bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Highly Conductive Anion‐Exchange Membranes from Microporous Tröger's Base Polymers
Authors: Yang Zhengjin , Guo Rui , Malpass‐Evans Richard , Carta Mariolino , McKeown Neil B. , Guiver Michael D. , Wu Liang , Xu Tongwen
Published: August 2016

The development of polymeric anion‐exchange membranes (AEMs) combining high ion conductivity and long‐term stability is a major challenge for materials chemistry. AEMs with regularly distributed fixed cationic groups, based on the formation of microporous polymers containing the V‐shape rigid Tröger's base units, are reported for the first time. Despite their simple preparation, which involves only two synthetic steps using commercially available precursors, the polymers provide AEMs with exceptional hydroxide conductivity at relatively low ion‐exchange capacity, as well as a high swelling resistance and chemical stability. An unprecedented hydroxide conductivity of 164.4 mS cm−1 is obtained at a relatively a low ion‐exchange capacity of 0.82 mmol g−1 under optimal operating conditions. The exceptional anion conductivity appears related to the intrinsic microporosity of the charged polymer matrix, which facilitates rapid anion transport.
Dispersion and Hydrogen Bonding Rule: Why the Vaporization Enthalpies of Aprotic Ionic Liquids Are Significantly Larger than those of Protic Ionic liquids
Authors: Zaitsau Dzmitry H. , Emel'yanenko Vladimir N. , Stange Peter , Schick Christoph , Verevkin Sergey P. , Ludwig Ralf
Published: August 2016

It is well known that gas‐phase experiments and computational methods point to the dominance of dispersion forces in the molecular association of hydrocarbons. Estimates or even quantification of these weak forces are complicated due to solvent effects in solution. The dissection of interaction energies and quantification of dispersion interactions is particularly challenging for polar systems such as ionic liquids (ILs) which are characterized by a subtle balance between Coulomb interactions, hydrogen bonding, and dispersion forces. Here, we have used vaporization enthalpies, far‐infrared spectroscopy, and dispersion‐corrected calculations to dissect the interaction energies between cations and anions in aprotic (AILs), and protic (PILs) ionic liquids. It was found that the higher total interaction energy in PILs results from the strong and directional hydrogen bonds between cation and anion, whereas the larger vaporization enthalpies of AILs clearly arise from increasing dispersion forces between ion pairs.
Synthesis of polyamide 6/11 copolymers and their use as matrix polymer in wood‐plastic composites
Authors: Zierdt Patrick , Mitzner Elke , Gomoll André , Theumer Torsten , Lieske Antje
Published: August 2016

The goal of this study was to investigate the synthesis and the resulting thermal, rheological, and mechanical properties of polyamide 6/11 copolymers (PA 6/11) as a function of their composition and to further investigate their usability as matrix polymers for wood‐plastic composites (WPC). A significant composition dependency of the melting temperature was found due to the hindered crystallization of the PA 6/11 copolymers with increasing content of the minor component. In result, the lowest melting temperature of the copolymers was measured at 120 °C for 40 wt % of ɛ‐caprolactam (PA 6/11‐40/60) by DSC analysis. Due to its low melting point and feasible mechanical properties, a copolyamide with 70 wt % of ɛ‐caprolactam (PA 6/11‐70/30) was chosen as matrix material for the processing of WPC. Incorporation of 30 wt % of wood fibers into PA 6/11‐70/30 caused a significant increase in tensile modulus and a decrease in tensile strength and strain at break. However, the processed WPC still showed an exceptional ductility with a strain at break of 15 to 20%. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016, 133, 44155.
Effect of grafting yield and molecular weight of m‐TMI‐grafted‐PP on the mechanical properties of wood fiber filled polypropylene composites
Authors: Kale Amey , Raghu N. , Natu H.P. , Aggarwal Pankaj , Chauhan Shakti
Published: August 2016

m‐Isopropenyl‐α, α‐dimethylbenzyl isocyanate (m‐TMI) was grafted on isotactic polypropylene (PP) using di‐cumyl peroxide as a reaction initiator under varying reaction conditions to yield m‐TMI‐g‐PP coupling agent with four sets of grafting yield and molecular weight. Grafting yield of the synthesized m‐TMI‐g‐PP were 1.80%, 2.01%, 9.05%, and 8.86% and molecular weight of the corresponding grafted polymer were 129,225; [Correction made here after initial online publication.] 187,240; 124,130; and 180,838, respectively. Rubberwood flour reinforced polypropylene composites were prepared using these coupling agents and tested for mechanical properties. m‐TMI‐g‐PP coupling agent with 9.09% grafting and 124230 Mw was found to give the highest tensile and flexural strengths. Flexural modulus of the coupled composites was higher than uncoupled composites. Interfacial region of the composites characterized by scanning electron microscope (SEM) suggest effective wetting of fiber by PP in the case of coupled composites. The effect of fiber loading on composites indicates continuous increment in tensile and flexural strengths in coupled composites. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016, 133, 44196.
Canthin‐4‐ones as Novel Antibacterial Agents
Authors: Tremmel Tim , Puzik Andreas , Gehring André P. , Bracher Franz
Published: August 2016

Based on the chemotype of canthin‐4‐one alkaloids with moderate antimicrobial activity, a collection of variously substituted canthin‐4‐ones and desaza analogs were synthesized. Key steps in the syntheses were regioselective halogenations of (desaza) canthin‐4‐one, followed by Pd‐catalyzed cross‐coupling reactions. The in vitro screening for antimicrobial activity revealed that two 5‐substituted canthin‐4‐ones (3‐pyridyl, 2‐bromophenyl) exhibit significant activity against Streptococcus entericus, coupled with high selectivity and the lack of cytotoxicity against mammalian cells. The intact canthin‐4‐one ring system was demonstrated to be essential for antibacterial activity.
Screening anti‐allergic components of Astragali Radix using LAD2 cell membrane chromatography coupled online with UHPLC‐ESI‐MS/MS method
Authors: Lv Yanni , Sun Yueming , Fu Jia , Kong Liyun , Han Shengli
Published: August 2016

Huangqi (Astragali Radix), a traditional Chinese herb, is widely used in clinical therapy in China. In addition, an anti‐allergic effect of constituents in Huangqi has been reported in the scientific literature. In the present study, cell membrane chromatography coupled online with UHPLC‐ESI‐MS/MS method was developed to screen, analyze and identify the anti‐allergic components of Huangqi. The Laboratory of Allergic Disease 2 (LAD2) cell was used to establish cell membrane chromatography, which was combined with UHPLC‐ESI‐MS/MS. The coupled system was then used to screen anti‐allergic components from Huangqi. Effects of active components were verified by histamine release assay. A component retained on the LAD2 cell membrane chromatography was identified as formononetin. Bioactivity of formononetin was investigated by histamine release assay in LAD2 cells, and it was found that formononetin could inhibit histamine release in a dose‐dependent manner from 1 to 100 μm. The LAD2 cell membrane chromatography online with UHPLC‐ESI‐MS/MS method is an effective technique for screening the anti‐allergic components of Huangqi.
Structural Impact of Single Ribonucleotide Residues in DNA
Authors: Evich Marina , Spring‐Connell Alexander M. , Storici Francesca , Germann Markus W.
Published: August 2016

Single ribonucleotide intrusions represent the most common nonstandard nucleotide type found incorporated in genomic DNA, yet little is known of their structural impact. This lesion incurs genomic instability in addition to affecting the physical properties of the DNA. To probe for structural and dynamic effects of single ribonucleotides in various sequence contexts—AxC, CxG, and GxC, where x=rG or dG—we report the structures of three single‐ribonucleotide‐containing DNA duplexes and the corresponding DNA controls. The lesion subtly and locally perturbs the structure asymmetrically on the 3′ side of the lesion in both the riboguanosine‐containing and the complementary strand of the duplex. The perturbations are mainly restricted to the sugar and phosphodiester backbone. The ribose and 3′‐downstream deoxyribose units are predominately in N‐type conformation; backbone torsion angles ϵ and/or ζ of the ribonucleotide or upstream deoxyribonucleotide are affected. Depending on the flanking sequences, the C2′−OH group forms hydrogen bonds with the backbone, 3′‐neighboring base, and/or sugar. Interestingly, even in similar purine‐rG‐pyrimidine environments (A‐rG‐C and G‐rG‐C), a riboguanosine unit affects DNA in a distinct manner and manifests different hydrogen bonds, which makes generalizations difficult.
Importance of the Anchor Group Position (Para versus Meta) in Tetraphenylmethane Tripods: Synthesis and Self‐Assembly Features
Authors: Lindner Marcin , Valášek Michal , Homberg Jan , Edelmann Kevin , Gerhard Lukas , Wulfhekel Wulf , Fuhr Olaf , Wächter Tobias , Zharnikov Michael , Kolivoška Viliam , Pospíšil Lubomír , Mészáros Gábor , Hromadová Magdaléna , Mayor Marcel
Published: August 2016

The efficient synthesis of tripodal platforms based on tetraphenylmethane with three acetyl‐protected thiol groups in either meta or para positions relative to the central sp3 carbon for deposition on Au (111) surfaces is reported. These platforms are intended to provide a vertical arrangement of the substituent in position 4 of the perpendicular phenyl ring and an electronic coupling to the gold substrate. The self‐assembly features of both derivatives are analyzed on Au (111) surfaces by low‐temperature ultra‐high‐vacuum STM, high‐resolution X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, near‐edge X‐ray absorption fine structure spectroscopy, and reductive voltammetric desorption studies. These experiments indicated that the meta derivative forms a well‐ordered monolayer, with most of the anchoring groups bound to the surface, whereas the para derivative forms a multilayer film with physically adsorbed adlayers on the chemisorbed para monolayer. Single‐molecule conductance values for both tripodal platforms are obtained through an STM break junction experiment.
Aromatic Cluster Sensor of Protein Folding: Near‐UV Electronic Circular Dichroism Bands Assigned to Fold Compactness
Authors: Farkas Viktor , Jákli Imre , Tóth Gábor K. , Perczel András
Published: August 2016

Both far‐ and near‐UV electronic circular dichroism (ECD) spectra have bands sensitive to thermal unfolding of Trp and Tyr residues containing proteins. Beside spectral changes at 222 nm reporting secondary structural variations (far‐UV range), Lbbands (near‐UV range) are applicable as 3D‐fold sensors of protein's core structure. In this study we show that both Lb(Tyr) and Lb(Trp) ECD bands could be used as sensors of fold compactness. ECD is a relative method and thus requires NMR referencing and cross‐validation, also provided here. The ensemble of 204 ECD spectra of Trp‐cage miniproteins is analysed as a training set for “calibrating” Trp↔Tyr folded systems of known NMR structure. While in the far‐UV ECD spectra changes are linear as a function of the temperature, near‐UV ECD data indicate a non‐linear and thus, cooperative unfolding mechanism of these proteins. Ensemble of ECD spectra deconvoluted gives both conformational weights and insight to a protein folding↔unfolding mechanism. We found that the Lb293band is reporting on the 3D‐structure compactness. In addition, the pure near‐UV ECD spectrum of the unfolded state is described here for the first time. Thus, ECD folding information now validated can be applied with confidence in a large thermal window (5≤T≤85 °C) compared to NMR for studying the unfolding of Trp↔Tyr residue pairs. In conclusion, folding propensities of important proteins (RNA polymerase II, ubiquitin protein ligase, tryptase‐inhibitor etc.) can now be analysed with higher confidence.
Surface Enhanced Raman Scattering and Gated Materials for Sensing Applications: The Ultrasensitive Detection of Mycoplasma and Cocaine
Authors: Oroval Mar , Coronado‐Puchau Marc , Langer Judith , Sanz‐Ortiz Marta Norah , Ribes Ángela , Aznar Elena , Coll Carmen , Marcos María Dolores , Sancenón Félix , Liz‐Marzán Luis M. , Martínez‐Máñez Ramón
Published: August 2016

We present herein a novel combination of gated mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) and surface‐enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) for sensing applications. As a proof‐of‐concept, we show the design of a system comprising MSNs loaded with crystal violet (CV), a molecule with high Raman cross section acting as SERS reporter, and capped with either a suitable DNA sequence for the detection of Mycoplasma genomic DNA or with an aptamer that selectively coordinates cocaine. In both cases the presence of the corresponding target analyte in solution (i.e., genomic DNA or cocaine) resulted in the release of CV. CV delivery was detected by SERS upon adsorption on gold nanotriangles (AuNTs), which display an efficient electromagnetic field enhancement and a high colloidal stability. By using this novel procedure a limit of detection of at least 30 copies DNA per μL was determined for the detection of Mycoplasma genomic DNA, whereas cocaine was detected at concentrations as low as 10 nm.
Absolute Configuration from Different Multifragmentation Pathways in Light‐Induced Coulomb Explosion Imaging
Authors: Pitzer Martin , Kastirke Gregor , Kunitski Maksim , Jahnke Till , Bauer Tobias , Goihl Christoph , Trinter Florian , Schober Carl , Henrichs Kevin , Becht Jasper , Zeller Stefan , Gassert Helena , Waitz Markus , Kuhlins Andreas , Sann Hendrik , Sturm Felix , Wiegandt Florian , Wallauer Robert , Schmidt Lothar Ph. H. , Johnson Allan S. , Mazenauer Manuel , Spenger Benjamin , Marquardt Sabrina , Marquardt Sebastian , Schmidt‐Böcking Horst , Stohner Jürgen , Dörner Reinhard , Schöffler Markus , Berger Robert
Published: August 2016

The front cover artwork is provided by the groups of Reinhard Dörner (University of Frankfurt), Robert Berger (University of Marburg) and Jürgen Stohner (Zurich University for Applied Sciences, Wädenswil). The image shows how a single X‐ray photon from a synchrotron source induces the Coulomb Explosion of a prototypical chiral molecule (CHBrClF), allowing to distinguish the enantiomers and determine the absolute configuration. Read the full text of the article at 10.1002/cphc.201501118.
Microchemical Pen: An Open Microreactor for Region‐Selective Surface Modification
Authors: Mao Sifeng , Sato Chiho , Suzuki Yuma , Yang Jianmin , Zeng Hulie , Nakajima Hizuru , Yang Ming , Lin Jin‐Ming , Uchiyama Katsumi
Published: August 2016

Various micro surface‐modification approaches including photolithography, dip‐pen lithography and ink‐jet systems have been developed and used to extend the functionalities of solid surfaces. While those approaches work in the “open space”, push–pull systems which work in solutions have recently drawn considerable attention. However, the confining flows performed by push–pull systems have realized only the dispense process, while microscale, region‐selective chemical reactions have remained unattainable. This study reports a microchemical pen that enables region‐selective chemical reactions for the micro surface modification/patterning. The chemical pen is based on the principle of microfluidic laminar flows and the resulting mixing of reagents by the mutual diffusion. The tiny diffusion layer performs as the working region. This report represents the first demonstration of an open microreactor in which two different reagents react on a real solid sample. The multifunctional characteristics of the microchemical pen are confirmed by different types of reactions in many research areas, including inorganic chemistry, polymer science, electrochemistry and biological sample treatment.
Evaluation of Life Events in Major Depression: Assessing Negative Emotional Bias
Authors: Girz Laura , Driver‐Linn Erin , Miller Gregory A. , Deldin Patricia J.
Published: August 2016

Background

Overly negative appraisals of negative life events characterize depression but patterns of emotion bias associated with life events in depression are not well understood. The goal of this paper is to determine under which situations emotional responses are stronger than expected given life events and which emotions are biased.

Methods

Depressed (n = 16) and non‐depressed (n = 14) participants (mean age = 41.4 years) wrote about negative life events involving their own actions and inactions, and rated the current emotion elicited by those events. They also rated emotions elicited by someone else's actions and inactions. These ratings were compared with evaluations provided by a second, ‘benchmark’ group of non‐depressed individuals (n = 20) in order to assess the magnitude and direction of possible biased emotional reactions in the two groups.

Results

Participants with depression reported greater anger and disgust than expected in response to both actions and inactions, whereas they reported greater guilt, shame, sadness, responsibility and fear than expected in response to inactions. Relative to non‐depressed and benchmark participants, depressed participants were overly negative in the evaluation of their own life events, but not the life events of others.

Conclusion

A standardized method for establishing emotional bias reveals a pattern of overly negative emotion only in depressed individuals' self‐evaluations, and in particular with respect to anger and disgust, lending support to claims that major depressives' evaluations represent negative emotional bias and to clinical interventions that address this bias. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Enzymatic assays for detecting lactose and sucrose in urine to reveal intravenous drug abuse with emphasis on buprenorphine
Authors: Keltanen T. , Mariottini C. , Walta A. M. , Rahikainen A. L. , Ojanperä I.
Published: August 2016

Buprenorphine and methadone are commonly used medications for opioid maintenance treatment (OMT), using sublingual and oral administration, respectively. Although beneficial for OMT, these drugs can also be abused by intravenous administration. In intravenous abuse cases, the adjuvants lactose and sucrose are excreted in urine without hydrolysis to monosaccharides, since there are no disaccharidases in the blood.

We validated enzymatic methods for the analysis of lactose and sucrose in urine. The analytical performance of both assays was considered appropriate for detecting intravenous drug abuse. The principle was proven by analyzing 93 postmortem (PM) urine samples for lactose, following comprehensive toxicological drug screening. In addition, 32 clinical urine samples from potential drug abusers were analyzed to assess the effect of PM changes on the assay. The mean level of lactose was low in clinical samples and relatively low in PM samples in which no drugs were found. Markedly elevated levels were seen in many of the buprenorphine positive samples, suggesting intravenous administration.

Enzymatic methods could provide a simple and cost effective way to assess the intravenous administration of OMT drugs or drugs of abuse. Very high levels of glucose in urine may interfere with the assays. Furthermore, other causes for elevated urine disaccharides, such as hypolactasia and increased intestinal permeability, need to be considered in the interpretation of the results. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Improving the Timeliness of Turning Signals for Business Cycles with Monthly Data
Authors: Chou Ta‐Sheng , Chou Ping‐Hung , Lin Eric S.
Published: August 2016

The conventional growth rate measures (such as month‐on‐month, year‐on‐year growth rates and 6‐month smoothed annualized rate adopted by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics and Economic Cycle Research Institute) are popular and can be easily obtained by computing the growth rate for monthly data based on a fixed comparison benchmark, although they do not make good use of the information underlying the economic series. By focusing on the monthly data, this paper proposes the k‐month kernel‐weighted annualized rate (k‐MKAR), which includes most existing growth rate measures as special cases. The proposed k‐MKAR measure involves the selection of smoothing parameters that are associated with the accuracy and timeliness for detecting the change in business turning points. That is, the comparison base is flexible and is likely to vary for different series under consideration. A data‐driven procedure depending upon the stepwise multiple reality check test for choosing the smoothing parameters is also suggested in this paper. The simple numerical evaluation and Monte Carlo experiment are conducted to confirm that our measures (in particular the two‐parameter k‐MKAR) improve the timeliness subject to a certain degree of accuracy. The business cycle signals issued by the Council for Economic Planning and Development over the period from 1998 to 2009 in Taiwan are taken as an example to illustrate the empirical application of our method. The empirical results show that the k‐MKAR‐based score lights are more capable of reflecting turning points earlier than the conventional year‐on‐year measure without sacrificing accuracy. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A Review on Metal‐Free Doped Carbon Materials Used as Oxygen Reduction Catalysts in Solid Electrolyte Proton Exchange Fuel Cells
Authors: Klingele M. , Van Pham C. , Fischer A. , Thiele S.
Published: August 2016

Within the last decade, metal‐free heteroatom doped carbon nanomaterials have gained attention as effective electrocatalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) in many electrochemical systems. Since then, reports have stated that the ORR catalytic activity, onset potential, and H2O production selectivity of these materials is similar to that of platinum‐based catalysts. These statements rely on cyclic voltammetry (CV) and rotating disc electrode (RDE) measurements in liquid alkaline electrolyte. However, fuel cell researchers aim to replace the costly platinum catalysts in the more prominent acidic solid electrolyte proton exchange fuel cell (PEFC). In this respect, there are only a few reports of unpromising activity, stability, and H2O production selectivity. In addition, only few reports have been presented on the implementation of such materials in cathode catalyst layers of actual PEFC devices. This mini‐review aims to summarize and evaluate results of these reports. Material synthesis, cell power, open circuit voltage, stability properties, and proposed active sites are reviewed. To date, the highest reported PEFC power densities with guaranteed metal‐free heteroatom doped carbon cathode catalysts have reached up to 321 mW cm−2; which although a promising value is substantially short of values obtained for platinum based catalysts.
Synthesis and Characterization of Heterobimetallic Tantalum–Rhodium and Tantalum–Iridium Complexes Connected by a Tantalacyclopentadiene Fragment
Authors: Yamamoto Keishi , Higashida Kosuke , Nagae Haruki , Tsurugi Hayato , Mashima Kazushi
Published: August 2016

We report the synthesis of heterobimetallic Ta–Rh and Ta–Ir complexes bridged by a 2,5‐di‐tert‐butyltantalacyclopentadiene fragment. A mononuclear 2,5‐di‐tert‐butyltantalacyclopentadiene complex 2 was prepared by the reaction of (η2‐Me3SiC≡CSiMe3)TaCl3(dme) (1) with excess amounts of 3,3‐dimethylbut‐1‐yne in the presence of AlCl3. The tantalacyclopentadiene moiety of complex 2 served as a η4‐diene unit for coordinating the Rh and Ir centers; treatment of 2 with [M(μ‐Cl)(cod)]2 (M = Rh and Ir; cod = cycloocta‐1,5‐diene) in toluene gave TaRh(μ‐C4H2tBu2)Cl4(cod) (3) and [TaIr(μ‐C4H2tBu2)Cl4]2 (5), respectively. The X‐Ray diffraction study of 3 revealed a dative bond from an electron‐rich Rh toward an electron‐deficient Ta. Upon dissolving 3 in THF, [(thf)TaRh(μ‐C4H2tBu2)Cl3]2(μ‐Cl)2 (4) was isolated together with free cycloocta‐1,5‐diene. When complex 5 was treated with 1,2‐bis‐(diphenylphosphino)ethane (dppe), a monomeric Ta–Ir complex, TaIr(μ‐C4H2tBu2)Cl4(dppe) (6), was isolated. Ta–Rh and Ta–Ir heterobimetallic complexes 3 and 6 were reduced by a two‐electron process upon reaction with 2,3,5,6‐tetramethyl‐1,4‐bis(trimethylsilyl)‐1,4‐dihydropyrazine (7a: Si‐Me4‐DHP) or 2,5‐dimethyl‐1,4‐bis(trimethylsilyl)‐1,4‐dihydropyrazine (7b: Si‐Me2‐DHP) to afford the corresponding complexes TaM(μ‐C4H2tBu2)Cl2(L) (8: M = Rh, L = cod; 9: M = Ir, L = dppe), where the metallacycle moiety was assigned to have a tantalacyclopentadiene fragment with a large contribution of a tantalacyclopentatriene canonical form.
RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN FAMILY AND NEIGHBORHOOD INCOME AND FIRST‐GENERATION LATINO ADULTS’ DEPRESSIVE SYMPTOMS AND Well‐BEING
Authors: Roy Amanda L. , Godfrey Erin B.
Published: August 2016

This study examines relationships between family and neighborhood income and depressive symptoms, life satisfaction, and financial satisfaction among first‐generation immigrant Dominican (N = 255), Puerto Rican (N = 242), and Mexican (N = 212) adults. Results from random intercept regression models revealed family income to be consistently predictive of outcomes across samples. However, this relationship was moderated by neighborhood income. The interaction between family and neighborhood income was related to life satisfaction among Puerto Rican and Mexican samples and to financial satisfaction among all three samples, although the shape of the interactions differed. For lower income Dominican and Puerto Rican adults, living in a higher income neighborhood was associated with increases in satisfaction. In comparison, living in a higher income neighborhood was associated with decreases in satisfaction among lower income Mexican adults. Access to neighborhood resources and social comparisons are proposed as potential underlying mechanisms.
Imaging review of hepatocellular carcinoma after thermal ablation: The good, the bad, and the ugly
Authors: Bouda Damien , Lagadec Matthieu , Alba Carmela Garcia , Barrau Vincent , Dioguardi Burgio Marco , Moussa Nadia , Vilgrain Valérie , Ronot Maxime
Published: August 2016

Image‐guided thermal ablation is a well‐established locoregional technique for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). HCC surveillance programs have led to an increase in the number of patients diagnosed at an early stage of the disease who are eligible for thermal ablation. Tumor response is assessed on imaging and requires extensive follow‐up; thus, radiologists play a key role in defining the technical success and efficacy of treatment as well as identifying progressive disease. Although they are rare, complications, such as secondary infections, must also be identified. Several contrast‐enhanced imaging techniques can be used at different postprocedural timepoints but magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT), which allow both liver‐centered and whole‐body imaging are the cornerstones of follow‐up. This review describes the imaging features of HCC following thermal ablation. After describing the basic technical elements of follow‐up imaging, imaging findings are divided into three groups: normal and expected features (the good), abnormal features, uncontrolled disease, and complications (the bad), and atypical or rare presentations (the ugly). J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2016;44:1070–1090.
Concurrent decrease of brain white matter tracts' thicknesses and fractional anisotropy after antenatal hypoxia‐ischemia detected with tract‐based spatial statistics analysis
Authors: Drobyshevsky Alexander
Published: August 2016

Purpose

To examine the extent of gray and white matter (WM) injury following global antenatal hypoxia‐ischemia (H‐I) and resulting in muscle hypertonia in newborns in a rabbit cerebral palsy model.

Materials and Methods

Rabbit dams (n = 15) underwent uterine ischemia procedure resulting in a global fetal H‐I at embryonic day 22 (embryonic 22 days gestation). Newborn's brains underwent high resolution diffusion tensor imaging on a 14 Tesla magnet ex vivo. Fractional anisotropy (FA) in brains of hypertonic (n = 9), nonhypertonic (n = 6), and sham control (n = 5) kits were compared voxel‐wise using Tract‐Based Spatial Statistics (TBSS) approach. Herein, we used a novel method to assess local WM tracts' thicknesses in TBSS analysis and compare between the groups.

Results

Significant (corrected P < 0.05) reduction of WM FA was found in corpus callosum splenium (91.2%), periventricular WM (83.5%), fimbria hippocampi (78.8%), cingulum (81.4%), anterior commissure (95%), internal capsule (83.2%), and optic tract (82.9%) in the hypertonic group. Significant (corrected P < 0.05) reduction in WM tracts' thicknesses was found in corpus callosum (73.3%), periventricular WM (82.5%), cingulum (73.4%), bilaterally in the hypertonic group.

Conclusion

WM injury in newborn hypertonic kits 10 days after global fetal H‐I is widespread and involves not only motor but also limbic and commissural fibers in multiple regions. WM injury in newborn hypertonic kits is manifested by changes in microstructural properties and decreased FA, as well as reduction of WM volumes, relative to nonhypertonic kits. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2017;45:700–709.

Level of Evidence: 1

J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2017;45:829–838.
Upland Farming System Erosion Yields and Their Constraints to Change for Sustainable Agricultural Conservation Practices: A Case Study of Land Use and Land Cover (LULC) Change in Indonesia
Authors: Andriyani Idah , Jourdain Damien , Lidon Bruno , Soni Peeyush , Kartiwa Budi
Published: August 2016

In the upper catchments of Southeast Asia, land use change from forest to agricultural systems generated land degradation and conflicts between uplanders and lowlanders. More sustainable cropping systems are proposed to upper‐catchment farmers. Grass fodder strip (GFS) is an effective anti‐erosion practice, and it involves lower costs for farmers. However, labour and cash constraints are sometimes preventing farmers to implement it. To evaluate farms' current impact and adaptation capacities, we need a comprehensive understanding of farm and farm household characteristics that influence their activities. This paper proposes an approach that combines farm household surveys and modelling of farm erosion yield to help project planners and policy makers to identify such farmers in a data‐scarce environment. We developed two farm typologies—one based on both farm and farm household characteristics and one based on their erosion yield and constraints. We calculated erosion yields on plot level by using revised universal soil loss equation method and identified their constraints. We found that a typology based on farm constraints and calculated farm erosion was a good complement to identify farmers who are generating the highest erosion yields and would be able to change their production systems. This methodology is mainly useful at the beginning of conservation projects, when very few hard data are available. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Recrystallization in severely deformed Ag, Au, and Fe studied by positron‐annihilation and XRD methods
Authors: Dryzek Jerzy , Wróbel Mirosław , Dryzek Ewa
Published: August 2016

Positron‐annihilation studies of severely deformed samples of pure Ag, Au, and Fe are reported. The observed changes of the positron‐annihilation parameters during isochronal annealing are linked to the recrystallization process confirmed by measurements of the XRD patterns and pole figures. The latter, being sensitive to the crystallographic texture, change significantly during the recrystallization process for all three metals. The measured annihilation line‐shape parameter dependencies are described by a model that takes into account the boundary migration of the new defect‐free grains and positron diffusion inside these grains. The model fairly well describes the observed dependencies and allows us to determine the activation energy for grain‐boundary migration. The usefulness of the positron‐annihilation studies for determination of the recrystallization temperature in deformed metals and alloys is discussed.
Line shape of the Raman 2D peak of graphene in van der Waals heterostructures
Authors: Neumann Christoph , Banszerus Luca , Schmitz Michael , Reichardt Sven , Sonntag Jens , Taniguchi Takashi , Watanabe Kenji , Beschoten Bernd , Stampfer Christoph
Published: August 2016

The Raman 2D line of graphene is widely used for device characterization and during device fabrication as it contains valuable information on, e.g., the direction and magnitude of mechanical strain and doping. Here, we present systematic asymmetries in the 2D line shape of exfoliated graphene and graphene grown by chemical vapor deposition. Both graphene crystals are fully encapsulated in van der Waals heterostructures, where hexagonal boron nitride and tungsten diselenide are used as substrate materials. In both material stacks, we find very low doping values and extremely homogeneous strain distributions in the graphene crystal, which is a hall mark of the outstanding electronic quality of these samples. By fitting double Lorentzian functions to the spectra to account for the contributions of inner and outer processes to the 2D peak, we find that the splitting of the sub‐peaks, cm−1 (hBN‐Gr‐WSe2) and cm−1 (hBN‐Gr‐hBN), is significantly lower than the values reported in previous studies on suspended graphene.
Phase transitions in Mn(Mo1−xWx)O4 oxides under the effect of high pressure and temperature
Authors: Blanco‐Gutierrez Veronica , Demourgues Alain , Lebraud Eric , Gaudon Manuel
Published: August 2016

ABO4 compounds exhibit various phase transitions identified in the literature. The phase transitions between monoclinic α‐C2/m and wolframite P2/c structures of Mn(Mo1−xWx)O4 compounds, which can be induced by pressure or temperature, are studied on the basis of X‐ray diffraction analyses. The large optical contrast associated with both these structures and Mo/W environments can be exploited to propose efficient piezochromic sensors (thanks to the monoclinic to wolframite transition vs. pressure) and thermal sensors (thanks to the reverse transformation), the thermochromic temperature being able to be tuned via the Mo/W ratio.

A(Mo,W)O4 phase diagram: from wolframite to monoclinic compounds (drawn from the updated Bastide's diagram from Errandonea and Manjo ).
Bayesian bent‐cable growth mixture tobit models for longitudinal data with skewness and detection limit: application to AIDS studies
Authors: Dagne Getachew A.
Published: August 2016

This paper presents a new Bayesian methodology for identifying a transition period for the development of drug resistance to antiretroviral drug or therapy in HIV/AIDS studies or other related fields. Estimation of such a transition period requires an availability of longitudinal data where growth trajectories of a response variable tend to exhibit a gradual change from a declining trend to an increasing trend rather than an abrupt change. We assess this clinically important feature of the longitudinal HIV/AIDS data using the bent‐cable framework within a growth mixture Tobit model. To account for heterogeneity of drug resistance among subjects, the parameters of the bent‐cable growth mixture Tobit model are also allowed to differ by subgroups (subpopulations) of patients classified into latent classes on the basis of trajectories of observed viral load data with skewness and left‐censoring. The proposed methods are illustrated using real data from an AIDS clinical study. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Leadership Assessment from an Institutional Approach
Authors: Nobbe June , Soria Krista M.
Published: August 2016

This chapter provides information about linking undergraduates’ leadership development assessment to institutional student learning outcomes illustrated by a case example at the University of Minnesota.
Two‐Dimensional Networks of [AuCl4]– and [AuBr4]– Anions
Authors: Döring Cindy , Jones Peter G.
Published: August 2016

Several salts of protonated amines and aza‐aromatics with [AuCl4]– and [AuBr4]– anions contain two‐dimensional (“square”) anionic networks that display short halogen···halogen contacts. The Au4 quadrilaterals formed by neighboring anions of the networks are to a good approximation squares, with sides of around 7.5 Å for tetrachloridoaurates and 8 Å for tetrabromidoaurates.
Thermal behavior of friction clutch disc based on uniform pressure and uniform wear assumptions
Authors: Abdullah Oday I. , Schlattmann Josef
Published: August 2016

High temperatures appear in the contacting surfaces of a single-disc clutch system (friction clutch disc, flywheel and pressure plate) due to the relative motion between these parts during the sliding period. These high temperatures are responsible for several disadvantages such as increasing wear rate, surface cracks and permanent distortions. In some cases, these disadvantages may lead the contacting surfaces to failure before the expected lifetime. In this work, mathematical models of the friction clutch system (single-disc clutch) were built to find the temperature field during the sliding period (single engagement). Analysis has been completed using developed axisymmetric models to simulate the friction clutch system during the engagement. The surface temperatures are found based on uniform pressure and uniform wear assumptions.
Distrust unbound: What next after joining the EU
Authors: Guerra Simona
Published: August 2016

The 2004–07 EU enlargement towards the post-communist region showed that the long waiting for EU membership could impact on levels of public support for the EU. This article examines citizens’ trust towards national and international institutions after joining the EU in Poland, in comparative perspective. In the post-Communist region, levels of trust towards national institutions are generally lower compared to the European and international ones. Politicians and political parties are the most distrusted actors, undermining the social and political fabric in the region. An overview of political participation and levels of trust with focus on national data sets and the European Social Survey shows that levels of trust are quite low and a share of the population is concerned with sovereignty vis-à-vis EU integration. This analysis addresses how the relationship between citizens and institutions have changed and how this may affect not just the EU’s policies towards candidate countries and third countries, but how it can also affect citizen participation during the process of democratization and after joining the EU.
Nutrition and health claims on healthy and less-healthy packaged food products in New Zealand
Authors: Al-Ani Haya H. , Devi Anandita , Eyles Helen , Swinburn Boyd , Vandevijvere Stefanie
Published: August 2016

Nutrition and health claims are displayed to influence consumers’ food choices. This study assessed the extent and nature of nutrition and health claims on the front-of-pack of ‘healthy’ and ‘less-healthy’ packaged foods in New Zealand. Foods from eight categories, for which consumption may affect the risk of obesity and diet-related chronic diseases, were selected from the 2014 Nutritrack database. The internationally standardised International Network for Food and Obesity/Non-Communicable Diseases Research, Monitoring and Action Support (INFORMAS) taxonomy was used to classify claims on packages. The Nutrient Profiling Scoring Criterion (NPSC) was used to classify products as ‘healthy’ or ‘less healthy’. In total, 7526 products were included, with 47 % (n 3557) classified as ‘healthy’. More than one-third of products displayed at least one nutrition claim and 15 % featured at least one health claim on the front-of-pack. Claims were found on one-third of ‘less-healthy’ products; 26 % of those products displayed nutrition claims and 7 % featured health claims. About 45 % of ‘healthy’ products displayed nutrition claims and 23 % featured health claims. Out of 7058 individual claims, the majority (69 %) were found on ‘healthy’ products. Cereals displayed the greatest proportion of nutrition and health claims (1503 claims on 564 products), of which one-third were displayed on ‘less-healthy’ cereals. Such claims could be misleading consumers’ perceptions of nutritional quality of foods. It needs to be explored how current regulations on nutrition and health claims in New Zealand could be further strengthened (e.g. using the NPSC for nutrition claims, including general health claims as per the INFORMAS taxonomy) to ensure consumers are protected and not misled.
REANALYSING INSTITUTIONAL AND REMEDIAL CONSTRUCTIVE TRUSTS
Authors: Liew Ying Khai
Published: August 2016

It is often said that English law does not impose “remedial” constructive trusts because it is manifestly inappropriate and fundamentally unjustified to impose trusts through the exercise of judicial discretion and with retrospective effect. This paper observes the definitional deficiencies in this understanding, and reanalyses constructive trusts in terms of the rights which they give effect to. This understanding reveals that English law sets its face against the exercise of discretion in relation only to some “remedial” constructive trusts and not others, and that the perceived difficulties with remedial constructive trusts are often exaggerated. It ends by noting some crucial implications of the re-analysis for the future development of the law.
Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) applied to membrane–protein complexes
Authors: Kaplan Mohammed , Pinto Cecilia , Houben Klaartje , Baldus Marc
Published: August 2016

Increasing evidence suggests that most proteins occur and function in complexes rather than as isolated entities when embedded in cellular membranes. Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) provides increasing possibilities to study structure, dynamics and assembly of such systems. In our review, we discuss recent methodological progress to study membrane–protein complexes (MPCs) by NMR, starting with expression, isotope-labeling and reconstitution protocols. We review approaches to deal with spectral complexity and limited spectral spectroscopic sensitivity that are usually encountered in NMR-based studies of MPCs. We highlight NMR applications in various classes of MPCs, including G-protein-coupled receptors, ion channels and retinal proteins and extend our discussion to protein–protein complexes that span entire cellular compartments or orchestrate processes such as protein transport across or within membranes. These examples demonstrate the growing potential of NMR-based studies of MPCs to provide critical insight into the energetics of protein–ligand and protein–protein interactions that underlie essential biological functions in cellular membranes.
Wood properties of Sitka spruce
Authors: Cahalan C. M.
Published: August 2016

Synopsis

The wood properties of Sitka spruce (Picea sitchensis) which influence its use in the production of sawn timber, veneer, particleboard, fibreboard, pulp and paper are discussed. Although the low strength properties of Sitka spruce restrict its use as constructional timber, it is highly suitable for the manufacture of particleboard and fibreboard and is an excellent pulping species.
Comparison of neuropsychological and functional outcomes in Alzheimer's disease patients with good or bad response to a cognitive stimulation treatment: a retrospective analysis
Authors: Martínez-Moreno Mar , Cerulla Noemí , Chico Gloria , Quintana María , Garolera Maite
Published: August 2016

Background:

The benefit of cognitive stimulation (CS) treatments in dementia is unequal. This study has sought to identify cognitive and functional measurements before and after the treatment which are indicative of a better response to a one-year CS program.

Methods:

A retrospective observational study was conducted between 2004 and 2012 in a sample of 60 users diagnosed with mild Alzheimer's disease (AD) who followed a one-year CS program and underwent a cognitive and functional assessment before and after the intervention. As a primary measure of treatment response, we used the annual change of the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) scores, which distinguished good responders (R) from non-responders (NR).

Results:

51.7% of patients classified as R at baseline had a higher cognitive performance in attention, immediate verbal memory, language, and working memory compared to NR. No initial statistically significant differences were found between R and NR in any sociodemographic variables, medical conditions, anxiety and/or depressive symptoms, treatment with cholinesterase inhibitors (ChEIs), level of insight, global cognitive function (MMSE), or functional capacity. After 12 months of treatment, R had significantly better results than NR on MMSE, temporal orientation, category evocation, and Philadelphia Geriatric Center-Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (PGC-IADL).

Conclusion:

The response to a CS treatment of some subjects over others is linked to cognitive and functional capacity. This research contributes to characterize the neuropsychological profile that differentiates subjects who respond better than others before and after the treatment. This should contribute to customize and optimize neuropsychological interventions in patients with AD.
Association between Patient Unconscious or Not Alert Conditions and Cardiac Arrest or High-Acuity Outcomes within the Medical Priority Dispatch System “Falls” Protocol
Authors: Clawson Jeff , Olola Christopher , Scott Greg , Schultz Bryon , Pertgen Richard , Robinson Don , Bagwell Barry , Patterson Brett
Published: August 2016

Introduction:

Falls are one of the most common types of complaints received by 9-1-1 emergency medical dispatch centers. They can be accidental or may be caused by underlying medical problems. Though not alert” falls patients with severe outcomes mostly are “hot” transported to the hospital, some of these cases may be due to other acute medical events (cardiac, respiratory, circulatory, or neurological), which may not always be apparent to the emergency medical dispatcher (EMD) during call processing.

Objectives:

The objective of this study was to characterize the risk of cardiac arrest and “hot-transport” outcomes in patients with “not alert” condition, within the Medical Priority Dispatch System (MPDS®) Falls protocol descriptors.

Methods:

This retrospective study used 129 months of de-identified, aggregate, dispatch datasets from three US emergency communication centers. The communication centers used the Medical Priority Dispatch System version 11.3–OMEGA type (released in 2006) to interrogate Emergency Medical System callers, select dispatch codes assigned to various response configurations, and provide pre-arrival instructions. The distribution of cases and percentages of cardiac arrest and hot-transport outcomes, categorized by MPDS® code, was profiled. Assessment of the association between MPDS® Delta-level 3 (D-3) “not alert” condition and cardiac arrest and hot-transport outcomes then followed.

Results:

Overall, patients within the D-3 and D-2 “long fall” conditions had the highest proportions (compared to the other determinants in the “falls” protocol) of cardiac arrest and hot-transport outcomes, respectively. “Not alert” condition was associated significantly with cardiac arrest and hot-transport outcomes (p < 0.001).

Conclusions:

The “not alert” determinant within the MPDS® “fall” protocol was associated significantly with severe outcomes for short falls (<6 feet; 2 meters) and ground-level falls. As reported to 9-1-1, the complaint of a “fall” may include the presence of underlying conditions that go beyond the obvious traumatic injuries caused by the fall itself.