bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
CD8 T Cells Enter the Splenic T Cell Zones Independently of CCR7, but the Subsequent Expansion and Trafficking Patterns of Effector T Cells after Infection Are Dysregulated in the Absence of CCR7 Migratory Cues
Authors: Sharma Naveen , Benechet Alexandre P. , Lefrançois Leo , Khanna Kamal M.
Published: October 2015

CCR7 is an important chemokine receptor that regulates T cell trafficking and compartmentalization within secondary lymphoid organs. However, the T cell–intrinsic role of CCR7 during infection in the spleen is not well understood. This study was designed to understand how CCR7-dependent localization and migration of CD8+ T cells in different compartments of the spleen affected the primary and recall responses after infection. To this end, we used adoptive transfer of naive Ag-specific CD8 T cells (OT-I) that either lacked CCR7 or constitutively expressed CCR7 (CD2-CCR7) in mice that were subsequently infected i.v. with Listeria monocytogenes. We show that naive CCR7−/−CD8+ T cells failed to enter the T cell zone, whereas CD2-CCR7 OT-I cells were exclusively confined to the T cell zones of the spleen. Surprisingly, however, CCR7−/− OT-I cells entered the T cell zones after infection, but the entry and egress migratory pattern of these cells was dysregulated and very distinct compared with wild-type OT-I cells. Moreover, CCR7-deficient OT-I cells failed to expand robustly when compared with wild-type OT-I cells and were preferentially skewed toward a short-lived effector cell differentiation pattern. Interestingly, CCR7−/−, CD2-CCR7, and wild-type OT-I memory cells responded equally well to rechallenge infection. These results highlight a novel role of CCR7 in regulating effector CD8 T cell migration in the spleen and demonstrate differential requirement of CCR7 for primary and secondary CD8 T cell responses to infection.
Reconstrucción del interior de la Abadía de San Salvador en Ename de alrededor de 1290
Authors: Capurro Carlotta , Nollet Dries , Pletinckx Daniel
Published: October 2015

In this paper we outline the process of research about the reconstruction of the Saint Saviour abbey in Ename (Oudenaarde, Belgium) in the 13th century both in its architectural decoration and in its furnishing. The reason for the reconstruction is the creation of an educational game for the visitors of the Provincial Heritage Centre, built just next to the archaeological site of the abbey.
Analizando el Patrimonio Cultural a través de vuelos no tripulados: nuevas estrategias de investigación de espacios rurales y urbanos
Authors: Mascort-Albea Emilio J. , Ruiz Jaramillo Jonathan , Romero-Hernández Rocío
Published: October 2015

Unmanned flight systems, better known as “drones”, are being progressively introduced in professional and research works. Nowadays, we are assisting a period where the advantages implied by the use of such technical means in different fields are demanded by society. It is clear to verify the power of images taken by unmanned equipment which incorporate tools for filming and photography. These systems allow to reduce costs on in-situ surveys of heritage, becoming into a key tool to understand the territory physical nature, both at a macroscopic level (urban and natural spaces), as a level of proximity unknown before (material nature of plots and buildings).
Reconstrucción virtual de aperos antiguos mediante renderización y modelado 3D: Estudio ergonómico
Authors: Ramírez-Juidías Emilio , Yanes-Figueroa Jesús , Hazman-Hendi Lalla , Noguero-Hernández Mª Dolores
Published: October 2015

Throughout human history, agricultural machinery has been an inseparable part of their socio-cultural evolution, leading to an interconnection of rural knowledge between different cultures and civilizations. This along with both the particular needs of each settlement as knowledge of technology, led to the development of a variety of agricultural plows, each of which performed, perfectly, the mission for which it had been made. In this study a total of three agricultural plows (seeder, moldboard plow and brush cutter), indispensables for the development of any agricultural community, were analyzed through different chrono-archaeological categories in order to find the relationship between technological development and its ergonomic characteristics. The results show how the first farming implements designed and used by humans keep the same basic design principle in different cultures and civilizations that have existed, although the inclusion of small changes to the original design has evolved slowly, but steadily, over time. The use of 3D design software has been very important for this study.
Arqueología virtual aplicada al sitio Villavil, Catamarca, Argentina
Authors: Lynch Julieta , Corrado Gustavo
Published: October 2015

In this paper we present the results of the planimetric survey in the archaeological site of Villavil. This site its on the north of Hualfín valley, Catamarca, Argentina. This region was habitated since remote times until the Inca and the Spanish conquest. From the registration of the site with total station and virtual reality programs it was provided a more complete dataset for the interpretation of the functionality intrasite, in pre and post times to Inca arrival in the Northwestern Argentina.
Animaciones virtuales aplicadas a la difusión del patrimonio inmueble. La villa de Ágreda (Soria)
Authors: Peinado Checa Zaira Joanna
Published: October 2015

In recent decades there has been the development of so-called "new technologies" and have come to transform the traditional procedures for heritage diffusion, substantially expanding its possibilities, improving the quality, effectiveness, manageability and significantly reducing costs. In this article we want to highlight the spread of built heritage features applied to animations and virtual tours. To do this is to use the case study of cultural places of the village of Agreda (Soria) and also implemented for cataloging their heritage, using methods of architectural survey by photogrammetry and other digital procedures in those interest cultural real state.
Physics Essay: Particle Nature of Light and the Speed of Light
Authors: Li Zifeng
Published: October 2015

What is the nature of light? Particle or wave? How fast is the speed of light? These are all basic questions of physics. From points of philosophy and observation, it is demonstrated that the nature of light is a kind of particle, and many photons’ group behavior is of characteristics similar to the wave. Reflection, diffusion, refraction and transmission of light are all phenomenon of matter’s attraction, absorption and re-emission of photons. Until now, there is no accurate means of measuring the speed of light. For the speed of starlight relative to the earth, the closer to the earth, the closer to the speed of light emitted by a light source on the earth relative to the earth. Physics field is composed of space and tiny particles.
Functional genomic screening reveals asparagine dependence as a metabolic vulnerability in sarcoma
Authors: Hettmer Simone , Schinzel Anna C , Tchessalova Daria , Schneider Michaela , Parker Christina L , Bronson Roderick T , Richards Nigel GJ , Hahn William C , Wagers Amy J
Published: October 2015

Current therapies for sarcomas are often inadequate. This study sought to identify actionable gene targets by selective targeting of the molecular networks that support sarcoma cell proliferation. Silencing of asparagine synthetase (ASNS), an amidotransferase that converts aspartate into asparagine, produced the strongest inhibitory effect on sarcoma growth in a functional genomic screen of mouse sarcomas generated by oncogenic Kras and disruption of Cdkn2a. ASNS silencing in mouse and human sarcoma cell lines reduced the percentage of S phase cells and impeded new polypeptide synthesis. These effects of ASNS silencing were reversed by exogenous supplementation with asparagine. Also, asparagine depletion via the ASNS inhibitor amino sulfoximine 5 (AS5) or asparaginase inhibited mouse and human sarcoma growth in vitro, and genetic silencing of ASNS in mouse sarcoma cells combined with depletion of plasma asparagine inhibited tumor growth in vivo. Asparagine reliance of sarcoma cells may represent a metabolic vulnerability with potential anti-sarcoma therapeutic value.
Rechtsnachfolge in die Kartellbußgeldhaftung im Lichte des effet utile
Authors: Becker Carsten , Vollmer Christof
Published: October 2015

Anm. d. Red.: „Die beiden nachfolgenden Aufsätze beschäftigen sich mit dem Thema der „Haftung für Kartellbußgelder im Falle der Rechtsnachfolge“. Dabei stehen die Aufsätze in einem inhaltlichen Zusammenhang zueinander. Während Becker/Vollmer die europarechtlichen Konsequenzen der deutschen Rechtslage erörtern, beschäftigen sich Mäger/von Schreitter mit der Auslegung der relevanten Vorschriften durch die deutschen Gerichte.“ Deutsches und europäisches Recht verfolgen grundverschiedene Ansätze für die Frage, welche Unternehmen in die Bußgeldhaftung für Kartellverstöße einbezogen werden. Dies kann zu unterschiedlichen Bewertungen im Falle von Rechtsnachfolgen führen. Der Beitrag arbeitet in diesem Zusammenhang heraus, wo hier die Haftung nach dem deutschen Kartell-Ordungswidrigkeitenverfahren hinter der europäischen Rechtslage zurückbleibt, und kommt diesbezüglich zu dem Schluss, dass ein Verstoß gegen den Effektivitätsgrundsatz des europäischen Rechts vorliegt. Zur Lösung dieses Rechtskonflikts geben die Verfasser einer Übernahme des europäischen Haftungsmodells der „wirtschaftlichen Einheit“ in das deutsche Kartellordnungswidrigkeitenrecht den Vorzug vor dem erneuten Versuch einer systemimmanenten Fortentwicklung des deutschen Rechts, wie er bereits im Rahmen der 8. GWB-Novelle unternommen worden war.
Die Pauschalierung von Kartellschadensersatz in Allgemeinen Geschäftsbedingungen
Authors: Thomas Stefan , Bleier Lukas
Published: October 2015

Der Nachweis von Kartellschäden erweist sich in der Praxis oft als schwierig, weil sich der hypothetische Wettbewerbspreis vielfach nicht genau ermitteln lässt. Deshalb stellt sich die Frage, inwieweit Kunden in ihre Lieferverträge Schadenspauschalierungen für den Fall aufnehmen können, dass sich ihr Lieferant an einem Kartell beteiligt hat. Problematisch ist hierbei, dass solche Schadenspauschalierungen i.d.R. als allgemeine Geschäftsbedingungen zu qualifizieren sind und das AGB-Recht solche Regelungen nur in bestimmten Grenzen zulässt. Mittlerweile sind erste Urteile zur AGB-Kontrolle von Schadenspauschalierungen bei Kartellverstößen ergangen, die jedoch divergieren. Den damit zusammenhängenden Fragen widmet sich der vorliegende Beitrag.
Täterschaft und Teilnahme im europäischen Kartellordnungswidrigkeitenrecht
Authors: Dannecker Gerhard , Müller Nadja
Published: October 2015

Das europäische Kartellrecht kennt Unternehmensgeldbußen bis zu 10% des Gesamtumsatzes, die nach der VO 1/2003 verhängt werden können. Allerdings enthält diese Verordnung keine gesetzlichen Regelungen für die Teilnahme, um die bußgeldrechtliche Verantwortung über das tatbestandsmäßige Verhalten hinaus auf den Anstifter und Gehilfen auszuweiten. Dennoch ahndet die Kommission unter Billigung der Europäischen Gerichte auch Kartellgehilfen - genauer: Unternehmen, welche die Einhaltung der Kartelldurchführung nur organisieren oder überwachen - und subsumieren die bloße Beteiligung in einer weiten Auslegung der Tatbestandsmerkmale unter die Norm des Art. 101 AEUV. Mag diese Praxis auch rechtspolitisch wünschenswert sein, so kann doch allein aus Effektivitätsgesichtspunkten ein strafbares Handeln über den Gesetzeswortlaut hinaus nicht begründet werden. Vielmehr dürfen strafrechtliche Sanktionen (auch im weiteren Sinne) nur dort verhängt werden, wo rechtsstaatliche Vorgaben wie „nullum crimen sine lege“ im besonderen Maße gewährleistet sind.
Internetkartellrecht
Authors: Podszun Rupprecht , Leber Marius
Published: October 2015

Technologie- und innovationsgetriebene Märkte stellen Kartellbehörden und Gerichte vor immer neue Herausforderungen. Kaum eine Branche ist in den vergangenen zehn bis fünfzehn Jahren so stark gewachsen wie der Onlinehandel. Für die Internetökonomie gelten dabei ganz eigene Regeln: Die Märkte sind oftmals mehrseitig und durch starke Netzwerkeffekte geprägt. Innovation und Information sind die entscheidenden Wettbewerbsparameter. Der Markt entwickelt sich rasant und bringt laufend neue Geschäftsmodelle hervor; die Online-Player agieren zumeist global und verzichten zunehmend auf Intermediäre. Die Autoren beleuchten die Internetökonomie aus kartellrechtlicher Sicht und skizzieren die deutsche und europäische Entscheidungspraxis der letzten Jahre aus den Bereichen Zusammenschlusskontrolle, Kartellverbot und Missbrauchsaufsicht anhand einiger richtungsweisender Fälle. Neben einer wettbewerbspolitischen Einordnung des Fallmaterials wirft der Beitrag einige Schlaglichter auf den Paradigmenwechsel bei der Kartellrechtsanwendung in der Digitalwirtschaft. Neben dem Aufbrechen von Innovationsschranken und Pfadabhängigkeiten gehört eine Auflösung zu eng gesteckter Märkte sowie die Offenhaltung für technische Entwicklungen zu den wesentlichen Eckpfeilern einer zukunftsorientierten Kartellrechtsanwendung. In der Internetökonomie kommt dem Hayek’schen „Wettbewerb als Entdeckungsverfahren“ eine ungeahnte Aktualität zu. Technology and innovation-driven markets pose a challenge for competition authorities and courts. There is hardly any sector that has grown as much in recent years as e-commerce. The Internet sector has its own rationale: Markets are often multi-sided and shaped by strong network effects. Innovation and information become important competitive parameters. Online markets evolve at a fast pace and yield myriad of new business models. Most of the online players operate on a global level and cut out intermediaries or distributors. The authors examine the Internet economy from a competition law perspective by means of a sample of landmark rulings of German and European courts and authorities. They evaluate the cases in terms of competition policy and define the paradigms for a future-oriented application of competition law in digital markets. In Internet economics Hayek’s „competition as a discovery procedure“ gains a new momentum.”
Longitudinal and seasonal variation of the equatorial flux tube integrated Rayleigh‐Taylor instability growth rate
Authors: Wu Qian
Published: October 2015

Using the National Center for Atmospheric Research Thermosphere Ionosphere Electrodynamics General Circulation Model (TIEGCM), the ionospheric Rayleigh‐Taylor instability growth rate is calculated. The seasonal and longitudinal variations of the growth rate from the TIEGCM appear to match that of the spread F observed by various satellite missions. The growth rate is strongly dependent on the angle between the sunset terminator and the geomagnetic field line near the magnetic equator. The TIEGCM simulations with nonmigrating tides show the zonal wave number 4 structure in the Rayleigh‐Taylor instability due to the inclusion of the nonmigrating diurnal eastward zonal wave number 3 and semidiurnal eastward zonal wave number 2 tides.
On the relative stability of CERES reflected shortwave and MISR and MODIS visible radiance measurements during the Terra satellite mission
Authors: Corbett J. G. , Loeb N. G.
Published: October 2015

Fifteen years of visible, near‐infrared, and broadband shortwave radiance measurements from Clouds and the Earth's Radiant Energy System (CERES), Multiangle Imaging Spectroradiometer (MISR), and Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) instruments on board NASA's Terra satellite are analyzed in order to assess their long‐term relative stability for climate purposes. A regression‐based approach between CERES, MODIS, and MISR (An camera only) reflectances is used to calculate the bias between the different reflectances relative to a reference year. When compared to the CERES shortwave broadband reflectance, relative drift between the MISR narrowbands is within 1% decade−1. Compared to the CERES shortwave reflectance, the MODIS narrowband reflectances show a relative drift of less than −1.33% decade−1. When compared to MISR, the MODIS reflectances show a relative drift of between −0.36% decade−1 and −2.66% decade−1. We show that the CERES Terra SW measurements are stable over the time period relative to CERES Aqua. Using this as evidence that CERES Terra may be absolutely stable, we suggest that the CERES, MISR, and MODIS instruments meet the radiometric stability goals for climate applications set out in Ohring et al. (2005).
On the comparison between seasonal predictive skill of global circulation models: Coupled versus uncoupled
Authors: Beraki Asmerom F. , Landman Willem A. , DeWitt David
Published: October 2015

The study compares one‐ and two‐tiered forecasting systems as represented by the South African Weather Service Coupled Model and its atmosphere‐only version. In this comparative framework, the main difference between these global climate models (GCMs) resides in the manner in which the sea surface temperature (SST) is represented. The models are effectively kept similar in all other aspects. This strategy may allow the role of coupling on the predictive skill differences to be better distinguished. The result reveals that the GCMs differ widely in their performances and the issue of superiority of one model over the other is mostly dependent on the ability to a priori determine an optimal global SST field for forcing the atmospheric general circulation model (AGCM). Notwithstanding, the AGCM's fidelity is reasonably reduced when the AGCM is constrained with persisting SST anomalies to the extent to which the coupled general circulation model's superiority becomes noticeable. The result suggests that the boundary forcing coming from the optimal SST field plays a significant role in leveraging a reasonable equivalency in the predictive skill of the two GCM configurations.
Self‐Assembly of Antimicrobial Peptides on Gold Nanodots: Against Multidrug‐Resistant Bacteria and Wound‐Healing Application
Authors: Chen Wei‐Yu , Chang Hsiang‐Yu , Lu Jenn‐Kan , Huang Yi‐Cheng , Harroun Scott G. , Tseng Yu‐Ting , Li Yu‐Jia , Huang Chih‐Ching , Chang Huan‐Tsung
Published: October 2015

Photoluminescent gold nanodots (Au NDs) are prepared via etching and codeposition of hybridized ligands, an antimicrobial peptide (surfactin; SFT), and 1‐dodecanethiol (DT), on gold nanoparticles (≈3.2 nm). As‐prepared ultrasmall SFT/DT–Au NDs (size ≈2.5 nm) are a highly efficient antimicrobial agent. The photoluminescence properties and stability as well as the antimicrobial activity of SFT/DT–Au NDs are highly dependent on the density of SFT on Au NDs. Relative to SFT, SFT/DT–Au NDs exhibit greater antimicrobial activity, not only to nonmultidrug‐resistant bacteria but also to the multidrug‐resistant bacteria. The minimal inhibitory concentration values of SFT/DT–Au NDs are much lower (>80‐fold) than that of SFT. The antimicrobial activity of SFT/DT–Au NDs is mainly due to the synergistic effect of SFT and DT–Au NDs on the disruption of the bacterial membrane. In vitro cytotoxicity and hemolysis analyses have revealed superior biocompatibility of SFT/DT–Au NDs than that of SFT. Moreover, in vivo methicillin‐resistant S. aureus–infected wound healing studies in rats show faster healing, better epithelialization, and are more efficient in the production of collagen fibers when SFT/DT–Au NDs are used as a dressing material. This study suggests that the SFT/DT–Au NDs are a promising antimicrobial candidate for preclinical applications in treating wounds and skin infections.
Nitrogen‐Doped Graphene Nanosheets with FeN Core–Shell Nanoparticles as High‐Performance Counter Electrode Materials for Dye‐Sensitized Solar Cells
Authors: Balamurugan Jayaraman , Thanh Tran Duy , Kim Nam Hoon , Lee Joong Hee
Published: October 2015

A newly designed counter electrode (CE) composed of a hybridized structure of iron nitride (FeN) core–shell nanoparticles grown on nitrogen‐doped graphene (NG) is presented for application in dye‐sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). The FeN core–shell nanoparticles on NG show an excellent electrocatalytic activity and lower charge‐transfer resistance (Rct) towards the CE (I−/I3−) redox reaction in DSSCs. The hybridized electrode exhibits remarkable cycling stability even after 500 cycles. The energy conversion efficiency of a DSSC cell with core–shell FeN/NG nanohybrids as the CE reaches 10.86%, which is superior to the energy conversion efficiency of 9.93% for a cell with a conventional Pt CE under the same experimental conditions. This work provides a novel approach to fabricate catalytically active electrodes for DSSCs and promotes the development of metal nitride‐based electrodes for photovoltaic applications.
Imported and Domestic Beef: Are They Substitutes or Complements?
Authors: Dhoubhadel Sunil P. , Azzam Azzeddine M. , Stockton Matthew C.
Published: October 2015

This paper uses a translog processing cost function to test whether imported beef and domestic beef are substitutes or complements. Findings suggest that imported beef and domestic beef are substitutes, thus giving grounds to the claim by U.S. cattle producers that beef imports decrease the use of domestic beef. The effect of a price decline of beef imports has more pronounced effect on the use of cull cow beef than carcass beef, with the latter dropping by more than three times the former during the sample period.
Pulmonary platelet thrombi and vascular pathology in acute chest syndrome in patients with sickle cell disease
Authors: Anea Ciprian B. , Lyon Matthew , Lee Itia A. , Gonzales Joyce N. , Adeyemi Amidat , Falls Greer , Kutlar Abdullah , Brittain Julia E.
Published: October 2015

A growing body of evidence suggests a role for platelets in sickle cell disease (SCD). Despite the proinflammatory, occlusive nature of platelets, a role for platelets in acute chest syndrome (ACS), however, remains understudied. To provide evidence and potentially describe contributory factors for a putative link between ACS and platelets, we performed an autopsy study of 20 SCD cases—10 of whom died from ACS and 10 whose deaths were not ACS‐related. Pulmonary histopathology and case history were collected. We discovered that disseminated pulmonary platelet thrombi were present in 3 out of 10 of cases with ACS, but none of the matched cases without ACS. Those cases with detected thrombi were associated with significant deposition of endothelial vWF and detection of large vWF aggregates adhered to endothelium. Potential clinical risk factors were younger age and higher platelet count at presentation. However, we also noted a sharp and significant decline in platelet count prior to death in each case with platelet thrombi in the lungs. In this study, neither hydroxyurea use nor perimortem transfusion was associated with platelet thrombi. Surprisingly, in all cases, there was profound pulmonary artery remodeling with both thrombotic and proliferative pulmonary plexiform lesions. The severity of remodeling was not associated with a severe history of ACS, or hydroxyurea use, but was inversely correlated with age. We thus provide evidence of undocumented presence of platelet thrombi in cases of fatal ACS and describe clinical correlates. We also provide novel correlates of pulmonary remodeling in SCD. Am. J. Hematol. 91:173–178, 2016. © 2015 The Authors. American Journal of Hematology Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Catalytic Intramolecular Ketone Alkylation with Olefins by Dual Activation
Authors: Lim Hee Nam , Dong Guangbin
Published: October 2015

Two complementary methods for catalytic intramolecular ketone alkylation reactions with unactivated olefins, resulting in Conia‐ene‐type reactions, are reported. The transformations are enabled by dual activation of both the ketone and the olefin and are atom‐economical as stoichiometric oxidants or reductants are not required. Assisted by Kool’s aniline catalyst, the reaction conditions can be both pH‐ and redox‐neutral. A broad range of functional groups are thus tolerated. Whereas the rhodium catalysts are effective for the formation of five‐membered rings, a ruthenium‐based system that affords the six‐membered ring products was also developed.
Attachment and maternal sensitivity are related to infants’ monitoring of animated social interactions
Authors: Biro Szilvia , Alink Lenneke R. A. , Huffmeijer Renske , Bakermans‐Kranenburg Marian J. , van IJzendoorn Marinus H.
Published: October 2015

Background

Infants have been shown to possess remarkable competencies in social understanding. Little is known, however, about the interplay between the quality of infants’ social‐emotional experiences with their caregivers and social‐cognitive processes in infancy.

Method

Using eye‐tracking we investigated the relation of infant attachment quality and maternal sensitivity with 12‐month‐old infants’ monitoring patterns during the observation of abstractly depicted interactions of a “parent” and a “baby” figure.

Results

We found that secure infants focused their attention on the “parent” figure relative to the “baby” figure more than insecure infants when the two figures got separated. Infants with more sensitive mothers focused their attention more on the ongoing behavior of the “parent” figure after the separation than infants with less sensitive mothers when distress of the “baby” figure was implied by accompanying baby crying sounds.

Conclusion

Our findings support the notion that early social‐emotional experiences with the caregiver are related to social information processing and that these social information processing patterns might be markers of infants’ developing internal working models of attachment.
Novel Abscisic Acid Antagonists Identified with Chemical Array Screening
Authors: Ito Takuya , Kondoh Yasumitsu , Yoshida Kazuko , Umezawa Taishi , Shimizu Takeshi , Shinozaki Kazuo , Osada Hiroyuki
Published: October 2015

Abscisic acid (ABA) signaling is involved in multiple processes in plants, such as water stress control and seed dormancy. Major regulators of ABA signaling are the PYR/PYL/RCAR family receptor proteins, group A protein phosphatases 2C (PP2Cs), and subclass III of SNF1‐related protein kinase 2 (SnRK2). Novel ABA agonists and antagonists to modulate the functions of these proteins would not only contribute to clarification of the signaling mechanisms but might also be used to improve crop yields. To obtain small molecules that interact with Arabidopsis ABA receptor PYR1, we screened 24 275 compounds from a chemical library at the RIKEN Natural Products Depository by using a chemical array platform. Subsequent SnRK2 and PP2C assays narrowed down the candidates to two molecules. One antagonized ABA in a competitive manner and inhibited the formation of the PYR1‐ABA‐PP2C ternary complex. These compounds might have potential as bioprobes to analyze ABA signaling.
Transition Metal Nitrides for Electrocatalytic Energy Conversion: Opportunities and Challenges
Authors: Xie Junfeng , Xie Yi
Published: October 2015

Electrocatalytic energy conversion has been considered as one of the most efficient and promising pathways for realizing energy storage and energy utilization in modern society. To improve electrocatalytic reactions, specific catalysts are needed to lower the overpotential. In the search for efficient alternatives to noble metal catalysts, transition metal nitrides have attracted considerable interest due to their high catalytic activity and unique electronic structure. Over the past few decades, numerous nitride‐based catalysts have been explored with respect to their ability to drive various electrocatalytic reactions, such as the hydrogen evolution reaction and the oxygen evolution reaction to achieve water splitting and the oxygen reduction reaction coupled with the methanol oxidation reaction to construct fuel cells or rechargeable Li‐O2 batteries. This Minireview provides a brief overview of recent progress on electrocatalysts based on transition metal nitrides, and outlines the current challenges and future opportunities.
A {Nb6P2W12}‐Based Hexameric Manganese Cluster with Single‐Molecule Magnet Properties
Authors: Zhang Dongdi , Cao Fan , Ma Pengtao , Zhang Chao , Song You , Liang Zhijie , Hu Xiaojing , Wang Jingping , Niu Jingyang
Published: October 2015

By deliberately using a metastable polyanion [(NbO2)6P2W12O56]12− (1), which was formed in situ, we have discovered the unprecedented hexameric cluster {Mn15(Nb6P2W12O62)6} (2), in which the six polyanions [Nb6P2W12O61]10− are alternately connected by four intriguing trinuclear {MnIII3} moieties and four {MnII} linkers. This discovery is the first in which the phosphoniobotungstate has been made accessible by using transition‐metal ions; furthermore, polyanion 2 represents the largest niobotungstate cluster reported to date. Analysis by means of electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI‐MS) provides insight into the self‐assembly process, and the peaks observed relate to the different charge states of the parent cluster, thus confirming the stability of 2. In addition, magnetic‐susceptibility measurements reveal that each {MnIII3} subunit is a separate single‐molecule magnet (SMM). This discovery results from the exploration of the reverse effect of metastable polyanion 1 possessing high reactivity, thereby turning a disadvantage into an advantage. This finding could define a new synthetic strategy for the design and synthesis of magnetic polyoxometalate (POM) clusters.
Substituting CF2for O4′ in Components of Nucleic Acids: Towards Systems with Reduced Propensity to Form Abasic Lesions
Authors: Yurenko Yevgen P. , Novotný Jan , Sklenář Vladimir , Marek Radek
Published: October 2015

Intrinsic structural features and energetics of nucleotides containing variously fluorinated sugars as potential building blocks of DNA duplexes and quadruplexes are explored systematically using the modern methods of density functional theory (DFT) and quantum chemical topology (QCT). Our results suggest that fluorination at the 2′‐β or 2′‐α,β positions somewhat stabilizes in vacuo the AI relative to the BI conformations. In contrast, substitution of the CF2group for the O4′ atom (O4′‐CF2modification) leads to a preference of the BI relative to AI DNA‐like conformers. All the studied modifications result in a noticeable increase in the stability of the glycosidic bond [estimated by the relaxed force constants (RFC) approach], with particularly encouraging results for the O4′‐CF2derivative. Consequently, the O4′‐CF2modified systems are suggested and explored as promising scaffolds for the development of duplex and quadruplex structures with reduced propensity to form abasic lesions and to undergo DNA damage.
A Flexible Electrode Based on Iron Phosphide Nanotubes for Overall Water Splitting
Authors: Yan Ya , Xia Bao Yu , Ge Xiaoming , Liu Zhaolin , Fisher Adrian , Wang Xin
Published: October 2015

The design of cheap and efficient water splitting systems for sustainable hydrogen production has attracted increasing attention. A flexible electrode, based on carbon cloth substrate and iron phosphide nanotubes coated with an iron oxide/phosphate layer, is shown to catalyze overall water splitting. The as‐prepared flexible electrode demonstrates remarkable electrocatalytic activity for both the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) at modest overpotentials. The surface iron oxide/phosphate, which is formed in situ, is proposed to improve the HER activity by facilitating the water‐dissociation step and serves directly as the catalytically‐active component for the OER process.
tert‐Butyl Iodide Mediated Reductive Fischer Indolization of Conjugated Hydrazones
Authors: Ito Yuta , Ueda Masafumi , Takeda Norihiko , Miyata Okiko
Published: October 2015

A novel reductive Fischer indolization of readily available N‐aryl conjugated hydrazones with tert‐butyl iodide has been developed. In this reaction, tert‐butyl iodide is used as anhydrous HI source, and the generated HI acts as a Brønsted acid and a reducing agent. This operationally simple method allows access to various indole derivatives. Furthermore, the procedure can be applied to the synthesis of biologically active compounds.
Practical design of multi‐channel MOSFETRF transmission system for 7 T animal MR imaging
Authors: Zhang Yizhe , Liu Yan , Sun Bingyao , Zhang Xiaoliang , Jiang Xiaohua
Published: October 2015

In this work, we developed and tested a multi‐channel radio frequency (RF) transmission system with compact metal‐oxide semiconductor field effect transistor (MOSFET) amplifiers for parallel excitation in 7 T animal MRI scanner. The system is composed of a multi‐channel RF controller and four independent RF power amplifiers. Each power amplifier contains two amplification stages. The design was validated by simulation and bench test. The power gain for the amplifier is 18.7 dB at 300 MHz, demonstrating the sufficient amplification capability of the transmission system for small animal parallel excitation applications at 7 T. This compact RF power amplifier can be potentially used for on‐coil amplification in multichannel RF array system. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Concepts Magn Reson Part B (Magn Reson Engineering) 45B: 191–200, 2015
Is computed tomography a necessary part of a metastatic evaluation for castration‐resistant prostate cancer? Results from the Shared Equal Access Regional Cancer Hospital Database
Authors: Hanyok Brian T. , Howard Lauren E. , Amling Christopher L. , Aronson William J. , Cooperberg Matthew R. , Kane Christopher J. , Terris Martha K. , Posadas Edwin M. , Freedland Stephen J.
Published: October 2015

BACKGROUND

Metastatic lesions in prostate cancer beyond the bone have prognostic importance and affect clinical therapeutic decisions. Few data exist regarding the prevalence of soft‐tissue metastases at the initial diagnosis of metastatic castration‐resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC).

METHODS

This study analyzed 232 men with nonmetastatic (M0) castration‐resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) who developed metastases detected by a bone scan or computed tomography (CT). All bone scans and CT scans within the 30 days before or after the mCRPC diagnosis were reviewed. The rate of soft‐tissue metastases among those undergoing CT was determined. Then, predictors of soft‐tissue metastases and visceral and lymph node metastases were identified.

RESULTS

Compared with men undergoing CT (n = 118), men undergoing only bone scans (n = 114) were more likely to have received primary treatment (P = .048), were older (P = .013), and less recently developed metastases (P = .018). Among those undergoing CT, 52 (44%) had soft‐tissue metastases, including 20 visceral metastases (17%) and 41 lymph node metastases (35%), whereas 30% had no bone involvement. In a univariable analysis, only prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) predicted soft‐tissue metastases (odds ratio [OR], 1.27; P = .047), and no statistically significant predictors of visceral metastases were found. A higher PSA level was associated with an increased risk of lymph node metastases (OR, 1.38; P = .014), whereas receiving primary treatment was associated with decreased risk (OR, 0.36; P = .015).

CONCLUSIONS

The data suggest that there is a relatively high rate of soft‐tissue metastasis (44%) among CRPC patients undergoing CT at the initial diagnosis of metastases, including some men with no bone involvement. Therefore, forgoing CT during a metastatic evaluation may lead to an underdiagnosis of soft‐tissue metastases and an underdiagnosis of metastases in general. Cancer 2015. © 2015 American Cancer Society. Cancer 2016;122:222–229. © 2015 American Cancer Society.
Rapid onsite evaluation: A comparison of cytopathologist and pulmonologist performance
Authors: Meena Nikhil , Jeffus Susanne , Massoll Nicole , Siegel Eric R. , Korourian Soheila , Chen Chien , Bartter Thaddeus
Published: October 2015

BACKGROUND

Rapid onsite evaluation (ROSE) has several potential benefits but also can prolong procedures if one must wait for a cytopathologist, and it can involve a considerable time commitment on the part of the cytopathologist. At the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, interventional pulmonologists have routinely reviewed cytology specimens. This study was performed to determine prospectively how accurately pulmonologists could perform ROSE and whether they could contribute to the efficiency of the process.

METHODS

For sequential cases, the procedural pulmonologist documented a ROSE reading before the reading by the cytopathologist. Readings were compared between the two for agreement and for accuracy. The time commitment for the cytopathologist was also recorded.

RESULTS

One hundred sixty‐four sites were biopsied in 102 patients. With respect to onsite adequacy, there was a high level of concordance between pulmonology and cytopathology as evidenced by the κ score ( ± standard error) of 0.72 ± 0.15 and by disagreement in only 3 cases (2%). For the diagnostic category, there was once again a high level of concordance; there was agreement in 141 of the 164 cases (86%), and the weighted κ score was 0.89 ± 0.02. The cytopathologist's time in the endoscopy suite averaged 4.02 ± 6.9 minutes per procedure.

CONCLUSIONS

Procedural pulmonologists can effectively learn enough cytology to be able to make ROSE a collaborative process and to greatly increase the efficiency of the cytopathologist. Cancer Cytopathol 2016;124:279–84. © 2015 American Cancer Society.
Queueing analysis for preemptive transmission in underlay CRNs
Authors: Chen Long , Huang Liusheng , Xu Hongli , Du Yang
Published: October 2015

In cognitive radio applications, there are multiple different types of message queues. Existing queueing based works in underlay cognitive radio networks mainly focused on homogeneous packets. Therefore, we propose a new underlay scheme to deal with packets' heterogeneity by assuming high‐priority packets have preemptive transmission opportunities over low‐priority ones, and the former ones have impatient waiting time. We model the secondary user packets' behavior as a M/M/1+GI queueing system from the perspective of the whole system, which is represented by a two‐dimensional state transition graph. The reneging probability of high‐priority packets and the average waiting time in two‐class priority queues are analyzed. Then we extend the single‐channel model to multiple channels. Under this scenario, the closed form of low‐priority packets' expected system delay is derived. Simulation results demonstrate that the average waiting time of high‐priority packets decreases with the growing interference power threshold and the average waiting time of the low‐priority packet is proportional to the arrival rate of high‐priority packet and so on. This work may lay the foundation to design efficient Medium Access Control protocols and optimize long‐term system performance by carefully choosing system parameters. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Temperature‐related geographical shifts among passerines: contrasting processes along poleward and equatorward range margins
Authors: Coristine Laura E. , Kerr Jeremy T.
Published: October 2015

Climate change is causing widespread geographical range shifts, which likely reflects different processes at leading and trailing range margins. Progressive warming is thought to relax thermal barriers at poleward range margins, enabling colonization of novel areas, but imposes increasingly unsuitable thermal conditions at equatorward margins, leading to range losses from those areas. Few tests of this process during recent climate change have been possible, but understanding determinants of species’ range limits will improve predictions of their geographical responses to climate change and variation in extinction risk. Here, we examine the relationship between poleward and equatorward range margin dynamics with respect to temperature‐related geographical limits observed for 34 breeding passerine species in North America between 1984–1988 and 2002–2006. We find that species’ equatorward range margins were closer to their upper realized thermal niche limits and proximity to those limits predicts equatorward population extinction risk through time. Conversely, the difference between breeding bird species’ poleward range margin temperatures and the coolest temperatures they tolerate elsewhere in their ranges was substantial and remained consistent through time: range expansion at species’ poleward range margins is unlikely to directly reflect lowered thermal barriers to colonization. The process of range expansion may reflect more complex factors operating across broader areas of species’ ranges. The latitudinal extent of breeding bird ranges is decreasing through time. Disparate responses observed at poleward versus equatorward margins arise due to differences in range margin placement within the realized thermal niche and suggest that climate‐induced geographical shift at equatorward range limits more strongly reflect abiotic conditions than at their poleward range limits. This further suggests that observed geographic responses to date may fail to demonstrate the true cost of climate change on the poleward portion of species’ distributions. Poleward range margins for North American breeding passerines are not presently in equilibrium with realized thermal limits.
Reduced Phosphomolybdates as Molecular Catalysts for Hexavalent Chromium Reduction
Authors: Gong Kaining , Liu Yunping , Wang Weijie , Fang Tim , Zhao Chuan , Han Zhangang , Zhai Xueliang
Published: October 2015

Hybrid phosphomolybdates consisting of highly reduced {MnII(PV4MoV6O31)2} clusters have been reported as heterogeneous molecular catalysts for the reduction of toxic CrVI to nontoxic CrIII using formic acid (FA) as the reducing agent. The experimental results show that these types of nonprecious hybrids are highly active for the catalytic reduction of CrVI under mild conditions. In comparison with noble metal Pt/Pd nanoparticle (NP) catalysts that are widely used for the reaction, the phosphomolybdate hybrids are inexpensive and easy to prepare. Importantly, their structures can be designed and optimised. This study highlights noble metal‐free phosphomolybdates as a novel type of heterogeneous catalyst for the treatment of CrVI‐containing wastewater.
Solvothermal Reactions in and with Nitriles
Authors: Thiele Günther , Wagner Bettina , Dehnen Stefanie
Published: October 2015

Solvothermal reactions and in situ reductions in nitriles yield a variety of new metal complexes and organometallic compounds including ligands of dimers, trimers, and tetramers of the organic solvent upon (oxidative) C–C and/or C–N bond formation and destruction.
Contrasting Reactivity of CS2 with Cyclic vs. Acyclic Amidines
Authors: Ang M. Trisha C. , Phan Lam , Alshamrani Aliyah K. , Harjani Jitendra R. , Wang Ruiyao , Schatte Gabriele , Mosey Nicholas J. , Jessop Philip G.
Published: October 2015

The interaction between carbon dioxide (CO2) and amidines such as 1,8‐diazabicyclo[5.4.0]undecane (DBU) has been extensively studied, but the reaction of isovalent CS2 with such bases has been largely ignored, apart from a single crystallography report. Acyclic acetamidines are cleaved by CS2 at room temperature to give an isothiocyanate and a thioacetamide. Because the pathway to that cleavage involves a rotation that is difficult for cyclic amidines, the reaction of CS2 with cyclic amidines produces an entirely different product: a cyclic carbamic carboxylic trithioanhydride structure. The path to that product involves sp3 C‐H activation leading to the formation of a new C–C bond at a carbon α to the central carbon of the amidine group. Alkylation and ring‐opening of the cyclic carbamic carboxylic trithioanhydride has also been demonstrated under ambient conditions.
Hypervalent‐Iodine‐Mediated Synthesis of 1,2‐Dispirodienones: Experimental and Theoretical Investigations
Authors: Hromjakova Tatiana , Retailleau Pascal , Grimaud Laurence , Gandon Vincent , Chabaud Laurent , Guillou Catherine
Published: October 2015

The oxidation of phenol acetanilides mediated by hypervalent iodine is described. The transformation proceeds through the formation of a carbocationic species that evolves either into a [6,5,6]‐tricyclic compound (1,2‐dispirodienone) or a [6,6,6]‐tricyclic compound (aryl spirodienone). In most examples, the 1,2‐dispirodienones are obtained in good yields. In some cases, depending on the substitution pattern of the phenol acetanilides and the reaction conditions, aryl spirodienones are formed. We performed electrochemical experiments on a 1,2‐dispirodienone to study its redox properties. These data provide evidence that the 1,2‐dispirodienone can ring‐open and ring‐close under redox conditions. The hypervalent‐iodine‐mediated oxidation of phenol acetanilides to 1,2‐dispirodienones was rationalized on the basis of density functional theory (DFT) calculations. In addition, these DFT computations suggest that the formation of the aryl spirodienones occurs by a stepwise reaction pathway, which first involves an ipso attack to yield a [6,5,6]‐tricyclic carbocationic intermediate and then a 1,2‐sigmatropic shift of the bond that connects the two six‐membered rings.
The Poisoning of Pyrite Surface upon Xanthate Adsorption by Cyanide in Mildly Acidic Media
Authors: Guo Bao
Published: October 2015

Xanthate adsorbs on pyrite surface at mildly acidic pH, rendering mineral surface hydrophobic. By far, the electrochemical behavior of pyrite exposed to cyanide‐bearing solution has been reported in alkaline media. The impact of cyanide on the chemisorption of xanthate on pyrite in mildly acidic media is unclear. The present study clearly pictured the interfacial processes in pyrite‐xanthate‐cyanide system at pH 5 via methods of cyclic voltammetry (CV) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). It is determined that cyanide blocks the formation of xanthate layer on pyrite surface over a broad range of potential, although the oxidation of xanthate in solution almost remains unaffected. The pyrite surface upon xanthate adsorption is poisoned by cyanide with the formation of iron cyanide complex.
Melamine‐modified Boron‐doped Diamond towards Enhanced Detection of Adenine, Guanine and Caffeine
Authors: Niedziałkowski P. , Bogdanowicz R. , Zięba P. , Wysocka J. , Ryl J. , Sobaszek M. , Ossowski T.
Published: October 2015

This work describes the electrochemical method of boron‐doped diamond (BDD) modification by poly‐melamine to obtain organic films. The detection of adenine, guanine and caffeine was carried out by differential pulse wave voltammetry (DPV). The poly‐melamine modified B‐NCD electrodes exhibit excellent activity towards the electrochemical oxidation of all examined analytes. The poly‐melamine modified BDD electrodes in all measurements exhibit a larger peak current and are more sensitive compared to the unmodified BDD electrodes. The detection limit for adenine, guanine and caffeine using poly‐melamine modified BDD electrodes was found with 0.2 µM, 0.02 nM and 0.4 µM, respectively. Moreover, the double‐stranded (ctDNA), and single stranded DNA from calf thymus (ssDNA) was detected by DPV.