bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Vertical grid spacing necessary for simulating tropical cirrus clouds with a high‐resolution atmospheric general circulation model
Authors: Seiki Tatsuya , Kodama Chihiro , Satoh Masaki , Hashino Tempei , Hagihara Yuichiro , Okamoto Hajime
Published: May 2015

The distribution of simulated cirrus clouds over the tropics is affected by the particular model's vertical grid spacing. To examine this effect, we use a high‐resolution atmospheric general circulation model with 28 km and 14 km horizontal meshes. We show that a vertical grid spacing of 400 m or less is necessary to resolve the bulk structure of cirrus clouds. As one reduces the vertical grid spacing below about 1000 m, the visible cirrus cloud fraction decreases, the cloud thins (optically and geometrically), the cloud top height lowers, and consequently, the outgoing longwave radiation increases. These effects are stronger over the tropics. When using a vertical grid spacing of 400 m or less, the vertical profiles of effective radii and ice water content converge toward measurements (CloudSat satellite and Cloud‐Aerosol Lidar and Infrared Pathfinder Satellite Observation).
The origins of perchlorate in the Martian soil
Authors: Carrier Brandi L. , Kounaves Samuel P.
Published: May 2015

Perchlorate (ClO4−) has been detected on Mars, but its production and distribution are unclear. Mechanisms requiring atmospheric chlorine are insufficient for measured concentrations. We conducted studies under Mars conditions using halite (NaCl) alone, soil simulants consisting of silica (SiO2), Fe2O3, Al2O3, and TiO2. After 170 h irradiation, samples analyzed by ion chromatography (IC) showed ClO4− and ClO3− present in all samples. When SiO2 was added, yield increased from 2 to 42 nmol and 0.4 to 2.6 nmol, respectively. We attribute this to SiO2 and metal oxides acting as photocatalysts, generating O2− radicals from O2 which react with chloride. Results show ClO4− and ClO3− can be produced photochemically on Cl minerals without atmospheric chlorine or aqueous conditions, and explain high concentration of ClO4− and ClO4−/Cl− ratios detected by Phoenix. They provide evidence that its distribution on Mars is dictated by distribution of chlorine and provide insight into the oxidizing nature of the soil and its potential effects on organics.
Linkages between rapid climate variability and deep‐sea benthic foraminifera in the deep Subantarctic South Atlantic during the last 95 kyr
Authors: Diz Paula , Barker Stephen
Published: May 2015

We present a high‐resolution record of benthic foraminifera fauna from a sediment core retrieved from the South Cape Basin (Subantarctic South Atlantic) spanning the last glacial cycle (95 kyr). Information provided by benthic foraminiferal assemblages together with paleoclimate proxies from the same core allow us to interpret changes in the style of primary production (episodic versus sustained) in relation to abrupt climate oscillations. Our results indicate that fluctuations in the abundance of the phytodetritus‐related species, Epistominella exigua, are concomitant with millennial‐scale high‐latitude climate perturbations. Episodic phytoplankton blooms increased during a negative mode of the bipolar seesaw, irrespective of the magnitude of the perturbation (i.e., Heinrich stadial versus non‐Heinrich stadial events). We provide a hypothesis linking the frequency and intensity of these events to atmospheric perturbations, interhemispheric climate variability, and millennial‐scale changes in atmospheric CO2. A notable exception to the overall pattern is the generally high abundance of E. exigua across the globally synchronous onset of glacial marine oxygen isotope stage (MIS) 4, a period generally characterized by increased dustiness and low‐quality organic carbon as inferred by the percentage of the nonphytodetritus species. This highlights the special characteristics governing the onset of MIS 4 in the Subantarctic.
Phases Hybriding and Hierarchical Structuring of Mesoporous TiO2 Nanowire Bundles for High‐Rate and High‐Capacity Lithium Batteries
Authors: Jin Jun , Huang Shao‐Zhuan , Liu Jing , Li Yu , Chen Li‐Hua , Yu Yong , Wang Hong‐En , Grey Clare P. , Su Bao‐Lian
Published: May 2015

A hierarchical mesoporous TiO2 nanowire bundles (HM‐TiO2‐NB) superstructure with amorphous surface and straight nanochannels has been designed and synthesized through a templating method at a low temperature under acidic and wet conditions. The obtained HM‐TiO2‐NB superstructure demonstrates high reversible capacity, excellent cycling performance, and superior rate capability. Most importantly, a self‐improving phenomenon of Li+ insertion capability based on two simultaneous effects, the crystallization of amorphous TiO2 and the formation of Li2Ti2O4 crystalline dots on the surface of TiO2 nanowires, has been clearly revealed through ex situ transmission electron microcopy (TEM), high‐resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), Raman, and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) techniques during the Li+ insertion process. When discharged for 100 cycles at 1 C, the HM‐TiO2‐NB exhibits a reversible capacity of 174 mA h g−1. Even when the current density is increased to 50 C, a very stable and extraordinarily high reversible capacity of 96 mA h g−1 can be delivered after 50 cycles. Compared to the previously reported results, both the lithium storage capacity and rate capability of our pure TiO2 material without any additives are among the highest values reported. The advanced electrochemical performance of these HM‐TiO2‐NB superstructures is the result of the synergistic effect of hybriding of amorphous and crystalline (anatase/rutile) phases and hierarchically structuring of TiO2 nanowire bundles. Our material could be a very promising anodic material for lithium‐ion batteries.
Assessing prevention measures and sin nombre hantavirus seroprevalence among workers at Yosemite National Park
Authors: Wilken Jason A. , Jackson Rebecca , Materna Barbara L. , Windham Gayle C. , Enge Barryett , Messenger Sharon , Xia Dongxiang , Knust Barbara , Buttke Danielle , Roisman Rachel ,   for the Yosemite Hantavirus Outbreak Investigation Team
Published: May 2015

Background

During 2012, a total of 10 overnight visitors to Yosemite National Park (Yosemite) became infected with a hantavirus (Sin Nombre virus [SNV]); three died. SNV infections have been identified among persons with occupational exposure to deer mice (Peromyscus maniculatus).

Methods

We assessed SNV infection prevalence, work and living environments, mice exposures, and SNV prevention training, knowledge, and practices among workers of two major employers at Yosemite during September–October, 2012 by voluntary blood testing and a questionnaire.

Results

One of 526 participants had evidence of previous SNV infection. Participants reported frequently observing rodent infestations at work and home and not always following prescribed safety practices for tasks, including infestation cleanup.

Conclusion

Although participants had multiple exposures to deer mice, we did not find evidence of widespread SNV infections. Nevertheless, employees working around deer mice should receive appropriate training and consistently follow prevention policies for high‐risk activities. Am. J. Ind. Med. 58:658–667, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Deletion of 15q11.2(BP1‐BP2) region: Further evidence for lack of phenotypic specificity in a pediatric population
Authors: Hashemi Bita , Bassett Anne , Chitayat David , Chong Karen , Feldman Mark , Flanagan Janine , Goobie Sharan , Kawamura Anne , Lowther Chelsea , Prasad Chitra , Siu Victoria , So Joyce , Tung Sharon , Speevak Marsha , Stavropoulos Dimitri J. , Carter Melissa T.
Published: May 2015

Microdeletion of the BP1‐BP2 region at 15q11.2 is a recurrent copy number variant (CNV) frequently found in patients undergoing chromosomal microarray (CMA). Genetic counselling regarding this CNV is challenging due to the wide range of phenotypic presentation in reported patients and lack of general population‐based data. As one of the most common reasons for CMA is childhood developmental delay, clinicians need to be cognizant of the inherent ascertainment bias in the literature. We performed a detailed medical record review for 55 patients with this 15q11.2 microdeletion and report the clinical features of the 35 patients for whom information was available. We compared our results to the recent report by Cafferkey et al. in this journal. Our conclusion is that the phenotypic spectrum is too broad and non‐specific to constitute a bona fide “syndrome” and that further research must be done to delineate the contribution of this CNV to phenotype. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Glioblastoma multiforme in a child with tuberous sclerosis complex
Authors: Vignoli Aglaia , Lesma Elena , Alfano Rosa Maria , Peron Angela , Scornavacca Giulia Federica , Massimino Maura , Schiavello Elisabetta , Ancona Silvia , Cerati Michele , Bulfamante Gaetano , Gorio Alfredo , Canevini Maria Paola
Published: May 2015

Tuberous Sclerosis Complex (TSC) is characterized by the presence of benign tumors in the brain, kidneys, heart, eyes, lungs, and skin. The typical brain lesions are cortical tubers, subependimal nodules and subependymal giant‐cell astrocytomas. The occurrence of malignant astrocytomas such as glioblastoma is rare. We report on a child with a clinical diagnosis of TSC and a rapidly evolving glioblastoma multiforme. Genetic analysis identified a de novo mutation in TSC2. Molecular characterization of the tumor was performed and discussed, as well as a review of the literature where cases of TSC and glioblastoma multiforme are described. Although the co‐occurrence of TSC and glioblastoma multiforme seems to be rare, this possible association should be kept in mind, and proper clinical and radiological follow up should be recommended in these patients. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Structural Effects of Multiple Pathogenic Mutations Suggest a Model for the Initiation of Misfolding of the Prion Protein
Authors: Singh Jogender , Udgaonkar Jayant B.
Published: May 2015

A molecular understanding of the prion diseases requires delineation of the origin of misfolding of the prion protein (PrP). An understanding of how different disease‐linked mutations affect the structure and dynamics of native monomeric PrP can provide a clue about how misfolding commences. In this study, hydrogen–deuterium exchange mass spectrometry was used to show that several disease‐linked mutant variants, which are thermodynamically destabilized, share a common structural perturbation in their native states: helix 1 is destabilized to an extent that correlates well with the destabilization of the native protein. The mutant variants misfold and form oligomers faster than does the wild‐type protein, at rates that increase exponentially with the extent to which helix 1 is destabilized in the native protein. It appears, therefore, that the loss of helix 1 structure marks the beginning of PrP misfolding and oligomerization.
Logisches Mehrschrittgatter auf Basis eines Aptamersensors mit verstärktem Sensorsignal
Authors: Feng Lingyan , Lyu Zhaozi , Offenhäusser Andreas , Mayer Dirk
Published: May 2015

Konventionelle Elektronik kann mehrere Logikoperationen hintereinander ausführen; für bioelektronische Logikgatter wurde diese Fähigkeit bisher jedoch selten nachgewiesen. Zudem ist die Fragestellung, wie man die technologische Lücke zwischen biochemischen Prozessen und Silicium‐basierten elektrischen Schaltungen schließt, eine Schlüsselproblematik der Bioelektronik. Hier untersuchen wir ein neuartiges, Aptamer‐basiertes Mehrschrittgatter, zusammengesetzt aus INHIBIT‐ und AND‐Gattern, das eine Netto‐XOR‐Analyse ausführt und ein elektrochemisches Ausgabesignal erzeugt. Durch die Bindung des Zielmoleküls an ein Aptamer wird ein Ladungstransfer zwischen Elektrode und Redoxsonden in der Lösungsphase ermöglicht, der das Sensorsignal verstärkt und eine direkte und zuverlässige Diagnose erlaubt. Wir zeigen eine neue Möglichkeit auf, bioelektronische logische Mehrschrittgatter zu entwerfen, mit dem Ziel, eine komplexe Diagnose basierend auf mehreren Eingangssignalen in eine Ja‐ oder Nein‐Entscheidung zu vereinfachen.
Selective Endo and Exo Binding of Mono‐ and Ditopic Ligands to a Rhomboidal Diporphyrin Prism
Authors: Jayamurugan Govindasamy , Roberts Derrick A. , Ronson Tanya K. , Nitschke Jonathan R.
Published: May 2015

Copper(I) can preferentially form heteroleptic complexes containing two phosphine and two nitrogen donors due to steric factors. This preference was employed to direct the self‐assembly of a porphyrin‐faced rhomboidal prism having two parallel tetrakis(4‐iminopyridyl)porphyrinatozinc(II) faces linked by eight 1,4‐bis(diphenylphosphino)benzene pillars. The coordination preferences of the CuI ions and geometries of the ligands come together to generate a slipped‐cofacial orientation of the porphyrinatozinc(II) faces. This orientation enables selective encapsulation of 3,3′‐bipyridine (bipy), which bridges the ZnII ions of the parallel porphyrins, whereas 4,4′‐bipy exhibits weaker external coordination to the porphyrin faces. Reaction with 2,2′‐bipy, by contrast, results in the displacement of the tetratopic porphyrin ligand and formation of [{(2,2′‐bipy)CuI}2(diphosphine)2]. The differing strengths of interactions of bipyridine isomers with the system allows for a hierarchy to be deciphered, whereby 4,4′‐bipy may be displaced by 3,3′‐bipy, which in turn is displaced by 2,2′‐bipy.
Multi‐Level Logic Gate Operation Based on Amplified Aptasensor Performance
Authors: Feng Lingyan , Lyu Zhaozi , Offenhäusser Andreas , Mayer Dirk
Published: May 2015

Conventional electronic circuits can perform multi‐level logic operations; however, this capability is rarely realized by biological logic gates. In addition, the question of how to close the gap between biomolecular computation and silicon‐based electrical circuitry is still a key issue in the bioelectronics field. Here we explore a novel split aptamer‐based multi‐level logic gate built from INHIBIT and AND gates that performs a net XOR analysis, with electrochemical signal as output. Based on the aptamer–target interaction and a novel concept of electrochemical rectification, a relayed charge transfer occurs upon target binding between aptamer‐linked redox probes and solution‐phase probes, which amplifies the sensor signal and facilitates a straightforward and reliable diagnosis. This work reveals a new route for the design of bioelectronic logic circuits that can realize multi‐level logic operation, which has the potential to simplify an otherwise complex diagnosis to a “yes” or “no” decision.
Palladium‐Catalyzed Hydroaminocarbonylation of Alkenes with Amines: A Strategy to Overcome the Basicity Barrier Imparted by Aliphatic Amines
Authors: Zhang Guoying , Gao Bao , Huang Hanmin
Published: May 2015

A novel and efficient palladium‐catalyzed hydroaminocarbonylation of alkenes with aminals has been developed under mild reaction conditions, and allows the synthesis of a wide range of N‐alkyl linear amides in good yields with high regioselectivity. On the basis of this method, a cooperative catalytic system operating by the synergistic combination of palladium, paraformaldehyde, and acid was established for promoting the hydroaminocarbonylation of alkenes with both aromatic and aliphatic amines, which do not react well under conventional palladium‐catalyzed hydroaminocarbonylation.
Production of non‐crosslinked thermoplastic foams with a controlled density and a wide range of cellular structures
Authors: Lopez‐Gil Alberto , Saiz‐Arroyo Cristina , Tirado Josias , Rodriguez‐Perez Miguel Angel
Published: May 2015

A novel foaming route, with respect to existing industrial foaming processes, called “Improved Compression Molding” (ICM), which allows producing non‐crosslinked thermoplastic foams in a wide density range, is described in this work. This process is different from others because it is possible to control independently density and cellular structure and therefore, tailored cellular polymers can be produced. To understand the process, a collection of polypropylene foams, with relative densities ranging from 0.3 to 0.6 were produced. The influence of foaming parameters, on foams microstructure and mechanical response was analyzed. Results revealed that for similar densities, foams with different open cell content and cell size can be achieved. In addition, it was proved that mechanical behavior strongly depends on the degree of interconnectivity of the cells. The analysis of the relative mechanical properties allowed determining the influence of microstructure on mechanical behavior as well as quantifying the efficiency of the foaming process to produce light‐weight stiff materials. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015, 132, 42324.
Thermogravimetric study of thermal degradation of polyetherimide
Authors: Zaragoza Sonia , Álvarez Ana , Álvarez Begoña , López‐Beceiro Jorge , Naya Salvador , Forcén Patricia , Artiaga Ramón
Published: May 2015

Thermal stability in nonoxidizing atmosphere of a polyetherimide (PEI) is investigated by thermogravimetry (TG). It is observed that thermal degradation of this product consists of two overlapping processes, which are conveniently separated by fitting the TG curves to mixtures of generalized logistic functions. Thus, each process is represented by a single function. The analysis of the fitting parameter values obtained for the main degradation process in different isothermal and heating ramp conditions allows to obtain insightful kinetic parameters (critical temperature, energy barrier, and reaction‐order) which allow to make predictions in both isothermal and nonisothermal contexts. There is a minimum temperature for each process to occur and a ramp‐energy barrier related to the process rate. In the ramp context, the values of these two parameters explain that, although one process starts at lower temperature, it proceeds at a very low rate until reaching temperatures at which the other process goes much faster. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015, 132, 42329.
Mechanical behavior at nanoscale of chitosan‐coated PE surface
Authors: Stoleru (Paslaru) Elena , Tsekov Yuliy , Kotsilkova Rumiana , Ivanov Evgeni , Vasile Cornelia
Published: May 2015

Chitosan coating of polyethylene (PE) was proposed as a new procedure to improve its biocompatibility and surface properties. The functionalization of the PE film surface by covalent bonding of chitosan coating and its effect on the surface mechanical properties, as surface elasticity, stiffness, and adhesion (that are important in different biological processes) were investigated by nano‐indentation, scratch, and atomic force microscopy. It has been established that chitosan grafting onto corona functionalized PE surface using various coupling agents significantly improves the surface hardness and elastic modulus although they decrease in depth of the layer. Compared to the neat PE substrate, the chitosan coated samples show significant improved friction properties and tear resistance. The surface roughness features correlate with the micro‐mechanical parameters. Therefore, the covalent immobilization of the chitosan onto PE leads to a stable coating with better mechanical performance being recommended as a promising material for medical applications and food packaging. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015, 132, 42344.
Synchronization of Instantaneous Coupled Harmonic Oscillators With Communication and Input Delays
Authors: Zhao Liyun , Wu Quanjun , Zhang Hua , Zhou Jin
Published: May 2015

This paper investigates the synchronization issue of instantaneous coupled harmonic oscillators with communication and input delays. A distributed synchronization algorithm is proposed for such oscillator systems, and some general algebraic criteria on exponential convergence are established for the algorithm. The main contributions of the present investigations include: (i) the directed network topology is first considered in the case of instantaneous interaction; (ii) both the time‐varying communication and input delays are simultaneously addressed; (iii) the effects of communication and input delays on synchronization performance of coupled harmonic oscillators are discussed. It is shown the communication delays have a more important impact than the input delays on determining synchronization dynamics of coupled harmonic oscillators. Explicitly, in absence of communication delays, coupled harmonic oscillators can achieve synchronization oscillatory motion, whereas, so long as communication delays are nonzero at infinite multiple impulsive times, its synchronization (or consensus) state is zero. Finally, numerical examples demonstrate the obtained theoretical results.
Engineered catalytic biofilms: Site‐specific enzyme immobilization onto E. coli curli nanofibers
Authors: Botyanszki Zsofia , Tay Pei Kun R. , Nguyen Peter Q. , Nussbaumer Martin G. , Joshi Neel S.
Published: May 2015

Biocatalytic transformations generally rely on purified enzymes or whole cells to perform complex transformations that are used on industrial scale for chemical, drug, and biofuel synthesis, pesticide decontamination, and water purification. However, both of these systems have inherent disadvantages related to the costs associated with enzyme purification, the long‐term stability of immobilized enzymes, catalyst recovery, and compatibility with harsh reaction conditions. We developed a novel strategy for producing rationally designed biocatalytic surfaces based on Biofilm Integrated Nanofiber Display (BIND), which exploits the curli system of E. coli to create a functional nanofiber network capable of covalent immobilization of enzymes. This approach is attractive because it is scalable, represents a modular strategy for site‐specific enzyme immobilization, and has the potential to stabilize enzymes under denaturing environmental conditions. We site‐specifically immobilized a recombinant α‐amylase, fused to the SpyCatcher attachment domain, onto E. coli curli fibers displaying complementary SpyTag capture domains. We characterized the effectiveness of this immobilization technique on the biofilms and tested the stability of immobilized α‐amylase in unfavorable conditions. This enzyme‐modified biofilm maintained its activity when exposed to a wide range of pH and organic solvent conditions. In contrast to other biofilm‐based catalysts, which rely on high cellular metabolism, the modified curli‐based biofilm remained active even after cell death due to organic solvent exposure. This work lays the foundation for a new and versatile method of using the extracellular polymeric matrix of E. coli for creating novel biocatalytic surfaces. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2015;112: 2016–2024. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
‘Something That Unites Us All’: Understandings of St. Patrick's Day Parades as Representing the Irish National Group
Authors: O'Donnell Aisling T. , Muldoon Orla T. , Blaylock Danielle L. , Stevenson Clifford , Bryan Dominic , Reicher Stephen D. , Pehrson Samuel
Published: May 2015

The present study investigates how attendees at national celebratory crowd events—specifically St. Patrick's Day parades—understand the role of such events in representing and uniting the national community. We conducted semi‐structured interviews with people who attended St. Patrick's Day parades in either Dublin or Belfast. In year 1, full‐length interviews were conducted before and after the events (N = 17), and in years 1 and 2, shorter interviews were conducted during the events (year 1 N = 170; year 2 N = 142). Interview data were analysed using thematic analysis, allowing the identification of three broad themes. Participants reported that (i) the events extend the boundary of the national group, using participation to define who counts as Irish; (ii) the events strategically represent the nature of the national group, maximising positive images and managing stereotypical representations; and (iii) symbolism serves to unify the group but can also disrupt already fragile unity and so must be managed. Overall, this points to a strategic identity dimension to these crowd events. We discuss the implications of these findings for future research in terms of the role of large‐scale celebratory events in the strategic representation of everyday social identities. © 2015 The Authors. Journal of Community & Applied Social Psychology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Enzymatic Evidence for a Revised Congocidine Biosynthetic Pathway
Authors: Al‐Mestarihi Ahmad H. , Garzan Atefeh , Kim Josephine M. , Garneau‐Tsodikova Sylvie
Published: May 2015

Naturally produced pyrrolamides, such as congocidine, are nonribosomal peptides that bind to the minor groove of DNA. Efforts to delineate the biosynthetic machinery responsible for their assembly have mainly employed genetic methods, and the enzymes responsible for their biosynthesis remain largely uncharacterized. We report the biochemical characterization of four proteins involved in congocidine formation: the adenylation‐thiolation (A–T) di‐domain Cgc18(1–610), its MbtH‐like partner SAMR0548, the AMP‐binding enzyme Cgc3*, and the T domain Cgc19. We assayed the ATP‐dependent activation of various commercially available and chemically synthesized compounds with Cgc18(1–610) and Cgc3*. We report the revised substrate specificities of Cgc18(1–610) and Cgc3*, and loading of 4‐acetamidopyrrole‐2‐carboxylic acid onto Cgc19. Based on these biochemical studies, we suggest a revised congocidine biosynthetic pathway.
Use of intracardiac echocardiography to guide percutaneous transluminal mitral commissurotomy
Authors: Saji Mike , Ragosta Michael , Dent John , Lim D. Scott
Published: May 2015

Objectives

To report the efficacy and safety of the use adjunctive intracardiac echocardiography (ICE) during percutaneous transluminal mitral commissurotomy (PTMC) in patients without transesophageal echocardiography (TEE).

Background

Patients with mitral stenosis are at a high risk of developing a left atrial (LA) thrombus. Traditionally, TEE has been used prior to PTMC to identify the presence of LA thrombi. There have been no reports of the use of ICE to assess the LA for thrombi prior to PTMC.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed 20 patients who underwent ICE prior to PTMC. All PTMC procedures were performed via the antegrade transvenous approach using an Inoue balloon. Initially, ICE was used from the right atrium to confirm the absence of a thrombus on the left side of the septum and was subsequently used to guide the transseptal puncture. Following these procedures, the ICE was advanced into the LA through a transseptal sheath to visualize the LAA.

Results

Visualization of the thrombus/spontaneous echo contrast was considered to be diagnostic in all cases. Seventy percent of the patients were discharged on day after the procedure. No patients required intubation during the procedure, and there were no complications that could be attributed to the use of ICE. At six months after the PTMC, the incidence of stroke was zero.

Conclusions

ICE‐guided PTMC offers excellent visualization of the LA and the LAA with satisfactory clinical outcomes and low risk. As a part of the PTMC procedure, ICE safely provides a valid alternative to a separate TEE procedure. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Nanocrystalline Titanosilicate–Acetylcholinesterase Electrochemical Biosensor for the Ultra‐Trace Detection of Toxic Organophosphate Pesticides
Authors: Kaur Balwinder , Srivastava Rajendra , Satpati Biswarup
Published: May 2015

In this work, nanocrystalline titanosilicate and ZSM‐5 were synthesized in the presence of propyltriethoxy silane as an additive. Electrochemical biosensors based on nanocrystalline zeolites were fabricated through the covalent immobilization of the enzyme acetylcholinesterase for the ultra‐trace detection of toxic organophosphate pesticides such as malathion, parathion methyl, monocrotopos, and dichlorvos. The results show that, among the zeolite‐based biosensors investigated in this study, the nanocrystalline titanosilicate‐based acetylcholinesterase biosensor exhibited the highest electrocatalytic activity. The nanocrystalline titanosilicate‐based acetylcholinesterase biosensor exhibited excellent sensitivity, selectivity, stability, linear range, and limit of detection. The analytical performance of the developed sensor was demonstrated in the determination of these pesticides in a range of real samples (apples, cabbages, tap water, and river water) with satisfactory recovery.
Fault diagnosis using kNN reconstruction on MRI variables
Authors: Wang Guozhu , Liu Jianchang , Li Yuan
Published: May 2015

In industrial processes, investigating the root causes of abnormal events is a crucial task when process faults are detected; isolating the faulty variables provides additional information for investigating the root causes of the faults. The traditional contribution plot is a popular and perspicuous tool to isolate faulty variables. However, this method can only determine one faulty variable (the biggest contributor) when there are several variables out of control at the same time. In the presented work, a novel fault diagnosis method is derived using k‐nearest neighbor (kNN) reconstruction on maximize reduce index (MRI) sensors; it is aimed at identifying all fault variables precisely. This method can identify the faulty variables effectively through reconstructing MRI variables one by one. A numerical example focuses on validating the performance of kNN missing data analysis method firstly, then multi‐sensors fault identification results are also given. Tennessee Eastman process is provided to demonstrate that the proposed approach can identify the responsible variables for the multiple sensors fault. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Silver Quantum Cluster (Ag9)‐Grafted Graphitic Carbon Nitride Nanosheets for Photocatalytic Hydrogen Generation and Dye Degradation
Authors: Sridharan Kishore , Jang Eunyong , Park Jung Hyun , Kim Jong‐Ho , Lee Jung‐Ho , Park Tae Joo
Published: May 2015

We report the visible‐light photocatalytic properties of a composite system consisting of silver quantum clusters [Ag9(H2MSA)7] (H2MSA=mercaptosuccinic acid) embedded on graphitic carbon nitride nanosheets (AgQCs‐GCN). The composites were prepared through a simple chemical route; their structural, chemical, morphological, and optical properties were characterized by using X‐ray diffraction (XRD), energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, UV/Vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, and photoluminescence spectroscopy. Embedment of [Ag9(H2MSA)7] on graphitic carbon nitride nanosheets (GCN) resulted in extended visible‐light absorption through multiple single‐electron transitions in Ag quantum clusters and an effective electronic structure for hydroxyl radical generation, which enabled increased activity in the photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue and methyl orange dye molecules compared with pristine GCN and silver nanoparticle‐grafted GCN (AgNPs‐GCN). Similarly, the amount of hydrogen generated by using AgQCs‐GCN was 1.7 times higher than pristine GCN. However, the rate of hydrogen generated using AgQCs‐GCN was slightly less than that of AgNPs‐GCN because of surface hydroxyl radical formation. The plausible photocatalytic processes are discussed in detail.
Probing Reversible Chemistry in Coenzyme B12‐Dependent Ethanolamine Ammonia Lyase with Kinetic Isotope Effects
Authors: Jones Alex R. , Rentergent Julius , Scrutton Nigel S. , Hay Sam
Published: May 2015

Coenzyme B12‐dependent enzymes such as ethanolamine ammonia lyase have remarkable catalytic power and some unique properties that enable detailed analysis of the reaction chemistry and associated dynamics. By selectively deuterating the substrate (ethanolamine) and/or the β‐carbon of the 5′‐deoxyadenosyl moiety of the intrinsic coenzyme B12, it was possible to experimentally probe both the forward and reverse hydrogen atom transfers between the 5′‐deoxyadenosyl radical and substrate during single‐turnover stopped‐flow measurements. These data are interpreted within the context of a kinetic model where the 5′‐deoxyadenosyl radical intermediate may be quasi‐stable and rearrangement of the substrate radical is essentially irreversible. Global fitting of these data allows estimation of the intrinsic rate constants associated with CoC homolysis and initial H‐abstraction steps. In contrast to previous stopped‐flow studies, the apparent kinetic isotope effects are found to be relatively small.
Der Nebelkammer‐Reaktor – Neuartiges Reaktorkonzept für anspruchsvolle Kultivierungen
Authors: Dreimann Janis , Schmidt Timo , Tscheschke Bernd , v.d. Ruhr Jürgen W. , Just Lothar , Stahl Frank , Scheper Thomas
Published: May 2015

Ein neuer Bioreaktortyp, der Nebelkammer‐Reaktor, wird vorgestellt. Im Unterschied zu den bisherig verwendeten submersen Kultur‐ bzw. Bioreaktorverfahren werden im Nebelkammer‐Reaktor Zellverbände mittels eines Aerosols aus ultraschallzerstäubtem Nährmedium umhüllt. Die kontinuierlich erzeugten Aerosoltröpfchen setzen sich auf den Zellen ab und ermöglichen so eine besonders effektive und scherstressarme Versorgung der Zellen mit Gasen und Nährstoffen sowie eine größere Unabhängigkeit von Form und Größe der eingesetzten Konstrukte.
Glycerin‐Oxidation mit magnetisch abtrennbaren Nanokatalysatoren
Authors: Behr Arno , Irawadi Ken Aulia
Published: May 2015

Nanopartikuläre Gold‐ und Gold‐Platin‐Katalysatoren aufgetragen auf Magnetit als Trägermaterial wurden zur aeroben Glycerin‐Oxidation eingesetzt. Mittels Transmissionselektronenmikroskopie konnte für den Gold‐Katalysator eine ikosaedrische Morphologie und für den Gold‐Platin‐Katalysator eine blütenähnliche Struktur nachgewiesen werden. Analysen mit dynamischer Lichtstreuung bestätigten für beide Katalysatortypen eine mittlere Partikelgröße von 30 nm und eine gute Stabilität über einen Zeitraum von mindestens vier Wochen. Durch eine magnetische Abtrennung konnten beide Katalysatoren erfolgreich aus dem Reaktionsmedium zurückgewonnen werden. Ein Katalysatoraustrag wurde dabei nicht beobachtet und die erfolgreich wiederverwendeten Katalysatoren wiesen nur geringe Veränderungen auf.
Untersuchung des Druckverhaltens tetraederförmiger Agglomerate
Authors: Müller Peter , Tomas Jürgen
Published: May 2015

Unter Verwendung eines Pelletiertellers wurden mittels Aufbauagglomeration tetraederförmige Agglomerate aus makroskopischen kugelförmigen Primärpartikeln und Bindemittel hergestellt. Tetraederförmige Agglomerate bestehen aus vier kugelförmigen Primärpartikeln, wobei drei Partikel eine Grundfläche bilden, auf die das vierte Partikel zentrisch angeordnet ist. Das Druck‐ und Bruchverhalten der Agglomerate wurde mittels Diametraldruckversuchen analysiert. Der Einfluss der Primärpartikelgröße und der Bindemittelkonzentration wurden ebenfalls bestimmt. Zusätzlich wurde ein Ansatz für die theoretische Beschreibung der Kontaktdeformation entwickelt.
Honoring Dr. Waun Ki Hong, a cancer pioneer and visionary: On the occasion of his Festschrift, August 14, 2014
Authors: Koh Howard K.
Published: May 2015

At a special dinner, the keynote speaker, Dr. Howard H. Koh, the immediate past U.S. Assistant Secretary for Health gave a speech honoring Dr. Waun Ki Hong on the occasion of his Festschrift on August 14, 2014.
Individualizing treatment for patients with nasopharyngeal cancer
Authors: Hara Wendy , Le Quynh‐Thu
Published: May 2015

In this issue, Dr. Hui and colleagues report the largest multi‐institutional, prospective trial to date validating circulating Epstein‐Barr virus DNA as a prognostic biomarker for patients with nasopharyngeal cancer after chemoradiotherapy. The ERCC1 C118T single nucleotide polymorphism genotype may also be a potential second biomarker for future investigation.
History of high‐risk HPV and Pap test results in a large cohort of patients with invasive cervical carcinoma: Experience from the largest women's hospital in China
Authors: Tao Xiang , Griffith Christopher C. , Zhou Xiangrong , Wang Zhiheng , Yan Yabin , Li Zaibo , Zhao Chengquan
Published: May 2015

BACKGROUND

Current cervical cancer screening guidelines recommend screening with a Papanicolaou (Pap) test or by cotesting (Pap and human papillomavirus [HPV]). Given the importance of high‐risk HPV (hrHPV) infection in the development of cervical cancer, some studies are now suggesting the use of primary hrHPV testing as a possible screening modality. To gain further insight into the role of both Pap testing and hrHPV testing, the authors examined prior screening results in a population of Chinese patients with invasive cervical carcinoma.

METHODS

Cases with a histologic diagnosis of invasive cervical carcinoma were retrieved from the Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University from January 2011 to October 2014. Prior hrHPV testing and Pap test results within 3 years before the cancer diagnosis were recorded.

RESULTS

Of 3714 patients with invasive cervical carcinoma, over a 46‐month period, 525 had prior hrHPV testing using Hybrid Capture 2 within 3 years and 238 patients had Pap cytology testing within 1 year before the histological diagnosis. Within the 1‐year period before diagnosis, the overall hrHPV‐negative rate was 15.5% (74 of 477 patients) and the Pap‐negative rate was also 15.5% (37 of 238 patients). Only 9 of 231 patients with both hrHPV testing and Pap testing (3.9%) had a double‐negative result. Compared with squamous cell carcinoma, adenocarcinoma has significantly higher rates of prior negative results with both hrHPV and Pap cytology.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of the current study demonstrated prior results of hrHPV testing and Pap cytology in a population of women in China who had not undergone intensive prior screening. Both hrHPV testing and Pap cytology were found to have similar negative rates in this population and, not surprisingly, there were fewer women who had negative testing results using both testing modalities. Cancer (Cancer Cytopathol) 2015;123:421‐7. © 2015 American Cancer Society.
Pregnancy distress gets under fetal skin: Maternal ambulatory assessment & sex differences in prenatal development
Authors: Doyle Colleen , Werner Elizabeth , Feng Tianshu , Lee Seonjoo , Altemus Margaret , Isler Joseph R. , Monk Catherine
Published: May 2015

Prenatal maternal distress is associated with an at‐risk developmental profile, yet there is little fetal evidence of this putative in utero process. Moreover, the biological transmission for these maternal effects remains uncertain. In a study of n = 125 pregnant adolescents (ages 14–19), ambulatory assessments of daily negative mood (anger, frustration, irritation, stress), physical activity, blood pressure, heart rate (every 30 min over 24 hr), and salivary cortisol (six samples) were collected at 13–16, 24–27, 34–37 gestational weeks. Corticotropin‐releasing hormone, C‐reactive protein, and interleukin 6 from blood draws and 20 min assessments of fetal heart rate (FHR) and movement were acquired at the latter two sessions. On average, fetuses showed development in the expected direction (decrease in FHR, increase in SD of FHR and in the correlation of movement and FHR (“coupling”)). Maternal distress characteristics were associated with variations in the level and trajectory of fetal measures, and results often differed by sex. For males, greater maternal 1st and 2nd session negative mood and 2nd session physical activity were associated with lower overall FHR (p < .01), while 1st session cortisol was associated with a smaller increase in coupling (p < .01), and overall higher levels (p = .05)—findings suggesting accelerated development. For females, negative mood, cortisol, and diastolic blood pressure were associated with indications of relatively less advanced and accelerated outcomes. There were no associations between negative mood and biological variables. These data indicate that maternal psychobiological status influences fetal development, with females possibly more variously responsive to different exposures. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Dev Psychobiol 57: 607–625, 2015.
Does sex‐biased dispersal account for the lack of geographic and host‐associated differentiation in introduced populations of an aphid parasitoid?
Authors: Zepeda‐Paulo Francisca , Lavandero Blas , Mahéo Frédérique , Dion Emilie , Outreman Yannick , Simon Jean‐Christophe , Figueroa Christian C.
Published: May 2015

Host recognition and use in female parasitoids strongly relies on host fidelity, a plastic behavior which can significantly restrict the host preferences of parasitoids, thus reducing the gene flow between parasitoid populations attacking different insect hosts. However, the effect of migrant males on the genetic differentiation of populations has been frequently ignored in parasitoids, despite its known impact on gene flow between populations. Hence, we studied the extent of gene flow mediated by female and male parasitoids by assessing sibship relationships among parasitoids within and between populations, and its impact on geographic and host‐associated differentiation in the aphid parasitoid Aphidius ervi. We report evidences of a high gene flow among parasitoid populations on different aphid hosts and geographic locations. The high gene flow among parasitoid populations was found to be largely male mediated, suggested by significant differences in the distribution of full‐sib and paternal half‐sib dyads of parasitoid populations.
Basic Properties of Two‐Dimensional Composite Dynamical System with Spike Noise
Authors: TANAKA DAIKI , ASAHARA HIROYUKI , AIHARA KAZUYUKI , KOUSAKA TAKUJI
Published: May 2015

Bifurcation phenomena in a composite dynamic system are studied in order to understand the basic properties of systems. Recently, it has been reported that unavoidable non‐ideal switching, e.g., spike noise or a time delay, occurs due to switching and seriously affects the behavior of the trajectory in a composite dynamical system operating in high‐frequency switching ranges. We have analyzed the basic properties of a simple one‐dimensional composite dynamical system with nonideal switching in order to understand the essence of the dynamical effects of nonideal switching. In the engineering field, there are many two‐ or more dimensional systems. Naturally, nonideal switching can occur in two‐ or more dimensional systems. However, no paper analyzes the effect of nonideal switching in such systems. In this paper, we study the basic properties of a two‐dimensional composite dynamical system with spike noise. First, we describe a model of a two‐dimensional composite dynamical system. Next, the behavior of the waveforms in a system with ideal switching and a system with spike noise is shown. Then, we sample the data of the waveforms in every period for the external force and define a Poincaré map. Finally, using the Poincaré map, we derive two‐parameter bifurcation diagrams and discuss the basic properties of a system with spike noise.
Facts and numbers on epidemiology and pharmacological treatment of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction
Authors: Edelmann Frank
Published: May 2015

Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is a major and growing public health problem. Epidemiologic studies demonstrated that heart failure (HF) can be clinically diagnosed in patients with normal or preserved left ventricular ejection fraction. These patients are therefore termed as having HFpEF. In the past, this was often called diastolic HF. Because of the permanent increase of the prevalence of HFpEF during the past decades, HFpEF now accounts for more than 50% of the total HF population. There are uncertainties and debates regarding the definition, diagnosis, and pathophysiology with the consequence that all outcome trials performed so far used criteria for inclusion and exclusion that were not consistent. These trials also failed to document improved prognosis. Recent smaller proof‐of‐concept or Phase II clinical trials investigating different pathophysiological approaches with substances such as the neprilysin inhibitor–angiotensin receptor blocker− combination (LCZ 696), ranolazine, or ivabradine were successful to improve biomarkers, haemodynamics, or functional capacity. Future trials will need to document whether also prognosis can be improved.
The cellular environment regulates in situ kinetics of T‐cell receptor interaction with peptide major histocompatibility complex
Authors: Liu Baoyu , Chen Wei , Natarajan Kannan , Li Zhenhai , Margulies David H. , Zhu Cheng
Published: May 2015

T cells recognize antigens at the two‐dimensional (2D) interface with antigen‐presenting cells (APCs), which trigger T‐cell effector functions. T‐cell functional outcomes correlate with 2D kinetics of membrane‐embedded T‐cell receptors (TCRs) binding to surface‐tethered peptide‐major histocompatibility complex molecules (pMHCs). However, most studies have measured TCR–pMHC kinetics for recombinant TCRs in 3D by surface plasmon resonance, which differs drastically from 2D measurements. Here, we compared pMHC dissociation from native TCR on the T‐cell surface to recombinant TCR immobilized on glass surface or in solution. Force on TCR–pMHC bonds regulated their lifetimes differently for native than recombinant TCRs. Perturbing the cellular environment suppressed 2D on‐rates but had no effect on 2D off‐rate regardless of whether force was applied. In contrast, for the TCR interacting with its monoclonal antibody, the 2D on‐rate was insensitive to cellular perturbations and the force‐dependent off‐rates were indistinguishable for native and recombinant TCRs. These data present novel features of TCR–pMHC kinetics that are regulated by the cellular environment, underscoring the limitations of 3D kinetics in predicting T‐cell functions and calling for further elucidation of the underlying molecular and cellular mechanisms that regulate 2D kinetics in physiological settings.
Allospecific CD4+ T cells retain effector function and are actively regulated by Treg cells in the context of transplantation tolerance
Authors: Chai Jian‐Guo , Ratnasothy Kulachelvy , Bucy R. Pat , Noelle Randolph J , Lechler Robert , Lombardi Giovanna
Published: May 2015

Although donor‐specific transfusion (DST) plus CD154 blockade represents a robust protocol for inducing transplantation tolerance, the underlying mechanisms are incompletely understood. In a murine T‐cell adoptive transfer model, we have visualized alloantigen‐specific, TCR‐transgenic for H2‐Ab/H2‐Kd54–68 epitope (TCR75) CD4+ T cells with indirect allospecificity during the course of tolerance induction. Three main observations were made. First, although the majority of TCR75 CD4+ T cells were deleted following DST plus CD154 blockade, the surviving TCR75 CD4+ T cells were capable of making IL‐2, upregulating CD44, and undergoing cell division, suggesting that they were functionally active. Indeed, residual TCR75 CD4+ T cells reisolated from the primary recipients given DST plus CD154 blockade were fully capable of rejecting allografts upon secondary transfer. Second, in tolerant mice, TCR75 CD4+ T cells were not induced to express Foxp3 in the graft‐draining lymph node. TCR75 CD4+ T cells were also absent in accepted graft tissues in which endogenous Treg cells were enriched. Finally, DST plus CD154 blockade resulted in an abortive expansion of TCR75 CD4+ T cells, a process that required the presence of endogenous Treg cells. Collectively, surviving TCR75 CD4+ T cells are immunocompetent but kept in check by an endogenous immunosuppressive network induced by DST plus CD154 blockade.