bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impacts of a mushy‐layer thermodynamic approach in global sea‐ice simulations using the CICE sea‐ice model
Authors: Turner Adrian K. , Hunke Elizabeth C.
Published: January 2015

We perform global simulations of the Los Alamos sea‐ice model, CICE, with a new thermodynamics component that has a fully prognostic, variable bulk salinity vertical profile based on mushy layer physics. The processes of gravity drainage, melt‐water flushing and snow‐ice formation are parameterized to allow the bulk salinity to evolve with time. We analyze the seasonal and spatial variation of sea‐ice bulk salinity, area, volume and thickness and compare these quantities to simulations using the previous thermodynamic component. Adjusting one of the gravity drainage parameters, we find good agreement between simulation results and fieldwork ice‐core observations of sea‐ice bulk salinity. As expected, bulk salinity is highest during periods of ice growth and lowest after periods of ice melt. In the northern hemisphere the new thermodynamics component produces thicker ice than the previous thermodynamics component. Of the nine major differences between the two models, differences in how salinities are calculated and how melt‐pond flushing is parameterized are the principal causes of this thickness difference. Thickness differences are smaller in the southern hemisphere than in the northern hemisphere since a greater fraction of ice melts, and differences cannot accumulate year‐on‐year. Model differences in how ice thickness changes and snow‐ice formation are calculated are the most important causes of the different thickness between the two thermodynamic components in the southern hemisphere. The melt‐pond area and volume are found to be highly sensitive to a parameter choice controlling drainage through macroscopic holes in the ice, in both hemispheres.
Process‐based assessment of an ensemble of climate projections for West Africa
Authors: James Rachel , Washington Richard , Jones Richard
Published: January 2015

Determining the level of confidence in regional climate model projections could be very useful for designing climate change adaptation, particularly for vulnerable regions. The majority of previous research to evaluate models has been based on the mean state, but for confidence in projections the plausibility of the mechanisms for change is just as, if not more, important. In this study we demonstrate a methodology for process‐based assessment of projections, whereby circulation changes accompanying future responses are examined and then compared to atmospheric dynamics during historical years in models and reanalyses. We apply this methodology to an ensemble of five global and regional model experiments and focus on West Africa, where these models project a strong drying trend. The analysis reveals that this drying is associated with anomalous subsidence in the upper atmosphere, and large warming of the Saharan heat low region, with potential feedback effects via the African easterly jet and West African monsoon. This mode occurs during dry years in the historical period, and dominates in the future experiments. However, the same mode is not found in dry years in reanalysis data, which casts doubt on the reasons for strong drying in these models. The regional models show a very similar response to their driving global models, and are therefore no more trustworthy in this case. This result underlines the importance of assessing model credibility on a case‐by‐case basis and implies that process‐based methodologies should be applied to other model projections before their outputs are used to inform decision making.
Validation of AIRS version 6 temperature profiles and surface‐based inversions over Antarctica using Concordiasi dropsonde data
Authors: Boylan Patrick , Wang Junhong , Cohn Stephen A. , Fetzer Eric , Maddy Eric S. , Wong Sun
Published: January 2015

During the 2010 Concordiasi field experiment, 635 dropsondes were released from the lower stratosphere providing in situ atmospheric profiles from the release height (~60 hPa) to the surface over Antarctica. They provide a unique data set of high vertical resolution temperature profiles over the entire Antarctic continent and surrounding ocean. This study uses temperature profiles and derived surface‐based inversion (SBI) properties from the sonde data set to evaluate Atmospheric Infrared Sounder (AIRS) versions 5 (v5) and 6 (v6) temperature profiles. A total of 1486 matched pairs of profiles are available for analysis. The AIRS averaging kernel, representing the AIRS measurement sensitivity, is applied to the dropsonde profiles. The AIRS data are compared to kernel‐averaged dropsonde profiles and found, on average, to have a small cold bias (~0.5°C) (for v6) in the troposphere. AIRS v6 is improved over v5 with both profile‐averaged bias and root‐mean‐square errors reduced by over 25%. Compared to the kernel‐averaged dropsonde profiles, AIRS v6 accurately detects the existence of SBIs in 79% of the profiles and agrees on the inversion depth 79% of the time. AIRS correctly identifies SBIs in 59% of cases when compared to the full‐resolution sonde. AIRS systematically underestimates the SBI intensity. This is due to warmer reported AIRS surface air temperatures (Ta) than Ta measured with the dropsonde. Replacement of AIRS Ta with that measured by the dropsonde improves the agreement in both SBI detection and intensity. If AIRS Ta could be improved, AIRS has the potential to be a stand‐alone SBI detection tool over Antarctica.
Regions of significant influence on unforced global mean surface air temperature variability in climate models
Authors: Brown Patrick T. , Li Wenhong , Xie Shang‐Ping
Published: January 2015

We document the geographic regions where local variability is most associated with unforced global mean surface air temperature (GMT) variability in Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 5 coupled global climate models (GCMs) at both the subdecadal and interdecadal timescales. For this purpose, Regions of Significant Influence on GMT are defined as locations that have a statistically significant correlation between local surface air temperature (SAT) and GMT (with a regression slope greater than 1), and where local SAT variation leads GMT variation in time. In both GCMs and observations, subdecadal timescale GMT variability is most associated with SAT variation over the eastern equatorial Pacific. At the interdecadal timescale, GMT variability is also linked with SAT variation over the Pacific in many GCMs, but the particular spatial patterns are GCM dependent, and several GCMs indicate a primary association between GMT and SAT over the Southern Ocean. We find that it is difficult to validate GCM behavior at the interdecadal timescale because the pattern derived from observations is highly depended on the method used to remove the forced variability from the record. The magnitude of observed GMT variability is near the ensemble median at the subdecadal timescale but well above the median at the interdecadal timescale. GCMs with a stronger subdecadal relationship between GMT and SAT over the Pacific tend to have more variable subdecadal GMT while GCMs with a stronger interdecadal relationship between GMT and SAT over parts of the Southern Ocean tend to have more variable GMT.
The rapid, living, anionic polymerization of 2‐vinylnaphthalene at ambient temperature: Characterization of an n‐butyllithium/tetrahydrofuran system in 1,2,3,4‐tetrahydronaphthalene
Authors: Natori Itaru , Natori Shizue , Ogino Kenji
Published: January 2015

We report the first well‐controlled room temperature anionic polymerization of 2‐vinylnaphthalene (2‐VNP), using alkyllithium (RLi) initiators. The nucleophilicity and solubility of the RLi as well as that of the 2‐vinylnaphthalenyllithium (VNPLi) and poly(2‐vinylnaphthalenyl)lithium (PVNPLi) propagating species were found to be very important factors in this reaction. An initiator system composed of n‐butyllithium (n‐BuLi) with tetrahydrofuran (THF) in 1,2,3,4‐tetrahydronaphthalene (THN) was determined to be the most effective of the various systems examined. The n‐BuLi/THF complex initiates polymerization and the resulting VNPLi/THF and PVNPLi/THF complexes act as propagating species at room temperature. These species offer adequate nucleophilicity and stability without promoting side reactions. As a result, rapid anionic polymerization was achieved. Various poly(2‐VNP) products with well‐defined polymeric chain structures were synthesized by this process at room temperature. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015, 132, 41901.
Meta-analysis of the effect of postoperative in-hospital morbidity on long-term patient survival
Authors: Pucher P H , Aggarwal R , Qurashi M , Darzi A
Published: January 2015

Background

Major surgery is associated with high rates of postoperative complications, many of which are deemed preventable. It has been suggested that these complications not only present a risk to patients in the short term, but may also reduce long-term survival. The aim of this review was to examine the effects of postoperative complications on long-term survival.

Methods

MEDLINE, Web of Science and reference lists of relevant articles were searched up to July 2013. Studies assessing only procedure-specific, or technical failure-related, complications were excluded, as were studies of poor methodological quality. Meta-analysis was performed using a random-effects model. Risk of bias was assessed using funnel plots.

Results

Eighteen eligible studies were included, comprising results for 134 785 patients with an overall complication rate of 22·6 (range 10·6–69) per cent. The studies included operations for both benign and malignant disease. Median follow-up was 43 (range 28–96) months. Meta-analysis demonstrated reduced overall survival after any postoperative complication for ten studies with eligible data (20 755 patients), with a hazard ratio (HR) of 1·28 (95 per cent confidence interval 1·21 to 1·34). Similar results were found for overall survival following infectious complications: HR 1·92 (1·50 to 2·35). In analyses of disease-free survival the HR was 1·26 (1·10 to 1·42) for all postoperative complications and 1·55 (1·12 to 1·99) for infectious complications. Inclusion of poor-quality studies in a sensitivity analysis had no effect on the results.

Conclusion

Postoperative complications have a negative effect on long-term survival. This relationship appears to be stronger for infectious complications.
LcBiP, a endoplasmic reticulum chaperone binding protein gene from Lycium chinense, confers cadmium tolerance in transgenic tobacco
Authors: Guan Chunfeng , Jin Chao , Ji Jing , Wang Gang , Li Xiaozhou
Published: January 2015

Cadmium (Cd) accumulation is very toxic to plants. The presence of Cd may lead to excessive production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), and then cause inhibition of plant growth. The endoplasmic reticulum chaperone binding protein (BiP) is an important functional protein, which has been shown to function as a sensor of alterations in the ER environment. BiP overexpression in plants was shown to increase drought tolerance through inhibition of ROS accumulation. Due to the above relationships, it is likely that there may be a link between Cd stress tolerance, ROS accumulation and the BiP transcript expression in plants. In this study, a BiP gene, LcBiP, from L. chinense was isolated and characterized. Overexpression of LcBiP in tobacco conferred Cd tolerance. Under Cd stress conditions, the transgenic tobacco lines exhibited better chlorophyll retention, less accumulation of ROS, longer root length, more glutathione (GSH) content, and less antioxidant enzyme activity than the wild type. These data demonstrated that LcBiP act as a positive regulator in Cd stress tolerance. It is hypothesized that the improved Cd tolerance of the transgenic tobacco plants may be due to the enhanced ROS scavenging capacity. The enhancement of GSH content might contribute to this ROS scavenging capacity in the transgenic plants. However, the underlying mechanism for BiP‐mediated increase in Cd stress tolerance need to be further clarified. © 2015 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 31:358–368, 2015
Knockdown of CTRP6 inhibits adipogenesis via lipogenic marker genes and Erk1/2 signalling pathway
Authors: Wu Wen‐jing , Mo De‐lin , Zhao Cun‐zhen , Zhao Chen , Chen Yao‐sheng , Pang Wei‐jun , Yang Gong‐she
Published: January 2015

C1q/tumor necrosis factor‐related protein 6 (CTRP6), an adipose‐tissue secretory factor, plays an important role in inflammatory reaction and carcinogenesis. However, the biological function of CTRP6 in adipogenesis remains unclear. In this study, we examined the effects of CTRP6 knockdown on lipogenesis of 3T3‐L1 adipocytes. The results showed that after 3T3‐L1 adipocytes transfected with anti‐CTRP6 small interfering RNA (siRNA), not only levels of secreted CTRP6 protein in the culture medium but also the expression level of the CTRP6 protein in the 3T3‐L1 adipocytes was significantly reduced (P < 0.01). In addition, the number of lipid droplets in the adipocytes was reduced, as well as the OD values reflecting the fat content being significantly decreased (P < 0.01). Meanwhile the levels of adipogenic markers, including peroxisome proliferator activated receptor γ (PPARγ), CCAAT/enhancer‐binding protein α (C/EBPα), CCAAT/enhancer‐binding protein β (C/EBPβ) and adipocyte fatty acid‐binding protein 4 (aP2), were decreased after treatment with anti‐CTRP6 siRNA, whereas the expression of adipose triglyceride lipase (ATGL) and triacylglycerol hydrolase (TGH) were increased. Furthermore, after transfection, activity of phosphorylated Erk1/2 (p‐Erk1/2) was inhibited in the early stage of differentiation, but in terminal differentiation of adipocytes, its activity was activated. Taken together, the results indicate that knockdown of CTRP6 can inhibit adipogenesis of 3T3‐L1 adipocytes through lipogenic marker genes and Erk1/2 signaling pathway.
Controlling Two‐Step Multimode Switching of Dihydroazulene Photoswitches
Authors: Petersen Anne U. , Broman Søren L. , Olsen Stine T. , Hansen Anne S. , Du Lin , Kadziola Anders , Hansen Thorsten , Kjaergaard Henrik G. , Mikkelsen Kurt V. , Brøndsted Nielsen Mogens
Published: January 2015

We present the synthesis and switching studies of systems with two photochromic dihydroazulene (DHA) units connected by a phenylene bridge at either para or meta positions, which correspond to a linear or cross‐conjugated pathway between the photochromes. According to UV/Vis absorption and NMR spectroscopic measurements, the meta‐phenylene‐bridged DHA–DHA exhibited sequential light‐induced ring openings of the two DHA units to their corresponding vinylheptafulvenes (VHFs). Initially, the VHF–DHA species was generated, and, ultimately, after continued irradiation, the VHF–VHF species. Studies in different solvents and quantum chemical calculations indicate that the excitation of DHA–VHF is no longer a local DHA excitation but a charge‐transfer transition that involves the neighboring VHF unit. For the linearly conjugated para‐phenylene‐bridged dimer, electronic communication between the two units is so efficient that the photoactivity is reduced for both the DHA–DHA and DHA–VHF species, and DHA–DHA, DHA–VHF, and VHF–VHF were all present during irradiation. In all, by changing the bridging unit, we can control the degree of stepwise photoswitching.
Unsymmetrical Pyrene‐Fused Phthalocyanine Derivatives: Synthesis, Structure, and Properties
Authors: Pan Houhe , Chen Chao , Wang Kang , Li Wenjun , Jiang Jianzhuang
Published: January 2015

Novel pyrene‐fused unsymmetrical phthalocyanine derivatives 2,3,9,10,16,17‐hexakis(2,6‐dimethylphenoxy)‐22,25‐diaza(2,7‐di‐tert‐butylpyrene)[4,5]phthalocyaninato zinc complex Zn[Pc(Pz‐pyrene)(OC8H9)6] (1) and 2,3,9,10‐tra(2,6‐dimethylphenoxy)‐15,18,22,25‐traza(2,7‐di‐tert‐butylpyrene)[4,5]phthalocyaninato zinc compound Zn[Pc(Pz‐pyrene)2(OC8H9)4] (2) were isolated for the first time. These unsymmetrical pyrene‐fused phthalocyanine derivatives have been characterized by a wide range of spectroscopic and electrochemical methods. In particular, the pyrene‐fused phthalocyanine structure was unambiguously revealed on the basis of single crystal X‐ray diffraction analysis of 1, representing the first structurally characterized phthalocyanine derivative fused with an aromatic moiety larger than benzene.
Convenient and Highly Efficient Routes to 2 H‐Chromene and 4‐Chromanone Derivatives: Iodine‐Promoted and p‐Toluenesulfonic Acid Catalyzed Cascade Cyclizations of Propynols
Authors: Qiu Yi‐Feng , Ye Yu‐Ying , Song Xian‐Rong , Zhu Xin‐Yu , Yang Fang , Song Bo , Wang Jia , Hua Hui‐Liang , He Yu‐Tao , Han Ya‐Ping , Liu Xue‐Yuan , Liang Yong‐Min
Published: January 2015

A convenient strategy is presented for the easy preparation of a series of 2 H‐chromenes under mild conditions through iodocyclization of readily accessible propynols. In addition, various 4‐chromanones can be synthesized through a p‐toluenesulfonic acid catalyzed cascade cyclization with high efficiency (yields up to 99 %). Our developed reaction systems are proven to have good functional‐group applicability and can be scaled up to gram quantities in satisfactory yields. These systems also provide a new synthetic strategy for two types of important flavonoid skeleton without using costly and toxic metal catalysts. Additionally, the resulting halides could be further exploited in subsequent palladium‐catalyzed coupling reactions, so these compounds could act as potential intermediates for the construction of some valuable drug molecules.
Self‐Assembling Hydrogels Crosslinked Solely by Receptor–Ligand Interactions: Tunability, Rationalization of Physical Properties, and 3D Cell Culture
Authors: Thompson Michael S. , Tsurkan Mikhail V. , Chwalek Karolina , Bornhauser Martin , Schlierf Michael , Werner Carsten , Zhang Yixin
Published: January 2015

We report a novel, noncovalent hydrogel system crosslinked solely by receptor–ligand interactions between biotin and avidin. The simple hydrogel synthesis and functionalization together with the widespread use of biotinylated ligands in biosciences make this versatile system suitable for many applications. The gels possess a range of tunable physical properties, including stiffness, lifetime, and swelling. The erosion rates, unexpectedly fast compared to the kinetic parameters for biotin–avidin, are explored in terms of stretching tensions on the polymers, a concept well‐known on the single‐molecule level, but largely unexplored in supramolecular systems. As proof of utility, the gels were functionalized with different peptide sequences to control human mesenchymal stromal cell morphology in 3D culture.
Ökologische Bewertung von Produktionsprozessen in Mehrproduktbatchanlagen
Authors: Wesche Mandy , Häberl Michael , Kohnke Marco , Scholl Stephan
Published: January 2015

Für die Gestaltung nachhaltiger Produktionsverfahren in allen Branchen der Prozessindustrie sind neben sozialen und ökonomischen auch ökologische Aspekte von entscheidender Bedeutung. Vorgestellt wird ein Ansatz auf Basis eines 3‐Ebenen‐Modells, der die Analyse von Produktionsprozessen in Mehrproduktanlagen im Hinblick auf Energie‐ und Ressourcenverbrauch verbunden mit ökologischen Betrachtungen ermöglicht sowie die Identifizierung und Quantifizierung von Verbesserungspotenzialen unterstützt. Der Ansatz ist modular aufgebaut und basiert auf einer Stoffstromnetzmodellierung der betrachteten Prozesse.
Novel Non‐Coplanar and Tertbutyl‐Substituted Polyimides: Solubility, Optical, Thermal and Dielectric Properties
Authors: Liu Chanjuan , Pei Xianglin , Huang Xiaohua , Wei Chun , Sun Xiaoyi
Published: January 2015

A novel aromatic diamine monomer bearing tertbutyl and 4‐tertbutylphenyl groups, 3,3′‐ditertbutyl‐4,4′‐diaminodiphenyl‐4′′‐tertbutylphenylmethane (TADBP), was prepared and characterized. A series of non‐coplanar polyimides (PIs) were synthesized via a conventional one‐step polycondensation from TADBP and various aromatic dianhydrides including pyromellitic dianhydride (PMDA), 3,3′,4,4′‐biphenyltetracarboxylic dianhydride (BPDA), 4,4′‐oxydiphthalic anhydride (OPDA), 3,3′,4,4′‐benzophenone tetracarboxylic dianhydride (BTDA) and 4,4′‐(hexafluoroisopropylidene)dipthalic anhydride (6FDA). All PIs exhibit excellent solubility in common organic solvents such as N,N‐dimethylformamide (DMF), N,N‐dimethylacetamide (DMAc), N‐methyl‐2‐pyrrolidone (NMP), dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), chloroform (CHCl3), tetrahydrofuran (THF), and so on. Furthermore, the obtained transparent, strong and flexible polyimide films present good thermal stability and outstanding optical properties. Their glass transition temperatures (Tgs) are in the range of 298 to 347°C, and 10% weight loss temperatures are in excess of 490°C with more than 53% char yield at 800°C in nitrogen. All the polyimides can be cast into transparent and flexible films with tensile strength of 80.5–101 MPa, elongation at break of 8.4%–10.5%, and Young's modulus of 2.3–2.8 GPa. Meanwhile, the PIs show the cutoff wavelengths of 302–356 nm, as well as low moisture absorption (0.30% –0.55%) and low dielectric constant (2.78–3.12 at 1 MHz).
Effect of Organo‐Modified Nanosepiolite on Fire Behaviors and Mechanical Performance of Polypropylene Composites
Authors: Zhang Junhao , de Juan Sergio , Esteban‐Cubillo Antonio , Santarén Julio , Wang De‐Yi
Published: January 2015

The objective of the study was to investigate the effect of the organo‐modified nanosepiolite (ONSep) on improving the fire safety of polypropylene (PP). The composites based on PP, flame retardant master batch (MB‐FR, 25 wt% PP+50 wt% decabromodiphenyl ether (DBDPE)+25% antimony trioxide (ATO)) and ONSep were prepared via melt blending. The results of the limiting oxygen index (LOI) and vertical burning rating (UL‐94) test indicated that PP/40 wt% MB composites had no rating with seriously dripping phenomenon, while the LOI value was only 22.5. However, as 4 wt% ONSep was added in PP/40 wt% MB composites, the composites achieved UL94 V‐0 rating and the LOI value was 24.3. In comparison, PP/50 wt% MB composites could not reach the V‐0 rating either. The TGA results revealed that the addition of ONSep enhanced the thermal stability of the PP/MB‐FR composites. The cone calorimeter results indicated that the heat release rate, average mass loss rate, smoke production rate and smoke temperature of the PP/40 wt% MB‐FR/4 wt% ONSep composites decreased in comparison with those of PP/40 wt% MB‐FR composites. Simultaneously, the Young modulus and impact strength were also much better improved with the increase of ONSep loading. Therefore, the synergistic flame retardancy of ONSep in PP/MB‐FR matrix significantly containing a halogen based flame retardant (DBDPE) significantly improved the fire safety and mechanical properties of the composites, and allowed to decrease the total amount of brominated fire retardants.
Prepivoting composite score statistics by weighted bootstrap iteration
Authors: Lunardon Nicola
Published: January 2015

The role played by the composite analogue of the log likelihood ratio in hypothesis testing and in setting confidence regions is not as prominent as it is in the canonical likelihood setting, since its asymptotic distribution depends on the unknown parameter. Approximate pivots based on the composite log likelihood ratio can be derived by using asymptotic arguments. However, the actual distribution of such pivots may differ considerably from the asymptotic reference, leading to tests, and confidence regions whose levels are distant from the nominal ones. The use of bootstrap rather than asymptotic distributions in the composite likelihood framework is explored. Prepivoted tests and confidence sets based on a suitable statistic turn out to be accurate and computationally appealing inferential tools.The Canadian Journal of Statistics43: 18–41; 2015 © 2015 Statistical Society of Canada
Elektrophile Substitutionsreaktionen an Aromaten verstehen – σ‐Komplexe als (experimentelle) Schlüsselstrukturen
Authors: Vorwerk Nora , Schmitt Catharina , Schween Michael
Published: January 2015

Elektrophile Substitutionsreaktionen sind der bei weitem wichtigste Reaktionstyp zur Funktionalisierung der wegen zahlreicher Alltags‐ und Technikbezüge so wichtigen Verbindungsklasse der Aromaten. Damit kommt ihnen auf jeden Fall in der universitären Lehrerbildung, aber auch im schulischen Unterricht auf Leistungskurs‐Niveau eine wichtige Rolle zu. Zudem bietet das Thema vielfältige Chancen zur Vernetzung mit anderen schulrelevanten Themen wie z. B. Farbstoffen und Farbigkeit. Diese Arbeit widmet sich der Erzeugung und dem Nachweis stabiler σ‐Komplexe, den Schlüsselstrukturen zum Verstehen des Reaktionsmechanismus′, mit schulischen Mitteln. Anhand ausgewählter Modellreaktionen wird experimentell und theoretisch ein Zusammenhang zwischen der vorhersagbaren Stabilität von Zwischenstufen und ihrer Bildungsgeschwindigkeit hergestellt.
Distribution and innervation of putative peripheral arterial chemoreceptors in the red‐eared slider (Trachemys scripta elegans)
Authors: Reyes Catalina , Fong Angelina Y. , Milsom William K.
Published: January 2015

Peripheral arterial chemoreceptors have been isolated to the common carotid artery, aorta, and pulmonary artery of turtles. However, the putative neurotransmitters associated with these chemoreceptors have not yet been described. The goal of the present study was to determine the neurochemical content, innervations, and distribution of putative oxygen‐sensing cells in the central vasculature of turtles and to derive homologies with peripheral arterial chemoreceptors of other vertebrates. We used tract tracing together with immunohistochemical markers for cholinergic cells (vesicular acetylcholine transporter [VAChT]), tyrosine hydroxylase (TH; the rate‐limiting enzyme in catecholamine synthesis), and serotonin (5HT) to identify putative oxygen‐sensing cells and to determine their anatomical relation to branches of the vagus nerve (Xth cranial nerve). We found potential oxygen‐sensing cells in all three chemosensory areas innervated by branches of the Xth cranial nerve. Cells containing either 5HT or VAChT were found in all three sites. The morphology and size of these cells resemble glomus cells found in amphibians, mammals, tortoises, and lizards. Furthermore, we found populations of cholinergic cells located at the base of the aorta and pulmonary artery that are likely involved in efferent regulation of vessel resistance. Catecholamine‐containing cells were not found in any of the putative chemosensitive areas. The presence of 5HT‐ and VAChT‐immunoreactive cells in segments of the common carotid artery, aorta, and pulmonary artery appears to reflect a transition between cells containing the major neurotransmitters seen in fish (5HT) and mammals (ACh and adenosine). J. Comp. Neurol. 523:1399–1418, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
On the DFT Ground State of Crystalline Bromine and Iodine
Authors: George Janine , Reimann Christoph , Deringer Volker L. , Bredow Thomas , Dronskowski Richard
Published: January 2015

We report on an erroneous ground state within common density functional theory (DFT) methods for the solid elements bromine and iodine. Phonon computations at the GGA level for both molecular crystals yield imaginary vibrational modes, erroneously indicating dynamic instability—that fact alone could easily pass as a computational artefact, but these imaginary modes lead to energetically more favorable and dynamically stable structures, made up of infinite monoatomic chains. In contrast, meta‐GGA and hybrid functionals yield the correct energetic order for bromine, while for iodine, most global hybrids do not improve the GGA result significantly. The qualitatively correct answer, in both cases, is given by the long‐range corrected hybrid LC‐ωPBE, the Minnesota functionals M06L and M06, and by periodic Hartree–Fock and MP2 theory. This poor performance of economic DFT functionals should be kept in mind, for example, during global structure optimizations of systems with significant contributions from halogen bonds.
Summary of basic science activities at the European Society of Cardiology Congress in Barcelona 2014
Authors: Thum Thomas
Published: January 2015

With >35 000 participants, the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) congress was one of the biggest ESC events ever and basic science activities were well implemented. I here summarize the basic science activities during the congress. This includes a section ‘Basic science activities in a nutshell’ summarizing the most important sessions as well as ‘Emerging science activities in the ESC’ section with special focus on novel research fields such as the characterization of long non‐coding RNAs in cardiovascular research.
T‐cell receptors: Tugging on the anchor for a tighter hold on the tumor‐associated peptide
Authors: Dyson Julian
Published: January 2015

Although it has been shown that human tumor‐associated, HLA anchor residue modified “heteroclitic” peptides may induce stronger immune responses than wild‐type peptides in cancer vaccine trials, it has also been shown that some T cells primed with these heteroclitic peptides subsequently fail to recognize the natural, tumor‐expressed peptide efficiently. This may provide a molecular reason for why clinical trials of these peptides have been thus far unsuccessful. In this issue of the European Journal of Immunology, Madura et al. [Eur. J. Immunol. 2015. 45: 584–591] highlight a novel twist on T‐cell receptor (TCR) recognition of HLA–peptide complexes. Tumor‐associated peptides often lack canonical anchor residues, which can be substituted for the optimal residue to improve their antigenicity. T‐cell cross‐reactivity between the natural and modified (heteroclitic) peptides is essential for this approach to work and depends on whether the anchor residue substitution influences peptide conformation. The Melan‐A/MART‐126‐35 peptide epitope is an example where T cells can make this distinction, with the natural peptide stimulating higher affinity CD8+ T cells than the heteroclitic peptide, despite the heteroclitic peptide's more stable association with HLA‐A2. The molecular basis for peptide discrimination is identified through the structure of the TCR bound to the natural peptide; TCR engagement of the natural peptide “lifts” its amino‐terminus partly away from the HLA peptide binding groove, forming a higher affinity interface with the TCR than is formed with the anchor residue “optimized” heteroclitic peptide, which cannot be “pulled” from the HLA groove.
Synthesis of the Azaoxoaporphine Alkaloid Sampangine and Ascididemin‐Type Pyridoacridines through TMPMgCl·LiCl‐Mediated Ring Closure
Authors: Plodek Alois , König Mathias , Bracher Franz
Published: January 2015

We report the synthesis of the azaoxoaporphine alkaloid sampangine (4) and a series of ring A analogues and isomers of the marine pyridoacridine alkaloid ascididemin (2). This approach starts from readily available 1‐bromo[2,7]naphthyridine (12) or 4‐bromobenzo[c][2,7]naphthyridine (5), and the ring A scaffold bearing an ester moiety is introduced by a Suzuki or Negishi cross‐coupling reaction. The final cyclization step was achieved through a directed remote ring metallation with the Knochel–Hauser base (TMPMgCl·LiCl; TMP = 2,2,6,6‐tetramethylpiperidinyl), followed by intramolecular trapping of the ester group.
Aggregation of phosphate and 1‐tetradecyl‐3‐methylimidazolium chloride background electrolytes during micellar electrokinetic chromatography
Authors: Kazarjan Jana , Vaher Merike , Kaljurand Mihkel
Published: January 2015

We report the possible aggregation of phosphate and ionic liquid (1‐tetradecyl‐3‐methylimidazolium chloride) based BGEs during MEKC. After a certain transit period, the aggregates appear as a random sequence of spikes on a UV detector signal. Root mean square values of the spikes and aggregation time (Ta) were plotted against BGE concentrations. The observation suggests that MEKC is a simple and easy technique for micelle aggregation studies.
Ground motion selection for scenario ruptures using the generalised conditional intensity measure (GCIM) method
Authors: Tarbali Karim , Bradley Brendon A.
Published: January 2015

In this paper, the generalised conditional intensity measure (GCIM) method is extended to ground motion selection for scenario earthquake ruptures. The selection algorithm is based on generating random realisations of the considered intensity measure (IM) distributions for a specific rupture scenario and then finding the prospective ground motions that best fit the realisations using an optimal amplitude scale factor. Using different rupture scenarios and site conditions, two important aspects of the GCIM methodology are scrutinised: (i) different weight vectors for the various IMs considered and (ii) quantifying the importance of replicate selections for ensembles with different numbers of desired ground motions. It is demonstrated that considering only spectral acceleration (SA) ordinates in the selection process, as is common in many conventional selection procedures, may result in selected motions with a biased representation for duration and cumulative ground motion effects. In contrast, considering IMs other than SA ordinates (in particular, significant duration, cumulative absolute velocity, and Arias intensity) results in ensembles with an appropriate representation of these IMs, without a practically significant effect on SA ordinates. The benefit of conducting replicate selections to obtain a suite of motions with an improved representation for the distribution of the considered IMs is demonstrated, and a minimum number of replicates are suggested for different ground motion ensemble sizes. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Measurements of the initiation of post‐wildfire runoff during rainstorms using in situ overland flow detectors
Authors: Moody John A. , Martin Richard G.
Published: January 2015

Overland flow detectors (OFDs) were deployed in 2012 on a hillslope burned by the 2010 Fourmile Canyon fire near Boulder, Colorado, USA. These detectors were simple, electrical resistor‐type instruments that output a voltage (0–2·5 V) and were designed to measure and record the time of runoff initiation, a signal proportional to water depth, and the runoff hydrograph during natural convective rainstorms.

Initiation of runoff was found to be spatially complex and began at different times in different locations on the hillslope. Runoff started first at upstream detectors 56% of the time, at the mid‐stream detectors 6%, and at the downstream detectors 38% of the time. Initiation of post‐wildfire runoff depended on the time‐to‐ponding, travel time between points, and the time to fill surface depression storage. These times ranged from 0·5–54, 0·4–1·1, and 0·2–14 minutes, respectively, indicating the importance of the ponding process in controlling the initiation of runoff at this site. Time‐to‐ponding was modeled as a function of the rainfall acceleration (i.e. the rate of change of rainfall intensity) and either the cumulative rainfall at the start of runoff or the soil–water deficit.

Measurements made by the OFDs provided physical insight into the spatial and temporal initiation of post‐wildfire runoff during unsteady flow in response to time varying natural rainfall. They also provided data that can be telemetered and used to determine critical input parameters for hydrologic rainfall–runoff models. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Review of titanium dioxide nanoparticle phototoxicity: Developing a phototoxicity ratio to correct the endpoint values of toxicity tests
Authors: Jovanović Boris
Published: January 2015

Titanium dioxide nanoparticles are photoactive and produce reactive oxygen species under natural sunlight. Reactive oxygen species can be detrimental to many organisms, causing oxidative damage, cell injury, and death. Most studies investigating TiO2 nanoparticle toxicity did not consider photoactivation and performed tests either in dark conditions or under artificial lighting that did not simulate natural irradiation. The present study summarizes the literature and derives a phototoxicity ratio between the results of nano-titanium dioxide (nano-TiO2) experiments conducted in the absence of sunlight and those conducted under solar or simulated solar radiation (SSR) for aquatic species. Therefore, the phototoxicity ratio can be used to correct endpoints of the toxicity tests with nano-TiO2 that were performed in absence of sunlight. Such corrections also may be important for regulators and risk assessors when reviewing previously published data. A significant difference was observed between the phototoxicity ratios of 2 distinct groups: aquatic species belonging to order Cladocera, and all other aquatic species. Order Cladocera appeared very sensitive and prone to nano-TiO2 phototoxicity. On average nano-TiO2 was 20 times more toxic to non-Cladocera and 1867 times more toxic to Cladocera (median values 3.3 and 24.7, respectively) after illumination. Both median value and 75% quartile of the phototoxicity ratio are chosen as the most practical values for the correction of endpoints of nano-TiO2 toxicity tests that were performed in dark conditions, or in the absence of sunlight. Environ Toxicol Chem 2015;34:1070–1077. © 2015 The Author. Published by SETAC.
Identifying outcome predictors of transoral laser cordectomy for early glottic cancer
Authors: Hoffmann Caroline , Hans Stéphane , Sadoughi Babak , Brasnu Daniel
Published: January 2015

Background

The purpose of this study was to determine the predictors of outcomes in patients with early glottic cancer treated by transoral laser cordectomy.

Methods

This was an inception cohort study of 201 patients with early glottic cancer who were treated by transoral laser cordectomy. Five‐year Kaplan–Meier analyses were realized.

Results

Patients with anterior commissure involvement (n = 75) had a significantly lower disease‐free survival (DFS) rate (54.6% vs 79.8%; p = .0004), ultimate local control with laser alone rate (71.0% vs 95.7%; p <  .0001), laryngeal preservation rate (91.6% vs 100%; p = .0003), and disease‐specific survival (DSS) rate (90.8% vs 99.0%; p = .03). There was no significant difference in overall‐survival (OS) rates (76.9% vs 88.5%; p = .29). Surgical margin status was not found to be a significant predictor of outcomes in this series.

Conclusion

Although anterior commissure involvement has a significant impact on outcomes, laser cordectomy remains a valuable option considering its high organ preservation and survival rates. In cases of local recurrence, all standard further treatment options remain available. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 38: E406–E411, 2015
Interactive effect between Cu‐adapted arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and biotreated agrowaste residue to improve the nutritional status of Oenothera picensis growing in Cu‐polluted soils
Authors: Meier Sebastián , Cornejo Pablo , Cartes Paula , Borie Fernando , Medina Jorge , Azcón Rosario
Published: January 2015

The interactive effect of sugar beet (SB) agrowaste and arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi inoculation in response to increasing Cu levels was evaluated in the metallophyte Oenothera picensis. Plants were grown in a Cu‐added soil (0, 100, or 500 mg Cu kg−1), in presence or absence of SB, and inoculated with: (1) indigenous Cu adapted mycorrhiza (IM) isolated from Cu‐polluted soils; (2) Claroideoglomus claroideum (CC); or (3) maintained uninoculated (control). Sugar beet application produced an increase in shoot biomass of 2 to 7 times, improving plant nutritional status and allowing their survival at the highest Cu concentrations. Moreover, AM fungi utilization had a positive effect promoting the plant establishment; nevertheless, Cu plant concentration as well as the mycorrhizal development in terms of AM colonization, AM spore density, and glomalin production were strictly dependent of the AM fungi strains used. Remarkable differences between AM fungi strains were observed at the highest soil Cu level where only plants colonized by IM were able to survive and grow when no SB residue was added. An interactive effect between AM fungi and SB produced a higher plant growth than plants without the amendment application, improving the plant establishment and allowing their survival at highest copper concentrations, suggesting that this combination could be used as a biotechnological tool for the phytoremediation of Cu‐polluted soils.
Antioxidant activity and high‐performance liquid chromatographic analysis of phenolic compounds during in vitro callus culture of Plantago ovata Forsk. and effect of exogenous additives on accumulation of phenolic compounds
Authors: Talukder Pratik , Talapatra Shonima , Ghoshal Nirmalya , Sen Raychaudhuri Sarmistha
Published: January 2015

BACKGROUND

Plantago ovata, commonly called psyllium, is known to be a rich source of polyphenolic compounds. The present study was aimed at determining polyphenol content and studying their antioxidant activities in P. ovata during in vitro callus culture. An attempt was also made to enhance polyphenol content using external additives. The role of PAL gene in polyphenol accumulation was also studied.

RESULTS

The study indicated the presence of significant amounts of polyphenols, including flavonoids, in P. ovata callus. A gradual increase in polyphenol and flavonoid content was observed up to the third passage (63 days) of callus culture, which declined at the next passage. The third‐passage callus showed highest antioxidant activity. High‐performance liquid chromatographic results indicated the presence of high amounts of gallic acid and rutin in P. ovata calli; however, other polyphenols were also present but to a lesser extent. Additive supplementation was effective in enhancing polyphenol production and in increasing antioxidant activity in P. ovata callus.

CONCLUSION

The present research reported accumulation of polyphenols in callus culture of P. ovata, which could be applied to isolation of polyphenols for various beneficial purposes. It also indicated enhancement in the production of several polyphenols and also an increase in antioxidant activity in the additive‐treated callus. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry
Post mortem rigor development in the Egyptian goose (Alopochen aegyptiacus) breast muscle (pectoralis): factors which may affect the tenderness
Authors: Geldenhuys Greta , Muller Nina , Frylinck Lorinda , Hoffman Louwrens C
Published: January 2015

BACKGROUND

Baseline research on the toughness of Egyptian goose meat is required. This study therefore investigates the post mortem pH and temperature decline (15 min–4 h 15 min post mortem) in the pectoralis muscle (breast portion) of this gamebird species. It also explores the enzyme activity of the Ca2+‐dependent protease (calpain system) and the lysosomal cathepsins during the rigor mortis period.

RESULTS

No differences were found for any of the variables between genders. The pH decline in the pectoralis muscle occurs quite rapidly (c = −0.806; ultimate pH ∼5.86) compared with other species and it is speculated that the high rigor temperature (>20 °C) may contribute to the increased toughness. No calpain I was found in Egyptian goose meat and the µ/m‐calpain activity remained constant during the rigor period, while a decrease in calpastatin activity was observed. The cathepsin B, B & L and H activity increased over the rigor period.

CONCLUSION

Further research into the connective tissue content and myofibrillar breakdown during aging is required in order to know if the proteolytic enzymes do in actual fact contribute to tenderisation. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry
Flat panel detector based on a shadow mask plasma display panel
Authors: Zhang Panpan , Tu Yan , Yang Lanlan , Tolner Harm
Published: January 2015

A flat panel detector based on the structure of a shadow mask plasma display panel is analyzed in terms of the electron amplification factor when used in the Townsend mode. The detector consists of a metal shadow mask and two ultra‐thin glass substrates with electrodes depositing on them. The shadow mask divides the detecting area into arrays of independent cells. The electron gain and linearity of the device are investigated by simulation based on the particle‐in‐cell/Monte Carlo collision model. Similar experiments are carried out. Both experimental and simulation results show that the linearity of the detector is significant. The applied voltages and the effective cathode area are parameters affecting its gain. As the avalanche process in the center of the cell with small electric field strength is much smaller than that near the shadow mask edge, the gain increases exponentially with the anode voltage but decreases with the negative shadow mask voltage. The balance between effective cathode area and high electric field intensity near the shadow mask edge provides room for future optimization of the detector. In conclusion, the flat panel detector is a promising component in a detection system for high energy radiation, and the wide application of the device is expected.
What Makes a Human Brand Authentic? Identifying the Antecedents of Celebrity Authenticity
Authors: Moulard Julie Guidry , Garrity Carolyn Popp , Rice Dan Hamilton
Published: January 2015

While authenticity has received considerable attention in the marketing literature, the factors that influence the perceived authenticity of a celebrity's “human brand” have remained unexplored. This research fills this void by identifying the antecedents of celebrity authenticity, defined as the perception that a celebrity behaves according to his or her true self. Based on a qualitative analysis of an open‐ended survey completed by 218 adults and on previous authenticity literature and attribution theory, the authors propose two antecedents of celebrity authenticity—rarity and stability—that are each composed of three sub‐dimensions. Analyses of cross‐sectional survey data from a sample of 428 adults provide support for the hypotheses that stability and rarity positively influence celebrity authenticity. Additionally, based on aging stability theory, the authors predict and demonstrate that the effects of rarity and stability on celebrity authenticity are moderated by age.