bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of acute levodopa challenge on resting cerebral blood flow in Parkinson’s Disease patients assessed using pseudo-continuous arterial spin labeling
Authors: Chen Yufen , Pressman Peter , Simuni Tanya , Parrish Todd B. , Gitelman Darren R.
Published: November 2015

Introduction.Levodopa is the gold-standard for treatment of Parkinson’s disease (PD) related motor symptoms. In this study, we used pseudo-continuous arterial spin labeling (pCASL) to quantify changes in cerebral blood flow (CBF) after acute oral administration of levodopa in PD patients.

Materials and Methods.Thirteen patients (3 females, age 66.2 ± 8.7 years) with moderately advanced PD (Hoehn and Yahr stage >2 (median 2.5), disease duration >3 years) were scanned on a 3T Siemens MR scanner before and after oral levodopa administration. Statistical parametric mapping was used to detect drug-induced changes in CBF and its correlation to clinical severity scales. Images were normalized and flipped in order to examine effects on the more affected (left) and less affected (right) cerebral hemispheres across the cohort.

Results.Levodopa did not change global CBF but increased regional CBF in dorsal midbrain, precuneus/cuneus, more affected inferior frontal pars opercularis and triangularis, bilateral pre- and postcentral gyri, more affected inferior parietal areas, as well as less affected putamen/globus pallidus by 27–74% (p< 0.05, FWE corrected for multiple comparisons). CBF change was negatively correlated with improvement in bradykinesia UPDRS-III subscore in the more affected precentral gyrus, and total predrug UPDRS-III score in the mid-cingulate region. Drug-induced CBF change in a widespread network of regions including parietal and postcentral areas was also negatively correlated with the predrug rigidity UPDRS-III subscore.

Conclusion.These findings are in line with prior reports of abnormal activity in the nigrostriatal pathway of PD patients and demonstrate the feasibility of pCASL as a neuroimaging tool for investigatingin vivophysiological effects of acute drug administration in PD.
Alpine endemic spiders shed light on the origin and evolution of subterranean species
Authors: Mammola Stefano , Isaia Marco , Arnedo Miquel A.
Published: November 2015

We designed a comparative study to unravel the phylogeography of two Alpine endemic spiders characterized by a different degree of adaptation to subterranean life:Troglohyphantes vignai(Araneae, Linyphiidae) andPimoa rupicola(Araneae, Pimoidae), the latter showing minor adaptation to hypogean life. We sampled populations of the model species in caves and other subterranean habitats across their known geographical range in the Western Alps. By combining phylogeographic inferences and Ecological Niche Modeling techniques, we inferred the biogeographic scenario that led to the present day population structure of the two species. According to our divergent time estimates and relative uncertainties, the isolation ofT. vignaiandP. rupicolafrom their northern sister groups was tracked back to Middle–Late Miocene. Furthermore, the fingerprint left by Pleistocene glaciations on the population structure revealed by the genetic data, led to the hypothesis that a progressive adaptation to subterranean habitats occurred inT. vignai, followed by strong population isolation. On the other hand,P. rupicolaunderwent a remarkable genetic bottleneck during the Pleistocene glaciations, that shaped its present population structure. It seems likely that such shallow population structure is both the result of the minor degree of specialization to hypogean life and the higher dispersal ability characterizing this species. The simultaneous study of overlapping spider species showing different levels of adaptation to hypogean life, disclosed a new way to clarify patterns of biological diversification and to understand the effects of past climatic shift on the subterranean biodiversity.
Age, growth, and recruitment patterns of juvenile ladyfish (Elopssp) from the east coast of Florida (USA)
Authors: Levesque Juan C.
Published: November 2015

Ladyfish (Elopssp) are a common and economically valuable coastal nearshore species found along coastal beaches, bays, and estuaries of the southeastern United States, and subtropical and tropical regions worldwide. Previously, ladyfish were a substantial bycatch in Florida’s commercial fisheries, but changes in regulations significantly reduced commercial landings. Today, ladyfish are still taken in commercial fisheries in Florida, but many are also taken by recreational anglers. Life-history information and research interest in ladyfish is almost non-existent, especially information on age and growth. Thus, the overarching purpose of this study was to expand our understanding of ladyfish age and growth characteristics. The specific objectives were to describe, for the first time, age, growth, and recruitment patterns of juvenile ladyfish from the east coast of Florida (USA). In the Indian River Lagoon (IRL), annual monthly length-frequency distributions were confounded because a few small individuals recruited throughout the year; monthly length-frequency data generally demonstrated a cyclical pattern. The smallest were collected in September and the largest in May. Post-hoc analysis showed no significant difference in length between August and May, or among the other months. In Volusia County (VC), annual monthly length-frequency distribution demonstrated growth generally occurred from late-winter and spring to summer. The smallest ladyfish were collected in February and the largest in August. On average, the absolute growth rate in the IRL was 36.3 mm in 60 days or 0.605 mm day−1. Cohort-specific daily growth rates, elevations, and coincidentals were similar among sampling years. Cohort-specific growth rates ranged from 1.807 in 1993 to 1.811 mm day−1in 1994. Overall, growth was best (i.e., goodness of fit) described by exponential regression. On average, the absolute growth rate in VC was 28 mm in 150 days or 0.1866 mm day−1. Cohort-specific daily growth rates were significantly different among sampling years; however, the elevations and coincidentals were similar. Cohort-specific growth rates ranged from 1.741 in 1994 to 1.933 mm day−1in 1993. Mean ladyfish growth was best described by linear regression; however, natural growth was explained better by exponential regression. In the IRL, the corrected exponential growth equation yielded a size-at-age 1 of 156.0 mm SL, which corresponded to an estimated growth rate of 0.4356 mm day−1. In VC, the corrected exponential growth equation yielded a size-at-age 1 of 80 mm SL corresponding to an estimated growth rate of 0.2361 mm day−1.
Evaluation of historical and future simulations of precipitation and temperature in central Africa from CMIP5 climate models
Authors: Aloysius Noel R. , Sheffield Justin , Saiers James E. , Li Haibin , Wood Eric F.
Published: November 2015

Global and regional climate change assessments rely heavily on the general circulation model (GCM) outputs such as provided by the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project phase 5 (CMIP5). Here we evaluate the ability of 25 CMIP5 GCMs to simulate historical precipitation and temperature over central Africa and assess their future projections in the context of historical performance and intermodel and future emission scenario uncertainties. We then apply a statistical bias correction technique to the monthly climate fields and develop monthly downscaled fields for the period of 1948–2099. The bias‐corrected and downscaled data set is constructed by combining a suite of global observation and reanalysis‐based data sets, with the monthly GCM outputs for the 20th century, and 21st century projections for the medium mitigation (representative concentration pathway (RCP)45) and high emission (RCP85) scenarios. Overall, the CMIP5 models simulate temperature better than precipitation, but substantial spatial heterogeneity exists. Many models show limited skill in simulating the seasonality, spatial patterns, and magnitude of precipitation. Temperature projections by the end of the 21st century (2070–2099) show a robust warming between 2 and 4°C across models, whereas precipitation projections vary across models in the sign and magnitude of change (−9% to 27%). Projected increase in precipitation for a subset of models (single model ensemble (SME)) identified based on performance metrics and causal mechanisms are slightly higher compared to the full multimodel ensemble (MME) mean; however, temperature projections are similar between the two ensemble means. For the near‐term (2021–2050), neither the historical performance nor choice of models is related to the precipitation projections, indicating that natural variability dominated any signal. With fewer models, the “blind” MME approach will have larger uncertainties in future precipitation projections compared to projections by the SME models. We propose the latter a better approach in regions that lack quality climate observations. Our analyses also show that the choice of model and emission scenario dominate the uncertainty in precipitation projections, whereas the emission scenario dominates the temperature projections. Although our analyses are done for central Africa, the final Bias‐Corrected Spatially Downscaled data set is available for global land areas. The framework for climate change assessment and the data will be useful for a variety of climate assessment, impact, and adaptation studies.
Interannual variations in atmospheric mass over liquid water oceans, continents, and sea‐ice‐covered arctic regions and their possible impacts on the boreal winter climate
Authors: Guan Zhaoyong , Zhang Qian , Li Minggang
Published: November 2015

Using reanalysis data from National Centers for Environmental Prediction/National Center for Atmospheric Research, ERA‐interim, and Hadley Centre Sea Ice and Sea Surface Temperature for the period of 1979–2012, the variations in atmospheric mass (AM) over liquid water oceans, continents, and sea‐ice‐covered Arctic regions during boreal winter are investigated. It is found that AM may migrate in a compensatory manner among these three types of surfaces on interannual time scales. There are two pairs of strong antiphase relations. One lies in a zonal orientation between the Eurasian continent and the midlatitude Pacific (referred to as Eurasian continent/Pacific antiphase relation) and exhibits a teleconnection pattern characterized by two strong correlation centers, one over Eurasia and one over the North Pacific. The other antiphase AM relation, referred to as ocean/ice‐covered Arctic antiphase relation (OIAR), exhibits a meridional orientation between the ice‐covered Arctic and liquid water oceans, including the Atlantic and Pacific. In the context of the OIAR, two teleconnection patterns are observed. One features three strong correlation centers, one each over the Mediterranean, Arctic, and North Pacific, and corresponds to AM fluctuations over liquid water oceans. The other is characterized by three strong correlation centers over the Mediterranean, the Arctic, and East Asia, and corresponds to AM fluctuations over the ice‐covered Arctic. These teleconnections are the results of thermal contrasts among the three types of surfaces. Rossby waves and vertical circulations play important roles in the formation of these teleconnections. Interestingly, these teleconnections may have significant and widespread influences on the winter climate in the Northern Hemisphere, especially in regions near the Mediterranean, the northern Eurasia, parts of North America, and East Asia.
Time and space correlation between sprites and their parent lightning flashes for a thunderstorm observed during the HyMeX campaign
Authors: Soula S. , Defer E. , Füllekrug M. , van der Velde O. , Montanya J. , Bousquet O. , Mlynarczyk J. , Coquillat S. , Pinty J.‐P. , Rison W. , Krehbiel P.R. , Thomas R. , Pedeboy S.
Published: November 2015

During the night of 22–23 October 2012, together with the Hydrology cycle in the Mediterranean eXperiment (HyMeX) Special Observation Period 1 campaign, optical observations of sprite events were performed above a leading stratiform Mesoscale Convective System in southeastern France. The total lightning activity of the storm was monitored in three dimensions with the HyMeX Lightning Mapping Array. Broadband Extremely Low Frequency/Very Low Frequency records and radar observations allowed characterizing the flashes and the regions of the cloud where they propagated. Twelve sprite events occurred over the stratiform region, during the last third of the lightning activity period, and well after the coldest satellite‐based cloud top temperature (−62°C) and the maximum total lightning flash rate (11 min−1). The sprite‐producing positive cloud‐to‐ground (SP + CG) strokes exhibit peak current from 14 to 247 kA, Charge Moment Changes (CMC) from 625 to 3086 C km, and Impulsive CMC (iCMC) between 242 and 1525 C km. The +CG flashes that do not trigger sprites are initiated outside the main convective core, have much lower CMC values, and in average, shorter durations, lower peak currents, and shorter distances of propagation. The CMC appears to be the best sprite predictor. The delay between the parent stroke and the sprite allows classifying the events as short delayed (<20 ms) and long delayed (>20 ms). All long‐delayed sprites, i.e., most of the time carrot sprites, are produced by SP + CG strokes with low iCMC values. All SP + CG flashes initiate close to the convective core and generate leaders in opposite directions. Negative leaders finally propagate toward lower altitudes, within the stratiform region that coincides with the projected location of the sprite elements.
Real‐time prediction of the occurrence and intensity of the first hours of >100 MeV solar energetic proton events
Authors: Núñez Marlon
Published: November 2015

A new model for predicting the occurrence of >100 MeV solar energetic proton (SEP) events and the first hours of the >100 MeV integral proton flux is presented. This model uses a novel approach based on the lag correlation between strong positive derivatives of X‐ray flux and proton flux. The new model has been validated with data from January 1994 to September 2013, obtaining a probability of detection of all >100 MeV SEP events of 80.85%, a false alarm ratio of 29.62%, and an average warning time of 1 h and 6 min. The model identifies the associated flare and active region. Currently, there is no other automatic empirical or physics‐based system able to predict SEP events of energies in the interval of 100 MeV to ~430 MeV (lower GLE cutoff according to Clem and Dorman (2000)). This paper also proposes the combined use of the new prediction model and the existing one for predicting >10 MeV SEP events. The combined SEP prediction models have been developed to improve mitigation of adverse effects on near‐Earth and interplanetary missions.
Standardized Cryopreservation of Pluripotent Stem Cells
Authors: Cohen Rick I. , Thompson Maria L. , Schryver Brian , Ehrhardt Rolf O.
Published: November 2015

The successful exploitation of human cells for research, translational, therapeutic, and commercial purposes requires that effective and simple cryopreservation methods be applied for storage in local and master cell banks. Of all the cell types utilized in modern research, human embryonic stem cells and their more recent relatives, induced pluripotent stem cells, are two of the most sensitive to cryopreservation. It is frequently observed that the lack of quality control and proper processing techniques yield poor recovery of pluripotent stem cells. The procedures in this unit have been optimized for handling some of the most recalcitrant stem cell lines, and provide a method for controlled‐rate freezing, using minimal equipment that affords levels of cell viability comparable to expensive controlled‐rate freezers, and standardized cell thawing. The protocol provides a clinically relevant, inexpensive, reliable, and user‐friendly method that successfully prepares cells for long‐term cold storage and ensures maximum levels of cell viability post thaw. © 2015 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
CRISPR‐Mediated Gene Targeting of Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells
Authors: Byrne Susan M. , Church George M.
Published: November 2015

CRISPR/Cas9 nuclease systems can create double‐stranded DNA breaks at specific sequences to efficiently and precisely disrupt, excise, mutate, insert, or replace genes. However, human embryonic stem cells and induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) are more difficult to transfect and less resilient to DNA damage than immortalized tumor cell lines. Here, an optimized protocol is described for genome engineering of human iPSCs using simple transient transfection of plasmids and/or single‐stranded oligonucleotides without any further selection or enrichment steps. This protocol achieves transfection efficiencies >60%, with gene disruption efficiencies of 1‐25% and gene insertion/replacement efficiencies of 0.5‐10%. Details are also provided for designing optimal sgRNA target sites and donor targeting vectors, cloning individual iPSCs by single‐cell FACS sorting, and genotyping successfully edited cells. © 2015 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
On Modelling Complexity and Urban Form
Authors: Boyer M Christine
Published: November 2015

As generators of new cities or extensions of existing ones, algorithmic urban models provide a means of designing urban forms of a new complexity. They have the capacity to produce extremely intricate architectural forms, but also to be responsive to scenarios and constraints. M Christine Boyer, the William R Kenan Jr Professor of Architecture at Princeton University, reflects on how ‘architects acting as an interface between data sets and computer algorithms’ might shape distinctive urban environments that lead to the mass customisation of cities.
(In)formational Cities
Authors: Leach Neil
Published: November 2015

Is the focus on mass customisation with its emphasis on generating architectural form misguided? Is the future of our cities instead more likely to be directed towards the capacity to accommodate informational systems and the possibilities that new technologies afford to redesign existing buildings? Architectural author, professor and guest‐editor of the Digital Cities (July/August 2009) and Space Architecture (November/December 2014) issues of AD, Neil Leach appeals to architects to turn away from their fixation with the material properties of the built environment and customise their own approaches to analysis and design to fully embrace the computational revolution that has taken place.
Permanence and Change
Authors: Burry Mark
Published: November 2015

Mark Burry is Professor of Urban Futures at the University of Melbourne. He is renowned internationally for his work employing digital techniques to advance the completion of Antoni Gaudí's Sagrada Família in Barcelona. What happens, though, when architects shift the focus from designing buildings to cities? Donald Bates, Chair of Architectural Design at the University of Melbourne and Director of LAB Architecture Studio, asks Burry this question about scalability and discusses with him further the viability of mass customisation in an urban context.
davidclovers: The Repulse Bay Complex, Repulse Bay, Hong Kong
Authors: Erdman David , Lee Clover
Published: November 2015

Adaptation and alteration of existing building are a fertile area for mass customisation, as well as new builds. With growing land values and an increasing maturity of building stock in Southeast Asian cities, this has become a more viable option than carte blanche development. David Erdman and Clover Lee, founding directors of davidclovers based in Hong Kong, describe how they employed a composite of technological approaches when undertaking the ‘gut renovation’ and alteration of The Repulse Bay Complex in the city.
Technological Transitions, Industrial Innovations and the Marching Chinese Urban Revolution: An Interview with Jerry Ku and Philip Vernon of E‐Grow, Shanghai
Authors: Verebes Tom
Published: November 2015

How scalable are current manufacturing and production techniques? What might their application be in the mass‐customised city? Specialist material fabricator E‐Grow is based in Shanghai, from where it has collaborated with premier cutting‐edge architects such as Gehry Partners, Zaha Hadid Architects and Morphosis on the delivery internationally of unique building parts. To find out more about the innovative work that E‐Grow are undertaking in the field of computer‐controlled material production, Guest‐Editor Tom Verebes interviewed its CEO Jerry Ku and design engineer Philip Vernon.
Densified Kinetics and Properties of Carbon Matrix Composites Reinforced with Carbon Nanotubes Prepared by Dielectrophoresis
Authors: Li Jin Song , Guan Jia Ming , Luo Rui Ying
Published: November 2015

A carbon nanotube (CNT) reinforced carbon/carbon composite fabricated using the dielectrophoresis and chemical vapor infiltration is described. CNT content is found to decrease with increasing frequency and has a strong influence on the temperature distribution along the thickness direction of the preforms. The density variation with position in the CNT‐added preform at 500 Hz is the smallest (0.012 g cm−3), while the CNT‐added preforms at 50 Hz and 5 000 Hz could not be densified efficiently. The flexural strength and modulus of the composite at 500 Hz are increased by nearly 12.2 and 19.7%, respectively, compared to that of the composite at DC 30 V.
Tunable Cascade Reactions of Alkynols with Alkynes under Combined Sc(OTf)3 and Rhodium Catalysis
Authors: Li Deng Yuan , Chen Hao Jie , Liu Pei Nian
Published: November 2015

Two tunable cascade reactions of alkynols and alkynes have been developed by combining Sc(OTf)3 and rhodium catalysis. In the absence of H2O, an endo‐cycloisomerization/CH activation cascade reaction provided 2,3‐dihydronaphtho[1,2‐b]furans in good to high yields. In the presence of H2O, the product of alkynol hydration underwent an addition/CH activation cascade reaction with an alkyne, which led to the formation of 4,5‐dihydro‐3H‐spiro[furan‐2,1′‐isochromene] derivatives in good yields under mild reaction conditions. Mechanistic studies of the cascade reactions indicated that the rate‐determining step involves CH bond cleavage and that the hydration of the alkynol plays a key role in switching between the two reaction pathways.
Selective Alkenylation and Hydroalkenylation of Enol Phosphates through Direct CH Functionalization
Authors: Hu Xu‐Hong , Yang Xiao‐Fei , Loh Teck‐Peng
Published: November 2015

An efficient and selective Rh‐catalyzed direct CH functionalization reaction of enol phosphates was developed. The method is applicable to a variety of coupling partners, including activated alkenes, alkynes, and allenes, and leads to the formation of various valuable alkenylated and hydroalkenylated enol phosphates through the action of the phosphate directing group. The versatility and utility of the coupling products were demonstrated through further transformations into synthetically useful building blocks.
Synthesis of Cyclic Alkenyl Triflates by a Cationic Cyclization Reaction and its Application in Biomimetic Polycyclizations and Synthesis of Terpenes
Authors: Alonso Pedro , Pardo Pilar , Galván Alicia , Fañanás Francisco J. , Rodríguez Félix
Published: November 2015

Cyclic alkenyl triflates are useful intermediates in organic synthesis usually synthesized from ketones through a reaction involving enolization and trapping with a triflating agent. This sequence suffers from some stereochemical drawbacks owing to the basic conditions required. Herein, we describe a new acid‐mediated cationic cyclization reaction of enyne derivatives (or alkynols) to access cyclic alkenyl triflates. This new atom‐economical process is high yielding, scalable, technically very simple, proceeds without the need of any metallic reagent or catalyst, and more importantly, it complements and challenges conventional methodologies. We have also developed new biomimetic cationic cyclization reactions to yield interesting polycyclic compounds. As a demonstration of the potential of this method in the context of total synthesis, we have synthesized two terpenes: austrodoral and pallescensin A. Using the cationic cyclization in the key step of the synthetic routes allowed the synthesis of these natural products in a very simple, concise, scalable, and efficient way.
Dissection and dissection‐associated required experiences improve student performance in gross anatomy: Differences among quartiles
Authors: Pizzimenti Marc A. , Pantazis Nicholas , Sandra Alexander , Hoffmann Darren S. , Lenoch Susan , Ferguson Kristi J.
Published: November 2015

To promote student learning, educational strategies should provide multiple levels of engagement with the subject matter. This study investigated examination data from five first year medical gross anatomy class cohorts (692 students) to determine if enhanced student performance was correlated with learning through dissection in a course that used a rotating dissection schedule coupled with peer teaching and other associated experiences. When students performed two of five weekly dissections for a given unit, their average scores on both laboratory and written examinations tended to increase as compared to when they had completed only one week of dissection (P < 0.01). However, these performance gains differed across the class strata and were related to the amount of dissection completed. Students in the upper quartile (UQS) of the class benefited when they had dissected once (92.8%) or twice (92.4%), and these scores were significantly higher than those attained when learning from peers (90.3%, P < 0.01). Students in the lower quartile (LQS) benefited most from the dissection experiences, where practical examination performance was better (77.8% and 80.5%) than when these students learned material from their peers (73.7%, P < 0.01). Although UQS benefited from dissection, LQS benefited to a greater extent in both the practical and written examinations with dissection. Although limited, these data suggest that dissection, coupled with associated educational activities, is an effective pedagogical strategy for learning. Further investigation is required to evaluate the concomitant benefits of peer teaching that are associated with the dissection experience. Anat Sci Educ 9: 238–246. © 2015 American Association of Anatomists.
Fully Bayesian Field Slam Using Gaussian Markov Random Fields
Authors: Do Huan N. , Jadaliha Mahdi , Temel Mehmet , Choi Jongeun
Published: November 2015

This paper presents a fully Bayesian way to solve the simultaneous localization and spatial prediction problem using a Gaussian Markov random field (GMRF) model. The objective is to simultaneously localize robotic sensors and predict a spatial field of interest using sequentially collected noisy observations by robotic sensors. The set of observations consists of the observed noisy positions of robotic sensing vehicles and noisy measurements of a spatial field. To be flexible, the spatial field of interest is modeled by a GMRF with uncertain hyperparameters. We derive an approximate Bayesian solution to the problem of computing the predictive inferences of the GMRF and the localization, taking into account observations, uncertain hyperparameters, measurement noise, kinematics of robotic sensors, and uncertain localization. The effectiveness of the proposed algorithm is illustrated by simulation results as well as by experiment results. The experiment results successfully show the flexibility and adaptability of our fully Bayesian approach in a data‐driven fashion.
Molecular Insights into the Thermal Stability of mAbs with Variable‐Temperature Ion‐Mobility Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Pacholarz Kamila J. , Peters Shirley J. , Garlish Rachel A. , Henry Alistair J. , Taylor Richard J. , Humphreys David P. , Barran Perdita E.
Published: November 2015

The aggregation of protein‐based therapeutics such as monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) can affect the efficacy of the treatment and can even induce effects that are adverse to the patient. Protein engineering is used to shift the mAb away from an aggregation‐prone state by increasing the thermodynamic stability of the native fold, which might in turn alter conformational flexibility. We have probed the thermal stability of three types of intact IgG molecules and two Fc‐hinge fragments by using variable‐temperature ion‐mobility mass spectrometry (VT‐IM‐MS). We observed changes in the conformations of isolated proteins as a function of temperature (300–550 K). The observed differences in thermal stability between IgG subclasses can be rationalized in terms of changes to higher‐order structural organization mitigated by the hinge region. VT‐IM‐MS provides insights into mAbs structural thermodynamics and is presented as a promising tool for thermal‐stability studies for proteins of therapeutic interest.
Next Generation Automotive DeNOx Catalysts: Ceria What Else?
Authors: Wang Yixiao , Posthuma de Boer Jorrit , Kapteijn Freek , Makkee Michiel
Published: November 2015

Temporal analysis of products (TAP) was used to study NO reduction to N2 over H2 and C3H6‐reduced La‐Zr doped ceria at 560 °C. (La‐Zr doped) ceria is found to be capable of fuel oxidation and NO reduction. NO dissociates on oxygen anion defects, thereby refilling these vacancies with oxygen anions and forming N2. The carbonaceous deposits, in case the catalyst was reduced by C3H6, are oxidized by oxygen species originating from lattice oxygen. This recreates oxygen anion defects, which enables substantial additional NO reduction. These findings may open a new perspective on the understanding of DeNOx by hydrocarbons.
Effects of Sintered‐Metal Cone Length on Gas‐Cyclone Classification Performance
Authors: Fukasawa Tomonori , Sunada Satoshi , Shibata Daiki , Yoshida Hideto , Fukui Kunihiro
Published: November 2015

The gas cyclone is a classic flow device commonly used in the separation of particles from a gaseous flow stream. The gas‐cyclone classification performance is affected by the length of the porous sintered‐metal cone. Three different lengths of porous sintered‐metal cones were tested to evaluate the classification performance of a gas cyclone. Clean air was fed into the cyclone through the cone. The cone's particle cut size depended on the amount of clean air injected into the cone. In medium and long cones, a very small amount of injected clean air reduced the particle cut size, whereas in short cones, the cut size remained approximately constant and was greater than that for the traditional acrylic resin cone. In all cases, clean‐air injection reduced the powder deposition to values lower than those for acrylic resin cones. The results provide application‐based guidelines for the design and usage of sintered‐metal cones.
Kinetic Study of Acetaldehyde Degradation Applying Visible Light Photocatalysis
Authors: Salvadores Federico , Minen Romina I. , Carballada Joaquin , Alfano Orlando M. , Ballari Maria M.
Published: November 2015

A commercially available TiO2 type (Kronos vlp 7000), doped with carbon and having an extended spectrum of light absorption wavelength, is investigated for photocatalytic degradation of a representative air pollutant, namely acetaldehyde, under visible light. The modeling of the studied system was carried out including the proposal of kinetic expressions for the contaminant degradation and generation of main intermediates based on the reaction mechanism, the mass balances in the reactor, and the lamps' superficial emission model to evaluate the radiation distribution in the reaction space. The predicted and experimental outlet concentrations of acetaldehyde and formaldehyde as main intermediate were found to be in good agreement obtaining a root mean square error equal to 13 %.
Properties of Porous Carbon Derived from Cornstalk Core in High‐Performance Electrochemical Capacitors
Authors: Liu Cuixian , Han Gaoyi , Chang Yunzhen , Xiao Yaoming , Li Miaoyu , Zhou Wen , Fu Dongying , Hou Wenjing
Published: November 2015

Cornstalk core, a renewable by‐product of agriculture, has been used as a carbon precursor to prepare high‐performance electrode materials used in electrochemical capacitors (ECs). The influences of temperature and the ratio of activator (KOH) to carbon (mKOH/mC) on the structures of porous carbon materials (PCMs) derived from cornstalk core have been investigated systematically. The PCM obtained at optimal conditions (mKOH/mC=6, activated at 800 °C) exhibits a porous structure with a large specific surface area of 2139 m2 g−1 and total pore volume of 1.16 cm3 g−1. Acting as an electrode material, the optimum PCM exhibits excellent capacitive performance with a specific capacitance of 317.0 F g−1 at a scan rate of 1 mV s−1. More promising, a high power density of 28.3 kW kg−1 and energy density of 6.8 Wh kg−1 are achieved in 6 mol L−1 KOH aqueous electrolyte, as well as high‐rate capability and excellent cycling stability. The capacitor has a time constant of about 0.3 s, and could retain more than 93 % of its initial capacitance after 10 000 cyclic processes. This work proposes a potential biomass resource to produce effective porous carbons for high‐performance ECs.
Gas‐Phase Unimolecular Dissociation Reveals Dominant Base Property of Protonated Homocysteine Sulfinyl Radical Ions
Authors: Love‐Nkansah Chasity B. , Tan Lei , Francisco Joseph S. , Xia Yu
Published: November 2015

Homocysteine sulfinyl radical (SO⋅Hcy) is a reactive intermediate involved during oxidative damage of DNA in the presence of high concentrations of homocysteine (Hcy). The short lifetime of SO⋅Hcy makes its preparation, isolation, and characterization challenging using traditional chemical measurement tools. Herein, we demonstrate the first study on mass‐selected protonated SO⋅Hcy ions in the gas phase by investigating its unimolecular dissociation pathways from low energy collision‐induced dissociation (CID). Tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS), stable‐isotope labeling, and theoretical calculations were employed to rationalize the observed fragmentation pathways. The dominant dissociation channel of protonated SO⋅Hcy was a charge‐directed H2O loss from the protonated sulfinyl radical (‐SO⋅) moiety, forming a thiyl radical (‐S⋅), which further triggered sequential radical‐directed ⋅SH loss through multiple pathways. Compared to cysteine sulfinyl radical (SO⋅Cys), the small structural change induced by one additional methylene group in the side chain of SO⋅Hcy significantly promotes its base property while reducing the radical reactivity of sulfinyl radical. This observation provides new insight into studying reactions of SO⋅Hcy with biomolecules, which are critical in understanding toxicity induced by high levels of Hcy in biological conditions.
Stereoselective Synthesis of Trisubstituted Alkenes through Sequential Iron‐Catalyzed Reductive anti‐Carbozincation of Terminal Alkynes and Base‐Metal‐Catalyzed Negishi Cross‐Coupling
Authors: Cheung Chi Wai , Hu Xile
Published: November 2015

The stereoselective synthesis of trisubstituted alkenes is challenging. Here, we show that an iron‐catalyzed anti‐selective carbozincation of terminal alkynes can be combined with a base‐metal‐catalyzed cross‐coupling to prepare trisubstituted alkenes in a one‐pot reaction and with high regio‐ and stereocontrol. Cu‐, Ni‐, and Co‐based catalytic systems are developed for the coupling of sp‐, sp2‐, and sp3‐hybridized carbon electrophiles, respectively. The method encompasses a large substrate scope, as various alkynyl, aryl, alkenyl, acyl, and alkyl halides are suitable coupling partners. Compared with conventional carbometalation reactions of alkynes, the current method avoids pre‐made organometallic reagents and has a distinct stereoselectivity.
Rotationszerstäuber für große Tropfen mit enger Größenverteilung zur Anwendung in kleinen Sprühtrocknern
Authors: Mescher Axel , Walzel Peter
Published: November 2015

Es wird ein miniaturisierter, laminar betriebener Rotationszerstäuber vorgestellt, der es erlaubt, mittlere Tropfengrößen im Bereich von 70 – 200 µm mit sehr engen Größenverteilungen, herzustellen. Aufgrund der neuartigen, besonders kompakten Gestaltung des Zerstäubers ist die Tropfengeschwindigkeit vergleichsweise gering und das Spray kann bereits mit recht geringem Gasstrom abgelenkt werden. Die Technologie kann in kleinen Sprühtrocknern ($ \emptyset $ 0,8 m) zur Herstellung von Mustermengen im Maßstab einiger kg h−1 und zur Durchführung von Machbarkeitsversuchen für die Verfahrensskalierung eingesetzt werden. Die Partikelgrößen sind dann mit denen aus vielfach größeren Produktionssprühtrocknern vergleichbar.
Outreach invitations for FIT and colonoscopy improve colorectal cancer screening rates: A randomized controlled trial in a safety‐net health system
Authors: Singal Amit G. , Gupta Samir , Tiro Jasmin A. , Skinner Celette Sugg , McCallister Katharine , Sanders Joanne M. , Bishop Wendy Pechero , Agrawal Deepak , Mayorga Christian A. , Ahn Chul , Loewen Adam C. , Santini Noel O. , Halm Ethan A.
Published: November 2015

BACKGROUND

The effectiveness of colorectal cancer (CRC) screening is limited by underuse, particularly among underserved populations. Among a racially diverse and socioeconomically disadvantaged cohort of patients, the authors compared the effectiveness of fecal immunochemical test (FIT) outreach and colonoscopy outreach to increase screening participation rates, compared with usual visit‐based care.

METHODS

Patients aged 50 to 64 years who were not up‐to‐date with CRC screening but used primary care services in a large safety‐net health system were randomly assigned to mailed FIT outreach (2400 patients), mailed colonoscopy outreach (2400 patients), or usual care with opportunistic visit‐based screening (1199 patients). Patients who did not respond to outreach invitations within 2 weeks received follow‐up telephone reminders. The primary outcome was CRC screening completion within 12 months after randomization.

RESULTS

Baseline patient characteristics across the 3 groups were similar. Using intention‐to‐screen analysis, screening participation rates were higher for FIT outreach (58.8%) and colonoscopy outreach (42.4%) than usual care (29.6%) (P <.001 for both). Screening participation with FIT outreach was higher than that for colonoscopy outreach (P <.001). Among responders, FIT outreach had a higher percentage of patients who responded before reminders (59.0% vs 29.7%; P <.001). Nearly one‐half of patients in the colonoscopy outreach group crossed over to complete FIT via usual care, whereas <5% of patients in the FIT outreach group underwent usual‐care colonoscopy.

CONCLUSIONS

Mailed outreach invitations appear to significantly increase CRC screening rates among underserved populations. In the current study, FIT‐based outreach was found to be more effective than colonoscopy‐based outreach to increase 1‐time screening participation. Studies with longer follow‐up are needed to compare the effectiveness of outreach strategies for promoting completion of the entire screening process. Cancer 2016;122:456–463. © 2015 American Cancer Society.
Manipulating the Monolayer: Responsive and Reversible Control of Colloidal Inorganic Nanoparticle Properties
Authors: Edwards William , Kay Euan R.
Published: November 2015

For a wide range of nanomaterials, surface‐bound molecules play a central role in defining properties, and are key to integration with other components—be they molecules, surfaces, or other nanoparticles. Predictable and general methods for manipulating the surface monolayer are therefore crucial to exploiting this new region of chemical space. This review highlights limitations of the few established methods for controlling nanoparticle‐bound molecular functionality, then focuses on emerging new strategies. In particular, approaches that can achieve stimuli‐responsive and reversible modification of surface‐bound molecules in colloidal solution are examined, with an emphasis on using these methods to control nanoparticle properties such as solvent compatibility, catalytic activity and cytotoxicity. Finally, the outstanding challenges and future potential for precisely controlled nanoparticle‐bound monolayers are discussed.
Electrodeposition in Ionic Liquids
Authors: Zhang Qinqin , Wang Qian , Zhang Suojiang , Lu Xingmei , Zhang Xiangping
Published: November 2015

Due to their attractive physico‐chemical properties, ionic liquids (ILs) are increasingly used as deposition electrolytes. This review summarizes recent advances in electrodeposition in ILs and focuses on its similarities and differences with that in aqueous solutions. The electrodeposition in ILs is divided into direct and template‐assisted deposition. We detail the direct deposition of metals, alloys and semiconductors in five types of ILs, including halometallate ILs, air‐ and water‐stable ILs, deep eutectic solvents (DESs), ILs with metal‐containing cations, and protic ILs. Template‐assisted deposition of nanostructures and macroporous structures in ILs is also presented. The effects of modulating factors such as deposition conditions (current density, current density mode, deposition time, temperature) and electrolyte components (cation, anion, metal salts, additives, water content) on the morphology, compositions, microstructures and properties of the prepared materials are highlighted.
Copper Keplerates: High‐Symmetry Magnetic Molecules
Authors: Palacios Maria A. , Moreno Pineda Eufemio , Sanz Sergio , Inglis Ross , Pitak Mateusz B. , Coles Simon J. , Evangelisti Marco , Nojiri Hiroyuki , Heesing Christian , Brechin Euan K. , Schnack Jürgen , Winpenny Richard E. P.
Published: November 2015

Keplerates are molecules that contain metal polyhedra that describe both Platonic and Archimedean solids; new copper keplerates are reported, with physical studies indicating that even where very high molecular symmetry is found, the low‐temperature physics does not necessarily reflect this symmetry.
Self‐Assembled Dendron–Cyclodextrin Nanotubes with a Polyethylenimine Surface and Their Gene Delivery Capability
Authors: Lee Jeonghun , Min Doohong , Oh Eun‐Taex , Yoon Haerry , Park Heon Joo , Kim Chulhee
Published: November 2015

Self‐assembled dendron–cyclodextrin nanotubes (Den‐CD‐NTs) with selected surface functionalities can serve as templates for the formation of complexes with polymers, and the resulting nanotube–polymer complexes can be utilized as gene carriers. The negatively charged surfaces of Den‐CD‐NTs were covered with a positively charged polyethylenimine (PEI) layer using electrostatic interactions, and the resulting nanotube–PEI complex, having a positively charged surface exhibited intracellular uptake. Furthermore, the nanotube–PEI complex exhibited the capability for DNA complexation with reduced enzymatic degradation, and also showed higher transfection efficiency and lower cytotoxicity than PEI. Therefore, Den‐CD‐NTs, in simple complexation with a surface PEI layer, are potentially useful gene delivery vectors.
Population structure of honey bees in the Carpathian Basin (Hungary) confirms introgression from surrounding subspecies
Authors: Péntek‐Zakar Erika , Oleksa Andrzej , Borowik Tomasz , Kusza Szilvia
Published: November 2015

Carniolan honey bees (Apis mellifera carnica) are considered as an indigenous subspecies in Hungary adapted to most of the ecological and climatic conditions in this area. However, during the last decades Hungarian beekeepers have recognized morphological signs of the Italian honey bee (Apis mellifera ligustica). As the natural distribution of the honey bee subspecies can be affected by the importation of honey bee queens or by natural gene flow, we aimed at determining the genetic structure and characteristics of the local honey bee population using molecular markers. All together, 48 Hungarian and 84 foreign (Italian, Polish, Spanish, Liberian) pupae and/or workers were used for mitochondrial DNA analysis. Additionally, 53 sequences corresponding to 10 subspecies and the Buckfast hybrid were downloaded from GenBank. For the nuclear analysis, 236 Hungarian and 106 foreign honey bees were genotyped using nine microsatellites. Heterozygosity values, population‐specific alleles, FST values, principal coordinate analysis, assignment tests, structure analysis, and dendrograms were calculated. Haplotype and nucleotide diversity values showed moderate values. We found that one haplotype (H9) was dominant in Hungary. The presence of the black honey bee (Apis mellifera mellifera) was negligible, but a few individuals resembling other subspecies were identified. We proved that the Hungarian honey bee population is nearly homogeneous but also demonstrated introgression from the foreign subspecies. Both mitochondrial DNA and microsatellite analyses corroborated the observations of the beekeepers. Molecular analyses suggested that Carniolan honey bee in Hungary is slightly affected by Italian and black honey bee introgression. Genetic differences were detected between Polish and Hungarian Carniolan honey bee populations, suggesting the existence of at least two different gene pools within A. m. carnica.
Effect of plant nitrogen and water status on the foraging behavior and fitness of an omnivorous arthropod
Authors: Han Peng , Dong Yongcheng , Lavoir Anne‐Violette , Adamowicz Stéphane , Bearez Philippe , Wajnberg Eric , Desneux Nicolas
Published: November 2015

Omnivorous arthropods make dietary choices according to the environment in which they forage, mainly availability/quality of plant and/or prey resources. Such decisions and their subsequent impacts on life‐history traits may be affected by the availability of nutrients and water to plants, that is, through bottom‐up forces. By setting up arenas for feeding behavior observation as well as glasshouse cages for plant preference assessment, we studied effects of the presence of prey (Lepidoptera eggs) and nitrogen/water availability to host tomato plants on the foraging behavior and life‐history traits in the omnivorous predatorMacrolophus pygmaeus(Heteroptera: Miridae). In the absence of prey, the predator fed equally on the plants treated with various levels of nitrogen and water. In the presence of prey, however, the feeding rate on plants decreased when the plant received low water input. The feeding rate on prey was positively correlated with feeding rate on plants; that is, prey feeding increased with plant feeding when the plants received high water input. Moreover, plants receiving high water input attracted moreM. pygmaeusadults compared with those receiving low water input. ForM. pygmaeusfitness, the presence of prey enhanced its fertility and longevity, but the longevity decreased when plants received low compared with high water input. In conclusion, the omnivorous predator may be obliged to feed on plants to obtain water, and plant water status may be a limiting factor for the foraging behavior and fitness of the omnivorous predator.