bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Retrieving aerosol microphysical properties by Lidar‐Radiometer Inversion Code (LIRIC) for different aerosol types
Authors: Granados‐Muñoz M. J. , Guerrero‐Rascado J. L. , Bravo‐Aranda J. A. , Navas‐Guzmán F. , Valenzuela A. , Lyamani H. , Chaikovsky A. , Wandinger U. , Ansmann A. , Dubovik O. , Grudo J. O. , Alados‐Arboledas L.
Published: April 2014

LIRIC (Lidar‐Radiometer Inversion Code) is applied to combined lidar and Sun photometer data from Granada station corresponding to different case studies. The main aim of this analysis is to evaluate the stability of LIRIC output volume concentration profiles for different aerosol types, loadings, and vertical distributions of the atmospheric aerosols. For this purpose, in a first part, three case studies corresponding to different atmospheric situations are analyzed to study the influence of the user‐defined input parameters in LIRIC when varied in a reasonable range. Results evidence the capabilities of LIRIC to retrieve vertical profiles of microphysical properties during daytime by the combination of the lidar and the Sun photometer systems in an automatic and self‐consistent way. However, spurious values may be obtained in the lidar incomplete overlap region depending on the structure of the aerosol layers. In a second part, the use of a second Sun photometer located in Cerro Poyos, in the same atmospheric column as Granada but at higher altitude, allowed us to obtain LIRIC retrievals from two different altitudes with independent Sun photometer measurements in order to check the self‐consistency and robustness of the method. Retrievals at both levels are compared, providing a very good agreement (differences below 5 µm3/cm3) in those cases with the same aerosol type in the whole atmospheric column. However, some assumptions such as the height independency of parameters (sphericity, size distribution, or refractive index, among others) need to be carefully reviewed for those cases with the presence of aerosol layers corresponding to different types of atmospheric aerosols.
Skilled Observation and Change Blindness: A Comparison of Law Enforcement and Student Samples
Authors: Smart Shannon M. , Berry Melissa A. , Rodriguez Dario N.
Published: April 2014

Some evidence suggests that expertise and observational skills training can reduce attentional errors, such as change blindness. Laypeople typically assume that law enforcement officers possess acute observational skills, but no research to date has compared law enforcement and lay samples on their susceptibility to change blindness. In the present study, student and law enforcement samples completed a change blindness task and attempted to identify the target(s) from four line‐ups. Law enforcement officers and students were equally susceptible to change blindness regarding the switch in the target's identity, but students were more likely than officers to detect changes in the target's clothing. Students also performed better on the line‐up task, overall, than officers. Additionally, whereas students' confidence was positively correlated with identification accuracy under some circumstances, officers' confidence was either uncorrelated or negatively correlated with accuracy. We discuss the implications of these findings and suggest some factors accounting for law enforcement officers' relatively poor performance on these tasks. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Microstructural Characterization and High‐Temperature Mechanical Behavior of Cast Mg–4Zn–xSi Alloys
Authors: Alizadeh Reza , Mahmudi Reza
Published: April 2014

Effects of 1, 2, and 3 wt% Si additions on the microstructure and mechanical properties of a cast Mg–4%Zn alloy was investigated. High temperature shear punch test was used for evaluating mechanical properties of the alloys in the temperature range of 25–250 °C. The obtained results showed that addition of Si resulted in the formation of the thermally stable Mg2Si intermetallic particles, which significantly increased high‐temperature strength of the base alloy. The ductility, however, decreased after Si addition, mainly due to the presence of coarse Mg2Si particles having a Chinese script morphology. These particles can act as suitable sites for the initiation of microcracks, which leads to void formation at the interface of the Mg2Si intermetallic particles and the Mg matrix. To avoid ductility losses and to have strength enhancements, the Si content of the alloy should not exceed 1 wt%.
Field‐Assisted Powder Synthesis and Consolidation of Fe–Ti–C Metal–Ceramic Composites
Authors: Yurlova Marya S. , Novoselov Aleksander N. , Lin Yen‐Shan , Sizonenko Olga N. , Grigoryev Evgeny G. , Khasanov Oleg L. , Olevsky Eugene A.
Published: April 2014

Fe, Ti powders, and their mixtures were subjected to electric discharges in a hydrocarbon liquid. During this treatment, the powder particles’ refinement and carbide phase formation occurred. The obtained powder mixtures were consolidated by spark plasma sintering at 900 °C for 5 min under uniaxial pressure of 50–60 MPa. The densification behavior, microstructure, phase composition, and mechanical properties of the processed powder samples were investigated. The obtained results indicate the final structure sensitivity to the powder chemical composition and to the regimes of the powder synthesis by the electric discharges. The developed fabrication approach represents a novel technological route for metal–ceramic powder composites’ fabrication where the electromagnetic field assistance is employed at both powder synthesis and powder consolidation stages.
Hierarchical Design for Fabricating Cost‐Effective High Performance Supercapacitors
Authors: Kim Nam Dong , Buchholz D. Bruce , Casillas Gilberto , José‐Yacaman Miguel , Chang Robert P. H.
Published: April 2014

The salient feature of a supercapacitor is its ability to deliver much higher power density than a battery. A hierarchical design and a cost‐effective approach to fabricate high performance supercapacitors using functional carbon nano‐particles is reported. A special arc synthesis method is used to produce amorphous/crystalline composite with nitrogen and boron co‐doped high charge density carbon nanoparticles. Upon etch removal of the amorphous phase in the composite nanoparticle, a crystalline carbon framework emerges, consisting of a mixture of nano‐graphitic sheets mostly in the middle and single nanohorns distributed around the surface of the nanoparticle. These nanoparticles have large internal/external surfaces with subnano channels and sharp nano‐tips for high speed charge transport and local charge accumulation. To deliver high power density, the internal resistance of the device is reduced by assembling the nanoparticles via electro‐spraying and compacting them into dense films (without any binder) under 700 MPa of pressure before supercapacitor assembly. Taken together, the hierarchical processed supercapacitor has a very high (compared to literature values) power density of nearly 4.5 kW cm−3 and a respectable energy density of 2.45 mWh cm−3. Combining these carbon nanoparticles with large area spraying coating, it can lead to a cost‐effective production of high performance supercapacitors.
Identifying the Impact of Surface Recombination at Electrodes in Organic Solar Cells by Means of Electroluminescence and Modeling
Authors: Reinhardt Jens , Grein Maria , Bühler Christian , Schubert Martin , Würfel Uli
Published: April 2014

This work reports on combining current‐voltage characteristics, electroluminescence (EL) measurements, and modeling to identify the selectivity of the electrodes in bulk‐heterojunction organic solar cells. Devices with the same photoactive layer but different contact materials are compared and the impact of surface recombination at the contacts on their performance is determined. The open‐circuit voltage, V
OC, depends strongly on the selectivity of the electrodes and it is observed that the EL signal of cells with lower V
OC is dramatically reduced. This is ascribed to an enhanced rate of surface recombination, which is a non‐radiative recombination pathway and does therefore not contribute to the EL yield. In addition, these cells have a lower current in forward direction despite the fact that the surface recombination occurs in addition to the recombination in the bulk. A theoretical model was set up and in the corresponding numerical simulations all three findings (lower V
OC, strongly reduced EL signal and lower forward current) could be clearly reproduced by varying just one single parameter which determines the selectivity of the electrode.
Synthesis of 6‐Phenanthridinephosphonates via a Radical Phosphonation and Cyclization Process Mediated by Manganese(III) Acetate
Authors: Gao Yuzhen , Wu Ju , Xu Jian , Wang Xuerui , Tang Guo , Zhao Yufen
Published: April 2014

6‐Phenanthridinephosphonates have interesting biological activities and potential pharmaceutical applications. However, methods for preparing these compounds are very limited. In this report, dialkyl 6‐phenanthridinephosphonates were synthesized through Mn(OAc)3‐mediated radical phosphonation of 2‐isocyanobiaryls in good to excellent yields under relatively mild reaction conditions. As one of its notable features, the radical process allows the direct formation of a PC bond and the construction of a phenanthridine ring in one reaction.
High Yielding Synthesis of Carboranes Under Mild Reaction Conditions Using a Homogeneous Silver(I) Catalyst: Direct Evidence of a Bimetallic Intermediate
Authors: El‐Zaria Mohamed E. , Keskar Kunal , Genady Afaf R. , Ioppolo Joseph A. , McNulty James , Valliant John F.
Published: April 2014

Methods used to prepare functionalized carboranes generally require heating to high temperatures, and thus limits the range of derivatives which can be prepared directly from alkynes. We show here that by using a homogeneous silver(I) catalyst it is now possible to prepare carboranes in good to excellent yield at temperatures below 40 °C, including at room temperature. The process is general and provides an important new synthetic strategy for the preparation of functionalized boron clusters.
Methoxycarbonylation of olefins catalyzed by palladium(II) complexes containing naphthyl(diphenyl)phosphine ligands
Authors: Zolezzi Santiago , Moya Sergio A. , Valdebenito Gonzalo , Abarca Gabriel , Parada Jose , Aguirre Pedro
Published: April 2014

Palladium(II) complexes containing phosphine donor ligands derived from naphthyl(diphenyl)phosphine were synthesized and characterized by NMR and elemental analysis. The complexes were studied as catalyst precursors in the methoxycarbonylation reaction of several aromatic and aliphatic olefins under mild conditions. The catalysts reported high chemoselectivities (over 96%) and regioselectivities between 44% and 93% for different olefins. The best results were obtained over a styrene substrate with 97% of conversion after 6 h of reaction, with high regioselectivity (93%). Kinetic studies permitted the determination of the rate law (v = k [substrate]1.21±0.02 [catalyst]0.94±0.11 [acid]0.52±0.03 [MeOH]0.53±0.05 [CO]0.65±0.03) for methoxycarbonylation of styrene. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Antimicrobial activity of water resistant surface coating from catechol conjugated polyquaternary amine on versatile substrates
Authors: Kim Sungmin , Nam Jeong A. , Lee Sangkug , In Insik , Park Sung Young
Published: April 2014

Water resistant polymer with adhesive behavior is reported to exhibit long‐term antimicrobial activities under diverse conditions. To obtain highly adhesive polymer with prolonged antimicrobial activities and catechol moiety, 2‐chloro‐3′,4′‐dihydroxyacetophenone (CCDP) has been quaternized to poly(dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate) (PDMA). Later, for gaining the antimicrobial effects, the polymer (CCDP‐q‐PDMA) was quaternized with 1‐bromododecane (C12) [CCDP/C12‐q‐PDMA]. X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy rectified the quaternization and adhesion of the polymer onto different substrates. The CCDP/C12‐q‐PDMA coated substrates exhibited remarkable bacterial killing efficiency against both Gram‐positive Staphylococcus aureus and Gram‐negative Escherichia coli, after incubation for 24 h. The remarkable antimicrobial activities exhibited in aqueous medium at 60°C for up to 60 days indicate the strong adhesiveness of CCDP/C12‐q‐PDMA on the substrate. Therefore, the synthesized polymer offers merit as a potential coating material, to protect a broad range of material from microbial contamination, for a prolonged period of time, under a highly stressed water environment. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 40708.
N‐Arylated‐Lactam‐Type Iminosugars as New Immunosuppressive Agents: Discovery, Optimization, and Biological Evaluation
Authors: Wu Xiaowei , Zhang Fu‐Yu , Zhu Jingjing , Song Chengcheng , Xiong De‐Cai , Zhou Yifa , Cui Yuxin , Ye Xin‐Shan
Published: April 2014

We have previously described the discovery of N‐alkylated iminosugars that showed immunosuppressive activity both in vitro and in vivo. Herein, we report the synthesis and biological evaluation of N‐arylated lactam‐type iminosugar derivatives. The synthesis started from simple monosaccharides and featured a Buchwald–Hartwig coupling reaction to construct the key N‐aryl connection, thereby providing a highly diverse compound library. Structure–activity relationship studies, guided by a mouse‐spleen‐proliferation assay, led to the identification of ′hit′ compound 12 f. Subsequently, the systematic modification of compound 12 f afforded compounds 21 h, 21 k, 21 n, 21 t, and 21 x with improved activities (IC50=12–30 μM) and low Jurkat cytotoxicities (IC50>100 μM). These new compounds also inhibited the secretion of IFN‐γ and IL‐4, which are hallmark cytokines of Th1 and Th2 cells, respectively. This work demonstrated that the N‐arylated iminosugar structure represents a new scaffold with immunosuppressive activity.
Two‐dimensional LC‐MS/MS to enhance ceramide and phosphatidylcholine species profiling in mouse liver
Authors: Ling Yee Soon , Liang Hao‐Jan , Lin Ming‐Huan , Tang Chuan‐Ho , Wu Kuen‐Yuh , Kuo Min‐Liang , Lin Ching Yu
Published: April 2014

A two‐dimensional (2D) hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography (HILIC) and reverse‐phase (RP) liquid chromatography (LC) system coupled with triple‐quadrupole mass spectrometry (MS) was developed to comprehensively profile ceramides and phosphatidylcholine in extracted biological samples. Briefly, the 2D HILIC‐RPLC system used a silica HILIC column operated in the first dimension to distinguish the lipid classes and a BEH C18 column operated in the second dimension to separate the lipid species of the same class. The regression linearity of each lipid was satisfactory in both systems; however, the absolute matrix effect factor was reduced in 2D LC‐MS/MS system. Limits of detection of 2D LC‐MS/MS system were 2‐ to 3‐fold lower compared with one‐dimensional RPLC‐MS/MS. The recovery from the sample ranged from 84.5 to 110%. To summarize, the developed method was proven to be accurate and producible, as relative standard deviations remained <20% at three spiked levels. The efficiency of this newly developed system was applied to measure changes of lipids in the liver of mice after naphthalene treatment. Orthogonal projection to latent structures‐discriminant analysis discriminated the lipids from control and the treatment group. We concluded that 2D LC‐MS/MS is a promising method to assist lipidomic studies of complex biological samples. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Hydrogen Release from Dialkylamine–Boranes Promoted by Mg and Ca Complexes: A DFT Analysis of the Reaction Mechanism
Authors: Butera Valeria , Russo Nino , Sicilia Emilia
Published: April 2014

Mg and Ca β‐diketiminato silylamides [HC{(Me)CN(2,6‐iPr2C6H3)}2M(THF)n{N(SiMe3)2}] (M=Mg, n=0; M=Ca, n=1) were studied as precatalysts for the dehydrogenation/dehydrocoupling of secondary amine–boranes R2HNBH3. By reaction with equimolar quantities of amine–boranes, the corresponding amidoborane derivatives are formed, which further react to yield dehydrogenation products such as the cyclic dimer [BH2NMe2]2. DFT was used here to explore the mechanistic alternatives proposed on the basis of the experimental findings for both Mg and Ca amidoboranes. The influence of the steric demand of amine–boranes on the course of the reaction was examined by performing calculations on the dehydrogenation of dimethylamine–borane (DMAB), pyrrolidine–borane (PB), and diisopropylamine–borane. In spite of the analogies in the catalytic activity of Mg‐ and Ca‐based complexes in the dehydrocoupling of amine–boranes, our theoretical analysis confirmed the experimentally observed lower reactivity of Ca complexes. Differences in catalytic activity of Mg‐ and Ca‐based complexes were examined and rationalized. As a consequence of the increase in ionic radius on going from Mg2+ to Ca2+, the dehydrogenation mechanism changes and formation of a key metal hydride intermediate becomes inaccessible. Dimerization is likely to occur off‐metal in solution for DMAB and PB, whereas steric hindrance of iPr2NHBH3 hampers formation of the cyclic dimer. The reported results are of particular interest because, although amine–borane dehydrogenation is now well established, mechanistic insight is still lacking for many systems.
A New Strategy for Realizing the Conversion of “Homo–Hetero–Homo” Heteroepitaxial Growth in Bi2Te3 and the Thermoelectric Performance
Authors: Guo Wei , Ma Jianmin , Yang Jiaqin , Li Di , Qin Qing , Wei Caiying , Zheng Wenjun
Published: April 2014

Uncovering the reason for structure‐dependent thermoelectric performance still remains a big challenge. A low‐temperature and easily scalable strategy for synthesizing Bi2Te3 nanostring hierarchical structures through solution‐phase reactions, during which there is the conversion of “homo–hetero–homo” in Bi2Te3 heteroepitaxial growth, is reported. Bi2Te3 nanostrings are obtained through the transformation from pure Bi2Te3 hexagonal nanosheets followed by TeBi2Te3 “nanotop” heterostructures to Bi2Te3 nanostrings. The growth of Bi2Te3 nanostrings appears to be a self‐assembly process through a wavy competition process generated from Te and Bi3+. The conversion of homo–hetero–homo opens up new platforms to investigate the wet chemistry of Bi2Te3 nanomaterials. Furthermore, to study the effect of morphologies and hetero/homo structures, especially with the same origin and uniform conditions on their thermoelectric properties, the thermoelectric properties of Bi2Te3 nanostrings and TeBi2Te3 heterostructured pellets fabricated by spark plasma sintering have been investigated separately.
Coordination Polymer Nanobamboos of {FexIn1−x}‐MIL‐88B: Induced Formation of a Virtual In‐MIL‐88B
Authors: Park Shin Ae , Lee Hee Jung , Cho Yea Jin , Choi Sora , Oh Moonhyun
Published: April 2014

A precise fabrication of nanobamboo structures made from hybrid coordination polymers of the type {FexIn1−x}‐MIL‐88B is demonstrated. The compositions of the hybrid coordination polymer nanobamboos of {FexIn1−x}‐MIL‐88B (x=0.06, 0.19, or 0.75) are regulated by altering the amount of metal ions used in the reactions. Interestingly, the formation of a virtual In‐MIL‐88B (precise structure, {Fe0.06In0.94}‐MIL‐88B), which cannot be created in a typical reaction, is induced by the assistance of a Fe‐MIL‐88B structure. The a and c cell parameters of {Fe0.06In0.94}‐MIL‐88B are calculated at 10.95 and 19.86 Å, respectively. These values of {Fe0.06In0.94}‐MIL‐88B are larger than those of pure Fe‐MIL‐88B owing to the large ionic size of In3+ within the framework.
Anionic Bipyridyl Ligands for Applications in Metallasupramolecular Chemistry
Authors: Pascu Mirela , Marmier Mathieu , Schouwey Clément , Scopelliti Rosario , Holstein Julian J. , Bricogne Gérard , Severin Kay
Published: April 2014

The facile synthesis of anionic bipyridyl ligands with dinuclear clathrochelate cores is described. These metalloligands can be obtained in high yields by the reactions of M(ClO4)2(H2O)6 (M: Zn, Mn, or Co) with 4‐pyridylboronic acid and 2,6‐diformyl‐4‐methylphenol oxime or 2,6‐diformyl‐4‐tert‐butylphenol oxime, followed by deprotonation. The ligands are interesting building blocks for metallasupramolecular chemistry, as evidenced by the formation of a Pt‐based molecular square and four coordination polymers with 2D or 3D network structures. Competition experiments reveal that the utilization of anionic bipyridyl ligands can result in significantly more stable assemblies.
The Borohydride Oxidation Reaction on La–Ni‐Based Hydrogen‐Storage Alloys
Authors: Paschoalino Waldemir J. , Thompson Stephen J. , Russell Andrea E. , Ticianelli Edson A.
Published: April 2014

This work provides insights into the processes involved in the borohydride oxidation reaction (BOR) in alkaline media on metal hydride alloys formed by LaNi4.7Sn0.2Cu0.1 and LaNi4.78Al0.22 with and without deposited Pt, Pd, and Au. The results confirm the occurrence of hydrolysis of the borohydride ions when the materials are exposed to BH4− and a continuous hydriding of the alloys during BH4− oxidation measurements at low current densities. The activity for the direct BOR is low in both bare metal hydride alloys, but the rate of the BH4− hydrolysis and the hydrogen‐storage capacity are higher, while the rate of H diffusion is slower for bare LaNi4.78Al0.22. The addition of Pt and Pd to both alloys results in an increase of the BH4− hydrolysis, but the H2 formed is rapidly oxidized at the Pt‐modified catalysts. In the case of Au modification, a small increase in the BH4− hydrolysis is observed as compared to the bare alloys. The presence of Au and Pd also leads to a reduction of the rates of alloy hydriding/de‐hydriding.
Diabetes mellitus is associated with early chronic venous disorder of the lower extremities in Chinese patients with cardiometabolic risk factors
Authors: Zhong Jian , Chen Jing , Zhao Zhi‐gang , He Hong‐bo , Yan Zhen‐cheng , Liu Dao‐yan , Zhu Zhi‐ming , Ni Yin‐xing
Published: April 2014

Background

Metabolic syndrome has received great attention because it poses a potential cardiovascular hazard, which increases the risk of lower extremity atherosclerosis. However, the relationship between the components of metabolic syndrome and the onset of chronic venous disorder of the lower extremities remains unexplained.

Methods

This study investigated the characteristics of cardiometabolic risk factors of early chronic venous disorder of the lower extremities in subjects with cardiometabolic risk. The characteristics of risk factors and diabetes‐related complications in diabetic patients with early chronic venous disorder of the lower extremities were also investigated. In addition, the association between early chronic venous disorder and atherosclerosis of the lower extremities was analysed. The study examined 782 subjects with cardiometabolic risk factors, including obesity, hypertension, diabetes mellitus and dyslipidaemia. Lower extremity venous function was measured by digital photoplethysmography.

Results

Women had a higher prevalence of early chronic venous disorder than did men (p < 0.01). Male subjects with early chronic venous disorder had a higher systolic blood pressure than those with normal venous function (p < 0.01), and female subjects with early chronic venous disorder had a higher fasting plasma glucose level than did controls (p < 0.05). The prevalence of diabetes mellitus is also significantly higher in female patients with early chronic venous disorder (p = 0.000). Diabetic patients with early chronic venous disorder not only had higher fasting plasma glucose and total cholesterol levels but also had more serious macrovascular complications than the control group. The independent risk factors of early chronic venous disorder in female subjects with cardiometabolic risks were age and fasting plasma glucose in men it was only age Women face a two times greater risk than men. The independent risk factors of early chronic venous disorder in diabetic patients were age, gender, HbA1c and triglyceride levels Women had an almost 12 times greater risk of early chronic venous disorder than men. Among the diabetic patients, the prevalence of early chronic venous disorder did not differ by ankle‐brachial index.

Conclusion

Female subjects with cardiometabolic risk factors or female diabetic patients face a greater risk of early chronic venous disorder than do male subjects. Diabetic patients with early chronic venous disorder had more serious macrovascular complications than did the controls, and the early venous function was found to be correlated with the blood glucose level and triglyceride status. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Hydrological feedbacks in northern peatlands
Authors: Waddington J. M. , Morris P. J. , Kettridge N. , Granath G. , Thompson D. K. , Moore P. A.
Published: April 2014

Northern peatlands provide important global and regional ecosystem services (carbon storage, water storage, and biodiversity). However, these ecosystems face increases in the severity, areal extent and frequency of climate‐mediated (e.g. wildfire and drought) and land‐use change (e.g. drainage, flooding and mining) disturbances that are placing the future security of these critical ecosystem services in doubt. Here, we provide the first detailed synthesis of autogenic hydrological feedbacks that operate within northern peatlands to regulate their response to changes in seasonal water deficit and varying disturbances. We review, synthesize and critique the current process‐based understanding and qualitatively assess the relative strengths of these feedbacks for different peatland types within different climate regions. We suggest that understanding the role of hydrological feedbacks in regulating changes in precipitation and temperature are essential for understanding the resistance, resilience and vulnerability of northern peatlands to a changing climate. Finally, we propose that these hydrological feedbacks also represent the foundation of developing an ecohydrological understanding of coupled hydrological, biogeochemical and ecological feedbacks. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Asymmetric Access to α‐Substituted Functional Aspartic Acid Derivatives by a [3+2] Strategy Employing a Chiral Dienophile
Authors: Ben Ayed Kawther , Beauchard Anne , Poisson Jean‐François , Py Sandrine , Laurent Mathieu Y. , Martel Arnaud , Ammar Houcine , Abid Souhir , Dujardin Gilles
Published: April 2014

Enantiopure vinyl ethers of Stericol® underwent diastereoselective thermal 1,3 dipolar cycloadditions with N‐benzyl, N‐benzhydryl, and N‐PMB aspartate ester nitrones. Chemoselective N‐debenzylation of the resulting cycloadducts afforded diastereomerically and enantiomerically pure crystalline NH‐isoxazolidine, the absolute configuration of which was established by X‐ray crystallography. N‐Protection and N–O cleavage of this isoxazolidine gave enantioenriched quaternary aspartate derivatives bearing functionalized side chains.
Analysis of High‐Field Energy Harvesting using Ferroelectric Materials
Authors: Patel Satyanarayan , Chauhan Aditya , Vaish Rahul
Published: April 2014

The ferroelectric family of materials is employed in a wide variety of applications, ranging from simple sensors, transducers, and actuators to micro‐electromechanical systems. The ability of these materials to combine electrical and mechanical responses has led to the establishment of many energy‐harvesting and conversion systems. However, the low energy density coupled with high frequency requirements has prevented the successful commercialization of this technology. In this regards, a new approach is presented that is capable of enhanced electro‐mechanical energy conversion by utilizing the high‐field behavior of ferroelectric materials. A novel cycle has been recommended for continuous energy generation by using the proposed method. The cycle was simulated for the commercially available lead zirconate titanate (PZT) bulk ceramic and a maximum energy density of 526 kJ m−3 per cycle was obtained for a compressive stress of 0–400 MPa and an electric field of 0.2–2.0 kV mm−1. The energy density obtained by using the presented technique is several hundred times higher than the highest energy density previously reported.
Online clean‐up of volatile compounds in complex matrices for GC‐MS quantification: testing with fragranced consumer products
Authors: Debonneville Christian , Chaintreau Alain
Published: April 2014

The quantification of volatile compounds in cosmetic products or raw materials remains problematic because of the complexity of the matrices. Two approaches were investigated on the basis of a full vaporization of analytes from a sample deposited on a cylinder of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) foam: (1) an internal standardization using the same calibration curve for all samples, which gives rise to unexplained peak magnifications that biases the determinations, and (2) a standard addition protocol. The latter was tested for the analysis of suspected allergens and allowed the quantification of all compounds except farnesol and Lyral®. A decision tree was proposed to ascertain peak identity and the validity of the regression curve. Using this strategy in the range of 50–100 mg/l, 91% of all individual results (except farnesol and Lyral®) in all matrices fell within a tolerance interval of ±25%. In addition, the use of disposable PDMS cylinders allowed 400 injections without polluting the injector or the column. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Roe‐type Riemann solvers for general hyperbolic systems
Authors: Castro Cristóbal E. , Toro Eleuterio F.
Published: April 2014

We present a Roe‐type weak formulation Riemann solver where the average coefficient matrix is computed numerically. The novelty of this approach is that it is general enough that can be applied to any hyperbolic system while retaining the accuracy of the original Roe solver. We show applications to the compressible Euler equations with general equation of state. An alternative version of the method uses directly the eigenvectors in the averaging process, simplifying the algorithm. These new solvers are applied in conservative and path‐conservative schemes with high‐order accuracy and on unstructured meshes. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
MicroRNA‐155 in oral squamous cell carcinoma: Overexpression, localization, and prognostic potential
Authors: Shi Lin‐Jun , Zhang Chen‐Yang , Zhou Zeng‐Tong , Ma Jing‐Yuan , Liu Yang , Bao Zhe‐Xuan , Jiang Wei‐Wen
Published: April 2014

Background

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is a common malignancy with poor prognosis. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play an important role in cancer, but their role in OSCC is not clarified.

Methods

We performed miRNA microarray, quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR), and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) to examine miRNA expression in OSCC and paired adjacent cancer‐free mucosal (ACF) tissues.

Results

Thirteen miRNAs, including miRNA‐155, were upregulated (>2‐fold) in OSCC against ACF. MiRNA‐155 was confirmed to have significantly higher expression in OSCC against ACF (paired‐samples t test; p = .041) and it was localized in the cancer nest, inflammatory area, and vascular endothelium of OSCC. High expression of miRNA‐155 in ACF tissue was an independent prognostic indicator for OSCC survival.

Conclusion

MiRNA‐155 was overexpressed in OSCC and it was located in the cancer nest, inflammatory area, and vascular endothelium of OSCC. High miRNA‐155 expression level in ACF may predict poor prognosis in patients with OSCC. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 37: 970–976, 2015
Visceral abdominal fat measured by computed tomography is associated with an increased risk of colorectal adenoma
Authors: Nagata Naoyoshi , Sakamoto Kayo , Arai Tomohiro , Niikura Ryota , Shimbo Takuro , Shinozaki Masafumi , Aoki Tomonori , Kishida Yoshihiro , Sekine Katsunori , Tanaka Shohei , Okubo Hidetaka , Watanabe Kazuhiro , Sakurai Toshiyuki , Yokoi Chizu , Akiyama Junichi , Yanase Mikio , Noda Mitsuhiko , Itoh Toshiyuki , Mizokami Masashi , Uemura Naomi
Published: April 2014

We investigated whether visceral adipose tissue (VAT) measured by computed tomography (CT) is a risk factor for colorectal adenoma. For a total of 1,328 patients (857 without adenoma, 471 with colorectal adenoma) undergoing colonoscopy and CT, associations between colorectal adenoma and body mass index (BMI), VAT area and subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) were assessed using odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) adjusted for age, sex, family history, smoking, alcohol intake, diabetes mellitus, aspirin use and nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drug use. Multivariate analysis showed that colorectal adenoma was marginally associated (p = 0.06) with BMI, but not with SAT, while it was significantly associated with VAT and the VAT to SAT ratio (VAT/SAT) for both categorical data and trend (p < 0.05). When the obesity indices were considered simultaneously, colorectal adenoma remained significantly associated with VAT and VAT/SAT (p < 0.05), but not BMI and SAT. In patients with colorectal adenoma, the adjusted OR for the highest quartiles of VAT and VAT/SAT was 1.90 (95% CI 1.16–3.13) and 2.25 (95% CI 1.49–3.41), respectively, compared to the lowest quartiles. Only VAT area was significantly associated with colorectal adenoma in both men and women (p < 0.05). Proximal, multiple and advanced adenomas had significantly higher VAT areas (p < 0.05) than distal, solitary and nonadvanced adenomas. Our findings implicate abdominal VAT in the development and progression of colorectal adenoma, and it was better obesity index for colorectal adenoma than BMI in both sexes.
Validation of the Manchester scoring system for predicting BRCA1/2 mutations in 9,390 families suspected of having hereditary breast and ovarian cancer
Authors: Kast Karin , Schmutzler Rita K. , Rhiem Kerstin , Kiechle Marion , Fischer Christine , Niederacher Dieter , Arnold Norbert , Grimm Tiemo , Speiser Dorothee , Schlegelberger Brigitte , Varga Dominic , Horvath Judit , Beer Marit , Briest Susanne , Meindl Alfons , Engel Christoph
Published: April 2014

The Manchester scoring system (MSS) allows the calculation of the probability for the presence of mutations in BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes in families suspected of having hereditary breast and ovarian cancer. In 9,390 families, we determined the predictive performance of the MSS without (MSS‐2004) and with (MSS‐2009) consideration of pathology parameters. Moreover, we validated a recalibrated version of the MSS‐2009 (MSS‐recal). Families were included in the registry of the German Consortium for Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer, using defined clinical criteria. Receiver operating characteristics (ROC) analysis was used to determine the predictive performance. The recalibrated model was developed using logistic regression analysis and tested using an independent random validation sample. The area under the ROC curves regarding a mutation in any of the two BRCA genes was 0.77 (95%CI 0.75–0.79) for MSS‐2004, 0.80 (95%CI 0.78–0.82) for MSS‐2009, and 0.82 (95%CI 0.80–0.83) for MSS‐recal. Sensitivity at the 10% mutation probability cutoff was similar for all three models (MSS‐2004 92.2%, MSS‐2009 92.2%, and MSS‐recal 90.3%), but specificity of MSS‐recal (46.0%) was considerably higher than that of MSS‐2004 (25.4%) and MSS‐2009 (32.3%). In the MSS‐recal model, almost all predictors of the original MSS were significantly predictive. However, the score values of some predictors, for example, high grade triple negative breast cancers, differed considerably from the originally proposed score values. The original MSS performed well in our sample of high risk families. The use of pathological parameters increased the predictive performance significantly. Recalibration improved the specificity considerably without losing much sensitivity.
Raman Spectroscopic Characterization of Polyselenophenes and Poly(3,4‐ethylenenedioxyselenophene)s
Authors: Ferrón Cristina Capel , Sheynin Yana , Li Mao , Patra Asit , Bendikov Michael , López Navarrete Juan T. , Hernández Victor , Ruiz Delgado M. Carmen
Published: April 2014

Herein we present novel Raman spectroscopic studies carried out for polyselenophene (PSe), poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxyselenophene) (PEDOS), and alkyl‐substituted poly(alkyl‐3,4‐ethylenedioxyselenophene) (PEDOS‐Cn: n=2, 8, and 12) homologues. These spectroscopic data are combined with morphological and structural analysis techniques, such as AFM, and DFT simulations. An investigation into the extent of π‐conjugation in PSe is presented by comparing its spectral signatures with those of a homologous series of oligoselenophenes. Our experimental data suggest that π‐conjugation in the PSe backbone extends to more than six selenophene units. The incorporation of ethylenedioxy (EDO) groups in PEDOS results in a more complex spectrum and a downshift of the CC/CC stretching vibration (or effective conjugation coordinate (ECC) mode); this provides evidence for an improvement in the π‐conjugational properties along the PSe backbone upon EDO substitution. The dispersity of π‐conjugation lengths in different PEDOS samples obtained through different synthetic routes is evaluated as a function of different structural factors. Finally, we present experimental evidence that the insertion of alkyl chains into the EDO units slightly impacts on the π‐conjugational properties of the PEDOS backbone in the non‐annealed samples (with an improved π‐electron delocalization found in PEDOS‐C8), but moderately affects the degree of molecular order of polymer films upon thermal annealing.
Examining Spirituality and Sense of Calling in Counseling Students
Authors: Hall Stephanie F. , Burkholder David , Sterner William R.
Published: April 2014

This study explored the link between counseling students’ spiritual well‐being and sense of calling to the profession. A final sample of 415 counseling students demonstrated significant spiritual well‐being (religious and existential) and a strong sense of calling to the counseling profession. Results also indicated that spiritual well‐being was predictive of students’ sense of calling to the profession. Implications for counselor training are discussed.
Client as Expert: Incorporating Spirituality Using the Tree Ring Technique
Authors: Ybañez‐Llorente Kathy , Smelser Quinn K.
Published: April 2014

Addressing spirituality with clients from diverse spiritual backgrounds is a facet of culturally competent and ethical practice, yet various obstacles contribute to spirituality being overlooked. This article features a counseling technique used with clients who are experiencing difficulty with issues of a spiritual nature. Based on constructivist principles, the tree ring technique provides a context and process for examining clients’ spiritual conflicts, whereby the client is the expert and the counselor adopts a not‐knowing stance.
Existential Counseling as a Vehicle to Support Latina Breast Cancer Survivors
Authors: Gonzalez Jessica , Barden Sejal M.
Published: April 2014

Latinas in the United States experience high incidences of breast cancer diagnosis (American Cancer Society, ). Researchers (e.g., Abraído‐Lanza, Chao, & Gammon, ; Ashing‐Giwa, Padilla, Bohorquez, Tejero, & Garcia, ) indicated that Latinas report heightened levels of psychological distress (i.e., depression, anxiety, existential concerns) when compared with other cancer survivors. The purpose of this article is to (a) provide an overview of the mental health concerns of Latina breast cancer survivors and their families, (b) discuss the use of existential counseling to decrease psychological distress, and (c) integrate cultural variables to support cancer recovery from a culturally sensitive perspective.
Loss of Religious or Spiritual Identities Among the LGBT Population
Authors: Wood Andrew William , Conley Abigail Holland
Published: April 2014

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) individuals are at risk of having negative experiences with religion because of mainstream religions’ non‐LGBT‐affirming stance. Negative religious experiences can lead to religious or spiritual (R/S) struggles and loss of R/S identity to maintain sexual identity. The authors describe R/S abuse, R/S struggle, and how these can result in loss of R/S identity in LGBT individuals. They provide a case study and discuss counseling implications and areas for future research.
Examining the Use of Sex to Cope in a Forensic Sample
Authors: Jung Sandy , Jamieson Lisa
Published: April 2014

The authors examined differences between sexual and mentally disordered offenders on the Coping Using Sex Inventory. Sexual offenders were more likely to use sex to cope with negative life events but did not use all forms of deviant sexual activity.
First‐Generation Students' Sense of Belonging, Mental Health, and Use of Counseling Services at Public Research Universities
Authors: Stebleton Michael J. , Soria Krista M. , Huesman Ronald L.
Published: April 2014

This study explored 1st‐generation students' sense of belonging, mental health status, and use of mental health services in comparison to non‐1st‐generation students. Using the Student Experience in the Research University multi‐institutional survey, the authors found that 1st‐generation students tended to report lower ratings of belonging, greater levels of depression/stress, and lower use of services compared to non‐1st‐generation students. Implications for college counselors and suggestions for future inquiry are provided.
Addressing the Needs of First‐Generation College Students: Lessons Learned From Adults From Low‐Education Families
Authors: Gibbons Melinda M. , Woodside Marianne
Published: April 2014

The fact that 1st‐generation college students have lower retention rates than their peers and confront barriers hindering college success is well known. However, less information exists about the effect that 1st‐generation college status has after college completion. In this qualitative study, the career development experiences of adults from families without college education were examined. Three themes were identified: the role of the father, expectations about career, and expectations about college. Implications for college counselors are provided.
Talking About Counseling: A Plea to Return to Humanistic Language
Authors: HANSEN JAMES T.
Published: April 2014

Multiple linguistic systems have emerged to describe the counseling process. In contemporary mental health culture, humanistic lexicons have generally been displaced by technical, experience‐removed descriptors. The author argues that humanistic language should be adopted by counselors because it has far greater utility than technical linguistic systems for describing counseling processes.
High‐risk human papillomavirus infection in different histological subtypes of renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Farhadi Ali , Behzad‐Behbahani Abbas , Geramizadeh Bita , Sekawi Zamberi , Rahsaz Marjan , Sharifzadeh Sedigheh
Published: April 2014

Limited data exist regarding whether a high‐risk human papillomavirus (HR‐HPV) infection increases the risk of developing renal cell carcinoma. The aim of this study was to investigate whether HPV infection has a role in the pathogenesis or development of a certain histological subtype of renal cell carcinoma. Formalin‐fixed paraffin‐embedded (FFPE) specimens of 122 patients with histopathologically proven renal cell carcinoma and their respective peritumoral tissues were examined. The presence of HPV‐DNA was determined by a combination of MY/GP+ consensus primers and HPV‐16/18 type specific nested PCRs followed by direct sequencing. Catalyzed signal‐amplified colorimetric in situ hybridization (CSAC‐ISH) technique was applied to determine the physical status of viral genome. The expression of p16INK4a and HPV L1 capsid proteins was evaluated using immunohistochemistry. HPV genome was detected in 37 (30.3%) tumor specimens and their four (4.1%) corresponding peritumoral tissues. HPV‐18 was the most common viral type identified followed by HPV‐16 and 58. Immunoexpression of p16INK4a was detected in 24 (20.3%) cases. Data analysis showed a significant correlation between p16INK4a expression and the presence of HR‐HPV DNA (P < 0.001). CSAC‐ISH analysis confirmed HR‐HPV infection in 45% of tumors, which were previously tested positive for HPV‐DNA. Diffuse signal pattern was identified in 15 (83.3%) samples whereas a mixed pattern of diffuse and punctate signals was only detectable in three cases. The results indicate an association of HR‐HPV types with renal cell carcinoma. It is proposed that HPV infection in high‐grade tumors might precede disease progression in a number of tumors, particularly of the papillary subtype. J. Med. Virol. 86:1134–1144, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Atmospheric background associated with severe lightning thunderstorms in Central Spain
Authors: Mora Manuel , Riesco Jesús , de Pablo Dávila F. , Rivas Soriano Luis
Published: April 2014

A study of electrically severe thunderstorms (>2000 cloud‐to‐ground flashes per day) in the Spanish territory of Castilla‐Leon (northern plateau of the Iberian Peninsula) has been performed using 11 years (2000–2010) of data. These episodes were classified according to average upper‐level synoptic patterns. Seven synoptic patterns emerged: shortwave and very shortwave troughs, three types of lows, cyclonic vortex and ridge. The moisture content at low levels and static instability were also considered. In general, all the episodes were associated with instability and moderate moisture (11 g kg−1 for the average mixing ratio at 925 hPa). The electrically severe thunderstorms associated with five synoptic patterns (shortwave and very shortwave troughs, and three types of lows) generated hail, strong winds, and intense precipitation. By contrast, the cyclonic vortex and ridge synoptic types were not associated with severe weather.
Serum adipokine and inflammatory markers before and after liver transplantation in recipients with major cardiovascular events
Authors: Watt Kymberly D. , Fan Chun , Therneau Terry , Heimbach Julie K. , Seaberg Eric C. , Charlton Michael R.
Published: April 2014

In the nontransplant setting, aberrant serum adipokine levels are associated with cardiovascular (CV) disease. The effects of liver transplantation (LT) on serum adipokine levels and their association with post-LT CV disease have not been studied. A nested case-control study of 77 patients with major CV events more than 4 months after LT analyzed serum adiponectin, resistin, leptin, C-reactive protein, and apolipoprotein levels measured before transplantation and 4, 12, and 24 months after LT. Adiponectin and resistin levels decreased dramatically after LT in all patients. Recipients with CV disease had lower levels of adiponectin and higher levels of resistin, leptin, C-reactive protein, and apolipoprotein B100 than controls. The pre-LT adiponectin level was associated with a 16% increased risk for CV events for every 1 μg/mL decrease in adiponectin [hazard ratio (HR) = 0.84, P = 0.046]. Pre-LT C-reactive protein levels (HR = 1.03, P = 0.047) and 12-month C-reactive protein levels (HR = 1.03, P = 0.03) were associated with CV events after LT. Pre-LT Diabetes (HR = 2.14, P = 0.09), and post-LT resistin (HR = 1.07, P = 0.07), and apolipoprotein B (HR = 1.08, P = 0.08) were associated with a nonsignificantly increased risk of CV events in this small sample size. In conclusion, pre- and post-LT changes in serum adipokine and inflammatory markers may be signals of an increased risk of CV events after LT, but further study is needed. Liver Transpl 20:791–797, 2014. © 2014 AASLD.