bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Altered Medial Frontal and Superior Temporal Response to Implicit Processing of Emotions in Autism
Authors: Kana Rajesh K. , Patriquin Michelle A. , Black Briley S. , Channell Marie M. , Wicker Bruno
Published: May 2015

Interpreting emotional expressions appropriately poses a challenge for individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). In particular, difficulties with emotional processing in ASD are more pronounced in contexts where emotional expressions are subtle, automatic, and reflexive—that is, implicit. In contrast, explicit emotional processing, which requires the cognitive evaluation of an emotional experience, appears to be relatively intact in individuals with ASD. In the present study, we examined the brain activation and functional connectivity differences underlying explicit and implicit emotional processing in age‐ and IQ‐matched adults with (n = 17) and without (n = 15) ASD. Results indicated: (1) significantly reduced levels of brain activation in participants with ASD in medial prefrontal cortex (MPFC) and superior temporal gyrus (STG) during implicit emotion processing; (2) significantly weaker functional connectivity in the ASD group in connections of the MPFC with the amygdala, temporal lobe, parietal lobe, and fusiform gyrus; (3) No group difference in performance accuracy or reaction time; and (4) Significant positive relationship between empathizing ability and STG activity in ASD but not in typically developing participants. These findings suggest that the neural mechanisms underlying implicit, but not explicit, emotion processing may be altered at multiple levels in individuals with ASD. Autism Res 2015. © 2015 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Modification of pro‐inflammatory signaling by dietary components: The plasma membrane as a target
Authors: Ciesielska Anna , Kwiatkowska Katarzyna
Published: May 2015

You are what you eat – this well‐known phrase properly describes the phenomenon of the effects of diet on acute and chronic inflammation. Several lipids and lipophilic compounds that are delivered with food or are produced in situ in pathological conditions exert immunomodulatory activity due to their interactions with the plasma membrane. This group of compounds includes cholesterol and its oxidized derivatives, fatty acids, α‐tocopherol, and polyphenols. Despite their structural heterogeneity, all these compounds ultimately induce changes in plasma membrane architecture and fluidity. By doing this, they modulate the dynamics of plasma membrane receptors, such as TLR4. This receptor is activated by lipopolysaccharide, triggering acute inflammation during bacterial infection, which often leads to sepsis and is linked with diverse chronic inflammatory diseases. In this review, we discuss how the impact on plasma membrane properties contributes to the immunomodulatory activity of dietary compounds, pointing to the therapeutic potential of some of them.

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Evidence synthesis for count distributions based on heterogeneous and incomplete aggregated data
Authors: Röver Christian , Andreas Stefan , Friede Tim
Published: May 2015

The analysis of count data is commonly done using Poisson models. Negative binomial models are a straightforward and readily motivated generalization for the case of overdispersed data, that is, when the observed variance is greater than expected under a Poissonian model. Rate and overdispersion parameters then need to be considered jointly, which in general is not trivial. Here, we are concerned with evidence synthesis in the case where the reporting of data is rather heterogeneous, that is, events are reported either in terms of mean event counts, the proportion of event‐free patients, or rate estimates and standard errors. Either figure carries some information about the relevant parameters, and it is the joint modeling that allows for coherent inference on the parameters of interest. The methods are motivated and illustrated by a systematic review in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
Scoring system to distinguish uncomplicated from complicated acute appendicitis
Authors: Atema J J , van Rossem C C , Leeuwenburgh M M , Stoker J , Boermeester M A
Published: May 2015

Background

Non-operative management may be an alternative for uncomplicated appendicitis, but preoperative distinction between uncomplicated and complicated disease is challenging. This study aimed to develop a scoring system based on clinical and imaging features to distinguish uncomplicated from complicated appendicitis.

Methods

Patients with suspected acute appendicitis based on clinical evaluation and imaging were selected from two prospective multicentre diagnostic accuracy studies (OPTIMA and OPTIMAP). Features associated with complicated appendicitis were included in multivariable logistic regression analyses. Separate models were developed for CT and ultrasound imaging, internally validated and transformed into scoring systems.

Results

A total of 395 patients with suspected acute appendicitis based on clinical evaluation and imaging were identified, of whom 110 (27·8 per cent) had complicated appendicitis, 239 (60·5 per cent) had uncomplicated appendicitis and 46 (11·6 per cent) had an alternative disease. CT was positive for appendicitis in 284 patients, and ultrasound imaging in 312. Based on clinical and CT features, a model was created including age, body temperature, duration of symptoms, white blood cell count, C-reactive protein level, and presence of extraluminal free air, periappendiceal fluid and appendicolith. A scoring system was constructed, with a maximum possible score of 22 points. Of the 284 patients, 150 had a score of 6 points or less, of whom eight (5·3 per cent) had complicated appendicitis, giving a negative predictive value (NPV) of 94·7 per cent. The model based on ultrasound imaging included the same predictors except for extraluminal free air. The ultrasound score (maximum 19 points) was calculated for 312 patients; 105 had a score of 5 or less, of whom three (2·9 per cent) had complicated appendicitis, giving a NPV of 97·1 per cent.

Conclusion

With use of novel scoring systems combining clinical and imaging features, 95 per cent of the patients deemed to have uncomplicated appendicitis were correctly identified as such. The score can aid in selection for non-operative management in clinical trials.
Vitamin K1 distribution following intravenous vitamin K1–fat emulsion administration in rats
Authors: Xiao Xue , Mi Yan‐Ni , Wang Fa , Zhang Bing‐Hua , Cao Lei , Cao Yong‐Xiao
Published: May 2015

This study investigated vitamin K1 (VK1) distribution following intravenous vitamin K1–fat emulsion (VK1–FE) administration and compared it with that after VK1 injection. Rats were intravenously injected with VK1–FE or VK1. The organ and tissue VK1 concentrations were determined using high‐performance liquid chromatography method at 0.5, 2 and 4 h to determine distribution, equilibrium and elimination phases, respectively. In the VK1–FE group, the plasma, heart and spleen VK1 concentrations decreased over time. However, other organs like liver, lung, kidney, muscle and testis, reached peak VK1 concentrations at 2 h. In the VK1 injection group, the liver VK1 concentrations were significantly higher than those in other organs at the three time points. However, VK1 concentrations in the other organs peaked at 2 h. In addition, in VK1–FE group, the heart, spleen and lung VK1 concentrations were significantly higher than those in the VK1 injection group at the three time points, and the liver VK1 concentration was significantly higher than that in the VK1 injection group at 4 h. The VK1 amount was greatest in the liver compared with the other organs. Thus, the liver is the primary organ for VK1 distribution. The distribution of VK1 is more rapid when injected as VK1–FE than as VK1. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Meet NCAA rules‐compliance standards by implementing 5 steps for DI head coaches
Authors: Sievert Justin P. , Fleischer David O.
Published: May 2015

Division I head coaches have the responsibility to promote an atmosphere of National Collegiate Athletic Association rules compliance within their program, as well as to monitor staff activities to ensure their compliance with NCAA legislation.
Don't risk overlooking health education, awareness
Authors: McCarthy Claudine
Published: May 2015

Health education can significantly impact student‐athlete success. Doug Everhart has seen this firsthand while working closely with student‐athletes for decades.
Surfactant‐Exfoliated Highly Dispersive Pd‐Supported Graphene Oxide Nanocomposite as a Catalyst for Aerobic Aqueous Oxidations of Alcohols
Authors: Rostamnia Sadegh , Doustkhah Esmail , Karimi Ziba , Amini Soraya , Luque Rafael
Published: May 2015

A pluronic P123 surfactant was employed in the exfoliation and stabilization of Pd0‐supported graphene oxide (PdNPs–GO; NPs=nanoparticles) nanosheets in aqueous solution during the oxidation of benzylic and aliphatic alcohols under aerobic conditions at 80 °C. Surfactants prevented the aggregation of PdNPs–GO sheets at 80 °C under aqueous conditions and PdNPs–GO/P123 adducts acted as a highly dispersive homogeneous‐like catalyst. The catalytic performance of the nanocomposite material was remarkably improved, being highly stable and reusable in the aerobic oxidation of alcohols for at least nine runs.
So‐Called “Metal‐Free” Oxygen Reduction at Graphene Nanoribbons is in fact Metal Driven
Authors: Wang Lu , Wong Colin Hong An , Kherzi Bahareh , Webster Richard D. , Pumera Martin
Published: May 2015

The oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) is of key importance in the field of electrochemical energy production. Remarkable catalytic properties of “metal‐free” graphene nanoribbons towards the ORR were suggested in previous reports. Herein, we show that the electrocatalytic properties of an undoped supposedly “metal‐free” graphene nanoribbon towards the ORR is actually caused by metallic impurities within the graphene nanoribbons.
Asymmetric Aldol Reaction of Chloral Catalyzed by Diarylprolinol
Authors: Hayashi Yujiro , Watanabe Shoya , Yasui Yusuke , Umemiya Shigenobu
Published: May 2015

The asymmetric cross‐aldol reaction of chloral hydrate with aldehyde pronucleophiles catalyzed by a trifluoromethyl‐substituted diarylprolinol was accomplished to afford γ‐trichloro‐β‐hydroxy aldehydes in good yields with excellent enantioselectivities. The resulting aldehyde products were converted into chiral α‐azido, α‐(4‐methyl)phenoxy, and α‐fluoro esters without a loss in the diastereo‐ or enantioselectivities.
Upconverting‐Nanoparticle‐Assisted Photochemistry Induced by Low‐Intensity Near‐Infrared Light: How Low Can We Go?
Authors: Chen Zhijun , Sun Wen , Butt Hans‐Jürgen , Wu Si
Published: May 2015

Upconverting nanoparticles (UCNPs) convert near‐infrared (NIR) light into UV or visible light that can trigger photoreactions of photosensitive compounds. In this paper, we demonstrate how to reduce the intensity of NIR light for UCNP‐assisted photochemistry. We synthesized two types of UCNPs with different emission bands and five photosensitive compounds with different absorption bands. A λ=974 nm laser was used to induce photoreactions in all of the investigated photosensitive compounds in the presence of the UCNPs. The excitation thresholds of the photoreactions induced by λ=974 nm light were measured. The lowest threshold was 0.5 W cm−2, which is lower than the maximum permissible exposure of skin (0.726 W cm−2). We demonstrate that low‐intensity NIR light can induce photoreactions after passing through a piece of tissue without damaging the tissue. Our results indicate that the threshold for UCNP‐ assisted photochemistry can be reduced by using highly photosensitive compounds that absorb upconverted visible light. Low excitation intensity in UCNP‐assisted photochemistry is important for biomedical applications because it minimizes the overheating problems of NIR light and causes less photodamage to biomaterials.
Reversed Electron Apportionment in Mesolytic Cleavage: The Reduction of Benzyl Halides by SmI2
Authors: Yitzhaki Offir , Hoz Shmaryahu
Published: May 2015

The paradigm that the cleavage of the radical anion of benzyl halides occurs in such a way that the negative charge ends up on the departing halide leaving behind a benzyl radical is well rooted in chemistry. By studying the kinetics of the reaction of substituted benzylbromides and chlorides with SmI2 in THF it was found that substrates para‐substituted with electron‐withdrawing groups (CN and CO2Me), which are capable of forming hydrogen bonds with a proton donor and coordinating to samarium cation, react in a reversed electron apportionment mode. Namely, the halide departs as a radical. This conclusion is based on the found convex Hammett plots, element effects, proton donor effects, and the effect of tosylate (OTs) as a leaving group. The latter does not tend to tolerate radical character on the oxygen atom. In the presence of a proton donor, the tolyl derivatives were the sole product, whereas in its absence, the coupling dimer was obtained by a SN2 reaction of the benzyl anion on the neutral substrate. The data also suggest that for the para‐CN and CO2Me derivatives in the presence of a proton donor, the first electron transfer is coupled with the proton transfer.
Catalyst‐Controlled Regiodivergent CH Borylation of Multifunctionalized Heteroarenes by Using Iridium Complexes
Authors: Sasaki Ikuo , Taguchi Jumpei , Hiraki Shotaro , Ito Hajime , Ishiyama Tatsuo
Published: May 2015

The regiodivergent CH borylation of 2,5‐disubstituted heteroarenes with bis(pinacolato)diboron was achieved by using iridium catalysts formed in situ from [Ir(OMe)(cod)]2/dtbpy (cod=1,5‐cyclooctadiene, dtbpy: 4,4′‐di‐tert‐butyl‐2,2′‐bipyridine) or [Ir(OMe)(cod)]2/2 AsPh3. When [Ir(OMe)(cod)]2/dtbpy was used as the catalyst, borylation at the 4‐position proceeded selectively to afford 4‐borylated products in high yields (dtbpy system A). The regioselectivity changed when the [Ir(OMe)(cod)]2/2 AsPh3 catalyst was used; 3‐borylated products were obtained in high yields with high regioselectivity (AsPh3 system B). The regioselectivity of borylation was easily controlled by changing the ligands. This reaction was used in the syntheses of two different bioactive compound analogues by using the same starting material.
Exploring the Effect of Surface Functionality on the Self‐Assembly of Polyoxopalladate Macroions
Authors: Haso Fadi , Yang Peng , Gao Yunyi , Yin Panchao , Li Hui , Li Tao , Kortz Ulrich , Liu Tianbo
Published: May 2015

The solution behavior of the two polyoxo‐13‐palladates(II) ([PdII13AsV8O34(OH)6]8− and [PdII13(AsVPh)8O32]6−) was studied in detail. We discovered that the countercation‐mediated attraction is the driving force for their self‐assembly into larger architectures. However, the presence of phenyl groups in the periphery of [PdII13(AsVPh)8O32]6− results in an enhanced attraction among these polyanions through hydrophobic interactions, which leads to completely different trends of assembly size for these two very similar clusters when decreasing solvent polarity. An increase of assembly size with increasing solvent polarity was observed for [PdII13(AsVPh)8O32]6−, whereas for [PdII13As V8O34(OH)6]8− it was the opposite, due to the absence of hydrophobic interactions.
Monodisperse Sandwich‐Like Coupled Quasi‐Graphene Sheets Encapsulating Ni2P Nanoparticles for Enhanced Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Feng Yangyang , Zhang Huijuan , Mu Yanping , Li Wenxiang , Sun Junliang , Wu Kai , Wang Yu
Published: May 2015

In this report, sandwiched Ni2P nanoparticles encapsulated by graphene sheets are first synthesized by directly encapsulating functional units in graphene sheets instead of fabricating separate graphene sheets and then immobilizing the functional components onto the generated surfaces. In this strategy, we use low‐cost, sustainable and environmentally friendly glucose as a carbon source and NiNH4PO4⋅H2O nanosheets as sacrificial templates. This unique structure obtained here cannot only prevent the nanoparticles from aggregation or loss but also enhance the electronic conductivity compared to the independent nanoparticles. Furthermore, the novel sandwich‐like Ni2P/C can be applied in plenty of fields, especially in electrical energy storage. In this paper, a series of electrochemical tests of the sandwich‐like Ni2P/C are carried out, which demonstrate the excellent cyclic stability and rate capacity for lithium‐ion batteries.
Asymmetric Catalysis with Silicon‐Based Cuprates: Enantio‐ and Regioselective Allylic Substitution of Linear Precursors
Authors: Hensel Alexander , Oestreich Martin
Published: May 2015

An enantio‐ and regioselective allylic silylation of linear allylic phosphates that makes use of catalytically generated cuprate‐type silicon nucleophiles is reported. The method relies on soft bis(triorganosilyl) zincs as silicon pronucleophiles that are prepared in situ from the corresponding hard lithium reagents by transmetalation with ZnCl2. With a preformed chiral N‐heterocyclic carbene–copper(I) complex as catalyst, exceedingly high enantiomeric excesses are achieved. The new method is superior to existing ones using a silicon–boron reagent as the source of the silicon nucleophile.
Development of a Validated LC Method for Separation of Process‐Related Impurities Including the R‐enantiomer of S‐Pramipexole on Polysaccharide Chiral Stationary Phases
Authors: Ramisetti Nageswara Rao , Kuntamukkala Ramakrishna , Arnipalli Manikanta Swamy
Published: May 2015

Despite the availability of a few methods for individual separation of S‐pramipexole from its process‐related impurities, no common liquid chromatography (LC) method is reported so far in the literature. The present article describes the development of a single‐run LC method for simultaneous determination of S‐pramipexole and its enantiomeric and process‐related impurities on a Chiralpak AD‐H (150 x 4.6 mm, 5μm) column using n‐hexane/ethanol/n‐butylamine (75:25:0.1 v/v/v) as a mobile phase in an isocratic mode of elution at a flow rate of 1.2 ml/min at 30°C. The chromatographic eluents were monitored at a wavelength of 260 nm using a photodiode array detector. Excellent enantioseparation with good resolutions (Rs ≥ 2.88) and peak shapes (As ≤ 1.21) for all analytes was achieved. The proposed method was validated according to International Conference Harmonization (ICH) guidelines in terms of accuracy, precision, sensitivity, and linearity. Limits of quantification of impurities (0.25–0.55 μg/ml) indicate the highest sensitivity achievable by the proposed method. The method has an advantage of selectivity and suitability for routine determination of not only chiral impurity but also all possible related substances in active pharmaceutical ingredients of S‐pramipexole. Chirality 27:430–435, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Wiederaufbau und schleichender Niedergang
Authors: Gill Manfred , Mustroph Heinz
Published: May 2015

Mit großem Aufbauwillen und mit Druck und Hilfe der sowjetischen Generaldirektion wurde das Werk wieder aufgebaut. Für eine kurze Zeit wurde bei einzelnen Filmsorten noch einmal eine Spitzenposition erreicht. Aber die Einbindung in die sozialistische Planwirtschaft der DDR und in den Wirtschaftsblock RGW mit der einseitigen Orientierung auf den Ostmarkt führten zu einer kontinuierlich abnehmenden Wettbewerbsfähigkeit mit den führenden Rohfilmproduzenten und den Verlust von Absatzmärkten. Die Abkehr vom technologisch überholten Agfa‐ORWO‐System und der Wechsel zum Kodak‐System konnte nicht vollzogen werden. Nach der friedlichen Revolution von 1989 gelang der Übergang von der Planwirtschaft zur Marktwirtschaft nicht, zudem bewirkte der rasante Siegeszug der digitalen Fotografie den schnellen Untergang der analogen Mehrschichtenfarbfotografie. Beschleunigt durch die geänderten gesellschaftspolitischen und ökonomischen Verhältnisse ging die traditionsreiche Agfa/ORWO Filmfabrik Wolfen 1994 als erster der großen Rohfilmproduzenten in die Liquidation.
Effective Use of Alkoxysilanes with Different Hydrolysis Rates for Particle Size Control of Aqueous Colloidal Mesostructured and Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles by the Seed‐Growth Method
Authors: Yamada Hironori , Urata Chihiro , Yamamoto Eisuke , Higashitamori Sayuri , Yamauchi Yusuke , Kuroda Kazuyuki
Published: May 2015

The particle sizes of mesoporous silica nanoparticles most greatly affect their properties, including cellular uptake, cytotoxicity, and dispersity. The growth of colloidal mesostructured silica nanoparticles (CMSS) with particle sizes less than 100 nm was controlled by a modified seed‐growth method by using alkoxysilanes (Si(OR)4, R: Me, Et, Pr, and Bu) with different hydrolysis rates as additives. It was confirmed that the approximate matching of the hydrolysis rates of the added silanes with the consumption rates, determined by the total outer surface area of the seeds, is most important. CMSS with narrow particle‐size distributions (e.g., 60 or 80 nm in size) were successfully prepared. Si(OPr)4 was the most suitable additive, though Si(OEt)4 was also useful for controlled growth. Si(OBu)4 was usable but needed varied conditions for controlled growth. The mesostructures and the high dispersity of nanoparticles were retained, even after removal of the surfactants of the CMSS by dialysis. These findings should contribute to the more precise control of particle sizes of mesoporous silica nanoparticles and to the deeper understanding of their properties.
Monolithic, Crystalline MOF Coating: An Excellent Patterning and Photoresist Material
Authors: Wang Zhengbang , Liu Jinxuan , Grosjean Sylvain , Wagner Danny , Guo Wei , Gu Zhigang , Heinke Lars , Gliemann Hartmut , Bräse Stefan , Wöll Christof
Published: May 2015

Metal–organic frameworks, MOFs, are a class of crystalline porous metal–organic hybrid materials which have originally been developed for applications in gas storage and separation. Here, we demonstrate that due to the enormous chemical flexibility of these molecular materials, they also provide an excellent basis for the development of photoresist materials. In particular, we used an epitaxial process with automated systems to grow either homogeneous or patterned SURMOFs (surface‐anchored MOFs) of the type [Zn2(N3BPDC)2(Dabco)] on different solid substrates. The huge flexibility of the MOF chemistry allowed for different variants of photolithography based on the post‐synthesis modification (PSM) of the MOF materials. Here, two particular and popular PSM‐strategies were employed, the azide–alkyne click reaction and thiol–yne click chemistry. The azide–alkyne click reaction was initiated by the photoreduction of CuII to the active CuI catalyst, whereas the thiol–yne click chemistry was induced directly by UV light. Furthermore, heteroepitaxial growth of multilayer systems (Cu‐N3BPDC+Cu‐BPDC+Cu‐N3BPDC+Cu‐BPDC+Cu‐N3BPDC+Cu‐BPDC) was also used to control the localization of subsequent PSM. The results demonstrated that the patterned functionalization of MOF thin film is not limited to the two dimensions of the mounting surface but is indeed possible in 3D.
Model‐based corrections of geometric errors in multiangle measurements of gonio‐apparent coatings
Authors: Imura Kenji , Teraoka Yoshitaka
Published: May 2015

Numerical corrections of colorimetric errors caused by positioning error and irregular geometry in multiangle measurements of gonio‐apparent coatings are presented. These corrections use a model function approximating the gonio‐reflection characteristics of the coating to convert the angular displacement due to those geometric errors to reflectance factor errors to be corrected as well as to estimate the angular displacement conversely from the reflectance factors. The performance of these corrections was evaluated for 11 different gonio‐apparent coatings using a multiangle geometry conforming to ASTM E2539 consisting of eight subgeometries to which artificial displacements were applied so as to present typical positioning errors or irregular geometries. The results show that both corrections significantly reduce the colorimetric errors for all specimens in all subgeometries sensitive to geometric errors. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Col Res Appl, 2015
A neurophysiologically‐based analysis of lightness and brightness perception
Authors: Seim Thorstein , Valberg Arne
Published: May 2015

Psychophysical, achromatic luminance threshold, and scaling data have been analyzed and found to follow from nonlinear, hyperbolic responses of retinal cones. For short (0.1 s) stimulus duration, a stable state of visual adaptation could explain the threshold response, but for longer durations a change of adaptation had to be considered. This resulted in a contrast sensitivity that increased when the stimulus duration increased and became constant for higher test field luminances. Threshold and scaling data can thus be traced back to cone‐specific responses over a much larger range of stimulus intensity than has been anticipated earlier. The experimental results, including those for lightness and brightness scaling, have been compared with the CIELAB and the CIEDE2000 color formulas. The idea of combining cone responses with adaptive changes to describe luminance responses resulted in a common cone‐based response formula for describing both luminance thresholds and scaling data. Adaptive changes explain the reason why both Weber–Fechner and Stevens’ laws are valid. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Col Res Appl, 41, 339–351, 2016
On‐Surface Reactions
Authors: Lindner Robert , Kühnle Angelika
Published: May 2015

On‐surface synthesis constitutes a rapidly growing field of research due to its promising application for creating stable molecular structures on surfaces. While self‐assembled structures rely on reversible interactions, on‐surface synthesis provides the potential for creating long‐term stable structures with well‐controlled properties, for example superior electron transport for future molecular electronic devices. On‐surface synthesis holds the promise for preparing insoluble compounds that cannot be produced in solution. Another highly exciting aspect of on‐surface synthesis is the chance to discover new reaction pathways due to the two‐dimensional confinement of the reaction educts. In this review, we discuss the current state‐of‐the‐art and classify the reactions that have been successfully performed so far. Special emphasis is put on electrically insulating surfaces, as these substrates pose particular challenges for on‐surface synthesis while at the same time bearing high potential for future use, for example, in molecular electronics.
Mechanically Induced Multicolor Change of Luminescent Materials
Authors: Ma Zhiyong , Wang Zhijian , Teng Mingjun , Xu Zejun , Jia Xinru
Published: May 2015

Mechanofluorochromic or piezochromic fluorescence chemistry involves the switching and tuning of the luminescent properties of solid‐state materials induced by exogenous forces, such as grinding, shearing, compression, tension, and so forth. Up until now, most reported mechanochromic systems, including liquid crystals, organic molecules, organometallic compounds, polymers, and dye‐doped polymers, have displayed reversible two‐color changes, which arise from either supramolecular or chemical structure transformations. However, fluorescent materials that undergo mechanically induced multicolor changes remain rare; this Minireview is focused on such materials. Topics are categorized according to the different applied forces that are required to induce the multicolor change, including mechanical control of either the supramolecular structures or the chemical structures, and mechanical control of both the supramolecular structures and chemical structures.
A U⋅U Pair‐to‐U⋅C Pair Mutation‐Induced RNA Native Structure Destabilisation and Stretching‐Force‐Induced RNA Misfolding
Authors: Zhong Zhensheng , Soh Lai Huat , Lim Ming Hui , Chen Gang
Published: May 2015

Little is known about how a non‐Watson–Crick pair affects the RNA folding dynamics. We studied the effects of a U⋅U‐to‐U⋅C pair mutation on the folding of a hairpin in human telomerase RNA. The ensemble thermal melting of the hairpins shows an on‐pathway intermediate with the disruption of the internal loop structure containing the U⋅U/U⋅C pairs. By using optical tweezers, we applied a stretching force on the terminal ends of the hairpins to probe directly the non‐nearest‐neighbour effects upon the mutations. The single U⋅U to U⋅C mutations are observed to 1) lower the mechanical unfolding force by approximately 1 picoNewton (pN) per mutation without affecting the unfolding reaction transition‐state position (thus suggesting that removing a single hydrogen bond affects the structural dynamics at least two base pairs away), 2) result in more frequent misfolding into a small hairpin at approximately 10 pN and 3) shift the folding reaction transition‐state position towards the native hairpin structure and slightly increase the mechanical folding kinetics (thus suggesting that untrapping from the misfolded state is not the rate‐limiting step).
Optimal LMI‐based state feedback stabilizer for uncertain nonlinear systems with time‐Varying uncertainties and disturbances
Authors: Mobayen Saleh
Published: May 2015

This article presents a nonlinear state feedback stabilizer using linear matrix inequalities for a class of uncertain nonlinear systems with Lipschitz nonlinearities. The proposed controller improves the transient performance and steady state accuracy simultaneously. To improve the stabilization performance, a nonlinear function is included in the control law and is optimally tuned using a modified random search algorithm. Simulation results are presented to show the effectiveness of the offered method. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Complexity 21: 356–362, 2016
Using the Repertory Grid Technique to Examine Trainee Clinical Psychologists' Construal of Their Personal and Professional Development
Authors: Hill Katy , Wittkowski Anja , Hodgkinson Emma , Bell Richard , Hare Dougal J.
Published: May 2015

The repertory grid technique was used to explore how 26 third‐year trainee clinical psychologists construed their personal and professional selves over the course of training and into the future. Each trainee completed a demographic questionnaire and a repertory grid with 10 elements: four ‘personal self’ elements, four ‘professional self’ elements and two ‘qualified clinical psychologist’ elements. They then rated the 10 elements on 10 bipolar constructs of their choosing. Trainees' personal and professional selves were construed to be similar to each other. Trainees had low self‐esteem and reported currently feeling anxious, stressed, unsettled and lacking an appropriate work–life balance. These difficulties were attributed to the demands of training and were expected to resolve once training was completed with future selves being construed as similar to ideal selves. Suggestions for future research with improved methodology are made, and the implications of the findings for trainees, training providers and employers of newly qualified clinical psychologists are given. The overall implication being that stress in training is normative and the profession has a duty to normalize this and ensure that self‐care and personal development are recognized as core competencies of the clinical psychologist for the benefit of its members and their clients. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Key Practitioner Message

Clinical psychology trainees experience training as demanding and stressful, which negatively impacts on their personal and professional self‐image and self‐esteem.

However, they are optimistic that they will become more like their ideal self in the future.

Stress in clinical training (and beyond) is normative, and thus, personal development and self‐care should be recognized as clinical psychologist's core competencies.
Structural Characteristics and Equation of State of the Complex Plasmas
Authors: Gabdullin M. T. , Ramazanov T. S. , Muratov M. M. , Ismagambetova T. N. , Akhtanova G. B. , Goree J. A.
Published: May 2015

In this paper weakly and strongly non‐ideal plasmas are considered. In both cases the equations of state for hydrogen and dusty plasmas were studied on the basis of effective potentials. In the first case the thermodynamic properties for hydrogen plasmas were studied by the method of effective potentials taking into account quantummechanical diffraction, symmetry and screening effects. For strongly non‐ideal plasma or dusty plasma the equations of state were considered using radial distribution functions and effective interaction potential, which describes interactions of charged dust grains with dipole moments. (© 2015 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Dense Plasma Dynamic Structure Factor Simulation Data vs. the Method of Moments
Authors: Arkhipov Yu.V. , Ashikbayeva A.B. , Askaruly A. , Davletov A.E. , Syzganbaeva S. , Davletov A.E. , Tkachenko I. M.
Published: May 2015

The dynamic structure factor of dense two‐component plasmas is studied within the method of moments. A new model for the Nevanlinna parameter function is suggested. Our results on the dynamic structure factor satisfy the sum rules and other exact relations automatically, independently of the choice of a mathematically consistent model of the latter. A quantitative agreement is obtained with the molecular dynamics simulation data. Our approach permits to correct and complement the results of alternative approaches. (© 2015 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
A novel colorimetric assay coupled with clustering algorithms and genetic algorithm partial least squares can simultaneously determine cholesterol and monounsaturated/polyunsaturated fatty acids in biological samples
Authors: Dumancas Gerard G. , Muriuki Mary , Purdie Neil , Purdie Robin
Published: May 2015

Current methodologies of quantifying cholesterol and monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA)/polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) constitute techniques such as GC‐MS and HPLC, which use expensive standards, are time consuming and require skilled labor. We sought to develop a simple, direct alternative method for the simultaneous determination of cholesterol and MUFA/PUFAs (linoleic (LA), alpha‐linolenic (ALA), arachidonic (AA), eicosapentaenoic (EPA), docosahexaenoic (DHA), conjugated linoleic (CLA), and oleic (OA) acids) using a novel colorimetric test, the “Purdie Assay.” The data were analyzed using a coded chemometric software which involves clustering algorithms, and genetic algorithm partial least squares (GAPLS). The colorimetric test with GAPLS simultaneously quantified these lipids without any separation of the analytes in human serum and vegetable oils and foods. We performed pattern recognition of biological and food samples using principal component analysis (PCA) and hierarchical clustering (HC). The assay successfully discriminated 11 clusters corresponding to different food and biological samples and also discriminated synthetic vegetable oil samples using PCA and HC corresponding to levels of prepared lipids. This study shows the wide range of possible applications of the assay as a novel, fast, and efficient tool for lipid quantification and classification.

Practical applications: The novel assay coupled with GAPLS, PCA, and HC can provide an efficient tool for the direct determination and discrimination of unsaturated lipids in biological samples.

A flowchart of the novel method for the simultaneous determination of lipids using a novel colorimetric assay, GAPLS, PCA, and HC.
Antioxidant activity and anti‐inflammatory effect of fruit extracts from blackcurrant, chokeberry, hawthorn, and rosehip, and their mixture with linseed oil on a model lipid membrane
Authors: Strugała Paulina , Gładkowski Witold , Kucharska Alicja Z. , Sokół‐Łętowska Anna , Gabrielska Janina
Published: May 2015

The study of ethanol extracts as potential dietary supplements has shown that extracts of chokeberry (IC50 24.6 μg/mL) and, to a lesser extent, blackcurrant, rosehip, and hawthorn (IC50 30.9, 33.5, and 45.9 μg/mL) are good antioxidants in relation to UVB‐oxidized phosphatidylcholine liposomes. All tested fruit extracts protect the bilayer against oxidation by reducing fluidity of the membrane hydrophilic/hydrophobic region (in the presence of extracts the generalized polarization of the Laurdan probe and fluorescence anisotropy of DPH and TMA‐DPH increased). The major phenolic compounds were analyzed by high‐performance liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (HPLC/MS). The extracts caused inhibition of the pro‐inflammatory enzymes cyclooxygenase‐1 and cyclooxygenase‐2, the highest for blackcurrant (77.6 and 70.5%, respectively) and rosehip (64.9 and 72.5%). Another aspect of the research demonstrated antioxidant and antiradical stability of the extracts during 12‐month storage. With the exception of hawthorn, they stabilized the profile of unsaturated fatty acids of linseed oil during storage. The investigated fruit extracts in combination with polyunsaturated fatty acids may provide stable and effective dietary anti‐inflammatory and antioxidant benefits.

Practical applications: By combining two different groups of bioactive compounds (fruit extracts + omega‐3 fatty acids), a new attractive product has been obtained of broad biological activity, which could potentially be useful as a functional food ingredient. The study enabled us to specify the regions where fruit extracts become imbedded in the membrane, based on changes in physical parameters induced in the regions, and will allow us to explain at the molecular level a possible way to protect lipid membranes against attack by free radicals.

Ethanol extracts of blackcurrant, chokeberry, hawthorn, and rosehip were combined with linseed oil and stored for 12 months in gel capsules. The study aim was to investigate in vitro biological activity of polyphenolic extracts from the fruits, their influence on a simple model lipid bilayer membrane, and the profile of unsaturated fatty acids of linseed oil.
Characterization of electroosmotic flow through nanoporous self‐assembled arrays
Authors: Bell Kevan , Gomes Mikel , Nazemifard Neda
Published: May 2015

Characterization of EOF mobility for Tris and TBE buffer solutions is performed in nanoporous arrays using the fluorescent marker method to examine the magnitude of EOFs through nanopores with mean diameters close to electric double layer thickness (Debye length). Structures made from solid silica nanospheres with effective pore sizes from 104 nm down to 8 nm are produced within the microchannel using an evaporation self‐assembly method. EOF results in nanoporous matrices show higher EOF mobilities for stronger electrolyte solutions, which are drastically different compared to microchannel EOF. The effects of scaling are also examined by comparing the EOF mobility for varying ratios of pore diameters to the Debye length, which shows a surprising consistency across all particle sizes examined. This work demonstrates various factors which must be considered when designing nanofluidic devices, and discusses the causes of these small scale effects.
Appraisal of pollutant emissions and air quality state in a critical Italian region: Methods and results
Authors: Iodice Paolo , Senatore Adolfo
Published: May 2015

This article presents a methodology for the environmental zoning of the territory that was adopted for Campania (Italy), a region characterized by a high level spotted air contamination. The focus of this study consists in the estimation of the total emissions and in the appraisal of the relevant air quality state in this Region for the main air pollutants: CO, VOC, NOX, and PM10. In this study, the atmospheric emission inventory was executed by using a bottom‐up approach, focusing at regional level instead of national and then including local parameters; the amounts of pollutants emitted from various sources in this Region were obtained through direct measures for the principal industrial systems, while for diffused sources the emissions were estimated on the basis of opportune activity indicators and fixed emission factors concerning specific emissive activities. Emissions from road transport sector that are the hardest to estimate because they depend on many variables were estimated with a procedure that implements the COPERT methodology. The appraisal of the air quality to local scale (and the successive environmental zoning) was carried by integrating the data of emission inventory with elaborations of a Gaussian dispersion model, in order to calculate the polluting concentrations all over the regional territory. The results obtained in this study are essential also in order to set up possible remediation plans in similar areas characterized by nonattainment of the limits established by legislation. © 2015 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 34: 1497–1505, 2015
Improving the performance of QDSSCs based on Tio2/CdS (Silar)/CdSe(Colloid)/Zns(Silar) photoanodes
Authors: Ha Tung Thanh , Chi Cuong Huynh , Vy Nguyen. T. , Thoa Nguyen T. P. , Huynh Thanh Dat , Lam Quang Vinh
Published: May 2015

In this study, CdSe quantum dots (QDs) were prepared using colloidal trioctylphosphine (TOP) with an organic ligand layer and oleic acid as a capping agent, and a photoelectrode anode was prepared using CdS/CdSe QDs/ZnS thin film deposition on a TiO2 electrode via the successive ionic layer adsorption and reaction (SILAR) method. The results indicated that the short current density increased from 4.79 mA/cm2 to 13.97 mA/cm2 because the conduction band of the CdSe (size ∼ 3 nm) QDs became higher than that of both TiO2 and CdS. As a result, the stimulated electrons were efficiently injected into the conduction band of TiO2 and CdS. In addition, the dynamic resistance and the lifetime of stimulated electrons in the QDSSCs were investigated using Nyquist and Bode plots. © 2015 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 34: 1774–1779, 2015
Multi‐angle, multi‐damage fragility curves for seismic assessment of bridges
Authors: Taskari Olympia , Sextos Anastasios
Published: May 2015

The scope of this study is to investigate the effect of the direction of seismic excitation on the fragility of an already constructed, 99‐m‐long, three‐span highway overpass. First, the investigation is performed at a component level, quantifying the sensitivity of local damage modes of individual bridge components (namely, piers, bearings, abutments, and footings) to the direction of earthquake excitation. The global vulnerability at the system level is then assessed for a given angle of incidence of the earthquake ground motion to provide a single‐angle, multi‐damage probabilistic estimate of the bridge overall performance. A multi‐angle, multi‐damage, vulnerability assessment methodology is then followed, assuming uniform distribution for the angle of incidence of seismic waves with respect to the bridge axis. The above three levels of investigation highlight that the directivity of ground motion excitation may have a significant impact on the fragility of the individual bridge components, which shall not be a priori neglected. Most importantly, depending on the assumptions made for the component to the system level transition, this local sensitivity is often suppressed. It may be therefore necessary, based on the ultimate purpose of the vulnerability or the life cycle analysis, to obtain a comprehensive insight on the multiple damage potential of all individual structural and foundation components under multi‐angle excitation, to quantify the statistical correlation among the distinct damage modes and to identify the components that are both most critical and sensitive to the direction of ground motion and carefully define their limit states which control the predicted bridge fragility. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Alkalization is responsible for antibacterial effects of corroding magnesium
Authors: Rahim Muhammad Imran , Eifler Rainer , Rais Bushra , Mueller Peter P.
Published: May 2015

Magnesium alloys are presently investigated as potential medical implant materials for temporary applications. Magnesium has been reported to have antibacterial activities and could therefore be used to prevent antibiotic treatment‐resistant bacterial implant infections. For characterizing the effects of magnesium on infectious bacteria, bioluminescent S. aureus or P. aeruginosa were employed. The proliferation of both types of bacteria was suppressed in the presence of metallic magnesium and also in aqueous magnesium corrosion extracts. Of the two soluble corrosion products, magnesium ions were well tolerated while antibacterial activities correlated with increased pH levels of the supernatants. The alkaline pH alone was sufficient for the antibacterial effects which were completely abolished when the pH of the corrosion supernatants was neutralized. These results demonstrate that pH increases are necessary and sufficient for the antibacterial activity of metallic magnesium. In an animal model magnesium implants showed an enhanced but variable resistance to bacterial colonization. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 103A: 3526–3532, 2015.
Sclerostin Antibody Preserves the Morphology and Structure of Osteocytes and Blocks the Severe Skeletal Deterioration After Motor-Complete Spinal Cord Injury in Rats
Authors: Qin Weiping , Li Xiaodong , Peng Yuanzhen , Harlow Lauren M , Ren Yinshi , Wu Yingjie , Li Jiliang , Qin Yiwen , Sun Jie , Zheng Shijia , Brown Tom , Feng Jian Q , Ke Hua Zhu , Bauman William A , Cardozo Christopher C
Published: May 2015

Unloading, neural lesions, and hormonal disorders after acute motor-complete spinal cord injury (SCI) cause one of the most severe forms of bone loss, a condition that has been refractory to available interventions tested to date. Thus, these features related to acute SCI provide a unique opportunity to study complex bone problems, potential efficacious interventions, and mechanisms of action that are associated with these dramatic pathological changes. This study was designed to explore the therapeutic potential of sclerostin antibody (Scl-Ab) in a rat model of bone loss after motor-complete SCI, and to investigate mechanisms underlying bone loss and Scl-Ab action. SCI rats were administered Scl-Ab (25 mg/kg/week) or vehicle beginning 7 days after injury then weekly for 7 weeks. SCI resulted in significant decreases in bone mineral density (–25%) and trabecular bone volume (–67%) at the distal femur; Scl-Ab completely prevented these deteriorations of bone in SCI rats, concurrent with markedly increased bone formation. Scanning electron microscopy revealed that SCI reduced numbers of osteocytes and dendrites concomitant with a morphology change from a spindle to round shape; Scl-Ab corrected these abnormalities in osteocytes. In ex vivo cultures of bone marrow cells, Scl-Ab inhibited osteoclastogenesis, and promoted osteoblastogenesis accompanied by increases in mRNA levels of LRP5, osteoprotegerin (OPG), and the OPG/RANKL ratio, and a decrease in DKK1 mRNA. Our findings provide the first evidence that robust bone loss after acute motor-complete SCI can be blocked by Scl-Ab, at least in part, through the preservation of osteocyte morphology and structure and related bone remodeling. Our findings support the inhibition of sclerostin as a promising approach to mitigate the striking bone loss that ensues after acute motor-complete SCI, and perhaps other conditions associated with disuse osteoporosis as a consequence of neurological disorders. © 2015 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research