bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Blue emitting materials containing dibenzo[b,d]furan and dibenzo[b,d]thiophene for organic light-emitting diodes
Authors: Lee Hyun Woo , Jeong Sujin , Lee Song Eun , Kim Young Kwan , Yoon Seung Soo
Published: May 2016

In this study, we designed and synthesized three blue emitting materials containing dibenzo[b,d]furan and dibenzo[b,d]thiophene. To investigate the electroluminescence (EL) properties, we fabricated devices with following sequences: indium–tin-oxide (180 nm)/N,N′-diphenyl-N,N′-(1-napthyl)-(1,1′-phenyl)-4,4′-diamine (50 nm)/blue emitters (30 nm)/bathophenanthroline (30 nm)/lithium quinolate (2 nm)/Al (100 nm). A device using 1,4-bis(dibenzo[b,d]furan-4-yl)naphthalene showed the deep-blue emission with 1.34% of external quantum efficiency at 30 mA/cm2. The Commission Internationale de l’Eclairage (CIE) coordinates

of this device was

at 6.0 V.
Polymer-based candle-shaped microneedle electrodes for electroencephalography on hairy skin
Authors: Arai Miyako , Kudo Yuta , Miki Norihisa
Published: May 2016

In this paper, we report on the optimization of the shape of dry microneedle electrodes for electroencephalography (EEG) on hairy locations and compare the electrodes we developed with conventional wet electrodes. We propose the use of SU-8-based candle-shaped microneedle electrodes (CMEs), which have pillars of 1.0 mm height and 0.4 mm diameter with a gap of 0.43 mm between pillars. Microneedles are formed on the top of the pillars. The shape was determined by how well the pillars can avoid hairs and support the microneedles to penetrate through the stratum corneum. The skin–electrode contact impedances of the fabricated CMEs were found to be higher and less stable than those of conventional wet electrodes. However, the CMEs successfully acquired signals with qualities as good as those of conventional wet electrodes. Given the usability of the CMEs, which do not require skin preparation or gel, they are promising alternatives to conventional wet electrodes.
Sociedade, Mulher e Profissão
Authors: Carvalho Rutineia Oliveira
Published: May 2016

Este artigo de revisão se propõe efetuar uma abordagem acerca da trajetória da mulher na sociedade, no mercado de trabalho e a sua relação com a profissão de Secretariado Executivo, por estarem intimamente associadas, mulher e a respectiva profissão. As mulheres colecionam na sua história luta pelo pleno exercício da cidadania (direitos de igualdade entre os gêneros) e o recorrente desafio de articular trabalho remunerado e responsabilidades domésticas e familiares. São elementos incorporados na cultura, e considerando que as organizações empresariais refletem os valores, a cultura e os paradigmas de uma determinada sociedade, busca-se analisar como esses efeitos se projetam sobre as secretárias executivas. Dessa forma, a questão consiste em saber quais seriam as implicações desse contexto na profissão de Secretariado Executivo na atualidade. O objetivo fundamental é pensar como as transformações sociais, políticas e econômicas do contexto brasileiro afetaram a mulher em relação a mercado de trabalho, arranjos familiares, maternidade e a sua formação profissional, numa perspectiva metodológica histórica e causal-comparativa, tendo em vista indicar as tendências e os desafios para as secretárias executivas. Concluiu-se que é tendência as concentrações femininas em determinadas áreas profissionais, que as escolhas refletem uma clara separação entre os gêneros; que as mulheres escolarizadas tendem a reduzir o número de filhos ou postergar a maternidade para depois da carreira profissional; que ainda recaem sobre as mulheres a maior carga do trabalho doméstico e familiar; e que essa dupla jornada implica para as mulheres secretárias em desafios quanto à ascensão profissional ou de competitividade no mercado de trabalho.
Improving the Prediction of Neonatal Outcomes in Isolated Left‐Sided Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia by Direct and Indirect Sonographic Assessment of Liver Herniation
Authors: Sananes Nicolas , Britto Ingrid , Akinkuotu Adesola C. , Olutoye Oluyinka O. , Cass Darrell L. , Sangi-Haghpeykar Haleh , Lee Timothy C. , Cassady Christopher I. , Mehollin-Ray Amy , Welty Stephen , Fernandes Caraciolo , Belfort Michael A. , Lee Wesley , Ruano Rodrigo
Published: May 2016

Objectives

Liver herniation can be assessed sonographically by either a direct (liver‐to‐thoracic area ratio) or an indirect (stomach position) method. Our objective was to evaluate the utility of those methods to assess liver herniation for the prediction of neonatal outcomes in patients with isolated left‐sided congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH).

Methods

We conducted a retrospective cohort study of all patients with CDH who had prenatal assessment and were delivered at Texas Children's Hospital between January 2004 and April 2014. The predictive value of sonographic parameters for mortality and the need for extracorporeal membrane oxygenation was evaluated by univariate, multivariate, and factor analysis and by receiver operating characteristics curves.

Results

A total of 77 fetuses with isolated left‐sided CDH were analyzed. The lung‐to‐head ratio, liver‐to‐thorax ratio, and stomach position (according to the classifications of Kitano et al [Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol 2011; 37:277–282] and Cordier et al [J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med 2015; 28:190–195]) were significantly associated with both neonatal outcomes (P < .03). Significant correlations were observed between all of these sonographic parameters. A combination of the liver‐to‐thorax ratio and stomach position (Kitano) or stomach position (Cordier) with the lung‐to‐head ratio increased the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of the lung‐to‐head ratio for mortality prediction (0.86 [95% confidence interval, 0.74–0.98], 0.83 [0.72–0.95], and 0.83 [0.74–0.92], respectively).

Conclusions

Sonographic measurements of liver herniation (liver‐to‐thorax ratio and stomach position) are predictive of neonatal outcomes in isolated left‐sided congenital diaphragmatic hernia. Our study shows that the combination of those sonographic measurements of liver herniation and lung size improves the accuracy of predicting mortality in those fetuses.
Diagnostic Performance of Shear Wave Elastography for Predicting Esophageal Varices in Patients With Compensated Liver Cirrhosis
Authors: Kim Tae Yoon , Kim Tae Yeob , Kim Yongsoo , Lim Sanghyeok , Jeong Woo Kyoung , Sohn Joo Hyun
Published: May 2016

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to investigate the diagnostic performance of shear wave elastography (SWE) for predicting the presence of esophageal varices and high‐risk esophageal varices in patients with compensated cirrhosis and to compare it with other nonspecific predictors and according to the presence of splenomegaly.

Methods

Clinical data from 103 patients with compensated cirrhosis who underwent sonography, SWE, and endoscopy were collected consecutively. Liver stiffness was measured by SWE. Comparisons of the accuracy of prediction between groups were made by areas under the receiver operating characteristic curves (AUROCs), and regression analyses were performed for the multiple variables related to the presence of esophageal varices and high‐risk varices.

Results

The optimal cutoff values for predicting the presence of esophageal varices and high‐risk varices were 13.9 and 16.1 kPa, respectively. The AUROC of liver stiffness for prediction of esophageal varices was significantly higher than the AUROCs of platelet count, spleen diameter, and platelet count/spleen diameter ratio (P = .025; P = .001; P = .027). For predicting esophageal varices in patients without splenomegaly, the AUROC of liver stiffness was higher than that of the platelet count/spleen diameter ratio. In multivariate logistic regression analysis, liver stiffness and the platelet count/spleen diameter ratio were independent predictors of esophageal varices (P < .001; P = .038). For the presence of high‐risk varices, only liver stiffness was a statistically significant independent predictor (P = .012).

Conclusions

In patients with compensated cirrhosis, liver stiffness measured by SWE is a new effective noninvasive diagnostic tool for predicting the presence of esophageal varices. It is more accurate than the platelet count/spleen diameter ratio, especially in patients without splenomegaly. In addition, the SWE value was the only effective independent factor for predicting high‐risk esophageal varices.
Sonographic Appearance of the Gallbladder in the Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant Population
Authors: Sarma Asha , Benson Carol B. , Ho Vincent T. , Frates Mary C.
Published: May 2016

Objectives

To determine whether gallbladder sonographic findings in hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) transplant patients can distinguish among hepatobiliary complications of HSC transplants (graft‐versus‐host disease [GVHD] and veno‐occlusive disease) and biliary events (cholecystitis, cholangitis, and choledocholithiasis).

Methods

All HSC transplant patients who underwent gallbladder sonography from 2009 through 2012 were identified. Complications and sonographic findings were recorded.

Results

Of 124 patients, 66 (53.2%) had an event: 33 (50.0%) had GVHD; 22 (33.3%) had veno‐occlusive disease; 6 (9.0%) had a biliary event; 4 (6.0%) had veno‐occlusive disease and GVHD; and 1 (1.5%) had veno‐occlusive disease and a biliary event. Of all patients, 115 (92.7%) had 1 or more sonographic findings in the gallbladder, with sludge being most common in all groups. In patients with veno‐occlusive disease, the second and third most common findings were pericholecystic fluid and wall thickening. In patients with GVHD, distension was the second most common. Patients with biliary events all had distension, and half had pericholecystic fluid. Patients with veno‐occlusive disease were significantly more likely to have wall thickening than those with GVHD or no event (77.2% versus 36.3%; P= .005; and 77.2% versus 37.9%; P= .002) and more likely to have pericholecystic fluid than patients with GVHD (95.5% versus 45.5%; P = .0001), a biliary event (95.5% versus 50%; P = .02), or no event (95.5% versus 29.3%; P = .0001). The positive predictive value of any finding was low for all groups because findings were common in patients with no event.

Conclusions

Sonographic abnormalities of the gallbladder after HSC transplants are common in patients with and without HSC transplant complications and in those with biliary events. No sonographic finding is useful to distinguish among complications in HSC transplant patients.
Satellite estimate of freshwater exchange between the Indonesian Seas and the Indian Ocean via the Sunda Strait
Authors: Potemra James T. , Hacker Peter W. , Melnichenko Oleg , Maximenko Nikolai
Published: May 2016

The straits in Indonesia allow for low‐latitude exchange of water between the Pacific and Indian Oceans. Collectively known as the Indonesian Throughflow (ITF), this exchange is thought to occur primarily via the Makassar Strait and downstream via Lombok Strait, Ombai Strait, and Timor Passage. The Sunda Strait, between the islands of Sumatra and Java, is a very narrow (
) and shallow (
) gap, but it connects the Java Sea directly to the Indian Ocean. Flow through this strait is presumed to be small, given the size of the passage; however, recent observations from the Aquarius satellite indicate periods of significant freshwater transport, suggesting the Sunda Strait may play a more important role in Pacific to Indian Ocean exchange. The nature of this exchange is short‐duration (several days) bursts of freshwater injected into the eastern Indian Ocean superimposed on a mean seasonal cycle. The mean volume transport is small averaging about 0.1 Sv toward the Indian Ocean, but the freshwater transport is nonnegligible (estimated at 5.8 mSv). Transport through the strait is hydraulically controlled and directly correlates to the along‐strait pressure difference. The episodic low‐salinity plumes observed by Aquarius do not, however, appear to be forced by this same mechanism but are instead controlled by convergence of flow at the exit of the Strait in the Indian Ocean. Numerical model results show the fate of this freshwater plume varies with season and is either advected to the northwest along the coast of Sumatra or southerly into the ITF pathway.
Sensitivity of global ocean heat content from reanalyses to the atmospheric reanalysis forcing: A comparative study
Authors: Storto Andrea , Yang Chunxue , Masina Simona
Published: May 2016

The global ocean heat content evolution is a key component of the Earth's energy budget and can be consistently determined by ocean reanalyses that assimilate hydrographic profiles. This work investigates the impact of the atmospheric reanalysis forcing through a multiforcing ensemble ocean reanalysis, where the ensemble members are forced by five state‐of‐the‐art atmospheric reanalyses during the meteorological satellite era (1979–2013). Data assimilation leads the ensemble to converge toward robust estimates of ocean warming rates and significantly reduces the spread (1.48 ± 0.18 W/m2, per unit area of the World Ocean); hence, the impact of the atmospheric forcing appears only marginal for the global heat content estimates in both upper and deeper oceans. A sensitivity assessment performed through realistic perturbation of the main sources of uncertainty in ocean reanalyses highlights that bias correction and preprocessing of in situ observations represent the most crucial component of the reanalysis, whose perturbation accounts for up to 60% of the ocean heat content anomaly variability in the pre‐Argo period. Although these results may depend on the single reanalysis system used, they reveal useful information for the ocean observation community and for the optimal generation of perturbations in ocean ensemble systems.
Modulation of Hypoxia in Solid Tumor Microenvironment with MnO2 Nanoparticles to Enhance Photodynamic Therapy
Authors: Zhu Wenwen , Dong Ziliang , Fu Tingting , Liu Jingjing , Chen Qian , Li Yonggang , Zhu Ran , Xu Ligeng , Liu Zhuang
Published: May 2016

Hypoxia not only promotes tumor metastasis but also strengthens tumor resistance to therapies that demand the involvement of oxygen, such as radiation therapy and photodynamic therapy (PDT). Herein, taking advantage of the high reactivity of manganese dioxide (MnO2) nanoparticles toward endogenous hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) within the tumor microenvironment to generate O2, multifunctional chlorine e6 (Ce6) loaded MnO2 nanoparticles with surface polyethylene glycol (PEG) modification (Ce6@MnO2‐PEG) are formulated to achieve enhanced tumor‐specific PDT. In vitro studies under an oxygen‐deficient atmosphere uncover that Ce6@MnO2‐PEG nanoparticles could effectively enhance the efficacy of light‐induced PDT due to the increased intracellular O2 level benefited from the reaction between MnO2 and H2O2, the latter of which is produced by cancer cells under the hypoxic condition. Owing to the efficient tumor homing of Ce6@MnO2‐PEG nanoparticles upon intravenous injection as revealed by T1‐weighted magnetic resonance imaging, the intratumoral hypoxia is alleviated to a great extent. Thus, in vivo PDT with Ce6@MnO2‐PEG nanoparticles even at a largely reduced dose offers remarkably improved therapeutic efficacy in inhibiting tumor growth compared to free Ce6. The results highlight the promise of modulating unfavorable tumor microenvironment with nanotechnology to overcome current limitations of cancer therapies.
ChemInform Abstract: Structure and Catalytic Activity of NiO/Al2O3 Prepared by Impregnation or Coprecipitation.
Authors: EL‐SHOBAKY G. A. , AL‐NOAIMI A. N. , SABER T. M. H.
Published: May 2016

The effect of the preparation method, metal oxide loading, and calcination temp. (450‐1000 °C) on the surface and catalytic properties of NiO/Al2O3 supported catalysts are investigated by using N2 adsorption at ‐196 °C, XRD, XPS, and catalysis of CO oxidation by O2.
MBBR followed by microfiltration and reverse osmosis as a compact alternative for advanced treatment of a pesticide‐producing industry wastewater towards reuse
Authors: Cao Sandra M. S. , Dezotti Marcia , Bassin João P.
Published: May 2016

The treatment of a chemical industry wastewater with the goal of reuse was evaluated in a three‐step process. First, the industrial waste stream underwent biological treatment in a two‐stage moving‐bed biofilm reactor (MBBR) system, which allowed achieving average effluent chemical oxygen demand (COD), dissolved organic carbon (DOC), ammonium, total nitrogen (TN), and total suspended solids (TSS) concentrations of 45.5, 27.2, 1.0, 34.2, and 210 mg/L, respectively. Salt and TSS concentrations after the MBBR process were still not compatible with the requirements for effluent reuse and the silt density index (SDI15) was found to be > 6.5, making a direct reverse osmosis (RO) application impractical. By employing microfiltration (MF) downstream of the biological treatment, no salt removal was observed, but the SDI15 was reduced to around 2, enabling final RO application. Long‐term RO experiments conducted at different pressures (1.5–3.0 MPa) showed that biofouling became more severe under higher pressures, leading to the enhancement of the permeate flux drop. Rejection of DOC, TN, and salt by RO corresponded to 97.8 %, 89 %, and 99 %, respectively. The combined MBBR/MF/RO process allowed the production of a high‐quality effluent appropriate for direct reuse in the industry as feed water in cooling towers, steam boilers, and general industrial process activities.
Effects of an herbicide on physiology, morphology, and fitness of the dung beetle Euoniticellus intermedius (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae)
Authors: González-Tokman Daniel , Martínez-Morales Imelda , Farrera Arodi , del Rosario Ortiz-Zayas María , Lumaret Jean-Pierre
Published: May 2016

Some agrochemical compounds threaten nontarget organisms and their functions in the ecosystem. The authors experimentally evaluated the effects of one of the most common herbicide mixtures used worldwide, containing 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid and picloram, on dung beetles, which play fundamental roles in the function of natural and managed ecosystems. The present study employed techniques of physiology and geometric morphometrics, besides including fitness measurements, to assess the effects of the herbicide in the introduced beetle Euoniticellus intermedius. Because herbicide components promote oxidative stress and affect survival in certain insects, the authors predicted negative effects on the beetles. Unexpectedly, no effect of herbicide concentration was found on clutch size, sex ratio, and fluctuating asymmetry, and it even increased physiological condition and body size in exposed beetles. Because the studied species presents 2 male morphs, the authors, for the first time, evaluated the effect of a pollutant on the ratio of these morphs. Contrary to the prediction, the herbicide mixture increased the proportion of major males. Thus, the herbicide does not threaten populations of the studied beetles. The present study discusses how both negative and positive effects of pollutants on wild animals modify natural and sexual selection processes occurring in nature, which ultimately impact population dynamics. The authors recommend the use of physiological and geometric morphometrics techniques to assess the impact of pollutants on nontarget animals. Environ Toxicol Chem 2017;36:96–102. © 2016 SETAC
Polycarbonate and polystyrene nanoplastic particles act as stressors to the innate immune system of fathead minnow (Pimephales promelas)
Authors: Greven Anne-Catherine , Merk Teresa , Karagöz Filiz , Mohr Kristin , Klapper Markus , Jovanović Boris , Palić Dušan
Published: May 2016

Water pollution with large-scale and small-scale plastic litter is an area of growing concern. Macro-plastic litter is a well-known threat to aquatic wildlife; however, the effects of micro-sized and nano-sized plastic particles on the health of organisms are not well understood. Small-scale plastic particles can easily be ingested by various aquatic organisms and potentially interfere with their immune system; therefore, the authors used a freshwater fish species as a model organism for nanoplastic exposure. Characterization of polystyrene (41.0 nm) and polycarbonate (158.7 nm) nanoplastic particles (PSNPs and PCNPs, respectively) in plasma was performed, and the effects of PSNPs and PCNPs on the innate immune system of fathead minnow were investigated. In vitro effects of PSNPs and PCNPs on neutrophil function were determined using a battery of neutrophil function assays. Exposure of neutrophils to PSNPs or PCNPs caused significant increases in degranulation of primary granules and neutrophil extracellular trap release compared to a nontreated control, whereas oxidative burst was less affected. The present study outlines the stress response of the cellular component of fish innate immune system to polystyrene and polycarbonate nanoparticles/aggregates and indicates their potential to interfere with disease resistance in fish populations. Environ Toxicol Chem 2016;35:3093–3100. © 2016 SETAC
The quality changes and microflora analysis of commercial instant soya milk
Authors: Ma Xiaohong , Hu Xinzhong , Liu Liu , Li Xiaoping , Ma Zhen , Chen Jiahui , Wei Xue
Published: May 2016

Soya milk can be easily contaminated because of its rich nutritional profile and simple package form, which thus may lead to short shelf life and has been considered as a public health concern. The objective of this study is to investigate the changes of sensory quality, viscosity, pH values, bacteria, and protein denaturation in soya milk samples which were stored for 0, 4, 8, 12, and 24 h at 25 ± 2°C. The results showed that the sensory properties were on the decline along with the storage time. The viscosity value increased from 1.61 Pa.s to 2.50 Pa.s, while the pH value decreased from 6.87 to 6.61. In addition, the number of total bacteria and Lactobacillus increased and the protein in soya milk denatured continually. The 16S rDNA sequence analysis indicated that the main microbial strains were Rummeliibacillus, Acinetobacter, Enterobacter, Phyllanthus, Bergia, Zhihengliuella, and Nesterenkonia. In this study, statistics in producing, packaging, and stocking process of soya milk were given, which provided experience to controlling soya milk.
An International Comparison of Implied, Realized, and GARCH Volatility Forecasts
Authors: Kourtis Apostolos , Markellos Raphael N. , Symeonidis Lazaros
Published: May 2016

We compare the predictive ability and economic value of implied, realized, and GARCH volatility models for 13 equity indices from 10 countries. Model ranking is similar across countries, but varies with the forecast horizon. At the daily horizon, the Heterogeneous Autoregressive model offers the most accurate predictions, whereas an implied volatility model that corrects for the volatility risk premium is superior at the monthly horizon. Widely used GARCH models have inferior performance in almost all cases considered. All methods perform significantly worse over the 2008–09 crisis period. Finally, implied volatility offers significant improvements against historical methods for international portfolio diversification. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Jrl Fut Mark 36:1164–1193, 2016
Hepatic enhancement of Gd‐EOB‐DTPA‐enhanced 3 Tesla MR imaging: Assessing severity of liver cirrhosis
Authors: Lee Sunyoung , Choi Dongil , Jeong Woo Kyoung
Published: May 2016

Purpose

To evaluate the usefulness of gadolinium ethoxybenzyl diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid (Gd‐EOB‐DTPA)‐enhanced MR imaging in assessing the severity of cirrhosis and liver function.

Materials and Methods

This retrospective study included 120 patients who underwent Gd‐EOB‐DTPA‐enhanced 3 Tesla (T) MR imaging (normal liver, n = 30; Child‐Pugh class A, n = 30; B, n = 30; and C, n = 30). Groups were matched for underlying disease, age (±5 years), gender, and creatinine (±0.05 mg/dL). Contrast enhancement index (CEI) was calculated and compared between normal and cirrhosis groups. We analyzed the correlation between hepatic function parameters and CEI at hepatobiliary phase (HP).

Results

The degree and time course of hepatic enhancement significantly differed between normal and each cirrhosis group (P < 0.001). Mean CEI at HP constantly and significantly decreased as the severity of cirrhosis increased (P < 0.001). Total bilirubin (P = 0.022), albumin (P < 0.001), platelet count (P = 0.04), and Model for End Stage Liver Disease score (P = 0.01) were independent predictors of hepatic enhancement at HP.

Conclusion

The degree of hepatic enhancement on Gd‐EOB‐DTPA indicates the severity of cirrhosis and is correlated with hepatic function parameters. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2016;44:1339–1345.
Interdecadal moisture patterns and teleconnections in Monsoonal Asia over the past seven centuries
Authors: Zhou Feifei , Fang Keyan , Zhang Fen , Li Yingjun
Published: May 2016

Interdecadal (10‐ to 100‐year oscillation) moisture variations over the Monsoonal Asia (MA) is highly variable across regions and time, which are relatively less understood due to the shortness of the instrumental data of a few decades. In this study, comprehensive investigations on the spatiotemporal distributions of the interdecadal moisture variations over MA as well as their evolution from prior to the industrial era were conducted utilizing the tree‐ring based drought reconstructions, i.e. the Monsoonal Asia Drought Atlas. Nine interdecadal moisture patterns in MA are identified using the self‐organizing map based on the ensemble empirical mode decomposition. To further investigate these interdecadal moisture patterns, we aggregated the selected nine nodes into four patterns using a hierarchical clustering approach. Among them, Pattern 1 stands for a teleconnection between the Northeast MA and the Indian Peninsula, and Pattern 2 represents a dipole pattern between the Southern and Northern MA. We find that Pattern 1 may be linked with the dynamics of the Antarctic Oscillation that can modulate the strength of the Asian summer monsoon through meridional teleconnections. Pattern 2 is mainly driven by the elevated El Niño‐Southern Oscillation variance and the zonal ‘Silk Road Pattern’ to bridge this interdecadal modulation.
Design, syntheses and photochromic properties of dithienylcyclopentene optical molecular switches
Authors: Yu Chuanming , Hu Bingcheng , Liu Cheng , Li Jiting
Published: May 2016

A kind of basal diarylethene through an easy synthetic procedure was synthesized and characterized, and a Suzuki coupling reaction was frequently operated to obtain the diarylethenes derivatives with some vivid functional groups like bromo, amido and pyridine. Two methods for derivatives of these switches contain porphyrins were described. All of their spectroscopic and photochromic properties were studied and intercompared. It is indicated that the difference in electron densities of the π‐conjugated system of the closed forms has effects upon the absorption maxima in visible region of UV–Vis spectra. Dithienylcyclopentenes linked to porphyrins could emit luminescence substantially that display potentials to be used in the applications of nondestructive readout upon binary data storage and smart materials.
Synthesis and characterization of an adipic acid–derived epoxy resin
Authors: Maiorana Anthony , Subramaniam Bhagyashree , Centore Robert , Han Xiaorui , Linhardt Robert J. , Gross Richard A.
Published: May 2016

Adipic acid, a highly abundant chemical that can be produced from biomass, was used to prepare an aromatic‐free epoxy resin. Synthesis of the diglycidyl adipate was performed by a one‐step process using epichlorohydrin and by a two‐step process comprising allylation and epoxidation. The viscosity of diglycidyl adipate is 25 mPa·s, which is 99% lower than the diglycidyl ether of bisphenol A (DGEBA). The storage modulus at 25 °C for cured diglycidyl adipate and DGEBA is 2000 and 3200 MPa, respectively. The alpha transition temperature through peak of the loss modulus and the peak of tan(δ), are 77 °C and 90 °C, respectively. Low‐viscosity epoxy applications are discussed herein. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2016, 54, 2625–2631
Imidazole‐type thermal latent curing agents with high miscibility for one‐component epoxy thermosetting resins
Authors: Kudo Kenji , Fuse Sawako , Furutani Masahiro , Arimitsu Koji
Published: May 2016

Epoxy resins are important thermosetting resins widely employed in industrial fields. Although the epoxy–imidazole curing system has attracted attention because of its reactivity, solidification of a liquid epoxy resin containing imidazoles proceeds gradually even at room temperature. This makes it difficult to use them for one‐component epoxy resin materials. Though powder‐type latent curing agents have been used for one‐component epoxy resin materials, they are difficult to apply for fabrication of fine industrial products due to their poor miscibility. To overcome this situation and to improve the shelf life of epoxy–imidazole compositions, we have developed a liquid‐type thermal latent curing agent 1, generating an imidazole with a thermal trigger via a retro‐Michael addition reaction. The latent curing agent 1 has superior miscibility toward epoxy resins; in addition, it was confirmed that the epoxy resin composition has both high reactivity at 150 °C, and long‐term storage stability at room temperature. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2016, 54, 2680–2688
Cyclization of a cell‐penetrating peptide via click‐chemistry increases proteolytic resistance and improves drug delivery
Authors: Reichart Florian , Horn Mareike , Neundorf Ines
Published: May 2016

In this work we report synthesis and biological evaluation of a cell‐penetrating peptide (CPP), that is partly cyclized via a triazole bridge. Recently, beneficious properties have been reported for cyclized peptides concerning their metabolic stability and intracellular uptake. A CPP based on human calcitonin was used in this study, and side chain cyclization was achieved via copper catalyzed alkyne‐azide click reaction. Cell viability studies in several cell‐lines revealed no cytotoxic effects. Furthermore, efficient uptake in breast cancer MCF‐7 cells could be determined. Moreover, preliminary studies using this novel peptide as drug transporter for daunorubicin were performed. Copyright © 2016 European Peptide Society and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Meso‐β‐scale environment for the stationary band complex of vertically sheared tropical cyclones
Authors: Riemer Michael
Published: May 2016

The stationary band complex (SBC) is a distinct, quasi‐stationary convective asymmetry outside the eyewall of a tropical cyclone (TC) and plays an important role for TC intensity. Seminal work by Willoughby et al. related the SBC to the kinematic boundary between the TC and its environment and proposed a formation mechanism for the SBC. These results have been derived from observational data that are limited in radial and azimuthal coverage. The current study revisits these results using data from an idealized numerical experiment, which are not subject to such limitations. Consistent with Willoughby et al., the SBC in the idealized experiment is located near the boundary between the TC's ‘moist envelope’ and the lower θe environment. In contrast, however, the SBC is not associated with the kinematic boundary between the TC and the environmental flow. Furthermore, the proposed formation mechanism does not operate in the idealized experiment.

I propose an alternative formation mechanism that links the SBC to two fundamental consequences of environmental vertical wind shear: (i) the distortion of the ‘moist envelope’ and (ii) the tilt of the TC vortex. In the idealized experiment, the respective regions of high‐θe air and a positive vorticity anomaly overlap at low levels in the semicircle to the right of the shear vector well outside the eyewall. A simple slab boundary‐layer model indicates that frictional convergence associated with the vorticity asymmetry is a viable, dynamical forcing mechanism for deep convection. While ascent out of the boundary layer occurs over a radially broad region, the large radial shear of the TC's swirling winds promotes the organization of the ensuing convection into a band‐like pattern. I emphasize that this formation mechanism considers only the meso‐β‐scale envelope of the SBC. As shown previously by others, convective‐scale processes contribute further to the organization of the SBC within this envelope.
Effect of AlSiFe on the anodizing process of 6063 aluminum
Authors: Hu Lifang , Chen Daming , Shi Fangrong , Chen Shaoping
Published: May 2016

AlSiFe phase can form microscopic galvanic couples that decrease corrosion resistance of 6063 aluminum which may influence the anodizing process. Two samples of 6063 aluminum were prepared. One sample was cut along the extrusion direction of the billet, and the other was cut perpendicular to the extrusion direction. Both samples exhibited the same characteristics, except for the distribution of the second phase AlSiFe. Both samples were subjected to anodizing treatments. Comparison between anodic oxide films was performed. The microstructure of Al substrates and anodic oxide films were examined using a scanning electron microscope, an optical microscope, and a glow discharge optical emission spectrometer. Results indicated that the thicknesses and elemental distributions of the anodic oxide films were almost the same. Moreover, the second phase AlSiFe influenced the anodic oxidation process, resulting in cavities in the anodic oxide film that affected its brightness. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Can litter addition mediate plant productivity responses to increased precipitation and nitrogen deposition in a typical steppe?
Authors: Shen Yue , Chen Wenqing , Yang Gaowen , Yang Xin , Liu Nan , Sun Xiao , Chen Jishan , Zhang Yingjun
Published: May 2016

Plant litter is a key component of grassland and plays a major role in terrestrial ecosystem processes. Global climate change has been shown to considerably alter litter inputs to soils, which may feed back to the grassland ecosystem responses to climate change. In order to explore whether litter addition could mediate above and belowground productivity responses to short‐term increases in growing‐season precipitation and nitrogen deposition, we conducted a two‐year study on water, nitrogen and litter addition in Inner Mongolia grassland. After two years of treatments, our results showed that water, nitrogen, and litter addition increased aboveground biomass (AB) and belowground net primary productivity (BNPP). Besides, litter addition increased BNPP responses to water addition. These litter addition effects could be attributed to the influence of litter on soil moisture and soil nitrogen availability, ultimately increasing belowground water use efficiency (WUEBNPP) and plant nitrogen uptake (NUPBNPP). However, litter addition suppressed the aboveground biomass (AB) responses to nitrogen addition under ambient precipitation conditions by affecting soil moisture. In conclusion, our results suggest that ecosystem responses to short‐term increases in growing‐season precipitation and nitrogen deposition could be mediated by the increased litter input caused by climate change.
Experimental study of second-mode instability growth and breakdown in a hypersonic boundary layer using high-speed schlieren visualization
Authors: Laurence S. J. , Wagner A. , Hannemann K.
Published: May 2016

Visualization experiments are performed to investigate the development of instability waves within the boundary layer on a slender cone under high Mach number conditions. The experimental facility is a reflected-shock wind tunnel, allowing both low (Mach-8 flight equivalent) and high-enthalpy conditions to be simulated. Second-mode instability waves are visualized using a high-speed schlieren set-up, with pulse bursting of the light source allowing the propagation speed of the wavepackets to be unambiguously resolved. This, in combination with wavelength information derived from the images, enables the calculation of the disturbance frequencies. At the lower-enthalpy conditions, we concentrate on the late laminar and transitional regions of the flow. General characteristics are revealed through time-resolved and ensemble-averaged spectra on both smooth and porous ceramic surfaces of the cone. Analysis of the development of individual wavepackets is then performed. It is found that the wavepacket structures evolve from a ‘rope-like’ appearance to become more interwoven as the disturbance nears breakdown. The wall-normal disturbance distributions of both the fundamental and first harmonic, which initially have local maxima at the wall and near $y/{\it\delta}=0.7$–0.75, exhibit an increase in signal energy close to the boundary-layer edge during this evolution. The structure angle of the disturbances also undergoes subtle changes as the wavepacket develops prior to breakdown. Experiments are also performed at high-enthalpy ($h_{0}\approx 12~\text{MJ}~\text{kg}^{-1}$) conditions in the laminar regime, and the visualization technique is shown to be capable of resolving wavepacket propagation speeds and frequencies at such conditions. The visualizations reveal a somewhat different wall-normal distribution to the low-enthalpy case, with the disturbance energy concentrated much more towards the wall. This is attributed to the highly cooled nature of the wall at high enthalpy.
Sialylated galacto-oligosaccharides and 2′-fucosyllactose reduce necrotising enterocolitis in neonatal rats
Authors: Autran Chloe A. , Schoterman Margriet H. C. , Jantscher-Krenn Evelyn , Kamerling Johannis P. , Bode Lars
Published: May 2016

Necrotising enterocolitis (NEC) is one of the most frequent and fatal intestinal disorders in preterm infants and has very limited treatment options. Breast-fed infants are at a 6–10-fold lower NEC risk than formula-fed infants, and we have previously shown that human milk oligosaccharides (HMO) improved survival and reduced pathology in a rat NEC model. The HMO disialyllacto-N-tetraose (DSLNT) was most effective, and sialylation was shown to be essential for its protective effect. Galacto-oligosaccharides (GOS), currently added to some infant formula, but not containing sialic acid, had no effect. In addition to DSLNT, our previous work also showed that the neutral HMO fraction, which contains high concentrations of 2′-fucosyllactose (2′FL), slightly improved pathology scores. Here, we assessed the in vivo efficacy of 2′FL, as well as of GOS that we enzymatically sialylated (Sia-GOS). Neonatal rats were randomised into the following study groups – dam-fed (DF), formula-fed (FF), FF containing pooled HMO (10 mg/ml), GOS (8 mg/ml), Sia-GOS (500 µm) or 2′FL (2 mg/ml) – and subjected to the established NEC protocol. The DF and HMO groups had the lowest pathology scores with mean values of 0·67 (sd 0·34) and 0·90 (sd 0·47), respectively. The FF group had significantly elevated pathology scores of 2·02 (sd 0·63). Although the addition of GOS to the formula had no protective effect and generated scores of 2·00 (sd 0·63), the addition of Sia-GOS or 2′FL significantly lowered pathology scores to 1·32 (sd 0·56) (P<0·0034) and 1·43 (sd 0·51) (P<0·0040), respectively. The results warrant further studies to investigate the underlying mechanisms and to assess safety and efficacy in human neonates.
Orbifold Zeta Functions for Dual Invertible Polynomials
Authors: Ebeling Wolfgang , Gusein-Zade Sabir M.
Published: May 2016

An invertible polynomial innvariables is a quasi-homogeneous polynomial consisting ofnmonomials so that the weights of the variables and the quasi-degree are well defined. In the framework of the construction of mirror symmetric orbifold Landau–Ginzburg models, Berglund, Hübsch and Henningson considered a pair (f, G) consisting of an invertible polynomialfand an abelian groupGof its symmetries together with a dual pair. Here we study the reduced orbifold zeta functions of dual pairs (f, G) andand show that they either coincide or are inverse to each other depending on the numbernof variables.
Age of onset of Ménière's disease in the Netherlands: data from a specialised dizziness clinic
Authors: Van Esch B F , Van Benthem P P G , Van Der Zaag-Loonen H J , Bruintjes TJ D
Published: May 2016

Objectives:

To determine the age of onset of Ménière's disease in patients who visited a specialised dizziness clinic, and to verify whether the trend of a delayed onset age of Ménière's disease as reported for the Japanese population also occurs in the Netherlands.

Method:

A retrospective data analysis was performed of patients diagnosed with ‘definite’ Ménière's disease who visited our clinic between January 2000 and December 2013.

Results:

Mean onset age of Ménière's disease among the 296 patients was 53.0 ± 14.1 years; 209 patients (71 per cent) were diagnosed between the fifth and seventh decades of life. No trend towards a later onset of Ménière's disease was found (regression beta co-efficient for year of presentation was 0.03; 95 per cent confidence interval = −0.34–0.61;p= 0.58).

Conclusion:

Ménière's disease has a peak incidence between 40 and 69 years of age. No shift towards a later onset age of Ménière's disease was found.
Limit Theorems for Empirical Density of Greatest Common Divisors
Authors: MEHRDAD BEHZAD , ZHU LINGJIONG
Published: May 2016

The law of large numbers for the empirical density for the pairs of uniformly distributed integers with a given greatest common divisor is a classic result in number theory. We study the large deviations of the empirical density. We will also obtain a rate of convergence to the normal distribution for the central limit theorem. Some generalisations are provided.
Fetal Brain Injury in Survivors of Twin Pregnancies Complicated by Demise of One Twin: A Review
Authors: Mackie Fiona L. , Morris R. Katie , Kilby Mark. D.
Published: May 2016

Perinatal mortality is increased considerably in multiple pregnancies compared to singleton pregnancies, with single intrauterine fetal demise (sIUFD) presenting a rare but unique perinatal problem. Monochorionic pregnancies are at particular risk of sIUFD due to bidirectional inter-twin placental vascular anastomoses. The resulting inter-twin blood flow can become unbalanced, causing acute and chronic inter-twin transfusion and profound anemia secondary to fetal exsanguination into the low-pressure circulation of the dead fetus. If the sIUFD occurs after 14 weeks’ gestation it is believed to have the most significant effect on the continuing pregnancy as the co-twin is at increased risk of preterm delivery, long-term neurological complications, and death. This article will focus on fetal brain injury in the surviving co-twin in the case of sIUFD, as it is the most common kind of injury in sIUFD, and one which concerns parents and may be the basis for terminating the pregnancy. We will outline how these brain injuries are thought to occur and describe potential pathophysiological mechanisms. We will discuss risk factors for brain injury in cases of sIUFD, including: chorionicity, cause of the sIUFD (spontaneous or secondary to an underlying pathological process such as twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome), gestation of delivery and how to prevent brain injury in the co-twin. We also review modes of imaging, discuss the difficulties in predicting the long-term outcome for co-twin survivors, and highlight the dearth of research in this area.
Fatty acid oxidation and carnitine palmitoyltransferase I: emerging therapeutic targets in cancer
Authors: Qu Q , Zeng F , Liu X , Wang Q J , Deng F
Published: May 2016

Tumor cells exhibit unique metabolic adaptations that are increasingly viewed as potential targets for novel and specific cancer therapies. Among these targets, the carnitine palmitoyltransferase system is responsible for delivering the long-chain fatty acid (FA) from cytoplasm into mitochondria for oxidation, where carnitine palmitoyltransferase I (CPTI) catalyzes the rate-limiting step of fatty acid oxidation (FAO). With increasing understanding of the crucial role had by fatty acid oxidation in cancer, CPTI has received renewed attention as a pivotal mediator in cancer metabolic mechanism. CPTI activates FAO and fuels cancer growth via ATP and NADPH production, constituting an essential part of cancer metabolism adaptation. Moreover, CPTI also functionally intertwines with other key pathways and factors to regulate gene expression and apoptosis of cancer cell. Here, we summarize recent findings and update the current understanding of FAO and CPTI in cancer and provide theoretical basis for this enzyme as an emerging potential molecular target in cancer therapeutic intervention.
PKA-CREB-BDNF signaling regulated long lasting antidepressant activities of Yueju but not ketamine
Authors: Xue Wenda , Wang Wei , Gong Tong , Zhang Hailou , Tao Weiwei , Xue Lihong , Sun Yan , Wang Fushun , Chen Gang
Published: May 2016

Yueju confers antidepressant effects in a rapid and long-lasting manner, similar to ketamine. CREB (cAMP-response element binding protein) signaling is implicated in depression pathology and antidepressant responses. However, the role of CREB and associated brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) signaling in rapid and long-lasting antidepressant effects remains unclear. Here, we demonstrated that ICR and Kunming strain mice conferred antidepressant responses lasting for 1 and 5 days, respectively, following a single dose of Yueju. One day post Yueju in Kunming but not ICR strain mice, expression of total and phosphorylated CREB, as well as the CREB signaling activator, PKA (protein kinase A) was up-regulated in the hippocampus. Although BDNF gene expression increased at 3 hours in both strains, it remained up-regulated at 1 day only in Kunming mice. Ketamine showed similar strain-dependent behavioral effects. However, blockade of PKA/CREB signaling blunted the antidepressant effects and reversed the up-regulation of BDNF gene expression by Yueju, but not ketamine. Conversely, blockade of mammalian target of rapamycin signaling led to opposite effects. Taken altogether, prolonged transcriptional up-regulation of hippocampal BDNF may account for the stain-dependent enduring antidepressant responses to Yueju and ketamine, but it was mediated via PKA/CREB pathway only for Yueju.
Prevention of antipsychotic-induced hyperglycaemia by vitamin D: a data mining prediction followed by experimental exploration of the molecular mechanism
Authors: Nagashima Takuya , Shirakawa Hisashi , Nakagawa Takayuki , Kaneko Shuji
Published: May 2016

Atypical antipsychotics are associated with an increased risk of hyperglycaemia, thus limiting their clinical use. This study focused on finding the molecular mechanism underlying antipsychotic-induced hyperglycaemia. First, we searched for drug combinations in the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) database wherein a coexisting drug reduced the hyperglycaemia risk of atypical antipsychotics, and found that a combination with vitamin D analogues significantly decreased the occurrence of quetiapine–induced adverse events relating diabetes mellitus in FAERS. Experimental validation using mice revealed that quetiapine acutely caused insulin resistance, which was mitigated by dietary supplementation with cholecalciferol. Further database analysis of the relevant signalling pathway and gene expression predicted quetiapine-induced downregulation of Pik3r1, a critical gene acting downstream of insulin receptor. Focusing on the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) signalling pathway, we found that the reduced expression of Pik3r1 mRNA was reversed by cholecalciferol supplementation in skeletal muscle, and that insulin-stimulated glucose uptake into C2C12 myotube was inhibited in the presence of quetiapine, which was reversed by concomitant calcitriol in a PI3K-dependent manner. Taken together, these results suggest that vitamin D coadministration prevents antipsychotic-induced hyperglycaemia and insulin resistance by upregulation of PI3K function.