bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A method for estimating age of medieval sub‐adults from infancy to adulthood based on long bone length
Authors: Primeau Charlotte , Friis Laila , Sejrsen Birgitte , Lynnerup Niels
Published: September 2015

Objectives

To develop a series of regression equations for estimating age from length of long bones for archaeological sub‐adults when aging from dental development cannot be performed. Further, to compare derived ages when using these regression equations, and two other methods.

Material and Methods

A total of 183 skeletal sub‐adults from the Danish medieval period, were aged from radiographic images. Linear regression formulae were then produced for individual bones. Age was then estimated from the femur length using three different methods: equations developed in this study, data based on a modern population (Maresh: Human growth and development () pp 155–200), and, lastly, based on archeological data with known ages (Rissech et al.: Forensic Sci Int 180 () 1–9). As growth of long bones is known to be non‐linear it was tested if the regression model could be improved by applying a quadratic model.

Results

Comparison between estimated ages revealed that the modern data result in lower estimated ages when compared to the Danish regression equations. The estimated ages using the Danish regression equations and the regression equations developed by Rissech et al. (Forensic Sci Int 180 () 1–9) were very similar, if not identical. This indicates that the growth between the two archaeological populations is not that dissimilar.

Discussion

This would suggest that the regression equations developed in this study may potentially be applied to archaeological material outside Denmark as well as later than the medieval period, although this would require further testing. The quadratic equations are suggested to yield more accurate ages then using simply linear regression equations. Am J Phys Anthropol 159:135–145, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Trustworthiness and authority of scholarly information in a digital age: Results of an international questionnaire
Authors: Tenopir Carol , Levine Kenneth , Allard Suzie , Christian Lisa , Volentine Rachel , Boehm Reid , Nichols Frances , Nicholas David , Jamali Hamid R. , Herman Eti , Watkinson Anthony
Published: September 2015

An international survey of over 3,600 researchers examined how trustworthiness and quality are determined for making decisions on scholarly reading, citing, and publishing and how scholars perceive changes in trust with new forms of scholarly communication. Although differences in determining trustworthiness and authority of scholarly resources exist among age groups and fields of study, traditional methods and criteria remain important across the board. Peer review is considered the most important factor for determining the quality and trustworthiness of research. Researchers continue to read abstracts, check content for sound arguments and credible data, and rely on journal rankings when deciding whether to trust scholarly resources in reading, citing, or publishing. Social media outlets and open access publications are still often not trusted, although many researchers believe that open access has positive implications for research, especially if the open access journals are peer reviewed.
Patent citation analysis with Google
Authors: Kousha Kayvan , Thelwall Mike
Published: September 2015

Citations from patents to scientific publications provide useful evidence about the commercial impact of academic research, but automatically searchable databases are needed to exploit this connection for large‐scale patent citation evaluations. Google covers multiple different international patent office databases but does not index patent citations or allow automatic searches. In response, this article introduces a semiautomatic indirect method via Bing to extract and filter patent citations from Google to academic papers with an overall precision of 98%. The method was evaluated with 322,192 science and engineering Scopus articles from every second year for the period 1996–2012. Although manual Google Patent searches give more results, especially for articles with many patent citations, the difference is not large enough to be a major problem. Within Biomedical Engineering, Biotechnology, and Pharmacology & Pharmaceutics, 7% to 10% of Scopus articles had at least one patent citation but other fields had far fewer, so patent citation analysis is only relevant for a minority of publications. Low but positive correlations between Google Patent citations and Scopus citations across all fields suggest that traditional citation counts cannot substitute for patent citations when evaluating research.
Investigating the role of semantic priming in query expression: A framework and two experiments
Authors: Smith Catherine L.
Published: September 2015

Modern search systems often meet their users' information needs, but when the system fails, searchers struggle to formulate effective queries. Query suggestions may help, but research suggests these often go unused. Although much is known about how searchers scan results pages when assessing relevance, little is known about the processes searchers use when struggling to reformulate queries. Investigating how searchers overcome query difficulties, and how search systems help and hinder that process, requires enquiry into the cognitive procedures searchers use to select words for queries. The purpose of this paper is to investigate one cognitive process involved: semantic priming of words in memory. A framework for conceptualizing the role of semantic priming in search interaction is presented, along with results from two experiments that applied research methods from cognitive psychology, in an investigation of word selection and subsequent search for selected words. The results show that word selection activates related words in memory and that looking for a selected word among related words is effortful. The finding suggests that semantic priming may play a role in the difficulties people experience when reformulating queries. Ideas for continued development of semantic priming methods and their use in future research are also presented.
Fabrication and Formation Mechanism of Ag Nanoplate‐Decorated Nanofiber Mats and Their Application in SERS
Authors: Jia Peng , Chang Jiao , Wang Jianqiang , Zhang Pan , Cao Bing , Geng Yuting , Wang Xiuxing , Pan Kai
Published: September 2015

We report a new simple method to fabricate a highly active SERS substrate consisting of poly‐m‐phenylenediamine/polyacrylonitrile (PmPD/PAN) decorated with Ag nanoplates. The formation mechanism of Ag nanoplates is investigated. The synthetic process of the Ag nanoplate‐decorated PmPD/PAN (Ag nanoplates@PmPD/PAN) nanofiber mats consists of the assembly of Ag nanoparticles on the surface of PmPD/PAN nanofibers as crystal nuclei followed by in situ growth of Ag nanoparticles exclusively into nanoplates. Both the reducibility of the polymer and the concentration of AgNO3 are found to play important roles in the formation and the density of Ag nanoplates. The optimized Ag nanoplates@PmPD/PAN nanofiber mats exhibit excellent activity and reproducibility in surface‐enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) detection of 4‐mercaptobenzoic acid (4‐MBA) with a detection limit of 10−10 m, making the Ag nanoplates@PmPD/PAN nanofiber mats a promising substrate for SERS detection of chemical molecules. In addition, this work also provides a design and fabrication process for a 3D SERS substrate made of a reducible polymer with noble metals.
Photoluminescence properties of rare‐earth‐doped (Er3+,Yb3+) Y2O3 nanophosphors by a combustion synthesis method
Authors: Kaur Manmeet , Bisen D. P. , Brahme N. , Singh Prabhjot , Sahu I. P.
Published: September 2015

In this work, we report the synthesis of Y2O3:Er3+, Y2O3:Yb3+ and Y2O3:Er3+,Yb3+ nanophosphors by the combustion synthesis method using urea as fuel. The doping agents were incorporated in the form of erbium nitrate and ytterbium nitrate. X‐Ray diffraction (XRD) patterns revealed that the synthesized particles have a body‐centered cubic structure with space group Ia‐3. The photoluminescence (PL) properties were investigated after UV and infrared irradiation at room temperature. A strong characteristic emission of Er3+ and Yb3+ ions was identified, and the influence of doping concentration on the PL properties was systematically studied. Energy transfer from Yb3+ to Er3+ ions was observed in Y2O3 nanophosphors. The obtained result may be useful in potential applications such as bioimaging. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Comparison of outcomes after laparoscopy-assisted and open total gastrectomy for early gastric cancer
Authors: Lee J H , Nam B-H , Ryu K W , Ryu S Y , Park Y K , Kim S , Kim Y W
Published: September 2015

Background

The aim of this study was to compare the results of laparoscopy-assisted total gastrectomy with those of open total gastrectomy for early gastric cancer.

Methods

Patients with gastric cancer who underwent total gastrectomy with curative intent in three Korean tertiary hospitals between January 2003 and December 2010 were included in this multicentre, retrospective, propensity score-matched cohort study. Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to evaluate the association between operation method and survival.

Results

A total of 753 patients with early gastric cancer were included in the study. There were no significant differences in the matched cohort for overall survival (hazard ratio (HR) for laparoscopy-assisted versus open total gastrectomy 0·96, 95 per cent c.i. 0·57 to 1·65) or recurrence-free survival (HR 2·20, 0·51 to 9·52). The patterns of recurrence were no different between the two groups. The severity of complications, according to the Clavien–Dindo classification, was similar in both groups. The most common complications were anastomosis-related in the laparoscopy-assisted group (8·0 per cent versus 4·2 per cent in the open group; P = 0·015) and wound-related in the open group (1·6 versus 5·6 per cent respectively; P = 0·003). Postoperative death was more common in the laparoscopy-assisted group (1·6 versus 0·2 per cent; P = 0·045).

Conclusion

Laparoscopy-assisted total gastrectomy for early gastric cancer is feasible in terms of long-term results, including survival and recurrence. However, a higher postoperative mortality rate and an increased risk of anastomotic leakage after laparoscopic-assisted total gastrectomy are of concern.
Role of the Interface in Base‐Metal Ceria‐Based Catalysts for Hydrogen Purification and Production Processes
Authors: Kubacka A. , Martínez‐Arias A. , Fernández‐García M.
Published: September 2015

The role of the interface in Cu,Ni‐CeO2 catalysts used for novel hydrogen purification and production processes (preferential oxidation of CO, water–gas shift reactions, and the reforming of bio‐alcohols) is analyzed with an emphasis on the description of the physico‐chemical properties of the interface that have a critical influence on the catalytic properties. The direct contact between the base metal and ceria, as well as a contact mediated by alien species, are studied. Critical appraisal of the results indicates that specific base‐metal and ceria interaction situations control the redox response to the gas‐phase atmosphere. Together with specific base‐metal structural effects, these properties seem particularly important in controlling the interaction with CO and H2O as well as with carboxy/carboxylate moieties, and therefore, are important to drive the activity, selectivity, and stability for the mentioned catalytic processes.
Dissolution of Platinum in the Operational Range of Fuel Cells
Authors: Cherevko Serhiy , Keeley Gareth P. , Geiger Simon , Zeradjanin Aleksandar R. , Hodnik Nejc , Kulyk Nadiia , Mayrhofer Karl J. J.
Published: September 2015

The front cover artwork is provided by the Electrocatalysis Group at the Max‐Planck‐Institut für Eisenforschung GmbH (Germany). The image shows, symbolically, the investigation of the dissolution of carbon‐supported platinum nanoparticles by using a scanning flow‐cell‐based setup with on‐line detection of dissolution products through ICP–MS. Read the full text of the Article at 10.1002/celc.201500098.
Incorporating PLS model information into particle swarm optimization for descriptor selection in QSAR/QSPR
Authors: Wang Yong , Huang Jing‐Jing , Zhou Neng , Cao Dong‐Sheng , Dong Jie , Li Han‐Xiong
Published: September 2015

As a representative paradigm of evolutionary algorithms, particle swarm optimization (PSO) has been combined with partial least square (PLS) (called PSO‐PLS) to select informative descriptors in quantitative structure‐activity/property relationship (QSAR/QSPR). However, one of the main limitations of PSO‐PLS is that it ignores PLS model information. In this paper, by incorporating the PLS model information into PSO‐PLS, we present a novel weighted sampling method (called WS‐PSO‐PLS) to choose the optimal descriptor subset. Due to the fact that the regression coefficients of the PLS model reflect the importance of descriptors in the model development, we firstly obtain the normalized regression coefficients by establishing the PLS model with all the descriptors. Afterward, weighted sampling is used to generate some individuals according to the aforementioned normalized regression coefficients. Finally, we employ some dimensions of the generated individuals to replace the corresponding dimensions of the individuals with poor quality in the population at each generation. WS‐PSO‐PLS has been assessed through three QSAR/QSPR datasets and the experimental results suggest that WS‐PSO‐PLS has the capability to effectively guide the search process by introducing the PLS model coefficients into PSO during the evolution and, therefore, performs better than PSO‐PLS. WS‐PSO‐PLS could be considered as a general and promising mechanism to introduce extra information to improve the performance of PSO for descriptor selection in QSAR/QSPR. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Dual Esterase‐ and Steroid‐Responsive Energy Transfer Modulation of Ruthenium(II) and Rhenium(I) Complex Functionalized Gold Nanoparticles
Authors: Leung Frankie Chi‐Ming , Au Vonika Ka‐Man , Song Hai‐Ou , Yam Vivian Wing‐Wah
Published: September 2015

A number of adamantane‐containing ruthenium(II) and rhenium(I) complexes have been synthesized, characterized, and noncovalently functionalized with β‐cyclodextrin‐capped gold nanoparticles (β‐CD–GNPs) through the host–guest interaction between cyclodextrin and adamantane. The resultant nanoconjugates have been characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), energy‐dispersive X‐ray analysis (EDX), and 2D ROESY 1H NMR experiments. The Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) properties of the nanoconjugates can be modulated by both esterase‐accelerated hydrolysis and competitive displacement of steroid, by monitoring the emission intensity and luminescence lifetime. The FRET efficiencies are found to vary with the nature of the chromophores and the length of the spacer between the transition metal complexes and the GNPs. This work constitutes a “proof‐of‐principle” assay method for the dual‐functional detection of important classes of biomolecules, such as enzymes and steroids.
Reversible Mechanical Interlocking of D‐Shaped Molecular Karabiners bearing Coordination‐Bond Loaded Gates: Route to Self‐Assembled [2]Catenanes
Authors: Prusty Soumyakanta , Krishnaswamy Shobhana , Bandi Sreenivasulu , Chandrika Baby , Luo Jingwei , McIndoe J. Scott , Hanan Garry S. , Chand Dillip Kumar
Published: September 2015

Complexation of 1,4‐phenylenebis(methylene) diisonicotinate, L1, with cis‐protected PdII components, [Pd(L′)(NO3)2], in an equimolar ratio yielded binuclear complexes, 1 a–d of [Pd2(L′)2(L1)2](NO3)4 formulation where L′ stands for ethylenediamine (en), tetramethylethylenediamine (tmeda), 2,2′‐bipyridine (bpy), and phenanthroline (phen). The combination of 4,4′‐bipyridine, L2, with the cis‐protected PdII units is known to yield molecular squares, 2 a–d. However, 2 b–d coexist with the corresponding molecular triangles, 3 b–d. Combination of an equivalent each of the ligands L1 and L2 with two equivalents of cis‐protected PdII components in DMSO resulted in the D‐shaped heteroligated complexes [Pd2(L′)2(L1)(L2)](NO3)4, 4 a–d. Two units of the D‐shaped complexes interlock, in a concentration dependent fashion, to form the corresponding [2]catenanes [Pd2(L′)2(L1)(L2)]2(NO3)8, 5 a–d under aqueous conditions. Crystal structures of the macrocycle [Pd2(tmeda)2(L1)(L2)](PF6)4, 4 b′′, and the catenane [Pd2(bpy)2(L1)(L2)]2(NO3)8, 5 c, provide unequivocal support for the proposed molecular architectures.
Photochemical Synthesis of Complex Carbazoles: Evaluation of Electronic Effects in Both UV‐ and Visible‐Light Methods in Continuous Flow
Authors: Hernandez‐Perez Augusto C. , Caron Antoine , Collins Shawn K.
Published: September 2015

An evaluation of both a visible‐light‐ and UV‐light‐mediated synthesis of carbazoles from various triarylamines with differing electronic properties under continuous‐flow conditions has been conducted. In general, triarylamines bearing electron‐rich groups tend to produce higher yields than triarylamines possessing electron‐withdrawing groups. The incorporation of nitrogen‐based heterocycles, as well as halogen‐containing arenes in carbazole skeletons, was well tolerated, and often synthetically useful complementarity was observed between the UV‐light and visible‐light (photoredox) methods.
Persistent Dialkylsilanone Generated by Dehydrobromination of Dialkylbromosilanol
Authors: Ishida Shintaro , Abe Takashi , Hirakawa Fumiya , Kosai Tomoyuki , Sato Katsuhiro , Kira Mitsuo , Iwamoto Takeaki
Published: September 2015

Invited for the cover of this issue is the group of Takeaki Iwamoto and Shintaro Ishida at Tohoku University (Japan). The image depicts the molecular structure of R2SiO with its 29Si NMR spectrum in solution. Read the full text of the article at 10.1002/chem.201501478.
Influence of Hydraulic Retention Time, Sludge Retention Time, and Ozonation on the Removal of Free and Conjugated Estrogens in Japanese Activated Sludge Treatment Plants
Authors: Kumar Vimal , Nakada Norihide , Yamashita Naoyuki , Johnson Andrew C. , Tanaka Hiroaki
Published: September 2015

This study describes the occurrence, fate,and removal of free estrogens (estrone (E1), 17β‐estradiol (E2), estriol (E3), 17α‐ethynylestradiol (EE2)) and their glucuronide and sulfate conjugates (estrone‐3‐sulphate (E1‐3S), 17β‐estradiol‐3‐sulfate (E2‐3S), estriol‐3‐sulfate (E3‐3S), estrone‐3‐glucuronide (E1‐3G), 17β‐estradiol‐3‐glucuronide (E2‐3G), and estriol‐3‐glucuronide (E3‐3G)) in 12 sewage treatment plants in Japan. Glucuronide conjugates were only rarely detected in sewage influents and entirely eliminated within the treatment plants. E1 was found at 69 ng/L, E2 at 108 ng/L, E1‐3S at 18 ng/L, and E2‐3S at 78 ng/L in the sewage influents. The average removal efficiency for E1, E2, and sulfate conjugates was 88, 92, and 93%, respectively, following activated sludge treatment. The removal of E1 and E2 was improved with increasing the sludge retention time (SRT), with the highest removal typically found from 12 days SRT onward. The removal of sulfate conjugates was also related to SRT with highest removals found from eight days SRT onward. No correlation was found between the hydraulic retention time and the removal of any of the estrogens. The ozone dosage of 4–7 mg/L reduced E3 and E2‐3S and E3‐3S to below detection levels. Overall ozonation reduced the estrogenicity of the effluents as expressed as estradiol equivalents from 8.4 to 0.7 ng/L. The results suggest adequate river basin management of estrogens in Japan could be accomplished by a mixture of activated sludge plants with long SRT and where necessary, the addition of tertiary ozonation.
Development of Small‐Molecule Trypanosoma brucei N‐Myristoyltransferase Inhibitors: Discovery and Optimisation of a Novel Binding Mode
Authors: Spinks Daniel , Smith Victoria , Thompson Stephen , Robinson David A. , Luksch Torsten , Smith Alasdair , Torrie Leah S. , McElroy Stuart , Stojanovski Laste , Norval Suzanne , Collie Iain T. , Hallyburton Irene , Rao Bhavya , Brand Stephen , Brenk Ruth , Frearson Julie A. , Read Kevin D. , Wyatt Paul G. , Gilbert Ian H.
Published: September 2015

The enzyme N‐myristoyltransferase (NMT) from Trypanosoma brucei has been validated both chemically and biologically as a potential drug target for human African trypanosomiasis. We previously reported the development of some very potent compounds based around a pyrazole sulfonamide series, derived from a high‐throughput screen. Herein we describe work around thiazolidinone and benzomorpholine scaffolds that were also identified in the screen. An X‐ray crystal structure of the thiazolidinone hit in Leishmania major NMT showed the compound bound in the previously reported active site, utilising a novel binding mode. This provides potential for further optimisation. The benzomorpholinone was also found to bind in a similar region. Using an X‐ray crystallography/structure‐based design approach, the benzomorpholinone series was further optimised, increasing activity against T. brucei NMT by >1000‐fold. A series of trypanocidal compounds were identified with suitable in vitro DMPK properties, including CNS exposure for further development. Further work is required to increase selectivity over the human NMT isoform and activity against T. brucei.
Diffusion propagators for hindered diffusion in open geometries
Authors: Ziener Christian H. , Kampf Thomas , Kurz Felix T.
Published: September 2015

The diffusion of spin‐bearing particles around simple geometrical objects like cylinders and spheres abides by the form of the diffusion propagator that specifies the probability of a particle to diffuse from one position to another within a specific time span. While diffusion propagators for diffusion inside a cylinder or sphere are well‐analyzed, diffusion propagators for hindered diffusion around these open geometries are rarely discussed in MR literature. Knowledge of such diffusion propagators for hindered diffusion allows quantifying the influence of diffusion processes on the MR signal around single vessels or blood residues and ultra‐small iron‐oxide particles, respectively, when there is no outer boundary present. In this work, analytical expressions for the diffusion propagator for hindered diffusion in one, two and three dimensions as well as the resulting correlation functions for diffusion in a dipole field around cylinders and spheres are derived. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Concepts Magn Reson Part A 44A: 150–159, 2015.
Synthesis of ZnO films in different solvents and their photocatalytic activities
Authors: Yang Jinghai , Wei Bing , Li Xiuyan , Wang Jian , Zhai Hongju , Li Xuefei , Sui Yingrui , Liu Yanqing , Wang Jingshu , Lang Jihui , Zhang Qi
Published: September 2015

ZnO thin films have been successfully synthesized via the chemical bath deposition (CBD) method without using any catalysts or templates. The effects of solvents (such as water, ethanol and n‐propanol) on structure and morphology of ZnO thin films have been studied. XRD analysis showed that all ZnO thin films with wurtzite crystal structure were obtained via various solvents. SEM images showed that ZnO thin films prepared in different solvents have different sizes and morphologies. TEM images showed that crystalline ZnO samples prepared in different solvents have different growth habits. Photoluminescence and photocatalysis properties have been investigated at room temperature. ZnO thin films prepared in water showed superior photocatalytic activity in the degradation of rhodamine B (RhB) compared to other samples.
The Future of Conflict Management Systems
Authors: Lipsky David B.
Published: September 2015

This article acknowledges Chris Merchant's contribution to the development of the concept of a conflict management system (CMS). It discusses the relationship between a CMS and a closely related concept, an integrated conflict management system (ICMS), which is a more comprehensive or integrated approach to conflict management. The article reports on surveys of Fortune 1000 corporations that show that the implementation of a CMS in these corporations rose from 17 percent in 1997 to about 30 percent in 2011. Chris Merchant expressed optimism about the future of conflict management systems. Although her vision of the future of conflict management systems has not yet been fulfilled, one can hope that if these systems provide not only organizational efficiency but also workplace justice, her optimism will one day be justified.
Design of Zeolitic Imidazolate Framework Derived Nitrogen‐Doped Nanoporous Carbons Containing Metal Species for Carbon Dioxide Fixation Reactions
Authors: Toyao Takashi , Fujiwaki Mika , Miyahara Kenta , Kim Tae‐Ho , Horiuchi Yu , Matsuoka Masaya
Published: September 2015

Various N‐doped nanoporous carbons containing metal species were prepared by direct thermal conversion of zeolitic imidazolate frameworks (ZIFs; ZIF‐7, ‐8, ‐9, and ‐67) at different temperatures (600, 800, and 1000 °C). These materials were utilized as bifunctional acid–base catalysts to promote the reaction of CO2 with epoxides to form cyclic carbonates under 0.6 MPa of CO2 at 80 °C. The catalyst generated by thermal conversion of ZIF‐9 at 600 °C (C600‐ZIF‐9) was found to exhibit a higher catalytic activity than the other ZIFs, other conventional catalysts, and other metal–organic framework catalysts. The results of various characterization techniques including elemental analysis, X‐ray diffraction, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, X‐ray absorption spectroscopy, and transmission electron microscopy show that C600‐ZIF‐9 contains partly oxidized Co nanoparticles and N species. Temperature‐programmed desorption measurements by using CO2 and NH3 as probe molecules revealed that C600‐ZIF‐9 has both Lewis acid and Lewis base catalytic sites. Finally, the substrate scope was extended to seven other kinds of epoxides.
Highly Soluble Benzo[ghi]perylenetriimide Derivatives: Stable and Air‐Insensitive Electron Acceptors for Artificial Photosynthesis
Authors: Chen Hung‐Cheng , Hsu Chao‐Ping , Reek Joost N. H. , Williams René M. , Brouwer Albert M.
Published: September 2015

A series of new benzo[ghi]perylenetriimide (BPTI) derivatives has been synthesized and characterized. These remarkably soluble BPTI derivatives show strong optical absorption in the range of λ=300–500 nm and have a high triplet‐state energy of 1.67 eV. A cyanophenyl substituent renders BPTI such a strong electron acceptor (Ered=−0.11 V vs. the normal hydrogen electrode) that electron‐trapping reactions with O2 and H2O do not occur. The BPTI radical anion on a fluorine‐doped tin oxide|TiO2 electrode is persistent up to tens of seconds (t1/2=39 s) in air‐saturated buffer solution. As a result of favorable packing, theoretical electron mobilities (10−2∼10−1 cm2 V−1 s−1) are high and similar to the experimental values observed for perylene diimide and C60 derivatives. Our studies show the potential of the cyanophenyl‐modified BPTI compounds as electron acceptors in devices for artificial photosynthesis in water splitting that are also very promising nonfullerene electron‐transport materials for organic solar cells.
Atomic Layer Deposition and Characterization of Dysprosium‐Doped Zirconium Oxide Thin Films
Authors: Tamm Aile , Kozlova Jekaterina , Arroval Tõnis , Aarik Lauri , Ritslaid Peeter , García Hector , Castán Helena , Dueñas Salvador , Kukli Kaupo , Aarik Jaan
Published: September 2015

Dy2O3 doped ZrO2 films are grown on silicon substrates using atomic layer deposition at 300 °C. Dy(thd)3 (thd = 2,2,6,6‐tetramethyl‐3,5‐heptanedionato) and ZrCl4 are used as metal precursors and H2O as the oxygen precursor. Despite the low growth rate of Dy2O3 in a beta‐diketonate/water process, the process allows deposition of thin films with the dysprosium content of few mass %. The films crystallize in the form of tetragonal zirconia already in as‐deposited state and grow conformally onto 3D substrates with an aspect ratio of 1:20. The capacitors formed on the basis of the films in as‐deposited and annealed states demonstrate current–voltage and capacitance behavior characteristic of those with high‐permittivity dielectrics. The maximum concentration of electronic defects at oxide/electrode interfaces reaches 1.8 × 1011 cm−2 eV−1.
Multiple sexual selection pressures drive the rapid evolution of complex morphology in a male secondary genital structure
Authors: Frazee Stephen R. , Masly John P.
Published: September 2015

The genitalia of internally fertilizing taxa represent a striking example of rapid morphological evolution. Although sexual selection can shape variation in genital morphology, it has been difficult to test whether multiple sexual selection pressures combine to drive the rapid evolution of individual genital structures. Here, we test the hypothesis that both pre‐ and postcopulatory sexual selection can act in concert to shape complex structural variation in secondary genital morphology. We genetically modified the size and shape of the posterior lobes of Drosophila melanogaster males and tested the consequences of morphological variation on several reproductive measures. We found that the posterior lobes are necessary for genital coupling and that they are also the targets of multiple postcopulatory processes that shape quantitative variation in morphology, even though these structures make no direct contact with the external female genitalia or internal reproductive organs during mating. We also found that males with smaller and less structurally complex posterior lobes suffer substantial fitness costs in competitive fertilization experiments. Our results show that sexual selection mechanisms can combine to shape the morphology of a single genital structure and that the posterior lobes of D. melanogaster are the targets of multiple postcopulatory selection pressures.
A Monte Carlo approach to estimate the uncertainty in soil CO2 emissions caused by spatial and sample size variability
Authors: Shi Wei‐Yu , Su Li‐Jun , Song Yi , Ma Ming‐Guo , Du Sheng
Published: September 2015

The soil CO2 emission is recognized as one of the largest fluxes in the global carbon cycle. Small errors in its estimation can result in large uncertainties and have important consequences for climate model predictions. Monte Carlo approach is efficient for estimating and reducing spatial scale sampling errors. However, that has not been used in soil CO2 emission studies. Here, soil respiration data from 51 PVC collars were measured within farmland cultivated by maize covering 25 km2 during the growing season. Based on Monte Carlo approach, optimal sample sizes of soil temperature, soil moisture, and soil CO2 emission were determined. And models of soil respiration can be effectively assessed: Soil temperature model is the most effective model to increasing accuracy among three models. The study demonstrated that Monte Carlo approach may improve soil respiration accuracy with limited sample size. That will be valuable for reducing uncertainties of global carbon cycle.
Intercellular communication lessons in heart failure
Authors: Bang Claudia , Antoniades Charalambos , Antonopoulos Alexios S. , Eriksson Ulf , Franssen Constantijn , Hamdani Nazha , Lehmann Lorenz , Moessinger Christine , Mongillo Marco , Muhl Lars , Speer Thimoteus , Thum Thomas
Published: September 2015

Cell–cell or inter‐organ communication allows the exchange of information and messages, which is essential for the coordination of cell/organ functions and the maintenance of homeostasis. It has become evident that dynamic interactions of different cell types play a major role in the heart, in particular during the progression of heart failure, a leading cause of mortality worldwide. Heart failure is associated with compensatory structural and functional changes mostly in cardiomyocytes and cardiac fibroblasts, which finally lead to cardiomyocyte hypertrophy and fibrosis. Intercellular communication within the heart is mediated mostly via direct cell–cell interaction or the release of paracrine signalling mediators such as cytokines and chemokines. However, recent studies have focused on the exchange of genetic information via the packaging into vesicles as well as the crosstalk of lipids and other paracrine molecules within the heart and distant organs, such as kidney and adipose tissue, which might all contribute to the pathogenesis of heart failure. In this review, we discuss emerging communication networks and respective underlying mechanisms which could be involved in cardiovascular disease conditions and further emphasize promising therapeutic targets for drug development.
Stabilization of CuII–I Bonds Using 2‐Benzoylpyridine Thiosemicarbazones – Synthesis, Structure, Spectroscopy, Fluo­rescence, and Cyclic Voltammetry
Authors: Indoria Shikha , Lobana Tarlok S. , Singh Deep , Kumari Sangita , Kumari Parveen , Bala Tanu , Kamal Ajar , Jassal Amanpreet K. , García Santos Isabel , Castineiras Alfonso , Jasinski Jerry P.
Published: September 2015

The reactions of copper(I) iodide with N1‐substituted 2‐benzoylpyridine thiosemicarbazones [(C6H5)(C5H4N)C2=N3–N2H–C(=S)–N1HR (R = Me, HLMe; Et, HLEt; Ph, HLPh)] in acetonitrile/dichloromethane mixtures have formed the complexes [Cu2III2(μ4‐N,N,S‐LMe)2] (1), [CuIII(κ3‐N,N,S‐LEt)] (4), and [CuIII(κ3‐N,N,S‐LPh)] (7) through proton‐coupled electron transfer (PCET), and these complexes have rare CuII–I bonds. The above thio ligands with copper(I) bromide and copper(I) chloride also formed similar CuII–Br and CuII–Cl bonds in complexes of stoichiometry [CuIIX(κ3‐N,N,S‐L)] (L = LMe, LEt, LPh, X = Br 2, 5, 8; X = Cl 3, 6, 9) by PCET. All of the complexes have been characterized by elemental analysis, infrared spectroscopy, electronic absorption spectroscopy, ESR spectroscopy, magnetic susceptibility measurements, molecular fluorescence, cyclic voltammetry, and single‐crystal X‐ray crystallography. The thio ligands coordinate as monoanionic N,N,S donors in 1–9. The ESR data support the divalent oxidation state of the metal centers in the complexes, and the ESR parameters follow the trend g∥ > g⟂ > 2 with G values in the range 2–4, which suggests a d ground state for the copper(II) complexes with variable exchange interaction in the solid complexes. The geometry around each copper(II) center is distorted square planar (mononuclear, 2–9) or square pyramidal (dinuclear, 1). The stabilization of copper(II)–iodide bonds as well as the formation of CuII–Br and CuII–Cl bonds from thio ligands and copper(I) halides by a PCET process represents basic research of topical interest.
A Highly Efficient Copper(I)‐Catalyzed Cascade Reaction of o‐Alkenylphenyl Isothiocyanates with Isocyanides Leading to 5H‐Benzo[d]imidazo[5,1‐b][1,3]thiazines
Authors: Hao Wenyan , Huang Jian , Jie Shanshan , Cai Mingzhong
Published: September 2015

The highly efficient copper(I)‐catalyzed cascade reaction of (E)‐3‐(2‐isothiocyanatophenyl)acrylates and (E)‐3‐(2‐isothiocyanatophenyl)acrylonitriles with isocyanides was explored. The method provides an expedient route for the synthesis of 5H‐benzo[d]imidazo[5,1‐b][1,3]thiazines in good to excellent yields by using CuCl (10 mol‐%) as the catalyst and K3PO4 (2.0 equiv.) as the base in THF at 70 °C. The reaction involves [3+2] cycloaddition and subsequent intramolecular C–S bond formation.
Multivalent Molecular Shuttles – Effect of Increasing the Number of Centers in Switchable Catalysts
Authors: Álvarez Celedonio M. , Barbero Héctor , Miguel Daniel
Published: September 2015

A family of three molecular shuttles based upon ammonium/triazolinium salt motifs with one, two, and three catalytic centers were prepared along with their corresponding non‐interlocked threads. The switching process for all rotaxanes was tested through an in situ procedure in solution. Furthermore, their organocatalysis of two Michale‐type reactions by iminium activation was tested to check whether the increase of the number of catalytic centers in the same shuttle is a decisive factor to improve their efficiencies compared with those of single‐active‐site organocatalytic shuttles under the same conditions.
Concise Access to 1,2‐Pyrrole‐Annulated Benzazepines through a Brønsted Acid Catalyzed Redox‐Neutral Domino Reaction
Authors: Wang Peng‐Fei , Huang Ya‐Ping , Wen Xiaoan , Sun Hongbin , Xu Qing‐Long
Published: September 2015

A Brønsted acid catalyzed redox‐annulated cascade reaction between 2‐arylpyrroles and 2‐(pyrrolidin‐1‐yl)‐, 2‐(piperidin‐1‐yl), or 2‐morpholinobenzaldehydes has been developed. This dehydration/1,5‐hydride shift/cyclization sequence results in the construction of two new C(sp2)–C(sp3) bonds, providing structurally diverse 1,2‐pyrrole‐annulated benzazepines in yields of 25–65 %.
The phenomenology of protest atmosphere: A demonstrator perspective
Authors: van Leeuwen Anouk , van Stekelenburg Jacquelien , Klandermans Bert
Published: September 2015

This paper aims to improve our understanding of demonstrators' atmosphere perceptions, that is, demonstrators' affective state, which is induced by the protest environment. We examined how demonstrators perceive protest atmosphere, why they do so, and whether atmosphere perceptions influence demonstrators' future collective action preparedness. We hypothesized that demonstrators' atmosphere perceptions diverge on a dimension of pleasure, and relate to their grievance (i.e., perceived societal intolerance), group identification, empowerment, and perceived police aggression. A pleasant atmosphere perception was expected to stimulate a demonstrator's future action preparedness. We tested these hypotheses with a mixed‐methods dataset of two Dutch protests, staged by Lesbians, Gays, Bisexuals, and Transgenders and anti‐monarchists. Our analyses revealed that demonstrators' atmosphere perceptions diverge on a dimension of pleasure, and relate to group identification, empowerment, and, for anti‐monarchists, perceived societal intolerance. A pleasant atmosphere perception deters a demonstrator's future action preparedness and also stimulates his or her group identification and empowerment, which, then, stimulate his or her action preparedness. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Employing Methylene Green Coated Carbon Nanotube Electrodes to Enhance NADH Electrocatalysis for Use in an Ethanol Biofuel Cell
Authors: Aquino Neto Sidney , Almeida Thiago S. , Meredith Matthew T. , Minteer Shelley D. , De Andrade Adalgisa R.
Published: September 2015

We prepared and characterized electrocatalysts based on multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) coated with methylene green (MG). These electrocatalysts can regenerate nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+), so they are potentially applicable in the field of bioelectronics. NADH oxidation occurs between 0.14±0.002 and 0.16±0.002 V vs. Ag/AgCl. The most efficient bioanode furnishes 88±7 µW cm−2 and 500 µA cm−2 and an open circuit voltage of 590±22 mV. In conclusion, we obtained a reliable and easy‐to‐prepare electrocatalyst that can regenerate NAD+ and may be applicable in biosensors and bioelectronic devices that use a wide range of NAD+‐dependent enzymes.
The Night Eating Syndrome (NES) in Bariatric Surgery Patients
Authors: de Zwaan Martina , Marschollek Michael , Allison Kelly C.
Published: September 2015

The night eating syndrome (NES) has been included into the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders 5 as an example of an ‘other‐specified feeding or eating disorder’. The prevalence of NES has found to be higher in obese populations than in the general population and seems to rise with increasing body mass index. Recent studies suggest a prevalence of 2%–20% in bariatric surgery samples. Given that the core feature of this eating disorder may involve a shift in the circadian pattern of eating that disrupts sleep, and not the ingestion of objectively large amounts of food, it is a pattern that can continue after bariatric surgery. Nonetheless, symptoms of NES appear to decrease after weight loss surgery, and there is no evidence that pre‐surgery NES negatively impacts weight loss following surgery. Prospective and longitudinal studies of the course of night eating symptoms are warranted using clear criteria and standardized assessment instruments. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and Eating Disorders Association.
Continuous ultraviolet irradiation increases the adverse effects of photoreactive nanoparticles on the early development of Oryzias latipes
Authors: Shin Yu-Jin , Nam Sun-Hwa , An Youn-Joo
Published: September 2015

The present study investigated the toxicity of photoreactive nanoparticles (NPs) on the development of Oryzias latipes. Buoyant fish embryos are potentially vulnerable to sunlight-derived ultraviolet (UV) irradiation. Zinc oxide (ZnO) NPs in surface water easily absorb UV irradiation from transmitted solar light. In the present study, O. latipes were exposed to ZnO NPs under irradiation with UV or visible light. The ZnO NPs exhibited considerable toxicity toward embryos and sac fry following UV irradiation, and these toxic effects resulted in increased mortality and abnormalities. The UV irradiation induced more serious effects on embryos than did visible light irradiation, and embryonic exposure resulted in irreversible developmental impairment or death of sac fry. The adverse effects of ZnO NPs may result from Zn ions released from photoreactive ZnO NPs. The present study demonstrates photo-dependent developmental impairment of O. latipes embryos as a result of exposure to ZnO NPs. The results demonstrate that the toxicity of photoreactive ZnO NPs could vary under environmentally relevant UV irradiation. These data could serve as a guide for evaluation of the toxicity of photo-activated NPs in natural surface waters and could be useful for the ecological risk assessment of photoreactive NPs. Environ Toxicol Chem 2016;35:1195–1200. © 2015 SETAC
Neonicotinoid insecticide residues in soil dust and associated parent soil in fields with a history of seed treatment use on crops in southwestern Ontario
Authors: Limay-Rios Victor , Forero Luis Gabriel , Xue Yingen , Smith Jocelyn , Baute Tracey , Schaafsma Arthur
Published: September 2015

Using neonicotinoid insecticides as seed treatments is a common practice in field crop production. Exposure of nontarget organisms to neonicotinoids present in various environmental matrices is debated. In the present study, concentrations of neonicotinoid residues were measured in the top 5 cm of soil and overlying soil surface dust before planting in 25 commercial fields with a history of neonicotinoid seed treatment use in southwestern Ontario in 2013 and 2014 using liquid chromatography–electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry. The mean total concentrations were 3.05 ng/g and 47.84 ng/g in 2013 and 5.59 ng/g and 71.17 ng/g in 2014 for parent soil and soil surface dust, respectively. When surface and parent soil residues were compared the mean concentration in surface dust was 15.6-fold and 12.7-fold higher than that in parent soil in 2013 and 2014, respectively. Pooled over years, the surface dust to parent soil ratio was 13.7, with mean concentrations of 4.36 ng/g and 59.86 ng/g for parent soil and surface dust, respectively. The present study's results will contribute important knowledge about the role these residues may play in the overall risk assessment currently under way for the source, transport, and impact of neonicotinoid insecticide residues in a maize ecosystem. Environ Toxicol Chem 2016;35:303–310. © 2015 SETAC
Alteration of starch hydrolyzing enzyme inhibitory properties, antioxidant activities, and phenolic profile of clove buds (Syzygium aromaticum L.) by cooking duration
Authors: Adefegha Stephen A. , Oboh Ganiyu , Oyeleye Sunday I. , Osunmo Kolawole
Published: September 2015

This study assessed the effect of cooking duration on starch hydrolyzing enzyme (α‐amylase and α‐glucosidase) activities, antioxidant (1,1‐diphenyl‐2 picrylhydrazyl [DPPH*], hydroxyl [OH*] radicals scavenging abilities and reducing power) properties, and phenolic profile of clove buds. Clove buds (raw) were cooked for 10 (SC10) and 20 min (SC20) and subsequently, their effects were assessed on enzyme activities, antioxidant properties, and phenolic profile. Inhibition of α‐amylase and α‐glucosidase activities and radicals scavenging abilities were altered by cooking in the trend; raw < SC10 > SC20, with IC50 values ranging from 0.25 to 0.52 mg/mL and 0.10 to 1.50 mg/mL respectively. HPLC phenolic profile of the clove buds revealed significant (P < 0.05) changes in the amount of chlorogenic acid, quercitrin, quercetin, and kaempferol at different cooking duration. Thus, cooking duration may alter the phenolic compositions and nutraceutical potentials of clove bud by activation and/or deactivation of redox‐active metabolites.
Polyunsaturated fatty acids and inflammation
Authors: Marion‐Letellier Rachel , Savoye Guillaume , Ghosh Subrata
Published: September 2015

Inflammation is a protective process for life that aims to restore body homeostasis by targeting the injury and by inducing repair mechanisms. This process can also become excessive and lead to chronic inflammation and organ fibrosis. Polyunsaturated fatty acids play a key role in inflammatory processes and their resolution. Indeed, numerous lipid mediators derived from n‐3 or n‐6 PUFA such as eicosanoids, endocannabinoids, or proresolving lipids are able to target transcription factors to modulate gene expression. One other important action mechanism is by modification of cell membrane composition. The purpose of the present review is to describe the potential mechanisms by which PUFA influence inflammatory processes. To illustrate this purpose, we focused on the interactions between PUFA and intestinal inflammation as an integrative example. © 2015 IUBMB Life, 67(9):659–667, 2015
Differentiation of stem cells into insulin‐producing cells under the influence of nanostructural polyoxometalates
Authors: Bâlici Ştefana , Şuşman Sergiu , Rusu Dan , Nicula Gheorghe Zsolt , Soriţău Olga , Rusu Mariana , Biris Alexandru S. , Matei Horea
Published: September 2015

Two polyoxometalates (POMs) with W were synthesized by a two‐step, self‐assembling method. They were used for stimulation of mesenchymal stem cell differentiation into insulin‐producing cells. The nanocompounds (tris(vanadyl)‐substituted tungsto‐antimonate(III) anions [POM1] and tris‐butyltin‐21‐tungsto‐9‐antimonate(III) anions [POM2]) were characterized by analytical techniques, including ultraviolet‐visible, Fourier transform infrared, nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, and transmission electron microscopy. We found that these polyoxotungstates, with 2–4 nm diameters, did not present toxic effects at the tested concentrations. In vitro, POM1 stimulated differentiation of a greater number of dithizone‐positive cells (also organized in clusters) than the second nanocompound (POM2). Based on our in vitro studies, we have concluded that both the POMs tested had significant biological activity acting as active stimuli for differentiation of stem cells into insulin‐producing cells. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.