bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reliability of immunostaining using pan‐melanoma cocktail, SOX10, and microphthalmia transcription factor in confirming a diagnosis of melanoma on fine‐needle aspiration smears
Authors: Clevenger Jessica , Joseph Cicily , Dawlett Marilyn , Guo Ming , Gong Yun
Published: June 2014

BACKGROUND

Accurate fine‐needle aspiration (FNA) diagnosis of metastatic melanoma is of therapeutic and prognostic significance and often requires ancillary studies. To the authors' knowledge, the reliability of immunostaining using a pan‐melanoma cocktail, Sry‐related HMG‐BOX gene 10 (SOX10), and microphthalmia transcription factor (MITF) in confirming a diagnosis of melanoma on FNA smears has not been studied to date.

METHODS

This retrospective study included 50 FNA cases with a definitive diagnosis of melanoma. Twenty‐nine cases were epithelioid type (group 1), and 21 cases were predominantly spindle cell type with or without an epithelioid component (group 2). Each case was immunostained using pan‐melanoma cocktail, SOX10, and MITF. Staining intensity and the percentage of positive cells were recorded.

RESULTS

The pan‐melanoma cocktail was positive in 43 cases (86%), SOX10 was positive in 50 cases (100%), and MITF in 45 cases (90%). SOX10 and MITF demonstrated nuclear staining with stronger and more diffuse staining with less or no background staining compared with pan‐melanoma cocktail, which displayed cytoplasmic staining. For pan‐melanoma cocktail and SOX10, the detection rates were identical in groups 1 and 2 (86% with pan‐melanoma cocktail and 100% with SOX10). For MITF, the detection rate was higher in group 1 compared with Group 2 (93% vs 86%).

CONCLUSIONS

In the current study, SOX10 was found to have the highest overall detection rate, followed by MITF and pan‐melanoma cocktail. The pan‐melanoma cocktail and SOX10 performed equally well for groups 1 and 2, and MITF had a higher detection rate in group 1. Overall, SOX10 and MITF appeared to be superior to the pan‐melanoma cocktail and SOX10 seemed better than MITF in confirming a diagnosis of melanoma on FNA smears. Cancer (Cancer Cytopathol) 2014;122:779–785. © 2014 American Cancer Society.
OpenStack Neat: a framework for dynamic and energy‐efficient consolidation of virtual machines in OpenStack clouds
Authors: Beloglazov Anton , Buyya Rajkumar
Published: June 2014

Dynamic consolidation of virtual machines (VMs) is an efficient approach for improving the utilization of physical resources and reducing energy consumption in cloud data centers. Despite the large volume of research published on this topic, there are very few open‐source software systems implementing dynamic VM consolidation. In this paper, we propose an architecture and open‐source implementation of OpenStack Neat, a framework for dynamic VM consolidation in OpenStack clouds. OpenStack Neat can be configured to use custom VM consolidation algorithms and transparently integrates with existing OpenStack deployments without the necessity of modifying their configuration. In addition, to foster and encourage further research efforts in the area of dynamic VM consolidation, we propose a benchmark suite for evaluating and comparing dynamic VM consolidation algorithms. The proposed benchmark suite comprises OpenStack Neat as the base software framework, a set of real‐world workload traces, performance metrics and evaluation methodology. As an application of the proposed benchmark suite, we conduct an experimental evaluation of OpenStack Neat and several dynamic VM consolidation algorithms on a five‐node testbed, which shows significant benefits of dynamic VM consolidation resulting in up to 33% energy savings. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
New Hydrogen‐Evolution Heteronanostructured Photocatalysts: Pt‐Nb3O7(OH) and Cu‐Nb3O7(OH)
Authors: Hmadeh Mohamad , Hoepfner Veronika , Larios Eduardo , Liao Kristine , Jia Jia , Jose‐Yacaman Miguel , Ozin Geoffrey A.
Published: June 2014

Nanorods of triniobium hydroxide heptaoxide, Nb3O7(OH), were synthesized by means of a hydrothermal method. Subsequently, Pt and CuO nanoparticles were introduced on the surface of Nb3O7(OH) nanorods by a microwave‐assisted solvothermal nucleation and growth technique. The resulting Pt‐ and CuO‐decorated Nb3O7(OH) nanorods demonstrated uniform particle dispersion and were fully characterized by X‐ray diffraction, electron microscopy, and spectroscopic analysis. Furthermore, the solar‐powered photocatalytic hydrogen production properties of these heteronanostructures were studied. The solar‐driven H2 formation rate over Pt‐Nb3O7(OH) was determined to be 710.4±1.7 μmol g−1 h−1 with a quantum efficiency of ϕ=5.40 % at λ=380 nm. Interestingly, the as‐prepared CuO‐Nb3O7(OH) heteronanostructure was found to be inactive under solar irradiation during an induction phase, whereupon it undergoes an in situ photoreduction process to form the photocatalytically active Cu‐Nb3O7(OH). This restructuring process was monitored by an in situ measurement of the time‐evolution of the optical absorption spectra. The solar‐powered H2 production for the restructured compound was determined to be 290.3±5.1 μmol g−1 h−1.
Palladium/Carbon Dioxide Cooperative Catalysis for the Production of Diketone Derivatives from Carbohydrates
Authors: Liu Fei , Audemar Maïté , De Oliveira Vigier Karine , Clacens Jean‐Marc , De Campo Floryan , Jérôme François
Published: June 2014

The one‐pot production of industrially valuable diketone derivatives from carbohydrates is achieved through a bifunctional catalytic process. In particular, Pd/C‐catalyzed hydrogenation of HMF in water and under CO2 affords 1‐hydroxypentane‐2,5‐dione with up to 77 % yield. The process is also eligible starting from fructose and inulin, affording 1‐hydroxyhexane‐2,5‐dione with 36 % and 15 % yield, respectively. The key of the process is reversible in situ formation of carbonic acid, which is capable of assisting Pd/C during the hydrogenation reaction by promoting the dehydration of carbohydrates and the ring‐opening of furanic intermediates. Interestingly, by changing the reaction medium from H2O to a H2O/THF mixture (1:9), it is possible to switch the selectivity of the reaction and to produce 2,5‐hexanadione with 83 % yield. Within the framework of sustainable chemistry, reactions presented in this report show 100 % carbon economy, involve CO2 to generate acidity, require water as a solvent, and are conducted under rather low hydrogen pressures (10 bar).
TECXY Code Simulation of Snowflake Divertor Configuration in DEMO Reactor
Authors: Pełka G. , Zagórski R. , Ridolfini V.P. , Artaserse G. , Calabrò G. , Crisanti F. , Maddaluno G. , Ramogida G. , Viola B.
Published: June 2014

Preliminary TECXY code simulation results of scrape‐off layer conditions in DEMO1 reactor design are presented. The values for snowflake (SF) and single null divertor configurations are discussed. The SF divertor configuration used here, although not fully optimised yet, already promises better performance than standard single null divertor as far as heat load mitigation due to interactions with neutrals. (© 2014 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
The future of the northeast Atlantic benthic flora in a high CO2 world
Authors: Brodie Juliet , Williamson Christopher J. , Smale Dan A. , Kamenos Nicholas A. , Mieszkowska Nova , Santos Rui , Cunliffe Michael , Steinke Michael , Yesson Christopher , Anderson Kathryn M. , Asnaghi Valentina , Brownlee Colin , Burdett Heidi L. , Burrows Michael T. , Collins Sinead , Donohue Penelope J. C. , Harvey Ben , Foggo Andrew , Noisette Fanny , Nunes Joana , Ragazzola Federica , Raven John A. , Schmidt Daniela N. , Suggett David , Teichberg Mirta , Hall‐Spencer Jason M.
Published: June 2014

Seaweed and seagrass communities in the northeast Atlantic have been profoundly impacted by humans, and the rate of change is accelerating rapidly due to runaway CO2 emissions and mounting pressures on coastlines associated with human population growth and increased consumption of finite resources. Here, we predict how rapid warming and acidification are likely to affect benthic flora and coastal ecosystems of the northeast Atlantic in this century, based on global evidence from the literature as interpreted by the collective knowledge of the authorship. We predict that warming will kill off kelp forests in the south and that ocean acidification will remove maerl habitat in the north. Seagrasses will proliferate, and associated epiphytes switch from calcified algae to diatoms and filamentous species. Invasive species will thrive in niches liberated by loss of native species and spread via exponential development of artificial marine structures. Combined impacts of seawater warming, ocean acidification, and increased storminess may replace structurally diverse seaweed canopies, with associated calcified and noncalcified flora, with simple habitats dominated by noncalcified, turf‐forming seaweeds.
Contrasting patterns of polymorphism and selection in bacterial‐sensing toll‐like receptor 4 in two house mouse subspecies
Authors: Fornuskova Alena , Bryja Josef , Vinkler Michal , Macholán Miloš , Piálek Jaroslav
Published: June 2014

Detailed investigation of variation in genes involved in pathogen recognition is crucial for understanding co‐evolutionary processes between parasites and their hosts. Triggering immediate innate response to invading microbes, Toll‐like receptors (TLRs) belong presently among the best‐studied receptors of vertebrate immunity. TLRs exhibit remarkable interspecific variation and also intraspecific polymorphism is well documented. In humans and laboratory mice, several studies have recently shown that single amino acid substitution may significantly alter receptor function. Unfortunately, data concerning polymorphism in free‐living species are still surprisingly scarce. In this study, we analyzed the polymorphism of Toll‐like receptor 4 (Tlr4) over the Palearctic range of house mouse (Mus musculus). Our results reveal contrasting evolutionary patterns between the two recently (0.5 million years ago) diverged house mouse subspecies: M. m. domesticus (Mmd) and M. m. musculus (Mmm). Comparison with cytochrome b indicates strong directional selection in Mmd Tlr4. Throughout the whole Mmd western Palaearctic region, a single variant of the ligand‐binding region is spread, encoded mainly by one dominant haplotype (71% of Mmd). In contrast, Tlr4 in Mmm is much more polymorphic with several haplotypes at intermediate frequencies. Moreover, we also found clear signals of recombination between two principal haplogroups in Mmm, and we identified eight sites under positive selection in our dataset. Our results suggest that observed differences in Tlr4 diversity may be attributed to contrasting parasite‐mediated selection acting in the two subspecies.
Methanesulfonic‐Acid‐Catalysed Ring Opening and Glycosylation of 1,2‐(Acetylcyclopropane)‐Annulated D‐Lyxofuranose
Authors: Wang Cong , Ma Xiaofeng , Zhang Jichao , Tang Qin , Jiao Wei , Shao Huawu
Published: June 2014

A mild and effective method for the synthesis of 2‐C‐branched disaccharides, glycoconjugates, and nucleoside analogues is described. 1,2‐(acetylcyclopropane)‐annulated D‐lyxofuranose underwent ring opening catalysed by CH3SO3H to act as an efficient glycosyl donor and give the glycosylation products in good yields and with high diastereoselectivities.
Hypervalent Iodine(III) Promoted Direct Synthesis of Imidazo[1,2‐a]pyrimidines
Authors: Qian Guangyin , Liu Bingxin , Tan Qitao , Zhang Siwen , Xu Bin
Published: June 2014

An efficient and mild synthesis of imidazo[1,2‐a]pyrimidine derivatives has been developed from readily available pyrimidyl arylamines or enamines through a hypervalent iodine‐promoted intramolecular C–H bond cycloamination reaction. This protocol allows for the facile construction of biologically active bicyclic imidazo[1,2‐a]pyrimidine skeletons as well as other imidazo[1,2‐a]‐type fused heterocycles.
Highly Regioselective Hydrosilylation of Unsymmetric Alkynes Using a Phenylthio Directing Group
Authors: Huang Kuan‐Hsun , Isobe Minoru
Published: June 2014

Cobalt‐assisted hydrosilylation of acetylenes is particularly interesting in organic synthesis since alkynyl group functionalization can give way to more useful substructures. This study aims to answer the general question of how to control hydrosilylation regioselectivity with unsymmetric alkynyl groups. Cobalt‐catalyzed hydrosilylation is highly regioselective with alkyl‐phenylthio‐acetylenes affording corresponding cis‐α‐silyl‐α‐thioaryl‐substituted olefins. However, this reaction loses regioselectivity in cases involving substrates with relatively small alkyl groups. The roles of the directing group in this reaction are to (i) exert steric effects on the alkyl group, and (ii) express stereoelectronic effects of the sulfur or oxygen atom. The scope and limitation of the hydrosilylation as well as the role of such a directing group are discussed.
Triplet Sensitizer Modification of Poly(3‐hexyl)thiophene (P3HT) for Increased Efficiency in Bulk Heterojunction Photovoltaic Devices
Authors: Ramidi Punnamchandar , Abdulrazzaq Omar , Felton Charlette M. , Gartia Yashraj , Saini Viney , Biris Alexandru S. , Ghosh Anindya
Published: June 2014

We present the successful synthesis of a modified poly(3‐hexyl)thiophene (P3HT) donor polymer with benzophenone (P3HTB) substitution. The triplet‐sensitizer (benzophenone)‐containing polymer (P3HTB) was synthesized by the oxidative copolymerization of 3‐hexylthiophene and benzopheneone‐modified thiophene [2‐phenyl‐2‐(4‐(thiophen‐3‐yl)phenyl)‐1,3‐dioxolane] and deprotecting the cyclic ketal group. The resulting polymer was characterized by using nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H NMR and 13C NMR) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Different ratios of the copolymer (P3HTB) and pristine P3HT mixtures were used for the fabrication and characterization of bulk heterojunction (BHJ) cells, with [6,6]‐Phenyl C61 butyric acid methyl ester (PCBM) used as the acceptor in fabricating the active layers. An increase in power conversion efficiency (≈15 %) was observed with devices fabricated with 2.5 and 5 wt % P3HTB mixed with P3HT compared to those fabricated with P3HT alone.
Selecting the best design for nonstandard toxicology experiments
Authors: Webb Jennifer M. , Smucker Byran J. , Bailer A. John
Published: June 2014

Although many experiments in environmental toxicology use standard statistical experimental designs, there are situations that arise where no such standard design is natural or applicable because of logistical constraints. For example, the layout of a laboratory may suggest that each shelf serve as a block, with the number of experimental units per shelf either greater than or less than the number of treatments in a way that precludes the use of a typical block design. In such cases, an effective and powerful alternative is to employ optimal experimental design principles, a strategy that produces designs with precise statistical estimates. Here, a D-optimal design was generated for an experiment in environmental toxicology that has 2 factors, 16 treatments, and constraints similar to those described above. After initial consideration of a randomized complete block design and an intuitive cyclic design, it was decided to compare a D-optimal design and a slightly more complicated version of the cyclic design. Simulations were conducted generating random responses under a variety of scenarios that reflect conditions motivated by a similar toxicology study, and the designs were evaluated via D-efficiency as well as by a power analysis. The cyclic design performed well compared to the D-optimal design. Environ Toxicol Chem 2014;33:2399–2406. © 2014 SETAC
How reliable are data for the ecotoxicity of trivalent chromium to Daphnia magna?
Authors: Ponti Benedetta , Bettinetti Roberta , Dossi Carlo , Vignati Davide Anselmo Luigi
Published: June 2014

Risk assessments from the European Union and the World Health Organization report values for acute and chronic toxicity of Cr(III) to Daphnia magna in the range of 0.6 mg/L to 111 mg/L and 0.047 mg/L to 3.4 mg/L, respectively. To understand whether factors other than the use of different test media and data reporting contribute to this variability, the authors tested the acute (48-h) and chronic (21-d) toxicities of Cr(III) to D. magna according to Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) methods. Filterable (0.45-µm) chromium concentrations were measured at 0 h, 6 h, 24 h, and 48 h, the latter value corresponding to the total duration of the acute tests and to the interval between medium renewals in chronic tests. In highly alkaline media (4.9 meq/L), Cr concentrations decreased rapidly below the analytical detection limit, and no toxicity was observed. In less alkaline media (approximately 0.8 meq/L), the decrease in filterable Cr concentrations was inversely proportional to the quantity of added Cr(III). The authors concluded that existing data likely underestimate the ecotoxicity of Cr(III) to D. magna. A reliable assessment of the hazard of Cr(III) to D. magna must consider that exposure concentrations can decrease markedly from the beginning to the end of a test and that medium alkalinity strongly influences the outcome of laboratory toxicity tests. Environ Toxicol Chem 2014;33:2280–2287. © 2014 SETAC
Selenium bioaccumulation in fish exposed to coal ash at the Tennessee Valley Authority Kingston spill site
Authors: Mathews Teresa J. , Fortner Allison M. , Jett R. Trent , Morris Jesse , Gable Jennifer , Peterson Mark J. , Carriker Neil
Published: June 2014

In December 2008, 4.1 million cubic meters of coal ash were released into the Emory and Clinch Rivers by the Tennessee Valley Authority Kingston Fossil Plant. Coal ash contains several contaminants, including the bioaccumulative metalloid selenium (Se). Because Se is predominantly accumulated in aquatic organisms through dietary rather than aqueous exposure, tissue-based toxicity thresholds for Se are currently being considered. The proposed threshold concentrations range between 4 μg/g and 9 μg/g Se (dry wt.) in whole body fish, with a proposed fillet threshold of 11.8 μg/g. In the present study, the authors examined the spatial and temporal trends in Se bioaccumulation and examined the relationship between the Se content in fillets and in whole bodies of fish collected around the Kingston spill site to determine whether Se bioaccumulation was a significant concern at the ash spill site. Whereas Se concentrations in fish (whole bodies and fillets) were elevated at sampling locations affected by the Kingston ash spill relative to reference locations, concentrations do not appear to be above risk thresholds and have not been increasing over the 5-yr period since the spill. These findings are not only relevant to guiding the human health and ecological risk assessments at the Kingston ash spill site, but because of current national discussions on appropriate guidelines for Se in fish as well for the disposal of coal combustion wastes, the results are also relevant to the general understanding of Se bioaccumulation in contaminated water bodies. Environ Toxicol Chem 2014;33:2273–2279. © 2014 SETAC
Sensitivity of ecological soil-screening levels for metals to exposure model parameterization and toxicity reference values
Authors: Sample Bradley E. , Fairbrother Anne , Kaiser Ashley , Law Sheryl , Adams Bill
Published: June 2014

Ecological soil-screening levels (Eco-SSLs) were developed by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) for the purposes of setting conservative soil screening values that can be used to eliminate the need for further ecological assessment for specific analytes at a given site. Ecological soil-screening levels for wildlife represent a simplified dietary exposure model solved in terms of soil concentrations to produce exposure equal to a no-observed-adverse-effect toxicity reference value (TRV). Sensitivity analyses were performed for 6 avian and mammalian model species, and 16 metals/metalloids for which Eco-SSLs have been developed. The relative influence of model parameters was expressed as the absolute value of the range of variation observed in the resulting soil concentration when exposure is equal to the TRV. Rank analysis of variance was used to identify parameters with greatest influence on model output. For both birds and mammals, soil ingestion displayed the broadest overall range (variability), although TRVs consistently had the greatest influence on calculated soil concentrations; bioavailability in food was consistently the least influential parameter, although an important site-specific variable. Relative importance of parameters differed by trophic group. Soil ingestion ranked 2nd for carnivores and herbivores, but was 4th for invertivores. Different patterns were exhibited, depending on which parameter, trophic group, and analyte combination was considered. The approach for TRV selection was also examined in detail, with Cu as the representative analyte. The underlying assumption that generic body-weight–normalized TRVs can be used to derive protective levels for any species is not supported by the data. Whereas the use of site-, species-, and analyte-specific exposure parameters is recommended to reduce variation in exposure estimates (soil protection level), improvement of TRVs is more problematic. Environ Toxicol Chem 2014;33:2386–2398. © 2014 The Authors. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of SETAC.
Interaction Study of Yttria‐Based Glasses with High‐Temperature Electrolyte for SOFC
Authors: Kumar V. , Pandey O. P. , Singh K. , Lu K.
Published: June 2014

The chemical interaction study of AO–SiO2–B2O3–Y2O3 (A = Ba, Sr) (BaY, SrY) glass with high‐temperature electrolyte yttria‐stabilized zirconia (YSZ 8 mol%) is reported as a function of different heat treatment durations. The as‐prepared glass with 10 mol% of yttria shows limited amount of crystallization at 800 °C. Due to this yttria‐based glasses BaY and SrY have been chosen to make diffusion couples with high‐temperature electrolyte and interconnect material. These diffusion couples have been heat treated at 850 °C, for 100, 200, and 500 h. The heat‐treated diffusion couples have been characterized using X‐ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS). Microstructural analysis of diffusion couples shows absence of any undesired oxides and detrimental reaction products at the interface. The glass has shown good bonding characteristics and absence of cracks, pores, or any kind of delamination from YSZ. Apart from this, SrY and BaY glass seals have also shown good adhesion characteristics with Crofer 22 APU, even after 500 h at 850 °C. The morphology and microstructure of the glass matrix suggest limited amount of devitrification in the glass.
New Yorkers Fight State Delays in Resolving Fracking Controversy
Authors: Sabino Michael A.
Published: June 2014

“Fracking”: just say that one word and you are most likely to provoke strong reactions from your listeners. Some will be strenuously in favor, while others will be vehemently opposed. But at least they have an opinion.
Natural Gas Matters: Commission Kicks Off Major Changes in Gas‐Power Relationships
Authors: Smead Richard G.
Published: June 2014

It is no secret, often discussed here, that power generation has surged as a market for natural gas in recent years. Gas‐fired generation has become the largest single source of generation capacity in the United States. Thus, coordinating the two industries, or “gas‐electric harmonization,” has been around as an issue for quite some time (I have addressed the issue in this column a number of times).
Prevention of spontaneous hepatocarcinogenesis in farnesoid X receptor–null mice by intestinal‐specific farnesoid X receptor reactivation
Authors: Degirolamo Chiara , Modica Salvatore , Vacca Michele , Di Tullio Giuseppe , Morgano Annalisa , D'Orazio Andria , Kannisto Kristina , Parini Paolo , Moschetta Antonio
Published: June 2014

Farnesoid X receptor (FXR) is the master regulator of bile acid (BA) homeostasis because it controls BA synthesis, influx, efflux, and detoxification in the gut/liver axis. Deregulation of BA homeostasis has been linked to hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and spontaneous hepatocarcinogenesis has been observed in FXR‐null mice. This dreaded liver neoplasm has been associated with both FXR gene deletion and BA‐mediated metabolic abnormalities after inactivation of FXR transcriptional activity. In the present study, we addressed the hypothesis that intestinal selective FXR reactivation would be sufficient to restore the fibroblast growth factor 15 (FGF15)/cholesterol‐7alpha‐hydroxylase (Cyp7a1) enterohepatic axis and eventually provide protection against HCC. To this end, we generated FXR‐null mice with re‐expression of constitutively active FXR in enterocytes (FXR−/−iVP16FXR) and corresponding control mice (FXR−/−iVP16). In FXR‐null mice, intestinal selective FXR reactivation normalized BA enterohepatic circulation along with up‐regulation of intestinal FXR transcriptome and reduction of hepatic BA synthesis. At 16 months of age, intestinal FXR reactivation protected FXR‐null mice from spontaneous HCC development that occurred in otherwise FXR‐null mice. Activation of intestinal FXR conferred hepatoprotection by restoring hepatic homeostasis, limiting cellular proliferation through reduced cyclinD1 expression, decreasing hepatic inflammation and fibrosis (decreased signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 activation and curtailed collagen deposition). Conclusion: Intestinal FXR is sufficient to restore BA homeostasis through the FGF15 axis and prevent progression of liver damage to HCC even in the absence of hepatic FXR. Intestinal‐selective FXR modulators could stand as potential therapeutic intervention to prevent this devastating hepatic malignancy, even if carrying a somatic FXR mutation. (Hepatology 2015;61:161–170)
Job Resources as Antecedents of Engagement at Work: Evidence From a Long‐Term Care Setting
Authors: Sarti Daria
Published: June 2014

How to improve employees’ work engagement currently represents one of the most important areas of concern for organizations. Within the broader research field on work engagement and its antecedents, this study analyzes one specific aspect: the role of job resources in determining employees’ engagement at work. A hierarchical multiple regression analysis was performed, along with a basic descriptive analysis, to examine a sample of 167 caregivers (registered nurses, nurse managers, home helpers, nurse's aides, and certified nursing assistants) in nine long‐term care (LTC) facilities in Italy. The results suggest that work engagement among caregivers in the LTC sector is significantly influenced by job resources. In particular, greater learning opportunities have direct effects on increasing work engagement among health‐care service employees. Furthermore, coworker support and supervisor support also play a statistically significant positive role in stimulating work engagement.
Stochastic erosion of composite banks in alluvial river bends
Authors: Karmaker Tapas , Dutta Subashisa
Published: June 2014

The erosion of composite river banks is a complex process involving a number of factors including fluvial erosion, seepage erosion, and cantilever mass failure. To predict the rate of bank erosion with these complexities, a stochastic bank erosion model is suitable to define the probability distribution of the controlling variables. In this study, a bank erosion model in a river bend is developed by coupling several bank erosion processes with an existing hydrodynamic and morphological model. The soil erodibility of cohesive bank layers was measured using a submerged jet test apparatus. Seasonal bank erosion rates for four consecutive years at a bend in the Brahmaputra River, India, were measured by repeated bankline surveys. The ability of the model to predict erosion was evaluated in the river bend that displayed active bank erosion. In this study, different monsoon conditions and the distribution functions of two variables were considered in estimating the stochastic bank erosion rate: the probability of the soil erodibility and stochastic stage hydrographs for the nth return period river stage. Additionally, the influences of the deflection angle of the streamflow, longitudinal slope of river channel, and bed material size on bank erosion rate were also investigated. The obtained stochastic erosion predictions were compared with the observed distribution of the annual‐average bank erosion rate of 45 river bends in the Brahmaputra River. The developed model appropriately predicted the short‐term morphological dynamics of sand‐bed river bends with composite banks. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synthesis and Electronic/ionic Transport Properties of MoO2/rGO Anode for Lithium Ion Batteries
Authors: Cui Yongli , Pu Yaming , Hao Yuwan , BAO Wenjing , Zhuang Quanchao
Published: June 2014

MoO2/rGO (reduced graphite oxide) composites have been synthesized by hydrothermal method followed by anneal and characterized by X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscope (SEM). Galvanostatic charge/discharge testing and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) techniques are employed to evaluate the kinetic behaviors of the MoO2/rGO during lithiation/delithiation. The obtained MoO2‐based materials have monoclinic crystal structure, and worm like shape with average dimensions of 100‐200 nm width and 500 nm‐1 μm length. There are two steps of lithium ion intercalation/de‐intercalation for the MoO2/rGO anode at the potential ranging from 1.0 to 3.5 V, locating at ELi/Li+ = 1.60/1.75 V, 1.25/1.40 V, and the first discharge and charge capacities are, respectively, 221.0 and 185.4 mAh g−1. The resistances of RSEI and RCT for the MoO2/rGO anode are 2‐4 Ω and below 5 Ω. Moreover, the lithium diffusion coefficient calculated from the EIS measurement is about 3.6×10−9 cm2 s−1.
Studies on Mechanochemistry: Solid Coordination Compounds from Primary Aromatic Amines and Cobalt(II) Chloride Hexahydrate
Authors: Tigineh Getinet Tamiru , Liu Ling‐Kang
Published: June 2014

Cobalt(II) chloride hexahydrate and primary aromatic amines were reacted by co‐grinding in 1:2 metal salt to ligand ratio under solvent‐free environment at room temperature. Out of 16 solid state reactions, seven cobalt‐amine complexes could be established as solid coordination compounds by elemental analysis, TGA, IR, PXRD, magnetic susceptibility etc., in addition to visual observation of the color change of reaction mixture. Based on investigation of reaction and analysis of products, conclusions with outlook could be made as follows: On top of the —NH2 group on primary aromatic amines an additional substituent group should better be at para or meta positions and not at ortho position in order to realize the solid coordination compounds. On the other hand, an electron withdrawing substituent or an extra aromatic ring is negative towards formation of the solid coordination compounds. The solid coordination Co(II)‐compounds are labile in solution.
Facile Synthesis of New [1,2,4]Triazolo[4,3‐b]pyridazine
Authors: Arghiani Z. , Seyedi S. M. , Bakavoli M. , Eshghi H.
Published: June 2014

A number of new [1,2,4]triazolo[4,3‐b]pyridazines were prepared by either cyclocondesation of substituted hydrazinopyridazines with orthoesters or oxidative cyclization of their hydrazone analogs in nitrobenzene as an oxidizing agent. A host of other new [1,2,4]triazolo[4,3‐b]pyridazine derivatives were synthesized by sequential treatment of the latter compounds with carbon disulfide and alkyl halides.
Tall Tales Across Time: Narrative Analysis of True and False Allegations
Authors: Peace Kristine A. , Shudra Ryan D. , Forrester Deanna L. , Kasper Ryan , Harder Jeffrey , Porter Stephen
Published: June 2014

Little consensus exists regarding how the details of truthful and false allegations of traumatic victimisation may change over short and long time intervals, yet this cue is utilised in the assessment of witness, victim and suspect credibility. The present study involved a narrative analysis of the details written within 147 sets of allegation statements across both short‐term (~3 months) and long‐term (~6 months) intervals. Overall results indicated that true allegations contained more consistent details, omissions and commissions, although the rates of change over time were variable. These changes appear to result from natural variations in memory and recall over time. However, direct contradictions (inconsistent details) were more prevalent in false allegations, and these claims were more stable over time, suggesting ‘script‐like’ processing. These results have implications for our understanding of testimonial alterations and how determinations of veracity are influenced by statement details. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Rapidly tunable and compact coherent Raman scattering light source for molecular spectroscopy
Authors: Saint‐Jalm Sarah , Berto Pascal , Jullien Ludovic , Andresen Esben Ravn , Rigneault Hervé
Published: June 2014

We present a rapidly tunable (over 400 cm  − 1) and compact (0.7 m 2 footprint) coherent Raman scattering light source performing both coherent anti‐Stokes Raman scattering and stimulated Raman scattering microspectroscopy. We use spectral focusing of a femtosecond Ti:Sapphire pulse and a redshifted soliton generated in a photonic crystal fiber to reach suitable spectral resolution and to rapidly acquire spectra by means of a delay line translation. The coherent Raman scattering light source is used to monitor the molecular equilibrium shift between hydrogen phosphate and dihydrogen phosphate ions under pH change. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Comparison of different types of outlet frits in slurry‐packed capillary columns
Authors: Franc Martin , Sobotníková Jana , Coufal Pavel , Bosáková Zuzana
Published: June 2014

Fused‐silica capillary columns for high‐performance liquid chromatography with 320 and 250 μm inner diameter were prepared by slurry packing with 5 and 3 μm Nucleosil C18 stationary phase. Different types of mechanical and monolithic outlet frits were used and their influence on the resulting column performance was evaluated. Columns with quartz wool exhibited symmetrical peaks and low theoretical plate height, and the preparation time was short. The performance of monolithic frits varied based on type of monolith, length of the frit, and silanization procedure. The best frit performed similarly to the quartz wool ones, but the preparation took several hours. Their main advantage lies in the possibility of on‐column detection, because the detection window can be burnt immediately behind the frit.
Introducing PeptoPlexes: Polylysine‐block‐Polysarcosine Based Polyplexes for Transfection of HEK 293T Cells
Authors: Heller Philipp , Birke Alexander , Huesmann David , Weber Benjamin , Fischer Karl , Reske‐Kunz Angelika , Bros Matthias , Barz Matthias
Published: June 2014

A series of well‐defined polypeptide–polypeptoid block copolymers based on the body's own amino acids sarcosine and lysine are prepared by ring opening polymerization of N‐carboxyanhydrides. Block lengths were varied between 200–300 for the shielding polysarcosine block and 20–70 for the complexing polylysine block. Dispersity indexes ranged from 1.05 to 1.18. Polylysine is polymerized with benzyloxycarbonyl as well as trifluoroacetyl protecting groups at the ϵ‐amine group and optimized deprotection protocols for both groups are reported. The obtained block ionomers are used to complex pDNA resulting in the formation of polyplexes (PeptoPlexes). The PeptoPlexes can be successfully applied in the transfection of HEK 293T cells and are able to transfect up to 50% of cells in vitro (FACS assay), while causing no detectable toxicity in an Annexin V assay. These findings are a first indication that PeptoPlexes may be a suitable alternative to PEG based non‐viral transfection systems.
A Non‐ionic Thermophilic Hydrogel with Positive Thermosensitivity in Water and Electrolyte Solution
Authors: Liu Fangyao , Seuring Jan , Agarwal Seema
Published: June 2014

The first example of a chemically crosslinked synthetic non‐ionic hydrogel showing reversible positive swelling behavior in pure water as well as electrolyte solution is highlighted. Homopolymeric hydrogels are synthesized from N‐acryloylglycinamide with N,N′‐methylenbis(acrylamide) as a chemical crosslinker via free radical polymerization in dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO). The swelling‐ratio dependency of the hydrogels upon temperature as well as on the amounts of crosslinker from 1 to 4.8 mol% is studied. With 1 mol% crosslinker, the hydrogel is able to take up over three times water of its weight at 37 °C in pure water and phosphate‐buffered saline. All the samples show almost 100% of reversibility for at least 6 d up to 37 °C irrespective of the amount of the crosslinker, making them promising candidates for biomedical applications. The sample with a higher amount of crosslinker, i.e., 4.8 mol% is even stable for over 6 d at 70 °C.

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Shifting from Hydrogen Bond Network to π–π Stacking: A Key Mechanism for Reversible Thermochromic Sulfonated Poly(Ether Ether Ketone)
Authors: Jarumaneeroj Chatchai , Tashiro Kohji , Chirachanchai Suwabun
Published: June 2014

Sulfonated poly(ether ether ketone) (SPEEK) thin film performs reversible thermochromic property by developing the color to be yellowish at the temperature above 190 °C. The detailed analyses based on temperature‐dependent techniques suggest the thermal treatment inducing the shifting of the hydrogen bond network between the sulfonated group and the hydrated water molecules to the π–π stacking among aromatic rings in SPEEK chains. Although it is general that the polymer chain packing is unfavorable at high temperature, the present work shows a good example that when the polymer chains can form specific molecular interaction, such as π–π stacking, even in harsh thermal treatment, a rearrangement will effectively occur, which leads to an external stimuli‐responsive property.

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Developments in FT‐ICR MS instrumentation, ionization techniques, and data interpretation methods for petroleomics
Authors: Cho Yunju , Ahmed Arif , Islam Annana , Kim Sunghwan
Published: June 2014

Because of the increasing importance of heavy and unconventional crude oil as an energy source, there is a growing need for petroleomics: the pursuit of more complete and detailed knowledge of the chemical compositions of crude oil. Crude oil has an extremely complex nature; hence, techniques with ultra‐high resolving capabilities, such as Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry (FT‐ICR MS), are necessary. FT‐ICR MS has been successfully applied to the study of heavy and unconventional crude oils such as bitumen and shale oil. However, the analysis of crude oil with FT‐ICR MS is not trivial, and it has pushed analysis to the limits of instrumental and methodological capabilities. For example, high‐resolution mass spectra of crude oils may contain over 100,000 peaks that require interpretation. To visualize large data sets more effectively, data processing methods such as Kendrick mass defect analysis and statistical analyses have been developed. The successful application of FT‐ICR MS to the study of crude oil has been critically dependent on key developments in FT‐ICR MS instrumentation and data processing methods. This review offers an introduction to the basic principles, FT‐ICR MS instrumentation development, ionization techniques, and data interpretation methods for petroleomics and is intended for readers having no prior experience in this field of study. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Mass Spec Rev 34: 248–263, 2015.
Porous Biodegradable Starch‐Based Polymer: Effects of Plasticizers on the Physical Properties
Authors: Jadawi Akram , Saiter Jean‐Marc , Barbe Fabrice , Negahban Mehrdad
Published: June 2014

The effect of the plasticizer content (mixture of water and glycerol) on the cellular structure of the considered material and its influence on the resulting properties, such as mechanical stiffness, are investigated by means of optical microscopy, X‐ray diffraction, thermogravimetry and standard mechanical testing. Adding glycerol leads to larger cell walls and smaller pores but it does not significantly affect the elastic tangent modulus and strength under compression for deformations up to 50%; only a tendency to promote elastic recovery is observed.
Thermal and mechanical properties of carbon nanotube/epoxy nanocomposites reinforced with pristine and functionalized multiwalled carbon nanotubes
Authors: Hameed Asad , Islam Mohammad , ahmad Iftikhar , Mahmood Nasir , Saeed Shaukat , Javed Hassan
Published: June 2014

In this study, the effects of functionalization and weight fraction of mutliwalled carbon nanotubes (CNTs) were investigated on mechanical and thermomechanical properties of CNT/Epoxy composite. Epoxy resin was used as matrix material with pristine‐, COOH‐, and NH2‐functionalized CNTs as reinforcements in weight fractions of 0.1, 0.5, and 1.0%. Varying (increasing) the weight fraction and changing type (pristine or functionalized) of CNTs caused increment in Young's modulus and tensile strength as observed during mechanical tests. CNT reinforcement improved thermal stability of the nanocomposites as observed by thermogravimetric analysis. Thermomechanical analysis showed a slight reduction in free volume of the polymer, that is a drop in coefficient of thermal expansion, prior to glass transition temperature (Tg) beside a slight increase in Tg value. Dynamic mechanical analysis indicated an increase in storage modulus and Tg owing to the strength addition of CNT to the matrix alongside the hardener. Scanning electron microscopy analysis of the fractured surface(s) revealed that CNTs were well dispersed with no agglomeration and resulted in reinforcing the matrix. POLYM. COMPOS., 36:1891–1898, 2015. © 2014 Society of Plastics Engineers
Ferroelectric behavior and polarization mechanism in odd‐odd polyamide 11,11
Authors: Liu Shaobing , Cui Zhe , Fu Peng , Liu Minying , Zhang Lingli , Li Zhaopeng , Zhao Qingxiang
Published: June 2014

Ferroelectric and piezoelectric behavior in odd‐odd polyamide 11,11 are successfully detected for the first time. The maximum coercive field (Ec) of 90 MV/m, and a remnant polarization (Pr) of 40 mC/m2 are obtained at room temperature. A piezoelectric strain coefficient (d33) value as high as −3.9 pC/N has been found in stretched polyamide 11,11 film. The structural change of samples before and after poling is investigated by wide‐angle X‐ray diffraction patterns, differential scanning calorimetry, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The results indicate that the nature of the ferroelectricity originates from amide group dipoles in the γ‐form crystal regions. Hysteresis behavior appears to result from the crystallites reversal mechanism. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2014, 52, 1094–1099
Thermal stabilization and deterioration of the WC/p‐type diamond (100) Schottky‐barrier interface
Authors: Fiori Alexandre , Teraji Tokuyuki , Koide Yasuo
Published: June 2014

Rectification abilities of tungsten carbide (WC) Schottky‐barrier diodes fabricated on p‐type diamond were confirmed up to 800 K. In this study, electrical properties were used to support the investigation of the WC/diamond interface reaction under elevated temperature. Before heating above 500 K, the interface was not thermally stable. The interface has been stabilized by mean of an annealing under vacuum in the 550–600 K range. This treatment has produced diodes exhibiting large rectification factors of 106 at 3 V, and low leakage currents of 10−12 amps at 100 V in the blocked state, when the operation temperature was below 600 K. However, rectification factors were gradually worsened, while the temperature was exceeding 600 K.
Identification of in vitro metabolites of a new anticoccidial drug nitromezuril using HepG2 cells, rat S9 and primary hepatocytes by liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Zhang Keyu , Li Sumei , Zheng Wenli , Zhang Lifang , Wang Chunmei , Wang Xiaoyang , Fei Chenzhong , Xue Feiqun , Wang Mi
Published: June 2014

RATIONALE

Nitromezuril is a novel triazine compound possessing remarkable anticoccidial activity that could have possible future use in the prevention of coccidiosis; however, its metabolic characteristics have still not been revealed.

METHODS

In the present study, the in vitro metabolism of nitromezuril in HepG2 cells, rat S9 and primary hepatocytes was investigated using high‐performance liquid chromatography with electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry. The structures of metabolites and their product ions were easily and reliably characterized based on the accurate MS2 spectra and known structure of nitromezuril.

RESULTS

As expected, three metabolites (M1–M3) were detected in a HepG2 cells system, one metabolite was respectively detected and identified as M1 in rat S9 and M2 in rat primary hepatocytes. M1 and M2 were confirmed respectively based on comparing their retention times, full scan, product ion scan with available authentic standards and M3 was tentatively identified as hydroxyl compound of M2.

CONCLUSIONS

Pathways of nitromezuril were reported for the first time and no obvious species difference was shown. The proposed metabolic pathways of nitromezuril can be expected to play a key role in pharmacodynamics and food safety evaluations. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Reduce dimension or reduce weights? Comparing two approaches to multi‐arm studies in network meta‐analysis
Authors: Rücker Gerta , Schwarzer Guido
Published: June 2014

Network meta‐analysis is a statistical method combining information from randomised trials that compare two or more treatments for a given medical condition. Consistent treatment effects are estimated for all possible treatment comparisons. For estimation, weighted least squares regression that in a natural way generalises standard pairwise meta‐analysis can be used. Typically, as part of the network, multi‐arm studies are found. In a multi‐arm study, observed pairwise comparisons are correlated, which must be accounted for. To this aim, two methods have been proposed, a standard regression approach and a new approach coming from graph theory and based on contrast‐based data (Rücker 2012). In the standard approach, the dimension of the design matrix is appropriately reduced until it is invertible (‘reduce dimension’). In the alternative approach, the weights of comparisons coming from multi‐arm studies are appropriately reduced (‘reduce weights’). As it was unclear, to date, how these approaches are related to each other, we give a mathematical proof that both approaches lead to identical estimates. The ‘reduce weights’ approach can be interpreted as the construction of a network of independent two‐arm studies, which is basically equivalent to the given network with multi‐arm studies. Thus, a simple random‐effects model is obtained, with one additional parameter for a common heterogeneity variance. This is applied to a systematic review in depression. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Physical properties of irradiated thermoplastic elastomeric olefins based on (devulcanized rubber)/(high crystalline polypropylene) formulations
Authors: Hassan Medhat M. , Badway Nagwa A. , Elnaggar Mona Y. , Hegazy El‐Sayed A.
Published: June 2014

This work aims to produce thermoplastic elastomeric olefins based on devulcanized waste rubber (DR) and polypropylene (PP) compatibilized with poly(ethylene‐propylene‐diene monomer) (EPDM). The coupling of DR/PP in varying proportions with EPDM was investigated by Fourier‐transform infrared, X‐ray diffraction, and scanning electron microscopy techniques. A comparative study was established to evaluate the influence of EPDM content and radiation dose on the physical, mechanical, and thermal performance of DR/PP/EPDM composites. It was found that the synergism of EPDM incorporation and irradiation conditions up to 100 kGy remarkably decreased the PP Tm value, indicating a promotion in the PP and radiation sensitivity. J. VINYL ADDIT. TECHNOL., 21:33–41, 2015. © 2014 Society of Plastics Engineers