bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Proton Trap Technology—Toward High Potential Quinone‐Based Organic Energy Storage
Authors: Åkerlund Lisa , Emanuelsson Rikard , Renault Stéven , Huang Hao , Brandell Daniel , Strømme Maria , Sjödin Martin
Published: July 2017

An organic cathode material based on a copolymer of poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene) containing pyridine and hydroquinone functionalities is described as a proton trap technology. Utilizing the quinone to hydroquinone redox conversion, this technology leads to electrode materials compatible with lithium and sodium cycling chemistries. These materials have high inherent potentials that in combination with lithium give a reversible output voltage of above 3.5 V (vs Li0/+) without relying on lithiation of the material, something that is not showed for quinones previously. Key to success stems from coupling an intrapolymeric proton transfer, realized by an incorporated pyridine proton donor/acceptor functionality, with the hydroquinone redox reactions. Trapping of protons in the cathode material effectively decouples the quinone redox chemistry from the cycling chemistry of the anode, which makes the material insensitive to the nature of the electrolyte cation and hence compatible with several anode materials. Furthermore, the conducting polymer backbone allows assembly without any additives for electronic conductivity. The concept is demonstrated by electrochemical characterization in several electrolytes and finally by employing the proton trap material as the cathode in lithium and sodium batteries. These findings represent a new concept for enabling high potential organic materials for the next generation of energy storage systems.
Cervical artery dissection expands the cardiovascular phenotype in FBN1‐related Weill–Marchesani syndrome
Authors: Newell Kelsey , Smith Wendy , Ghoshhajra Brian , Isselbacher Eric , Lin Angela , Lindsay Mark E.
Published: July 2017

Weill–Marchesani syndrome (WMS) is a rare form of acromelic dysplasia that is characterized by distinctive skeletal, ocular, and cardiovascular abnormalities. Previously described cardiac manifestations of WMS include aortic and pulmonary valve stenosis, mitral valve prolapse, mitral stenosis, and QTc prolongation. Autosomal dominant forms of WMS result from heterozygous pathogenic variants in FBN1, a gene with a well characterized role in the pathogenesis of thoracic aortic aneurysm (TAA) in the context of Marfan syndrome. In contrast, only one patient has been reported with aortic disease in WMS. Although the risk of aortic dissection from preceding TAA remains the leading cause of morbidity for individuals with Marfan syndrome, rare reports of arterial dissection in the peripheral vasculature have been described. Peripheral artery dissection has not been previously reported in other FBN1‐related diseases. We describe a three generation family with FBN1‐related WMS whose cardiovascular manifestations include TAA and cervical artery dissection, thus expanding the cardiovascular phenotype of WMS. Further research is required to quantify these risks and establish appropriate recommendations for cardiovascular imaging, medical management, and prophylactic surgical intervention in individuals with FBN1­‐related acromelic dysplasia.
Semihydrogenation of Acetylene on Indium Oxide: Proposed Single‐Ensemble Catalysis
Authors: Albani Davide , Capdevila‐Cortada Marçal , Vilé Gianvito , Mitchell Sharon , Martin Oliver , López Núria , Pérez‐Ramírez Javier
Published: July 2017

Indium oxide catalyzes acetylene hydrogenation with high selectivity to ethylene (>85 %); even with a large excess of the alkene. In situ characterization reveals the formation of oxygen vacancies under reaction conditions, while an in depth theoretical analysis links the surface reduction with the creation of well‐defined vacancies and surrounding In3O5 ensembles, which are considered responsible for this outstanding catalytic function. This behavior, which differs from that of other common reducible oxides, originates from the presence of four crystallographically inequivalent oxygen sites in the indium oxide surface. These resulting ensembles are 1) stable against deactivation, 2) homogeneously and densely distributed, and 3) spatially isolated and confined against transport; thereby broadening the scope of oxides in hydrogenation catalysis.
Managing a contested cultural heritage place on K’gari (Fraser Island), Queensland, Australia
Authors: WEISSE ANNA , ROSS ANNE
Published: July 2017

Contestation of culturally significant places is a phenomenon that is regularly encountered in heritage management. Takky Wooroo (Indian Head), on World Heritage–inscribed K’gari (Fraser Island), is no exception. The research presented in this paper uses a multi‐vocal methodology situated within the constructivist paradigm of “Indigenous archaeologies” to evaluate contested evidence for cultural and historical significance at Takky Wooroo.

Much of the contestation relates to whether or not Takky Wooroo was the site of a massacre in the nineteenth century and if so, how this impacts on the management of the place. Evidence for the massacre is investigated using oral history from Traditional Owners as well as archival sources. Perceptions of the headland held by Traditional Owners, tourists and other stakeholders are assessed as the basis for a review of management strategies for this contested place.

Themes of memorialisation and association are explored and, in the absence of tangible “scientific” evidence to link Takky Wooroo with its past uses, the inclusion of intangible understandings, such as Indigenous Knowledge, are shown to be paramount in assigning significance. In particular, we argue that memorialisation, association and the archaeology of absence allow the historically documented massacre event to be linked with Takky Wooroo in a manner that is not possible through material culture assessment alone.
Undergraduate research as curriculum
Authors: Dolan Erin L.
Published: July 2017

To date, national interests, policies, and calls for transformation of undergraduate education have been the main drivers of research integration into the undergraduate curriculum, briefly described here. The New Horizons in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Education conference at the Weizmann Institute of Science (Israel) this fall presents an exciting opportunity to discuss integration of undergraduate research into the curriculum and other cutting‐edge topics in biochemistry and molecular biology education from a cross‐national perspective. I look forward to exploring prospects for international collaboration on research and development of course‐based undergraduate research experiences and on STEM education in general. © 2017 by The International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, 45(4):293–298, 2017.
Management of atrial fibrillation and concomitant coronary artery disease
Authors: Martin R. I. R. , Bates M. G. D.
Published: July 2017

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common sustained cardiac arrhythmia and associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Coronary artery disease (CAD) frequently coexists with AF, and management of these associated conditions can be challenging. Bleeding risks of different combinations of evidence‐based antithrombotic regimes need to be considered and the effects of different medical therapies for AF or CAD may impact on the other condition. This article reviews the current guidance and consensus statements of the ESC on the management of AF and CAD. The principles of AF management in the context of CAD are considered including upstream therapies to prevent AF, early identification, and antithrombotic risk assessment, and symptomatic rate and rhythm control strategies. Specific scenarios and an illustrative case are discussed to highlight clinical relevance.

Answer questions and earn CME: https://wileyhealthlearning.com/Activity2/5381990/Activity.aspx
Organocatalytic Asymmetric Vinylogous Michael Reactions
Authors: Yin Yanli , Jiang Zhiyong
Published: July 2017

Since R. C. Fuson formulated the principle of vinylogy, this platform has been extensively developed through combining diverse predominant chemical transformations. Among them, asymmetric vinylogous Michael reaction has been recognized as an efficient method to build chiral 1,7‐dioxo C chains (1,9‐dioxo C chains for bisvinylogous manifold) with diverse functional groups, which provides robust approaches to access numerous chiral compounds with pharmaceutical importance. In this review, the advances in the area of organocatalytic asymmetric vinylogous Michael reactions on the period from 2014 to nowadays are discussed, including the current scope, limitations of the transformations and applications in asymmetric synthesis of complex and valuable compounds.
Effect of Reduction Treatment on CO Oxidation with CeO2 Nanorod‐Supported CuOx Catalysts
Authors: Mock Samantha A. , Zell Elizabeth T. , Hossain Shaikh T. , Wang Ruigang
Published: July 2017

Understanding the correlation of thermal treatment with catalyst activity provides mechanistic information about how the catalysts can be activated or deactivated. In this paper, we report that a comparative study was conducted on CeO2 nanorod‐supported CuOx catalysts before and after reduction treatment to gain insight on the effects of the copper oxidation state and catalyst–support interfacial interactions on CO oxidation. X‐ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, hydrogen temperature‐programmed reduction (H2‐TPR), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) were used in a comprehensive way to study the effects of CuOx (0≤x≤1) composition as well as their spatial distribution on CeO2 nanorods on the H2 consumption and CO oxidation of the catalysts. These techniques were then used to gain a better understanding of the correlation between the different copper species (α, β, and γ‐type CuOx) and the multiple reduction (H2 consumption) peaks, found in the H2‐TPR data during the first run and during in situ reduction and redox cycling experiments. Also concluded from this study is that an abundance of surface defects are found on CeO2 nanorods from high‐resolution TEM, which consequently may be critical to strong CuOx(0≤x≤1)–CeO2−x(0≤x≤0.5) interactions, therefore resulting in the improved low‐temperature catalytic activity.
Triphenylamine‐Functionalized Silsesquioxane‐Based Hybrid Porous Polymers: Tunable Porosity and Luminescence for Multianalyte Detection
Authors: Shen Rong , Liu Yun , Yang Wenyan , Hou Yuqi , Zhao Xiaoling , Liu Hongzhi
Published: July 2017

A series of hybrid luminescent porous polymers (HLPPs) are synthesized through Friedel–Crafts reactions by tuning the molar ratio of triphenylamine (TPA) to octavinylsilsesquioxane (OVS). The synthesized HLPPs exhibit high Brunauer–Emmett–Teller surface areas up to 841±10 m2 g−1, high thermal stability with decomposition temperatures (Td at 5 wt %) up to 440 °C in air, and strong blue–violet luminescence at approximately 450 nm. The porosities and luminescent properties of the HLPPs, including emission wavelength, intensity, fluorescence quantum yield, and monochromaticity, can be tuned easily by modulating the molar ratio of TPA to OVS. In addition, the polymers may serve as excellent fluorescent probes for multianalyte detection, with high fluorescence quenching coefficients (KSV) of 8900 and 4400 m−1 for Fe3+ and Cu2+, respectively.
Synthesis of Amidines from Amides Using a Nickel‐Catalyzed Decarbonylative Amination through CO Extrusion Intramolecular Recombination Fragment Coupling
Authors: Liu Xiangqian , Yue Huifeng , Jia Jiaqi , Guo Lin , Rueping Magnus
Published: July 2017

A catalytic synthesis of amidines from amides has been established for the first time. The newly developed CO extrusion recombination process takes advantage of an inexpensive nickel(II) catalyst and provides the corresponding amidines with high efficiency. The intramolecular fragment coupling shows excellent chemoselectivity, starts from readily available amides, and provides a valuable alternative amidine synthesis protocol.
Conserved hydrophobic residues in the CARP/β‐sheet domain of cyclase‐associated protein are involved in actin monomer regulation
Authors: Iwase Shohei , Ono Shoichiro
Published: July 2017

Cyclase‐associated protein (CAP) is a multidomain protein that promotes actin filament dynamics. The C‐terminal region of CAP contains a CAP and X‐linked retinitis pigmentosa 2 protein (CARP) domain (or a β‐sheet domain), which binds to actin monomer and is essential for enhancing exchange of actin‐bound nucleotides. However, how the CARP domain binds to actin is not clearly understood. Here, we report that conserved hydrophobic residues in the CARP domain play important roles in the function of CAP to regulate actin dynamics. Single mutations of three conserved surface‐exposed hydrophobic residues in the CARP domain of CAS‐2, aCaenorhabditis elegansCAP, significantly reduce its binding to actin monomers and suppress its nucleotide exchange activity on actin. As a result, these mutants are weaker than wild‐type to compete with ADF/cofilin to promote recycling of actin monomers for polymerization. A double mutation (V367A/I373A) eliminates these actin‐regulatory functions of CAS‐2. These hydrophobic residues and previously identified functional residues are scattered on a concave β‐sheet of the CARP domain, suggesting that a wide area of the β‐sheet is involved in binding to actin. These observations suggest that the CARP domain of CAP binds to actin in a distinct manner from other known actin‐binding proteins.
Colloidal Clusters of Plasmonic Nanoparticles with Controlled Topological Parameters
Authors: Lee Seunghoon , Kang Seungwoo , Kim Jaeyoung , Wy Younghyun , Han Sang Woo
Published: July 2017

Devising colloidal nanoparticle assemblies with finely tuned topological parameters is critical to the development of efficient and reliable plasmonic platforms that can enable promising applications, such as surface‐enhanced Raman scattering (SERS). Here, we report a facile synthesis strategy for the preparation of stable colloidal clusters of Au nanoparticles (Au NPCs) with well‐controlled structural parameters, including the average number and size of constituent nanoparticles and the size of interparticle gaps, in which the galvanic replacement of Ag nanoprisms with controlled amount of Au precursors yielded Au NPCs with maneuvered particle sizes, while the other structural factors were intact. The present approach could allow the precise exploration of the influence of particle size on the SERS activity of nanoparticle assemblies. Notably, the prepared Au NPCs showed different particle‐size dependency of their SERS activity along with the change in analyte concentration. Finite difference time domain simulation studies revealed that the experimental results can be correlated with the relative contributions of the magnitude of near‐field enhancement and areal density of hot spots in the Au NPCs, which are determined by the size of constituent nanoparticles. This study therefore provides key design guidelines to optimize the plasmonic function of nanostructure assemblies.
Microscopy and Image Analysis
Authors: McNamara George , Difilippantonio Michael , Ried Thomas , Bieber Frederick R.
Published: July 2017

This unit provides an overview of light microscopy, including objectives, light sources, filters, film, and color photography for fluorescence microscopy and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). We believe there are excellent opportunities for cytogeneticists, pathologists, and other biomedical readers, to take advantage of specimen optical clearing techniques and expansion microscopy—we briefly point to these new opportunities. © 2017 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Influence of renal impairment on aldosterone status, calcium metabolism, and vasopressin activity in outpatients with systolic heart failure
Authors: Bosselmann Helle , Tonder Niels , Sölétormos György , Gaborit Freja , Rossing Kasper , Iversen Kasper , Goetze Jens Peter , Gustafsson Finn , Schou Morten
Published: July 2017

Aims

Renal dysfunction (RD) is associated with increased morbidity and mortality in heart failure (HF). At present, no specific treatment for patients with RD, to prevent progression of HF, has been developed. How different hormone axes—and thereby potential treatment options—are affected by RD in HF warrants further investigations.

Methods and results

Patients with left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) <0.45% were enrolled prospectively from an outpatient HF clinic. Glomerular filtration rate was estimated by the Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration equation (eGFR), and patients were grouped by eGFR: eGFR group I, ≥90 mL/min/1.73 m2; eGFR group II, 60–89 mL/min/1.73 m2; and eGFR group III, ≤59 mL/min/1.73 m2. Multivariate linear regression models were developed to evaluate the associations between eGFR groups and hormones. A total of 149 patients participated in the study. Median age was 69 [interquartile range (IQR): 64–73] and 26% were female; LVEF was 33% (IQR: 27–39), 78% were in functional class II–III, median eGFR was 74 (54–89) mL/min/1.73 m2, and median N‐terminal pro‐brain natriuretic peptide was 1303 pg/mL (IQR: 441–2740). RD was associated with increased aldosterone, parathyroid hormone (PTH), and copeptin concentrations (P < 0.05 for all) after adjustment for traditional confounders and medical treatment.

Conclusions

RD is associated with increased concentrations of aldosterone, PTH, and copeptin in systolic HF outpatients. Our results underscore the importance of treatment with mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist in systolic HF in particular in patients with RD and suggest that vasopressin and parathyroid receptor antagonism are potential treatment options in HF patients with known RD.
{[Ln(hfac)3]2[Cu(hfac)2]3(NIT‐Pyrim)2(H2O)2} (LnIII = Gd, Ho, Er): Unique Nitronyl Nitroxide Bridged 3d–4f Heterometallic Clusters
Authors: Li Cun , Li Hongdao , Xie Jing , Yang Meng , Wang Xiufeng , Li Licun
Published: July 2017

A series of novel 3d–4f heterometallic complexes involving pyrimidine‐substituted nitronyl nitroxide radicals with the formula {[Ln(hfac)3]2[Cu(hfac)2]3(NIT‐Pyrim)2(H2O)2} [LnIII = Gd (1), Ho (2), Er (3); NIT‐Pyrim = 2‐(5‐pyrimidinyl)‐4,4,5,5‐tetramethylimidazoline‐1‐oxyl‐3‐oxide] have been isolated and characterized in terms of structure and magnetism. These 2p–3d–4f compounds consist of CuII3LnIII2 pentanuclear clusters in which two NIT‐Pyrim radicals act as µ3 bridges. All compounds display ferromagnetic interactions between the radicals and metal ions. Slow magnetic relaxation was observed in the Ho complex, which represents the first example of a radical–Ho cluster exhibiting magnetic relaxation behavior.
Synthesis and Evaluation of the Antitumor Properties of a Small Collection of PtII Complexes with 7‐Deazaadenosine as Scaffold
Authors: D'Errico Stefano , Borbone Nicola , Piccialli Vincenzo , Di Gennaro Elena , Zotti Andrea , Budillon Alfredo , Vitagliano Carlo , Piccialli Ilaria , Oliviero Giorgia
Published: July 2017

Herein we report on the synthesis and evaluation of the preliminary antitumor properties of a small collection of platinum(II) complexes in which a cisplatin‐like unit is tethered to 7‐deazaadenosine through linear alkyl chains (from two to six carbon atoms) installed at the purine C6 position. The complexation was performed by exploiting the reactivity of the bidentate amino ligands (R)‐ and (S)‐2,3‐diaminopropanoic acids (DAPA) attached to the end of the alkyl chain spacer. By varying the length of the alkyl chain and the chirality of the DAPA moiety we obtained 10 novel nucleoside–platinum complexes, the anticancer properties of which have been evaluated against the A549 and Cal27 human cancer cell lines.
Optical Control of Antimicrobial Activity in Quinolone Derivatives
Authors: Contreras‐García Elena , Martínez‐López David , Alonso Carla Andrea , Lozano Carmen , Torres Carmen , Rodríguez Miguel A. , Campos Pedro J. , Sampedro Diego
Published: July 2017

A series of photoswitchable compounds based on the antibiotics nalidixic acid and ciprofloxacin has been designed and prepared. Different photoactive moieties have been used as templates in order to allow for the photocontrol of the antimicrobial properties while providing the adequate photophysical features and solubility required for practical applications. The designed compounds feature strong absorptions up to the visible region, are water‐soluble and photoisomerize with high quantum yield. In the best case, a clear difference in the antimicrobial activity expressed as the minimal inhibitory concentration between the initial and the irradiated species was found. The complementary computational study allowed for the rationalization of the results found.
Sex differences in the decoding of pain‐related body postures
Authors: Walsh J. , Eccleston C. , Keogh E.
Published: July 2017

Background

Pain can be detected through nonverbal cues, including facial expressions, vocalisations, and body posture. While there are sex differences in how emotional expressions are recognized, these differences have not always been found for pain. One reason for this inconsistency may be methodological, as pain studies tend not to be designed to investigate individual differences in expression recognition. Also, few studies consider sex differences outside facial expression.

Methods

This study applied an image degradation method used to examine individual differences in emotion recognition, to investigate sex differences in the decoding of pain body postures. Forty participants (20 male) were presented with a series of body posture images depicting pain at differing levels of image degradation. Happiness, anger and sadness expressions were also included for comparison.

Results

Results showed significant effects of image degradation, affect type, and actor sex. Females were rated as presenting more intense pain than males; this pattern was also found for fear, but not anger or happiness. The accuracy of pain intensity judgements was reduced as image clarity decreased. Male actors depicting pain were recognized with greater accuracy than female actors. Interestingly, similar patterns were found for anger and fear expressions.

Conclusions

We conclude that sex has a significant influence on pain decoding under certain conditions, and while there are similarities with the way pain and core emotions are decoded, this may depend on the type of emotion presented. This also suggests that sex‐related effects in the recognition of pain expressions may include body postural cues.

Significance

Observer's judgements of pain displayed through body postures are driven by the sex of the person in pain.
A high‐order flux reconstruction adaptive mesh refinement method for magnetohydrodynamics on unstructured grids
Authors: Yang Jingjing , Liang Chunlei
Published: July 2017

We report our recent development of the high‐order flux reconstruction adaptive mesh refinement (AMR) method for magnetohydrodynamics (MHD). The resulted framework features a shock‐capturing duo of AMR and artificial resistivity (AR), which can robustly capture shocks and rotational and contact discontinuities with a fraction of the cell counts that are usually required. In our previous paper, we have presented a shock‐capturing framework on hydrodynamic problems with artificial diffusivity and AMR. Our AMR approach features a tree‐free, direct‐addressing approach in retrieving data across multiple levels of refinement. In this article, we report an extension to MHD systems that retains the flexibility of using unstructured grids. The challenges due to complex shock structures and divergence‐free constraint of magnetic field are more difficult to deal with than those of hydrodynamic systems. The accuracy of our solver hinges on 2 properties to achieve high‐order accuracy on MHD systems: removing the divergence error thoroughly and resolving discontinuities accurately. A hyperbolic divergence cleaning method with multiple subiterations is used for the first task. This method drives away the divergence error and preserves conservative forms of the governing equations. The subiteration can be accelerated by absorbing a pseudo time step into the wave speed coefficient, therefore enjoys a relaxed CFL condition. The AMR method rallies multiple levels of refined cells around various shock discontinuities, and it coordinates with the AR method to obtain sharp shock profiles. The physically consistent AR method localizes discontinuities and damps the spurious oscillation arising in the curl of the magnetic field. The effectiveness of the AMR and AR combination is demonstrated to be much more powerful than simply adding AR on finer and finer mesh, since the AMR steeply reduces the required amount of AR and confines the added artificial diffusivity and resistivity to a narrower and narrower region. We are able to verify the designed high‐order accuracy in space by using smooth flow test problems on unstructured grids. The efficiency and robustness of this framework are fully demonstrated through a number of two‐dimensional nonsmooth ideal MHD tests. We also successfully demonstrate that the AMR method can help significantly save computational cost for the Orszag‐Tang vortex problem.
OO bond homolysis in hydrogen peroxide
Authors: Sandhiya Lakshmanan , Zipse Hendrik
Published: July 2017

OO bond homolysis in hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) has been studied using theoretical methods of four conceptually different types: hybrid DFT (B3LYP, M06‐2X), double‐hybrid DFT (B2‐PLYP), coupled‐cluster (CCSD(T)), and multiconfigurational (CASPT2). In addition, the effects of basis set size have also been analyzed. For all of these methods, the OO bond homolysis in hydrogen peroxide has been found to proceed through hydrogen bonded radical pair complexes. Reaction barriers for collapse of the radical pairs to hydrogen peroxide are minute, leading to an overall very flat potential energy surface. However, hydrogen bonding energies in the radical pair complex expressed as the energy difference to two separate hydroxyl radicals are sizeable and exceed 10 kJ/mol for all theoretical methods considered in this study. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Covariate and parameter uncertainty in non‐stationary rainfall IDF curve
Authors: Agilan V. , Umamahesh N. V.
Published: July 2017

Since the substantial evidence of non‐stationarity in the extreme rainfall series is already reported, the current realm of hydrologic research focusing on developing methodologies for a non‐stationary rainfall condition. As the rainfall intensity duration frequency (IDF) curve is primarily used in storm water management and infrastructure design, developing rainfall IDF curves in a non‐stationary context is a current interest of water resource researchers. In order to construct non‐stationary rainfall IDF curve, the probability distribution's parameters are allowed to change according to covariate value and the current practice is to use time as a covariate. However, the covariate can be any physical process and the recent studies show that the direct use of time as a covariate may increase the bias. Moreover, the significance of selecting covariate in developing non‐stationary rainfall IDF curve is yet to be explored. Therefore, this study aims to find the uncertainties in rainfall return levels due to the choice of the covariate (covariate uncertainty). In addition, since the uncertainty in parameter estimates (parameter uncertainty) is the major source of uncertainty in the stationary IDF curve, the relative significance of covariate uncertainty, when compared to the parameter uncertainty, is also explored. The study results reveal that the covariate uncertainty is significant, especially when a number of covariates produce significantly superior non‐stationary model and, remarkably, it is nearly equivalent to the parameter uncertainty in such cases.
Radar‐based summer precipitation climatology of the Czech Republic
Authors: Bližňák Vojtěch , Kašpar Marek , Müller Miloslav
Published: July 2017

To assess the climatology of the Czech Republic (CR) with a high spatial (1 km) resolution, this study uses radar‐based precipitation data collected over the summer seasons of a 10‐year period (2002–2011). Radar reflectivity data were obtained from two C‐band Doppler weather radars, integrated in time and merged with daily precipitation totals from rain gauge measurements. Using radar measurements, daily adjusted precipitation totals were later divided into 10‐min precipitation totals that were continuously accumulated in a series of time windows ranging from 30 min to 24 h. This climatological analysis confirms that altitude substantially influences not only the spatial distribution of mean precipitation but also the spatial distribution of precipitation maxima as well as the diurnal cycle of precipitation in the CR. While the 24‐h totals are generally maximal in mountains, mean and absolute seasonal maxima of short‐term totals (up to 1 and 6 h, respectively) are detected in altitudes between 300 and 600 m a.s.l. Regarding the diurnal cycle, maximum frequency of precipitation occurs 2 h earlier in the mountains, whereas mean totals remain at the same level until 2100 UTC. The mean time during which precipitation maxima occur generally does not change with altitude. Nevertheless, a detailed regional study demonstrates that short‐term precipitation maxima usually start earlier in the afternoon in and around mountainous regions. Long‐term (mainly 6‐h) precipitation maxima occur later than short ones but are substantially less concentrated in time, especially in the mountains. These differences between mountains and lowlands can be explained by smaller relative proportions and earlier onset of convective precipitation in mountains.
Comparative efficacy of Bentonite clay, activated charcoal and Trichosporon mycotoxinivorans in regulating the feed‐to‐tissue transfer of mycotoxins
Authors: Bhatti Sheraz Ahmed , Khan Muhammad Zargham , Hassan Zahoor Ul , Saleemi Muhammad Kashif , Saqib Muhammad , Khatoon Aisha , Akhter Masood
Published: July 2017

BACKGROUND

Mycotoxins contamination in animal products and by‐products is a persistent threat to the food and feed industry. The present study was designed to evaluate the comparative inhibitory effects of Bentonite (BN), activated charcoal (AC) and a newly discovered yeast, Trichosporon mycotoxinivorans (TM), against feed‐to‐tissue transfer of mycotoxins.

RESULTS

A dose dependent increase as determined by HPLC, in the residues of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) and ochratoxin A (OTA) was exhibited in the groups of birds fed AFB1 and OTA alone. The dietary addition of BN and AC to AFB1‐contaminated diets resulted in a 41–87% and 16–72% decrease in AFB1 residues in liver of the birds, respectively. However, this decrease was non‐significant with addition of TM as AFB1 binder. A partial to non‐significant protection was observed by dietary BN and AC, against OTA residues, while a significant decrease in OTA residues (38–84%) was noted in TM‐OTA co‐fed groups.

CONCLUSION

The order of efficacy in terms of lowering AFB1 residues in the liver was BN > AC > TM, while against OTA it was TM > BN > AC. The findings of present study suggest that, based upon the nature of target mycotoxins, a mixture of multi‐mycotoxins binders/detoxifiers should be incorporated in the animal feeds. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Scrotal insulation and sperm production in the boar
Authors: Parrish John J. , Willenburg Kilby L. , Gibbs Katelynn M. , Yagoda Kylie B. , Krautkramer Megan M. , Loether Teyanna M. , Melo Fabiana C.S.A.
Published: July 2017

Seasonal infertility is a limiting factor in boar fertility, and is increasingly important as climate changes. Spermatogenesis in the boar produces 256 spermatozoa per type A1 spermatogonium, but the process is inefficient such that only 10–30% of these potential spermatozoa are actually produced. Heat further impacts spermatogenesis by reducing the number of specific germ cells produced while increasing the fraction of abnormal sperm. Early studies used whole‐animal exposure to simulate seasonal exposure to heat under production settings, but this approach is associated with many confounding factors that make assessment of the mechanisms of heat‐induced damage to spermatogenesis difficult. Scrotal insulation provides a better model to investigate the mechanisms and potential mitigation strategies of heat‐induce damage. For example, scrotal insulation helped identify a link between short‐term heat stress and damage to meiotic germ cells. This outcome is likely due to changes in the integrity of the blood‐testis barrier, which induce apoptosis, autophagy and DNA damage in the germ cells. Further understanding how heat damages spermatogenesis, and whether or not this can be repaired, are crucial to mitigating heat effects on boars in production settings.
Cross‐linking and properties of rubber magnetic composites cured with different curing systems
Authors: Kruželák Ján , Chodák Ivan , Mošková Daniela Jochec , Dosoudil Rastislav , Hudec Ivan
Published: July 2017

Rubber magnetic composites were prepared by incorporation of strontium ferrite into rubber compounds based on acrylonitrile butadiene rubber and ethylene propylene diene monomer rubber. The sulfur, peroxide, and mixed sulfur/peroxide curing systems were introduced as cross‐linking agents for rubber matrices. The aim was to investigate the influence of curing system composition on curing process and cross‐link density of composite materials. Then, static and dynamic mechanical properties and thermal and magnetic characteristics were investigated in relation to the cross‐link density of rubber magnetic composites and structure of the formed cross‐links. The changes of dynamical and physicomechanical properties were in close correlation with the change of cross‐link density, whereas the tensile strength of magnetic composites showed increasing trend with increasing amount of peroxide in mixed curing systems. On the other hand, thermal conductivity and magnetic characteristics were found not to be dependent on the curing system composition.
Practice patterns of palliative radiation therapy in pediatric oncology patients in an international pediatric research consortium
Authors: Rao Avani Dholakia , Chen Qinyu , Ermoian Ralph P. , Alcorn Sara R. , Figueiredo Maria Luisa S. , Chen Michael J. , Dieckmann Karin , MacDonald Shannon M. , Ladra Matthew M. , Kobyzeva Daria , Nechesnyuk Alexey V. , Nilsson Kristina , Ford Eric C. , Winey Brian A. , Villar Rosangela C. , Terezakis Stephanie A.
Published: July 2017

Background/Objectives

The practice of palliative radiation therapy (RT) is based on extrapolation from adult literature. We evaluated patterns of pediatric palliative RT to describe regimens used to identify opportunity for future pediatric‐specific clinical trials.

Design/Methods

Six international institutions with pediatric expertise completed a 122‐item survey evaluating patterns of palliative RT for patients ≤21 years old from 2010 to 2015. Two institutions use proton RT. Palliative RT was defined as treatment with the goal of symptom control or prevention of immediate life‐threatening progression.

Results

Of 3,225 pediatric patients, 365 (11%) were treated with palliative intent to a total of 427 disease sites. Anesthesia was required in 10% of patients. Treatment was delivered to metastatic disease in 54% of patients. Histologies included neuroblastoma (30%), osteosarcoma (18%), leukemia/lymphoma (12%), rhabdomyosarcoma (12%), medulloblastoma/ependymoma (12%), Ewing sarcoma (8%), and other (8%). Indications included pain (43%), intracranial symptoms (23%), respiratory compromise (14%), cord compression (8%), and abdominal distention (6%). Sites included nonspine bone (35%), brain (16% primary tumors, 6% metastases), abdomen/pelvis (15%), spine (12%), head/neck (9%), and lung/mediastinum (5%). Re‐irradiation comprised 16% of cases. Techniques employed three‐dimensional conformal RT (41%), intensity‐modulated RT (23%), conventional RT (26%), stereotactic body RT (6%), protons (1%), electrons (1%), and other (2%). The most common physician‐reported barrier to consideration of palliative RT was the concern about treatment toxicity (83%).

Conclusion

There is significant diversity of practice in pediatric palliative RT. Combined with ongoing research characterizing treatment response and toxicity, these data will inform the design of forthcoming clinical trials to establish effective regimens and minimize treatment toxicity for this patient population.
Optimal radiotherapy target volumes in intracranial nongerminomatous germ cell tumors: Long‐term institutional experience with chemotherapy, surgery, and dose‐ and field‐adapted radiotherapy
Authors: Breen William G. , Blanchard Miran J. , Rao Amulya Nageswara , Daniels David J. , Buckner Jan C. , Laack Nadia N. Issa
Published: July 2017

Purpose

To evaluate patterns of failure after multimodality treatment of nongerminomatous germ cell tumors (NGGCTs).

Materials and methods

We retrospectively reviewed records of 34 patients diagnosed with primary intracranial NGGCT between 1988 and 2014.

Results

Thirty‐four patients received induction chemotherapy followed by radiation with or without surgery. Median follow‐up was 11.1 years (0.8–23.3). Outcomes were significantly improved in these 34 patients (5‐year overall survival [OS]: 88% versus 50%, P = 0.0092), so analysis is restricted to that subset. Disease‐free survival (DFS) was 67, 60, and 54% at 5, 10, and 15 years, respectively. Elevated cerebrospinal fluid–α‐fetoprotein (CSF–AFP) at diagnosis was associated with poorer DFS (37 vs. 89% at 10 years; P = 0.01). There was no statistically significant difference in OS, or DFS, or patterns of failure for limited radiotherapy volumes versus larger volumes; however, patients receiving initial local radiotherapy had 32% distant central nervous system (CNS) recurrence at 10 years compared to 0% for those receiving initial larger field irradiation (P = 0.09). Fifteen patients recurred. All four patients who relapsed in the spine had received local radiotherapy and had elevated serum and CSF‐AFP at baseline. All three patients with ventricular relapse received local radiation therapy.

Conclusions

NGGCT patients continue to relapse beyond 5 years. Late ventricular relapse occurred even in patients without clear evidence of germinoma component. Elevated CSF‐AFP at diagnosis is associated with poor DFS and risk for distant CNS relapse. Patients with residual radiographic disease after chemotherapy or residual malignant histologies after second‐look surgery have inferior outcomes. Our data support consideration of treatment intensification for these patients.
A randomized trial of the effectiveness of the neutropenic diet versus food safety guidelines on infection rate in pediatric oncology patients
Authors: Moody Karen M. , Baker Rebecca A. , Santizo Ruth O. , Olmez Inan , Spies Jeanie M. , Buthmann Amanda , Granowetter Linda , Dulman Robin Y. , Ayyanar Kanyalakshmi , Gill Jonathan B. , Carroll Aaron E.
Published: July 2017

Background

The neutropenic diet (ND) is prescribed to avoid introduction of bacteria into a host's gastrointestinal tract and reduce infection. Due to a lack of evidence to support the ND, there continues to be debate among pediatric oncologists regarding its usefulness. This prospective randomized controlled trial evaluated the difference in neutropenic infection rates in pediatric oncology patients randomized to Food and Drug Administration approved food safety guidelines (FSGs) versus the ND plus FSGs during one cycle of chemotherapy.

Procedure

Pediatric patients receiving cancer treatment with myelosuppressive chemotherapy were eligible. Neutropenic infection was the primary outcome and defined as (i) fever with neutropenia or (ii) hospital admission and treatment for clinical infection and neutropenia. The rate of neutropenic infection was compared with Student's t‐test for independent samples. Documented infections were identified by comprehensive chart review and compared between groups using a χ2 test.

Results

: One hundred fifty patients were randomly assigned to FSGs (n = 73) or ND + FSGs (n = 77). The most common diagnoses were acute lymphoblastic leukemia (32%) and sarcoma (32%). There was no significant difference between the groups in the percentage of patients who developed neutropenic infection: FSGs 33% versus ND + FSGs 35% (P = 0.78). Patients randomized to ND + FSGs reported that following the diet required more effort than those on FSGs alone.

Conclusion

The ND offers no benefit over FSGs in the prevention of infection in pediatric oncology patients undergoing myelosuppressive chemotherapy and adherence requires more effort for patients and families. Institutions caring for children with cancer should consider replacing ND guidelines with FSGs.
Temperature‐dependent thermal conductivity of flexible yttria‐stabilized zirconia substrate via 3ω technique
Authors: Singh Shivkant , Yarali Milad , Shervin Shahab , Venkateswaran Venkat , Olenick Kathy , Olenick John A. , Ryou Jae‐Hyun , Mavrokefalos Anastassios
Published: July 2017

Thermal management in flexible electronic has proven to be challenging thereby limiting the development of flexible devices with high power densities. To truly enable the technological implementation of such devices, it is imperative to develop highly thermally conducting flexible substrates that are fully compatible with large‐scale fabrication. Here, we present the thermal conductivity of state‐of‐the‐art flexible yttria‐stabilized zirconia (YSZ) substrates measured using the 3ω technique, which is already commercially manufactured via roll‐to‐roll technique. We observe that increasing the grain size increases the thermal conductivity of the flexible 3 mol.% YSZ, while the flexibility and transparency of the sample are hardly affected by the grain size enlargement. We exhibit thermal conductivity values of up to 4.16 Wm−1 K−1 that is at least 4 times higher than state‐of‐the‐art polymeric flexible substrates. Phonon‐hopping model (PHM) for granular material was used to fit the measured thermal conductivity and accurately define the thermal transport mechanism. Our results show that through grain size optimization, YSZ flexible substrates can be realized as flexible substrates, that pave new avenues for future novel application in flexible electronics through the utilization of both their ceramic structural flexibility and high heat dissipating capability.
A joint logistic regression and covariate‐adjusted continuous‐time Markov chain model
Authors: Rubin Maria Laura , Chan Wenyaw , Yamal Jose‐Miguel , Robertson Claudia Sue
Published: July 2017

The use of longitudinal measurements to predict a categorical outcome is an increasingly common goal in research studies. Joint models are commonly used to describe two or more models simultaneously by considering the correlated nature of their outcomes and the random error present in the longitudinal measurements. However, there is limited research on joint models with longitudinal predictors and categorical cross‐sectional outcomes. Perhaps the most challenging task is how to model the longitudinal predictor process such that it represents the true biological mechanism that dictates the association with the categorical response. We propose a joint logistic regression and Markov chain model to describe a binary cross‐sectional response, where the unobserved transition rates of a two‐state continuous‐time Markov chain are included as covariates. We use the method of maximum likelihood to estimate the parameters of our model. In a simulation study, coverage probabilities of about 95%, standard deviations close to standard errors, and low biases for the parameter values show that our estimation method is adequate. We apply the proposed joint model to a dataset of patients with traumatic brain injury to describe and predict a 6‐month outcome based on physiological data collected post‐injury and admission characteristics. Our analysis indicates that the information provided by physiological changes over time may help improve prediction of long‐term functional status of these severely ill subjects. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cu(II) and Ni(II) Complexes of Anthracene‐Affixed Schiff Base: A Conflict between Covalent and Stacking Interactions with DNA Bases
Authors: Kathiresan Sellamuthu , Annaraj Jamespandi , Bhuvanesh Nattamai S. P.
Published: July 2017

Four new mononuclear complexes [Cu(L1)Cl2] (1), [Ni(L1)Cl2] (2), [Cu(L2)Cl2] (3) and [Ni(L2)Cl2] (4), where L1 (1‐(anthracen‐9‐yl)‐N‐(1H‐benzo[d]imidazole‐2‐yl)methanimine) and L2 (1‐(anthracen‐9‐yl)‐N‐(benzo[d]thiazol‐2yl)methanimine) have been synthesized and characterized by various spectral and electro analytical techniques. The molecular structure of the ligands L1 and L2 were determined by the single crystal XRD method. The absorption and emission spectral approaches revealed that these complexes may partially be stacking in between the DNA bases. In contrast, the possibility of their covalent interaction was evaluated through the cyclic voltammetric techniques. All these obtained results revealed that the complexes 1‐4 could interact with HS‐DNA via covalent/partial intercalation modes and the quenching mechanism of BSA by all these complexes are through static mode. In addition, the in vitro cytotoxicity of the complexes on human gastric cancer cell lines have been observed by MTT and the fluorescence‐based morphological assessment obtained using Hoechst 33342 staining reveals that these complexes induces apoptosis against AGS cancer cells, among them best result was obtained for complex 3 (8.9 μM).
Graphene oxide : A No‐Acid Low‐Temperature Synthesis from Graphite
Authors: Pakhira Bholanath , Samanta Ankit , Das Gouri S , Sarkar Sabyasachi
Published: July 2017

Graphite responds to nitro addition by NO2 radical and the nitro derivative isomerizes to energetically favorable nirito form under ambient condition. This derivative readily hydrolyzed in forming poly‐hydroxylated graphene, “graphenol”. The (graph)‐enol responds to irreversible transformation in its keto form with 1,4 hydrogen shift yielding the graphene oxide (GO) as the end product that also possesses C−H bonds. The conventional methodology used in synthesizing GO under strong acid medium inherently follow this NO2 and similar sigma centric free radical addition reactions. These energy released reactions are supported by density functional theoretical (DFT) calculation.
Highly Efficient Metal‐Free Visible Light Driven Photocatalyst: Graphene Oxide/Polythiophene Composite
Authors: Yu Yue , Yang Qiqi , Yu Xi , Lu Qingye , Hong Xinlin
Published: July 2017

Graphene oxide/polythiophene (GO/PTh) composites were synthesized by in‐situ polymerization of thiophene (Th) monomers on GO surfaces. Remarkable performance of GO/PTh composites for methylene blue (MB) photo‐degradation under visible light has been achieved by tuning GO/Th ratio and graphene oxidation degrees. 100 % MB degradation was achieved by the composite within 30 min under visible light, its catalytic activity (0.1149 min−1) is 382 and 41 times higher than that of PTh (0.0003 min−1) and GO (0.0028 min−1), respectively. The results of MB adsorption experiment, ultraviolet‐visible (UV‐vis) and photoluminescence (PL) spectra show that combination of GO and PTh increases MB adsorption, decreases the band gap and enhances photo‐electron transfer. The composite with 36 % PTh (at the fed GO/Th weight ratio of 1:2) shows the highest catalytic activity where MB adsorption ability by GO and photo‐electron producing ability by PTh in the composite is well matched. The catalytic activity can be further enhanced by changing graphene oxidation degree by controlling graphite/KMnO4 ratio and post‐reaction time during GO preparation. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and X‐ray photo‐electron (XPS) spectroscopy analyses have shown that increasing oxidation degree of GO leads to a stronger π‐π interaction between GO and PTh and a more electron‐rich PTh, resulting in higher catalytic activity.