bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Temporal observations of a linear sand dune in the Simpson Desert, central Australia: Testing models for dune formation on planetary surfaces
Authors: Craddock Robert A. , Tooth Stephen , Zimbelman James R. , Wilson Sharon A. , Maxwell Ted A. , Kling Corbin
Published: October 2015

Linear dunes are the most common dune form found on planetary surfaces, yet questions remain about their formation. Temporal observations of a linear dune located in the Simpson Desert of central Australia were made to monitor dune movement and to test competing hypotheses regarding linear dune formation. Our observations were collected on three separate occasions from 2006 to 2014. Rebar stakes were placed in a gridded pattern so that multiple measurements of sand thickness, GPS surveys, and photographs could be taken at the same locations over time. We observed widespread reworking of sand on and around the dune crest, with sand accumulation locally exceeding a meter between surveys. Overall, the height of the dune crest increased by several centimeters. We also observed fluctuations in the sand cover in the adjacent swales that often exceeded 2–3 cm between surveys, yet we did not observe any appreciable changes in the position of the dune's downwind terminus. Weather data indicate that the effective sand‐transporting winds in the Simpson are widely unimodal. Net sediment flux (resultant drift direction) is toward the north‐northwest, locally at an oblique angle to dune orientation. Collectively, our results suggest that the linear dune is actively maintained by vertical accretion. The implications from our observations are that linear dunes on other planetary surfaces could form in wind regimes that are widely unimodal, even where the resultant drift direction is locally oblique to dune orientation. In particular, such findings may provide support for global circulation models of Titan.
Synthesis and application of a real‐time model‐free behavioral controller with bumpless switching mechanism
Authors: Jain Tushar , Yamé Joseph J.
Published: October 2015

The aims of this paper are twofold. Firstly, we present a model‐free algorithm for synthesizing an online controller. Secondly, this algorithm also addresses the issue of switching this controller in a closed loop with a bumpless interconnection mechanism. The novelty of this algorithm lies in the fact that we do not use any a priori knowledge of the model of the plant in real time. We use the mathematical framework of behavioral system theory to demonstrate the online controller synthesis and its implementation mechanism. The effectiveness of the proposed algorithm is demonstrated on the experimental three‐tank system. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Light‐Up Probe for Targeted and Activatable Photodynamic Therapy with Real‐Time In Situ Reporting of Sensitizer Activation and Therapeutic Responses
Authors: Yuan Youyong , Zhang Chong‐Jing , Kwok Ryan T. K. , Xu Shidang , Zhang Ruoyu , Wu Jien , Tang Ben Zhong , Liu Bin
Published: October 2015

Integrated systems that offer traceable cancer therapy are highly desirable for personalized medicine. Herein, a probe is reported that is composed of a red‐emissive photosensitizer (PS) with aggregation‐induced emission characteristics and a built‐in apoptosis sensor with activatable green emission for targeted cancer cell ablation and real‐time monitoring of PS activation and therapeutic response. The probe is nonemissive in aqueous media and can be selectively uptaken by αvβ3 integrin overexpressed cancer cells. Cleavage of the probe by intracellular glutathione leads to release of the apoptosis sensor and red fluorescence turn‐on to report the PS activation. Upon light irradiation, the PS can generate reactive oxygen species to induce cell apoptosis and activate caspase‐3/‐7, which will cleave the apoptosis sensor to yield intense green fluorescence. Both the red and green emission can be obtained through a single wavelength excitation, which makes the probe very convenient for therapeutic protocol development.
A computational framework and solution algorithms for two‐stage adaptive robust scheduling of batch manufacturing processes under uncertainty
Authors: Shi Hanyu , You Fengqi
Published: October 2015

A novel two‐stage adaptive robust optimization (ARO) approach to production scheduling of batch processes under uncertainty is proposed. We first reformulate the deterministic mixed‐integer linear programming model of batch scheduling into a two‐stage optimization problem. Symmetric uncertainty sets are then introduced to confine the uncertain parameters, and budgets of uncertainty are used to adjust the degree of conservatism. We then apply both the Benders decomposition algorithm and the column‐and‐constraint generation (C&CG) algorithm to efficiently solve the resulting two‐stage ARO problem, which cannot be tackled directly by any existing optimization solvers. Two case studies are considered to demonstrate the applicability of the proposed modeling framework and solution algorithms. The results show that the C&CG algorithm is more computationally efficient than the Benders decomposition algorithm, and the proposed two‐stage ARO approach returns 9% higher profits than the conventional robust optimization approach for batch scheduling. © 2015 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 62: 687–703, 2016
Involudispirones A and B: Sesterterpenes Containing a Dispiro Ring from Stahlianthus involucratus
Authors: Li Qiang‐Ming , Luo Jian‐Guang , Zhao Hui‐Jun , Yu Wen‐Ying , Wang Xiao‐Bing , Yang Ming‐Hua , Luo Jun , Sun Hong‐Bin , Chen Yi‐Jun , Guo Qing‐Long , Kong Ling‐Yi
Published: October 2015

Involudispirones A (1) and B (2), a pair of cytotoxic sesterterpene stereoisomers containing a 1,2‐dioxadispiro[5.2.5.2]hexadecane ring, were isolated from the rhizomes of Stahlianthus involucratus. Their structures and absolute configurations were established on the basis of spectroscopic data and chemical conversion. Both 1 and 2 are cytotoxic.
Synthesis and Reactivity of a Neutral, Three‐Coordinate Platinum(II) Complex Featuring Terminal Amido Ligation
Authors: Kelly Colin M. , Kwon Doo‐Hyun , Ferguson Michael J. , Bischof Steven M. , Sydora Orson L. , Ess Daniel H. , Stradiotto Mark , Turculet Laura
Published: October 2015

A crystallographically characterized three‐coordinate, formally 14 electron PtII complex 1 featuring terminal amido ligation is reported. Computational analysis revealed relatively weak π donation from the amide lone pair to platinum and supports a 14‐electron assignment for 1. Stoichiometric reactivity studies confirmed the viability of net OH and CH addition across, as well as isonitrile insertion into, the terminal platinum–amido linkage of 1.
Stereodefined Acyclic Polysubstituted Silyl Ketene Aminals: Asymmetric Formation of Aldol Products with Quaternary Carbon Stereocenters
Authors: Nairoukh Zackaria , Marek Ilan
Published: October 2015

The regio‐ and stereoselective formation of stereodefined polysubstituted silyl ketene aminals is easily achieved through selective combined carbometalation–oxidation–silylation reactions. These substrates are ideal candidates for Mukaiyama aldol reactions with aliphatic aldehydes as they give the aldol products with a quaternary carbon stereocenter α to the carbonyl groups in outstanding diastereoselectivities.
Strong, Thermally Superinsulating Biopolymer–Silica Aerogel Hybrids by Cogelation of Silicic Acid with Pectin
Authors: Zhao Shanyu , Malfait Wim J. , Demilecamps Arnaud , Zhang Yucheng , Brunner Samuel , Huber Lukas , Tingaut Philippe , Rigacci Arnaud , Budtova Tatiana , Koebel Matthias M.
Published: October 2015

Silica aerogels are excellent thermal insulators, but their brittle nature has prevented widespread application. To overcome these mechanical limitations, silica–biopolymer hybrids are a promising alternative. A one‐pot process to monolithic, superinsulating pectin–silica hybrid aerogels is presented. Their structural and physical properties can be tuned by adjusting the gelation pH and pectin concentration. Hybrid aerogels made at pH 1.5 exhibit minimal dust release and vastly improved mechanical properties while remaining excellent thermal insulators. The change in the mechanical properties is directly linked to the observed “neck‐free” nanoscale network structure with thicker struts. Such a design is superior to “neck‐limited”, classical inorganic aerogels. This new class of materials opens up new perspectives for novel silica–biopolymer nanocomposite aerogels.
Controlled Handedness of Twisted Lamellae in Banded Spherulites of Isotactic Poly(2‐vinylpyridine) as Induced by Chiral Dopants
Authors: Wen Tao , Shen Han‐Yun , Wang Hsiao‐Fang , Mao Yung‐Cheng , Chuang Wei‐Tsung , Tsai Jing‐Cherng , Ho Rong‐Ming
Published: October 2015

Herein, we suggest a unique approach to control the handedness of twisted lamellae in banded spherulites of a stereoregular polymer, isotactic poly(2‐vinylpyridine) (iP2VP). When (R)‐ or (S)‐hexahydromandelic acid (HMA), which can associate with iP2VP, was introduced as a chiral dopant, mirror‐image CD spectra in the complex systems showed induced circular dichroism (ICD) of the iP2VP by chiral HMA. Banded spherulites resulting from lamellar twisting due to the imbalanced stresses at the opposite folding surfaces could be formed by crystallization of the iP2VP/HMA complexes, which had a crystalline structure similar to that of neat iP2VP. A preferential sense of the twisted crystalline lamellae was found in the iP2VP/HMA complex, thus suggesting homochiral evolution from conformational to hierarchical chirality.
Transport in Nanoporous Materials Including MOFs: The Applicability of Fick’s Laws
Authors: Titze Tobias , Lauerer Alexander , Heinke Lars , Chmelik Christian , Zimmermann Nils E. R. , Keil Frerich J. , Ruthven Douglas M. , Kärger Jörg
Published: October 2015

Diffusion in nanoporous host–guest systems is often considered to be too complicated to comply with such “simple” relationships as Fick’s first and second law of diffusion. However, it is shown herein that the microscopic techniques of diffusion measurement, notably the pulsed field gradient (PFG) technique of NMR spectroscopy and microimaging by interference microscopy (IFM) and IR microscopy (IRM), provide direct experimental evidence of the applicability of Fick’s laws to such systems. This remains true in many situations, even when the detailed mechanism is complex. The limitations of the diffusion model are also discussed with reference to the extensive literature on this subject.
Highly Charged Ruthenium(II) Polypyridyl Complexes as Lysosome‐Localized Photosensitizers for Two‐Photon Photodynamic Therapy
Authors: Huang Huaiyi , Yu Bole , Zhang Pingyu , Huang Juanjuan , Chen Yu , Gasser Gilles , Ji Liangnian , Chao Hui
Published: October 2015

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a noninvasive medical technique that has received increasing attention over the last years and been applied for the treatment of certain types of cancer. However, the currently clinically used PDT agents have several limitations, such as low water solubility, poor photostability, and limited selectivity towards cancer cells, aside from having very low two‐photon cross‐sections around 800 nm, which limits their potential use in TP‐PDT. To tackle these drawbacks, three highly positively charged ruthenium(II) polypyridyl complexes were synthesized. These complexes selectively localize in the lysosomes, an ideal localization for PDT purposes. One of these complexes showed an impressive phototoxicity index upon irradiation at 800 nm in 3D HeLa multicellular tumor spheroids and thus holds great promise for applications in two‐photon photodynamic therapy.
Synthesis and properties of gradient copolymers of butyl methacrylate and fluorinated acrylate via RAFT miniemulsion copolymerizations
Authors: Zhang Guangfa , Zhang Qinghua , Wang Qiongyan , Zhan Xiaoli , Chen Fengqiu
Published: October 2015

A series of gradient fluorinated copolymers with a broad variation of the monomer units in the polymer chain were synthesized via semibatch CPDB‐mediated RAFT miniemulsion polymerization technique. In the presence of RAFT agent 2‐cyanoprop‐2‐yl dithiobenzoate (CPDB), the copolymerization of BMA and FMA in miniemulsion exhibited typical features of a controlled molecular weights and narrow polydispersities. The macromolecular structure and thermal behavior of the synthesized fluorinated copolymers were investigated in detail. The DSC analyses show that the gradient copolymers showed a unique thermal behavior with broad range of transition temperature. It was also confirmed that the fluorinated gradient copolymer exhibited obvious surface segregation structure and ultra‐low surface energy between 16.8 and 20.3 mN/m. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016, 133, 42936.
Oxoacetohydrazide‐functionalized cellulose with enhanced adsorption performance
Authors: Xiao Shiyong , Xiong Qizhong , Zhou Hongjian , Zhang Yunxia , Wang Guozhong , Zhang Haimin , Zhao Huijun
Published: October 2015

A simple and environmental friendly oxoacetohydrazide functionalization method is developed to convert the straw cellulose into high performance adsorbents for effective Pb(II) removal. The adsorption experimental results demonstrated that the resultant oxoacetohydrazide‐modified cellulose (OMC) possesses a dramatically improved Pb(II) adsorption capacity (82.9 mg/g), which is over six times of that for the unmodified celluloses (13.6 mg/g). The mechanistic studies confirm that the markedly enhanced Pb(II) adsorption capability of OMC can be attributed to the formation of N‐Pb‐N bonds resulting from the strong chelating interactions of Pb(II) with oxoacetohydrazide. Also, the OMC shows an excellent reusability, capable of retain 95% of its original Pb(II) adsorption capacity after three consecutive adsorption cycles. The findings of this work pave a way to transform the agricultural byproducts into high performance functional materials. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016, 133, 42950.
ARGONAUTE SUBFAMILY GENES IN THE SMALL BROWN PLANTHOPPER, Laodelphax striatellus (HEMIPTERA: DELPHACIDAE)
Authors: Zhou Yan‐Ru , Li Lin‐Ying , Li Jun‐Min , Sun Zong‐Tao , Xie Li , Chen Jian‐Ping
Published: October 2015

Argonaute (AGO) proteins are essential catalytic components of the RNA‐induced silencing complex and play central roles in RNA interference. Using a combination of bioinformatics and rapid amplification of cDNA ends (RACE) methods, putative AGO subfamily members, ls‐AGO1 and ls‐AGO2, were cloned and characterized from the small brown planthopper, Laodelphax striatellus. The open reading frame (ORF) of ls‐AGO1 is 2,820 bp long, encoding a putative protein of 939 amino acid residues, and ls‐AGO2 contains an ORF of 2,490 bp, encoding 829 amino acid residues. The expected conserved PAZ and PIWI domains, and the conserved Asp–Asp–His (DDH) catalytic triad motif in the PIWI domain were observed in both ls‐AGO1 and ls‐AGO2. Reverse transcription‐qPCR (RT‐qPCR) results showed that both ls‐AGO1 and ls‐AGO2 were expressed in all developmental stages of L. striatellus with highest mRNA abundance in eggs. Expression of ls‐AGO1 and ls‐AGO2 was significantly decreased in adult insects in response to acquisition of rice black‐streaked dwarf virus by second instar nymphs. mRNA expression of ls‐AGO1 was significantly downregulated in response to low and high temperatures, but expression of ls‐AGO2 was only affected by low temperature. ls‐AGO1 and ls‐AGO2 were initially downregulated when insects were transferred from rice to maize and to the wild grass Brachypodium distachyon, but expression showed partial or complete recovery 7 days after transfer. These results document that AGO subfamily members of L. striatellus are ubiquitously expressed at different developmental stages and respond to various stresses. Thus, AGO subfamily may act in regulating the stress–response of L. striatellus by controlling related gene expression.
Lateral pelvic compartment excision during pelvic exenteration
Authors: Solomon M J , Brown K G M , Koh C E , Lee P , Austin K K S , Masya L
Published: October 2015

Background

Involvement of the lateral compartment remains a relative or absolute contraindication to pelvic exenteration in most units. Initial experience with exenteration in the authors' unit produced a 21 per cent clear margin rate (R0), which improved to 53 per cent by adopting a novel technique for en bloc resection of the iliac vessels and other side-wall structures. The objective of this study was to report morbidity and oncological outcomes in consecutive exenterations involving the lateral compartment.

Methods

Patients undergoing pelvic exenteration between 1994 and 2014 were eligible for review.

Results

Two hundred consecutive patients who had en bloc resection of the lateral compartment were included. R0 resection was achieved in 66·5 per cent of 197 patients undergoing surgery for cancer and 68·9 per cent of planned curative resections. For patients with colorectal cancer, a clear resection margin was associated with a significant overall survival benefit (P = 0·030). Median overall and disease-free survival in this group was 41 and 27 months respectively. Overall 1-, 3- and 5-year survival rates were 86, 46 and 35 per cent respectively. No predictors of survival were identified on univariable analysis other than margin status and operative intent. Excision of the common or external iliac vessels or sciatic nerve did not confer a survival disadvantage.

Conclusion

The continuing evolution of radical pelvic exenteration techniques has seen an improvement in R0 margin status from 21 to 66·5 per cent over a 20-year interval by routine adoption of a more lateral anatomical plane. Five-year overall survival rates are comparable with those for more centrally based tumours.
Trends in hospital treatments for peripheral arterial disease in the United States and association between payer status and quality of care/outcomes, 2007–2011
Authors: Kim Luke K. , Swaminathan Rajesh V. , Minutello Robert M. , Gade Christopher L. , Yang David C. , Charitakis Konstantinos , Shah Ashish , Kaple Ryan , Bergman Geoffrey , Singh Harsimran , Chiu Wong S. , Feldman Dmitriy N.
Published: October 2015

Objective

This study sought to identify the temporal trends of presenting diagnoses and vascular procedures performed for peripheral arterial disease (PAD) along with the rates of procedures and in‐hospital outcomes by payer status.

Background

Previous studies suggest that patients with Medicare, Medicaid, or lack of insurance receive poorer quality of care leading to worse outcomes.

Methods

We analyzed 196,461,055 discharge records to identify all hospitalized patients with PAD records (n = 1,687,724) from January 2007 through December 2011 in the Nationwide Inpatient Sample database.

Results

The annual frequency of vascular procedures remained unchanged during the study period. Patients with Medicaid were more likely to present with gangrenes, whereas patients with Medicare were more likely to present with ulcers. After adjustment, patients with Medicare and Medicaid were more likely to undergo amputations when compared with private insurance/HMO (OR = 1.13, 95% CI = 1.10–1.16 and OR = 1.24, 95% CI = 1.20–1.29, respectively). Patients with both Medicare and Medicaid were less likely to undergo bypass surgery (OR = 0.82, 95% CI = 0.81–0.84 and OR = 0.87, 95% CI = 0.85–0.90, respectively), but more likely to undergo endovascular procedures (OR = 1.18, 95% CI = 1.17–1.20 and OR = 1.03, 95% CI = 1.01–1.06, respectively). Medicare and Medicaid status versus private insurance/HMO was associated with worse adjusted odds of in‐hospital outcomes, including mortality after amputations, endovascular procedures, and bypass surgeries.

Conclusions

In this analysis, patients with Medicare and Medicaid had more comorbid conditions at baseline when compared with private insurance/HMO cohorts, were more likely to present with advanced stages of PAD, undergo amputations, and develop in‐hospital complications. These data unveil a critical gap and an opportunity for quality improvement in the elderly and those with poor socioeconomic status. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Dynamic Imaging of Ostwald Ripening by Environmental Scanning Transmission Electron Microscopy
Authors: Martin Thomas E. , Gai Pratibha L. , Boyes Edward D.
Published: October 2015

The first dynamic atomic resolution environmental scanning transmission electron microscope (ESTEM) study of the nanoparticle sintering of a model Cu system is reported. ESTEM confers the advantage of a Z‐contrast dependence in industrially representative conditions to provide enhanced visibility of sub‐nanometer particles when compared with TEM. The importance of this is demonstrated by the significant enhancement in the Ostwald ripening rate of model Cu nanoparticles in the presence of 3 Pa hydrogen, an effect that is independent of the substrates studied. Temperatures of 400–550 °C are shown to switch the operating regime of the rate‐limiting mechanism. Cu catalysts are used for methanol synthesis and hydrocarbon‐conversion processes for fuel cells, and the importance of observing these catalysts in their working states is demonstrated. Unique ESTEM observations of Ostwald ripening are combined with kinetic models to improve the technical understanding of catalyst deactivation mechanisms.
Effect of Titania Regular Macroporosity on the Photocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution on Cd1−xZnxS/TiO2 Catalysts under Visible Light
Authors: Kozlova Ekaterina A. , Kurenkova Anna Yu. , Semeykina Victoria S. , Parkhomchuk Ekaterina V. , Cherepanova Svetlana V. , Gerasimov Evgeny Yu. , Saraev Andrey A. , Kaichev Vasily V. , Parmon Valentin N.
Published: October 2015

Multiphase photocatalysts Cd1−xZnxS/TiO2 were synthesized through the deposition of solid solutions of cadmium and zinc sulfides on the surface of titania samples with different porous structures, including a 3D‐ordered meso/macroporous structure. The photocatalysts were characterized by a wide range of experimental techniques: X‐ray diffraction, high‐resolution transmission electron microscopy combined with energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy, N2 adsorption at 77 K, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and UV/VIS spectroscopy. The photocatalytic activity was tested in a batch reactor for the H2 evolution reaction from aqueous solutions of Na2S/Na2SO3 under visible‐light irradiation (λ=450 nm). The highest achieved photocatalytic activity was 1.8 mmol H2 per gram of photocatalyst per hour. The regular porous structure of titania was demonstrated to enhance the photocatalytic activity and stability of Cd0.4Zn0.6S/TiO2 samples.
The Solitary Isomer of C60H18 Is Proven to Have a C3v Crown Shape: Crystal Structure Determination and Synthesis of Its Triruthenium Cluster Complex
Authors: Chen Chi‐Shian , Chuang Tsung‐Han , Liu Yi‐Hung , Yeh Wen‐Yann
Published: October 2015

Analytically pure C60H18 is obtained by a Ru3 cluster complexation and decomplexation method. The crystal structure of C60H18 consists of one flattened hemisphere, to which all 18 hydrogen atoms are symmetrically bonded, and one curved hemisphere akin to C60. A benzenoid ring in the flattened hemisphere is isolated from the residual π systems by a belt composed of sp3‐hybridized CH units. The average out‐of‐plane distances for carbon atoms attached to the benzenoid ring (0.14 Å) is substantially larger than that found in C60F18 (0.06 Å). Several long C(sp3)C(sp3) single bond lengths [1.61(3)–1.65(3) Å] are observed for C60H18. The reaction of [Ru3(CO)12] and C60H18 produces [Ru3(CO)9(μ3‐η2,η2,η2‐C60H18)] (1), where the Ru3 triangle is regiospecifically linked to the hexagon opposite to the benzenoid ring. Compound 1 is the first transition metal complex of a polyhydrofullerene (fullerane). C60H18 and 1 have been characterized by 1H and 13C NMR, UV/Vis, and mass spectroscopies. The HOMO–LUMO gap of C60H18 is evaluated to be 1.51 V by cyclic voltammetry.
Vibrational Circular Dichroism (VCD) Reveals Subtle Conformational Aspects and Intermolecular Interactions in the Carnitine Family
Authors: Mazzeo Giuseppe , Abbate Sergio , Longhi Giovanna , Castiglioni Ettore , Villani Claudio
Published: October 2015

Vibrational circular dichroism spectra (VCD) in the mid‐IR region and electronic circular dichroism (ECD) spectra for three carnitine derivatives in the form of hydrochloride salts were recorded in deuterated methanol solutions. Density Functional Theory calculations help one to understand the significance of the observed VCD bands. VCD and ECD spectra are informative about the absolute configuration of the molecule, but VCD data reveal also some conformational aspects in the N,N,N‐trimethyl moiety and inform us about intermolecular interactions gained from the carbonyl stretching region for the acyl substituted carnitines. Chirality 27:907–913, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Predicting Bleeding Risk by Platelet Function Testing in Patients Undergoing Heart Surgery
Authors: Kuliczkowski Wiktor , Sliwka Joanna , Kaczmarski Jacek , Zysko Dorota , Zembala Michal , Steter Damian , Zembala Marian , Fortmann Seth , Serebruany Victor
Published: October 2015

Background

Predicting bleeding events in patients with coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) represents an unmet medical need that may improve CABG outcomes.

Hypotesis

To assess the potential link between platelet function testing and bleeding risk in patients undergoing CABG.

Methods

Platelet aggregation and clinical outcomes in 478 patients treated with aspirin and/or clopidogrel were retrospectively analyzed. Platelet activity was assessed prior to CABG with arachidonic acid (ASPI Test), and adenosine diphosphate(ADP Test) utilizing multiple‐electrode aggregometry.

Results

In the study group of 478 patients, mean age was 65.2±15.2 years; 138 were women. The majority of patients (n = 198) underwent on‐pump surgery, with 162 undergoing off‐pump and 30 undergoing minimally invasive surgery. Forty‐eight patients received artificial valve implantation alone, and 40 received valve implantation in combination with CABG. The analysis of the entire pool revealed that an ASPI test value <407 area under curve per minute (AUC*min) may be useful in predicting postoperative drainage. In CABG patients only, an ASPI test value <271 AUC*min predicted the need for red blood cell concentrate transfusion following surgery. In patients who stopped clopidogrel for up to 5 days before surgery, the ADP test failed to exhibit prognostic utility for predicting bleeding risk.

Conclusions

In patients undergoing heart surgery, an ASPI test value <407 AUC*min may predict higher postoperative drainage, whereas <271 AUC*min may be linked to postoperative use of red blood cell concentrate.
A new simplified methodology for studying the coupled fluid–structure interaction in a weakened basilar artery
Authors: Montanino A. , Fortunato A. , Angelillo M.
Published: October 2015

In this paper, we study the fluid–structure interaction in a weakened basilar artery. The aim is to study how the wall shear stress changes in space and time because of the weakening, because spatial and temporal changes are thought to be possible causes of aneurysm and vascular deseases.

The arterial wall, in its natural configuration, is modeled as a hyperelastic cylinder, inhomogeneous along its axis, in order to simulate the axis‐symmetric weakening.

The fluid is studied exploiting a recent approach for quasi‐one‐dimensional flows in slowly varying ducts, which allows to write the averaged equations of mass and energy balance on the basis of the velocity profile in a straight duct. The unknowns are the wall pressure, the average velocity, and the wall radial displacement.

The problem is solved in two parts: first, the stationary non‐linear coupled problem is solved, and an intermediate configuration is obtained. Then, we study the variation of the basic unknowns about the intermediate configuration, considering time dependence over the cardiac cycles.

The results suggest that, with a 10% reduction of the main elastic modulus, the shear stress in the weakened zone changes its sign and doubles the maximum stress value detected in the healthy zone. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Is a community still a community? Reviewing definitions of key terms in community ecology
Authors: Stroud James T. , Bush Michael R. , Ladd Mark C. , Nowicki Robert J. , Shantz Andrew A. , Sweatman Jennifer
Published: October 2015

Community ecology is an inherently complicated field, confounded by the conflicting use of fundamental terms. Nearly two decades ago, Fauth et al. (1996) demonstrated that imprecise language led to the virtual synonymy of important terms and so attempted to clearly define four keywords in community ecology; “community,” “assemblage,” “guild,” and “ensemble”. We revisit Fauth et al.'s conclusion and discuss how the use of these terms has changed over time since their review. An updated analysis of term definition from a selection of popular ecological textbooks suggests that definitions have drifted away from those encountered pre‐1996, and slightly disagreed with results from a survey of 100 ecology professionals (comprising of academic professors, nonacademic PhDs, graduate and undergraduate biology students). Results suggest that confusion about these terms is still widespread in ecology. We conclude with clear suggestions for definitions of each term to be adopted hereafter to provide greater cohesion among research groups.
Unmanned Aircraft Systems complement biologging in spatial ecology studies
Authors: Mulero‐Pázmány Margarita , Barasona Jose Ángel , Acevedo Pelayo , Vicente Joaquín , Negro Juan José
Published: October 2015

The knowledge about the spatial ecology and distribution of organisms is important for both basic and applied science. Biologging is one of the most popular methods for obtaining information about spatial distribution of animals, but requires capturing the animals and is often limited by costs and data retrieval. Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) have proven their efficacy for wildlife surveillance and habitat monitoring, but their potential contribution to the prediction of animal distribution patterns and abundance has not been thoroughly evaluated. In this study, we assess the usefulness of UAS overflights to (1) get data to model the distribution of free‐ranging cattle for a comparison with results obtained from biologged (GPS‐GSM collared) cattle and (2) predict species densities for a comparison with actual density in a protected area. UAS and biologging derived data models provided similar distribution patterns. Predictions from the UAS model overestimated cattle densities, which may be associated with higher aggregated distributions of this species. Overall, while the particular researcher interests and species characteristics will influence the method of choice for each study, we demonstrate here that UAS constitute a noninvasive methodology able to provide accurate spatial data useful for ecological research, wildlife management and rangeland planning.
Imines in the Titanium Coordination Sphere: Highly Reactive Titanaaziridines and Larger Titanacycles Formed by Subsequent C–C Coupling Reactions
Authors: Loose Florian , Schmidtmann Marc , Saak Wolfgang , Beckhaus Rüdiger
Published: October 2015

The reductive complexation of aldimines is one of the promising synthetic tools to obtain titanaaziridines by reaction of the corresponding titanium halides and magnesium as a reducing agent. The effects of the substitution pattern of the imine ligand and the nature of the titanium fragment on the degree of activation of the η2‐coordinated N–C double bond were investigated. With Cp#TiCl3 (Cp# = cyclopentadienyl or pentamethylcyclopentadienyl) as the precursor for the reductive complexation of the imines N‐(4‐methylbenzylidene)aniline (2e) and 2‐methyl‐1‐pyrroline (7), the formation of diazatitanacyclopentanes by McMurry‐like C–C coupling is found. A six‐membered titanacycle 8 is obtained by a Michael‐like coupling reaction of 7. By these insights, it is possible to derive a general reaction pattern for low‐valent titanium centers with imines. Three‐membered titanaaziridines are formed for sterically demanding imines. If such a formation is not possible, coupling reactions occur. Imines that have the opportunity to release a proton at the β‐position to the nitrogen atom undergo Michael‐like reactions, whereas McMurry‐like coupling reactions are found at less‐shielded titanium centers. Although the titanoceneaziridines show the expected reactivity with aldehydes, ketones, and nitriles, the insertion of alkynes into the titanium–carbon bond proceeds with a remarkably inverse regioselectivity compared with that for the methyleneaniline complex [CpAd2Ti(η2‐RN=CH2)] (6; Ad = adamantanyl, R = p‐ClC6H4).
Formation of a Carbene–Phosphinidene Adduct by NHC‐Induced P–P Bond Cleavage in Sodium Tetramesityltetraphosphanediide
Authors: Adhikari Anup K. , Grell Toni , Lönnecke Peter , Hey‐Hawkins Evamarie
Published: October 2015

The reaction of [Na2(thf)4P4Mes4] (1) (Mes = 2,4,6‐Me3C6H2) with 1,3‐dimethylimidazolin‐2‐ylidene (Me2Im) or the corresponding imidazolium iodide ([Me2ImH]I) leads to P–P bond cleavage and formation of the carbene–phosphinidene adduct (Me2Im)PMes (2), which was characterized by NMR spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, and X‐ray crystallography.
Stable water isotopes suggest sub‐canopy water recycling in a northern forested catchment
Authors: Green Mark B. , Laursen Bethany K. , Campbell John L. , McGuire Kevin J. , Kelsey Eric P.
Published: October 2015

Stable water isotopes provide a means of tracing many hydrologic processes, including poorly understood dynamics like soil water interactions with the atmosphere. We present a four‐year dataset of biweekly water isotope samples from eight fluxes and stores in a headwater catchment at the Hubbard Brook Experimental Forest, New Hampshire, USA. We use Dansgaard's deuterium excess (d) parameter to infer hydrologic processes that cause stable water isotope fractionation. Although we expected to observe a decrease in d from precipitation to soil water because of evaporation, instead we observed an increase, which suggests sub‐canopy water vapour recycling (evapotranspiration and then re‐condensation). However, the underlying mechanisms and spatial dynamics remain uncertain. The apparent recycling is most evident in the growing season; weak evidence suggests a similar process in the dormant season. Sub‐canopy water recycling is a novel hydrologic process that should have implications for micro‐meteorology and habitat provided by the forest sub‐canopy environment. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Physical Organic Chemistry – A Personal Perspective
Authors: Sander Wolfram
Published: October 2015

Physical organic chemistry plays a unifying role in chemistry by combining a large variety of experimental and theoretical techniques to create simplified, intuitively understandable concepts of chemical processes. The concept of “antiaromaticity” is used to demonstrate how complex experiments may result in general models that allow chemists to predict the chemical and physical properties of difficult to access molecules and even of transition states. Cyclooctatetraene and the fluorenyl cation are used as examples to illustrate some working methods of physical organic chemistry.
Efficient Fludarabine‐Activating PNP From Archaea as a Guidance for Redesign the Active Site of E. Coli PNP
Authors: Cacciapuoti Giovanna , Bagarolo Maria Libera , Martino Elisa , Scafuri Bernardina , Marabotti Anna , Porcelli Marina
Published: October 2015

The combination of the gene of purine nucleoside phosphorylase (PNP) from Escherichia coli and fludarabine represents one of the most promising systems in the gene therapy of solid tumors. The use of fludarabine in gene therapy is limited by the lack of an enzyme that is able to efficiently activate this prodrug which, consequently, has to be administered in high doses that cause serious side effects. In an attempt to identify enzymes with a better catalytic efficiency than E. coli PNP towards fludarabine to be used as a guidance on how to improve the activity of the bacterial enzyme, we have selected 5′‐deoxy‐5′‐methylthioadenosine phosphorylase (SsMTAP) and 5′‐deoxy‐5′‐methylthioadenosine phosphorylase II (SsMTAPII), two PNPs isolated from the hyperthermophilic archaeon Sulfolobus solfataricus. Substrate specificity and catalytic efficiency of SsMTAP and SsMTAPII for fludarabine were analyzed by kinetic studies and compared with E. coli PNP. SsMTAP and SsMTAPII share with E. coli PNP a comparable low affinity for the arabinonucleoside but are better catalysts of fludarabine cleavage with kcat/Km values that are 12.8‐fold and 6‐fold higher, respectively, than those reported for the bacterial enzyme. A computational analysis of the interactions of fludarabine in the active sites of E. coli PNP, SsMTAP, and SsMTAPII allowed to identify the crucial residues involved in the binding with this substrate, and provided structural information to improve the catalytic efficiency of E. coli PNP by enzyme redesign. J. Cell. Biochem. 117: 1126–1135, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Microenvironmental Interaction Between Hypoxia and Endothelial Cells Controls the Migration Ability of Placenta‐Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells via α4 Integrin and Rho Signaling
Authors: Choi Jong Ho , Lim Seung Mook , Yoo Yong In , Jung Jieun , Park Jong‐Won , Kim Gi Jin
Published: October 2015

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are a powerful source for cell therapy in degenerative diseases. The migration ability of MSCs is an important factor that enhances the therapeutic effect of the cells when they are transplanted into target tissues or organs. Hypoxia and the endothelial barrier, which are representative migration microenvironmental factors, are known to be regulated by the integrin‐mediated pathway in several cancers. However, their regulatory mechanisms in MSCs remain unclear. Here, the objectives of the study were to compare the expression of markers related to integrin‐mediated signaling in placenta‐derived MSCs (PDMSCs) dependent on hypoxia and co‐cultured with human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and to evaluate their correlations between migration ability and microenvironmetal factors including hypoxia and endothelial cells. The migration abilities of PDMSCs exposed to hypoxic conditions were significantly increased compared with normal fibroblasts (WI‐38) and control (P < 0.05). Interestingly, decreased integrin α4 in PDMSCs under hypoxia induce to increase migration abilities of PDMSCs. Also, Rho family‐related markers were significantly increased in PDMSCs under hypoxic conditions compared with normoxia (P < 0.05). Furthermore, the migration ability of PDMSCs was decreased by Rho kinase inhibitor treatment (Y‐27632) and co‐culturing with HUVECs in an ex vivo system. ROCK activity was increased by inhibiting integrin α4 with HUVECs and hypoxia compared with the absence of HUVECs and under normoxia. The findings suggest microenvironment event by hypoxia and the interaction with endothelial cells may be useful as a regulator of MSC migration and provide insight into the migratory mechanism of MSCs in stem cell‐based therapy. J. Cell. Biochem. 117: 1145–1157, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
PTEN Regulates Renal Extracellular Matrix Deposit via Increased CTGF in Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Zhu Lin , Zhao Song , Liu Shuxia , Liu Qingjuan , Li Fan , Hao Jun
Published: October 2015

Extracellular matrix accumulation and fibrosis are the features of diabetic nephropathy. PI3K (phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase)/Akt (protein kinase B) signal pathway and its inhibitor PTEN (phosphatase and tensin homolog deleted on chromosome 10) are revealed to modulate renal fibrosis. However, the exact mechanism is still not well known. In the present study we found that compared with normal mice, diabetic mice showed decreased PTEN, increased phospho‐Akt (Ser 473), phospho‐Akt (Thr 308), CTGF (connective tissue growth factor), α‐SMA (α‐smooth muscle actin), and matricellular protein in kidney. Knocking down of PTEN caused an increase in phospho‐Akt (Ser 473), phospho‐Akt (Thr 308), CTGF, secreted fibronectin, and secreted Col 3 in HKC cells (human renal tubular epithelial cells). Again, in vitro experiment revealed 1.89, 2.18, 1.92, 3.06, 2.06‐fold increases of phospho‐Akt (Ser 473), phospho‐Akt (Thr 308), CTGF, secreted fibronectin, and secreted Col 3 in high glucose‐stimulated HKC cells in comparison with normal control cells. Furthermore, knocking down of CTGF reversed increased secreted fibronectin and Col 3 in high glucose‐treated HKC cells. Moreover, transfection of PTEN expression vector prevented high glucose‐caused these changes in HKC cells. Especially, CTGF expression, secretion of fibronectin and Col 3 were, respectively, decreased by 38.81, 53.85, and 39.12%. The treatment of LY294002 inhibited phospho‐Akt (Ser 473) and phospho‐Akt (Thr 308) expression followed by decreased CTGF, secretory fibronectin and secretory Col 3 in high glucose‐treated HKC cells. In the end our study suggests that PTEN regulates renal extracellular matrix production via activated Akt and increased CTGF in diabetes mellitus. J. Cell. Biochem. 117: 1187–1198, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Daily gridded meteorological variables in Brazil (1980–2013)
Authors: Xavier Alexandre C. , King Carey W. , Scanlon Bridget R.
Published: October 2015

Basic meteorological data are essential for evaluating impacts of spatiotemporal variability in climate forcing on hydrology and agroecosystems. The objective of this work was to develop high‐resolution grids (0.25∘ × 0.25∘) of daily precipitation, evapotranspiration, and the five climate variables generally required to estimate evapostranspiration for Brazil. These five variables are maximum and minimum temperature, solar radiation, relative humidity, and wind speed. We tested six different interpolation schemes to create the grids for these variables. The data were obtained from 3625 rain gauge and 735 weather stations for period of 1980–2013. We used a cross‐validation approach that compares point observed data to point interpolated estimates to select the best interpolation scheme for each climate variable. We also present the performance of the best interpolation for each climate variable at daily timescales and for river basins. The inverse distance weighting and angular distance weighting methods produced the best results. Performance of all methods was poorer prior to 1995 because of fewer stations and available data. The performance of the interpolation varies for different seasons for almost all variables. Forecasting capability was tested for precipitation only and performed adequately for the system state (wet or dry). Variations in the interpolation schemes across river basins are primarily attributed to differences in gauge or station network density. This freely available gridded meteorological data set significantly advances the availability of climate data in Brazil.
Understanding corrosion mechanism of Sn–Zn alloys in NaCl solution via corrosion products characterization
Authors: Liu J.‐C. , Wang Z.‐H. , Xie J.‐Y. , Ma J.‐S. , Zhang G. , Suganuma K.
Published: October 2015

The corrosion products formed on Sn–Zn solder alloys were systematically studied to elucidate the corrosion mechanism of Sn–Zn alloys in chloride‐containing solution. Sn–Zn alloys were subjected to immersion and polarization treatment in a 0.5 M NaCl solution. Ex situ analysis, including surface and cross‐section, of the corrosion products was carried out by scanning electron microscopy (FE‐SEM) and energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDX). The corrosion products presented porous microstructure formed by a fine interlinked network. An increase of zinc content resulted in more pores and cracks of the corrosion products, indicating degradation of corrosion resistance. Intriguing is the finding that a gradient of chlorine concentration from the outer layer inwards the alloys through the Zn‐rich precipitates is observed, which demonstrates the migration of chloride ions inwards the alloys. Based on the results, a corrosion mechanism was proposed and discussed that explains the observations. Particular attention was paid to the anodic dissolution of Zn‐rich precipitates.
On the existence of RUC systems in rearrangement invariant spaces
Authors: Astashkin Sergey V. , Curbera Guillermo P. , Tikhomirov Konstantin E.
Published: October 2015

We characterize rearrangement invariant spaces X on [0, 1] with the property that each orthonormal system in X which is uniformly bounded in some Marcinkiewicz space , for equivalent to , , is a system of Random Unconditional Convergence (RUC system).
Blow‐up phenomena in chemotaxis systems with a source term
Authors: Marras Monica , Vernier‐Piro Stella , Viglialoro Giuseppe
Published: October 2015

This paper deals with a parabolic–parabolic Keller–Segel‐type system in a bounded domain of
, {N = 2;3}, under different boundary conditions, with time‐dependent coefficients and a positive source term. The solutions may blow up in finite time t∗; and under appropriate assumptions on data, explicit lower bounds for blow‐up time are obtained when blow up occurs. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Solution and dynamics analysis of a fractional‐order hyperchaotic system
Authors: He Shaobo , Sun Kehui , Wang Huihai
Published: October 2015

Numerical solution and chaotic behaviors of the fractional‐order simplified Lorenz hyperchaotic system are investigated in this paper. The solution of the fractional‐order hyperchaotic system is obtained by employing Adomian decomposition method. Lyapunov characteristic exponents algorithm for the fractional‐order chaotic system is designed. Dynamics of the fractional‐order hyperchaotic system are analyzed by means of bifurcation diagrams, Lyapunov characteristic exponents, C0 complexity, and chaos diagram. It shows that this system has rich dynamical behaviors, and it is more complex when the fractional order q is small. It lays a foundation for the practical application of the fractional‐order hyperchaotic systems. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Adverse effects of vitamin D deficiency on the Pi3k/Akt pathway and pancreatic islet morphology in diet‐induced obese mice
Authors: Borges Celina Carvalho , Salles Andreza Fernandes , Bringhenti Isabele , Souza‐Mello Vanessa , Mandarim‐de‐Lacerda Carlos Alberto , Aguila Marcia Barbosa
Published: October 2015

Scope

To investigate the impact of vitamin D deficiency on insulin resistance and abnormal glucose homeostasis in obesity.

Methods and results

Sixty male C57BL/6 mice (3 months old) were fed a control diet (C—10% energy as fat) or a high‐fat diet (HF—50% energy as fat), with or without vitamin D, for 8 weeks. There was no difference in body mass between the HF and HF/VitD‐ groups. Vitamin D deficiency (VitD) in the diet‐induced obese mice increased hyperinsulinemia (p = 0.04), hyperleptinemia (p = 0.0002), insulin resistance (HOMA‐IR, p = 0.04), and islet changes, including alpha and beta cell disarray. In the insulin signaling pathway, insulin receptor substrate 2 expression was upregulated in the C/VitD‐ group (p = 0.001) and downregulated in the HF/VitD‐ group (p = 0.009). Interestingly, forkhead box protein O1 expression was higher in the HF/VitD‐ group than in the HF group (p = 0.03), and pancreatic and duodenal homeobox 1 expression was lower in the HF/VitD‐group than in the HF group (p = 0.025), indicating that the HF diet and vitamin D deficiency influenced the downregulation of the expression of these proteins (two‐way ANOVA, p < 0.0001).

Conclusion

Vitamin D deficiency exacerbated the adverse structural and physiological remodeling of pancreatic islets due to obesity, contributing to abnormal glucose homeostasis.