bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
DNAble® Molecular Detection Kit for Salmonella
Authors: Dutta Vikrant , Guerrette Tom , Davis Alan H , Crowley Erin , Flannery Jonathan , Bastin Benjamin , Bird Patrick , Benzinger M Joseph , Agin James , Goins David
Published: September 2014

The DNAble Salmonella detection assay utilizes single overnight culture enrichment, user-friendly sample preparation, and isothermal DNA amplification for Salmonella detection. This report describes studies performed in support of AOAC Research Institute Performance Tested MethodSM certification of the DNAble assay. Selectivity (inclusivity and exclusivity) studies were performed in the sponsor's laboratory. DNAble detected 119 out of 120 Salmonella isolates, representing 100 Salmonella serovars, in the inclusivity study while none of the 35 diverse non-Salmonella strains (32 species) tested was detected in the exclusivity study. Consistency (lot-to-lot and stability), instrument variation, and robustness studies were also conducted by the sponsor. Statistically equivalent assay performance was observed in these studies demonstrating robust assay manufacture and performance despite variation of multiple parameters in these challenges. Matrix studies, performed in an independent laboratory, evaluated DNAble assay performance in dry pet food, on stainless steel surfaces, and poultry environmental drag swab samples. Two sample sizes (25 and 375 g) and two culture volumes (9:1 and 3:1, v/w) were evaluated in separate matrix studies for dry pet food to provide multiple certified testing options for assay users. DNAble assay performance for dry pet food and stainless steel was compared to the procedures described in the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Bacteriological Analytical Manual, Chapter 5, Salmonella. Assay performance for drag swabs was compared to protocols dictated in the FDA Environmental Sampling and Detection of Salmonella in Poultry Houses guidelines. Matrix study results demonstrated statistically equivalent DNAble assay performance compared to these reference methods, ensuring that the DNAble assay provides results comparable to those of the reference methods.
The Chemical Profile of Pyrrolizidine Alkaloids from Selected Greek Endemic Boraginaceae Plants Determined by Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Damianakos Harilaos , Jeziorek Malgorzata , Pietrosiuk Agnieszka , Chinou Ioanna
Published: September 2014

Four Greek endemic Boraginaceae plants, Onosma erecta Sibth. & Sm., Onosma kaheirei Teppner, Onosma leptantha Heldr., and Cynoglossum columnae L. (aerial parts), were screened for their content of pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs). TLC with the Mattocks-Molyneux visualization reagent was used as a preliminary qualitative test for PA or PA N-oxide detection. The extracts of the species found to contain PAs and their N-oxides were further analyzed by GC/MS, so as to identify their structures by means of the mass spectra and retention index values of known PAs already published in the literature. Twenty-three PAs were identified. For additional peaks, recognized as possible PAs by their MS pattern, no exact structures were tentatively suggested, as a result of lack of matching literature data. Furthermore, a quantitative PA profile of the species was obtained.
Fingerprinting of the Volatile Fraction from Selected Thyme Species by Means of Headspace Gas Chromatography with Mass Spectrometric Detection
Authors: Staszek Dorota , Orłowska Marta , Rzepa Józef , Wróbel Michał S , Kowalska Teresa , Szymczak Grażyna , Waksmundzka-Hajnos Monika
Published: September 2014

The Thymus genus has a firm position in Mediterranean folk medicine and culinary tradition, and yet certain confusion is observed in its botanical taxonomy. Therefore, chemical analysis of secondary metabolites and selection of reliable chemotaxonomic markers can prove helpful. In this study, the volatile fraction derived from 20 different thyme specimens was analyzed by means of headspace GC with MS detection. From the obtained chromatographic fingerprints, the diversity of the volatile fraction originating from the different thyme species clearly emerged. Identification of volatile components was based on a software library of mass spectra. There was only one common component derived from all 20 investigated thyme species, i.e., ß-linalool. For three different Thymus species, a comparison was made of the performance of the headspace extraction and hydrodistillation. Characteristic differences in composition of the volatile fraction obtained with use of these two techniques were discussed. Finally, the obtained chromatographic fingerprints of the volatile fraction were analyzed by means of a chemometric approach (principal component analysis), in order to trace similarities in their chemical composition.
Diagnosis of Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma on Fine-Needle Aspiration Cytology
Authors: Lew Madelyn , Foo Wen-Chi , Roh Michael H.
Published: September 2014

Fine-needle aspiration has assumed an increasingly important role in the diagnosis and management of patients with advanced stage cancer. Given its predilection for metastases to distant sites and organs at the time of presentation, metastatic renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is not infrequently encountered in the setting of fine-needle aspiration for initial diagnosis. In some instances, fine-needle aspiration may be the only opportunity to obtain diagnostic tissue to diagnose and subclassify RCC. Therefore, cytopathologists and cytotechnologists should be familiar with and recognize the cytomorphology of RCC and the ancillary studies that can be used to confirm and subclassify RCC. Herein, we describe a case of metastatic RCC initially diagnosed on fine-needle aspiration, discuss the cytomorphologic features of RCC subtypes, and review pertinent ancillary immunohistochemical and cytogenetic adjuncts.
Selected Inflammatory Imitators of Mycosis Fungoides: Histologic Features and Utility of Ancillary Studies
Authors: Arps David P. , Chen Stephanie , Fullen Douglas R. , Hristov Alexandra C.
Published: September 2014

Mycosis fungoides is the most common primary cutaneous lymphoma; however, it remains a significant diagnostic challenge, in part because of the overlap with several inflammatory dermatoses. Despite advances in immunohistochemistry and molecular diagnostics, false-positive, false-negative, and indeterminate diagnoses are not uncommon. In most cases, the overall balance of morphologic, immunophenotypic, and genetic features must be considered carefully because there are few sensitive and specific clues to the diagnosis. Moreover, an appropriate clinical presentation is essential to the diagnosis and helps to favor or exclude inflammatory/reactive processes. Herein, we discuss 3 important inflammatory dermatoses that may closely simulate mycosis fungoides, and we review the use of ancillary studies in these challenging cases.
Transient Abnormal Myelopoiesis in Neonates: GATA Get the Diagnosis
Authors: Bombery Melissa , Vergilio Jo-Anne
Published: September 2014

Transient abnormal myelopoiesis occurs exclusively in patients with Down syndrome (constitutional trisomy 21), manifests in the neonatal period, and is characterized by circulating megakaryoblasts with varied degrees of multisystem organ involvement. In most cases, this process resolves spontaneously by 3 to 6 months of age, but for some, the disease can be fatal. Affected patients are particularly prone to develop acute megakaryoblastic leukemia in early childhood. Somatic GATA1 mutations are believed to be pivotal in the development of transient abnormal myelopoiesis and have proven to be a marker of clonal identity in its evolution to megakaryoblastic leukemia. We describe a study case of transient abnormal myelopoiesis and review the clinical manifestations, laboratory features, natural history, molecular genetics, and postulated disease pathogenesis of this disorder.
Authoritarianism and Intolerance Under Autocratic and Democratic Regimes
Authors: Dunn Kris
Published: September 2014

Based on findings indicating that authoritarians express greater intolerance in situations where diversity is more apparent, Stenner (2005) proposes that democracies may sabotage their stability by allowing the unbridled expression of societal pluralism. She therefore suggests that pluralism in democracies be suppressed in order to pacify authoritarians and the threat their unbridled intolerance may pose to the stability of these countries. Based on data from the World and European Values Surveys, I examined 75,478 individuals across 75 countries to determine if authoritarians are indeed more intolerant in more democratic societies; a key assumption upon which Stenner’s suggestion rests. While authoritarianism was more strongly and negatively related to tolerance in more democratic countries, authoritarians in more democratic countries were more tolerant than were authoritarians in more autocratic countries. I argue that Stenner’s concern may be valid if we strictly consider rapid pluralization within a single generation within consolidating democracies, but for established democracies, her concern appears unwarranted.
Sentidos de "digital" em disputa no currículo de história: que implicações para o ensino desta disciplina?
Authors: Costa Marcella Albaine Farias da , Gabriel Carmen Teresa
Published: September 2014

Este texto admite como base inicial de reflexão as muitas articulações que já se fizeram no campo educacional em torno dos significantes ‘ensino’ e ‘tecnologia’, em geral, fixando sentidos ligados à ideia de ‘inovação’, ‘afinamento com os novos tempos’ e/ou ‘facilitador da aprendizagem’. No caso da disciplina História, fala-se recorrentemente que a utilização das chamadas tecnologias da informação e da comunicação (TICs) pode gerar novas práticas, indo de encontro ao tão combatido ensino ‘tradicional’, ligado à ‘lógica da memorização’. Sem refutar ou corroborar tais afirmativas, e amparando-se nas contribuições das teorizações do discurso formuladas por Ernesto Laclau e Chantal Mouffe, a análise procura mostrar que fixar e disputar ‘sentidos de digital’ no currículo de História é uma ação política, que mobiliza/desloca a fronteira da própria definição do que é e do que não é a ciência/conhecimento histórico na contemporaneidade, provocando alterações, portanto, tanto na cultura histórica, quanto na cultura escolar. Tendo como empiria o Edital do Programa Nacional do Livro Didático (PNLD) 2015, entendido como texto curricular, o estudo evidencia e problematiza a forma como as disputas em torno da significação e fixação de ‘sentidos de digital’ têm aparecido na área de História, produzindo deslocamentos em meio às práticas articulatórias que fixam sentido para a interface ‘ensino’-‘tecnologia’.Palavras-chave: História – estudo e ensino; Currículo
Plasmando a história: sofística, retórica do tempo e ficção
Authors: Moreira Veridiano Koeffender
Published: September 2014

O artigo faz parte de uma investigação sobre o problema do falso e da ficção em história, tópico concernente aos estudos sobre a narrativa na historiografia. Partindo da controvérsia envolvendo a primeira sofística e a filosofia platônico-eleata acerca da referencialidade entre discurso e realidade, analisaremos possíveis analogias entre o logos sofístico e o narrativismo histórico enquanto valorizadores da multiplicidade de discursos. Em seguida, apresentaremos a crítica desferida pela retórica sofística (caracterizada como uma retórica inserida no tempo) ao historicismo. Por fim, avaliaremos a relação entre história e sofística enquanto atividades passíveis de serem plasmadas, i. é, moldadas, em uma operação que é ao mesmo tempo demiúrgica e ficcional.Palavras-chave: História; Historiografia; Sofista; Retórica.
Towards a Unified Route in Mechanics Based on the Second-Order Real Symmetric Tensor
Authors: Liu Jianlin , Cao Gaofeng , Sun Jing
Published: September 2014

Engineering Mechanics is the bridge and bond between fundamental and specialized knowledge for most engineering students. In the series of textbooks on Engineering Mechanics, students must face too many formulas and equations, which are complicated, tedious and difficult to remember. We are trying to explore the possibility of adopting one second-order real symmetric tensor to include the properties on the tensors of stress, strain, moment of inertia and curvature. The definition and properties of the second-order real symmetric tensor are given, and then they are applied to investigate the rules of stress, strain, moment of inertia and curvature. It can be seen that the formulas for the four tensors can be derived only by displacing the corresponding parameters. This idea casts light on how twice as much can be accomplished with half the effort to learn the whole system of Engineering Mechanics.
Managing the Interdisciplinary Approach to Engineering Design
Authors: Adair Desmond , Jaeger Martin
Published: September 2014

Rapid advancement in technology leading to re-structuring of undergraduate engineering curricula, necessitate interdisciplinary capstone projects as part of an engineering teaching and learning programme. Proper management of such projects requires collaboration from both students and faculty from the involved disciplines and a willingness by students to learn from, and about, engineering disciplines not theirs. It should also be the case that interdisciplinary projects will enhance and expand students' problem solving, creative thinking skills and project management skills, and attune them to working with other disciplines in their future professional careers. The case study here concerns the development of a prototype lithium-ion battery pack capable of thermal management. Collaboration is between mechanical, chemical and electrical engineering students and faculty and mathematics and computer science faculty. The paper presents suggestions and reflections on how the foregoing issues are addressed.
From Offenders to Scumbags: Changing Understandings of Crime and Criminals in Contemporary Ireland
Authors: McCullagh Ciaran
Published: September 2014

This article examines the changes in the nature of the popular discourse through which crime is understood and that influence how it is responded to in Ireland. It argues that Irish society has moved from an understanding of the causes of crime as rooted in the poor social circumstances of offenders to one that sees crime as rooted in the evil and ruthless nature of criminals. There has been a change from seeing crimes as the product of social conditions and criminals as the product of poor and neglected social environments to one in which crimes are seen as the product of ‘evil’ and individual criminals as ‘evil people’ or in more common parlance as ‘scumbags’. It looks at the factors that have shaped this new consciousness and the way in which this consciousness has interacted with and shaped other aspects of our response to crime, most notably in drugs policy and in our policies on crime victims. Finally it argues that these responses tend to be self-confirming in that they reaffirm rather than challenge the understandings from which they are drawn, hence reinforcing rather than challenging the notion that all criminals are ‘scumbags’.
Living Permanent Liminality: The Recent Transition Experience in Ireland
Authors: Szakolczai Arpad
Published: September 2014

Modernity, or the combination of market economy, liberal democratic polity and a society driven by technological progress, we are led to believe, is the end-state of history; the glorious condition of a fully enlightened society of free citizens equipped with equal rights at which all traditional societies are bound to arrive, after a period of transition which might involve some temporary difficulties or ‘sacrifices’. However, and in contrast to this, modernity rather involves an infinite period of transition, in which the stable elements of social life, representing not just rigid external constraints on individual freedom, but also the condition of possibility of meaningful life, are one by one liquidated. This article argues that the anthropological concept ‘liminality’ is particularly helpful in understanding the formative aspects of transition experiences, like the Celtic Tiger phenomenon in Ireland. It also helps to move beyond the conventional ‘transition to modernity’ framework by pointing out that advanced modernity is identical to a permanent state of transitionality.
Simultaneous observations of tropospheric turbulence from radiosondes using Thorpe analysis and the VHF MU radar
Authors: Luce H. , Wilson R. , Dalaudier F. , Hashiguchi H. , Nishi N. , Shibagaki Y. , Nakajo T.
Published: September 2014

This paper deals with the detection and quantification of refractivity turbulence in the troposphere from radiosonde and very high frequency (VHF) band radar data. Balloon data processing methods based on Thorpe sorting and recently developed by Wilson et al. (2010, 2011, and 2013) can be applied for a direct identification of turbulent layers from the in situ profiles. The VHF band mid and upper atmosphere radar (MUR) can be operated in range‐imaging mode for detecting and monitoring turbulent layers at high time and range resolutions (of the order of 10 s and a few tens of meters, respectively). For cross validating the techniques, concurrent MUR and RS92‐SGP Vaisala radiosonde observations were made at the Shigaraki Middle and Upper atmosphere (MU) observatory (34.85°N, 136.15°E; Japan) during a field campaign of 3 weeks in September 2011. The radar signature, in terms of echo power and aspect ratio, of the turbulent layers identified from balloon data analyses is investigated from case studies and statistics. The deep (> ~100 m) layers are very often associated with echo power maxima and weak aspect ratios suggesting that the same events of isotropic turbulence were detected by both instruments. Some others are associated with relative minima of isotropic echo power, possibly indicating a later stage of turbulence. The ranges of strong aspect ratios are generally not associated with turbulent events in the balloon data supporting the hypothesis that anisotropic turbulence is not the cause of vertically enhanced radar echoes. Quantitative comparisons are made between radar echo power and refractive index constant structure estimated from temperature variance and additional parameters in the selected layers. Despite a large scatter between the radar and balloon estimates, the results are statistically significant (correlation coefficients ~0.5–0.88) even when the causes of systematic decrease with height of(humidity and density) are removed. Our studies therefore demonstrate that radar and balloon observations of turbulence are consistent between each other and that new insights on tropospheric turbulence can be obtained by the two techniques as stand‐alone systems.
S wave attenuation structure on the western side of the Nankai subduction zone: Implications for fluid distribution and dynamics
Authors: Takahashi Tsutomu , Obana Koichiro , Yamamoto Yojiro , Nakanishi Ayako , Kodaira Shuichi , Kaneda Yoshiyuki
Published: September 2014

We estimated the S wave attenuation structure in southwestern Japan and the western Nankai Trough by analyzing maximum S wave amplitudes at 4–8, 8–16, and 16–32 Hz with a correction term for apparent amplitude attenuation due to multiple forward scattering. Because the estimated attenuation (Q−1) in our tomographic study was much larger than Q−1 due to wide‐angle scattering, our estimated Q−1 was composed mainly of intrinsic attenuation. High‐attenuation areas (Q−1 > 1/300 at 4–8 Hz) were imaged beneath Quaternary volcanoes and south off Shikoku. Low (<1/1500 at 4–8 Hz) or moderate Q−1 (1/500–1/1000 at 4–8 Hz) was imaged beneath Shikoku and nonvolcanic areas of Chugoku. High and moderate Q−1 in and around Shikoku are located near the top of subducting Philippine Sea Plate. This correspondence implies that these high and moderate Q−1 reflect fluid in the subducting slab. By applying a theoretical model of attenuation in water‐saturated porous random media, we examined wave‐induced fluid flow induced by lower frequency (<1 Hz) seismic waves that may be related with triggering of nonvolcanic tremor by surface waves. Even though Q−1 structure in this study cannot fully explain the tremor triggering by wave‐induced fluid flow, large uncertainties of Q−1 in tremor zone suggest that high resolution imaging of Q−1 and random inhomogeneities would give some constraints for the spatial variation of permeability and other medium properties.
Studies of lava flows in the Tharsis region of Mars using SHARAD
Authors: Simon Molly N. , Carter Lynn M. , Campbell Bruce A. , Phillips Roger J. , Mattei Stefania
Published: September 2014

The Tharsis region of Mars is covered in volcanic flows that can stretch for tens to hundreds of kilometers. Radar measurements of the dielectric properties of these flows can provide information regarding their composition and density. SHARAD (shallow radar), a sounding radar on the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter, detects basal interfaces beneath flows in some areas of Tharsis northwest and west of Ascraeus Mons, with additional detections south of Pavonis Mons. Comparisons with 12.6 cm ground‐based radar images suggest that SHARAD detects basal interfaces primarily in dust or regolith‐mantled regions. We use SHARAD data to estimate the real relative permittivity of the flows by comparing the measured time delay of returns from the subsurface with altimetry measurements of the flow heights relative to the surrounding plains. In cases where the subsurface interface is visible at different depths, spanning tens of meters, it is also possible to measure the loss tangent (tan δ) of the material. The permittivity values calculated range from 7.6 to 11.6, with an average of 9.6, while the mean loss tangent values range from 7.8 × 10−3 to 2.9 × 10−2 with an average of 1.0 × 10−2. These permittivity and loss tangent estimates for the flows northwest of Ascraeus Mons, west of Ascraeus Mons, and south of Pavonis Mons are consistent with the lab‐measured values for dense, low‐titanium basalt.
Storm‐event flow pathways in lower coastal plain forested watersheds of the southeastern United States
Authors: Griffin Michael P. , Callahan Timothy J. , Vulava Vijay M. , Williams Thomas M.
Published: September 2014

The landscape of the coastal plain of the southeastern United States is rapidly changing due to urbanization and climate‐change‐related impacts. In addition to the forecasted population increase, this region could experience significant changes in precipitation patterns making watershed management very challenging. In order to establish baseline data, storm‐event flow pathways were studied in three lower coastal plain (LCP) forested lowland watersheds of the southeastern United States between 2010 and 2011. Two of the watersheds had clay loam subsoils while the third had sandy soils throughout the profile. Stream flow and water samples from water‐table wells, piezometers, lysimeters, and rain gauges were analyzed for ion concentrations; ion trends were assessed using principal components analysis; and chemical hydrograph separation was performed for nine storm events using end‐member mixing analysis. End‐members consisted of lower concentration rainwater; a near‐stream source (riparian or streambed groundwater); and a distant or deep groundwater source. Storm‐event stream water on the clayey sites was composed primarily of rainwater (45–67% by volume) and shallow groundwater (21–55%), with small inputs from deep (below the clay‐rich soil horizon) groundwater (0.2–21%). At the sandy site, a greater proportion was groundwater (56–61%), with smaller inputs from rainwater (28–33%) and soil water (6–16%). Dry antecedent soil moisture (ASM) conditions and larger storms resulted in greater rainwater contribution at the clayey sites. Shallow groundwater was an important contributor even in dry ASM conditions, perhaps due to the high specific retention of the soils. The results from this study will inform researchers about stormwater routing in forested, shallow water table watersheds and provide land managers with baseline data as they plan stormwater mitigation practices.
Rhodium(III)‐Catalyzed Transannulation of Cyclopropenes with N‐Phenoxyacetamides through CH Activation
Authors: Zhang Hang , Wang Kang , Wang Bo , Yi Heng , Hu Fangdong , Li Changkun , Zhang Yan , Wang Jianbo
Published: September 2014

An efficient rhodium(III)‐catalyzed synthesis of 2H‐chromene from N‐phenoxyacetamides and cyclopropenes has been developed. The reaction represents the first example of using cyclopropenes as a three‐carbon unit in rhodium(III)‐catalyzed C(sp2)H activations.
A novel lead ion‐imprinted chelating nanofiber: Preparation, characterization, and performance evaluation
Authors: Tong Lanyan , Chen Jida , Yuan Youyou , Cui Zehua , Ran Mianfu , Zhang Qian , Bu Juan , Yang Fengqing , Su Xinhong , Xu Huan
Published: September 2014

A novel Pb(II) ion‐imprinted chelating nanofibers (nIIP), synthesized by combining electrospinning with surface ion imprinting technique, was reported in this study. nIIP was characterized with Fourier transmission infrared spectrometry and scanning electron microscopy, respectively. The performance of nIIP for Pb(II) sorption was conducted through a batch adsorption experiments. Experimental data showed that adsorption capacity of nIIP was much higher than that of non‐ion imprinted chelating acrylic microfibers (mNIP) derived from commercial available acrylic microfibers, and adsorption behaviors agreed well with pseudo‐second‐order kinetic and Langmuir isotherm model. The values of Gibbs free energy change derived from experimental data suggested that the adsorption Pb(II) on nIIP is spontaneous and favorable at high temperature. In addition, nIIP had the highest selectivity among three tested fibrous adsorbents for Pb(II) from binary metal solution, the selectivity coefficients for Pb(II) from binary metal solution of Pb(II)/Cu(II), Pb(II)/Ni(II), and Pb(II)/Cd(II) onto nIIP were 47, 101, and 162, respectively. Besides, a forty adsorption/desorption cycles revealed that nIIP was a promising recyclable adsorbent. In conclusion, the novel nIIP is a highly effective adsorbent for enrichment and separation of Pb(II) in the presence of competitive ions in aqueous solution, and it is potential to be applied for recovering metals from heavy metal polluted industrial wastewater such as Pb(II)/Cd(II), Pb(II)/Ni(II), and Pb(II)/Cu(II) polluted wastewater. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015, 132, 41507.
Parametric Stabilization of Quantized Interconnected Systems with Application to Coupled Inverted Pendulums
Authors: Chen Ning , Zhai Guisheng , Guo Yuqian , Gui Weihua , Shen Xiaoyu
Published: September 2014

This paper studies the analysis of parametric stability and decentralized state feedback control of a kind of quantized interconnected systems. The output of each controller is quantized logarithmically before it is input to the subsystem, and the quantized density would affect the stability of the systems. First, a decentralized state feedback controller is designed for interconnected systems without quantization and the corresponding stable region is obtained. Second, for a given controller, the lower bound of the quantization density is evaluated from parameters of local controllers. Finally, the proposed method is applied to coupled inverted pendulums systems which can be viewed as quantized interconnected systems. The simulation results show that by using the proposed quantized controllers, the interconnected inverted pendulum systems are parametrically stabilized.
A Tetrathiafulvalene‐Based Electroactive Covalent Organic Framework
Authors: Ding Huimin , Li Yonghai , Hu Hui , Sun Yimeng , Wang Jianguo , Wang Caixing , Wang Cheng , Zhang Guanxin , Wang Baoshan , Xu Wei , Zhang Deqing
Published: September 2014

Two‐dimensional covalent organic frameworks (2D COFs) provide a unique platform for the molecular design of electronic and optoelectronic materials. Here, the synthesis and characterization of an electroactive COF containing the well‐known tetrathiafulvalene (TTF) unit is reported. The TTF‐COF crystallizes into 2D sheets with an eclipsed AA stacking motif, and shows high thermal stability and permanent porosity. The presence of TTF units endows the TTF‐COF with electron‐donating ability, which is characterized by cyclic voltammetry. In addition, the open frameworks of TTF‐COF are amenable to doping with electron acceptors (e.g., iodine), and the conductivity of TTF‐COF bulk samples can be improved by doping. Our results open up a reliable route for the preparation of well‐ordered conjugated TTF polymers, which hold great potential for applications in fields from molecular electronics to energy storage.
Modeling security requirements for cloud‐based system development
Authors: Ficco Massimo , Palmieri Francesco , Castiglione Aniello
Published: September 2014

The Cloud Computing paradigm provides a new model for the more flexible utilization of computing and storage services. However, such enhanced flexibility, which implies outsourcing the data and business applications to a third party, may introduce critical security issues. Therefore, there is a clear necessity of new security paradigms able to face all the problems introduced by the cloud approach. Although, in the last years, several solutions have been proposed, the implementation of secure cloud applications and services is still a complex and far from consolidated task. Starting from these considerations, this work fosters the development of a methodology that considers security concerns as an integral part of cloud‐based applications design and implementation. Accordingly, we present a set of stereotypes that defines a vocabulary for annotating Unified Modeling Language based models with information relevant for integrating the specification of security requirements into cloud architectures. This approach can be used to significantly improve productivity and overall success in the development of secure distributed cloud applications and systems. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Second‐order intermodulation cancelation and conversion‐gain enhancement techniques for CMOS active mixers
Authors: Asghari Meysam , Yavari Mohammad
Published: September 2014

In this paper, two new techniques are proposed to improve the second‐order input intercept point (IIP2) and conversion‐gain in double‐balanced Gilbert‐cell complementary metal‐oxide semiconductor (CMOS) mixers. The proposed IIP2 improvement technique is based on canceling the common‐mode second‐order intermodulation (IM2) component at the output current of the transconductance stage. Additionally, the conversion‐gain is improved by increasing the fundamental component of the transconductance stage output current and creating a negative capacitance to cancel the parasitic capacitors. Moreover, in the proposed IM2 cancelation technique, by decreasing the bias current of the switching transistors, the flicker noise of the mixer is reduced. The proposed mixer has been designed with input frequency and output bandwidth equal to 2.4 GHz and 20 MHz, respectively. Spectre‐RF simulation results show that the proposed techniques simultaneously improve IIP2 and conversion‐gain by approximately 23.2 and 5.7 dB, respectively, in comparison with the conventional mixer with the same power consumption. Also, the noise figure (NF) at 20 kHz, where the flicker noise is dominant, is reduced by 4.9 dB. The average NF is increased nearly 0.9 dB, and the value of third‐order input intercept point (IIP3) is decreased approximately 1.8 dB. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Encapsulation of Bimetallic Nanoparticles into a Metal–Organic Framework: Preparation and Microstructure Characterization of Pd/Au@ZIF‐8
Authors: Rösler Christoph , Esken Daniel , Wiktor Christian , Kobayashi Hirokazu , Yamamoto Tomokazu , Matsumura Syo , Kitagawa Hiroshi , Fischer Roland A.
Published: September 2014

The zinc‐imidazolate‐based framework ZIF‐8 was loaded with preformed surfactant‐stabilized bimetallic Pd/Au nanoparticles and its corresponding monometallic counterparts Au and Pd by a controlled encapsulation process during the ZIF‐8 crystal growth. The nanoparticle‐loaded materials were characterized by powder X‐ray diffraction (PXRD), FTIR spectroscopy, N2‐sorption measurements, as well as by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The ZIF‐8 matrix material remained intact and the NP@ZIF‐8 materials revealed the permanent porosity of Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) surface areas above 1100 m2 g–1. The nanoparticles are exclusively found inside the volume of the nanocrystals and exhibit unchanged composition and size distribution as revealed by TEM investigations. Additionally, scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) coupled with energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDX) confirmed the solid solution‐type alloying of Pd and Au in the embedded Pd/Au nanoparticles. The materials were briefly evaluated in aqueous‐phase aerobic alcohol oxidation to investigate the synergetic effects of alloyed Pd/Au nanoparticles and the microporous, hydrophobic matrix ZIF‐8.
Electron‐Transfer Studies of trans‐Platinum Bis(acetylide) Complexes
Authors: Miesel Dominique , Hildebrandt Alexander , Rüffer Tobias , Schaarschmidt Dieter , Lang Heinrich
Published: September 2014

The complexes trans‐[Pt(C≡CFc)2(PFcmnBu3–m)2] (Fc = ferrocenyl; m = 0, 9a; m = 1, 9b; m = 2, 9c) were prepared by the reactions of PFcmnBu3–m (m = 0, 3a; m = 1, 3b; m = 2, 3c) with cis‐[PtCl2(SEt2)2] (6) to form [PtCl2(PFcmnBu3–m)2] (m = 0, 7a; m = 1, 7b; m = 2, 7c), which on treatment with [CuC≡CFc] (8) produced 9a–9c. The reactions of PFcmnBu3–m (m = 1–3; m = 3, 3d) with S8 or Se gave (S=)PFcmnBu3–m (m = 1, 4b; m = 2, 4c; m = 3, 4d) and (Se=)PFcmnBu3–m (m = 1, 5b; m = 2, 5c; m = 3, 5d). Compounds 5d, 7b, 7c, 9b, and 9c were structurally characterized by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction studies; a trans arrangement of the phosphine units at the Pt center is typical. The redox behavior of 3, 4, 7, and 9 was investigated by cyclic and square‐wave voltammetry. The Fc units of 9a–9c could be oxidized separately indicating electronic interactions between the Fc/Fc+ groups of the FcC≡C units [ΔE°′ = 105 (9a), 115 (9b), 120 mV (9c)]. Cationic [9b]+ and [9c]+ exhibit weak intervalence charge‐transfer (IVCT) absorptions at $\tilde {\nu}$ = 6700 cm–1.
Synthesis and Biological Studies of a Triazole Analogue of Resorcylic Acid Lactone LL‐Z1640‐2
Authors: Goh Wendy Y. L. , Chai Christina L. L. , Chen Anqi
Published: September 2014

A highly convergent and concise synthesis of a triazole analogue of resorcylic acid lactone natural product LL‐Z1640‐2 has been achieved from easily accessible starting materials in six linear steps in 18 % overall yield. Biological evaluation confirmed the enone system of the natural product is crucial for its activity. The triazole analogue showed good activity (IC50 7.2 μM) against MNK2 kinase, which is an emerging target for cancer chemotherapy.
Prevalence of pain and relative diagnostic performance of screening tools for neuropathic pain in cancer patients: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Pérez C. , Sánchez‐Martínez N. , Ballesteros A. , Blanco T. , Collazo A. , González F. , Villoria J.
Published: September 2014

Background

Neuropathic pain can be overlooked in cancer patients. The advent of screening tools can help in recognizing it. However, little is known about their relative diagnostic performance and factors that affect it. This study evaluated the prevalence of neuropathic pain using several diagnostic strategies in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy.

Methods

Patients attending theOncologyUnit of the investigators' site to continue their chemotherapy schedule were systematically screened for this cross‐sectional study. Before starting chemotherapy drugs, pain specialists made a clinical diagnosis of neuropathic pain (either disease related, treatment related or comorbid) and medical oncologists administered three validated screening tools. Their relative diagnostic performance and the impact of some pain features on it were analysed using multivariate statistical methods.

Results

From a total of 358 patients, 194 (54.2%) suffered from pain and 73 (20.4%) had a clinical diagnosis of pure neuropathic or mixed pain. Among the screening tools, theLeedsAssessment ofNeuropathicSymptoms andSigns (LANSS) was more specific (93.4%), although less sensitive (68.1%) than theDouleurNeuropathique in 4 Questions (DN4) (sensitivity: 87.5%, specificity: 88.4%). Interestingly, the specificities of these two instruments did not differ in patients with mild pain, while theDN4 remained to be more sensitive than theLANSSregardless of pain severity.

Conclusions

Neuropathic pain is common in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. TheDN4 might be of great help for the early detection of patients at risk because of incipient chemotherapy‐related neuropathies and theLANSSto rule out neuropathic pain in patients with complex pain conditions.
Language‐Based Exclusion and Prosocial Behaviors in Organizations
Authors: Kulkarni Mukta , Sommer Kristin
Published: September 2014

Organizations can be seen as amalgams of languages that can serve as a source of divisive tensions among employees. In our conceptual model, we draw upon social identity and social exclusion research to propose that linguistic diversity increases the potential for language‐based exclusion in multilingual work settings. Language may cue listeners to ethnic or cultural stereotypes as well as negatively affect perceptions of speakers’ competence, leading listeners to exclude speakers of certain languages. We contend that when excluded, perception of oneself can be cast in an antagonistic relation to perceptions of others, with detrimental effects on prosocial behaviors. Perceptions of procedural unfairness, a weakened identity, and impaired mood serve to amplify the association between language‐based exclusion and prosocial behaviors. However, organizational factors such as positive diversity climate may mitigate experiences with language‐based exclusion. We outline an agenda for future research and discuss implications for human resource practice. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Synthesis of Polymer Nanoparticles via Vapor Phase Deposition onto Liquid Substrates
Authors: Haller Patrick D. , Gupta Malancha
Published: September 2014

In this article, the growth of polymer nanoparticles formed at the liquid–vapor interface via vapor phase polymerization is studied. The particles grow by polymer aggregation, which is driven by the surface tension interaction between the liquid and polymer. It is demonstrated that the mechanism of particle growth is determined by whether polymer particles remain at the liquid–vapor interface or submerge into the liquid. The position of the particles depends on the interaction between the polymer and the liquid. For example, the deposition of poly(n‐butyl acrylate) onto poly(dimethyl siloxane) and Krytox liquids leads to the formation of nanoparticles that remain at the liquid–vapor interface. The size of these particles increases as a function of deposition time. The deposition of poly(4‐vinylpyridine) onto poly(dimethyl siloxane) and Krytox leads to the formation of nanoparticles that submerge into the liquid. The size of these particles does not significantly change with deposition time. Our study offers a new rapid, one‐step synthetic approach for fabricating functional polymer nanoparticles for applications in catalysis, photonics, and drug delivery.

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Leveraging the complementary nature of RNA‐Seq and shotgun proteomics data
Authors: Wang Xiaojing , Liu Qi , Zhang Bing
Published: September 2014

RNA sequencing (RNA‐Seq) and MS‐based shotgun proteomics are powerful high‐throughput technologies for identifying and quantifying RNA transcripts and proteins, respectively. With the increasing affordability of these technologies, many projects have started to apply both to the same samples to achieve a more comprehensive understanding of biological systems. A major analytical challenge for such integrative projects is how to effectively leverage the complementary nature of RNA‐Seq and shotgun proteomics data. RNA‐Seq provides comprehensive information on mRNA abundance, alternative splicing, nucleotide variation, and structure alteration. Sample‐specific protein databases derived from RNA‐Seq data can better approximate the real protein pools in cell and tissue samples and thus improve protein identification. Meanwhile, proteomics data provide essential confirmation of the validity and functional relevance of novel findings from RNA‐Seq data. At the quantitative level, mRNA and protein levels are only modestly correlated, suggesting strong involvement of posttranscriptional regulation in controlling gene expression. Here, we review recent studies at the interface of RNA‐Seq and proteomics data. We discuss goals, accomplishments, and challenges in RNA‐Seq‐based proteogenomics. We also examine the current status and future potential of parallel transcriptome and proteome quantification in revealing posttranscriptional regulatory mechanisms.
Polymerization of an epoxy‐containing silacyclobutane and its application to networked polymer synthesis
Authors: Matsumoto Kozo , Goto Yoshinori , Nagao Naoki , Endo Takeshi
Published: September 2014

Polymerization of a silacyclobutane having an epoxy moiety and its application to networked polymer synthesis were examined. Four‐membered ring‐opening polymerization of silacyclobutane having a 3,4‐epoxybutyl group on the silicon atom (OBMSB) was achieved by using a platinum vinyldisiloxane complex with keeping the epoxy ring unchanged. Copolymerization of 1,1‐diethylsilacyclobutane (DESB) with OBMSB by using the same catalyst effectively gave the corresponding copolymers [poly(DESB‐co‐OBMSB)]. Thermal properties of the polyOBMSB, polyDESB, and poly(DESB‐co‐OBMSB) were investigated by DSC and TGA. Cast films of the obtained polymers with 1‐naphthylmethylmethyl‐p‐hydroxyphenylsulfonium hexafluoroantimonate, a small amount of thermally latent acid generator were prepared. Heating the films at 80 °C for 2 h gave crosslinked networked polycarbosilanes through cationic ring‐opening of the epoxy moieties. Thermal and mechanical properties of the networked polymers were investigated by TGA, DSC, and tensile strength measurements. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2014, 52, 3400–3405
Combustion and Material Characterization of Highly Tunable On‐Chip Energetic Porous Silicon
Authors: Piekiel Nicholas W. , Morris Christopher J. , Churaman Wayne A. , Cunningham Michael E. , Lunking David M. , Currano Luke J.
Published: September 2014

We present a comprehensive investigation into the tunable combustion of on‐chip porous silicon energetic materials. The exothermic reaction occurs between high surface area nanoscale porous silicon and a solution‐deposited sodium perchlorate oxidizer that penetrates each pore. The resulting burn rates spanned three orders of magnitude, from 5.2 to 1950 m s−1. Material properties of the porous silicon films were characterized using gas adsorption porosimetry, SEM, and profilometry, over specific surface areas between 191 and 901 m2 g−1, and porosities between 49 and 80 %. Combustion events were characterized using high speed imaging and bomb calorimetry. Results revealed that combustion depended on several material properties including surface area and porosity of the porous silicon substrate, with the peak flame speed occurring at 895 m2 g−1 specific surface area, 3.32 nm pore size, and 72 % porosity. Measured heat of combustion increased with porosity over the range of 65–75 %, up to 22.5 kJ g−1 of porous silicon at 75 % porosity. These measurements along with gravimetric determinations of oxidizer pore loading suggest that the system was typically fuel rich, with macroscopic morphology and porous silicon film mechanical integrity generally limiting the realistic range of porosity values to less than stoichiometric conditions.
Analysis of the reduction of tensile stress by post‐growth annealing methods in multicrystalline silicon wafers produced by the RST process
Authors: Martínez O. , Tejero A. , Tupin E. , González M. A. , Jiménez J. , Belouet C. , Baillis C.
Published: September 2014

In this work, we analyze the residual stress, in both as‐grown and post‐growth annealed silicon ribbon on a sacrificial carbon template, by the simulation of the thermo‐mechanical behavior of the cooling ribbon using the Abaqus software, and the measurement of stress on the free silicon surface by µ‐Raman spectroscopy. The results of the simulations gave limits within which flat ribbons could be obtained for a combination of silicon thickness, ribbon width and pull rate. Stress relaxation by off‐line thermal treatments is used to optimize a post‐growth annealing furnace in line with the ribbon growth system. The fragile behavior of the ribbon during laser cutting can be considerably reduced by a short relaxation of the ribbon at medium temperatures around 850 °C, which were observed to give the best behavior in terms of residual tensile stress relaxation. (© 2014 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Structural and photoconductivity properties of silicon carbon thin films
Authors: Coscia U. , Ambrosone G. , Basa D. K. , Rigato V. , Binetti S.
Published: September 2014

Nanostructured films composed of silicon crystallites dispersed in an hydrogenated amorphous silicon carbon matrix have been deposited by plasma enhanced chemical vapour deposition from silane‐methane mixtures diluted in hydrogen by varying the rf power. Compositional, structural, optical and photoconductivity properties of the films have been investigated. The increase in rf power in the 40‐80 W range enhances the incorporation of carbon and hydrogen in the amorphous matrix and decreases the volume fraction and size of the silicon crystallites leading to an enlargement of the optical band gap from 2.07 to 2.20 eV. Steady state photoconductivity measurements, performed under monochromatic radiations in the visible range, have demonstrated the occurrence of monomolecular recombination kinetics in the samples under illumination and that the mobility‐lifetime product of the free electrons as a function of the optical gap decreases from 1.9 × 10–7 to 2.5 × 10–9 cm2V–1 as in the case of device quality films deposited by silane‐methane mixtures diluted in hydrogen. (© 2014 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Engineering of Fluorescent Emission of Silk Fibroin Composite Materials by Material Assembly
Authors: Lin Naibo , Meng Zhaohui , Toh Guoyang William , Zhen Yang , Diao Yingying , Xu Hongyao , Liu Xiang Yang
Published: September 2014

This novel materials assembly technology endows the designated materials with additional/enhanced performance by fixing “functional components” into the materials. Such functional components are molecularly recognized and accommodated by the designated materials. In this regard, two‐photon fluorescence (TPF) organic molecules and CdTe quantum dots (QDs) are adopted as functional components to functionalize silk fibers and films. TPF organic molecules, such as, 2,7‐bis[2‐(4‐nitrophenyl) ethenyl]‐9,9‐dibutylfluorene (NM), exhibit TPF emission quenching because of the molecular stacking that leads to aggregation in the solid form. The specific recognition between ‐NO2 in the annealed fluorescent molecules and the ‐NH groups in the silk fibroin molecules decouples the aggregated molecules. This gives rise to a significant increase in the TPF quantum yields of the silk fibers. Similarly, as another type of functional components, CdTe quantum dots (QDs) with different sizes were also adopted in the silk functionalization method. Compared to QDs in solution the fluorescence properties of functionalized silk materials display a long stability at room temperature. As the functional materials are well dispersed at high quantum yields in the biocompatible silk a TPF microscope can be used to pursue 3D high‐resolution imaging in real time of the TPF–silk scaffold.