bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Capacity bounds for a Gaussian optical wireless relay channel
Authors: Raza A. D. , Muhammad S. Sheikh
Published: July 2014

Capacity of a radio relay channel has been extensively studied. Although general solution to the capacity problem is still elusive, solution for a physically degraded relay channel is available. This paper presents the original results for lower and upper bounds on the capacity of an optical wireless relay channel. Optical intensity communication uses signals that are inherently non‐negative and are governed by average and peak power constraints dictated by the considerations of battery life and safety of human eye. The component optical wireless links of the relay channel are assumed to be Gaussian, a valid assumption for intensity modulation direct detection model. The decode‐and‐forward inner bounds are developed through entropy power inequality. The concept of duality of capacity is employed for determining the min–max cut upper bound. Two sets of upper bounds have been worked out using a non‐zero mean Gaussian and a piecewise continuous measure comprising Gaussian and exponential components on the channel output. As maximum entropy measure for a peak and mean power‐constrained channel depends on mean‐to‐peak power ratio α, separate set of bounds have been computed for
and
. It is shown that high signal asymptotes of upper and lower bounds tend to converge. The maximum gap between the two asymptotic bounds is half a bit. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Unexpected Dehalogenation Reactions of Dichloroborane Bearing a NCN‐Pincer Ligand: Formation of a Borenium Salt
Authors: Saito Masaichi , Matsumoto Kaori , Fujita Masahiro , Minoura Mao
Published: July 2014

2,6‐Bis[(diisopropylamino)methyl]phenyllithium 1 reacted with trichloroborane etherate to afford dichloroarylborane 4. The treatment of 4 with Ag triflate provided bistriflate 5. The reaction of 4 with AgBF4, however, afforded an unexpected product, borenium salt 6.
Cooperation of C/EBP family proteins and chromatin remodeling proteins is essential for termination of liver regeneration
Authors: Jin Jingling , Hong Il‐Hwa , Lewis Kyle , Iakova Polina , Breaux Meghan , Jiang Yanjun , Sullivan Emily , Jawanmardi Nicole , Timchenko Lubov , Timchenko Nikolai A.
Published: July 2014

Liver cancer is the fifth most common cancer. A highly invasive surgical resection of the liver tumor is the main approach used to eliminate the tumor. Mechanisms that terminate liver regeneration when the liver reaches the original size are not known. The aims of this work were to generate an animal model that fails to stop liver regeneration after surgical resections and elucidate mechanisms that are involved in termination of liver regeneration. Because epigenetic control of liver function has been previously implicated in the regulation of liver proliferation, we generated C/EBPα‐S193A knockin mice, which have alterations in formation of complexes of C/EBP family proteins with chromatin remodeling proteins. The C/EBPα‐S193A mice have altered liver morphology and altered liver function leading to changes of glucose metabolism and blood parameters. Examination of the proliferative capacity of C/EBPα‐S193A livers showed that livers of S193A mice have a higher rate of proliferation after birth, but stop proliferation at the age of 2 months. These animals have increased liver proliferation in response to liver surgery as well as carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)‐mediated injury. Importantly, livers of C/EBPα‐S193A mice fail to stop liver regeneration after surgery when livers reach the original, preresection, size. The failure of S193A livers to stop regeneration correlates with the epigenetic repression of key regulators of liver proliferation C/EBPα, p53, FXR, SIRT1, PGC1α, and TERT by C/EBPβ‐HDAC1 complexes. The C/EBPβ‐HDAC1 complexes also repress promoters of enzymes of glucose synthesis PEPCK and G6Pase. Conclusion: Proper cooperation of C/EBP and chromatin remodeling proteins is essential for the termination of liver regeneration after surgery and for maintenance of liver functions. (Hepatology 2015;61:315–325)
Toxicological Study and Oxidative Stress Evaluation for Safety Assessment of Xylanase Preparations in Wistar Rats
Authors: Driss Dorra , Soudani Najla , Boudawara Tahia , Zeghal Najiba , Chaabouni Semia Ellouze
Published: July 2014

Acute and 90‐day subchronic oral toxicity studies were conducted to establish the safety evaluation of xylanases preparations. A potential oxidative stress evaluation was also performed through testing the generation of oxidative radicals, depletion of antioxidants via oxidative modification of lipids, proteins and DNA of organ cells. During the subchronic oral toxicity study, no mortality was observed, obvious treatment‐related clinical signs and urinalysis parameters were in normal range. Differences in some hematological parameters, biochemistry, relative organ weight, and histopathology examinations between the treated group and the control group were not judged to be adverse. Our results indicated that the no‐observed‐adverse‐effect level for xylanases was 1,500 TXU/kg/day and the plasma antioxidant assays showed that these xylanases did not produce free‐radicals nor oxidative injuries. On the basis of the bacterial reverse mutation assay data, it is concluded that the expressed xylanase in Pichia pastoris do not present any mutagenic potential when tested in relevant genotoxicological assays.
Uncertainty analysis ofSPIcalculation and drought assessment based on the application of Bootstrap
Authors: Hu Yi‐Ming , Liang Zhong‐Min , Liu Yong‐Wei , Wang Jun , Yao Lei , Ning Yawei
Published: July 2014

The Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI) has been widely used to monitor the drought status. In the estimation ofSPI, an appropriate probability distribution function (APDF) is required to fit precipitation series with different timescales, such as 3‐month, 9‐month and so on. Then the standard normal distribution function is used to transform the cumulative probability derived fromAPDFto calculate theSPIvalue. Obviously, the estimation accuracy ofSPIparticularly depends on the sample that influences the selection ofPDFand parameter estimation. However, the size of the observed sample is usually small, and it cannot perfectly present the statistical property of the population, which usually causes the uncertainty on calculation ofSPIand in turn results in the uncertainty of drought assessment. Due to the existence of gap between the estimatedSPIand the trueSPI, when one obtains the estimation ofSPI, it is necessary to know the reliability or uncertainty of the estimatedSPI. In this article, a new method based on the Bootstrap method was put forward to analyse the impact of sampling uncertainty on the estimation ofSPIand drought assessment. Through repeating samples from the original sample, a large number of Bootstrap samples are constructed, and based on each Bootstrap sample, the corresponding estimation ofSPIfor the given event can be obtained. Therefore, the sampling distribution ofSPIfor the given event can also be derived, on which both the point estimation and interval estimation ofSPIfor the given precipitation event can be provided, and the overall assessment of a drought event could be achieved. The case study shows that, compared with the originalSPIcalculation method, the proposed method not only provides equivalent assessment results, but also has the capability to assess the impact of sampling uncertainty on the uncertainty ofSPIcalculation and drought assessment.
Protective ability index measurement through Raman quantification imaging to diagnose the conservation state of weathering steel structures
Authors: Aramendia Julene , Gomez‐Nubla Leticia , Bellot‐Gurlet Ludovic , Castro Kepa , Paris Céline , Colomban Philippe , Madariaga Juan Manuel
Published: July 2014

Weathering steel was designed to resist against the atmospheric impact due to the development of a characteristic rust layer that protects the metal by reducing the corrosion rate. This rust layer is formed by different iron (oxy‐hydr)oxides that acts as a barrier and provides the protective ability. In order to check the conservation state trough the protective capability, it is necessary to calculate the so‐called protective ability index (PAI). It mainly takes into account the ratio (α/γ) between the mass of goethite (α‐FeOOH) and lepidocrocite (γ‐FeOOH), present in the rust layer of weathering steel. Raman spectroscopy, apart from a qualitative technique, is recently becoming a semi quantitative approach. Therefore, it is a valuable tool for the calculation of the mentioned index. This paper is a widening of a previous work in which it was uncovered a problem in different weathering steel sculptures which are exposed to a Cl− and SO2‐rich urban atmosphere because they present different esthetical problems on their surfaces, such as detachments of steel chips, discolorations and irregularities. In order to relate these problems on the surface and the rust layer composition, PAI calculations were performed from the phase identification obtained from Raman imaging and using spectra decomposition to quantify each compounds. Although goethite and lepidocrocite were the most commonly detected compounds, hematite, akaganeite and magnetite were also identified. Hematite is a sub product formed in rich SO2 atmospheres; therefore, a PAI with its content is proposed. Protective indexes obtained for the different artworks exposed in different places provide quantitative clues for the conservation diagnosis of weathering steel structures. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The nonrecurrent laryngeal nerve: Anatomic and electrophysiologic algorithm for reliable identification
Authors: Kamani Dipti , Potenza Andre S. , Cernea Claudio R. , Kamani Yash V. , Randolph Gregory W.
Published: July 2014

Objectives/Hypothesis

The recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) intraoperative monitoring (IONM) provides a new functional dynamic that adds to visual identification of the RLN to optimize its intraoperative management. Intraoperative monitoring has been applied to the initial identification of the RLN. We now apply IONM to the identification of the nonrecurrent laryngeal nerve (NRLN) and provide electrophysiologic and anatomic parameters to facilitate this technique of neural identification for the NRLN, which is at increased risk of injury during thyroid surgery.

Study Design

Retrospective.

Methods

A study of cases of the NRLN from consecutive thyroid surgeries with IONM was conducted. Preoperative and postoperative laryngoscopy was documented in all cases.

Results

Ten right‐sided nerves (0.6%) were identified as NRLN. One hundred percent of NRLNs had documented normal preoperative and postoperative laryngeal function. Distal and proximal vagal nerve stimulation points that allowed for the electrophysiologic prediction of a nonrecurrence in all patients were identified. Electrophysiological normative parameters of NRLN were compared to those of the normal right RLN and right vagus nerves.

Conclusion

Nonrecurrent laryngeal nerve is present in 0.6% of patients undergoing thyroid surgery. Intraoperative monitoring involving vagal stimulation at the defined distal and proximal points provides reliable electrophysiologic intraoperative verification of the presence of the NRLN. Three anatomical subtypes of right NRLN are noted that enable early identification of the NRLN. In conjunction with detailed knowledge of the NRLN anatomic pathways, they also may be helpful in preventing injury to the NRLN, which has been shown to be at higher risk during thyroid surgery. We provide an anatomic and electrophysiologic algorithm for reliable identification of the NRLN.

Level of Evidence

4. Laryngoscope, 125:503–508, 2015
Research in Arts Marketing: Evolution and Future Directions
Authors: Colbert François , St‐James Yannik
Published: July 2014

Arts marketing has emerged as a flourishing research domain over the last few decades. Reflecting on the nature and evolution of arts marketing research, we propose a selective review of the literature on the marketing and consumption of arts and culture. Specifically, this review examines the defining characteristics of arts marketing research, as well as key themes and contributions, with the goal of identifying promising future directions.
The Effect of Ambient Scent on the Experience of Art: Not as Good as It Smells
Authors: Cirrincione Armando , Estes Zachary , Carù Antonella
Published: July 2014

This study examines the impact of ambient scent on the perception and memory of art, in terms of perceived valence, arousal, and remembering of artworks. Because art perception evokes emotions and embodiment, the experiential marketing literature suggests using sensorial stimuli to enhance the experience of visiting art exhibitions. Although a fragrance in the environment can make visiting enjoyable, we examine more specifically the effects of scent on perception and memory of art, including potential interactions between different scents and artworks. In a between‐participant experiment, this study shows some counterintuitive effects of scent on both evaluation and memory of art: a pleasant ambient scent can decrease evaluations of artworks and hinder memory of those artworks. Furthermore, scent and art have an interactive effect on arousal, such that incongruent scents and artworks increase arousal relative to congruent scents and artworks. In conclusion, enhancing experiences through sensorial cues can counterintuitively hinder the evaluation and memory of art. To the extent that art institutions aim to spread knowledge and appreciation of art, managers should be aware that ambient scents can actually interfere with this mission.
Artist‐Related Determinants of Music Concert Prices
Authors: Decrop Alain , Derbaix Maud
Published: July 2014

Ticket prices of pop/rock concerts have risen considerably over the last decade. Reasons for this growth are debatable: the monopolistic position of one concert promoter, the development of mass culture and fanaticism, or changes in artists’ business model due to illegal downloading. This empirical paper identifies artist‐related variables that play a significant role in the pricing of music concerts. Referring to economic principles (e.g., transaction costs, economies of scale) and psychological theories (e.g., preferences, signaling), six hypotheses were tested using a unique database covering a period of seven years and containing information on 2687 concerts organized in Belgium as well as on performing artists. Results show that artists’ career, nationality, and their popularity are the major determinants of ticket prices.
Gold Nanowire Forests for SERS Detection
Authors: La Porta Andrea , Grzelczak Marek , Liz-Marzán Luis M.
Published: July 2014

Simple wet chemistry has been applied to control the vertical growth of gold nanowires on a glass substrate. As a consequence, the longitudinal localized surface plasmon band position can be tuned from 656 to 1477 nm in a few minutes by simply controlling the growth rate and time. This allowed us to select the optimum conditions for maximum electromagnetic enhancement and performance in surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) detection. SERS measurements confirmed the uniform and reproducible distribution of the nanowires on the substrate, with the subsequent high reproducibility of hot spot formation. Detection of malachite green in water and of 1‐naphthalenethiol from the gas phase are demonstrated as proof‐of‐concept applications of these three‐dimensional SERS substrates.
Effect of the Ortho Alkylation of Perylene Bisimides on the Alignment and Self‐Assembly Properties
Authors: Dasgupta Debarshi , Kendhale Amol M. , Debije Michael G. , ter Schiphorst Jeroen , Shishmanova Ivelina. K. , Portale Giuseppe , Schenning Albertus P. H. J.
Published: July 2014

The effect of the ortho alkylation of perylene bisimides on the alignment and self‐assembly properties has been studied. It was found that the dichroic properties of perylene bisimides in a liquid crystal host can be reversed with a single synthetic step by ortho alkylation. Furthermore, a solvent‐induced growth of ultralong organic n‐type semiconducting fibrils from non‐ortho‐alkylated perylene bisimide was observed. Ortho substitution of the perylene bisimide core alters the mode of fibrillar growth, leading to isotropic crystallization.
Prenatal management and outcomes in mirror syndrome associated with twin–twin transfusion syndrome
Authors: Chai Hanjing , Fang Qun , Huang Xuan , Zhou Yi , Luo Yanmin
Published: July 2014

Objective

The aim of this article is to investigate the prevalence, clinical presentation, prenatal management, and prognosis of mirror syndrome associated with twin–twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) treated by amnioreduction or selective fetocide.

Method

A retrospective study of twin pregnancies with TTTS was conducted. The prevalence of mirror syndrome, defined as severe maternal edema related to fetal hydrops and placental edema, was calculated for TTTS, and data on clinical characteristics, treatment, and outcomes of the patients were reviewed.

Results

We observed mirror syndrome in 4.85% (5/103) of pregnancies with TTTS and 26.32% (5/19) of pregnancies with TTTS Stage IV. Most cases (4/5) of mirror syndrome associated with TTTS were diagnosed before 24 weeks of gestation. The patients manifested edema, anemia, hemodilution, and hypoproteinemia (5/5); proteinuria (4/5); complicated postpartum hemorrhage (4/5); and pulmonary edema and congestive heart failure (2/5). Maternal hemoglobin, hematocrit, and plasma protein dropped after amnioreduction. The perinatal survival rate at 28 days was 28.57% (2/7), and only one infant born after selective feticide survived beyond 18 months.

Conclusion

TTTS carries a high risk of mirror syndrome, a disease with significant materno‐fetal mortality and morbidity. Amnioreduction alone or with selective feticide in mirror syndrome may transiently aggravate anemia and hemodilution and lead to severe maternal complications. © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
ABA triblock copolymers from two mechanistic techniques: Polycondensation and atom transfer radical polymerization
Authors: Agudelo Natalia A. , Elsen Andrea M. , He Hongkun , López Betty L. , Matyjaszewski Krzysztof
Published: July 2014

ABA triblock copolymers were synthesized using two polymerization techniques, polycondensation, and atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP). A telechelic polymer was synthesized via polycondensation, which was then functionalized into a difunctional ATRP initiator. Under ATRP conditions, outer blocks were polymerized to form the ABA triblock copolymer. Six types of samples were prepared based on a poly(ether ether ketone) or poly(arylene ether sulfone) center block with either poly(methyl methacrylate), poly(pentafluorostyrene), or poly(ionic liquid) outer blocks. As polycondensation results in polymers with broad molecular weight distribution (MWD), the center of these triblock copolymers are disperse, while the outside blocks have narrow MWD due to the control afforded from ATRP. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2015, 53, 228–238
High‐resolution temperature and precipitation projections over Ontario, Canada: a coupled dynamical‐statistical approach
Authors: Wang Xiuquan , Huang Guohe , Lin Qianguo , Nie Xianghui , Liu Jinliang
Published: July 2014

We develop a dynamical–statistical downscaling approach by coupling the PRECIS regional modelling system and a statistical method—SCADS—to construct very high resolution climate projections for studying climate change impacts at local scales. The coupled approach performs very well in hindcasting the mean temperature of present‐day climate, while the performance for precipitation is relatively poor due to its high spatial variability and nonlinear nature but its spatial patterns are well captured. We then apply the coupled approach for projecting the future climate over the province of Ontario, Canada at a fine resolution of 10 km. The results show that there would be a significant warming trend throughout this century for the entire province while less precipitation is projected for most of the selected weather stations. The projections also demonstrate apparent spatial variability in the amount of precipitation but no noticeable changes are found in the spatial patterns.
Energy Upconversion in GaP/GaNP Core/Shell Nanowires for Enhanced Near‐Infrared Light Harvesting
Authors: Dobrovolsky Alexander , Sukrittanon Supanee , Kuang Yanjin , Tu Charles W. , Chen Weimin M. , Buyanova Irina A.
Published: July 2014

Semiconductor nanowires (NWs) have recently gained increasing interest due to their great potential for photovoltaics. A novel material system based on GaNP NWs is considered to be highly suitable for applications in efficient multi‐junction and intermediate band solar cells. This work shows that though the bandgap energies of GaNxP1‐x alloys lie within the visible spectral range (i.e., within 540–650 nm for the currently achievable x < 3%), coaxial GaNP NWs grown on Si substrates can also harvest infrared light utilizing energy upconversion. This energy upconversion can be monitored via anti‐Stokes near‐band‐edge photoluminescence (PL) from GaNP, visible even from a single NW. The dominant process responsible for this effect is identified as being due to two‐step two‐photon absorption (TS‐TPA) via a deep level lying at about 1.28 eV above the valence band, based on the measured dependences of the anti‐Stokes PL on excitation power and wavelength. The formation of the defect participating in the TS‐TPA process is concluded to be promoted by nitrogen incorporation. The revealed defect‐mediated TS‐TPA process can boost efficiency of harvesting solar energy in GaNP NWs, beneficial for applications of this novel material system in third‐generation photovoltaic devices.
A preliminary analysis of item‐selection behavior of Japanese female university students examining a 2D virtual fashion web site
Authors: Nosu Kiyoshi , Ikeda Makiko
Published: July 2014

E‐commerce is spreading into various fields in our daily lives as a result of the growth of interactive Internet communication technologies. Two‐dimensional computer graphics (2D CG) image presentations, which are simple and inexpensive, can be displayed directly on apparel e‐commerce sites. This study uses sequential pattern mining to analyze the item‐selection behavior of Japanese female university students examining a 2D virtual fashion Web site. It is found that most users did not initially examine their favorite category items; instead, they examined the commonly viewed items first, and then examined various other fashion items before making their final selection. © 2014 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Appearance of the endometrium at saline contrast sonohysterography in the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle: a prospective observational study
Authors: Jokubkiene L. , Sladkevicius P. , Valentin L.
Published: July 2014

ABSTRACT

Objective

To describe the ultrasonographic morphology of the endometrium at saline contrast sonohysterography (SCSH) performed in the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle in women 20–38 years of age with regular menstrual cycles.

Methods

The study included 26 women (median age 33 (range, 20–38) years) with regular menstrual cycles referred for hysterosalpingo‐contrast sonography (HyCoSy) as part of infertility work‐up (n = 19) or before donor insemination in lesbian couples (n = 7). SCSH and HyCoSy were performed 6–10 days after a positive luteinizing hormone (LH) urinary self‐test. Three‐dimensional (3D) ultrasound volumes of the uterus were saved with and without saline in the uterine cavity. The results presented are based on offline analysis of the 3D volumes.

Results

Median endometrial thickness was 10.4 (range, 6.0–17.3) mm. Twelve (46%; 95% CI, 27–65%) of the 26 women had endometrial folds at SCSH. The number of folds varied between 1 and 6 (median 3). Endometrial thickness was similar in women with and without endometrial folds (median endometrial thickness 10.7 (range, 6.0–17.3) mm vs 10.1 (range, 6.1–14.4) mm; P = 0.257), and the amount of saline in the uterine cavity did not differ between the two groups (median 8.6 (range, 5.2–12.9) mm vs 7.1 (range, 3.2–13.3) mm; P = 0.527). In two women with endometrial folds at two‐dimensional (2D) or 3D‐SCSH, focal endometrial pathology (polyp) was suspected, but hysteroscopically resected endometrium showed normal histology.

Conclusions

One should avoid performing SCSH in the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle, not only because there may be a fertilized ovum in the genital tract but also because endometrial folds are common in this phase and may lead to overdiagnosis of focal endometrial pathology, such as polyps. If, for some reason, SCSH is performed in the luteal phase and the results are equivocal, the procedure should be repeated in the follicular phase. Copyright © 2014 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Not miR‐ly micromanagers: the functions and regulatory networks of microRNAs in mammalian skin
Authors: Riemondy Kent , Hoefert Jaimee E , Yi Rui
Published: July 2014

The microRNA (miRNA) pathway is a widespread mechanism of post‐transcriptional gene regulation in eukaryotic cells. In animals, each miRNA species can regulate hundreds of protein‐coding genes, resulting in pervasive functions for miRNAs in numerous cellular processes. Since the identification of the first mammalian miRNA, the function of miRNAs in mammals has been a topic of great interest, both because of the versatile roles of miRNAs in biological systems, as well as the clinical potential of these regulatory RNAs. With well‐defined cell lineages and the availability of versatile tools for both in vivo and in vitro studies, mammalian skin has emerged as an important system in which to examine miRNAs' functions in adult tissues. In this review, we discuss recent insights into the functions and regulatory networks of miRNAs in mammals, with a specific focus on murine skin development as a model system. We first introduce functional analyses of the miRNA biogenesis pathway in the skin, then highlight the functions of individual miRNAs in skin development, followed by an examination of miRNA roles in skin stress responses. We finish with a discussion of miRNA regulatory networks and emphasize future challenges and emerging technologies that permit the genome‐wide study of miRNA functions and regulatory mechanisms in mammalian skin. WIREs RNA 2014, 5:849–865. doi: 10.1002/wrna.1250

This article is categorized under:

Regulatory RNAs/RNAi/Riboswitches > RNAi: Mechanisms of Action

Regulatory RNAs/RNAi/Riboswitches > Regulatory RNAs

RNA in Disease and Development > RNA in Disease

RNA in Disease and Development > RNA in Development
Metallo Phthalocyanines bearing 2‐Isopropyl‐6‐methylpyrimidin‐4‐yloxy Substituents: Synthesis, Characterization, Aggregation Behavior, Antioxidant and Antibacterial Activity, and Electronic Properties
Authors: Ağırtaş M. Salih , Dede Emrah , Gümüş Selçuk , Dündar Abdurrahman , Okumuş Veysi
Published: July 2014

A novel phthalonitrile derivative bearing 2‐isopropyl‐6‐methylpyrimidin‐4‐yloxy substituents at peripheral positions was synthesized by a nucleophilic substitution reaction. Metallophthalocyanines were obtained from the reaction of the novel phthalonitrile with metal Zn, Cu, Co, and Ni salts. The characterization of the compounds was performed using elemental analysis as well as UV/Vis, FT‐IR, and 1H‐NMR spectroscopy. The aggregation behaviors of phthalocyanine complexes were also investigated. These metallophthalocyanines do not show any aggregation behavior between 10–4–10–6 M concentration range in THF. The antioxidant activities of the synthesized compounds were evaluated using three different tests: 2, 2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging, metal chelating activity, and reducing power assays. All the compounds exhibited various antioxidant activities. In addition, antimicrobial activity of the compounds was tested over four gram positive and two gram negative bacteria. Moreover, the ground‐state geometries of the complexes were optimized using density functional theory (DFT) methods at B3LYP/6‐31G(d, p) level in order to obtain information about the 3D arrangements and electronic structure.
Syntheses and Structures of Coordination Polymers Constructed by Semi‐Rigid Bicarboxylic Acid Ligands
Authors: Liu Ying‐Ying , Yang Jin , Ma Jian‐Fang
Published: July 2014

The complexes [Co(L1)(mpy)] (1), [Ni(L1)(mpy)] (2), [Co(L1)(tbpy)]·2H2O (3), [Ni2(L1)2(tbpy)2]·5H2O (4), [Mn2(L1)2(tbpy)2]·3H2O (5), [Mn(L1)(biim‐3)] (6), [Ni2(L1)2(btb)2(H2O)]·2H2O (7), [Cu(L2)(mpy)]·7H2O (8), [Co(L2)(tbpy)(H2O)] (9), [Ni(L2)(tbpy)(H2O)]·H2O (10), [Cu(L2)(bib)]·2H2O (11), and [Cu(L2)(btb)]·2H2O (12) [H2L1 = (3‐carboxyl‐phenyl)‐(4‐(2′‐carboxyl‐phenyl)‐benzyl)ether, H2L2 = 3‐carboxy‐1‐(4′‐carboxybenzyl)‐2‐oxidopyridinium, mpy = 2‐(4‐(4′‐methylphenyl)‐6‐(pyrindin‐2‐yl)pyridin‐2‐yl)pyridine), tbpy = 2‐(4‐(4′‐tert‐butylphenyl)‐6‐(pyrindin‐2‐yl)pyridin‐2‐yl)pyridine), biim‐3 = 1,3‐bis(imidazol‐1′‐yl)propane, btb = 1,4‐bis(1,2,4‐triazol‐1‐ylmethyl)benzene, bib = 1,4‐bis(imidazol‐1′‐ylmethyl)benzene] were synthesized. Compounds 1–6 have similar 1D chain structures, which are further linked by π–π interactions to generate supramolecular double chains for 1 and 2, and supramolecular layers for 3–6. Compound 7 displays a 3D 6‐connected framework with (44·611) topology. Compound 8 features a monomolecular structure, which is further linked by hydrogen bonds between the lattice water molecules and carboxylate oxygen atoms of L2 anions to form a 2D supramolecular layer. The monomolecular structures of 9 and 10 are connected by hydrogen bonds and π–π interactions simultaneously to generate supramolecular layers. Compounds 11 and 12 show layer structures.
Pentafluorobenzoato‐dimolybdenum(II) Solvate and Co‐crystal Complexes with Benzene and Naphthalin
Authors: Han Li‐Juan , Kong Ya‐Jie
Published: July 2014

The quadruply bonded Mo24+ complex Mo2(DAniF)3(OOCC6F5) (1) [DAniF = N,N′‐bis(4‐methoxyphenyl)formamidinate] was synthesized. The solvate Mo2(DAniF)3(OOCC6F5)·(C6H6) (2) and co‐crystal Mo2(DAniF)3(OOCC6F5)·(C10H8) (3) complexes were obtained by self‐assembly of crystals of 1 with benzene and naphthalin, respectively. Compounds 1, 2, and 3 were structurally characterized by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. In monomer 1, the Mo–Mo bond length of 2.0874(6) Å is typical for dimolybdenum quadruple bonds. The solvate complex 2 was stabilized by weak π–π stacking interactions between the benzene molecule and the pentafluorophenyl ring (as indicated by a center‐to‐center distance of 3.838(10) Å and a center‐to‐plane distance of 3.712(4) Å between phenyl and pentafluorophenyl ring) and intermolecular C–H···F–C interactions (the shortest F···H distance is 2.560(2) Å). In complex 3, a one‐dimensional chain was formed by C–H···F–C interactions between the hydrogen atoms in naphthalin and the fluorine atoms in the monomer (H···F distances of 2.582(2) Å). Information on the structures in solution of the three crystals was obtained by 1H NMR spectroscopy.
First Order Dominance Analysis: Child Wellbeing in the Democratic Republic of Congo
Authors: Nanivazo Malokele
Published: July 2014

This paper performs a multidimensional first order dominance analysis of child wellbeing in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). This methodology allows the ordinal ranking of the 11 provinces of the DRC in terms of their wellbeing based upon the probability of their domination. This empirical application obviates the need to adopt a weighting scheme for the deprivation indicators or to rely on the signs of other cross-derivatives for comparison. We execute a bootstrap linear programming algorithm on seven deprivation indicators for three age groups of children derived from the DRC 2007 Standard Demographic and Health Survey. The results reveal widespread disparities in child wellbeing in the DRC.
Depth Dependence of Nanoindentation Pile-Up Patterns in Copper Single Crystals
Authors: Kucharski Stanisław , Jarząbek Dariusz
Published: July 2014

A study of the dependence of nanoindentation pile-up patterns on the indentation load and crystallographic orientation is presented. Three different orientations—(001), (011), and (111)—of single crystal copper were investigated. Experiments were conducted on a CSM ultra-nanoindentation tester using a Berkovich tip. The topographic images were obtained using an atomic force microscope. The evolution of pile-up patterns with different applied loads was observed. The results show that for applied loads equal to 0.45 mN and smaller the pile-up patterns do not depend on the crystallographic orientation of the indented surface; instead, they depend on the tip’s geometry. On the other hand, in the case of indentation loads bigger than 2 mN, pile-up patterns on the surfaces of (001)-, (011)-, and (111)-oriented single crystals have fourfold, twofold, and sixfold (or threefold) symmetry, respectively. An intermediate state was also reported. Furthermore, a detailed analysis of residual impressions with maximal applied loads equal to 2 mN and bigger reveals that both pile-up and sink-in patterns are present.
Antioxidant Activity of Amaranth Protein Hydrolysate Against Thermal Oxidation of Vegetable Oils
Authors: Tironi Valeria A. , Añón María C.
Published: July 2014

The antioxidant capacity of amaranth protein hydrolysate (AH) during the thermally induced oxidation of two different vegetable oils, sunflower oil (SO) and canola oil (CO), was assessed by differential scanning calorimetry by means of isothermal and non‐isothermal assays. Interactions between AH and tocopherols were also analyzed. In both oils, AH (10 % w/w) produced an increase in the induction period in isothermal assays, presenting a synergistic effect with tocopherols. In the case of non‐isothermal assays, thermograms of oils with AH showed a significant diminution in the second exothermic peak, suggesting an inhibition of the decomposition of primary to secondary oxidation products. In addition, AH produced an increase in the oxidation rate constant (k) value at low temperatures being more evident in the case of canola oil. However, this effect decreased as a function of the temperature increase, which suggests that AH would have a pro‐oxidant effect at low temperatures but a heat stabilizing effect at high temperatures (above 210 °C for SO and 190 °C for CO).
Power Outages, Power Externalities, and Baby Booms
Authors: Burlando Alfredo
Published: July 2014

Determining whether power outages have significant fertility effects is an important policy question in developing countries, where blackouts are common and modern forms of family planning are scarce. Using birth records from Zanzibar, this study shows that a month-long blackout in 2008 caused a significant increase in the number of births 8 to 10 months later. The increase was similar across villages that had electricity, regardless of the level of electrification; villages with no electricity connections saw no changes in birth numbers. The large fertility increase in communities with very low levels of electricity suggests that the outage affected the fertility of households not connected to the grid through some spillover effect. Whether the baby boom is likely to translate to a permanent increase in the population remains unclear, but this article highlights an important hidden consequence of power instability in developing countries. It also suggests that electricity imposes significant externality effects on rural populations that have little exposure to it.
Adenylate kinase fromStreptococcus pneumoniaeis essential for growth through its catalytic activity
Authors: Thach Trung Thanh , Luong Truc Thanh , Lee Sangho , Rhee Dong-Kwon
Published: July 2014

Streptococcus pneumoniae(pneumococcus) infection causes more than 1.6 million deaths worldwide. Pneumococcal growth is a prerequisite for its virulence and requires an appropriate supply of cellular energy. Adenylate kinases constitute a major family of enzymes that regulate cellular ATP levels. Some bacterial adenylate kinases (AdKs) are known to be critical for growth, but the physiological effects of AdKs in pneumococci have been poorly understood at the molecular level. Here, by crystallographic and functional studies, we report that the catalytic activity of adenylate kinase fromS.pneumoniae(SpAdK) serotype 2 D39 is essential for growth. We determined the crystal structure of SpAdK in two conformations: ligand‐free open form and closed in complex with a two‐substrate mimic inhibitor adenosine pentaphosphate (Ap5A). Crystallographic analysis of SpAdK reveals Arg‐89 as a key active site residue. We generated a conditional expression mutant of pneumococcus in which the expression of theadkgene is tightly regulated by fucose. The expression level ofadkcorrelates with growth rate. Expression of the wild‐typeadkgene in fucose‐inducible strains rescued a growth defect, but expression of the Arg‐89 mutation did not. SpAdK increased total cellular ATP levels. Furthermore, lack of functional SpAdK caused a growth defectin vivo. Taken together, our results demonstrate that SpAdK is essential for pneumococcal growthin vitroandin vivo.
Demethionylation of Pro‐1 variants of 4‐oxalocrotonate tautomerase in Escherichia coli by co‐expression with an engineered methionine aminopeptidase
Authors: Baas Bert-Jan , Zandvoort Ellen , Wasiel Anna A. , Poelarends Gerrit J.
Published: July 2014

4‐Oxalocrotonate tautomerase (4‐OT) catalyzes the enol‐keto tautomerization of 2‐hydroxymuconate, utilizing its N‐terminal proline (Pro‐1) as general base catalyst. Substituting Pro‐1 with bulky or charged residues will result in poor or no post‐translational removal of the translation‐initiating methionine by the methionine aminopeptidase (MetAP) of the Escherichia coli expression host. Here, we set out to investigate whether co‐expression with previously engineered aminopeptidase MetAP‐∗TG can be used to produce the P1S, P1H and P1Q variants of 4‐OT in a demethionylated form. The P1S variant, which carries a small residue at the penultimate position (the first position after the initiating methionine), was found to be fully processed by wild‐type MetAP. The P1S variant has low‐level 2‐hydroxymuconate tautomerase and promiscuous oxaloacetate decarboxylase activity. The P1Q and P1H variants of 4‐OT, which carry bulky residues at the penultimate position, could only be obtained in a demethionylated form (a minor fraction of the purified protein is still composed of methionylated enzyme) by co‐expression with MetAP‐∗TG. Interestingly, the Gln‐1 residue of the demethionylated P1Q variant undergoes intramolecular cyclization to form pyroglutamate (pE), yielding variant P1pE. Whereas the P1H/M1P2H mixture has low‐level tautomerase activity, the P1pE/M1P2Q mixture has robust tautomerase activity. The substitution of Pro‐1 by Gln, followed by removal of the initiating Met and cyclization of Gln‐1 to form pE, is a unique way to obtain a structural analogue of proline on the N‐terminus of 4‐OT. This opens up new possibilities to study the importance of Pro‐1 in recently discovered C–C bond‐forming activities of this highly promiscuous tautomerase.
Directing mouse embryonic neurosphere differentiation toward an enriched neuronal population
Authors: Torrado Ema F. , Gomes Cátia , Santos Gisela , Fernandes Adelaide , Brites Dora , Falcão Ana S.
Published: July 2014

Neural stem cells (NSC) are self‐renewing multipotent cells that have emerged as a powerful tool to repair the injured brain. These cells can be cultured as neurospheres, which are floating aggregates of neural stem/progenitor cells (NSPCs). Despite their high clonal expansion capacity, it has been suggested that in neurospheres, only a small percentage of cells are capable of proliferation and that this system is not efficient in terms of neurogenic competence. Thus, our aim was to develop a neurosphere culture method with a highly proliferative stem/progenitor cell population and particularly with a prominent neurogenic potential, surpassing some of the claimed weaknesses of the neurosphere assay. In our model, mouse neurospheres were harvested from neural tissue at E15 and after only 4 days in vitro (DIV), we have achieved highly proliferative primary neurospheres (81% Sox2 and 76% Ki67 positive cells) and a rather low number of cells expressing glial and neuronal markers (∼10%). After inducing differentiation, we have attained an enriched neuronal population (45% β‐III‐tubulin positive cells at 15 DIV). Using a simple methodology, we have developed a NSPC model that can provide a valuable source of neuronal precursors, thus offering a potential starting point for cell replacement therapies following CNS injury.
Aggregate effects of vascular risk factors on cerebrovascular changes in autopsy‐confirmed Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Bangen Katherine J. , Nation Daniel A. , Delano‐Wood Lisa , Weissberger Gali H. , Hansen Lawrence A. , Galasko Douglas R. , Salmon David P. , Bondi Mark W.
Published: July 2014

We examined the relationships of antemortem vascular risk factors to postmortem cerebrovascular and Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathologies. Eighty‐four AD patients underwent an assessment of vascular risk (blood pressure, cholesterol, smoking, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, atrial fibrillation, transient ischemic attack [TIA], or stroke) and later underwent brain autopsy. Given our aim to examine mild cerebrovascular changes (CVCs), individuals were excluded if autopsy revealed large stroke. The most common forms of CVC were circle of Willis atherosclerosis followed by arteriosclerosis, lacunes, and microinfarcts. Excluding the history of TIA/clinical stroke, individual vascular risk factors were not associated with CVC. However, the presence of multiple vascular risk factors was associated with CVC. Furthermore, the presence of CVC was associated with lower Braak and Braak stage. These findings highlight the importance of aggregate risk in the vascular contribution to dementia. Interventions designed to maintain cerebrovascular health may represent important opportunities for preventing or delaying dementia, even when AD is the dominant pathology.
Development of a straightforward and sensitive scale for MCI and early AD clinical trials
Authors: Huang Yifan , Ito Kaori , Billing Clare B. , Anziano Richard J. ,   Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative
Published: July 2014

Background

Although the Clinical Dementia Rating Scale‐Sum of Boxes score (CDR‐SB) is a widely accepted and commonly used global scale, validated clinical endpoints of cognitive changes are unavailable in the predementia stages of Alzheimer's disease (AD), and a new clinical assessment with reliability and sensitivity is needed in the mild cognitive impairment (MCI) population.

Methods

Using Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI)‐1/GO data, signal‐to‐noise ratios (SNRs) were calculated to quantify the sensitivity of a measure for detecting disease progression and hypothetical treatment effects. All possible combinations of selected sensitive measures were assessed for developing composite scores. The analyses were performed in the MCI population and subpopulations enriched by apolipoprotein E4 (APOE ε4), hippocampal volume, and cerebrospinal fluid β‐amyloid.

Results

The best composite score was “Word Recall + Delayed Word Recall + Orientation + CDR‐SB + FAQ”, more sensitive than 13‐item Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Scale‐cognitive subscale or CDR‐SB.

Conclusion

The proposed composite score derived from the existing clinical endpoints demonstrated higher sensitivity in the MCI population and is easy to implement and standardize across studies.
Plasma β‐amyloid 40 levels are positively associated with mortality risks in the elderly
Authors: Gabelle Audrey , Schraen Susanna , Gutierrez Laure‐Anne , Pays Cecile , Rouaud Olivier , Buée Luc , Touchon Jacques , Helmer Catherine , Lambert Jean‐Charles , Berr Claudine
Published: July 2014

Background

We evaluated if plasma β‐amyloid (Aβ) levels were associated with mortality risks in a subsample of the French Three‐City (3C) prospective cohort study.

Methods

Analyses were based on 1254 participants randomly selected from the initial 3C cohort stratified by center, sex, and age in the context of a nested case‐cohort study to investigate biological variables. Associations between plasma Aβ and mortality were assessed with the Cox regression model with delayed entry including various potential confounding factors and testing possible mediators.

Results

A relationship between high plasma Aβ1‐40 concentrations and risk of mortality (hazards ratio, 1.15; 95% confidence interval, 1.01–1.31, P = .03) was unveiled independently of age, educational level, vascular risk factors, diet, physical activity, cognitive impairment, or frailty status. It was only modified when we included cystatin C levels.

Conclusions

Further investigations are needed to determine precisely the pathophysiological roles of plasma Aβ1‐40 and cystatin C and before envisioning any future clinical applications.
Do NIA‐AA criteria distinguish Alzheimer's disease from frontotemporal dementia?
Authors: Harris Jennifer M. , Thompson Jennifer C. , Gall Claire , Richardson Anna M.T. , Neary David , du Plessis Daniel , Pal Piyali , Mann David M.A. , Snowden Julie S. , Jones Matthew
Published: July 2014

Background

Clinical criteria are important for improving diagnostic accuracy and ensuring comparability of patient cohorts in research studies.

Objective

The aim was to assess the National Institute on Aging and Alzheimer's Association (NIA‐AA) criteria for Alzheimer's disease (AD) dementia in AD and frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD).

Methods

Two hundred twelve consecutive patients with pathologically confirmed AD or FTLD who were clinically assessed in a specialist cognitive unit were identified. Fifty‐five patients were excluded predominantly because of insufficient clinical information. Anonymized clinical data were rated against the NIA‐AA criteria by raters who were blinded to clinical and pathologic diagnosis.

Results

The NIA‐AA AD dementia criteria had a sensitivity of 65.6% for probable and 79.5% for possible AD and a specificity of 95.2% and 94.0% for probable and possible, respectively.

Conclusion

In patients with FTLD and predominantly early‐onset AD, the NIA‐AA AD dementia criteria have high specificity but lower sensitivity. The high specificity is due to the broad exclusion criteria.
Mapping of ventricular tachycardia in patients with structural heart disease
Authors: Mizuno Hiroya
Published: July 2014

Catheter ablation is now recognized as one of the potent options to reduce the number of implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) shock therapies by modifying arrhythmic substrate in patients affected by ventricular tachycardia (VT). However, operators often face some difficulties during mapping and ablation procedure of VT; unstable VT makes it difficult to create activation map, the thick ventricular myocardium yields complex tachycardia circuit, and endocardial radiofrequency (RF) energy application hardly creates transmural lesion. Thus some novel approaches are required to improve outcome of VT ablation. Substrate mapping aiming low voltage or abnormal fragmented potential could identify the critical slow conduction area during sinus rhythm and define the target of RF delivery. CT and MRI image integrated to electroanatomical mapping (EAM) system also could help to find diseased myocardium.

In this article focused on VT mapping procedure, conventional and novel mapping technique as well as some technical tips should be reviewed comprehensively.
Pushback and Possibility: Using a Threshold Concept of Race in Social Studies Teacher Education
Authors: Smith William L. , Crowley Ryan M.
Published: July 2014

The authors illuminate the process of preservice teacher learning about race through a narrativized case study of Michelle, a White elementary teacher. Michelle displayed elements of White resistance to race but also a desire to engage in teaching about race. When race is viewed as a threshold concept ( Meyer & Land, 2006 ), Michelle's struggles with race highlight important considerations for teacher education.