bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
La stratégie et la réponse de l’État byzantin aux risques d’invasions barbares (VIIIe-IXe siècles)
Authors: Tremblay Vincent
Published: April 2015

La période iconoclaste byzantine est considérée à tort comme une période de recul politique et intellectuel. En effet, du XVIIIe siècle jusqu’à aujourd’hui, les historiens ont fait perdurer le discours négatif des sources grecques dans l’historiographie, de sorte que notre conception de cette période n’a pratiquement pas changé depuis le IXe siècle : les empereurs iconoclastes Léon III (717-741) et Constantin V (741-775) sont principalement reconnus pour avoir instauré la doctrine iconoclaste et mené une campagne de destruction massive des images religieuses et de persécution de leurs défenseurs (majoritairement des moines). Cette lecture, suite aux derniers développements historiographiques, est complètement battue en brèche, et Léon III et Constantin V sont aujourd’hui accrédités comme d’excellents généraux et administrateurs. Cet article s’inscrit pleinement dans cette ligne directrice et propose de nuancer l’image des empereurs afin de faire ressortir leur rôle politique et militaire dans la restauration de l’Empire byzantin à la suite des invasions arabes au VIIe siècle.
Tight Junction Protein 1a regulates pigment cell organisation during zebrafish colour patterning
Authors: Fadeev Andrey , Krauss Jana , Frohnhöfer Hans Georg , Irion Uwe , Nüsslein-Volhard Christiane
Published: April 2015

Zebrafish display a prominent pattern of alternating dark and light stripes generated by the precise positioning of pigment cells in the skin. This arrangement is the result of coordinated cell movements, cell shape changes, and the organisation of pigment cells during metamorphosis. Iridophores play a crucial part in this process by switching between the dense form of the light stripes and the loose form of the dark stripes. Adult schachbrett (sbr) mutants exhibit delayed changes in iridophore shape and organisation caused by truncations in Tight Junction Protein 1a (ZO-1a). In sbr mutants, the dark stripes are interrupted by dense iridophores invading as coherent sheets. Immuno-labelling and chimeric analyses indicate that Tjp1a is expressed in dense iridophores but down-regulated in the loose form. Tjp1a is a novel regulator of cell shape changes during colour pattern formation and the first cytoplasmic protein implicated in this process.
Ionospheric vertical plasma drift perturbations due to the quasi 2 day wave
Authors: Gu Sheng‐Yang , Liu Han‐Li , Li Tao , Dou Xiankang
Published: April 2015

The thermosphere‐ionosphere‐mesosphere‐electrodynamics–general circulation model is utilized to study the vertical E × B drift perturbations due to the westward quasi 2 day wave with zonal wave numbers 2 and 3 (W2 and W3). The simulations show that both wind components contribute directly and significantly to the vertical drift, which is not merely confined to low latitudes. The vertical drifts at the equator induced by the total wind perturbations of W2 are comparable with that at middle latitudes, while the vertical drifts from W3 are much stronger at middle latitudes than at the equator. The ion drift perturbations induced by the zonal and meridional wind perturbations of W2 are nearly in‐phase with each other, whereas the phase discrepancies of the ion drift induced by the individual wind component of W3 are much larger. This is because the wind perturbations of W2 and W3 have different latitudinal structures and phases, which result in different ionospheric responses through wind dynamo.
Effect of Fabricating Parameters on Morphology and Photocatalytic Performance of CdS NCs/TiO2 NTs Photoelectrode for Decomposition of Organic Pollutants
Authors: Cheng Xiuwen , Pan Guoping , Yu Xiujuan
Published: April 2015

CdS NCs/TiO2 NTs photoelectrode was fabricated through anodization, followed by electrodeposition strategy. Meanwhile, some critical parameters were optimized through morphologies observation and photocatalytic decomposition of rhodamine B (RhB). It was found that the optimized deposited potential, deposited time, concentration of cadmium chloride, and concentration of thioacetamide were 0.8 V, 30 min, 0.10 mol L−1, and 0.06 mol L−1, respectively. Under the optimized parameters conditions, the as‐fabricated CdS NCs/TiO2 NTs photoelectrode exhibited superior PC efficiency (72.6%) for the degradation of RhB aqueous solution within 120 min Xenon light irradiation. Furthermore, the effect of fabricating parameters for degradation of RhB aqueous solution fitted well with the pseudo‐first‐order kinetics function.
Solid‐State Foaming by Oxide Reduction and Expansion: Tailoring the Foamed Metal Microstructure in the Cu–CuO System with Oxide Content and Annealing Conditions
Authors: Atwater Mark A. , Darling Kris A. , Tschopp Mark A.
Published: April 2015

A new method of introducing porosity into solid metals was investigated using mixtures of Cu and CuO. The process involves distributing oxides through the Cu matrix (e.g., mechanical milling, as used here) and then reducing those oxides during annealing. The most distinguishing characteristic of this process is that pores develop within individual powder particles. In this study, we varied the oxide content (0–7 at% O), annealing temperature (400, 600, and 800 °C), and annealing time (up to 3 h) to investigate their effect on the foamed metal microstructure. In general, we find that the amount of porosity within the powder particles (or bulk part) can be controlled by varying of oxide content and annealing parameters. The maximum porosity of 47.4% corresponds to intermediate conditions of both temperature and oxide content (600 °C and ≈3 at% CuO, respectively). The pore size and grain size are small (<5 μm) in comparison with other solid‐state foaming techniques and are not highly sensitive to the annealing parameters used in the present study. The unique mechanisms and opportunities associated with this oxide reduction and expansion process are discussed for the Cu–CuO system as well as extensions to other metal systems.
Soft Graphoepitaxy for Large Area Directed Self‐Assembly of Polystyrene‐block‐Poly(dimethylsiloxane) Block Copolymer on Nanopatterned POSS Substrates Fabricated by Nanoimprint Lithography
Authors: Borah Dipu , Rasappa Sozaraj , Salaun Mathieu , Zellsman Marc , Lorret Olivier , Liontos George , Ntetsikas Konstantinos , Avgeropoulos Apostolos , Morris Michael A.
Published: April 2015

Polyhedral oligomeric silsequioxane (POSS) derivatives have been successfully employed as substrates for graphoepitaxial directed self‐assembly (DSA) of block copolymers (BCPs). Tailored POSS materials of tuned surface chemistry are subject to nanoimprint lithography (NIL) resulting in topographically patterned substrates with dimensions commensurate with the BCP block length. A cylinder forming polystyrene‐block‐polydimethylsiloxane (PS‐b‐PDMS) BCP is synthesized by sequential living anionic polymerization of styrene and hexamethylcyclotrisiloxane. The patterned POSS materials provide a surface chemistry and topography for DSA of this BCP and after solvent annealing the BCP shows well‐ordered microphase segregation. The orientation of the PDMS cylinders to the substrate plane could be controlled within the trench walls by the choice of the POSS materials. The BCP patterns are successfully used as on‐chip etch mask to transfer the pattern to underlying silicon substrate. This soft graphoepitaxy method shows highly promising results as a means to generate lithographic quality patterns by nonconventional methods and could be applied to both hard and soft substrates. The methodology might have application in several fields including device and interconnect fabrication, nanoimprint lithography stamp production, nanofluidic devices, lab‐on‐chip, or in other technologies requiring simple nanodimensional patterns.
Acylhydrazones as Reversible Covalent Crosslinkers for Self‐Healing Polymers
Authors: Kuhl Natascha , Bode Stefan , Bose Ranjita K. , Vitz Jürgen , Seifert Andreas , Hoeppener Stephanie , Garcia Santiago J. , Spange Stefan , van der Zwaag Sybrand , Hager Martin D. , Schubert Ulrich S.
Published: April 2015

The utilization of dynamic covalent and noncovalent bonds in polymeric materials offers the possibility to regenerate mechanical damage, inflicted on the material, and is therefore of great interest in the field of self‐healing materials. For the design of a new class of self‐healing materials, methacrylate containing copolymers with acylhydrazones as reversible covalent crosslinkers are utilized. The self‐healing polymer networks are obtained by a bulk polymerization of an acylhydrazone crosslinker and commercially available methacrylates as comonomers to fine‐tune the Tg of the systems. The influence of the amount of acylhydrazone crosslinker and the self‐healing behavior of the polymers is studied in detail. Furthermore, the basic healing mechanism and the corresponding mechanical properties are analyzed.
Crossing Over: Nanostructures that Move Electrons and Ions across Cellular Membranes
Authors: Ajo‐Franklin Caroline M. , Noy Aleksandr
Published: April 2015

Critical biological processes such as energy generation and signal transduction are driven by the flow of electrons and ions across the membranes of living cells. As a result, there is substantial interest in creating nanostructured materials that control transport of these charged species across biomembranes. Recent advances in the synthesis of de novo and protein nanostructures for transmembrane ion and electron transport and the mechanistic understanding underlying this transport are described. This body of work highlights the promise such nanostructures hold for directing transmembrane transport of charged species as well as challenges that must be overcome to realize that potential.
Spherical Nanoparticle Arrays with Tunable Nanogaps and Their Hydrophobicity Enhanced Rapid SERS Detection by Localized Concentration of Droplet Evaporation
Authors: Zhang Honghua , Zhou Fei , Liu Mao , Liu Dilong , Men Dandan , Cai Weiping , Duan Guotao , Li Yue
Published: April 2015

Periodic hexagonal spherical nanoparticle arrays are fabricated by a sacrificial colloidal monolayer template route by chemical deposition and further physical deposition. The regular network‐structured arrays are first templated by colloidal monolayers and then they are changed to novel periodic spherical nanoparticle arrays by further sputtering deposition due to multiple direction deposition and shadow effect between adjacent nanoparticles. The nanogaps between two adjacent spherical nanoparticles can be well tuned by controlling deposition time. Such periodic nanoparticle arrays with gold coatings demonstrate a very stable and high sensitive surface‐enhanced Raman scattering spectroscopy (SERS) performance. The periodic nanoparticle arrays with 10 nm gaps display much stronger SERS enhancement due to electromagnetic coupling. The chemically modified nanoparticle arrays show good hydrophobicity, which shorten process of detecting probe molecules using them as SERS‐active substrates by localized concentration of droplet evaporation and a low detection limit of 10−12 m R6G can be achieved without solution wasting in a short time. The hydrophobic substrate offers a simple, convenient, and economical method to examine SERS performance by rapid concentration of solution on it and it is highly helpful to improve its practical applications in portable Raman detecting devices to detect organic molecules.
CdS/Graphene Nanocomposite Photocatalysts
Authors: Li Qin , Li Xin , Wageh S. , Al‐Ghamdi Ahmed. A. , Yu Jiaguo
Published: April 2015

Heterogeneous photocatalysis using semiconductors and renewable solar energy has been regarded as one of the most promising processes to alleviate, and even solve, both the world crises of energy supply and environmental pollution. In the past few years, many encouraging achievements have been made in the research area of graphene‐based semiconductor photocatalysts. Among them, CdS/graphene nanocomposites have attracted extensive attention as an important kind of photocatalyst in chemical and material science, due to its superior photocatalytic activity and photostability under visible‐light irradiation. The aim here is to address the enhancement mechanism of the photocatalytic performance of CdS/graphene composite photocatalysts, and systematically summarize recent progress regarding the design and synthesis of CdS/graphene nanocomposites. These nanocomposites are promising for a great diversity of applications in visible‐light photocatalytic fields, including artificial photosynthetic systems (photocatalytic hydrogen production and CO2 reduction), environmental remediation, and organic photosynthesis. Special attention is given to the photocatalytic hydrogen production and pollutant photodegradation over CdS/graphene nanocomposite photocatalysts. Furthermore, perspectives on CdS/graphene‐based materials are discussed, including the various remaining challenges for large‐scale applications, identifying prospective areas for related research in this field.
The impact of opioid prescription dose and duration during a Workers Compensation claim, on post‐claim continued opioid use: A retrospective population‐based study
Authors: Shafer Leigh Anne , Raymond Colette , Ekuma Okechukwu , Kraut Allen
Published: April 2015

Background

Workers Compensation Board (WCB) recipients are a group commonly prescribed opioids.

Methods

We explored factors influencing post‐claim opioid dose and duration by linking data from 22,451 claims with the Manitoba Center for Population Health registry.

Results

On average, the WCB paid for 94.55% of opioids prescribed during a claim. The amount paid for by the WCB varied significantly by total opioids prescribed. The main predictors of high opioid dosage (120 + morphine equivalents (ME)/day) during the first year post‐claim (logistic regression), and of longer post‐claim opioid usage (survival analysis), included opioid dosage during the final month of the claim both paid for and not paid for by the WCB.

Conclusions

Amongst low dose opioid claims, the WCB covers most opioids prescribed. Higher opioid dose WCB recipients are often prescribed opioids not covered by the WCB. Both opioids paid for and not paid for by the WCB are associated with post‐claim opioid use. Am. J. Ind. Med. 58:650–657, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Complicated silicotuberculosis in a South African gold miner: A case report
Authors: Oni Tolu , Ehrlich Rodney
Published: April 2015

We present a case of complicated silicotuberculosis in a former gold miner with a sufficiently heavy silica dust exposure to cause International Labor Organization grade 2/2 silicosis after a cumulative exposure duration of 11 years. We describe a cascade of complications—active pulmonary tuberculosis despite recent isoniazid prophylactic therapy, non‐tuberculous mycobacterial disease, chronic airways obstruction, and spontaneous pneumothorax—and the difficulties, which arose, in diagnosis and management of such combined disease. We highlight three implications of such cases: the need to understand the interaction of silicosis and tuberculosis in this setting, the importance of maintaining continuity of care in the management of these conditions in miners and former miners, and control of silica dust exposure as a primary form of prevention of tuberculosis. Am. J. Ind. Med. 58:697–701, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Vom Labortisch zur Feldforschung: zwei Fallstudien kostengünstiger Diagnostik
Authors: Kumar Ashok A. , Hennek Jonathan W. , Smith Barbara S. , Kumar Shailendra , Beattie Patrick , Jain Sidhartha , Rolland Jason P. , Stossel Thomas P. , Chunda‐Liyoka Catherine , Whitesides George M.
Published: April 2015

Die universitäre Forschung an Point‐of‐Care‐Diagnostik für die globale Gesundheit verzeichnet ein stetes Wachstum, allerdings verlassen viele Testsysteme niemals das Labor. Prozesse, die die diagnostische Technologie vom Labor ins Feld überführen – Prozesse, mit deren Hilfe Betrieb und Leistungsvermögen unter realistischen Bedingungen evaluiert werden sollen –, sind komplizierter, als sie scheinen mögen. Zwei Fallstudien illustrieren diesen Prozess: die Entwicklung eines papierbasierten Testsystems zur Messung der Leberfunktion sowie die eines Testsystems zur Identifikation von Sichelzellanämie, das auf wässrigen, mehrphasigen Systemen sowie Unterschieden in der Dichte normaler und sichelförmiger Zellen beruht. Aus den Details der Entwicklung dieser beiden Testsysteme lassen sich allgemeingültige Strategien zum Aufbau von Kooperationen, zum Herstellen von Prototypen, zur Validierung, zum Design von Studien und zur Evaluation von Point‐of‐Care‐Diagnostik ableiten. Die aus diesen Erfahrungen gezogenen (verfahrens)technischen Lehren können Wissenschaftlern nutzen, die diagnostische Tests für Entwicklungsländer und – allgemeiner – Technologien für den Einsatz bei begrenzten Ressourcen entwerfen.
Hochdrucksynthese von Cd(NH3)2[B3O5(NH3)]2: ein grundlegender Weg in die Substanzklasse der Amminborate
Authors: Sohr Gerhard , Ciaghi Nina , Schauperl Michael , Wurst Klaus , Liedl Klaus R. , Huppertz Hubert
Published: April 2015

Bisher war der Zugang zur Substanzklasse der stickstoffhaltigen Borate, z. B. zu Nitridoboraten, Oxonitridoboraten oder Aminboraten, wegen der anspruchsvollen Ausgangsstoffe und Reaktionsbedingungen äußerst aufwendig. Obwohl eine Vielzahl von Verbindungen bekannt ist, die gleichzeitig Bor und Stickstoff enthalten, ist bisher kein Addukt von Ammoniak mit einem anorganischen Borat beobachtet worden. Ein neuer Syntheseweg ausgehend von den einfachen Ausgangsverbindungen CdO, B2O3 und wässrigem Ammoniak bei 4.7 GPa und 800 °C führte nun zur Synthese von Cd(NH3)2[B3O5(NH3)]2 als dem ersten Amminborat. Die Verbindung wurde durch Tieftemperatur‐Einkristall‐ und Pulver‐Röntgenbeugungsdaten, IR‐ und Raman‐Spektroskopie sowie durch quantenmechanische Rechnungen umfassend charakterisiert. Diese Arbeit zeigt, dass das Addukt von NH3 mit der BO3‐Gruppe eines komplexen B‐O‐Netzwerks stabilisiert werden kann, und eröffnet somit einen grundlegend neuen Weg zur Synthese stickstoffhaltiger Borate.
Crystalline Hetero‐Stereocomplexed Polycarbonates Produced from Amorphous Opposite Enantiomers Having Different Chemical Structures
Authors: Liu Ye , Wang Meng , Ren Wei‐Min , Xu Yue‐Chao , Lu Xiao‐Bing
Published: April 2015

Stereocomplexation is the stereoselective interaction between two opposite enantiomeric polymers through an interlocked orderly assembly. Most studies focus on the stereocomplex formation from the crystalline opposite enantiomers having the identical structure; nevertheless, rare examples were reported regarding the crystalline stereocomplexes from enantiomeric polymers having different chemical structures. Herein we show a strategy for polymer orderly assembly through the formation of crystalline hetero‐stereocomplexed polymeric materials by the cocrystallization of amorphous isotactic polycarbonates with different chemical structures and opposite configurations. The behaviors in the crystalline state are significantly different from that of the component enantiomeric polymers or their homo‐stereocomplexes. This study is expected to open up a new way to prepare various semicrystalline materials having a wide variety of physical properties and degradability.
Novel Mechanism of Bioluminescence: Oxidative Decarboxylation of a Moiety Adjacent to the Light Emitter of Fridericia Luciferin
Authors: Dubinnyi Maxim A. , Kaskova Zinaida M. , Rodionova Natalja S. , Baranov Mikhail S. , Gorokhovatsky Andrey Yu. , Kotlobay Alexey , Solntsev Kyril M. , Tsarkova Aleksandra S. , Petushkov Valentin N. , Yampolsky Ilia V.
Published: April 2015

A novel luciferin from a bioluminescent Siberian earthworm Fridericia heliota was recently described. In this study, the Fridericia oxyluciferin was isolated and its structure elucidated. The results provide insight into a novel bioluminescence mechanism in nature. Oxidative decarboxylation of a lysine fragment of the luciferin supplies energy for light generation, while a fluorescent CompX moiety remains intact and serves as the light emitter.
Potentialabhängige Struktur und Dynamik molekularer Adschichten an der Grenzfläche zwischen ionischen Flüssigkeiten und Au(111): Eine In‐situ‐Video‐STM‐Studie
Authors: Wen Rui , Rahn Björn , Magnussen Olaf M.
Published: April 2015

Ionische Flüssigkeiten sind für elektrochemische Anwendungen in den Materialwissenschaften und der Energiespeicherung aktuell von großem Interesse. Zum Verständnis der elektrochemischen Reaktivität dieser Systeme bedarf es detaillierter Daten zur Struktur und Dynamik der Grenzflächen dieser Substanzen zu Metallelektroden, die sich merklich von denen in konventionellen Elektrolyten unterscheiden. Wir beschreiben hier Untersuchungen mittels In‐situ‐Hochgeschwindigkeitsrastertunnelmikroskopie (Video‐STM) von Au(111)‐Elektroden in der ionischen Flüssigkeit 1‐Butyl‐1‐methylpyrrolidinium‐bis(trifluormethylsulfonyl)imid ([BMP][TFSA]). [BMP][TFSA] ist eine der am besten verstandenen ionischen Flüssigkeiten mit hoher Stabilität gegenüber Luft und Wasser. Die Messungen liefern direkte Einblicke in die potentialabhängige molekulare Anordnung und das dynamische Verhalten von adsorbierten [BMP]+‐Kationen der innersten Schicht an der negativ geladenen Au‐Elektrodenoberfläche. Insbesondere werden dabei mit abnehmendem Potential zwei aufeinanderfolgende Übergänge in der Adschichtstrukur und lateralen Mobilität beobachtet.
An Inverted‐Sandwich Diuranium μ‐η5:η5‐Cyclo‐P5 Complex Supported by U‐P5 δ‐Bonding
Authors: Gardner Benedict M. , Tuna Floriana , McInnes Eric J. L. , McMaster Jonathan , Lewis William , Blake Alexander J. , Liddle Stephen T.
Published: April 2015

Reaction of [U(TrenTIPS)] [1, TrenTIPS=N(CH2CH2NSiiPr3)3] with 0.25 equivalents of P4 reproducibly affords the unprecedented actinide inverted sandwich cyclo‐P5 complex [{U(TrenTIPS)}2(μ‐η5:η5‐cyclo‐P5)] (2). All prior examples of cyclo‐P5 are stabilized by d‐block metals, so 2 shows that cyclo‐P5 does not require d‐block ions to be prepared. Although cyclo‐P5 is isolobal to cyclopentadienyl, which usually bonds to metals via σ‐ and π‐interactions with minimal δ‐bonding, theoretical calculations suggest the principal bonding in the U(P5)U unit is polarized δ‐bonding. Surprisingly, the characterization data are overall consistent with charge transfer from uranium to the cyclo‐P5 unit to give a cyclo‐P5 charge state that approximates to a dianionic formulation. This is ascribed to the larger size and superior acceptor character of cyclo‐P5 compared to cyclopentadienyl, the strongly reducing nature of uranium(III), and the availability of uranium δ‐symmetry 5f orbitals.
Direct Imaging of Octahedral Distortion in a Complex Molybdenum Vanadium Mixed Oxide
Authors: Lunkenbein Thomas , Girgsdies Frank , Wernbacher Anna , Noack Johannes , Auffermann Gudrun , Yasuhara Akira , Klein‐Hoffmann Achim , Ueda Wataru , Eichelbaum Maik , Trunschke Annette , Schlögl Robert , Willinger Marc G.
Published: April 2015

Complex Mo,V‐based mixed oxides that crystallize in the orthorhombic M1‐type structure are promising candidates for the selective oxidation of small alkanes. The oxygen sublattice of such a complex oxide has been studied by annular bright field scanning transmission electron microscopy. The recorded micrographs directly display the local distortion in the metal oxygen octahedra. From the degree of distortion we are able to draw conclusions on the distribution of oxidation states in the cation columns at different sites. The results are supported by X‐ray diffraction and electron paramagnetic resonance measurements that provide integral details about the crystal structure and spin coupling, respectively.
Sustainability lessons from practice: how flow intensification can trigger sustainability and modular plant technology in EU projects
Authors: Sundaram Smitha , Kralisch Dana , Wang Qi , Hessel Volker
Published: April 2015

Life cycle assessment (LCA) and life cycle cost analysis are two prime tools that have been used to evaluate the sustainability of novel EU projects, which investigated new strategies to improve product yields and reduce costs, while ensuring a good ecological footprint and cost efficiency. These include EU projects focussed on developing modular, compact production platforms with intensified reactors–such as the F3 Factory, COPIRIDE (combining process intensification‐driven manufacture of microstructured reactors and process design regarding to industrial dimensions and environment), POLYCAT (modern polymer‐based catalysts and microflow conditions as key elements of innovations in fine chemical synthesis) and SYNFLOW (Innovative Synthesis in Continuous‐flow Processes for Sustainable Chemical Production). New projects such as the MAPSYN (Microwave, Acoustic and Plasma assisted SYNtheses) and BIOGO (Catalytic Partial Oxidation of Bio Gas and Reforming of Pyrolysis Oil (Bio Oil) for an Autothermal Synthesis Gas Production and Conversion into Fuels) continue this, but by using alternative energy and a biomass‐based, heat‐integrated process, respectively. Thus, this paper is a review of EU projects that have carried out LCA and cost analyses and used the results to aid decision‐making in the context of process intensification, flow chemistry and modular plants. Copyright © 2015 Curtin University of Technology and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Mechanical and rheological properties of polypropylene/bentonite composites with stearic acid as an interface modifier
Authors: Del Angel Cesar , Morales Ana B. , Navarro‐Pardo Fabiola , Lozano Tomas , Lafleur Pierre G , Sanchez‐Valdes Saul , Martinez‐Colunga Guillermo , Ramirez‐Vargas Eduardo , Alonso Sergio , Zitzumbo Roberto
Published: April 2015

In this study, we present a study of polypropylene/bentonite composites where stearic acid was used as both a surface and interface modifier during the compounding of composites. The concentration of bentonite was 1.5, 2.5, 5.0, and 10 parts per hundred. The composites were characterized by impact resistance and tensile tests, rheological analysis, the dispersion state of the filler observed by optical microscopy, and interaction between bentonite and stearic acid, as analyzed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. No chemical interaction was found between bentonite and stearic acid. Composites with modified bentonite and stearic acid used as interface modifiers increased the elongation at break; these samples also showed better dispersion of the filler in comparison with the other compounds. In addition, stearic acid acted as a lubricant, favoring the interaction of the polymer with the filler and decreasing the viscosity of the compounds. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015, 132, 42264.
Enhanced thermal conductivity and wear resistance of polytetrafluoroethylene composites through boron nitride and zinc oxide hybrid fillers
Authors: Luan Baoshu Chen Daocheng , Huang Jin , Zhang Juan
Published: April 2015

In this study, the thermal conductivity and wear resistance of the polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE)/boron nitride (BN), PTFE/zinc oxide (ZnO), PTFE/tetra‐needle‐shaped zinc oxide whiskers (T‐ZnO), and PTFE/hybrid filler composites were investigated. Moreover, hot‐press molding was used to prepare the composites, and scanning electron microscopy was used to observe the morphology of the fillers and the friction interface of the composites. The results show that continuous thermally conductive paths could be formed in the PTFE/hybrid fillers (T‐ZnO and BN) composites so that the thermal conductivity of the PTFE was improved through addition of the hybrid fillers. Meanwhile, the synergistic effects of the hybrid fillers were useful for reducing the wear rate of the composites. In addition, for the pure PTFE, abrasive and adhesive wear was found. Compared to the worn surface of the pure PTFE, the worn surface of the PTFE composites filled with ZnO, T‐ZnO, BN, and hybrid fillers presented much smoother surfaces, and slighter ploughing occurred. Therefore, the hybrid fillers improved not only the thermal conductivity but also the wear resistance of the PTFE composites. The data obtained in this study contributed to the construction of a technical foundation for the preparation of composites with a high thermal conductivity and wear resistance. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015, 132, 42302.
14‐3‐3 in Thoracic Aortic Aneurysms: Identification of a Novel Autoantigen in Large Vessel Vasculitis
Authors: Chakravarti Ritu , Gupta Karishma , Swain Mamuni , Willard Belinda , Scholtz Jaclyn , Svensson Lars G. , Roselli Eric E. , Pettersson Gosta , Johnston Douglas R. , Soltesz Edward G. , Yamashita Michifumi , Stuehr Dennis , Daly Thomas M. , Hoffman Gary S.
Published: April 2015

Objective

Large vessel vasculitides (LVV) are a group of autoimmune diseases characterized by injury to and anatomic modifications of large vessels, including the aorta and its branch vessels. Disease etiology is unknown. This study was undertaken to identify antigen targets within affected vessel walls in aortic root, ascending aorta, and aortic arch surgical specimens from patients with LVV, including giant cell arteritis, Takayasu arteritis, and isolated focal aortitis.

Methods

Thoracic aortic aneurysm specimens and autologous blood were acquired from consenting patients who underwent aorta reconstruction procedures. Aorta proteins were extracted from both patients with LVV and age‐, race‐, and sex‐matched disease controls with noninflammatory aneurysms. A total of 108 serum samples from patients with LVV, matched controls, and controls with antinuclear antibodies, different forms of vasculitis, or sepsis were tested.

Results

Evaluation of 108 serum samples and 22 aortic tissue specimens showed that 78% of patients with LVV produced antibodies to 14‐3‐3 proteins in the aortic wall (93.7% specificity), whereas controls were less likely to do so (6.7% produced antibodies). LVV patient sera contained autoantibody sufficient to immunoprecipitate 14‐3‐3 protein(s) from aortic lysates. Three of 7 isoforms of 14‐3‐3 were found to be up‐regulated in aorta specimens from patients with LVV, and 2 isoforms (ε and ζ) were found to be antigenic in LVV.

Conclusion

This is the first study to use sterile, snap‐frozen thoracic aorta biopsy specimens to identify autoantigens in LVV. Our findings indicate that 78% of patients with LVV have antibody reactivity to 14‐3‐3 protein(s). The precise role of these antibodies and 14‐3‐3 proteins in LVV pathogenesis deserves further study.
Down‐Regulation of Rac GTPase‐Activating Protein OCRL1 Causes Aberrant Activation of Rac1 in Osteoarthritis Development
Authors: Zhu Shouan , Dai Jun , Liu Huanhuan , Cong Xiaoxia , Chen Yishan , Wu Yan , Hu Hu , Heng Boon Chin , Ouyang Hong Wei , Zhou Yiting
Published: April 2015

Objective

Chondrocyte hypertrophy and mineralization are considered to be important pathologic factors in osteoarthritis (OA). We previously reported that Rac1 was aberrantly activated to promote chondrocyte hypertrophy, mineralization, and expression of matrix metalloproteinase 13 and ADAMTS in OA. However, the underlying mechanism of aberrant Rac1 activation in OA is unclear. The present study was undertaken to identify the specific molecular regulator controlling Rac1 activity in OA, as well as to investigate its function in chondrocyte hypertrophy, mineralization, and OA development.

Methods

Expression levels of 28 upstream regulators of Rac1 activity, including 8 GTPase‐activating proteins (GAPs) and 20 guanine nucleotide exchange factors, in OA and normal cartilage were assessed by quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Chondrocytes were transduced with lentiviral vectors encoding OCRL1, GAP, non‐GAP, CA‐Rac1, and DN‐Rac1, either alone or in combination. Alkaline phosphatase staining was used as a marker of chondrocyte hypertrophy. Rac1 activity was analyzed by pulldown assay. Finally, OA was established in mice by surgical transection of the anterior cruciate ligament and cutting of the medial meniscus. The mice were injected intraarticularly with OCRL1‐encoding lentivirus, and whole joints were assessed histologically 6 weeks after surgery.

Results

OCRL1 was abundantly expressed in normal cartilage and was the only significantly down‐regulated RacGAP in OA cartilage. Overexpression of OCRL1 inhibited interleukin‐1β–induced Rac1 activity, chondrocyte hypertrophy, and expression of hypertrophy‐related genes. Conversely, knockdown of OCRL1 elevated Rac1 activity and promoted chondrocyte hypertrophy and mineralization. Further, OCRL1 modulated Rac1 activity via its GAP domain. Finally, intraarticular injection of OCRL1‐encoding lentivirus protected against destruction and degeneration of cartilage in the mouse OA model.

Conclusion

OCRL1 acts as a RacGAP in cartilage to impede chondrocyte hypertrophy and OA development through modulating Rac1 activity. This regulatory pathway might provide potential targets for the development of new therapies for OA.
Conferences versus journals in computer science
Authors: Vrettas George , Sanderson Mark
Published: April 2015

The question of which type of computer science (CS) publication—conference or journal—is likely to result in more citations for a published paper is addressed. A series of data sets are examined and joined in order to analyze the citations of over 195,000 conference papers and 108,000 journal papers. Two means of evaluating the citations of journals and conferences are explored: h5 and average citations per paper; it was found that h5 has certain biases that make it a difficult measure to use (despite it being the main measure used by Google Scholar). Results from the analysis show that CS, as a discipline, values conferences as a publication venue more highly than any other academic field of study. The analysis also shows that a small number of elite CS conferences have the highest average paper citation rate of any publication type, although overall, citation rates in conferences are no higher than in journals. It is also shown that the length of a paper is correlated with citation rate.
Indexing byLatentDirichletAllocation and anEnsembleModel
Authors: Wang Yanshan , Lee Jae‐Sung , Choi In‐Chan
Published: April 2015

The contribution of this article is twofold. First, we presentIndexing by latentDirichlet allocation(LDI), an automatic document indexing method. Many ad hoc applications, or their variants with smoothing techniques suggested inLDA‐based language modeling, can result in unsatisfactory performance as the document representations do not accurately reflect concept space. To improve document retrieval performance, we introduce a new definition of document probability vectors in the context ofLDAand present a novel scheme for automatic document indexing based onLDA. Second, we propose anEnsembleModel (EnM) for document retrieval.EnMcombines basic indexing models by assigning different weights and attempts to uncover the optimal weights to maximize the mean average precision. To solve the optimization problem, we propose an algorithm, which is derived based on the boosting method. The results of our computational experiments on benchmark data sets indicate that both the proposed approaches are viable options for document retrieval.
Probability distribution‐based model for work zone capacity prediction
Authors: Weng Jinxian , Yan Xuedong
Published: April 2015

This study aims to develop a truncated lognormal distribution model to predict work zone capacity. The distribution model parameters are formulated as linear functions of road type, number of closed lanes, number of opened lanes, lane closure location, work duration, work intensity, work time, heavy‐vehicle percentage, and capacity measurement method. To reflect the uncertainty, a prediction band is constructed for the mean work zone capacity. The maximum likelihood estimation technique is used to determine the coefficients of the variables included in the probability distribution‐based capacity model. The sensitivity analysis results confirm that the proposed model has the capability of accurately predicting the mean and prediction band of work zone capacity at any given confidence level. In addition, it is found that work zones located in urban roads, with a large number of opened lanes, low heavy‐vehicle percentage, or long‐term work duration, have larger mean work zone capacity. A work zone with the closure of the right lane has bigger variability of work zone capacity than a work zone with the left‐lane closure. In addition, the measured work zone capacity is a little bigger if the hourly traffic volume converted from the maximum 3‐/5‐/15‐minute flow rate is considered as the work zone capacity. The proposed probability distribution‐based capacity model can help traffic engineers to evaluate the variability of work zone capacity and travel delay range. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The origin and evolution of social insect queen pheromones: Novel hypotheses and outstanding problems
Authors: Oi Cintia A. , van Zweden Jelle S. , Oliveira Ricardo C. , Van Oystaeyen Annette , Nascimento Fabio S. , Wenseleers Tom
Published: April 2015

Queen pheromones, which signal the presence of a fertile queen and induce daughter workers to remain sterile, are considered to play a key role in regulating the reproductive division of labor of insect societies. Although queen pheromones were long thought to be highly taxon‐specific, recent studies have shown that structurally related long‐chain hydrocarbons act as conserved queen signals across several independently evolved lineages of social insects. These results imply that social insect queen pheromones are very ancient and likely derived from an ancestral signalling system that was already present in their common solitary ancestors. Based on these new insights, we here review the literature and speculate on what signal precursors social insect queen pheromones may have evolved from. Furthermore, we provide compelling evidence that these pheromones should best be seen as honest signals of fertility as opposed to suppressive agents that chemically sterilize the workers against their own best interests.
Therapeutic potential of targeting protein for Xklp2 silencing for pancreatic cancer
Authors: Miwa Tomohiro , Kokuryo Toshio , Yokoyama Yukihiro , Yamaguchi Junpei , Nagino Masato
Published: April 2015

The targeting protein for Xklp2 (TPX2) is a microtubule‐ and, cell cycle‐associated protein who's overexpression has been reported in various malignancies. In this study, we verified the overexpression of TPX2 in both surgically resected specimens of pancreatic cancer and multiple pancreatic cancer cell lines. Subsequently, we found that TPX2 siRNA effectively suppressed the proliferation of pancreatic cancer cells in culture, and the direct injection of TPX2 siRNA into subcutaneously implanted pancreatic cancer cells in nude mice revealed antiproliferative effects. These results implied a therapeutic potential of TPX2 siRNA in pancreatic cancer. Among 56 angiogenesis‐related factors examined using angiogenesis arrays, the average protein levels of insulin‐like growth factor‐binding protein‐3 (IGFBP‐3) were significantly higher in TPX2 siRNA‐treated tumors than in the Control siRNA‐treated tumors. Moreover, we demonstrated that CD34‐positive microvessels were significantly reduced in tumors treated with TPX2 siRNA compared to tumors that treated with Control siRNA. The attenuated expression of CD34 in TPX2 siRNA‐treated tumors coincided with the overexpression of IGFBP‐3. These results indicated that TPX2 has an impact on tumor angiogenesis in pancreatic cancer. The results also implied that the antiangiogenic effect observed in TPX2 siRNA‐treated pancreatic cancer cells may be partly explained by the upregulation of IGFBP‐3.
Prognostic significance of prospectively detected bone marrow micrometastases in esophagogastric cancer: 10‐year follow‐up confirms prognostic significance
Authors: Ryan Paul , Furlong Heidi , Murphy Conleth G. , O'Sullivan Finbarr , Walsh Thomas N. , Shanahan Fergus , O'Sullivan Gerald C.
Published: April 2015

We have previously reported that most patients with esophagogastric cancer (EGC) undergoing potentially curative resections have bone marrow micrometastases (BMM). We present 10‐year outcome data of patients with EGC whose rib marrow was examined for micrometastases and correlate the findings with treatment and conventional pathologic tumor staging. A total of 88 patients with localized esophagogastric tumors had radical en‐bloc esophagectomy, with 47 patients receiving neoadjuvant (5‐fluorouracil/cisplatin based) chemoradiotherapy (CRT) and the remainder being treated with surgery alone. Rib marrow was examined for cytokeratin‐18‐positive cells. Standard demographic and pathologic features were recorded and patients were followed for a mean 10.04 years. Disease recurrences and all deaths in the follow‐up period were recorded. No patients were lost to follow‐up. 46 EGC‐related and 10 non‐EGC‐related deaths occurred. Multivariate Cox analysis of interaction of neoadjuvant chemotherapy, nodal status, and BMM positivity showed that the contribution of BMM to disease‐specific and overall survival is significant (P = 0.014). There is significant interaction with neoadjvant CRT (P < 0.005), and lymph node positivity (P < 0.001) but BMM positivity contributes to increase in risk of cancer‐related death in patients treated with either CRT or surgery alone. Bone marrow micrometastases detected at the time of surgery for EGC is a long‐term prognostic marker. Detection is a readily available, technically noncomplex test which offers a window on the metastatic process and a refinement of pathologic staging and is worthy of routine consideration.
Polystyrene‐Supported Triphenylsilyl Chloride for the Silylation‐Based Kinetic Resolution of Secondary Alcohols
Authors: Akhani Ravish K. , Clark Robert W. , Yuan Liang , Wang Li , Tang Chuanbing , Wiskur Sheryl L.
Published: April 2015

A silyl chloride derivatized styrene polymer was employed in the silylation‐based kinetic resolution of secondary alcohols for chromatography‐free separation of alcohol enantiomers. Synthetically useful selectivity factors were obtained; furthermore, the polymer was recycled for use in a subsequent kinetic resolution, and it maintained its selectivity and integrity.
New Singlet Oxygen Donors Based on Naphthalenes: Synthesis, Physical Chemical Data, and Improved Stability
Authors: Klaper Matthias , Linker Torsten
Published: April 2015

Singlet oxygen donors are of current interest for medical applications, but suffer from a short half‐life leading to low singlet oxygen yields and problems with storage. We have synthesized more than 25 new singlet oxygen donors based on differently substituted naphthalenes in only a few steps. The influence of functional groups on the reaction rate of the photooxygenations, thermolysis, half‐life, and singlet oxygen yield has been thoroughly studied. We determined various thermodynamic data and compared them with density functional calculations. Interestingly, remarkable stabilities of functional groups during the photooxygenations and stabilizing effects for some endoperoxides during the thermolysis have been found. Furthermore, we give evidence for a partly concerted and partly stepwise thermolysis mechanism leading to singlet and triplet oxygen, respectively. Our results might be interesting for “dark oxygenations” and future applications in medicine.
ChemInform Abstract: Crystal Structure of [Y6(μ6‐O)(μ3‐OH)8 (H2O)24]I8·8H2O.
Authors: Le Natur Francois , Calvez Guillaume , Guillou Olivier , Daiguebonne Carole , Bernot Kevin
Published: April 2015

The title compound precipitates from a solution of Y2O3 in aq.
ChemInform Abstract: Crystal Structure of Type Alluaudite KNa5Mn3(MoO4)6.
Authors: Bouzidi Chahira , Frigui Wafa , Zid Mohamed Faouzi
Published: April 2015

KNa5Mn3Mo6O24 is prepared by solid state reaction of a mixture of Na2CO3, K2CO3, Mn(OAc)3, and (NH4)2Mo4O13 in the molar ratio of Na:K:Mn:Mo = 1:1:2:3 (porcelain crucible, 950 K, 3 weeks; cooling to 900 K at a rate of 5 K/d).
ChemInform Abstract: Crystal Structure of Dimanganese(II) Zinc Bis[orthophosphate(V)] Monohydrate.
Authors: Alhakmi Ghaleb , Assani Abderrazzak , Saadi Mohamed , El Ammari Lahcen
Published: April 2015

Single crystals of Mn2Zn(PO4)2·H2O are grown under hydrothermal conditions using a mixture of ZnO, Mn, and H3PO4 in the molar ratio of 1:3:3, resp.
ChemInform Abstract: An anti CuO2‐Type Metal Hydride Square Net Structure in Ln2M2As2Hx (Ln: La or Sm, M: Ti, V, Cr, or Mn).
Authors: Mizoguchi Hiroshi , Park SangWon , Hiraka Haruhiro , Ikeda Kazutaka , Otomo Toshiya , Hosono Hideo
Published: April 2015

The new title hydrides (x ≈ 3) are synthesized by high temperature/high‐pressure reactions of M (M: Ti, V, Cr, Mn), LnAs (Ln: La, Sm), and LaF3, using mixtures of Ca(OH)2 and NaBH4 as the hydrogen source (1473—1573 K, 2.5—5.0 GPa, 0.5—1.0 h).
ChemInform Abstract: Crystal Feature and Electronic Structure of Novel Mixed Alanate LiCa(AlH4)3: A Density Functional Theory Investigation.
Authors: Wang Hai‐Chen , Zheng Jie , Wu Dong‐Hai , Wei Liu‐Ting , Tang Bi‐Yu
Published: April 2015

The crystal and electronic structure of the title compound is investigated by first principle DFT calculations.
ChemInform Abstract: An Iodide‐Based Li7P2S8I Superionic Conductor.
Authors: Rangasamy Ezhiylmurugan , Liu Zengcai , Gobet Mallory , Pilar Kartik , Sahu Gayatri , Zhou Wei , Wu Hui , Greenbaum Steve , Liang Chengdu
Published: April 2015

The title compound is synthesized from a dispersion of Li3PS4 (obtained from a stoichiometric mixture of Li2S and P2S5 in MeCN for 24 h) and LiI in MeCN at ambient conditions for 12 h, followed by heat treatment at 200 °C in vacuum.
ChemInform Abstract: A Potential Pyrrhotite (Fe7S8) Anode Material for Lithium Storage.
Authors: Zhang Kailong , Zhang Tingwei , Liang Jianwen , Zhu Yongchun , Lin Ning , Qian Yitai
Published: April 2015

Fe7S8@C nanospheres with diameters of 30—40 nm are synthesized by solid state reaction of ferrocene and (NH4)2S2O8 (autoclave, 230 °C, 1 h) followed by calcination at 500 °C for 2 h in a flow of Ar.
ChemInform Abstract: Crystallographic and Spectroscopic Investigations on Nine Metal—Rare‐Earth Silicates with the Apatite Structure Type.
Authors: Wierzbicka‐Wieczorek Maria , Goeckeritz Martin , Kolitsch Uwe , Lenz Christoph , Giester Gerald
Published: April 2015

Cd2Er8(SiO4)6O2, Cd2Tb8(SiO4)6O2, KHo9(SiO4)6O2, KTb9(SiO4)6O2, KSm9(SiO4)6O2, Sr2Nd8(SiO4)6O2, Ba2Nd8(SiO4)6O2, Ba2Sm8(SiO4)6O2, and Ba4Pr6(SiO4)6F2 with the apatite structure type (space group P63/m) are prepared by high‐temperature flux‐growth techniques (MoO3 based fluxes) using lanthanide (Ln) oxides or fluorides, metal carbonates, and amorphous SiO2 in air (Pt crucible, 1150 °C, 3 h; cooling to 900 °C with a rate of 2 °C/h for Cd2Er8(SiO4)6O2 as example).
ChemInform Abstract: A Novel Transition‐Metal‐Linked Hexaniobate Cluster with Photocatalytic H2 Evolution Activity.
Authors: Liang Zhijie , Zhang Dongdi , Liu Qisen , Ma Pengtao , Niu Jingyang , Wang Jingping
Published: April 2015

The new hexaniobate cluster K10 [(Nb6O19)CrIII(H2O)2] 2·28H2O is synthesized from an aqueous mixture of K7HNb6O19, CrCl3, en, and HCl (autoclave, pH 10.60—11.00, 160 °C, 5 d) followed by diffusion into a mixture of ethanol and water in the volume ratio of 1:2.5 (15% yield).
ChemInform Abstract: Asymmetric Transfer Hydrogenation of α‐Azido Acrylates.
Authors: Ji Yang , Xue Ping , Ma Dan‐Dan , Li Xue‐Qiang , Gu Peiming , Li Rui
Published: April 2015

Sequential reduction/enamine hydrolyzation/asymmetric transfer hydrogenation renders possible the transformation of α‐azido acrylates into α‐hydroxy esters with good to excellent enantioselectivities.
ChemInform Abstract: Direct Asymmetric Aldol Reactions in Aqueous Media Catalyzed by a β‐Cyclodextrin—Proline Conjugate with a Urea Linker.
Authors: Liu Kegang , Zhang Guoqi
Published: April 2015

The new water soluble title catalyst is employed for aldol condensations of aldehydes and acetone.
ChemInform Abstract: 1,4‐Addition Reaction of 5H‐Oxazol‐4‐ones to Vinyl Ketones Catalyzed by Chiral Guanidines.
Authors: Morita Akane , Misaki Tomonori , Sugimura Takashi
Published: April 2015

A chiral guanidine catalyst is successfully employed for 1,4‐ and 1,6‐addition reactions of oxazolones (I).