bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
MAVEN and the Mars Initial Reference Ionosphere model
Authors: Mendillo Michael , Narvaez Clara , Matta Majd , Vogt Marissa , Mahaffy Paul , Benna Mehdi , Jakosky Bruce
Published: November 2015

The Neutral Gas and Ion Mass Spectrometer (NGIMS) on the Mars Atmosphere and Volatile EvolutioN (MAVEN) satellite measured the distribution of thermal ions (2–150 amu) at ionospheric heights (~130–400 km) under midday conditions during the “Deep‐Dip” orbit campaign from 17 to 22 April 2015. Assuming charge neutrality, we use the sum of NGIMS ions as a proxy for electron density (Ne) and compare results with a new version of the Mars Initial Reference Ionosphere (MIRI) developed for this study. At altitudes where the transition between photochemical and dynamical processes occurs (130–200 km), the NGIMS results agree with the shape of the MIRI‐predicted Ne(h) profiles, but the model predictions are a factor of 2 higher. Above 200 km, the NGIMS gradients of total ions versus height diverge even more from MIRI's Ne(h) predictions for reasons that may involve crustal‐B field effects, ionopause‐like boundaries, and horizontal plasma transport away from the noon sector—factors not yet included in MIRI.
Response of the intertropical convergence zone to zonally asymmetric subtropical surface forcings
Authors: Shaw Tiffany A. , Voigt Aiko , Kang Sarah M. , Seo Jeongbin
Published: November 2015

The energetic framework predicts no shift of the zonal mean Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) in response to zonally asymmetric forcings (zonal warming and cooling regions with zero zonal mean) assuming radiative feedbacks are linear. Here we show the ITCZ shifts southward in response to a zonally asymmetric forcing in the Northern Hemisphere subtropics in a slab ocean aquaplanet model. The southward shift is consistent with decreased zonal mean energy input to the atmosphere due to cloud radiative effect changes in the cooling region. When cloud‐radiative feedbacks are disabled the ITCZ shifts northward consistent with changes in the warming region where increased energy input via surface heat fluxes and stationary Rossby‐wave transport dominate. Competition between cooling and warming regions leads to changes in gross moist stability. Our results show rectification of zonally asymmetric forcings play an important role in zonal mean ITCZ dynamics and highlight the importance of assessing the momentum budget when interpreting ITCZ shifts.
Neutral density response to solar flares at Mars
Authors: Thiemann E. M. B. , Eparvier F. G. , Andersson L. A. , Fowler C. M. , Peterson W. K. , Mahaffy P. R. , England S. L. , Larson D. E. , Lo D. Y. , Schneider N. M. , Deighan J. I. , McClintock W. E. , Jakosky B. M.
Published: November 2015

First direct observations of heating of the Mars neutral atmosphere by solar flares are presented in this study. Solar flares were detected using the Extreme Ultraviolet Monitor on board the Mars Atmosphere and Volatile EvolutioN (MAVEN) spacecraft, and upper atmospheric temperature enhancements were determined by changes in the density scale height of Argon (Ar) made by the Neutral Gas and Ion Mass Spectrometer also on board MAVEN. We analyzed 14 M‐class or greater flares that occurred during the early part of the MAVEN mission in addition to a 30 day period of high flare activity during May 2015. We report that the Mars dayside upper atmosphere shows significant heating near the flare soft X‐ray peak; and it responds and recovers rapidly to heating from M‐class or larger flares. In addition, we present atmospheric density versus altitude profiles that were taken near the soft X‐ray peak of two flares.
On the utility of in situ soil moisture observations for flash drought early warning in Oklahoma, USA
Authors: Ford Trent W. , McRoberts D. Brent , Quiring Steven M. , Hall Ryann E.
Published: November 2015

Drought early warning systems are a vital component of drought monitoring and require information at submonthly time scales because of the rapidly evolving nature of drought. This study evaluates the utility of in situ soil moisture observations for drought early warning in Oklahoma. Soil moisture was used to identify drought events, and the results were compared with the U.S. Drought Monitor with respect to the identification of drought onset. Soil moisture observations consistently identify rapid‐onset (flash) drought events earlier than the U.S. Drought Monitor. Our results show that soil moisture percentiles provide a 2–3 week lead time over the U.S. Drought Monitor based on five flash drought events that occurred in Oklahoma between 2000 and 2013. We conclude that in situ soil moisture observations are an important source of information for early warning of flash drought events in the Oklahoma.
Deriving plasma densities in tenuous plasma regions, with the spacecraft potential under active control
Authors: Andriopoulou M. , Nakamura R. , Torkar K. , Baumjohann W. , Hoelzl B.
Published: November 2015

Variations of the floating potential on spacecraft are often used to derive plasma densities, complementing the plasma instrument measurements. All spacecraft of the Cluster mission are equipped with Active Spacecraft POtential Control (ASPOC) instruments that control the spacecraft potential. Although the ASPOC operation increases the accuracy of electric field and plasma measurements, it prevents a direct use of the spacecraft potential variations to derive plasma densities. In this work we develop a new reconstruction method of uncontrolled spacecraft potential from controlled spacecraft potential data and a derived photoelectron curve, using multispacecraft observations. We assume that the same curve governs the plasma environment for the spacecraft with ASPOC on and off. The current work focuses on reconstructions in the magnetotail region. The period that was more extensively studied was the one from August to October 2003, when the spacecraft were close to each other, while results from the periods of August–October 2001, 2002, and 2004, when the Cluster spacecraft had their apogee in the magnetotail region, are also presented. In this way, we investigate how the photoelectron curve varies at different time intervals and also how the reconstruction results are modified when the distance between the spacecraft is increasing. Finally, by using the reconstructed results, we proceed by estimating the plasma densities and we discuss the uncertainties of such estimations. While, on average, spacecraft potential measurements are successfully reconstructed, plasma and solar activity variations on short timescales seem to affect the reconstructions, requiring in some cases more detailed analysis in order to achieve results with higher accuracy. Moreover, there are some limitations while deriving results in very tenuous plasma regions due to increased uncertainties in some of the scientific measurements used there. The results and the methods developed for this work can be applied for any other current and future mission with instruments that control the spacecraft potential, such as the recently launched Magnetospheric Multiscale Mission.
Tectonic deformation in the Tyrrhenian: A novel statistical approach to infer the role of the Calabrian Arc complex
Authors: Splendore Raffaele , Marotta Anna Maria , Barzaghi Riccardo
Published: November 2015

A thermomechanical model is used to analyze the strain pattern due to the Africa‐Eurasia convergence in the area that extends from the Calabrian Arc to the Alpine domain and the role that is played by the Calabrian Arc complex in controlling the northward propagation of the tectonic stress. After a preliminary analysis to eliminate GPS stations that are not representative of the main regional tectonic process, the predicted deformation is compared to that based on GPS observations by using a novel χ2 test in which both data and model uncertainties are taken into account. A large amount of the tectonic force (at least 75%) that is associated with the Africa‐Eurasia convergence is accommodated by the Calabrian Arc complex, which plays a crucial role in controlling the intraplate propagation of the stress in the south Tyrrhenian area. Furthermore, a strong lithosphere, which is characterized by a granite‐type upper crust, diabase‐type lower crust, and peridotite‐type lithosphere mantle, must pave the south Tyrrhenian; and a soft lithosphere, which is characterized by a granite‐type upper crust, granulite‐type lower crust, and peridotite‐type lithospheric mantle, must pave the surrounding area to reproduce the expected regional compression in the SE‐NW direction and extension in the perpendicular direction. Finally, the local deformation at high latitudes is not sensitive to variations in the boundary conditions along a limited portion of the Calabrian Arc.
Sensitivity of diurnal variation in simulated precipitation during East Asian summer monsoon to cumulus parameterization schemes
Authors: Choi In‐Jin , Jin Emilia Kyung , Han Ji‐Young , Kim So‐Young , Kwon Young
Published: November 2015

The capability to simulate the diurnal variation of precipitation over East Asia region during the summertime of 2011 is investigated using five different cumulus parameterization schemes with the Weather Research and Forecasting model. A semidiurnal cycle with a 12 h interval over land and a diurnal cycle with a 24 h interval over ocean are commonly found in all simulations, consistent with the observed diurnal cycle. Two observed dominant peaks in the early morning and afternoon are reproduced in all simulations. With overestimated precipitation rate, however, the simulated afternoon peaks occur earlier than the observed peaks by 2 h for the Kain‐Fritsch (KF) and Simplified Arakawa‐Schubert schemes, and by 3 h for the Betts‐Miller‐Janjić and Tiedtke schemes. The overestimation of simulated precipitation frequency leads to amplitude and phase errors in the precipitation rate, and the early peak time of simulated precipitation intensity intensifies the phase error in the simulation over land. The KF scheme with alternative trigger function (KFtr) based on moisture advection provides slightly better results in terms of alleviating the overestimated precipitation rate and frequency and delaying the afternoon peaks. Additional sensitivity simulations based on the change of temperature perturbation in the trigger function of the KF and KFtr schemes demonstrate the afternoon peak tends to be delayed as temperature perturbation decreases, implying the significant role of convective initiation frequency in determining diurnal peaks of precipitation. Modulation of temperature perturbation alleviates the precipitation frequency bias, while it could not resolve the precipitation intensity bias.
Pixel‐scale assessment and uncertainty analysis of AIRS and MODIS ice cloud optical thickness and effective radius
Authors: Kahn B. H. , Schreier M. M. , Yue Q. , Fetzer E. J. , Irion F. W. , Platnick S. , Wang C. , Nasiri S. L. , L'Ecuyer T. S.
Published: November 2015

Comparisons of collocated Atmospheric Infrared Sounder (AIRS) and Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) ice cloud optical thickness (τ) and effective radius (re) retrievals and their uncertainty estimates are described at the pixel scale. While an estimated 27% of all AIRS fields of view contain ice cloud, only 7% contain spatially uniform ice according to the MODIS 1 km optical property phase mask. The ice cloud comparisons are partitioned by horizontal variability in cloud amount, cloud top thermodynamic phase, vertical layering of clouds, and other parameters. The magnitudes of τ and re and their relative uncertainties are compared for a wide variety of pixel‐scale cloud complexity. The correlations of τ and re between the two instruments are strong functions of horizontal cloud heterogeneity and vertical cloud structure, with the highest correlations found in single‐layer, horizontally homogeneous clouds over the low‐latitude tropical oceans. While the τ comparisons are essentially unbiased for homogeneous ice cloud with variability that depends on scene complexity, a bias of 5–10 µm remains in re within the most homogeneous scenes identified, consistent with known radiative transfer differences in the visible and infrared bands. The AIRS and MODIS uncertainty estimates reflect the wide variety of cloud complexity, with greater magnitudes in scenes with larger horizontal variability. The AIRS averaging kernels suggest scene‐dependent information content that is consistent with infrared sensitivity to ice clouds. The AIRS‐normalized χ2 radiance fits suggest that accounting for horizontal cloud variability is likely to improve the AIRS ice cloud retrievals.
Introduction to special issue on “Long‐term changes and trends in the stratosphere, mesosphere, thermosphere and ionosphere”
Authors: Cnossen Ingrid , Laštovička Jan , Emmert John T.
Published: November 2015

This special issue bundles some of the latest results on decadal‐scale variations in the stratosphere, mesosphere, thermosphere, and ionosphere, following on from the 8th Workshop on Long‐Term Changes and Trends in the Atmosphere, held in Cambridge, UK, on 28–31 July 2014. Emmert et al. () provided a short report of the workshop. This introduction briefly describes the relevance of the field and highlights some of the recent progress that has been made.
Analysis of pressure‐strain and pressure gradient‐scalar covariances in cloud‐topped boundary layers: A large‐eddy simulation study
Authors: Heinze Rieke , Mironov Dmitrii , Raasch Siegfried
Published: November 2015

A detailed analysis of the pressure‐scrambling terms (i.e., the pressure‐strain and pressure gradient‐scalar covariances) in the Reynolds‐stress and scalar‐flux budgets for cloud‐topped boundary layers (CTBLs) is performed using high‐resolution large‐eddy simulation (LES). Two CTBLs are simulated — one with trade wind shallow cumuli, and the other with nocturnal marine stratocumuli. The pressure‐scrambling terms are decomposed into contributions due to turbulence‐turbulence interactions, mean velocity shear, buoyancy, and Coriolis effects. Commonly used models of these contributions, including a simple linear model most often used in geophysical applications and a more sophisticated two‐component‐limit (TCL) nonlinear model, are tested against the LES data. The decomposition of the pressure‐scrambling terms shows that the turbulence‐turbulence and buoyancy contributions are most significant for cloud‐topped boundary layers. The Coriolis contribution is negligible. The shear contribution is generally of minor importance inside the cloudy layers, but it is the leading‐order contribution near the surface. A comparison of models of the pressure‐scrambling terms with the LES data suggests that the more complex TCL model is superior to the simple linear model only for a few contributions. The linear model is able to reproduce the principal features of the pressure‐scrambling terms reasonably well. It can be applied in the second‐order turbulence modeling of cloud‐topped boundary layer flows, provided some uncertainties are tolerated.
Humidity‐Triggered Self‐Healing of Microporous Polyelectrolyte Multilayer Coatings for Hydrophobic Drug Delivery
Authors: Chen Xia‐Chao , Ren Ke‐Feng , Zhang Jia‐Hui , Li Dan‐Dan , Zhao Emily , Zhao Zhong Jonathon , Xu Zhi‐Kang , Ji Jian
Published: November 2015

Layer‐by‐layer (LbL) self‐assemblies have inherent potential as dynamic coatings because of the sensitivity of their building blocks to external stimuli. Here, humidity serves as a feasible trigger to activate the self‐healing of a microporous polyethylenimine/poly(acrylic acid) multilayer film. Microporous structures within the polyelectrolyte multilayer (PEM) film are created by acid treatment, followed by freeze‐drying to remove water. The self‐healing of these micropores can be triggered at 100% relative humidity, under which condition the mobility of the polyelectrolytes is activated. Based on this, a facile and versatile method is suggested for directly integrating hydrophobic drugs into PEM films for surface‐mediated drug delivery. The high porosity of microporous film enables the highest loading (≈303.5 μg cm−2 for a 15‐bilayered film) of triclosan to be a one‐shot process via wicking action and subsequent solvent removal, thus dramatically streamlining the processes and reducing complexities compared to the existing LbL strategies. The self‐healing of a drug‐loaded microporous PEM film significantly reduces the diffusion coefficient of triclosan, which is favorable for the long‐term sustained release of the drug. The dynamic properties of this polymeric coating provide great potential for its use as a delivery platform for hydrophobic drugs in a wide variety of biomedical applications.
A Dual‐FRET‐Based Versatile Prodrug for Real‐Time Drug Release Monitoring and In Situ Therapeutic Efficacy Evaluation
Authors: Li Shi‐Ying , Liu Li‐Han , Rong Lei , Qiu Wen‐Xiu , Jia Hui‐Zhen , Li Bin , Li Fei , Zhang Xian‐Zheng
Published: November 2015

A dual‐Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET)‐based versatile prodrug (V‐prodrug), in which the fluorescence of both 5(6)‐carboxylfluorescein (FAM) and doxorubicin (DOX) can be quenched by 4‐(dimethylaminoazo)benzene‐4‐carboxylic acid (Dabcyl) with high quenching efficiency, is developed in this paper. The V‐prodrug can selectively bind to the αvβ3 integrin overexpressed cancer cells through the Arg‐Gly‐Asp (RGD) targeting moiety. After that, the acid‐mediated DOX release of the V‐prodrug can be real‐time monitored by the increase of the red fluorescence from DOX. Thereafter, DOX‐induced cell apoptosis can also be in situ assessed by the fluorescence recovery of the FAM, due to the caspase‐3‐mediated Asp‐Glu‐Val‐Asp (DEVD) peptide sequence cleavage. This novel prodrug provides a cascaded imaging of real‐time drug release and subsequent cell apoptosis, which enables the in situ detection of the cancer response and the therapeutic efficacy evaluation of the prodrug.
Flexible Asymmetric Supercapacitor Based on Structure‐Optimized Mn3O4/Reduced Graphene Oxide Nanohybrid Paper with High Energy and Power Density
Authors: Hu Yating , Guan Cao , Feng Guangxue , Ke Qingqing , Huang Xiaolei , Wang John
Published: November 2015

A highly flexible Mn3O4/reduced graphene oxide (rGO) nanohybrid paper with high electrical conductivity and high mass loading of Mn3O4 nanofibers (0.71 g cm−3) is developed via a facile gel formation and electrochemical reduction process, which is low‐cost, environmental friendly, and easy to scale up. Confined Mn3O4 nanofibers are well dispersed within the rGO sheets, which demonstrate to be a promising cathode material for flexible asymmetric supercapacitors (ASCs). When coupled with an electrochemically reduced rGO paper as the anode, a flexible ASC device, based on the Mn3O4/rGO nanohybrid paper as the cathode, is assembled; and it demonstrates remarkable electrochemical performance: a high volumetric capacitance of 54.6 F cm−3 (546.05 mF cm−2), and remarkable volumetric energy and power density (0.0055 Wh cm−3 and 10.95 W cm−3) being achieved with excellent cycling ability. The nanohybrid paper shows great improvement for flexible energy devices in terms of electrochemical properties.
Triboelectric Nanogenerator Based on Fully Enclosed Rolling Spherical Structure for Harvesting Low‐Frequency Water Wave Energy
Authors: Wang Xiaofeng , Niu Simiao , Yin Yajiang , Yi Fang , You Zheng , Wang Zhong Lin
Published: November 2015

Water waves are increasingly regarded as a promising source for large‐scale energy applications. Triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) have been recognized as one of the most promising approaches for harvesting wave energy. This work examines a freestanding, fully enclosed TENG that encloses a rolling ball inside a rocking spherical shell. Through the optimization of materials and structural parameters, a spherical TENG of 6 cm in diameter actuated by water waves can provide a peak current of 1 μA over a wide load range from a short‐circuit condition to 10 GΩ, with an instantaneous output power of up to 10 mW. A multielectrode arrangement is also studied to improve the output of the TENG under random wave motions from all directions. Moreover, at a frequency of 1.43 Hz, the wave‐driven TENG can directly drive tens of LEDs and charge a series of supercapacitors to rated voltage within several hours. The stored energy can power an electronic thermometer for 20 min. This rolling‐structured TENG is extremely lightweight, has a simple structure, and is capable of rocking on or in water to harvest wave energy; it provides an innovative and effective approach toward large‐scale blue energy harvesting of oceans and lakes.
Discovery of a secular trend in Cayo Santiago macaque reproduction
Authors: Hernández‐Pacheco Raisa , Rawlins Richard G. , Kessler Matthew J. , Delgado Diana L. , Ruiz‐Lambides Angelina V. , Sabat Alberto M.
Published: November 2015

Reproductive synchrony and the consequent clustering of births are hypothesized to be regulated by seasonal changes in rainfall and food availability. Such climate‐related seasonality is, however, questionable in tropical populations occupying temporally invariant habitats year round. Using the long‐term data of the Cayo Santiago rhesus macaques from 1973 to 2013, this study distinguishes synchrony (a greater than chance clustering of births) from seasonality (a cluster of births during a period of the year when abiotic conditions are favorable) and shows that females are highly synchronized (>72% of births in a 3‐month period) but the effects of environmental zeitgebers on reproduction are overridden by biological factors. Specifically, biotic and abiotic factors including (i) loss of immature offspring; (ii) population density; (iii) age at delivery; (iv) rainfall; and (v) changes in colony management were modeled in relation to the annual onset of births and the median birth date. Females experiencing loss of immature offspring had an interbirth interval of <365 days in average and the proportion of these females increased up to 48% due to changes in colony management overtime, although reproductive synchrony increased with increasing population density. A secular trend in both the onset of births and the median date of birth is documented and the model predicts that the median birth date will advance across all calendar‐based seasons by 2050. The secular trend in reproduction appears to be triggered by changes in the age at delivery of females, the absence of physiological constraints from maternal investment due to offspring loss, shorter interbirth interval, and a higher degree of coordination due to increasing population density. This study challenges the reproductive phenology previously described for rhesus macaques highlighting the importance of long‐term studies in addressing the ultimate causes of reproductive synchrony. Am. J. Primatol. 78:227–237, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Return to the Taung cave paradigm
Authors: McKee Jeffrey K.
Published: November 2015

Objectives

The Taung hominin fossil was recovered in 1924 during quarry operations in the tufa formations of the Buxton Limeworks. Reconstructions of the depositional environment of the juvenile Australopithecus skull have concentrated on the types of caves that form within the tufa. Hopley et al. (Am J Phys Anthropol 151 (2013) 316–324) proposed a new model in which the pink carbonate deposits, in which many of the Taung fossils are found, formed as open terrestrial pedogenic deposits. The objective here is to challenge that notion.

Materials and Methods

Observations of the depositional environments at Taung are based upon the University of the Witwatersrand paleontological excavations at the Buxton Limeworks from 1988 to 1993, and subsequent laboratory analysis of the fossils and sediments.

Results

Hopley et al. (Am J Phys Anthropol 151 (2013) 316–324) conflate numerous distinct outcroppings of the pink carbonates as a single “unit.” The excavations revealed numerous fossiliferous deposits that differ greatly in taphonomic origins and formation processes, and that cannot be considered a “unit” despite the commonality of pink carbonates. There are deposits that fit the model proposed by Hopley et al. (Am J Phys Anthropol 151 (2013) 316–324), but they are not the ones that yielded the most significant fossils.

Discussion

Most of the fossiliferous deposits, including those most likely to have yielded the Taung hominin, are best reconstructed as being of karst origins. Am J Phys Anthropol 159:348–351, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The Paradigm Shifts: A Guide to the Development of Dispute Resolution in Germany's Corporate Sector
Authors: Klowait Jürgen
Published: November 2015

There is no new, widespread and generally accepted mediation‐ and ADR‐euphoria in Germany, at least not yet, and not as a common expression of corporate attitudes to deal with disputes.
Metallfreie Amminboran‐Dehydrierung katalysiert durch eine Dibor‐Lewis‐Säure
Authors: Lu Zhenpin , Schweighauser Luca , Hausmann Heike , Wegner Hermann A.
Published: November 2015

Eine der größten Herausforderungen der heutigen Gesellschaft ist die sichere und umweltfreundliche Speicherung von Energie. Amminboran (AB=NH3BH3) wurde als mögliche Verbindung für die chemische Speicherung von Wasserstoff vorgeschlagen. Die effiziente Freisetzung des Wasserstoffs ist jedoch immer noch ein aktives Forschungsfeld. Hier präsentieren wir einen metallfreien Dibor‐Lewis‐Säurekatalysator, der die Freisetzung von bis zu 2.5 Äquivalenten H2 pro AB ermöglicht. Der Katalysator kann dabei mehrfach wiederverwendet werden, ohne an Aktivität zu verlieren. Die benötigte moderate Temperatur von 60 °C ermöglicht es, die Wasserstofferzeugung durch einfaches Heizen und Kühlen zu kontrollieren. Mechanistische Studien geben erste Einblicke in die Kinetik und den Mechanismus dieser katalytischen Reaktion.
Nanoscale Structuring of Surfaces by Using Atomic Layer Deposition
Authors: Sobel Nicolas , Hess Christian
Published: November 2015

Controlled structuring of surfaces is interesting for a wide variety of areas, including microelectronic device fabrication, optical devices, bio(sensing), (electro‐, photo)catalysis, batteries, solar cells, fuel cells, and sorption. A unique feature of atomic layer deposition (ALD) is the possibility to form conformal uniform coatings on arbitrarily shaped materials with controlled atomic‐scale thickness. In this Minireview, we discuss the potential of ALD for the nanoscale structuring of surfaces, highlighting its versatile application to structuring both planar substrates and powder materials. Recent progress in the application of ALD to porous substrates has even made the nanoscale structuring of high‐surface‐area materials now feasible, thereby enabling novel applications, such as those in the fields of catalysis and alternative energy.
Reactive absorption of NO and SO2 into aqueous NaClO in a counter‐current spray column
Authors: Raghunath Chelluboyana Vaishnava , Mondal Monoj Kumar
Published: November 2015

The experiments were performed in a spray column to study the simultaneous absorption of NO and SO2 using NaClO solution from simulated gas stream under various experimental conditions. The effects of various influencing parameters, such as absorbent concentration, reaction temperature, initial SO2 and NO concentration, and initial pH of NaClO solution on simultaneous removal of SO2 and NO, were emphatically investigated in regard to coal‐fired thermal power plant stack gas emission control. The maximum removal efficiencies of SO2 and NO were found as 97% and 87.8%, respectively, at 313 K, initial NaClO solution pH 5.4 and 0.024 M NaClO concentration. The addition of CO2 in simulated gas stream was also carried out to see its influence on removal efficiency of SO2 and NO. The results using a spray column showed that NaClO can be used effectively for simultaneous removal of NO and SO2from coal‐fired thermal power plant simulated gas stream. © 2015 Curtin University of Technology and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Performance and mechanism of laser transmission joining between glass fiber‐reinforced PA66 and PC
Authors: Liu Huixia , Chen Guochun , Jiang Hairong , Guo Dehui , Yan Zhang , Wu Xuelian , Li Pin , Wang Xiao
Published: November 2015

On account of the large compatibility difference between glass fiber‐reinforced Polyamide 66 (GFR‐PA66) and Polycarbonate (PC), it is difficult to weld them directly by laser. A new technology is introduced in this article by which the transparent PC is successfully welded with GFR‐PA66 using cold spraying in order to spray a 20 μm‐thick aluminum film on GFR‐PA66 as the absorbed layer. Tensile shear tests show the tensile strength of welded joints is highly enhanced. The influences of bubbles, glass fiber, and aluminum atoms on the performance of the joins are investigated via the optical microscope. X‐ray Photoelectron Spectrometer (XPS) is used to detect the chemical information of fracture sections on PC. In terms of the generation of bubbles, the influence of glass fiber, the distribution of aluminum atoms, and the formation of new chemical bonds, this article analyses the mechanism why the two different materials can be welded successfully. The micro‐anchor influence of glass giber in fiber‐reinforced polymers is important. The generation of new chemical bonding (Al–O–C) between aluminum and upper PC is the main reason why the joining strength is enhanced greatly. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci.2016,133, 43068.
Reaching destination on time with cooperative intelligent transportation systems
Authors: Kala Rahul
Published: November 2015

Research on intelligent transportation systems is so far focussed on decreasing the travel time of vehicles and avoiding congestions. However, the importance of reaching on time is different for different vehicles and depends upon the purpose of the journey. In a human‐operated queue, it is generally considered courteous to give priority to people running very late. They may be running late to catch a flight or may be in an emergency for a medical check‐up. There is a very small discomfort to the other people as long as the number of people in an emergency and running late is low. However, such prioritization is an invaluable help to the people running late. In this paper the same behaviour is modelled, wherein the transportation system is made biased towards the vehicles on an important task and running late. The paper presents the mechanism by which a vehicle may judge its running status, decide whether to ask for cooperation and decide how much of cooperation to ask for. The vehicle lane changes and traffic lights operating policy are made cooperative. Experimental results show that such a cooperation leads to lesser number of important vehicles reaching their destinations late. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Pyrene‐Anderson‐Modified CNTs as Anode Materials for Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Huang Lujiang , Hu Jun , Ji Yuanchun , Streb Carsten , Song Yu‐Fei
Published: November 2015

An organo‐functionalized polyoxometalate (POM)–pyrene hybrid (Py‐Anderson) has been used for noncovalent functionalization of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) to give a Py‐Anderson‐CNT nanocomposite through π–π interactions. The as‐synthesized nanocomposite was used as the anode material for lithium‐ion batteries, and shows higher discharge capacities and better rate capacity and cycling stability than the individual components. When the current density was 0.5 mA cm−2, the nanocomposite exhibited an initial discharge capacity of 1898.5 mA h g−1 and a high discharge capacity of 665.3 mA h g−1 for up to 100 cycles. AC impedance spectroscopy provides insight into the electrochemical properties and the charge‐transfer mechanism of the Py‐Anderson‐CNTs electrode.
Diastereoselective Strategies towards Thia[n]helicenes
Authors: Waghray Deepali , Bagdziunas Gintautas , Jacobs Jeroen , Van Meervelt Luc , Grazulevicius Juozas Vidas , Dehaen Wim
Published: November 2015

In the present study, we have investigated different strategies for diastereoselective synthesis of thia[n]helicenes. We describe the introduction of different chiral auxiliaries at various positions and investigated their effect in the photocyclization reaction. Different chiral groups were placed at the sterically hindered position of the helical core and their interactions with various solvents and metals like copper were investigated. The use of CuI salts has led to high diastereoselectivity in the photocyclization process and we were successful in obtaining the thia[5]helicene in enantiomerically pure form in good yield. The single diastereomer obtained was characterized by X‐ray crystallography. From the study of the barrier of racemization of these thia[5]helicenes, the stability was found to be comparable to unsubstituted tetrathia[7]helicenes and substituted diazadithia[7]helicenes. This approach provides an easy access to enantiopure helicenes.
Exceptionally Inert Lanthanide(III) PARACEST MRI Contrast Agents Based on an 18‐Membered Macrocyclic Platform
Authors: Castro Goretti , Regueiro‐Figueroa Martín , Esteban‐Gómez David , Bastida Rufina , Macías Alejandro , Pérez‐Lourido Paulo , Platas‐Iglesias Carlos , Valencia Laura
Published: November 2015

We report a macrocyclic ligand based on a 3,6,10,13‐tetraaza‐1,8(2,6)‐dipyridinacyclotetradecaphane platform containing four hydroxyethyl pendant arms (L1) that forms extraordinary inert complexes with Ln3+ ions. The [EuL1]3+ complex does not undergo dissociation in 1 M HCl over a period of months at room temperature. Furthermore, high concentrations of phosphate and Zn2+ ions at room temperature do not provoke metal‐complex dissociation. The X‐ray crystal structures of six Ln3+ complexes reveal ten coordination of the ligand to the metal ions through the six nitrogen atoms of the macrocycle and the four oxygen atoms of the hydroxyethyl pendant arms. The analysis of the Yb3+‐ and Pr3+‐induced paramagnetic 1H NMR shifts show that the solid‐state structures are retained in aqueous solution. The intensity of the 1H NMR signal of bulk water can be modulated by saturation of the signals of the hydroxy protons of Pr3+, Eu3+, and Yb3+ complexes following chemical‐exchange saturation transfer (CEST). The ability of these complexes to provide large CEST effects at 25 and 37 °C and pH 7.4 was confirmed by using CEST magnetic resonance imaging experiments.
Probing the Structural Stability of and Enhanced CO2 Storage in MOF MIL‐68(In) under High Pressures by FTIR Spectroscopy
Authors: Hu Yue , Lin Bin , He Peng , Li Youyong , Huang Yining , Song Yang
Published: November 2015

The unique structural topology of metal–organic framework (MOF) MIL‐68, featuring two types of channels with distinct pore sizes, makes it a promising candidate for application in gas storage and separation. In this study, the behavior of as‐made and activated MIL‐68(In) was investigated in a diamond‐anvil cell under high pressure by in situ IR spectroscopy. The framework exhibits high stability under compression up to 9 GPa, whereas the bridging OH groups appear to be very sensitive to compression. Pressure‐induced structural modifications were found to be completely reversible for as‐made MIL‐68(In) but irreversible for the activated framework. Moreover, the addition of Nujol as pressure‐transmitting medium makes the framework more resilient to pressure. Finally, when loaded with CO2, the framework exhibited interesting differential binding affinities with CO2 in the hexagonal and triangular pores at different pressures. The pressure‐enhanced CO2 storage behavior and the guest–host interaction mechanism between CO2 and the MOF framework were explored with the aid of Monte Carlo simulations. These studies demonstrated great potential for MIL‐68(In) in gas‐storage applications that require extreme loading pressures.
How Epigallocatechin‐3‐gallate and Tetracycline Interact with the Josephin Domain of Ataxin‐3 and Alter Its Aggregation Mode
Authors: Bonanomi Marcella , Visentin Cristina , Natalello Antonino , Spinelli Michela , Vanoni Marco , Airoldi Cristina , Regonesi Maria E. , Tortora Paolo
Published: November 2015

Epigallocatechin‐3‐gallate (EGCG) and tetracycline are two known inhibitors of amyloid aggregation able to counteract the fibrillation of most of the proteins involved in neurodegenerative diseases. We have recently investigated their effect on ataxin‐3 (AT3), the polyglutamine‐containing protein responsible for spinocerebellar ataxia type 3. We previously showed that EGCG and tetracycline can contrast the aggregation process and toxicity of expanded AT3, although by different mechanisms. Here, we have performed further experiments by using the sole Josephin domain (JD) to further elucidate the mechanism of action of the two compounds. By protein solubility assays and FTIR spectroscopy we have first observed that EGCG and tetracycline affect the JD aggregation essentially in the same way displayed when acting on the full‐length expanded AT3. Then, by saturation transfer difference (STD) NMR experiments, we have shown that EGCG binds both the monomeric and the oligomeric JD form, whereas tetracycline can only interact with the oligomeric one. Surface plasmon resonance (SPR) analysis has confirmed the capability of the sole EGCG to bind monomeric JD, although with a KD value suggestive for a non‐specific interaction. Our investigations provide new details on the JD interaction with EGCG and tetracycline, which could explain the different mechanisms by which the two compounds reduce the toxicity of AT3.
Hetero‐π‐Dimers of Phenalenyls
Authors: Mou Zhongyu , Kubo Takashi , Kertesz Miklos
Published: November 2015

Homogeneous π‐stacking dimers of phenalenyl and its derivatives have gained tremendous interest as components of conducting organic materials. For the first time, we investigate theoretically heterogeneous phenalenyl π‐dimers. Key parameters, including charge transfer, interaction energy, singly occupied molecular orbital (SOMO) energy, and spin density, are studied with the help of density functional theory. We find that the amount of charge transfer between the two monomers in phenalenyl π‐dimers correlates with the difference in the SOMO energies of the constituent monomers, where the SOMO energy plays the role of a monomer (group) electronegativity index. Charge transfer plays an important role in stabilizing the heterodimers while maintaining a significant diradicaloid character. For five heterodimers the interaction energy is found to be as large as −30 to −50 kcal mol−1. The presented correlation between the monomer SOMO energy levels and their stability can provide a simple predictive tool to design new highly stable π‐stacking heterodimers.
Lifeact and Utr230 induce distinct actin assemblies in cell nuclei
Authors: Du Jing , Fan Yan‐Lei , Chen Tai‐Lin , Feng Xi‐Qiao
Published: November 2015

Nuclear actin assembly in somatic cells has been an enigma for a long time. Recently, with the advancement of novel F‐actin probes, researchers have started to uncover this mystery. In this study, we investigated the actin dynamics in somatic cell nuclei using two probes: Lifeact and Utr230. Surprisingly, we observed that both Lifeact and Utr230 significantly interfered with actin dynamics in cell nuclei. Moreover, these two probes induced distinct patterns of nuclear actin assembly. While Lifeact induced filamentous actin assembly in cell nuclei, Utr230 led to various patterns of actin aggregates, including fibers, small puncta, and large patches. Moreover, the interference of actin dynamics by Lifeact was limited to nuclear actin, while Utr230 induced actin aggregation in both the nucleus and cytoplasm. Using time‐lapse microscopy, we found that Lifeact‐induced actin fibers remained steady over hours of observation, indicating a deficiency of nuclear F‐actin reorganization. These results suggest that Lifeact and Utr230 both interfere with nuclear actin dynamics but with distinct mechanisms. This is an important finding for research on nuclear actin assembly and highlights the potential value of these two probes for exploring the native mechanisms underlying nuclear actin dynamics, which appear to be altered in the presence of these probes. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Advances in the translational genomics of neuroblastoma: From improving risk stratification and revealing novel biology to identifying actionable genomic alterations
Authors: Bosse Kristopher R. , Maris John M.
Published: November 2015

Neuroblastoma is an embryonal malignancy that commonly affects young children and is remarkably heterogenous in its malignant potential. Recently, the genetic basis of neuroblastoma has come into focus and not only has catalyzed a more comprehensive understanding of neuroblastoma tumorigenesis but also has revealed novel oncogenic vulnerabilities that are being therapeutically leveraged. Neuroblastoma is a model pediatric solid tumor in its use of recurrent genomic alterations, such as high‐level MYCN (v‐myc avian myelocytomatosis viral oncogene neuroblastoma‐derived homolog) amplification, for risk stratification. Given the relative paucity of recurrent, activating, somatic point mutations or gene fusions in primary neuroblastoma tumors studied at initial diagnosis, innovative treatment approaches beyond small molecules targeting mutated or dysregulated kinases will be required moving forward to achieve noticeable improvements in overall patient survival. However, the clonally acquired, oncogenic aberrations in relapsed neuroblastomas are currently being defined and may offer an opportunity to improve patient outcomes with molecularly targeted therapy directed toward aberrantly regulated pathways in relapsed disease. This review summarizes the current state of knowledge about neuroblastoma genetics and genomics, highlighting the improved prognostication and potential therapeutic opportunities that have arisen from recent advances in understanding germline predisposition, recurrent segmental chromosomal alterations, somatic point mutations and translocations, and clonal evolution in relapsed neuroblastoma. Cancer 2016;122:20–33. © 2015 American Cancer Society.
Risk factors and model for predicting toxicity‐related treatment discontinuation in patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma treated with vascular endothelial growth factor–targeted therapy: Results from the International Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma Database Consortium
Authors: Kaymakcalan Marina D. , Xie Wanling , Albiges Laurence , North Scott A. , Kollmannsberger Christian K. , Smoragiewicz Martin , Kroeger Nils , Wells J. Connor , Rha Sun‐Young , Lee Jae Lyun , McKay Rana R. , Fay André P. , De Velasco Guillermo , Heng Daniel Y. C. , Choueiri Toni K.
Published: November 2015

BACKGROUND

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)–targeted therapies are standard treatment for metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC); however, toxicities can lead to drug discontinuation, which can affect patient outcomes. This study was aimed at identifying risk factors for toxicity and constructing the first model to predict toxicity‐related treatment discontinuation (TrTD) in mRCC patients treated with VEGF‐targeted therapies.

METHODS

The baseline characteristics, treatment outcomes, and toxicity data were collected for 936 mRCC patients receiving first‐line VEGF‐targeted therapy from the International Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma Database Consortium. A competing risk regression model was used to identify risk factors for TrTD, and it accounted for other causes as competing risks.

RESULTS

Overall, 198 (23.8%) experienced TrTD. Sunitinib was the most common VEGF‐targeted therapy (77%), and it was followed by sorafenib (18.4%). The median time on therapy was 7.1 months for all patients and 4.4 months for patients with TrTD. The most common toxicities leading to TrTD included fatigue, diarrhea, and mucositis. In a multivariate analysis, significant predictors for TrTD were a baseline age ≥60 years, a glomerular filtration rate (GFR) <30 mL/min/1.73 m2, a single metastatic site, and a sodium level <135 mmol/L. A risk group model was developed that used the number of patient risk factors to predict the risk of TrTD.

CONCLUSIONS

In the largest series to date, age, GFR, number of metastatic sites, and baseline sodium level were found to be independent risk factors for TrTD in mRCC patients receiving VEGF‐targeted therapy. Based on the number of risk factors present, a model for predicting TrTD was built to be used as a tool for toxicity monitoring in clinical practice. Cancer 2016;122:411–419. © 2015 American Cancer Society.
Computational Approach to Explore the B/A Junction Free Energy in DNA
Authors: Kulkarni Mandar , Mukherjee Arnab
Published: November 2015

Protein–DNA interactions induce conformational changes in DNA such as B‐ to A‐form transitions at a local level. Such transitions are associated with a junction free energy cost at the boundary of two different conformations in a DNA molecule. In this study, we performed umbrella sampling simulations to find the free energy values of the B–A transition at the dinucleotide and trinucleotide level of DNA. Using a combination of dinucleotide and trinucleotide free energy costs obtained from simulations, we calculated the B/A junction free energy. Our study shows that the B/A junction free energy is 0.52 kcal mol−1 for the A‐philic GG step and 1.59 kcal mol−1 for the B‐philic AA step. This observation is in agreement with experimentally derived values. After excluding junction effects, we obtained an absolute free energy cost for the B‐ to A‐form conversion for all the dinucleotide steps. These absolute free energies may be used for predicting the propensity of structural transitions in DNA.
Analysis of Adsorbate–Adsorbate and Adsorbate–Adsorbent Interactions to Decode Isosteric Heats of Gas Adsorption
Authors: Madani S. Hadi , Sedghi Saeid , Biggs Mark J. , Pendleton Phillip
Published: November 2015

A qualitative interpretation is proposed to interpret isosteric heats of adsorption by considering contributions from three general classes of interaction energy: fluid–fluid heat, fluid–solid heat, and fluid—high‐energy site (HES) heat. Multiple temperature adsorption isotherms are defined for nitrogen, T=(75, 77, 79) K, argon at T=(85, 87, 89) K, and for water and methanol at T=(278, 288, 298) K on a well‐characterized polymer‐based, activated carbon. Nitrogen and argon are subjected to isosteric heat analyses; their zero filling isosteric heats of adsorption are consistent with slit‐pore, adsorption energy enhancement modelling. Water adsorbs entirely via specific interactions, offering decreasing isosteric heat at low pore filling followed by a constant heat slightly in excess of water condensation enthalpy, demonstrating the effects of micropores. Methanol offers both specific adsorption via the alcohol group and non‐specific interactions via its methyl group; the isosteric heat increases at low pore filling, indicating the predominance of non‐specific interactions.
Correction of aberrant imprinting by allele‐specific epigenome editing
Authors: Bashtrykov P , Kungulovski G , Jeltsch A
Published: November 2015

Imprinting disorders are caused by the loss of the normal allele‐specific DNA methylation at imprinting centers. Epigenetic editing is a promising approach to alter DNA methylation at defined genomic target regions. The novel development of CRISPR‐Cas9‐based DNA binding domains may allow for an allele‐specific editing of DNA methylation at imprinted loci, for the first time offering a rational approach for correction of the molecular defects in imprinting disorders.
Delay‐universal codes for multiple access channels
Authors: Noor‐A‐Rahim Md. , Nguyen Khoa D. , Lechner Gottfried
Published: November 2015

In this paper, we propose delay‐universal or ‘anytime’ code design for multiple access channels. The anytime characteristics of the proposed coding scheme are investigated asymptotically over two different multiple access channels. For the simplest multiple access channel, we derive the analytical delay‐exponent of the proposed code by using mathematical induction technique. Through comparison, we show that the analytical delay‐exponent matches with the delay‐exponent obtained from numerical results. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.