, breakthrough volume and maximum loading capacity, were studied. The limits of detection were in the range of 0.0035–0.0050 µg mL−1. Linearity of the method was determined in the range of 0.0165–10.0000 µg mL−1 for plasma and 0.0115–10.0000 µg mL−1 for urine with coefficients of determination (R2) ranging from 0.9975 to 0.9985. The recoveries for plasma and urine samples were >95%. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Experimental and theoretical study of multicomponent batch distillation
Authors: Binous Housam , Al‐Harthi Mamdouh A. , Bellagi Ahmed
Published: April 2015

We present in this pedagogical paper several important aspects of multi‐component batch distillation. These later include: (1) Experimental implementation and results of a simple multi‐component batch distillation; (2) Theoretical prediction of temperature and composition evolution with time; and (3) Liquid‐vapor equilibrium calculations of ternary mixtures, including residue curves computations. Such study material can be easily introduced in undergraduate chemical engineering laboratory including the senior‐level laboratory, called CHE 409 at King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals (KFUPM). The selected multi‐component mixture is composed of chloroform, acetone, and methanol. This mixture is particularly interesting because it has several distillation boundaries and up to four azeotropes. During the simple batch distillation experiment, temperature of the vapor phase is measured and both the initial and final compositions are determined using Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR). These experimental results are then compared to the theoretical calculations based on two approaches: (i) mass and energy balance approach (i.e, MESH equations) and (ii) residue curve. The authors share at the final section of the paper their experience teaching the senior‐level chemical engineering laboratory at KFUPM. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Comput Appl Eng Educ 23:813–823, 2015; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com/journal/cae; DOI 10.1002/cae.21652
Analysis and Mitigation of Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy Artefacts in Four‐Electrode Cells: Experimental Aspects
Authors: Stojadinović Jelena , Fan Mu , Battistel Alberto , La Mantia Fabio
Published: April 2015

The analysis and minimization of the electrochemical spectroscopy impedance artefacts measured in a four‐electrode cell were addressed by using bypass modification of reference and sensing electrodes and capacitor bridges. Additionally, the influence of the resistance of the reference and sensing electrodes on the measured spectra was studied. Two types of four‐electrode cells, non‐zero gap and zero gap, were used for electrochemical impedance spectroscopy measurements in potassium phosphate buffer solution. Different impedance values of the reference and sensing Pb/PbF2 electrodes were achieved by varying the concentration of fluoride salt in the solution used to fill the electrodes. The artefacts occurring during the measurements were successfully minimized by improving the conductance of the reference and sensing electrodes at high frequencies through a bypass. Contrary to that previously observed for a three‐electrode setup, the use of capacitor bridges amplified the measured artefacts.
Electrochemical Oxidation of Small Organic Molecules on Au Nanoparticles with Preferential Surface Orientation
Authors: Monzó Javier , Malewski Yvonne , Vidal‐Iglesias Francisco J. , Solla‐Gullon Jose , Rodriguez Paramaconi
Published: April 2015

The surface orientation effect on the oxidation of small organic molecules such as methanol, formaldehyde, ethanol, and glycerol has been studied on Au nanoparticles in alkaline medium. Two sets of Au nanoparticles enriched in (100) and (111) facets were synthetized by using colloidal methods in presence of cetyltrimethylammonium bromide. The nanoparticles were physically characterized by using TEM and XRD and electrochemically characterized by using Pb underpotential deposition as a surface‐structure probe. It is reported that, although methanol oxidation was similar in both types of nanoparticles, the oxidation of formaldehyde presented a clear surface orientation effect. For this reaction, nanoparticles with (111) preferential orientation presented higher current densities at low potentials, whereas Au(100) nanoparticles exhibited higher activity at potentials more positive than 1.0 V versus RHE. On the other hand, for glycerol and ethanol oxidations, the onset of the reaction was similar in both types of particles, although Au(111) nanoparticles showed higher current densities than the Au(100) ones.
Analysis and Mitigation of Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy Artefacts in Four‐Electrode Cells: Model and Simulations
Authors: Fan Mu , Stojadinović Jelena , Battistel Alberto , La Mantia Fabio
Published: April 2015

The capacitive and inductive artefacts in electrochemical impedance measurements with three‐electrode cells have been understood by including the physical‐treatment stray capacitances between electrodes. In our work, the same methodology was implemented and a general equivalent circuit for four‐electrode cells was built. Mathematical analysis of the impedance artefacts related to the stray capacitances, cell geometry, and reference (sensing) electrodes are presented. In agreement with previous experimental results, the use of a capacitor bridge and bypass‐modified reference (sensing) electrodes could be simulated to identify the parameters that are capable of minimizing the distortions of the impedance spectra. It was found that, in the four‐electrode configuration, the zero‐gap cell combined with bypass‐modified reference and sensing electrodes had the optimal minimization of the artefacts.
NHC‐Catalyzed Asymmetric Synthesis of Functionalized Succinimides from Enals and α‐Ketoamides
Authors: Wang Lei , Ni Qijian , Blümel Marcus , Shu Tao , Raabe Gerhard , Enders Dieter
Published: April 2015

The efficient asymmetric synthesis of highly substituted succinimides from α,β‐unsaturated aldehydes and α‐ketoamides via NHC‐catalyzed [3+2] cycloaddition has been developed. The new scalable protocol significantly expands the utility of NHC catalysis for the synthesis of heterocycles and provides easy access to assemble a wide range of succinimides from simple starting materials.
Stereoretentive Palladium‐Catalyzed Arylation, Alkenylation, and Alkynylation of 1‐Thiosugars and Thiols Using Aminobiphenyl Palladacycle Precatalyst at Room Temperature
Authors: Bruneau Alexandre , Roche Maxime , Hamze Abdallah , Brion Jean‐Daniel , Alami Mouad , Messaoudi Samir
Published: April 2015

A general and efficient protocol for the palladium‐catalyzed functionalization of mono‐ and polyglycosyl thiols by using the palladacycle precatalyst G3‐XantPhos was developed. The CS bond‐forming reaction was achieved rapidly at room temperature with various functionalized (hetero)aryl‐, alkenyl‐, and alkynyl halides. The functional group tolerance on the electrophilic partner is typically high and anomer selectivities of thioglycosides are high in all cases studied. New sulfur nucleophiles such as thiophenols, alkythiols, and thioaminoacids (cysteine) were also successfully coupled to lead to the most general and practical method yet reported for the functionalization of thiols.
The role of second‐hand smoke exposure on smoking cessation in non–tobacco‐related cancers
Authors: Eng Lawson , Qiu Xin , Su Jie , Pringle Dan , Niu Chongya , Mahler Mary , Charow Rebecca , Villeneuve Jodie , Halytskyy Oleksandr , Lam Christine , Tiessen Kyoko , Brown M. Catherine , Howell Doris , Giuliani Meredith E. , Jones Jennifer M. , Alibhai Shabbir M. H. , Goldstein David P. , Xu Wei , Selby Peter , Liu Geoffrey
Published: April 2015

BACKGROUND

Second‐hand smoke (SHS) is a significant barrier to smoking cessation after a diagnosis of cancer in patients with lung as well as head and neck cancers. In the current study, the authors evaluated the effect of SHS on smoking cessation among patients with those cancers not traditionally perceived to be strongly associated with smoking.

METHODS

Patients recruited from a single tertiary care center completed a self‐administered questionnaire. Multivariate logistic regression and Cox proportional hazards models evaluated the association of sociodemographics, clinicopathological variables, and exposure to SHS with either smoking cessation or time to quitting.

RESULTS

In all, 926 patients with diverse cancer subtypes completed the questionnaire. Of the 161 who were current smokers at the time of their cancer diagnosis, 48% quit after diagnosis. Lack of exposure to SHS at home was found to be associated with smoking cessation at any time after diagnosis (adjusted odd ratio, 4.28; 95% confidence interval, 1.56‐11.78 [P =.005]), with similar trends noted 1 year after diagnosis (adjusted odds ratio, 2.56; 95% confidence interval, 0.91‐7.22 [P =.08]). There was a significant inverse dose‐response relationship between hours of SHS exposure at home and smoking cessation. Spousal and peer smoking were not found to be significantly associated with smoking cessation on multivariate analysis (P>.05). Kaplan‐Meier analysis found that of patients who did quit smoking, 61% quit within 6 months of their cancer diagnosis.

CONCLUSIONS

Exposure to SHS at home is a significant barrier to smoking cessation in patients whose cancers are not traditionally perceived as being related to tobacco. SHS should be a key consideration in the development of survivorship programs geared toward smoking cessation for all patients with cancer. Cancer 2015;121:2655–2663. © 2015 American Cancer Society.
One‐Step Synthesis of N‐Doped Carbon and Its Application as a Cost‐Efficient Catalyst for the Oxygen Reduction Reaction in Microbial Fuel Cells
Authors: Yue Guizhou , Meng Kai , Liu Qin
Published: April 2015

Nitrogen‐doped carbon with a high surface area was prepared by the one‐step pyrolysis of cellulose paper under NH3 gas, and has been developed as an alternative to Pt/C for the oxygen reduction reaction in microbial fuel cells (MFCs).The electrochemical tests showed that the catalytic performance of N‐doped carbon in neutral media was significantly better than that of undoped carbon, with an onset of 0.21 V. The maximum power density of MFCs with the N‐doped carbon catalyst (1041±90 mW m−2) was much higher than that of Pt/C‐based MFC (584±10 mW m−2), while the cost was significantly lower. These results demonstrated that such N‐doped carbon has the advantages of low cost and high efficiency, and can be a promising alternative to Pt/C in large‐scale applications of MFCs.
Preparation of three‐dimensional symmetric dendrites of BaWO4 microcrystals
Authors: Jung Hye‐Yun , Huh Young‐Duk
Published: April 2015

Three‐dimensional symmetric dendrites of BaWO4 were prepared by performing solvothermal reactions in water‐hexane bilayer solutions that contained a barium‐oleate complex in the hexane layer and sodium tungstate in the water layer. The barium‐oleate complex in hexane was obtained via a phase transfer reaction in which aqueous Ba2+ ions pass into the hexane phase with the assistance of sodium oleate, oleic acid, and oleylamine. Each of the BaWO4 dendrites has a three‐dimensional structure with one trunk along the c‐axis and a series of four branches perpendicular to the trunk. As the reaction temperature or the amount of oleylamine increases, BaWO4 dendrites with sharper branches and higher order hierarchical structures are formed. The presence of oleylamine plays an important role in the formation of the hierarchical superstructures of BaWO4 dendrites.
Analysis of flicker noise conversion to phase noise in CMOS differential LC oscillators
Authors: Nikpaik Amir , Nabavi Abdolreza
Published: April 2015

An analysis of the flicker noise conversion to close‐in phase noise in complementary metal‐oxide semiconductor (CMOS) differential inductance‐capacitance (LC)‐voltage controlled oscillator is presented. The contribution of different mechanisms responsible for flicker noise to phase noise conversion is investigated from a theoretical point of view. Impulse sensitivity function theory is exploited to quantify flicker noise to phase noise conversion process from both tail and core transistors. The impact of different parasitic capacitances inside the active core on flicker noise to phase noise conversion is investigated. Also, it is shown how different flicker noise models for core metal‐oxide semiconductor (MOS) transistors may result in different close‐in phase noise behaviors. Based on the developed analysis, design guidelines for reducing the close‐in phase noise are introduced. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Test purchase, synthesis, and characterization of 2‐methoxydiphenidine (MXP) and differentiation from its meta‐ and para‐substituted isomers
Authors: McLaughlin Gavin , Morris Noreen , Kavanagh Pierce V. , Power John D. , O'Brien John , Talbot Brian , Elliott Simon P. , Wallach Jason , Hoang Khoa , Morris Hamilton , Brandt Simon D.
Published: April 2015

The structurally diverse nature of the 1,2‐diphenylethylamine template provides access to a range of substances for drug discovery work but some have attracted attention as ‘research chemicals’. The most recent examples include diphenidine, i.e. 1‐(1,2‐diphenylethyl)piperidine and 2‐methoxydiphenidine, i.e. 1‐[1‐(2‐methoxyphenyl)‐2‐phenylethyl]piperidine (MXP, methoxyphenidine, 2‐MXP) that have been associated with uncompetitive N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist activity. Analytical challenges encountered during chemical analysis include the presence of positional isomers. Three powdered samples suspected to contain 2‐MXP were obtained from three Internet retailers in the United Kingdom and subjected to analytical characterization by gas chromatography (GC) and high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) coupled to various forms of mass spectrometry (MS). Nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, infrared spectroscopy and thin layer chromatography were also employed. This was supported by the synthesis of all three isomers (2‐, 3‐ and 4‐MXP) by two different synthetic routes. The analytical data obtained for the three purchased samples were consistent with the synthesized 2‐MXP standard and the differentiation between the isomers was possible. Distinct stability differences were observed for all three isomers during in‐source collision‐induced dissociation of the protonated molecule when employing detection under HPLC selected‐ion monitoring detection, which added to the ability to differentiate between them. Furthermore, the analysis of a 2‐MXP tablet by matrix assisted inlet ionization Orbitrap mass spectrometry confirmed that it was possible to detect the protonated molecule of 2‐MXP directly from the tablet surface following addition of 3‐nitrobenzonitrile as the matrix. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Polarity Effect and Electromagnetic Radiation of Partial Discharge Accompanying Growth of Electrical Tree
Authors: Mutakamihigashi Tatsuya , Kuroishi Yoshito , Ueno Hideki
Published: April 2015

We have investigated the characteristics of radiated electromagnetic (EM) waves from positive and negative partial discharges (PD) in epoxy resin and cross‐linked polyethylene. We found that there is a correlation among the EM level from PD, the positive PD current, and electrical trees. Therefore, the growth of an electrical tree produces a lot of positive PD. We have also investigated the characteristics of the frequency region of EM waves from PD in air, insulating oil, and liquid epoxy in addition to the above insulators. EM waves were detected in the frequency region of 40 MHz to 300 MHz from positive and negative PD in epoxy resin and cross‐linked polyethylene. EM waves were also detected in the frequency region of 40 MHz to 150 MHz from positive and negative PD in air. In the case of insulating oil and liquid epoxy, EM waves were detected in the frequency regions of 40 MHz to 150 MHz from positive PD, and 40 MHz to 250 MHz from negative PD. The frequency region differed depending on the material and the discharge polarity. Our investigation indicates that the cause is differences in electric field strength at the time of PD occurrence.
Tissue proteomics of splenic marginal zone lymphoma
Authors: Polati Rita , Brandi Jessica , Dalai Irene , Zamò Alberto , Cecconi Daniela
Published: April 2015

Splenic marginal zone lymphoma (SMZL) is a rare chronic B lymphoproliferative disease, whose molecular pathogenesis has still not been well established. For the first time, a proteomic approach was undertaken to analyse the protein profiles of SMZL tissue. 1D and 2D Western blot, immunohistochemical analysis, and functional data mining were also performed in order to validate results, investigate protein species specific regulation, classify proteins, and explore their potential relationships. We demonstrated that SMZL is characterized by modulation of protein species related to energetic metabolism and apoptosis pathways. We also reported specific protein species (such as biliverdin reductase A, manganese superoxide dismutase, beta‐2 microglobulin, growth factor receptor‐bound protein 2, acidic leucine‐rich nuclear phosphoprotein 32 family member A, and Set nuclear oncogene) directly involved in NF‐kB and BCR pathways, as well as in chromatin remodelling and cytoskeleton. Our findings shed new light on SMZL pathogenesis and provide a basis for the future development of novel biomarkers. The mass spectrometry proteomics data have been deposited to the ProteomeXchange Consortium with the dataset identifier PXD001124.
Real‐time dielectrophoretic signaling and image quantification methods for evaluating electrokinetic properties of nanoparticles
Authors: Bakewell David J. , Bailey Joe , Holmes David
Published: April 2015

Real‐time image signaling and quantification methods are described that allow easy‐to‐use, fast extraction of the electrical properties of nanoparticles. Positive dielectrophoretic (pDEP) collection rate analysis enables the dielectric properties of very small samples of nanoparticles to be accurately quantified. Advancing earlier work involving dual‐cycle pulsed pDEP collection experiments, we report the development of a statistical image quantification method that significantly advances the evaluation of nanoparticle dielectric properties. Compared with traditional methods that require information about the geometry of the electrode array to be entered for semiautomated quantification , the new statistical approach described does not require a priori knowledge of device geometry. The efficacy of the statistical method is experimentally demonstrated using 200 nm diameter latex nanospheres, suspended in low conductivity medium, that are attracted by pDEP onto planar castellated electrode arrays with 5‐micron‐sized features. The method is shown to yield estimates for the nanoparticle conductivity and surface conductance, mS/m and nS, that concur closely with those obtained using traditional geometric methods previously reported . Consequently, the statistical method is accurate, fast, robust, supervisor‐free, and useful for determining nanoparticle electrokinetic parameters.
Chronological protein synthesis in regenerating rat liver
Authors: He Jinjun , Hao Shuai , Zhang Hao , Guo Fuzheng , Huang Lingyun , Xiao Xueyuan , He Dacheng
Published: April 2015

Liver regeneration has been studied for decades; however, its regulation remains unclear. In this study, we report a dynamic tracing of protein synthesis in rat regenerating liver with a new proteomic technique, 35S in vivo labeling analysis for dynamic proteomics (SiLAD). Conventional proteomic techniques typically measure protein alteration in accumulated amounts. The SiLAD technique specifically detects protein synthesis velocity instead of accumulated amounts of protein through 35S pulse labeling of newly synthesized proteins, providing a direct way for analyzing protein synthesis variations. Consequently, protein synthesis within short as 30 min was visualized and protein regulations in the first 8 h of regenerating liver were dynamically traced. Further, the 3.5–5 h post partial hepatectomy (PHx) was shown to be an important regulatory turning point by acute regulation of many proteins in the initiation of liver regeneration.
Reactive fluid flow in CO2 storage reservoirs: A 2‐D pore network model study
Authors: Kim Seunghee , Santamarina J. Carlos
Published: April 2015

Water acidifies in the presence of CO2 and prompts mineral dissolution. A 2‐D pore network model scheme is developed to investigate reactive fluid flow in CO2 storage reservoirs during injection when advective transport prevails. Mineral dissolution satisfies kinetic rate laws and continues until thermodynamic equilibrium is reached. In advection‐dominant regimes, network simulation results show that species concentration, tube enlargement and flow rate can be summarized in terms of the dimensionless Damköhler number Da which is the ratio between advection time along a pore and the reaction time. Reservoirs will tend to experience localized enlargement near injection wells (before water drying) and compact dissolution in the far‐field. The Damköhler number couples with initial pore‐size variability to distort the relationship between mean tube diameter and either local or network‐average flow rates. Both the Damköhler number and pore‐size variability should be considered in field‐scale numerical simulators.
Empathy, culture and self‐humanising: Empathising reduces the attribution of greater humanness to the self more in Japan than Australia
Authors: Park Joonha , Haslam Nick , Kashima Yoshi , Norasakkunkit Vinai
Published: April 2015

People tend to ascribe greater humanness to themselves than to others. Previous research has indicated that this “self‐humanising” bias is independent of self‐enhancement and robust across cultures. The present study examined the possible role of empathy in reducing this bias in Japan (N = 80) and Australia (N = 80). Results showed that unlike Australians, Japanese participants who recalled personal experiences of empathising with others were less likely to self‐humanise than those in a neutral condition. The effect of the empathy manipulation was not observed in Australia. The findings suggest that empathy may reduce self‐focus and enable perceivers to appreciate the full humanness of others, but this effect may be culturally contingent.
Robotic nasopharyngectomy via combined endonasal and transantral port: A preliminary cadaveric study
Authors: Cho Hyung‐Ju , Kang Ju Wan , Min Hyun Jin , Chung Hyo Jin , Park Do Yang , Ha Jong Gyun , Baek Seung Hak , Yoon Joo‐Heon , Kim Chang‐Hoon
Published: April 2015

Objectives/Hypothesis

The objective of this study was to determine the potential role of a surgical robotic system in nasopharyngeal surgery using bilateral transantral or combined endonasal/transantral port.

Study Design

The da Vinci robot (Intuitive Surgical Inc., Sunnyvale, CA) was used to perform dissection of the skull base on a whole fresh‐frozen cadaver.

Methods

Bilateral mega‐antrostomy was done with the usual endoscopic sinus surgery equipment. To obtain an accessible bilateral working space, posterior septectomy was performed. Next, bilateral anterior maxillary windows were created through a gingivobuccal incision. The 8.5‐mm‐diameter 0° or 30° three‐dimensional camera arm was introduced into a nostril. The two 5‐mm‐diameter articulating EndoWrist arms entered through the transantral or endonasal port. For the dissection, Maryland articulated forceps, needle driver, and monopolar spatula‐ or hook‐type electrocauterizer were used.

Results

The 8.5‐mm diameter of the camera arm was easily inserted into the nostril. Excellent access to the nasopharyngeal area from the level of the palate up to the skull base crossing the sphenoid prow was possible. Bilateral robotic arms were able to move inside the nasopharyngeal space, and the target dissection area could be accessed fully via the transantral or endonasal port.

Conclusions

This is the first report about the feasibility of bilateral transantral or combined transantral/endonasal port for robotic nasopharyngectomy. Robotic removal of the entire nasopharyngeal area was successfully achieved without transpalatal or facial skin incision. These new approaches may be applied to selected patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma or other pathologic tumors involving the nasopharynx.

Level of Evidence

NA Laryngoscope, 125:1839–1843, 2015
Desertification Research in Argentina
Authors: Torres Laura , Abraham Elena M. , Rubio Clara , Barbero‐Sierra Celia , Ruiz-Pérez Manuel
Published: April 2015

In Latin America, Argentina is second – behind Brazil – in extent of drylands: 55% of its territory. Research on desertification and dryland degradation has a lengthy tradition, being undertaken even prior to the establishment of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification. The paper aims to analyse desertification research in Argentina, the disciplines from which its knowledge arises and the topics receiving greater attention. The work focuses on the results from descriptive, bibliometric and social network analyses of a sample of articles on desertification in scientific journals indexed in Web of Science. A visual representation of citation relationships was created considering keywords such as ‘desertification’, ‘dry*land*’, ‘*arid’ and ‘development’, ‘policy’ or ‘economy’ among others, in ‘Argentina’. According to this search, the number of papers per year dealing with desertification in Argentina is only 4·3. National knowledge, usually categorized as traditional knowledge, is barely captured by international databases. The challenge for the scientific community is to make traditional knowledge visible and disseminate the findings. Results demonstrate that desertification research in Argentina is in a great proportion related to studies of soil erosion and soil degradation, and only in a minor proportion to socioeconomic issues. However, desertification problems are the outcome of interactions among physical–biological, socioeconomic and political dimensions, and therefore, the science summoned to analyse them must not only be a science centred on isolated themes but also one resulting from interdisciplinary studies and integrated approaches. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Incorporate inbound marketing into your recruitment strategy
Authors: Hope Joan
Published: April 2015

You identify a pool of potential students; send them a postcard, letter or email; and hope that something in your correspondence will resonate with recipients enough for some of them to reach out to you and ultimately enroll. That's how much of the marketing in the adult learning world has been traditionally done.
Adopt these strategies to boost student persistence
Authors: McCarthy Claudine
Published: April 2015

Adult learners are savvy consumers. Low retention rates can imply that you don't do enough to support your adult learners, steering potential students away from your institution. And when existing students see retention rates drop, they will look to you for explanations and solutions.
Free‐radical polymerization of urea, acrylic acid, and glycerol in aqueous solutions
Authors: Fernandes Bruno S. , Carlos Pinto José , Cabral‐Albuquerque Elaine C.M. , Fialho Rosana L.
Published: April 2015

The main objective of the present study is to produce copolymers of urea, acrylic acid, and glycerol through aqueous solution free‐radical polymerizations and analyze the structural, thermal, rheological, and release properties of the obtained materials. To do this, aqueous solution copolymerizations were performed in different reaction conditions and the obtained copolymers were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, rheological analyses, thermogravimetry, gel permeation chromatography, and rates of urea release in distilled water. The obtained results indicate that all constituents of the reacting mixture (potassium persulfate, glycerol, urea, and acrylic acid) affect the characteristics of the produced copolymers. In particular, it is shown that urea can be incorporated into the final copolymer through the proposed reaction scheme, that glycerol promotes crosslinking of polymer chains and that the obtained copolymer materials can be used in agricultural applications. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 55:1219–1229, 2015. © 2015 Society of Plastics Engineers
Patient Selection for Oesophagectomy: Impact of Age and Comorbidities on Outcome
Authors: O’Grady Gregory , Hameed Ahmer M. , Pang Tony C. , Johnston Emma , Lam Vincent T. , Richardson Arthur J. , Hollands Michael J.
Published: April 2015

Introduction

Surgical resection of oesophageal cancer is a major procedure with potential for significant morbidity and mortality. Patient selection can be challenging, as operative benefit must be balanced against risk and impact on quality of life. This study defines modern trends in patient selection, and evaluates the impact of age, stage, and comorbidities on complications and survival following oesophagectomy, in a tertiary Australian experience.

Methods

Data were compiled across two 15‐year operative eras (‘Era 1’: 1981–1995; and ‘Era 2’: 1996–2010), with patients followed minimum 3 years. A total of 180 unselected records were analysed (powered for a relative hazard ratio of 0.5). Analyses defined patient selection trends, and for Era 2, the impact of age, comorbidities (Charlson score), and disease (T/N stage) on complications (Clavien‐Dindo grade) and survival (Kaplan–Meier). A further sub‐analysis was conducted with data divided into three 10‐year periods.

Results

The age of operated patients increased from Era 1 to 2 (mean + 5 years; P < 0.001), but survival and complication rates were unchanged, including in patients ≥ 75 years (P > 0.5). In Era 2, reflecting recent practice, survival duration matched T/N stage (P < 0.001) but was independent of age at surgery (P = 0.56) and comorbidity score (P = 0.78). However, grade of worst post‐operative complication, including death (rate: 3.8 %), was correlated with both age (P < 0.01) and comorbidity score (P < 0.01).

Discussion

Older patients are now undergoing oesophagectomy. However, if they are selected appropriately, then older patients and those with comorbidities can expect similar stage‐matched survival outcomes to younger fitter patients, despite their higher operative risk. Poor outcomes persist in patients with locally advanced disease, and selection in this group should prioritise quality of life.
One‐Stage Colectomy with Intraoperative Colonic Irrigation for Acute Left‐Sided Malignant Colonic Obstruction
Authors: Otsuka Shimpei , Kaneoka Yuji , Maeda Atsuyuki , Takayama Yuichi , Fukami Yasuyuki , Isogai Masatoshi
Published: April 2015

Background

One‐stage colectomy with intraoperative colonic irrigation (OCICI) may be useful in early resolution of acute left‐sided malignant colonic obstruction (ALMCO). However, the clinical benefit of this technique has not been fully investigated.

Methods

Between January 2007 and July 2014, 451 patients underwent left hemicolectomy or sigmoidectomy for colon cancer, of whom 25 underwent OCICI for ALMCO. The medical records of the patients who underwent OCICI for ALMCO were compared to 174 medical records of a control population (without ALMCO) who were matched for tumor characteristics.

Results

There were no statistically significant differences between the two groups in regard to age, sex, American Society of Anesthesiologists Physical Status, location of tumor, preoperative CEA levels, and previous abdominal surgeries. The OCICI for ALMCO group was associated with a longer operation time (153 ± 33 vs. 111 ± 47 min, p < 0.001). However, no significant differences were found in patient morbidity, the duration of the postoperative hospital stay, or the tumor pathology between the two groups. Univariate and multivariate analyses indicated that OCICI for ALMCO did not increase the risk of postoperative morbidity in patients with left‐sided colon cancer.

Conclusion

OCICI for ALMCO did not increase the rate of morbidity or prolong the hospital stay duration compared to treatment of a control population.
Making the first decision: lessons from the mouse
Authors: Jedrusik Agnieszka
Published: April 2015

Pre‐implantation development encompasses a period of 3–4 days over which the mammalian embryo has to make its first decision: to separate the pluripotent inner cell mass (ICM) from the extra‐embryonic epithelial tissue, the trophectoderm (TE). The ICM gives rise to tissues mainly building the body of the future organism, while the TE contributes to the extra‐embryonic tissues that support embryo development after implantation. This review provides an overview of the cellular and molecular mechanisms that control the critical aspects of this first decision, and highlights the role of critical events, namely zytotic genome activation, compaction, polarization, asymmetric cell divisions, formation of the blastocyst cavity and expression of key transcription factors.
Prenatal undernutrition increases the febrile response to lipopolysaccharides in adulthood in male rats
Authors: Iwasa Takeshi , Matsuzaki Toshiya , Tungalagsuvd Altankhuu , Munkhzaya Munkhsaikhan , Kuwahara Akira , Yasui Toshiyuki , Irahara Minoru
Published: April 2015

It has been reported that prenatal undernutrition affects the development of the peripheral immune system. In this study, the effects of prenatal undernutrition on the febrile response and hypothalamic innate immune system were evaluated in male rats. Pregnant rats were divided into normally nourished (NN) and undernourished groups (UN). The febrile and anorectic responses to lipopolysaccharides (LPS) were evaluated in the offspring of NN and UN dams. The hypothalamic expression levels of pro‐inflammatory cytokines, toll‐like receptor 4 (TLR4), and neuropeptide Y (NPY) were also evaluated. The UN rats exhibited significantly lighter body weights than the NN rats at birth; however, their mean body weight was the same as that of the NN rats by postnatal day 10. In adulthood, the UN rats exhibited significantly stronger febrile responses than the NN rats, and the anorectic responses of the UN rats also tended to be stronger than those of the NN rats. On the other hand, no differences in hypothalamic interleukin (IL)‐1β, IL‐6, tumor necrosis factor‐α, TLR4, or NPY mRNA expression were detected between the NN and UN rats. These results suggest that prenatal undernutrition has long‐lasting effects on the febrile response to LPS. However, the precise mechanism underlying these effects and their pathophysiological significance remain unclear.
Use of the Dietary Guideline Index to assess cardiometabolic risk in adolescents
Authors: Chan She Ping-Delfos Wendy L. , Beilin Lawrence J. , Oddy Wendy H. , Burrows Sally , Mori Trevor A.
Published: April 2015

The long-term adherence to the dietary guidelines has not been evaluated against emergence of cardiometabolic risks in adolescents with increasing rates of obesity. The present study aimed to (1) determine the level of adherence to the guidelines using the Australian Dietary Guideline Index for Children and Adolescents (DGI-CA) in adolescents of age 14 and 17 years and to (2) examine the relationship between their assessed diet quality and concurrently measured cardiometabolic risk factors over time. Data were analysed from the Western Australian Pregnancy Cohort (Raine) Study. The DGI-CA was determined from a FFQ. Anthropometry and fasting biochemical measures were taken using standard procedures. Hierarchical linear mixed models examined associations between cardiometabolic risk factors and DGI-CA, adjusting for socio-economic status, physical activity, BMI, and sex, and examining for interactions. The mean DGI-CA scores were 47·1 (sd 10·2) at 14 years (n 1419) and 47·7 (sd 11·0) at 17 years (n 843), and were not different between sex. There was a significant inverse association between DGI-CA and insulin, homeostasis model assessment score and heart rate. The DGI-CA was positively associated with BMI (P= 0·029) but negatively with waist:hip ratio (P= 0·026). It was not associated with lipids or blood pressure, with the exception of a negative association with TAG (P= 0·011). The degree of adherence in the Raine Study adolescents was suboptimal but similar to the Australian Children's Nutrition and Physical Activity Survey. The present study shows that, at any particular time, better diet quality was associated with better insulin sensitivity and TAG levels and decreased abdominal fatness.
PD-like controller with impedance for delayed bilateral teleoperation of mobile robots
Authors: Slawiñski E. , García S. , Salinas L. , Mut V.
Published: April 2015

This paper proposes a control scheme applied to the delayed bilateral teleoperation of mobile robots with force feedback in face of asymmetric and time-varying delays. The scheme is managed by a velocity PD-like control plus impedance and a force feedback based on damping and synchronization error. A fictitious force, depending on the robot motion and its environment, is used to avoid possible collisions. In addition, the stability of the system is analyzed from which simple conditions for the control parameters are established in order to assure stability. Finally, the performance of the delayed teleoperation system is shown through experiments where a human operator drives a mobile robot.