bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Electrical and Galvanomagnetic Properties of Bismuth–12 Atomic Percent Antimony Polycrystalline Thin Films
Authors: Agarwala R. P. , George V. C. , Dua A. K.
Published: March 2014

Polycrystalline thin films of bismuth-12 at% antimony alloy were deposited on heated glass slides in a specially designed vacuum evaporation unit and were characterised using x-ray powder diffraction technique. Resistivity, temperature coefficient of resistance, Seebeck coefficient and Hall coefficient of these films were measured at room temperature as a function of its thickness (300–4000 Å). The Hall voltage varied linearly with magnetic field whereas the transverse and longitudinal magnetoresistance increased with the field. Temperature dependence (100–375 K) of conductivity, Hall coefficient and magnetoresistance were also studied.
Attempts have been made to explain the results obtained on the basis of boundary size effect, grain boundary and surface states scattering.
Efficient e-Marketing in Tourism through a Novel Customer Relationship Management Model
Authors: Trihas Nikolaos , Mastorakis George , Perakakis Emmanouil , Kopanakis Ioannis
Published: March 2014

This paper proposes an efficient customer relationship management model based on technological convergence of emerging next generation networks, such as interactive digital television and network multimedia systems. The proposed research approach is exploited in tourism sector for effective destination management, enabling for personalized e-marketing strategies and facilitating marketers to accomplish optimum marketing data analysis. The proposed research approach is evaluated for its applicability and usefulness by interviewing a sample of Destination Marketing Organization managers. The findings of this research provide useful practical implications.
Drivers of pCO2 variability in two contrasting coral reef lagoons: The influence of submarine groundwater discharge
Authors: Cyronak Tyler , Santos Isaac R. , Erler Dirk V. , Maher Damien T. , Eyre Bradley D.
Published: March 2014

The impact of groundwater on pCO2 variability was assessed in two coral reef lagoons with distinct drivers of submarine groundwater discharge (SGD). Diel variability of pCO2 in the two ecosystems was explained by a combination of biological drivers and SGD inputs. In Rarotonga, a South Pacific volcanic island, 222Rn‐derived SGD was driven primarily by a steep terrestrial hydraulic gradient, and the water column was influenced by the high pCO2 (5501 µatm) of the fresh groundwater. In Heron Island, a Great Barrier Reef coral cay, SGD was dominated by seawater recirculation through the sediments (i.e., tidal pumping), and pCO2 was mainly impacted through the stimulation of biological processes. The Rarotonga water column had a higher average pCO2 (549 µatm) than Heron Island (471 µatm). However, pCO2 exhibited a greater diel range in Heron Island (778 µatm) than in Rarotonga (507 µatm). The Rarotonga water column received 29.0 ± 8.2 mmol free‐CO2 m−2 d−1 from SGD, while the Heron Island water column received 12.1 ± 4.2 mmol free‐CO2 m−2 d−1. Over the course of this study, both systems were sources of CO2 to the atmosphere with SGD‐derived free‐CO2 most likely contributing a large portion to the air‐sea CO2 flux. Studies measuring the carbon chemistry of coral reefs (e.g., metabolism and calcification rates) may need to consider the effects of groundwater inputs on water column carbonate chemistry. Local drivers of coral reef carbonate chemistry such as SGD may offer more approachable management solutions to mitigating the effects of ocean acidification on coral reefs.
The viscosity effect on marine particle flux: A climate relevant feedback mechanism
Authors: Taucher J. , Bach L. T. , Riebesell U. , Oschlies A.
Published: March 2014

Oceanic uptake and long‐term storage of atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) are strongly driven by the marine “biological pump,” i.e., sinking of biotically fixed inorganic carbon and nutrients from the surface into the deep ocean (Sarmiento and Bender, ; Volk and Hoffert, ). Sinking velocity of marine particles depends on seawater viscosity, which is strongly controlled by temperature (Sharqawy et al., ). Consequently, marine particle flux is accelerated as ocean temperatures increase under global warming (Bach et al., ). Here we show that this previously overlooked “viscosity effect” could have profound impacts on marine biogeochemical cycling and carbon uptake over the next centuries to millennia. In our global warming simulation, the viscosity effect accelerates particle sinking by up to 25%, thereby effectively reducing the portion of organic matter that is respired in the surface ocean. Accordingly, the biological carbon pump's efficiency increases, enhancing the sequestration of atmospheric CO2 into the ocean. This effect becomes particularly important on longer time scales when warming reaches the ocean interior. At the end of our simulation (4000 A.D.), oceanic carbon uptake is 17% higher, atmospheric CO2 concentration is 180 ppm lower, and the increase in global average surface temperature is 8% weaker when considering the viscosity effect. Consequently, the viscosity effect could act as a long‐term negative feedback mechanism in the global climate system.
Observations of aerosol‐induced convective invigoration in the tropical east Atlantic
Authors: Storer R. L. , van den Heever S. C. , L'Ecuyer T. S.
Published: March 2014

Four years of CloudSat data have been analyzed over a region of the east Atlantic Ocean in order to examine the influence of aerosols on deep convection. The satellite data were combined with information about aerosols taken from the Global and Regional Earth‐System Monitoring Using Satellite and In Situ Data model. Only those profiles fitting the definition of deep convective clouds were analyzed. Overall, the cloud center of gravity, cloud top, and rain top were all found to increase with increased aerosol loading. These effects were largely independent of the environment, and the differences between the cleanest and most polluted clouds sampled were found to be statistically significant. When examining an even smaller subset of deep convective clouds likely to be part of the convective core, similar trends were seen. These observations suggest that convective invigoration occurs with increased aerosol loading, leading to deeper, stronger storms in polluted environments.
Rollover, drowning, and discontinuous retreat: Distinct modes of barrier response to sea‐level rise arising from a simple morphodynamic model
Authors: Lorenzo‐Trueba Jorge , Ashton Andrew D.
Published: March 2014

We construct a simple morphodynamic model to investigate the long‐term dynamic evolution of a coastal barrier system experiencing sea‐level rise. Using a simplified barrier geometry, the model includes a dynamic shoreface profile that can be out of equilibrium and explicitly treats barrier sediment overwash as a flux. With barrier behavior primarily controlled by the maximum potential overwash flux and the rate of shoreface response, the modeled barrier system demonstrates four primary behaviors: height drowning, width drowning, constant landward retreat, and a periodic retreat. Height drowning occurs when overwash fluxes are insufficient to maintain the landward migration rate required to keep pace with sea‐level rise. On the other hand, width drowning occurs when the shoreface response rate is insufficient to maintain the barrier geometry during overwash‐driven landward migration. During periodic barrier retreat, the barrier experiences oscillating periods of rapid overwash followed by periods of relative stability as the shoreface resteepens. This periodic retreat, which occurs even with a constant sea‐level rise rate, arises when overwash rates and shoreface response rates are large and of similar magnitude. We explore the occurrence of these behaviors across a wide range of parameter values and find that in addition to the maximum overwash flux and the shoreface response rate, barrier response can be particularly sensitive to the sea‐level rise rate and back‐barrier lagoon slope. Overall, our findings contrast with previous research which has primarily associated complex barrier behavior with changes in external forcing such as sea‐level rise rate, sediment supply, or back‐barrier geometry.
Pliocene‐Pleistocene initiation, style, and sequencing of deformation in the central Tien Shan
Authors: Goode Joseph K. , Burbank Douglas W. , Ormukov Cholponbek
Published: March 2014

In response to the Indo‐Asian collision, deformation of the Tien Shan initiated at ~25 Ma along the northwestern margin of the Tarim Basin. 300 km north, the Kyrgyz Range began deforming ~15 Ma later. Although multiple intervening structures across the Tien Shan are currently active, the sequencing of initial deformation across the orogen's entire width remains poorly known. To determine whether deformation migrated sequentially northward or developed less predictably, we documented deformation patterns within the Naryn Basin in south‐central Kyrgyzstan. Detailed mapping and a published balanced cross section across the Naryn Basin suggest that deep‐seated, relatively steeply dipping thrust faults have disrupted the basin during late Cenozoic deformation. Dating of deformed fluvial terraces with ages between ~10 and 250 ka constrains the rate of deformation across relatively young structures in the Tien Shan interior. Based on geodetic surveys of dated terraces, local rates of relative rock uplift span from 0.3 to 3.5 mm/yr. Folding rates and patterns are temporally persistent at a given site. Moreover, they mimic modern geodetic rates measured from interferometric synthetic aperture radar. Extrapolating these rates into the past suggests that structures within the interior of the Naryn Basin formed in the last 1 Myr, whereas the ranges surrounding the basin initiated at least 1–4 Myr earlier. Hence, within the Naryn Basin itself, deformation has migrated from margins to interior. Similarly, these new chronologies indicate that at least some deformation in the interior of the Tien Shan initiated millions of years later than along either orogenic margin.
Characterizing genetic variants for clinical action
Authors: Ramos Erin M. , Din‐Lovinescu Corina , Berg Jonathan S. , Brooks Lisa D. , Duncanson Audrey , Dunn Michael , Good Peter , Hubbard Tim J.P. , Jarvik Gail P. , O'Donnell Christopher , Sherry Stephen T. , Aronson Naomi , Biesecker Leslie G. , Blumberg Bruce , Calonge Ned , Colhoun Helen M. , Epstein Robert S. , Flicek Paul , Gordon Erynn S. , Green Eric D. , Green Robert C. , Hurles Matthew , Kawamoto Kensaku , Knaus William , Ledbetter David H. , Levy Howard P. , Lyon Elaine , Maglott Donna , McLeod Howard L. , Rahman Nazneen , Randhawa Gurvaneet , Wicklund Catherine , Manolio Teri A. , Chisholm Rex L. , Williams Marc S.
Published: March 2014

Genome‐wide association studies, DNA sequencing studies, and other genomic studies are finding an increasing number of genetic variants associated with clinical phenotypes that may be useful in developing diagnostic, preventive, and treatment strategies for individual patients. However, few variants have been integrated into routine clinical practice. The reasons for this are several, but two of the most significant are limited evidence about the clinical implications of the variants and a lack of a comprehensive knowledge base that captures genetic variants, their phenotypic associations, and other pertinent phenotypic information that is openly accessible to clinical groups attempting to interpret sequencing data. As the field of medicine begins to incorporate genome‐scale analysis into clinical care, approaches need to be developed for collecting and characterizing data on the clinical implications of variants, developing consensus on their actionability, and making this information available for clinical use. The National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI) and the Wellcome Trust thus convened a workshop to consider the processes and resources needed to: (1) identify clinically valid genetic variants; (2) decide whether they are actionable and what the action should be; and (3) provide this information for clinical use. This commentary outlines the key discussion points and recommendations from the workshop. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Sex modifies the APOE‐related risk of developing Alzheimer disease
Authors: Altmann Andre , Tian Lu , Henderson Victor W. , Greicius Michael D. ,   Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative Investigators
Published: March 2014

Objective

The APOE4 allele is the strongest genetic risk factor for sporadic Alzheimer disease (AD). Case–control studies suggest the APOE4 link to AD is stronger in women. We examined the APOE4‐by‐sex interaction in conversion risk (from healthy aging to mild cognitive impairment (MCI)/AD or from MCI to AD) and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) biomarker levels.

Methods

Cox proportional hazards analysis was used to compute hazard ratios (HRs) for an APOE‐by‐sex interaction on conversion in controls (n = 5,496) and MCI patients (n = 2,588). The interaction was also tested in CSF biomarker levels of 980 subjects from the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative.

Results

Among controls, male and female carriers were more likely to convert to MCI/AD, but the effect was stronger in women (HR = 1.81 for women; HR = 1.27 for men; interaction: p = 0.011). The interaction remained significant in a predefined subanalysis restricted to APOE3/3 and APOE3/4 genotypes. Among MCI patients, both male and female APOE4 carriers were more likely to convert to AD (HR = 2.16 for women; HR = 1.64 for men); the interaction was not significant (p = 0.14). In the subanalysis restricted to APOE3/3 and APOE3/4 genotypes, the interaction was significant (p = 0.02; HR = 2.17 for women; HR = 1.51 for men). The APOE4‐by‐sex interaction on biomarker levels was significant for MCI patients for total tau and the tau‐to‐Aβ ratio (p = 0.009 and p = 0.02, respectively; more AD‐like in women).

Interpretation

APOE4 confers greater AD risk in women. Biomarker results suggest that increased APOE‐related risk in women may be associated with tau pathology. These findings have important clinical implications and suggest novel research approaches into AD pathogenesis. Ann Neurol 2014;75:563–573
Value of serum nonceruloplasmin copper for prediction of mild cognitive impairment conversion to Alzheimer disease
Authors: Squitti Rosanna , Ghidoni Roberta , Siotto Mariacristina , Ventriglia Mariacarla , Benussi Luisa , Paterlini Anna , Magri Mariachiara , Binetti Giuliano , Cassetta Emanuele , Caprara Deborah , Vernieri Fabrizio , Rossini Paolo M. , Pasqualetti Patrizio
Published: March 2014

Objective

Meta‐analyses show that nonbound ceruloplasmin (non‐Cp) copper (also known as free or labile copper) in serum is higher in patients with Alzheimer disease (AD). It differentiates subjects with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) from healthy controls. However, a longitudinal study on an MCI cohort has not yet been performed to assess the accuracy of non‐Cp copper for the prediction of conversion from MCI to AD during a long‐term follow‐up.

Methods

The study included 42 MCI converters and 99 stable MCI subjects. We assessed levels of copper, ceruloplasmin, non‐Cp copper, iron, transferrin, ferritin, and APOE genotype. A multiple Cox regression analysis—with age, sex, baseline Mini‐Mental State Examination, APOE4, iron, non‐Cp copper, transferrin, ferritin, hypercholesterolemia, and hypertension as covariates—was applied to predict the conversion from MCI to AD.

Results

Among the evaluated parameters, the only significant predictor of conversion to AD was non‐Cp copper (hazard ratio = 1.23, 95% confidence interval = 1.03–1.47, p = 0.022); for each additional micromole per liter unit (μmol/l) of non‐Cp copper, the hazard increased by ∼20%. Subjects with non‐Cp copper levels >1.6μmol/l had a hazard conversion rate (50% of conversion in 4 years) that was ∼3× higher than those with values ≤1.6μmol/l (<20% in 4 years). The rate of conversion was similar between APOE4 carriers and noncarriers (p = 0.321), indicating that the non‐Cp copper association was independent of APOE4.

Interpretation

Non‐Cp copper appears to predict conversion from MCI to AD. These results encourage healthy life style choices and dietary intervention to modify this risk. ANN NEUROL 2014;75:574–580
Selective Janus Particle Assembly at Tipping Points of Thermally‐Switched Wetting
Authors: Yu Changqian , Zhang Jie , Granick Steve
Published: March 2014

Thermal wetting can simply, selectively and reversibly join patchy particles into clusters (2D and 3D) and also colloidal crystals over the narrow temperature range of 1–2 °C. This is demonstrated with Janus particles (gold half‐coated silica spheres) immersed in a binary mixture of water/2,6‐lutidine, such that the relative strength of gold–gold bonding through hydrophobic interaction and silica–silica bonding through the wetting‐induced attraction is reversibly switched according to temperature.
Mechanical response of poly(lactic acid)‐based packaging under liquid exposure
Authors: Widiastuti Indah , Sbarski Igor , Masood Syed H.
Published: March 2014

The objective of this study was to examine the mechanical behavior of poly(lactic acid)‐based packaging, which was subjected to an external load while undergoing dimensional and material property changes due to the diffusion of liquid through its thickness. We defined the characteristics of the material response by taking into account the changes in the properties due to liquid sorption. The material properties at any given location and time were dependent on the liquid content. In this article, we present the evolution of the mechanical behavior using a numerical stress model that accounts for the effects of the time, liquid content, temperature, and swelling‐induced strain. We assumed that the deformation depended on the liquid concentration, but the liquid concentration could be obtained without the knowledge of the stress or strain. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci.2014,131, 40600.
Inherently adaptive polymer nanocomposites
Authors: Sayayr Mohammad , Weerasiri Rankothge R. , Balachandra Anagi M. , Soroushian Parviz
Published: March 2014

A new class of inherently adaptive polymer nanocomposites is developed where stress‐enabled redox reactions are used in the context of a solid polymer electrolyte to form deposits which render mechanical strengthening effects. Experimental investigations were conducted to provide insight into this self‐adaptation phenomenon. Results of tests conducted on bolted composite joints demonstrated the occurrence of this self‐adaptation phenomenon. Experiments were also performed on cracked composite specimens where the potential of the self‐adaptation phenomenon to repair cracks was demonstrated. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 40620.
Preparation of composite‐imprinted alumina membrane for effective separation of p‐hydroxybenzonic acid from its isomer using Box–Behnken design–based statistical modeling
Authors: Meng Minjia , Feng Yonghai , Liu Yan , Wang Yun , Yan Yongsheng
Published: March 2014

Highly selective composite imprinted membrane for p‐hydroxybenzonic acid (p‐HB) was prepared by using semicovalent imprinting technique. A thermally reversible covalent bond was used to link p‐HB molecule to a functional alkoxysilane monomer to generate covalently bound imprint precursor. This precursor was incorporated into a cross‐linked functional silica sol with the tetraethoxysilane as cross‐linker via a typical acid‐catalyzed, sol‐gel synthesis. Then, the SCIM was prepared through dipping and grafting on the upper side and inner pores of the Al2O3 microporous membrane and then removing of the template molecule after thermal treatment. Compared with composite imprinted membrane via noncovalent imprinting approach as well as the black Al2O3 microporous membrane, the SCIM exhibited higher membrane flux and selective rebinding of p‐HB as well as showing excellent permeability for p‐HB. Response surface methodology was used to investigate the best combination of separation conditions in the dynamic separation process. The optimal conditions for the separation of p‐HB from salicylic acid were as follows: the p‐HB concentration of 5 mg L−1, the temperature of 10°C, and the flow rate of 1 mL min−1. Under these conditions, the experimental selective separation factor was 32.75 ± 0.91%, which was close to the predicted selectivity coefficient value. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 40621.
A Deletion Involving CD38 and BST1 Results in a Fusion Transcript in a Patient With Autism and Asthma
Authors: Ceroni Fabiola , Sagar Angela , Simpson Nuala H. , Gawthrope Alex J.T. , Newbury Dianne F. , Pinto Dalila , Francis Sunday M. , Tessman Dorothy C. , Cook Edwin H. , Monaco Anthony P. , Maestrini Elena , Pagnamenta Alistair T. , Jacob Suma
Published: March 2014

CD38 encodes a ligand in the oxytocin signaling pathway. Some single nucleotide polymorphisms in this gene have been associated with low serum oxytocin levels in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) patients. Oxytocin disruption has been hypothesized to account for features of ASD, including impaired communication and social behavior, based on animal studies. Recent human studies have shown administration of oxytocin improving emotion recognition, promoting social behavior, and improving auditory processing of social stimuli in ASD patients. In addition to its role in oxytocin signaling, CD38 is involved in the regulation of calcium concentration in airway smooth muscle with impairment of CD38 being implicated in airway diseases like asthma. While a number of studies have implicated rare chromosomal deletions and duplications in helping determine genetic risk for autism, there are to our knowledge no reports describing rearrangements involving CD38 or deletions in patients with ASD. Here, we present two sisters diagnosed with autism and with features of regression—previously acquired speech lost in the second year of life. The younger sister, who also had asthma, inherited a maternal deletion of 4p15.32 that results in a BST1‐CD38 fusion transcript. Their mother's deletion was mosaic and she was not affected. Although further work is required to assess functional consequences of the fusion transcript, we hypothesize that the proband's deletion may have served as a risk factor for autism that, when combined with other susceptibility variants, resulted in a more severe presentation than her sister. Autism Res 2014, 7: 254–263. © 2014 The Authors. Autism Research published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of International Society for Autism Research.
Ancient biomolecules: Their origins, fossilization, and role in revealing the history of life
Authors: Briggs Derek E. G. , Summons Roger E.
Published: March 2014

The discovery of traces of a blood meal in the abdomen of a 50‐million‐year‐old mosquito reminds us of the insights that the chemistry of fossils can provide. Ancient DNA is the best known fossil molecule. It is less well known that new fossil targets and a growing database of ancient gene sequences are paralleled by discoveries on other classes of organic molecules. New analytical tools, such as the synchrotron, reveal traces of the original composition of arthropod cuticles that are more than 400 my old. Pigments such as melanin are readily fossilized, surviving virtually unaltered for ∼200 my. Other biomarkers provide evidence of microbial processes in ancient sediments, and have been used to reveal the presence of demosponges, for example, more than 635 mya, long before their spicules appear in the fossil record. Ancient biomolecules are a powerful complement to fossil remains in revealing the history of life.
Brain training: rationale, methods, and pilot data for a specific visuomotor/visuospatial activity program to change progressive cognitive decline
Authors: Tippett William J. , Rizkalla Mireille N.
Published: March 2014

Introduction

Research in the field of the aging brain has evolved to the extent that it is now commonly understood that actively engaging in cognitive tasks provides the potential of being beneficial in affecting the trajectory of age‐related cognitive decline. What remains to be examined is the extent, and type, of program required to effect change in aging cognitively impaired individuals.

Methods

To address this issue, a cognitive program focusing on the use of visuospatial (VS)/visuomotor (VM) elements was applied to a group of six older individuals with identified progressive cognitive impairments. It was hypothesized that using tasks with VS and VM components may be beneficial in supporting overall brain performance, and subsequently assist individuals to perform well in various cognitive and behavioral tasks.

Results

Results showed that on many evaluative measures individuals remained stable, or improved in performance with medium‐to‐large effect sizes (e.g., 0.3–1.0). Thus, in a cognitively impaired population sample where decline would be the norm, our participants improved or remained stable.

Conclusion

The novel application of a VS/VM training program shows promise in addressing global cognitive decline, by targeting a brain area susceptible to early disruptions and providing it with additional and ongoing stimulative tasks in an effort to bolster its functioning and subsequently overall brain functioning.
Acute exposure to the vinyl chalcogenide 3‐methyl‐1‐phenyl‐2‐(phenylseleno)oct‐2‐en‐1‐one induces oxidative stress in different brain area of rats
Authors: de Andrade Rodrigo Binkowski , Gemelli Tanise , Guerra Robson B. , Dani Caroline , Wannmacher Clovis Milton Duval , Gomez Rosane , Funchal Cláudia
Published: March 2014

The mechanisms that lead to the onset of organoselenium intoxication are still poorly understood. Therefore, in the present study, we investigated the effect of acute administration of 3‐methyl‐1‐phenyl‐2‐(phenylseleno)oct‐2‐en‐1‐one on some parameters of oxidative stress and on the activity of creatine kinase (CK) in different brain areas and on the behaviour in the open field test of 90‐day‐old male rats. Animals (n = 10/group) were treated intraperitoneally with a single dose of the organoselenium (125, 250 or 500 µg kg−1), and after 1 h of the drug administration, they were exposed to the open field test, and behaviour parameters were recorded. Immediately after they were euthanized, cerebral cortex, hippocampus and cerebellum were dissected for measurement of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), carbonyl, sulfhydryl, catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and CK activity. Our results showed that the dose of 500 µg kg−1 of the organoselenium increased the locomotion and rearing behaviours in the open field test. Moreover, the organochalcogen enhanced TBARS in the cerebral cortex and cerebellum and increased the oxidation of proteins (carbonyl) only in the cerebral cortex. Sulfhydryl content was reduced in all brain areas, CAT activity enhanced in the hippocampus and reduced in the cerebellum and SOD activity increased in all brain structures. The organoselenium also inhibited CK activity in the cerebral cortex. Therefore, changes in motor behaviour, redox state and energy homeostasis in rats treated acutely with organoselenium support the hypotheses that the brain is a potential target for the organochalcogen action. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Electrocatalytic SiC Nanoparticles/PEDOT:PSS Composite Thin Films as the Counter Electrodes of Dye‐Sensitized Solar Cells
Authors: Tsai Yu‐Lin , Li Chun‐Ting , Huang Tzu‐Yen , Lee Chi‐Ta , Lin Chen‐Yang , Chu Chih‐Wei , Vittal R. , Ho Kuo‐Chuan
Published: March 2014

A composite film consisting of silicon carbide nanoparticles and poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrenesulfonate) (SiC‐NPs/PEDOT:PSS) is deposited on a fluorine‐doped tin oxide substrate and used as the counter electrode (CE) material for a dye‐sensitized solar cell (DSSC). The content of SiC is optimized to be 5 wt % with respect to PEDOT:PSS to obtain the best power conversion efficiency (η) of 7.25 % for the pertinent DSSC. The η of the best DSSC (7.25 %) is found to be slightly lower than that of the cell with a sputtered‐Pt CE (η=7.98 %). The films are characterized by using field‐emission scanning electron microscopy and energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy. Electrocatalytic parameters of the CEs are obtained by using cyclic voltammetry, rotating disk electrode, and Tafel polarization curves. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and incident photon‐to‐current conversion efficiency curves are used to substantiate the photovoltaic parameter.
Nitrogen‐Doped Carbon–Copper Nanohybrids as Electrocatalysts in H2O2 and Glucose Sensing
Authors: Wei Chengzhen , Liu Yuanying , Li Xinran , Zhao Junhong , Ren Zhen , Pang Huan
Published: March 2014

Invited for this month′s cover is Prof. Huan Pang from Anyang Normal University. The image represents a non‐enzymatic amperometric sensor detecting H2O2. The sensor was fabricated and investigated for the detection of both H2O2 and glucose oxidation. It is revealed that the as‐prepared sensor based on N‐doped nanoporous carbon–copper nanohybrid plates has a high sensitivity, low detection limit, and excellent selectivity. Read the full text of the article at 10.1002/celc.201300211.
Tunable Fluorophores Based on 2‐(N‐Arylimino)pyrrolyl Chelates of Diphenylboron: Synthesis, Structure, Photophysical Characterization, and Application in OLEDs
Authors: Suresh D. , Lopes Patrícia S. , Ferreira Bruno , Figueira Cláudia A. , Gomes Clara S. B. , Gomes Pedro T. , Di Paolo Roberto E. , Maçanita António L. , Duarte M. Teresa , Charas Ana , Morgado Jorge , Calhorda Maria José
Published: March 2014

Reactions of 2‐(N‐arylimino)pyrroles (HNC4H3C(H)N‐Ar) with triphenylboron (BPh3) in boiling toluene afford the respective highly emissive N,N′‐boron chelate complexes, [BPh2{κ2N,N′‐NC4H3C(H)N‐Ar}] (Ar=C6H5 (12), 2,6‐Me2‐C6H3 (13), 2,6‐iPr2‐C6H3 (14), 4‐OMe‐C6H4 (15), 3,4‐Me2‐C6H3 (16), 4‐F‐C6H4 (17), 4‐NO2‐C6H4 (18), 4‐CN‐C6H4 (19), 3,4,5‐F3‐C6H2 (20), and C6F5 (21)) in moderate to high yields. The photophysical properties of these new boron complexes largely depend on the substituents present on the aryl rings of their N‐arylimino moieties. The complexes bearing electron‐withdrawing aniline substituents 17–20 show more intense (e.g., ϕf=0.71 for Ar=4‐CN‐C6H4 (19) in THF), higher‐energy (blue) fluorescent emission compared to those bearing electron‐donating substituents, for which the emission is redshifted at the expense of lower quantum yields (ϕf=0.13 and 0.14 for Ar=4‐OMe‐C6H4 (15) and 3,4‐Me2‐C6H3 (16), respectively, in THF). The presence of substituents bulkier than a hydrogen atom at the 2,6‐positions of the aryl groups strongly restricts rotation of this moiety towards coplanarity with the iminopyrrolyl ligand framework, inducing a shift in the emission to the violet region (λmax=410–465 nm) and a significant decrease in quantum yield (ϕf=0.005, 0.023, and 0.20 for Ar=2,6‐Me2‐C6H3 (13), 2,6‐iPr2‐C6H3 (14), and C6F5 (21), respectively, in THF), even when electron‐withdrawing groups are also present. Density functional theory (DFT) and time‐dependent DFT (TD‐DFT) calculations have indicated that the excited singlet state has a planar aryliminopyrrolyl ligand, except when prevented by steric hindrance (ortho substituents). Calculated absorption maxima reproduce the experimental values, but the error is higher for the emission wavelengths. Organic light‐emitting diodes (OLEDs) have been fabricated with the new boron complexes, with luminances of the order of 3000 cd m−2 being achieved for a green‐emitting device.
Control of Chromophore Symmetry by Positional Isomerism of Peripheral Substituents
Authors: Shimizu Soji , Haseba Yu , Yamazaki Mariko , Kumazawa Genji , Kobayashi Nagao
Published: March 2014

The first example of the control of porphyrinoid chromophore symmetry based on the positional isomerism of peripheral substituents has been achieved by preparing tetraazaporphyrins (TAPs) with C4h, D2h, C2v, and Cs symmetry due to the relative arrangement of peripheral tert‐butylamino and cyano groups as push and pull substituents, respectively. The four structural isomers were successfully isolated and characterized by 1H NMR spectroscopy and X‐ray crystallography. The band morphology in the Q‐band region varies depending on the molecular symmetry due to the significant perturbation introduced into the chromophore by the push and pull substituents. The C4h and C2v isomers exhibit a single Q band, whereas the Q bands of the D2h and Cs isomers show a marked splitting. The magnetic circular dichroism spectra indicate that the push–pull TAPs retain the properties of the 16‐membered 18π‐electron perimeter generally observed for porphyrinoids. Theoretical calculations have demonstrated that the perturbation introduced by the substituents lowers the D4h symmetry of the parent TAP π‐conjugated system, and this results in significant spectral changes. A novel approach to the fine‐tuning of the spectral properties of porphyrinoids based on changes in the chromophore symmetry is described.
Heteronuclear NMR Spectroscopy as Surface‐Selective Technique: A Unique Look at the Hydroxyl Groups of γ‐Alumina
Authors: Taoufik Mostafa , Szeto Kai C. , Merle Nicolas , Rosal Iker Del , Maron Laurent , Trébosc Julien , Tricot Grégory , Gauvin Régis M. , Delevoye Laurent
Published: March 2014

Invited for the cover of this issue are the groups of Régis M. Gauvin at the Université Lille Nord de France, Laurent Maron from the Université de Toulouse, and Mostafa Taoufik from the Université Lyon 1. The image depicts data on the topology of the surface hydroxyl groups of γ‐alumina as a postcard. Read the full text of the article at 10.1002/chem.2013004883.
Reliable and Safe Operation of Process Plants
Authors: Himmelsbach Werner , Krebs Rainer
Published: March 2014

Eine wettbewerbsfähige Herstellung chemischer Produkte erfordert größere Anlagen mit höheren Raum‐Zeit‐Ausbeuten, wofür häufig keine Erfahrungen zur Prozess‐ und Anlagentechnik vorliegen. Ein wirtschaftlicher Betrieb ist nur möglich, wenn mit einem stabilen Verfahren und einer robusten Ausrüstung Ausfälle und ungeplante Stillstände vermieden werden und hohe Betriebssicherheit die Anforderungen des Gesundheits‐ und Umweltschutzes gewährleistet. Der vorliegende Beitrag zeigt am Beispiel von Rührwerksanlagen, wie diese Ziele über eine ganzheitliche Betrachtung zusammengefasst und umgesetzt werden können.
New Lignans from the Leaves and Stems of Schisandra chinensis and Their Anti‐HIV‐1 Activities
Authors: Shi Yiming , Zhong Weimao , Chen Huan , Wang Ruirui , Shang Shanzhai , Liang Chengqin , Gao Zhonghua , Zheng Yongtang , Xiao Weilie , Sun Handong
Published: March 2014

Six new lignans (1–6), as well as five known ones (7–11) were isolated from the leaves and stems of Schisandra chinensis. The structures of 1–6 were established on the basis of spectroscopic methods including 1D‐ and 2D‐NMR techniques and CD experiments. Compound 1 was the first example of naturally occurring N‐containing lignans featuring a nicotinoyl group. All the new compounds were evaluated for their anti‐HIV‐1 activities and showed EC50 values in the range 17.89–138.23 µg/mL.
Broadband Antireflective Superhydrophilic Thin Films with Outstanding Mechanical Stability on Glass Substrates
Authors: Yao Lin , He Junhui
Published: March 2014

A facile approach was developed to fabricate visible/near‐infrared antireflective (AR), superhydrophilic and anti‐fogging thin films on glass substrates. Glass substrate was first etched by H2SiF6‐based vapor and then dip‐coated sequentially in a base‐catalyzed 20 nm SiO2 nanoparticles sol and an acid‐catalyzed SiO2 sol. After annealing, the prepared thin film (named E/BSiO2/ASiO2) not only showed good optical and wetting properties, but also exhibited excellent mechanical properties. The thin film has enhanced transmittance in the spectral range of UV to near‐infrared. The maximum transmittance of E/BSiO2/ASiO2 thin film coated glass substrate is 98.4% in 400–1200 nm and 96.1% in 1200–2500 nm, respectively. Comparing with blank glass substrate, the average transmittance increases by 5% in the wavelength range of 300–2500 nm. Meanwhile, the film showed good anti‐fogging performance. SEM and AFM were employed to characterize the morphology of the thin film. The prepared thin film has potential application in various areas, like solar cells, windowpanes and eyeglasses, and may also find applications in membrane‐based separation, selective catalysis and sensors.
Neoadjuvant chemotherapy improves survival of patients with upper tract urothelial carcinoma
Authors: Porten Sima , Siefker‐Radtke Arlene O. , Xiao Lianchun , Margulis Vitaly , Kamat Ashish M. , Wood Christopher G. , Jonasch Eric , Dinney Colin P. N. , Matin Surena F.
Published: March 2014

BACKGROUND

High‐grade upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC) is frequently upstaged after surgery and is associated with uniformly poor survival. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy may offer a way to improve clinical outcomes. The authors compared the survival rates of patients with UTUC who received neoadjuvant chemotherapy before surgery with the rates among patients who did not.

METHODS

A retrospective review was conducted of patients with high‐risk UTUC who received neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by surgery from 2004 to 2008 (study group) compared with a matched cohort who underwent initial surgery from 1993 to 2003 (control group). Fisher exact tests, Wilcoxon rank‐sum tests, and Kaplan‐Meier methods were used. The log‐rank test and Cox proportional‐hazards models were used to evaluate the association of the 2 outcomes with patient, treatment, and tumor characteristics in univariate and multivariate models.

RESULTS

Of 112 patients, there were 31 in the study group and 81 in the control group. Patients who received neoadjuvant chemotherapy had improved overall survival (OS) and disease‐specific survival (DSS) with a 5‐year DSS rate of 90.1% and a 5‐year OS rate of 80.2% versus DSS and OS rates of 57.6% for those who underwent initial surgery (P = .0204 and P = .0015, respectively). In multivariate analyses, the neoadjuvant group had a lower risk of mortality (OS: hazard ratio, 0.42 [P = .035]; DSS: hazard ratio, 0.19 [P = .006]).

CONCLUSIONS

Neoadjuvant chemotherapy improved the survival of patients with UTUC compared with a matched historic cohort of patients who underwent initial surgery. Patients with high‐risk UTUC should be considered for neoadjuvant chemotherapy in view of the limited opportunity to administer effective cisplatin‐based chemotherapy after nephroureterectomy. Cancer 2014;120:1794–1799. © 2014 American Cancer Society.
Expression of androgen receptor in inflammatory breast cancer and its clinical relevance
Authors: Gong Yun , Wei Wei , Wu Yun , Ueno Naoto T. , Huo Lei
Published: March 2014

BACKGROUND

Inflammatory breast cancer (IBC) is characterized by an aggressive clinical course with early metastasis and frequent resistance to conventional therapies. Identifying a novel therapeutic approach may improve the prognosis for patients with IBC. Because androgen receptor (AR)‐expressing tumors may be targeted by anti‐AR therapy, the authors examined the prevalence of AR expression in IBC tumors and explored its clinical relevance.

METHODS

Tissue microarrays of 88 IBC tumors were stained immunohistochemically with monoclonal antibody against AR, and the results were correlated with clinicopathologic parameters and survival outcomes.

RESULTS

The median follow‐up was 10.8 years. AR was positive in 39% of the IBC tumors and in approximately one‐third of estrogen receptor (ER)‐negative and progesterone receptor (PR)‐negative tumors. AR positivity was significantly associated with lymphovascular invasion (P = .01) but not with other clinicopathologic parameters. There was a trend toward an association between AR expression and PR expression (P = .07). In univariate survival analysis, patients who had AR‐negative/ER‐negative tumors had significantly worse overall survival (P = .03) and disease‐specific survival (P = .04) than patients who had tumors with other combinations of AR/ER status.

CONCLUSIONS

AR expression was common in IBC tumors, and AR positivity was significantly associated with lymphovascular invasion. Patients who had AR‐negative/ER‐negative tumors had the worst survival outcomes. Further study with a larger series will be required to delineate the biologic mechanisms of AR and their clinical significance in IBC tumors. Cancer 2014;120:1775–1779. © 2014 American Cancer Society.
Globus platform‐as‐a‐service for collaborative science applications
Authors: Ananthakrishnan Rachana , Chard Kyle , Foster Ian , Tuecke Steven
Published: March 2014

Globus, developed as software‐as‐a‐service for research data management, also provides APIs that constitute a flexible and powerful platform‐as‐a‐service to which developers can outsource data management activities such as transfer and sharing, as well as identity, profile, and group management. By providing these frequently important but always challenging capabilities as a service, accessible over the network, Globus platform‐as‐a‐service streamlines Web application development and makes it easy for individuals, teams, and institutions to create collaborative applications such as science gateways for science communities. We introduce the capabilities of this platform and review representative applications. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effects of Adsorbate Coverage and Bond‐Length Disorder on the d‐Band Center of Carbon‐Supported Pt Catalysts
Authors: Small Matthew W. , Kas Joshua J. , Kvashnina Kristina O. , Rehr John J. , Nuzzo Ralph G. , Tromp Moniek , Frenkel Anatoly I.
Published: March 2014

Determination of the factors that affect the d‐band center of catalysts is required to explain their catalytic properties. Resonant inelastic X‐ray scattering (RIXS) enables direct imaging of electronic transitions in the d‐band of Pt catalysts in real time and in realistic environmental conditions. Through a combination of in situ, temperature‐resolved RIXS measurements and theoretical simulations we isolated and quantified the effects of bond‐length disorder and adsorbate coverage (CO and H2) on the d‐band center of 1.25 nm size Pt catalysts supported on carbon. We found that the decrease in adsorbate coverage at elevated temperatures is responsible for the d band shifts towards higher energies relative to the Fermi level, whereas the effect of the increase in bond‐length disorder on the d‐band center is negligible. Although these results were obtained for a specific case of non‐interacting support and weak temperature dependence of the metal–metal bond length in a model catalyst, this work can be extended to a broad range of real catalysts.
Characterization of railway line impedance based only on short‐circuit measurements
Authors: García J. C. , Jiménez J. A. , Espinosa F. , Hernández A. , Fernández I. , Pérez M. C. , Ureña J. , Mazo M. , García J. J.
Published: March 2014

This paper presents a new methodology to obtain the line impedance of current railway tracks by using only short‐circuit measurements. Open‐circuit measurements required by conventional methodologies are discarded, since they cannot be carried out for railway tracks in service (electrically continuous and indefinite length). The mathematical basis of the proposed methodology is based on the transmission line theory but focused on the changes in track length. The proposal has been successfully applied to characterize the impedance of the high‐speed railway line at the Spanish AVE Madrid–Valencia (Cuenca) and in the AVE Atocha–Chamartin tunnel (Madrid). Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
International Society for the Advancement of Cytometry cell sorter biosafety standards
Authors: Holmes Kevin L. , Fontes Benjamin , Hogarth Philip , Konz Richard , Monard Simon , Pletcher Charles H. , Wadley Robert B. , Schmid Ingrid , Perfetto Stephen P.
Published: March 2014

Flow cytometric cell sorting of biological specimens has become prevalent in basic and clinical research laboratories. These specimens may contain known or unknown infectious agents, necessitating precautions to protect instrument operators and the environment from biohazards arising from the use of sorters. To this end the International Society of Analytical Cytology (ISAC) was proactive in establishing biosafety guidelines in 1997 (Schmid et al., Cytometry 1997;28:99–117) and subsequently published revised biosafety standards for cell sorting of unfixed samples in 2007 (Schmid et al., Cytometry Part A J Int Soc Anal Cytol 2007;71A:414–437). Since their publication, these documents have become recognized worldwide as the standard of practice and safety precautions for laboratories performing cell sorting experiments. However, the field of cytometry has progressed since 2007, and the document requires an update. The new Standards provides guidance: (1) for laboratory design for cell sorter laboratories; (2) for the creation of laboratory or instrument specific Standard Operating Procedures (SOP); and (3) on procedures for the safe operation of cell sorters, including personal protective equipment (PPE) and validation of aerosol containment. Published © 2013 Wiley Periodicals Inc.†
Liquid‐based cytologic findings of solitary extramedullary plasmacytoma in thyroid: A case report identified with fine‐needle aspiration cytology
Authors: Lee Chung Hun , Jung Yoon Yang , Chung Yul Ri , Ryu Han Suk
Published: March 2014

Preoperative cytologic diagnosis of solitary extramedullary plasmacytoma (SEP) presents a challenge to cytopathologists because this tumor rarely occurs as a primary thyroid malignant neoplasm. In this report, we provide the first description of liquid‐based cytomorphologic findings of SEP observed on fine‐needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) of the thyroid. A 56‐year‐old woman with a history of Hashimoto thyroiditis presented with a growing nodule in the thyroid. The liquid‐based preparation obtained from FNAB showed numerous dispersed plasmacytoid cells with occasional loosely cohesive aggregates of tumor cells. Cells were round to oval in shape, with eccentrically located nuclei. Hyalinized perinuclear vacuoles were found in the cytoplasm of the tumor cells. Initial cytological findings, including those of immunochemistry using a cell block preparation, were consistent with plasmacytoma. Histopathological examination subsequent to thyroidectomy revealed a plasmacytoma in the thyroid. Plasma cell neoplasms were not concurrently detected in tissues other than the thyroid. On the basis of preoperative FNAB findings, a specific diagnosis of SEP in the thyroid can be difficult because this tumor is rare. Moreover, diagnosis is impeded because SEP in the thyroid resembles other, more common thyroid lesions, including both benign and malignant neoplasms. Careful cytomorphologic examination and supportive studies may be required to fully confirm a diagnosis of SEP. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2014;42:964–969. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.