bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Perception of color emotions for single colors in red-green defective observers
Authors: Sato Keiko , Inoue Takaaki
Published: December 2016

It is estimated that inherited red-green color deficiency, which involves both the protan and deutan deficiency types, is common in men. For red-green defective observers, some reddish colors appear desaturated and brownish, unlike colors seen by normal observers. Despite its prevalence, few studies have investigated the effects that red-green color deficiency has on the psychological properties of colors (color emotions). The current study investigated the influence of red-green color deficiency on the following six color emotions: cleanliness, freshness, hardness, preference, warmth, and weight. Specifically, this study aimed to: (1) reveal differences between normal and red-green defective observers in rating patterns of six color emotions; (2) examine differences in color emotions related to the three cardinal channels in human color vision; and (3) explore relationships between color emotions and color naming behavior. Thirteen men and 10 women with normal vision and 13 men who were red-green defective performed both a color naming task and an emotion rating task with 32 colors from the Berkeley Color Project (BCP). Results revealed noticeable differences in the cleanliness and hardness ratings between the normal vision observers, particularly in women, and red-green defective observers, which appeared mainly for colors in the orange to cyan range, and in the preference and warmth ratings for colors with cyan and purple hues. Similarly, naming errors also mainly occurred in the cyan colors. A regression analysis that included the three cone-contrasts (i.e., red-green, blue-yellow, and luminance) as predictors significantly accounted for variability in color emotion ratings for the red-green defective observers as much as the normal individuals. Expressly, for warmth ratings, the weight of the red-green opponent channel was significantly lower in color defective observers than in normal participants. In addition, the analyses for individual warmth ratings in the red-green defective group revealed that luminance cone-contrast was a significant predictor in most red-green-defective individuals. Together, these results suggest that red-green defective observers tend to rely on the blue-yellow channel and luminance to compensate for the weak sensitivity of long- and medium-wavelength (L-M) cone-contrasts, when rating color warmth.
Shallow water sea slugs (Gastropoda: Heterobranchia) from the northwestern coast of the Sea of Japan, north of Peter the Great Bay, Russia
Authors: Chichvarkhin Anton
Published: December 2016

The coast of northern Primorye region, north of Peter the Great Bay has been sparsely studied in regards to its molluscan fauna, with just a few works reviewing the distribution of local mollusks. This work presents a survey of the shallow water heterobranch sea slugs currently occurring around Kievka Bay to Oprichnik Bay, Russia. Thirty-nine species of sea slugs were found in this study and the new speciesCadlina olgaesp. nov., described herein. Most (24) of the species occurring in the area have widespread ranges in the northern Pacific Ocean. The eight species are endemic for the Sea of Japan and adjacent part of the Sea of Okhotsk. Seven other occur also in northern Atlantic and Arctic waters. Thirteen found species are not known from Peter the Great Bay but known from adjacent northern Pacific waters. The finding of a previously undescribed species emphasizes the need of further surveys, particularly in subtidal and deeper waters, in order to improve the knowledge on this neglected fauna in Primorye.
Towards quantitative viromics for both double-stranded and single-stranded DNA viruses
Authors: Roux Simon , Solonenko Natalie E. , Dang Vinh T. , Poulos Bonnie T. , Schwenck Sarah M. , Goldsmith Dawn B. , Coleman Maureen L. , Breitbart Mya , Sullivan Matthew B.
Published: December 2016

Background

Viruses strongly influence microbial population dynamics and ecosystem functions. However, our ability to quantitatively evaluate those viral impacts is limited to the few cultivated viruses and double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) viral genomes captured in quantitative viral metagenomes (viromes). This leaves the ecology of non-dsDNA viruses nearly unknown, including single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) viruses that have been frequently observed in viromes, but not quantified due to amplification biases in sequencing library preparations (Multiple Displacement Amplification, Linker Amplification or Tagmentation).

Methods

Here we designed mock viral communities including both ssDNA and dsDNA viruses to evaluate the capability of a sequencing library preparation approach including an Adaptase step prior to Linker Amplification for quantitative amplification of both dsDNA and ssDNA templates. We then surveyed aquatic samples to provide first estimates of the abundance of ssDNA viruses.

Results

Mock community experiments confirmed the biased nature of existing library preparation methods for ssDNA templates (either largely enriched or selected against) and showed that the protocol using Adaptase plus Linker Amplification yielded viromes that were ±1.8-fold quantitative for ssDNA and dsDNA viruses. Application of this protocol to community virus DNA from three freshwater and three marine samples revealed that ssDNA viruses as a whole represent only a minor fraction (<5%) of DNA virus communities, though individual ssDNA genomes, both eukaryote-infecting Circular Rep-Encoding Single-Stranded DNA (CRESS-DNA) viruses and bacteriophages from theMicroviridaefamily, can be among the most abundant viral genomes in a sample.

Discussion

Together these findings provide empirical data for a new virome library preparation protocol, and a first estimate of ssDNA virus abundance in aquatic systems.
The relationship between cannabis use and measures of anxiety and depression in a sample of college campus cannabis users and non-users post state legalization in Colorado
Authors: Troup Lucy J. , Andrzejewski Jeremy A. , Braunwalder Jacob T. , Torrence Robert D.
Published: December 2016

As part of an ongoing research program into the relationship between cannabis use and emotion processing, participants were assessed on their level of cannabis exposure using the Recreational Cannabis Use Examination, a measure developed specifically to assess cannabis use in Colorado post state legalization. Three groups were created based on self-reported use: a control group who have never used, a casual user group and a chronic user group. Each participant also completed two measures of mood assessment, the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale and the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory. Relationships between cannabis use groups and scores on these measures were then analyzed using both correlations and multivariate analysis of variance. Results indicate a relationship between casual cannabis use and scoring highly for depressive symptomatology on the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale. There were no significant relationships between cannabis use and scores on the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory.
Further intensification of deep convection in the Labrador Sea in 2016
Authors: Yashayaev Igor , Loder John W.
Published: December 2016

There has been a progressive deepening of winter convection in the Labrador Sea since 2012, with the individual profile maximum depth exceeding 1800 m since 2014 and reaching 2100 m in 2016. This increase, during repeated positive phases of the winter North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO), resembles that during the formation of the record depth (2500 m) Labrador Sea Water (LSW) class in 1987–1994, attributed to repeated positive NAO forcing having provided critical preconditioning. The 2012–2016 LSW class is one of the deepest and most persistent ever observed (back to 1938). Year‐round observations from profiling Argo floats since 2002 complemented by annual surveys are providing novel information on the seasonal‐to‐decadal evolution of LSW, such as its variable density, the recent multiyear preconditioning, and its 2016 density being the highest since the mid‐1990s. These findings should help international observation programs and numerical model studies investigating LSW influences on the subpolar North Atlantic and Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation.
Harmonization based on regulatory science between scientific and commercial radio uses in a case of ultrawideband radio
Authors: Kohno Ryuji , Iinatti Jari , Sameshima Keiko
Published: December 2016

Harmonization for scientific and commercial radio uses is one of the unsolved problems in academia, industry, and regulatory bodies. The demands for commercial radio, mobile communications, and broadcasting have significantly increased over the past few decades; therefore, interference has become a major concern. There is an increasing need to prevent such interferences, for example, between commercial radio systems and other potentially sensitive radio systems such as those used for radio astronomy or studies. When discussing the fairness in resolving such conflicts, regulatory science may be a useful multidisciplinary approach as it scientifically investigates the advantages and disadvantages of a new application or technology for conflicts between different stakeholders through a mathematical analysis of risks versus benefits of the given technology. Such an analysis enables fair rules or regulations to be made. In this study, we apply the above‐mentioned concept to harmonize the scientific and commercial uses of radio. After a brief introduction to regulatory science, a case study about the coexistence between ultrawideband commercial radio systems and radio astronomy is considered. Finally, a proposal by International Union of Radio Science, Japan, to the Science Council of Japan in the Cabinet Office to establish a “Center for Coexistence and Harmonization of Scientific and Commercial Uses of Radio Waves” is explained.
Modified Cramér‐Rao lower bounds for joint position and velocity estimation of a Rician target in OFDM‐based passive radar networks
Authors: Shi C. G. , Salous S. , Wang F. , Zhou J. J.
Published: December 2016

Owing to the increased deployment and the favorable range and Doppler resolutions, orthogonal frequency‐division multiplexing (OFDM)‐based L band digital aeronautical communication system type 1 (LDACS1) stations have become attractive systems for target surveillance in passive radar applications. This paper investigates the problem of joint parameter (position and velocity) estimation of a Rician target in OFDM‐based passive radar network systems with multichannel receivers placed on moving platforms, which are composed of multiple OFDM‐based LDACS1 transmitters of opportunity and multiple radar receivers. The modified Cramér‐Rao lower bounds (MCRLBs) on the Cartesian coordinates of target position and velocity are computed, where the received signal from the target is composed of dominant scatterer (DS) component and weak isotropic scatterers (WIS) component. Simulation results are provided to demonstrate that the target parameter estimation accuracy can be improved by exploiting the DS component. It also shows that the joint MCRLB is not only a function of the transmitted waveform parameters, target radar cross section, and signal‐to‐noise ratio but also a function of the relative geometry between the target and the passive radar networks. The analytical expressions of MCRLB can be utilized as a performance metric to access the target parameter estimation in OFDM‐based passive radar networks in that they enable the selection of optimal transmitter‐receiver pairs for target estimation.
Compact E plane waveguide filter with multiple stopbands
Authors: Mrvić Marija , Potrebić Milka , Tošić Dejan
Published: December 2016

This paper presents a novel miniaturized E plane multiband bandstop waveguide filter. Quarter‐wave resonators (QWRs) are printed on a thin dielectric substrate to form an insert that is positioned in the E plane of a rectangular waveguide. Stopbands are designed by simple adjustment of length of the QWRs. QWRs for different stopbands are spaced on the insert to eliminate the unwanted coupling between them. Proposed design exhibits independent tuning of the center frequency and bandwidth of each stopband. Miniaturization is achieved by attaching the QWRs for different stopbands to the opposite waveguide walls. As a proof of concept, dual‐band, and triple‐band E plane waveguide bandstop filters with independent control of designed stopbands (ICDSs) are designed. Further size reduction is made by changing dimensions of the dual‐band filter, leading to the proposed ultracompact filter when designed stopbands are not independently controllable. Next, influence of the individual parameters on the filter response is thoroughly investigated. Novel equivalent electrical circuit is presented for fast filter design. Equivalent circuit of the multiband bandstop filter is a cascade of the equivalent networks of the single‐band bandstop filters. Utilization of the proposed circuit enables design fine‐tuning, thus reducing the number of repeated time and memory‐consuming three‐dimensional electromagnetic (3‐D EM) simulations. To verify the proposed design, an E plane dual‐band ICDS bandstop waveguide filter is fabricated, operating at f01 = 9 GHz with fractional bandwidth (FBW) of 5.77% and f02 = 11 GHz with FBW of 5.27%. Measured results are in good agreement with the 3‐D EM simulation.
Exploring predictive performance: A reanalysis of the geospace model transition challenge
Authors: Welling D. T. , Anderson B. J. , Crowley G. , Pulkkinen A. A. , Rastätter L.
Published: December 2016

The Pulkkinen et al. (2013) study evaluated the ability of five different geospace models to predict surface dB/dt as a function of upstream solar drivers. This was an important step in the assessment of research models for predicting and ultimately preventing the damaging effects of geomagnetically induced currents. Many questions remain concerning the capabilities of these models. This study presents a reanalysis of the Pulkkinen et al. (2013) results in an attempt to better understand the models' performance. The range of validity of the models is determined by examining the conditions corresponding to the empirical input data. It is found that the empirical conductance models on which global magnetohydrodynamic models rely are frequently used outside the limits of their input data. The prediction error for the models is sorted as a function of solar driving and geomagnetic activity. It is found that all models show a bias toward underprediction, especially during active times. These results have implications for future research aimed at improving operational forecast models.
Enhanced Thermal Energy Storage Performance of Polyethylene Glycol by Using Interfacial Interaction of Copper‐Based Metal Oxide
Authors: Zhang Haiquan , Yuan Yanping , Sun Qinrong , Cao Xiaoling
Published: December 2016

Development of a polyethylene glycol (PEG) phase change material (PCM) is a popular research topic. Chemical reactions between the PEG and additive degrade the energy storage density obviously. We prepare a PEG8000/copper‐based oxide composite to solve this problem. FT‐IR results show that the molecular structure of the PEG8000 polymer does not change, thereby, indicating that no chemical reactions occur. Crystallization temperature of the composite is increased by 4.8 °C, corresponding to the formation of the hydrogen bond during the exothermic process. Crystallization fraction (Fc) of the composites is over 100% on the role of the interface effect. The present study represents an important step toward the development of composite PCMs with highly comprehensive performance.
Doping, Contact and Interface Engineering of Two‐Dimensional Layered Transition Metal Dichalcogenides Transistors
Authors: Zhao Yuda , Xu Kang , Pan Feng , Zhou Changjian , Zhou Feichi , Chai Yang
Published: December 2016

Owing to an ultrathin body, atomic scale smoothness, dangling bond‐free surface, and sizable bandgap, transistors based on two‐dimensional (2D) layered semiconductors show the potential of scalability down to the nanoscale, high‐density three‐dimensional integration, and superior performance in terms of better electrostatic control and smaller power consumption compared with conventional three‐dimensional semiconductors (Si, Ge, and III‐V compound materials). To apply 2D layered materials into complementary metal‐oxide‐semiconductor logic circuits, it is important to modulate the carrier type and density in a controllable manner, and engineer the contact (between metal electrode and 2D semiconductor) and the interface (between dielectrics and semiconducting channel) to get close to their intrinsic carrier mobility. In this review, the most widely studied 2D transition metal dichalcogenides (TMD) are focused on, and an overview of recent progress on doping, contact, and interface engineering of the TMD‐based field‐effect transistors is provided.
Third‐Generation Amino Acid Furanoside‐Based Ligands from d‐Mannose for the Asymmetric Transfer Hydrogenation of Ketones: Catalysts with an Exceptionally Wide Substrate Scope
Authors: Margalef Jèssica , Slagbrand Tove , Tinnis Fredrik , Adolfsson Hans , Diéguez Montserrat , Pàmies Oscar
Published: December 2016

A modular ligand library of α‐amino acid hydroxyamides and thioamides was prepared from 10 different N‐tert‐butyloxycarbonyl‐protected α‐amino acids and three different amino alcohols derived from 2,3‐O‐isopropylidene‐α‐d‐mannofuranoside. The ligand library was evaluated in the half‐sandwich ruthenium‐ and rhodium‐catalyzed asymmetric transfer hydrogenation of a wide array of ketone substrates, including simple as well as sterically demanding aryl alkyl ketones, aryl fluoroalkyl ketones, heteroaromatic alkyl ketones, aliphatic, conjugated and propargylic ketones. Under the optimized reaction conditions, secondary alcohols were obtained in high yields and in enantioselectivities up to >99%. The choice of ligand/catalyst allowed for the generation of both enantiomers of the secondary alcohols, where the ruthenium‐hydroxyamide and the rhodium‐thioamide catalysts act complementarily towards each other. The catalytic systems were also evaluated in the tandem isomerization/asymmetric transfer hydrogenation of racemic allylic alcohols to yield enantiomerically enriched saturated secondary alcohols in up to 98% ee. Furthermore, the catalytic tandem α‐alkylation/asymmetric transfer hydrogenation of acetophenones and 3‐acetylpyridine with primary alcohols as alkylating and reducing agents was studied. Secondary alcohols containing an elongated alkyl chain were obtained in up to 92% ee.

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Modeling of the desulfation process in NOx storage and reduction catalysts
Authors: Lafossas Francois‐Alexandre , Manetas Christos , Mohammadi Ali , Koltsakis Grigorios , Iida Masahide , Yoshida Kohei
Published: December 2016

One of the major challenges for the NOx Storage and Reduction Catalysts technology used in automotive exhaust remains the sulfur susceptibility, which calls for efficient desulfation strategies. The sulfation and desulfation processes are systematically studied via measurements and mathematical modeling of the physicochemical processes. The role of oxygen storage which influences the reducing agents availability for desulfation is explained and a respective reaction model is presented. The bulk oxygen storage component appears to be involved in sulfur storage, which further emphasizes the importance of oxygen–sulfur storage interactions. Next, the observed release of sulfur species under lean mode is discussed along with a proposed reaction mechanism which involves SO2 formation via O2 reaction with elemental sulfur on the surface. The parameters of the complex reaction model are calibrated in order to reproduce the observed trends at least in a qualitative manner. © 2016 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 63: 2117–2127, 2017
Regenerative Electroless Etching of Silicon
Authors: Kolasinski Kurt W. , Gimbar Nathan J. , Yu Haibo , Aindow Mark , Mäkilä Ermei , Salonen Jarno
Published: December 2016

Regenerative electroless etching (ReEtching), described herein for the first time, is a method of producing nanostructured semiconductors in which an oxidant (Ox1) is used as a catalytic agent to facilitate the reaction between a semiconductor and a second oxidant (Ox2) that would be unreactive in the primary reaction. Ox2 is used to regenerate Ox1, which is capable of initiating etching by injecting holes into the semiconductor valence band. Therefore, the extent of reaction is controlled by the amount of Ox2 added, and the rate of reaction is controlled by the injection rate of Ox2. This general strategy is demonstrated specifically for the production of highly luminescent, nanocrystalline porous Si from the reaction of V2O5 in HF(aq) as Ox1 and H2O2(aq) as Ox2 with Si powder and wafers.
The absorption enhancement of norisoboldine in the duodenum of adjuvant‐induced arthritis rats involves the impairment of P‐glycoprotein
Authors: Duan Cong , Guo Jiao‐Mei , Dai Yue , Xia Yu‐Feng
Published: December 2016

Lindera aggregata (Sims) Kosterm root has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for the treatment of rheumatism palsy, dyspepsia and frequent urination for a long time. Norisoboldine, the main active constituent of this herb drug, possesses outstanding anti‐arthritis activity. However, the in vivo disposition of norisoboldine is known to a limited extent, especially under the pathological condition of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The aim of this study is to investigate whether and how the absorption of norisoboldine is altered in adjuvant‐induced arthritis (AIA) rats. Comparative studies of the intestinal absorption of norisoboldine in normal and AIA rats at different pathological stages of the arthritis were performed using in situ single‐pass intestinal perfusion, and the effects of an inhibitor of efflux proteins were also investigated. Norisoboldine was shown to be a substrate of P‐glycoprotein (P‐gp), as P‐gp inhibitor verapamil markedly increased the permeability coefficient (Peff) of norisoboldine by 88% in the intestine of normal rats. Compared with normal rats, AIA rats displayed increased Peff values of norisoboldine by 84% and 86% on day 5 and day 10 after the appearance of the secondary response of arthritis, respectively. Verapamil could eliminate the difference of intestinal absorption of norisoboldine between normal and AIA rats. Further studies showed that impaired expression and activity of P‐gp in AIA rats play a decisive role in the absorption enhancement of norisoboldine. Notably, the impairment of P‐gp function positively correlated with the severity of arthritis. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Fast and sensitive analysis of beta blockers by ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography coupled with ultra‐high‐resolution TOF mass spectrometry
Authors: Tomková Jana , Ondra Peter , Kocianová Eva , Václavík Jan
Published: December 2016

This paper presents a method for the determination of acebutolol, betaxolol, bisoprolol, metoprolol, nebivolol and sotalol in human serum by liquid–liquid extraction and ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography coupled with ultra‐high‐resolution TOF mass spectrometry. After liquid–liquid extraction, beta blockers were separated on a reverse‐phase analytical column (Acclaim RS 120; 100 × 2.1 mm, 2.2 μm). The total run time was 6 min for each sample. Linearity, limit of detection, limit of quantification, matrix effects, specificity, precision, accuracy, recovery and sample stability were evaluated. The method was successfully applied to the therapeutic drug monitoring of 108 patients with hypertension. This method was also used for determination of beta blockers in 33 intoxicated patients.
Validation of an LC–MS/MS method for simultaneous detection of four HDAC inhibitors – belinostat, panobinostat, rocilinostat and vorinostat in mouse plasma and its application to a mouse pharmacokinetic study
Authors: Giri Kalpesh Kumar , Suresh P. S. , Saim Syed Mohd , Zainuddin Mohd , Bhamidipati Ravi Kanth , Dewang Purushottam , Hallur Mahanandeesha S. , Rajagopal Sridharan , Rajagopal Sriram , Mullangi Ramesh
Published: December 2016

A sensitive and rapid LC–MS/MS method was developed and validated for the simultaneous quantitation of four HDAC inhibitors, namely belinostat (BST), panobinostat (PST), rocilinostat (RST) and vorinostat (VST), in mouse plasma as per regulatory guidelines. The analytes and internal standard were extracted from 50 μL mouse plasma by protein precipitation, followed by chromatographic separation using an Atlantis C18 column with an isocratic mobile phase comprising 0.1% formic acid–acetonitrile (25:75, v/v) at a flow rate of 0.5 mL/min within 2.5 min. Detection and quantitation were done by multiple reaction monitoring on a triple quadrupole mass spectrometer following the transitions: m/z 319 → 93, 350 → 158, 434 → 274 and 265 → 232 for BST, PST, RST and VST, respectively, in the positive ionization mode. The calibration curves were linear from 2.92 to 2921 ng/mL for BST and PST and from 1.01 to 1008 ng/mL for RST and VST with r2 ≥ 0.99 for all of the analytes. The intra‐ and inter‐batch accuracy and precision (CV) across quality controls varied from 85.5 to 112% and from 2.30 to 12.5, respectively, for all of the analytes. Analytes were found to be stable under different stability conditions. The method was applied to an i.v. pharmacokinetic study in mice.
A Three‐Dimensionally Structured Electrocatalyst: Cobalt‐Embedded Nitrogen‐Doped Carbon Nanotubes/Nitrogen‐Doped Reduced Graphene Oxide Hybrid for Efficient Oxygen Reduction
Authors: Wei Changting , Wang Hongjing , Eid Kamel , Kim Jeonghun , Kim Jung Ho , Alothman Zeid Abdullah , Yamauchi Yusuke , Wang Liang
Published: December 2016

To develop low‐cost and efficient oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) catalysts, a novel hybrid comprising cobalt‐embedded nitrogen‐doped carbon nanotubes and nitrogen‐doped reduced graphene oxide (Co‐NCNT/NrGO‐800) was simply prepared by pyrolysis. The combination of nanotubes and graphene, and the efficient doping with cobalt and nitrogen, greatly contribute to the excellent ORR performance. This optimized Co‐NCNT/NrGO catalyst exhibits a positive onset potential of 0.91 V and a half‐wave potential of 0.82 V, combined with a relatively low peroxide yield, better durability, and better methanol tolerance than commercially available Pt/C, which makes it a promising candidate as a low‐cost and effective non‐precious‐metal ORR catalyst.
A Photoresponsive Orthogonal Supramolecular Complex Based on Host–Guest Interactions
Authors: Wang Dongsheng , Wagner Manfred , Saydjari Andrew K. , Mueller Julius , Winzen Svenja , Butt Hans‐Jürgen , Wu Si
Published: December 2016

We synthesized a novel green‐light‐responsive tetra‐ortho‐isopropoxy‐substituted azobenzene (ipAzo). Cis‐ipAzo forms a strong host–guest complex with γ‐cyclo dextrin (γ‐CD) whereas trans‐ipAzo binds weakly. This new photoresponsive host–guest interaction is reverse to the well‐known azobenzene (Azo)/α‐cyclodextrin (α‐CD) complex, which is strong only between trans‐Azo and α‐CD. By combining the UV‐light‐responsive Azo/α‐CD and green‐light‐responsive ipAzo/γ‐CD host–guest complexes, a photoresponsive orthogonal supramolecular system is developed.
Synthesis, Binding Properties, and Differences in Cell Uptake of G‐Quadruplex Ligands Based on Carbohydrate Naphthalene Diimide Conjugates
Authors: Arévalo‐Ruiz Matilde , Doria Filippo , Belmonte‐Reche Efres , De Rache Aurore , Campos‐Salinas Jenny , Lucas Ricardo , Falomir Eva , Carda Miguel , Pérez‐Victoria José María , Mergny Jean‐Louis , Freccero Mauro , Morales Juan Carlos
Published: December 2016

The G‐quadruplexes (G4s) are currently being explored as therapeutic targets in cancer and other pathologies. Six carbohydrate naphthalene diimide conjugates (carb‐NDIs) have been synthesized as G4 ligands to investigate their potential selectivity in G4 binding and cell penetration. Carb‐NDIs have shown certain selectivity for G4 structures against DNA duplexes, but different sugar moieties do not induce a preference for a specific G4 topology. Interestingly, when monosaccharides were attached through a short ethylene linker to the NDI scaffold, their cellular uptake was two‐ to threefold more efficient than that when the sugar was directly attached through its anomeric position. Moreover, a correlation between more efficient cell uptake of these carb‐NDIs and their higher toxicity in cancerous cell lines has been observed. Carb‐NDIs seem to be mainly translocated into cancer cells through glucose transporters (GLUT), of which GLUT4 plays a major role.
Functional Species Encapsulated in Nitrogen‐Doped Porous Carbon as a Highly Efficient Catalyst for the Oxygen Reduction Reaction
Authors: Song Li , Wang Tao , Ma Yiou , Xue Hairong , Guo Hu , Fan Xiaoli , Xia Wei , Gong Hao , He Jianping
Published: December 2016

The scarcity, high cost, and poor stability of precious metal‐based electrocatalysts have stimulated the development of novel non‐precious metal catalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) for use in fuel cells and metal–air batteries. Here, we fabricated in situ a hybrid material (Co‐W‐C/N) with functional species (tungsten carbide and cobalt nanoparticles) encapsulated in an N‐doped porous carbon framework, through a facile multi‐constituent co‐assembly method combined with subsequent annealing treatment. The unique structure favors the anchoring active nanoparticles and facilitates mass transfer steps. The homogenously distributed carbide nanoparticles and adjacent Co‐N‐C sites lead to the electrocatalytic synergism for the ORR. The existence of Co and W can promote the graphitization of the carbon matrix. Benefiting from its structural and material superiority, the Co‐W‐C/N electrocatalyst exhibits excellent electrocatalytic activity (with a half‐wave potential of 0.774 V vs. reversible hydrogen electrode (RHE)), high stability (96.3 % of the initial current remaining after 9000 s of continuous operation), and good immunity against methanol in alkaline media.
MET tyrosine kinase receptor expression and amplification as prognostic biomarkers of survival in gastroesophageal adenocarcinoma
Authors: Catenacci Daniel V. T. , Ang Agnes , Liao Wei‐Li , Shen Jing , O'Day Emily , Loberg Robert D. , Cecchi Fabiola , Hembrough Todd , Ruzzo Annamaria , Graziano Francesco
Published: December 2016

BACKGROUND

MET gene amplification and Met protein overexpression may be associated with a poor prognosis. The MET/Met status is typically determined with fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) and immunohistochemistry (IHC), respectively. Targeted proteomics uses mass spectrometry–based selected reaction monitoring (SRM) to accurately quantitate Met expression. FISH, IHC, and SRM analyses were compared to characterize the prognostic value of MET/Met in gastroesophageal adenocarcinoma (GEC).

METHODS

Samples from 447 GEC patients were analyzed for MET gene amplification (FISH) and Met protein expression (IHC and SRM). Cox proportional hazards models and Kaplan‐Meier estimates were applied to explore relations between Met, overall survival (OS), and clinical/pathological characteristics. Spearman's rank coefficient was used to assess the correlation between parameters.

RESULTS

Patients with MET‐amplified tumors had worse OS when: the MET/centromere enumeration probe for chromosome 7 FISH ratio was ≥ 2 (hazard ratio [HR], 3.13; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.84‐5.33), the MET gene copy number was ≥5 (HR, 2.51; 95% CI, 1.45‐4.34), or ≥ 10% of the cells had ≥15 copies (HR, 4.28; 95% CI, 2.18‐8.39). Similar observations were made with Met protein overexpression by IHC (≥1 + intensity in ≥ 25% of the tumor cell membrane: HR, 1.39; 95% CI, 1.04‐1.86) or SRM (≥400 amol/μg: HR, 1.76; 95% CI, 1.06‐2.90). A significant correlation was observed between MET FISH/Met IHC, MET FISH/Met SRM, and Met IHC/Met SRM; only MET FISH and Met SRM were independent negative prognostic biomarkers in multivariate analyses.

CONCLUSIONS

MET amplification and overexpression, assessed by multiple methods, were associated with a worse prognosis in univariate analyses. However, only MET amplification by FISH and Met expression by SRM were independent prognostic biomarkers. Compared with IHC, SRM may provide an added benefit for informed decisions about Met‐targeted therapy. Cancer 2017;123:1061–70. © 2016 American Cancer Society.
White‐Light‐Emitting Carbon Dots Prepared by the Electrochemical Exfoliation of Graphite
Authors: Joseph Julin , Anappara Aji A.
Published: December 2016

The single‐step synthesis of white‐light‐emitting carbon dots (CDs) through a green, facile and cheap electrochemical route by using graphite rods as the carbon source is reported. Under UV excitation, the aqueous dispersion of as‐synthesised CDs exhibit broad‐band emission, which covers a significant fraction of the visible spectrum, owing to the heterogeneity in particle size and surface functional groups. The CDs were further explored for their potential as UV‐to‐visible colour convertors under remote‐phosphor technology by capping a λ=365 nm UV light‐emitting diode (LED) chip with CD‐loaded poly(methyl methacrylate) to obtain the following colour parameters: Commission Internationale de l'Eclairage chromaticity coordinates (0.35, 0.37), colour rendering index (88) and correlated colour temperature (4802 K).
The Relationship Between Self‐Blame for the Onset of a Chronic Physical Health Condition and Emotional Distress: A Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Callebaut Leah , Molyneux Philip , Alexander Tim
Published: December 2016

Objective

Past literature presents contrasting perspectives regarding the potential influence of self‐blame on adjustment to illness. This systematic literature review aimed to summarize findings from all investigations to date that have explored the relationship between self‐blame for the onset of a chronic physical health condition and emotional distress.

Method

Between November 2014 and February 2015, electronic databases were searched for relevant literature. Only those studies which assessed self‐blame directly and related specifically to illness onset were included within the review. The methodological and reporting quality of all eligible articles was assessed, and themes within the findings were discussed using a narrative synthesis approach.

Results

The majority of studies found self‐blame to be associated with increased distress. However, several concerns with the quality of the reviewed articles may undermine the validity of their conclusions.

Conclusions

It is important for professionals supporting people with chronic physical health conditions to have an understanding of how of self‐critical causal attributions might relate to emotional distress. Further research is required to understand the concept of self‐blame, the factors that may encourage this belief and to develop reliable and valid measures of this experience. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Key Practitioner Message

What does this study add?

The review presents an exploration of the role of self‐blame in emotional adjustment following the diagnosis of a chronic physical health condition.

This is the first review to synthesize findings from studies measuring self‐blame beliefs directly and specifically for illness onset and their relationship to indicators of distress and wellbeing.

Findings suggest that self‐blame for illness onset is often associated with emotional distress for people with cancer, HIV/AIDS and cardiovascular disease. This has implications for how healthcare professionals respond to self‐blaming beliefs in the context of illness.

Research quality concerns are identified for many of the reviewed studies, highlighting a need for further research on this topic.
The Chemical Route to a Carbon Dioxide Neutral World
Authors: Martens Johan A. , Bogaerts Annemie , De Kimpe Norbert , Jacobs Pierre A. , Marin Guy B. , Rabaey Korneel , Saeys Mark , Verhelst Sebastian
Published: December 2016

Excessive CO2 emissions in the atmosphere from anthropogenic activity can be divided into point sources and diffuse sources. The capture of CO2 from flue gases of large industrial installations and its conversion into fuels and chemicals with fast catalytic processes seems technically possible. Some emerging technologies are already being demonstrated on an industrial scale. Others are still being tested on a laboratory or pilot scale. These emerging chemical technologies can be implemented in a time window ranging from 5 to 20 years. The massive amounts of energy needed for capturing processes and the conversion of CO2 should come from low‐carbon energy sources, such as tidal, geothermal, and nuclear energy, but also, mainly, from the sun. Synthetic methane gas that can be formed from CO2 and hydrogen gas is an attractive renewable energy carrier with an existing distribution system. Methanol offers advantages as a liquid fuel and is also a building block for the chemical industry. CO2 emissions from diffuse sources is a difficult problem to solve, particularly for CO2 emissions from road, water, and air transport, but steady progress in the development of technology for capturing CO2 from air is being made. It is impossible to ban carbon from the entire energy supply of mankind with the current technological knowledge, but a transition to a mixed carbon–hydrogen economy can reduce net CO2 emissions and ultimately lead to a CO2‐neutral world.
Relationship of fast‐scale and slow‐scale instabilities in switching circuit with multiple inputs
Authors: Asahara Hiroyuki , Banerjee Soumitro , Kousaka Takuji
Published: December 2016

Power converter circuits, such as current‐controlled or voltage‐controlled converters and inverters often have multiple inputs in the controller. The multiple inputs cause high‐frequency and low‐frequency oscillations. In earlier studies, the characteristics of circuits in fast‐scale and slow‐scale dynamics have been investigated. However, in many cases, circuits with multiple inputs have three or more dimensional topology which makes detailed analysis difficult. In this paper, we analyze a simple interrupted electric circuit in order to understand essential characteristics of fast‐scale and slow‐scale dynamics. The advantage of this simple interrupted circuit is that it is possible to derive a 1‐dimensional map, which facilitates rigorous studies. Based on the structure of the return map and the characteristic multiplier, we explain the characteristics of the system. We report the occurrence of pitchfork, period doubling, and border collision bifurcations in slow scale, and period doubling bifurcation in fast scale. We found that local bifurcation, which appears in fast‐scale dynamics, does not significantly affect the global behavior of the system while instabilities in the slow‐scale dynamics strongly affect the system behavior. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Large Magnetic Anisotropy in Linear CoII Complexes – Ab Initio Investigation of the Roles of Ligand Field, Structural Distortion, and Conformational Dynamics
Authors: Roy Chowdhury Sabyasachi , Mishra Sabyashachi
Published: December 2016

Linear or near‐linear bicoordinate mononuclear CoII complexes are studied as potential single‐molecule magnets owing to the strong spin–orbit coupling constant of CoII and its low coordination number, which results in the retention of the unquenched metal‐orbital angular momentum. The spin–orbit‐coupled unquenched orbital angular momentum of the metal center produces strong magnetic anisotropy through ligand‐field interactions. The role of the ligand environment, structural distortions, and conformational changes on the magnetic anisotropy of CoII complexes are investigated through ab initio electronic‐structure calculations. The zero‐field splitting parameters, g tensors, and transition‐magnetic‐moment matrix elements among the Kramers pairs are evaluated to obtain the effective anisotropy barriers (Ueff) and the mechanism for the relaxation of magnetization in a series of CoII complexes, for which the estimated values of Ueff range between 394 and 974 cm–1 and include the largest effective anisotropy barriers reported for transition‐metal complexes. The calculations reveal that the ligand‐field strength, structural distortion, and conformational changes not only affect the magnetic anisotropy barrier but also significantly alter the mechanism of relaxation of the magnetic moments.
Phase‐Transition and Photoluminescence Properties of a Hybrid Layered Perovskite: Bis[(cyclohexylmethyl)ammonium] Tetrabromidolead(II)
Authors: Li Xue‐Nan , Li Peng‐Fei , Liao Wei‐Qiang , Ge Jia‐Zhen , Wu De‐Hong , Ye Heng‐Yun
Published: December 2016

In addition to the appealing semiconducting properties displayed by layered SnII or PbII halidometallates, intriguing phase‐transition‐induced properties, such as dielectric and ferroelectric properties, have recently been found by us in (benzylammonium)2PbCl4 and (cyclohexylammonium)2PbBr4–4xI4x (x = 0–1). The simple molecular structures of the layered compounds allow further chemical design for the modification of the physical properties. Thus, we extended the study to layered compounds templated by structurally similar organic cations to achieve future functions. Here, we report the design of a layered perovskite templated by cyclohexylmethylammonium cations, namely, bis[(cyclohexylmethyl)ammonium] tetrabromidolead(II). We found that this compound exhibits not only photoluminescence with a remarkably high efficiency (quantum yield = 21 %) but also interesting phase‐transition‐related physical properties, such as striking dielectric responses. These results reveal the great application potential of organic–inorganic hybrid compounds in the field of phase‐transition multifunctional materials. More interesting phase‐transition crystals are expected to be tailored in the future by taking advantage of the richness of layered perovskites.
Phosphatases and phosphate affect the formation of glucose from pentoses in Escherichia coli
Authors: Niyas Afaq M. M. , Eiteman Mark A.
Published: December 2016

Metabolically engineered Escherichia coli MEC143 with deletions of the ptsG, manZ, glk, pfkA, and zwf genes converts pentoses such as arabinose and xylose into glucose, with the dephosphorylation of glucose‐6‐phosphate serving as the final step. To determine which phosphatase mediates this conversion, we examined glucose formation from pentoses in strains containing knockouts of six different phosphatases singly and in combination. Deletions of single phosphatases and combinations of multiple phosphatases did not eliminate the accumulation of glucose from xylose or arabinose. Overexpression of one phosphatase, haloacid dehalogenase‐like phosphatase 12 coded by the ybiV gene, increased glucose yield significantly from 0.26 to 0.30 g/g (xylose) and from 0.32 to 0.35 g/g (arabinose). Growing cells under phosphate‐limited steady‐state conditions increased the glucose yield to 0.39 g glucose/g xylose, but did not affect glucose yield from arabinose (0.31 g/g). No single phosphatase is exclusively responsible for the conversion of glucose‐6‐phosphate to glucose in E. coli MEC143. Phosphate‐limited conditions are indeed able to enhance glucose formation in some cases, with this effect likely influenced by the different phosphate demands when E. coli metabolizes different carbon sources.
Nanoparticle silver coexposure reduces the accumulation of weathered persistent pesticides by earthworms
Authors: Mukherjee Arnab , Hawthorne Joseph , White Jason C. , Kelsey Jason W.
Published: December 2016

Although the use of engineered nanomaterials continues to increase, how these materials interact with coexisting contaminants in the environment is largely unknown. The effect of silver (Ag) in bulk, ionic, and nanoparticle (NP; bare and polyvinyl pyrrolidone–coated) forms at 3 concentrations (0 mg/kg, 500 mg/kg, 1000 mg/kg, 2000 mg/kg; ion at 69 mg/kg, 138 mg/kg, 276 mg/kg) on the accumulation of field-weathered chlordane and dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene + metabolites (DDX) by Eisenia fetida (earthworm) was investigated. Earthworm biomass and survival were unaffected by treatment. At the 500 mg/kg and 1000 mg/kg exposure levels, NP-exposed earthworms contained significantly greater Ag (194–245%) than did the bulk exposed organisms; NP size or coating had no impact on element content. Generally, exposure to Ag of any type or at any concentration significantly reduced pesticide accumulation, although reductions for DDX (35.1%; 8.9–47.0%) were more modest than those for chlordane (79.0%; 17.4–92.9%). For DDX, the reduction in pesticide accumulation was not significantly affected by Ag type or concentration. For chlordane, the 3 NP exposures suppressed chlordane accumulation significantly more than did bulk exposure; earthworms exposed to bulk Ag contained 1170 ng/g chlordane, but levels in the NP-exposed earthworms were 279 ng/g. At the 500 mg/kg exposure, the smallest coated NPs exerted the greatest suppression in chlordane accumulation; at the 2 higher concentrations, chlordane uptake was unaffected by NP size or coating. The findings show that in exposed earthworms Ag particle size does significantly impact accumulation of the element itself, as well as that of coexisting weathered pesticides. The implications of these findings with regard to NP exposure and risk are unknown but are the topic of current investigation. Environ Toxicol Chem 2017;36:1864–1871. © 2016 SETAC
A method to account for the effect of hydrodynamics on polar organic compound uptake by passive samplers
Authors: Booij Kees , Maarsen Natasja L. , Theeuwen Matthijs , van Bommel Ronald
Published: December 2016

Mass transfer coefficients of the water boundary layer (kw) were measured using alabaster dissolution kinetics in a diffusion cell that was operated at stirring rates between 90 min−1 and 600 min−1, aiming to provide a more robust characterization of the effect of hydrodynamics on the uptake of polar compounds by passive samplers, as compared with characterizations in terms of stirring rates and water flow velocities. The measured kw helped to quantitatively understand calcium sulfate transport through a poly(ethersulfone) membrane and 2 water boundary layers (at both sides of the membrane). Alabaster-based kw value were used to understand atrazine transport in the diffusion cell, allowing the conclusion that atrazine transport in the membrane is via the pore space, rather than via the polymer matrix. The merits of measuring alabaster dissolution rates for passive sampler calibration and application in the field are discussed. The authors propose that passive sampler calibrations be carried out under controlled kw conditions, rather than under controlled stirring rates or flow velocities. This would facilitate the interpretation of passive sampler calibration studies and the translation of laboratory-based water sampling rates to flow conditions that apply in the field. Environ Toxicol Chem 2017;36:1517–1524. © 2016 SETAC