bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Generation and Spectroscopic Identification of ClCNS, ClNCS and NCCNS
Authors: Krebsz Melinda , Tarczay György , Pasinszki Tibor
Published: November 2013

The photolysis of four chloro‐substituted thiadiazoles (3,4‐dichloro‐, 3‐chloro‐ and 3‐chloro‐4‐fluoro‐1,2,5‐thiadiazole; 3,5‐dichloro‐1,2,4‐thiadiazole) and 3,4‐dicyano‐1,2,5‐thiadiazole was investigated in inert solid‐argon matrices at cryogenic temperatures by means of UV irradiation at selected wavelengths of 254 and 280 nm. The photolysis products were identified by mid‐IR and UV spectroscopy. Evidence for the existence of three novel pseudohalides, namely, chloronitrile sulfide (ClCNS), chlorine isothiocyanate (ClNCS) and cyanogen N‐sulfide (NCCNS), was provided by direct spectroscopic methods supported by quantum chemical calculations. Ground‐state geometries, vibrational frequencies, IR intensities, and UV excitation energies of ClCNS, ClNCS and NCCNS were obtained from calculations using the B3LYP, CCSD(T) and SAC‐CI methods and the aug‐cc‐pV(T+d)Z basis set.
Charge Fluctuations and Ethylene‐Group‐Ordering Transition in β′′‐(BEDT‐TTF)4[(H3O)Fe(C2O4)3]⋅Y Molecular Charge‐Transfer Salts
Authors: Olejniczak Iwona , Frąckowiak Arkadiusz , Świetlik Roman , Prokhorova Tatiana G. , Yagubskii Eduard B.
Published: November 2013

The polarized infrared reflectance and Raman spectra of the three quasi‐two‐dimensional β′′‐(BEDT‐TTF)4[(H3O)Fe(C2O4)3]⋅Y bifunctional charge‐transfer salts, where BEDT‐TTF=bis(ethylenedithio)tetrathiafulvalene and Y=C6H5Br, (C6H5CN)0.17(C6H5Br)0.83, (C6H5CN)0.4(C6H5F)0.6, have been measured as a function of the temperature. Signatures of charge inhomogenity have been found in both Raman and infrared spectra of the β′′‐(BEDT‐TTF)4[(H3O)Fe(C2O4)3]⋅Y superconductors. A 100 K transition to a mixed insulating/metallic state is clearly seen for the first time in the temperature dependence of the electronic spectra of superconducting β′′‐(BEDT‐TTF)4[(H3O)Fe(C2O4)3]⋅C6H5Br. We suggest that this phase transition is due to subtle changes in the ethylene groups ordering, which are related to a structural phase transition in the anionic layer. The infrared and Raman spectra of quasi‐two‐dimensional metal α‐′pseudo‐κ′‐(BEDT‐TTF)4[(H3O)Fe(C2O4)3]C6H4Br2 are also investigated.
Review of CVD Synthesis of Graphene
Authors: Muñoz Roberto , Gómez‐Aleixandre Cristina
Published: November 2013

This article presents an overview of the research highlights in graphene synthesis by CVD. The growth mechanisms over transition metals and alloys (with emphasis on Cu and Cu alloys) are discussed, including new developments and experiments in transfer‐free graphene growth on dielectric materials. The focus is on the role of the various synthesis parameters, including the thermodynamic aspects of the chemical process, and the physical, chemical, and morphological properties of the substrate catalyst. The relationships between these parameters, and the properties of the as‐grown graphene are discussed. Some important relationships are reviewed and used to influence the fundamental parameters of, and methods for, the synthesis of high quality graphene.
Surface‐immobilized Gold Nanoparticles by Organometallic CVD on Amine‐terminated Glass Surfaces
Authors: Ertorer Erden , Avery Jessica C. , Pavelka Laura C. , Mittler Silvia
Published: November 2013

The growth of surface‐immobilized gold nanoparticles with organometallic (OM)CVD on amine‐terminated surfaces, utilizing a (trimethylphospine)methylgold ((CH3)3PAuCH3) precursor is described. Samples fabricated using various deposition times are characterized by UV‐vis spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Particle stability on the samples is tested by washing and rinsing treatments with various organic solvents. A biotin‐streptavidin scheme is applied to demonstrate the biosensing capabilities of the samples. The size, interparticle distance, and shape of the gold nanoparticles demonstrates that OMCVD is a simple, economic, and fast way of fabricating surface‐bonded and stable gold nanoparticles. The plasmonic properties, the stability of the particles, and the biotin‐streptavidin test show that these OMCVD‐grown gold nanoparticles are suitable for reproducible, low noise, and highly sensitive biosensing applications.
Palladium‐Catalyzed Carbonylative Transformations of Bromhexine into Bioactive Compounds as Glucocerebrosidase Inhibitors
Authors: Sharif Muhammad , Pews‐Davtyan Anahit , Lukas Jan , Schranck Johannes , Langer Peter , Rolfs Arndt , Beller Matthias
Published: November 2013

A general synthesis for dicarbonylated derivatives of the parent drug bromhexine is described. By using the commercially available Pd(OAc)2/BuPAd2 (CataCXium A, Ad = adamantyl) catalyst system, the carbonylative arylation, amination, and alkoxylation of bromhexine proceeded with up to 79 % product yield. Selected synthesized derivatives of bromhexine showed improved effects as glucocerebrosidase inhibitors.
Facile Fabrication of Zirconia Modified Screen‐Printed Carbon Electrodes for Electrochemical Sensing of Phosphate
Authors: Cheng Wan‐Ling , Chang Jen‐Lin , Su Ya‐Ling , Zen Jyh‐Myng
Published: November 2013

We report here a facile method to immobilize zirconia nanoparticles on a disposable screen‐printed carbon electrode (designated as ZrO2‐SPCE) for phosphate sensor application. Simply by ultrasonicating a bare SPCE in a ZrO2 slurry, ZrO2 nanoparticles can be immobilized effectively on the electrode surface as verified by surface characterization evidences. Using ferricyanide as a redox probe, an increase in the charge transfer resistance (Rct) of ferricyanide upon adsorption of phosphate on ZrO2 is used for the determination of phosphate. This ZrO2‐SPCE phosphate sensor shows a wide linear range up to 1 mM and a detection limit of 1.69 µM (S/N=3). Practical applicability of the ZrO2‐SPCE is demonstrated by detecting phosphate content in human blood samples.
Bedload transport measurements with impact plate geophones: comparison of sensor calibration in different gravel‐bed streams
Authors: Rickenmann Dieter , Turowski Jens M. , Fritschi Bruno , Wyss Carlos , Laronne Jonathan , Barzilai Ronel , Reid Ian , Kreisler Andrea , Aigner Johann , Seitz Hugo , Habersack Helmut
Published: November 2013

Indirect bedload transport measurements have been made with the Swiss plate geophone system in five gravel‐bed mountain streams. These geophone sensors record the motion of bedload particles transported over a steel plate mounted flush with the channel bed. To calibrate the geophone system, direct bedload transport measurements were undertaken simultaneously. At the Erlenbach in Switzerland, a moving‐basket sampler was used. At the Fischbach and Ruetz streams in Austria, a Helley–Smith type bedload sampler provided the calibration measurements. A Bunte‐type bedload trap was used at the Rofenache stream in Austria. At the Nahal Eshtemoa in Israel, Reid‐type slot bedload samplers were used. To characterize the response of the geophone signal to bedload particles impacting on the plate, geophone summary values were calculated from the raw signal and stored at one second intervals. The number of impulses, i.e. the number of peaks above a pre‐defined threshold value of the geophone output signal, correlated well with field measured gravel transport loads and was found to be a robust parameter. The relations of impulses to gravel transport loads were generally near‐linear, but the steepness of the calibration relations differed from site to site. By comparing the calibration measurements from the different field sites and utilizing insights gained during preliminary flume experiments, it has been possible to identify the main factors that are responsible for site specific differences in the calibration coefficient. The analysis of these calibration measurements indicates that the geophone signal also contains some information about the grain size distribution of bedload. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Production and evaluation of Ighu from selected cassava varieties using a motorized shredder—a response surface analysis
Authors: Iwe Madu O. , Agiriga Ann N.
Published: November 2013

Cassava varieties, TME419, TMS30572, and TMS98/0505, were planted and harvested at 3‐month intervals of 10, 13, and 16 months, respectively. A central composite response surface design was used to study the effects of the variables cassava variety, harvesting time, and shredding aperture on selected physicochemical properties of Ighu samples. Regression models showed that the experimental variables had significant (P ≤ 0.05) effects on the hydrogen cyanide, moisture content, thickness, and width of dry Ighu. Minimum values obtainable for the physicochemical properties were 8.1195 mg/kg (10‐month, 3‐mm shredding aperture from TMS98/0505), 7.58% (13‐month, 3‐mm shredding aperture from TME419), 0.19 mm (13‐month, 3‐mm shredding aperture and from TMS30572), and 0.99 mm (16‐month, 3‐mm shredding aperture from TME419) for hydrogen cyanide, moisture content, thickness, and width, respectively. In addition, Ighu produced from 3‐mm shredding aperture (TMS30572) at 10‐month harvest was the most preferred of all the samples.
Large scale economics of a precipitating potassium carbonate CO2 capture process for black coal power generation
Authors: Anderson Clare , Ho Minh , Harkin Trent , Wiley Dianne , Hooper Barry
Published: November 2013

Potassium carbonate (K2CO3) solvents offer a lower cost and environmentally benign alternative to the traditional amine‐based solvents for post‐combustion capture of carbon dioxide (CO2) from power station flue gases. The CO2CRC is developing a precipitating K2CO3 process, termed UNO MK 3, which has the potential for significant cost reductions. The costs have been calculated based on capturing 90% of the CO2 emissions from a new build black coal (Illinois No. 6) power station with a net output of 550 MW. With the UNO MK 3 process for CO2 capture, the cost of electricity is predicted to be as low as $73/MWh and the cost of capture as low as $21/tonne of CO2 avoided. The cost of electricity with the UNO MK 3 process represents as low as a 24% increase in the cost of electricity, which meets the target set by the US Department of Energy for capture technologies of adding less than 35% to the cost of electricity.
Do Public Smoking Bans have an Impact on Active Smoking? Evidence from the UK
Authors: Jones Andrew M. , Laporte Audrey , Rice Nigel , Zucchelli Eugenio
Published: November 2013

The literature on the effects of public smoking bans on smoking behaviour presents conflicting results and there is limited evidence on their impact on active smoking. This paper evaluates the impact of smoking bans on active smoking using data from the British Household Panel Survey and exploiting the policy experiment provided by the differential timing of the introduction of the bans in Scotland and England. We assess the short‐term impact of the smoking bans by employing a series of flexible difference‐in‐differences fixed effects panel data models. We find that the introduction of the public smoking bans in England and Scotland had limited short‐run effects on both smoking prevalence and the total level of smoking. Although we identify significant differences in trends in smoking consumption across the survey period by population sub‐groups, we find insufficient evidence to conclude that these were affected by the introduction of the smoking bans. These results challenge those found in the public health literature but are in line with the most recent strand of economic literature indicating that there is no firm evidence on the effects of smoking bans on smoking. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Foamy macrophage responses in the rat lung following exposure to inhaled pharmaceuticals: a simple, pragmatic approach for inhaled drug development
Authors: Lewis David J. , Williams Thomas C. , Beck Steven L.
Published: November 2013

Successes in the field of respiratory medicines are largely limited to three main target classes: β2‐adrenergic receptor agonists, muscarinic antagonists and corticosteroids. A significant factor in attrition during the development of respiratory medicines is the induction of foamy macrophage responses, particularly, in rats. The term foamy macrophage describes a vacuolated cytoplasmic appearance, seen by light microscopy, which is ultrastructurally characterized by the presence of lysosomal lamellar bodies, neutral lipid droplets or drug particles. We propose a simple classification, based light‐heartedly on the theme ‘the good, the bad and the ugly’, which allows important distinctions to be made between phenotypes, aetiologies and adversity. Foamy macrophages induced in rat lungs by exposure to inhaled β2‐agonists, antimuscarinics and corticosteroids are simple aggregates of uniform cells without other associated pathologies. In contrast, macrophage reactions induced by some other inhaled drug classes are more complex, associated with neutrophilic or lymphocytic infiltrations with/without damage to the adjacent alveolar walls. Foamy macrophage responses induced by inhaled drugs may be ascribed to either phagocytosis of poorly soluble drug particles, or to pharmacology. Both corticosteroids and β2‐agonists increase surfactant synthesis whereas muscarinic antagonists may decrease surfactant breakdown, due to inhibition of phospholipase C, both of which lead to phagocytosis of excess surfactant. Simple foamy macrophage responses are considered non‐adverse, whereas ones that are more complex are designated as adverse. The development of foamy macrophage responses has led to confusion in interpretation and we hope this review helps clarify what is in fact a relatively simple, predictable, easily interpretable, commonly induced change. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Chondrocyte-Specific Pathology During Skeletal Growth and Therapeutics in a Murine Model of Pseudoachondroplasia
Authors: Posey Karen L , Coustry Francoise , Veerisetty Alka C , Liu Peiman , Alcorn Joseph L , Hecht Jacqueline T
Published: November 2013

Mutations in the gene encoding cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (COMP) cause pseudoachondroplasia (PSACH), a severe dwarfing condition. Pain, a significant complication, has generally been attributed to joint abnormalities and erosion and early onset osteoarthritis. Previously, we found that the inflammatory-related transcripts were elevated in growth plate and articular cartilages, indicating that inflammation plays an important role in the chondrocyte disease pathology and may contribute to the overall pain sequelae. Here, we describe the effects of D469-delCOMP expression on the skeleton and growth plate chondrocytes with the aim to define a treatment window and thereby reduce pain. Consistent with the human PSACH phenotype, skeletal development of D469del-COMP mice was normal and similar to controls at birth. By postnatal day 7 (P7), the D469del-COMP skeleton, limbs, skull and snout were reduced and this reduction was progressive during postnatal growth, resulting in a short-limbed dwarfed mouse. Modulation of prenatal and postnatal expression of D469del-COMP showed minimal retention/cell death at P7 with some retention/cell death by P14, suggesting that earlier treatment intervention at the time of PSACH diagnosis may produce optimal results. Important and novel findings were an increase in inflammatory proteins generally starting at P21 and that exercise exacerbates inflammation. These observations suggest that pain in PSACH may be related to an intrinsic inflammatory process that can be treated symptomatically and is not related to early joint erosion. We also show that genetic ablation of CHOP dampens the inflammatory response observed in mice expressing D469del-COMP. Toward identifying potential treatments, drugs known to decrease cellular stress (lithium, phenylbutyric acid, and valproate) were assessed. Interestingly, all diminished the chondrocyte pathology but had untoward outcomes on mouse growth, development, and longevity. Collectively, these results define an early treatment window in which chondrocytes can be salvaged, thereby potentially increasing skeletal growth and decreasing pain. © 2014 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Discounting of delayed and probabilistic losses over a wide range of amounts
Authors: Green Leonard , Myerson Joel , Oliveira Luís , Chang Seo Eun
Published: November 2013

The present study examined delay and probability discounting of hypothetical monetary losses over a wide range of amounts (from $20 to $500,000) in order to determine how amount affects the parameters of the hyperboloid discounting function. In separate conditions, college students chose between immediate payments and larger, delayed payments and between certain payments and larger, probabilistic payments. The hyperboloid function accurately described both types of discounting, and amount of loss had little or no systematic effect on the degree of discounting. Importantly, the amount of loss also had little systematic effect on either the rate parameter or the exponent of the delay and probability discounting functions. The finding that the parameters of the hyperboloid function remain relatively constant across a wide range of amounts of delayed and probabilistic loss stands in contrast to the robust amount effects observed with delayed and probabilistic rewards. At the individual level, the degree to which delayed losses were discounted was uncorrelated with the degree to which probabilistic losses were discounted, and delay and probability loaded on two separate factors, similar to what is observed with delayed and probabilistic rewards. Taken together, these findings argue that although delay and probability discounting involve fundamentally different decision‐making mechanisms, nevertheless the discounting of delayed and probabilistic losses share an insensitivity to amount that distinguishes it from the discounting of delayed and probabilistic gains.
Evaluating the Synthesis of Bis‐pyrazolines
Authors: Mahmoodi Nosrat O. , Sharifzadeh Bahman , Mamaghani Manouchehr , Tabatabaeian Khalil
Published: November 2013

The bis‐cyclization of chalcone with thiosemicarbazide under basic condition led to the formation of new compounds, thiocarbamoyl bis‐pyrazoline derivatives. Bis‐chalcones were prepared by a Claisen–Schmidt condensation between 1 mol bis‐aldehyde and 2 mol acetophenone derivatives in the presence of sodium hydroxide as a catalyst. The structures of all compounds were elucidated by IR, 1H NMR, and 13C NMR spectral data and by elemental analyses.
Genetic variability of hepatitis B and C viruses in Brazilian patients with and without hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Araujo Oscar C. , Barros José J.F. , do Ó Kycia M. , Nabuco Letícia C. , Luz Charles A. , Perez Renata M. , Niel Christian , Villela‐Nogueira Cristiane A. , Araujo Natalia M.
Published: November 2013

Most cases of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) are due to chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) or hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection worldwide. The aim of this study was to determine the viral genotypes and frequency of 17 mutations (15 for HBV and 2 for HCV), described previously as able to influence the course of chronic liver disease, in patients with and without HCC. This transversal study included 157 Brazilian patients with chronic hepatitis B (n = 51) and C (n = 106). Of these, 12 and 40 patients had HBV‐ and HCV‐related HCC, respectively. Nucleotide sequencing of core promoter, pre‐core, and pre‐S/S regions of HBV and core region of HCV strains was performed to determine their genotypes and the frequency of the respective mutations. Among the HBV isolates, subgenotype A1 was the most prevalent in both patients with (90%) and without (61%) HCC. Fourteen out of the 15 mutations under study, as well as five different pre‐S deletions, were identified. Core promoter T1753V, A1762T, and G1764A mutations were more frequent in patients with HCC than in those without, although with no statistical difference. However, a significant correlation was observed between T1753V mutation and elevation of transaminases levels (P < 0.05). As for HCV, mutation at residue 70 in the core protein of genotype 1b strains was significantly more frequent in patients with cirrhosis (56.3%) than in those without (9.1%) (P = 0.018). The detection of some key mutations in the genomes of HBV and HCV might be helpful to predict the clinical outcome of patients with chronic liver disease. J. Med. Virol. 86:217–223, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Evaluation of dynamically downscaled ensemble climate simulations for Vietnam
Authors: Van Khiem Mai , Redmond Grace , McSweeney Carol , Thuc Tran
Published: November 2013

This article presents an assessment of the skill of regional climate model PRECIS in simulating seasonal climate over Vietnam. The simulations were conducted at a horizontal resolution of 25 km × 25 km. The model simulations were forced by the ERA‐Interim reanalysis and five members of the Hadley Centre's perturbed physics ensemble (PPE). CRU, APHRODITE, ERA40 datasets and observations recorded at 61 meteorological stations over Vietnam were used to validate the model. The analysis compared seasonal averages of observed and simulated precipitation, temperature, 850 hPa wind speed and direction, as well as the 99th percentile of daily precipitation and the 95th and 5th percentile of daily minimum and maximum temperatures. Annual cycles of temperature and precipitation, and the interannual variability of precipitation were also assessed. The reanalysis‐driven simulation accurately reproduced most of the important characteristics of the observed spatial patterns and annual cycles of circulation rainfall and temperature as well as capturing key characteristics of interannual variability in rainfall and of extremes in precipitation and temperature. Some apparent systematic cool biases were found most likely to be an artefact of inadequacies in the CRU‐gridded temperature observations. The regional model was found to introduce some systematic wet‐biases in rainfall. The five GCM driven simulations demonstrated errors with similar characteristics to the ERA‐Interim‐driven simulations, although with diversity in the magnitude of those errors resulting from the differences in the characteristics of the different members of the HadCM3‐based PPE. By assessing the skill of these models at producing realistic baseline simulations, we gain valuable contextual information to guide the application and interpretation of the future projections over Vietnam generated using these models.
Experimental determination of vibrational anharmonic contributions
Authors: Kolesov Boris A.
Published: November 2013

This article deals with the experimental determination of separate vibrational anharmonic contributions to the self‐energy of phonons in any crystals based on temperature dependence of their Raman spectra. We propose a new approach to find each anharmonic contribution by using special temperature points. We apply the approach to diamond, silicon, and crystalline α‐S8 and show that our results for summarized anharmonicity in diamond and silicon are in good agreement with the values obtained previously for these systems by other researchers. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Written Exposure Therapy for Veterans Diagnosed with PTSD: A Pilot Study
Authors: Sloan Denise M. , Lee Daniel J. , Litwack Scott D. , Sawyer Alice T. , Marx Brian P.
Published: November 2013

There is a need to identify alternative treatment options for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), especially among veterans where PTSD tends to be more difficult to treat and dropout rates are especially high. One potential alternative is written exposure therapy, a brief intervention shown to treat PTSD among civilians effectively. This study investigated the feasibility and tolerability of written exposure therapy in an uncontrolled trial with a sample of 7 male veterans diagnosed with PTSD. Findings indicated that written exposure therapy was well tolerated and well received. Only 1 of the 7 veterans dropped out of treatment, no adverse events occurred during the course of treatment, and veterans provided high treatment satisfaction ratings. Clinically significant improvements in PTSD symptom severity were observed for 4 veterans at posttreatment and 6 veterans at the 3‐month follow up. Moreover, 5 of the 7 veterans no longer met diagnostic criteria for PTSD 3 months following treatment. These findings suggest that written exposure therapy holds promise as a brief, well tolerated treatment for veterans with PTSD. However, additional research using randomized controlled trial methodology is needed to confirm its efficacy.
Virtual surgical planning improves surgical outcome measures in obstructive sleep apnea surgery
Authors: Barrera Jose E.
Published: November 2013

Objectives/Hypothesis

Determine the feasibility and accuracy of using virtual surgical planning (VSP) to direct the surgical and polysomnography (PSG) outcomes of patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).

Study Design

Prospective case series.

Methods

Skeletal and soft tissue dimensions were measured from computed tomography (CT) to include posterior airway space (PAS) diameters at the occlusal (PAS‐O) and mandibular (PAS‐M) plane, position of the maxilla, and tooth‐to‐lip distance. All patients underwent an in‐lab attended PSG whereby apnea‐hypopnea index (AHI), respiratory disturbance index (RDI), and lowest oxyhemoglobin saturation percent (LSAT) were measured preoperatively and at least 9 months postoperatively.

Results

Four patients with OSA demonstrated a mean AHI and RDI of 60.1 and 69.5 events per hour, respectively. The mean preoperative LSAT was 76%. Mean CT‐based measures for PAS‐O and PAS‐M were 3.08 mm and 9.03 mm, respectively. VSP was used to direct the amount of advancement and impaction in maxillomandibular advancement (MMA) surgery. The mean PAS‐O and PAS‐M postoperative measures significantly increased to 8.15 and 14 mm (P < .004), whereas the mean tooth‐to‐lip relationship stayed the same, 3.17 to 3.18, P = .98. The AHI and RDI significantly improved to 2.83 and 4.5 events per hour, respectively, P = .03, whereas the LSAT improved from 76% to 87%.

Conclusions

VSP for MMA in OSA patients is feasible and safe while offering improvements in the predictability of airway change and tooth‐to‐lip measures.

Level of Evidence

NA Laryngoscope, 124:1259–1266, 2014
LED pumped polymer laser sensor for explosives
Authors: Wang Yue , Morawska Paulina O. , Kanibolotsky Alexander L. , Skabara Peter J. , Turnbull Graham A. , Samuel Ifor D. W.
Published: November 2013

A very compact explosive vapor sensor is demonstrated based on a distributed feedback polymer laser pumped by a commercial InGaN light‐emitting diode. The laser shows a two‐stage turn on of the laser emission, for pulsed drive currents above 15.7 A. The ‘double‐threshold’ phenomenon is attributed to the slow rise of the ∼30 ns duration LED pump pulses. The laser emits a 533 nm pulsed output beam of ∼10 ns duration perpendicular to the polymer film. When exposed to nitroaromatic model explosive vapors at ∼8 ppb concentration, the laser shows a 46% change in the surface‐emitted output under optimized LED excitation.
High‐energy optical parametric oscillator for the 6 μm spectral range based on HgGa2S4 pumped at 1064 nm
Authors: Esteban‐Martin Adolfo , Marchev Georgi , Badikov Valeriy , Panyutin Vladimir , Petrov Valentin , Shevyrdyaeva Galina , Badikov Dmitrii , Starikova Marina , Sheina Svetlana , Fintisova Anna , Tyazhev Aleksey
Published: November 2013

The defect chalcopyrite crystal HgGa2S4 has been employed in a 1064‐nm pumped optical parametric oscillator to generate <7 ns long idler pulses near 6.3 μm with energies as high as 3 mJ, tunable in a broad spectral range from 4.5 to 9 μm.
Antibody-Mediated Rejection as a Contributor to Previously Unexplained Early Liver Allograft Loss
Authors: O'Leary Jacqueline G. , Kaneku Hugo , Demetris Anthony J. , Marr John D. , Shiller Michelle S. , Susskind Brian M. , Tillery Glenn W. , Terasaki Paul I. , Klintmalm Göran B.
Published: November 2013

We analyzed 60 patients with idiopathic early allograft loss (defined as death or retransplantation at <90 days) to determine the relative contribution of preformed donor-specific human leukocyte antigen alloantibodies (DSAs) to this endpoint, and we defined strict criteria for the diagnosis of antibody-mediated rejection (AMR) in liver allografts. The inclusion criteria encompassed the availability of a pretransplant serum sample and both postreperfusion and follow-up tissue specimens for a blinded, retrospective re-review of histology and complement component 4d (C4d) staining. AMR was diagnosed on the basis of the presence of all 4 of the following strict criteria: (1) DSAs in serum, (2) histopathological evidence of diffuse microvascular injury/microvasculitis consistent with antibody-mediated injury, (3) diffuse C4d staining in the portal microvasculature with or without staining in the sinusoids or central veins in at least 1 sample, and (4) the exclusion of other causes of a similar type of injury. Patients thought to be experiencing definite AMR on the basis of routine histopathology alone showed the highest levels of DSA sensitization. Forty percent of patients with pretransplant DSAs with a pattern of bead saturation after serial dilutions developed AMR. Another multiparous female developed what appeared to be a strong recall response, which resulted in combined AMR and acute cellular rejection (ACR) causing graft failure. A contribution of DSAs to allograft failure could not be excluded for 3 additional patients who received marginal grafts. In conclusion, liver allograft recipients with preformed DSAs with a high mean fluorescence intensity despite dilution seem to be at risk for clinically significant allograft injury and possibly for loss from AMR, often in combination with ACR. Liver Transpl 20:218-227, 2014. © 2013 AASLD.
Sperm form and function in the absence of sperm competition
Authors: van der Horst Gerhard , Maree Liana
Published: November 2013

Sperm competition is a post‐copulatory, sexual selection force that, together with phylogeny and fertilization mode, has been regarded as one of the main factors explaining the diversity in sperm size across species. This universal sperm selection mechanism favors traits that enhance a male's fertilizing ability and paternity success. Surprisingly, however, sperm characteristics and semen quality in monogamous species, with low risk of sperm competition, have barely received any attention. In this review, we consider sperm competition and monogamy as two ends of the selective spectrum, and discuss its effect on sperm structure and function. We address the issue of a lack of sperm competition by comparing sperm traits of essentially monogamous species—their largely degenerative sperm features and high degree of polymorphisms could be norms for monogamous species. Further, the level of sperm competition in humans is discussed by comparing its mating strategy, relative testis size, and sperm traits to other primate species. In terms of sperm concentration, sperm swimming speed, and sperm morphology, humans seem to be closer aligned to the low‐risk sperm competition situation in gorillas than to promiscuous chimpanzees.Mol. Reprod. Dev. 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Aerobic training in patients with anoctamin 5 myopathy and hyperckemia
Authors: Vissing Christoffer R. , Preisler Nicolai , Husu Edith , Prahm Kira P. , Vissing John
Published: November 2013

Introduction: Anoctamin 5 deficiency has recently been defined to cause limb‐girdle muscular dystrophy type 2L (LGMD2L) with pronounced hyperCKemia. No treatment interventions have been made so far in this condition. Methods: In 6 patients with LGMD2L, we studied the effect of home‐based, pulse‐watch monitored, moderate‐intensity exercise on a cycle ergometer for 30 minutes, 3 times weekly, for 10 weeks. Plasma creatine kinase (CK) was assessed before, during, and after the program as a marker of muscle damage. Primary outcome measures were maximum oxygen uptake (VO2max) and time in the 5‐repetitions‐sit‐to‐stand test (FRSTST). Results: Training resulted in improvements in VO2max (27 ± 7%; P = 0.0001) and FRSTST time (35 ± 12%; P = 0.007). Improvements in physiologic and functional muscle testing were accompanied by stable CK levels and no reports of adverse effects. Conclusions: These findings suggest that supervised aerobic exercise training is safe and effective in improving oxidative capacity and muscle function in patients with anoctamin 5 deficiency. Muscle Nerve 50: 119–123, 2014
Komplexe chemische Systeme realistisch modellieren
Authors: Thiel Walter
Published: November 2013

Der Nobelpreis 2013 in Chemie geht an Martin Karplus von der Harvard University und der Université de Strasbourg, Michael Levitt von der Stanford University sowie Arieh Warshel von der University of Southern California, Los Angeles, für die Entwicklung von Multiskalenmodellen für komplexe chemische Systeme.
Wie bilden sich Kristalle?
Authors: Gebauer Denis
Published: November 2013

Die molekularen Mechanismen der Kristallentstehung sind weitgehend unklar. Einblicke in Vorläuferstufen und Übergangsformen von Biomineralien zeichnen jetzt ein neuartiges Bild davon, wie unterschiedliche Kristallmodifikationen entstehen.