bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Low historical nitrogen deposition effect on carbon sequestration in the boreal zone
Authors: Fleischer K. , Wårlind D. , van der Molen M. K. , Rebel K. T. , Arneth A. , Erisman J. W. , Wassen M. J. , Smith B. , Gough C. M. , Margolis H. A. , Cescatti A. , Montagnani L. , Arain A. , Dolman A. J.
Published: November 2015

Nitrogen (N) cycle dynamics and N deposition play an important role in determining the terrestrial biosphere's carbon (C) balance. We assess global and biome‐specific N deposition effects on C sequestration rates with the dynamic global vegetation model LPJ‐GUESS. Modeled CN interactions are evaluated by comparing predictions of the C and CN version of the model with direct observations of C fluxes from 68 forest FLUXNET sites. N limitation on C uptake reduced overestimation of gross primary productivity for boreal evergreen needleleaf forests from 56% to 18%, presenting the greatest improvement among forest types. Relative N deposition effects on C sequestration (dC/dN) in boreal, temperate, and tropical sites ranged from 17 to 26 kg C kg N−1 when modeled at site scale and were reduced to 12–22 kg C kg N−1 at global scale. We find that 19% of the recent (1990–2007) and 24% of the historical global C sink (1900–2006) was driven by N deposition effects. While boreal forests exhibit highest dC/dN, their N deposition‐induced C sink was relatively low and is suspected to stay low in the future as no major changes in N deposition rates are expected in the boreal zone. N deposition induced a greater C sink in temperate and tropical forests, while predicted C fluxes and N‐induced C sink response in tropical forests were associated with greatest uncertainties. Future work should be directed at improving the ability of LPJ‐GUESS and other process‐based ecosystem models to reproduce C cycle dynamics in the tropics, facilitated by more benchmarking data sets. Furthermore, efforts should aim to improve understanding and model representations of N availability (e.g., N fixation and organic N uptake), N limitation, P cycle dynamics, and effects of anthropogenic land use and land cover changes.
Temporal variability and memory in sediment transport in an experimental step‐pool channel
Authors: Saletti Matteo , Molnar Peter , Zimmermann André , Hassan Marwan A. , Church Michael
Published: November 2015

Temporal dynamics of sediment transport in steep channels using two experiments performed in a steep flume (8%) with natural sediment composed of 12 grain sizes are studied. High‐resolution (1 s) time series of sediment transport were measured for individual grain‐size classes at the outlet of the flume for different combinations of sediment input rates and flow discharges. Our aim in this paper is to quantify (a) the relation of discharge and sediment transport and (b) the nature and strength of memory in grain‐size‐dependent transport. None of the simple statistical descriptors of sediment transport (mean, extreme values, and quantiles) display a clear relation with water discharge, in fact a large variability between discharge and sediment transport is observed. Instantaneous transport rates have probability density functions with heavy tails. Bed load bursts have a coarser grain‐size distribution than that of the entire experiment. We quantify the strength and nature of memory in sediment transport rates by estimating the Hurst exponent and the autocorrelation coefficient of the time series for different grain sizes. Our results show the presence of the Hurst phenomenon in transport rates, indicating long‐term memory which is grain‐size dependent. The short‐term memory in coarse grain transport increases with temporal aggregation and this reveals the importance of the sampling duration of bed load transport rates in natural streams, especially for large fractions.
Advective transport in heterogeneous aquifers: Are proxy models predictive?
Authors: Fiori A. , Zarlenga A. , Gotovac H. , Jankovic I. , Volpi E. , Cvetkovic V. , Dagan G.
Published: November 2015

We examine the prediction capability of two approximate models (Multi‐Rate Mass Transfer (MRMT) and Continuous Time Random Walk (CTRW)) of non‐Fickian transport, by comparison with accurate 2‐D and 3‐D numerical simulations. Both nonlocal in time approaches circumvent the need to solve the flow and transport equations by using proxy models to advection, providing the breakthrough curves (BTC) at control planes at anyx, depending on a vector of five unknown parameters. Although underlain by different mechanisms, the two models have an identical structure in the Laplace Transform domain and have the Markovian property of independent transitions. We show that also the numerical BTCs enjoy the Markovian property. Following the procedure recommended in the literature, along a practitioner perspective, we first calibrate the parameters values by a best fit with the numerical BTC at a control plane atx1, close to the injection plane, and subsequently use it for prediction at further control planes for a few values of. Due to a similar structure and Markovian property, the two methods perform equally well in matching the numerical BTC. The identified parameters are generally not unique, making their identification somewhat arbitrary. The inverse Gaussian model and the recently developed Multi‐Indicator Model (MIM), which does not require any fitting as it relates the BTC to the permeability structure, are also discussed. The application of the proxy models for prediction requires carrying out transport field tests of large plumes for a long duration.
Streambed and water profile response to in‐channel restoration structures in a laboratory meandering stream
Authors: Han Bangshuai , Chu Hong‐Hanh , Endreny Theodore A.
Published: November 2015

In‐channel structures are often installed in alluvial rivers during restoration to steer currents, but they also modify the streambed morphology and water surface profile, and alter hydraulic gradients driving ecologically important hyporheic exchange. Although river features before and after restoration need to be compared, few studies have collected detailed observations to facilitate this comparison. We created a laboratory mobile‐bed alluvial meandering river and collected detailed measurements in the highly sinuous meander before and after installation of in‐channel structures, which included one cross vane and six J‐hooks situated along 1 bar unit. Measurements of streambed and water surface elevation with submillimeter vertical accuracy and horizontal resolution were obtained using close‐range photogrammetry. Compared to the smooth gradually varied water surface profile for control runs without structures, the structures created rapidly varied flow with subcritical to supercritical flow transitions, as well as backwater and forced‐morphology pools, which increased volumetric storage by 74% in the entire stream reach. The J‐hooks, located along the outer bank of the meander bend and downstream of the cross vane, created stepwise patterns in the streambed and water surface longitudinal profiles. The pooling of water behind the cross vane increased the hydraulic gradient across the meander neck by 1% and increased local groundwater gradients by 4%, with smaller increases across other transects through the intrameander zone. Scour pools developed downstream of the cross vane and around the J‐hooks situated near the meander apex. In‐channel structures significantly changed meander bend hydraulic gradients, and the detailed streambed and water surface 3‐D maps provide valuable data for computational modeling of changes to hyporheic exchange.
Persistence of legacy soil P and elevated background water P concentrations in Water Conservation Area 2A, a northern Everglades wetland
Authors: Juston John M. , Kadlec Robert H. , DeBusk William F. , Jerauld Mike J. , DeBusk Thomas A.
Published: November 2015

Upstream source control and Stormwater Treatment Areas (STAs) have reduced phosphorus (P) loads to Water Conservation Area 2A (WCA‐2A), a northern Everglades wetland, by three quarters since year 2000. Nevertheless, large storages of P remain in enriched peat soils and it is unclear how legacy stores will impact spatial and temporal scales of recovery. We remeasured soil P enrichment along a well‐studied eutrophication gradient in WCA‐2A and applied a profile modeling approach with uncertainty analysis to assess changes in longitudinal soil P gradients 13 years after load reductions. We then analyzed existing internal water P data, using a novel data screening approach, for evidence of lowest possible water P concentrations independent from inflows. We interpret such water P limits as evidence of the strength of internal loading at a location. Results indicate that soil P enrichment persists in the ∼7.5 km long “impacted” zone, with no significant evidence of net advancement or recession, while a large pool of labile P in the flocculent layer consolidated and diminished. There is indeed evidence, both spatial and temporal, that this extensive zone of enriched soil P continues to elevate lowest achievable water P concentrations. The corresponding gradient of elevated water P limits is both receding and diminishing since load reductions, thus providing further evidence toward recovery. However, results also suggest that these “transitory P limits” due to internal loading are likely to persist for decades above water quality targets. These results advance our understanding of recovery in impacted wetlands and are relevant to Everglades restoration.
Numerical investigation of coupled density‐driven flow and hydrogeochemical processes below playas
Authors: Hamann Enrico , Post Vincent , Kohfahl Claus , Prommer Henning , Simmons Craig T.
Published: November 2015

Numerical modeling approaches with varying complexity were explored to investigate coupled groundwater flow and geochemical processes in saline basins. Long‐term model simulations of a playa system gain insights into the complex feedback mechanisms between density‐driven flow and the spatiotemporal patterns of precipitating evaporites and evolving brines. Using a reactive multicomponent transport model approach, the simulations reproduced, for the first time in a numerical study, the evaporite precipitation sequences frequently observed in saline basins (“bull's eyes”). Playa‐specific flow, evapoconcentration, and chemical divides were found to be the primary controls for the location of evaporites formed, and the resulting brine chemistry. Comparative simulations with the computationally far less demanding surrogate single‐species transport models showed that these were still able to replicate the major flow patterns obtained by the more complex reactive transport simulations. However, the simulated degree of salinization was clearly lower than in reactive multicomponent transport simulations. For example, in the late stages of the simulations, when the brine becomes halite‐saturated, the nonreactive simulation overestimated the solute mass by almost 20%. The simulations highlight the importance of the consideration of reactive transport processes for understanding and quantifying geochemical patterns, concentrations of individual dissolved solutes, and evaporite evolution.
Characterizing flow behavior for gas injection: Relative permeability of CO2‐brine and N2‐water in heterogeneous rocks
Authors: Reynolds C. A. , Krevor S.
Published: November 2015

We provide a comprehensive experimental study of steady state, drainage relative permeability curves with CO2‐brine and N2‐deionized water, on a single Bentheimer sandstone core with a simple two‐layer heterogeneity. We demonstrate that, if measured in the viscous limit, relative permeability is invariant with changing reservoir conditions, and is consistent with the continuum‐scale multiphase flow theory for water wet systems. Furthermore, we show that under capillary limited conditions, the CO2‐brine system is very sensitive to heterogeneity in capillary pressure, and by performing core floods under capillary limited conditions, we produce effective relative permeability curves that are flow rate and fluid parameter dependent. We suggest that the major uncertainty in past observations of CO2‐brine relative permeability curves is due to the interaction of CO2 flow with pore space heterogeneity under capillary limited conditions and is not due to the effects of changing reservoir conditions. We show that the appropriate conditions for measuring intrinsic or effective relative permeability curves can be selected simply by scaling the driving force for flow by a quantification of capillary heterogeneity. Measuring one or two effective curves on a core with capillary heterogeneity that is representative of the reservoir will be sufficient for reservoir simulation.
The Behavioral Immune System
Authors: Schaller Mark
Published: November 2015

Human psychology is characterized by a motivational system (the “behavioral immune system”) that appears to have evolved as a means of providing prophylactic protection against pathogen infection. This chapter provides an overview of research on the behavioral immune system, describing why it evolved, how it operates, and its many implications—some obvious and some not—for human cognition and human behavior. This overview is presented in the form of 12 “things you need to know” that, collectively, summarize the scope of contemporary research on the behavioral immune system, and provide a foundation for thinking critically about it.
The Evolution and Ontogeny of Ritual
Authors: Legare Cristine H. , Watson‐Jones Rachel E.
Published: November 2015

Convergent developments across social scientific disciplines provide evidence that ritual is a psychologically prepared, culturally inherited, behavioral trademark of our species. We draw on evidence from the anthropological and evolutionary science literatures to provide a psychological account of the social functions of ritual in group behavior. Solving the adaptive problems associated with group living requires psychological mechanisms for identifying group members, ensuring their commitment to the group, facilitating cooperation with their coalition, and maintaining group cohesion. We also examine evidence that the threat of social exclusion and loss of status motivates engagement in ritual throughout development and provides an account of the ontogeny of ritual cognition. The intersection of these lines of inquiry promises to provide new avenues for theory and research on the evolution and ontogeny of social group cognition.
Lifetime of Organic Photovoltaics: Status and Predictions
Authors: Gevorgyan Suren A. , Madsen Morten V. , Roth Bérenger , Corazza Michael , Hösel Markus , Søndergaard Roar R. , Jørgensen Mikkel , Krebs Frederik C.
Published: November 2015

The results of a meta‐analysis conducted on organic photovoltaics (OPV) lifetime data reported in the literature is presented through the compilation of an extensive OPV lifetime database based on a large number of articles, followed by analysis of the large body of data. We fully reveal the progress of reported OPV lifetimes. Furthermore, a generic lifetime marker has been defined, which helps with gauging and comparing the performance of different architectures and materials from the perspective of device stability. Based on the analysis, conclusions are drawn on the bottlenecks for stability of device configurations and packaging techniques, as well as the current level of OPV lifetimes reported under different aging conditions. The work is summarized by discussing the development of a tool for OPV lifetime prediction and the development of more stable technologies. An online platform is introduced that will aid the process of generating statistical data on OPV lifetimes and further refinement of the lifetime prediction tool.
Color change of an iodinated poly(vinyl alcohol) film by physical deformation
Authors: Ha Hyun Ouk , Kim Dae Su
Published: November 2015

The color change of an iodinated poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) film caused by physical deformation was investigated in this study. The color of a PVA film soaked in an aqueous potassium iodide (KI)/I2 solution was light yellow, but it turned light blue when the film was physically deformed. The ultraviolet–visible absorption spectrum of the iodinated PVA film extended uniaxially in air was measured at various extension levels. Without deformation, the film showed UV absorption bands at 210, 290, and 360 nm. However, under deformation, the film showed new visible light absorption bands at 440 and 620 nm. From the UV–vis absorption spectra of several iodinated solutions, we found that the absorption wavelength of iodine was affected by the cohesive energy of the solvents. The KI/I2 diethyl ether solution showed an absorption band at 460 nm, and this provided a clue to understanding the color change of the PVA–iodine complexes caused by physical deformation. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016, 133, 43036.
How the distinctive cultures of osteopathic and allopathic medical schools affect the careers, perceptions, and institutional efforts of their anatomy faculties: A qualitative case study of two schools
Authors: Brokaw James J. , Byram Jessica N. , Traser Courtney J. , Arbor Tafline C.
Published: November 2015

Anatomy faculties are integral to basic science instruction in medical schools, particularly given the preponderance of anatomic instruction in the preclinical curriculum. Recent years have witnessed major curricular restructuring and other emerging national trends that pose significant challenges to anatomists. An examination of anatomy faculty perceptions at two philosophically distinct medical schools within this shifting climate provides an indicator of how different institutional characteristics may impact anatomy instruction and other faculty responsibilities. Semistructured interviews of anatomy faculty from a large, well‐established allopathic medical school (Indiana University School of Medicine) and a small, new osteopathic medical school (Marian University College of Osteopathic Medicine) were explored using qualitative thematic analysis. Four overarching themes were identified: (1) Institutional philosophies, such as affiliation with osteopathic versus allopathic medicine, have minimal impact on how the anatomical sciences are taught. (2) Differences in anatomy faculty experiences at these two institutions are largely driven by the institution's size and history. There is a disparity between institutions in the relative importance of teaching and research, but an ability to do research is important for both faculties. (3) Anatomy instruction and research agendas are driven by personal philosophies and interests rather than institutional philosophy. (4) Autonomy is highly valued by anatomists at both institutions. All the participants share a devotion to educating future physicians. In fact, this study identified more similarities than differences in these two faculties. Finally, we argue that shared educational resources and research collaborations can improve anatomy education and faculty development at both institutions. Anat Sci Educ 9: 255–264. © 2015 American Association of Anatomists.
Exploring omega‐3 fatty acids, enzymes and biodiesel producing thraustochytrids from Australian and Indian marine biodiversity
Authors: Gupta Adarsha , Singh Dilip , Byreddy Avinesh R. , Thyagarajan Tamilselvi , Sonkar Shailendra P. , Mathur Anshu S. , Tuli Deepak K. , Barrow Colin J. , Puri Munish
Published: November 2015

The marine environment harbours a vast diversity of microorganisms, many of which are unique, and have potential to produce commercially useful materials. Therefore, marine biodiversity from Australian and Indian habitat has been explored to produce novel bioactives, and enzymes. Among these, thraustochytrids collected from Indian habitats were shown to be rich in saturated fatty acids (SFAs) and monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs), together constituting 51–76 % of total fatty acids (TFA). Indian and Australian thraustochytrids occupy separate positions in the dendrogram, showing significant differences exist in the fatty acid profiles in these two sets of thraustochytrid strains. In general, Australian strains had a higher docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) content than Indian strains with DHA at 17–31 % of TFA. A range of enzyme activities were observed in the strains, with Australian strains showing overall higher levels of enzyme activity, with the exception of one Indian strain (DBTIOC‐1). Comparative analysis of the fatty acid profile of 34 strains revealed that Indian thraustochytrids are more suitable for biodiesel production since these strains have higher fatty acids content for biodiesel (FAB, 76 %) production than Australian thraustochytrids, while the Australian strains are more suitable for omega‐3 (40 %) production.
LC‐MS/MS assay for the determination of lurasidone and its active metabolite, ID‐14283 in human plasma and its application to a clinical pharmacokinetic study
Authors: Katteboina Mahitej Yadav , Pilli Nageswara Rao , Mullangi Ramesh , Seelam Raghunadha Reddy , Satla Shobha Rani
Published: November 2015

The authors proposed a sensitive, selective and rapid liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometric (LC‐MS/MS) assay procedure for the quantification of lurasidone and its active metabolite, i.e. ID‐14283 in human plasma simultaneously using corresponding isotope labeled compounds as internal standards as per regulatory guidelines. After liquid–liquid extraction with tert‐butyl methyl ether, the analytes were chromatographed on a C18 column using an optimized mobile phase composed of 5 mm ammonium acetate (pH 5.0) and acetonitrile (15:85, v/v) and delivered at a flow rate of 1.00 mL/min. The assay exhibits excellent linearity in the concentration ranges of 0.25–100 and 0.10–14.1 ng/mL for lurasidone and ID‐14283, respectively. The precision and accuracy results over five concentration levels in four different batches were well within the acceptance limits. Lurasidone and ID‐14283 were found to be stable in battery of stability studies. The method was rapid with the chromatographic run time 2.5 min, which made it possible to analyze 300 samples in a single day. Additionally, this method was successfully used to estimate the in vivo plasma concentrations of lurasidone and ID‐14283 obtained from a pharmacokinetic study in south Indian male subjects and the results were authenticated by conducting incurred samples reanalysis. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
LC‐MS/MS method for the determination of haemanthamine in rat plasma, bile and urine and its application to a pilot pharmacokinetic study
Authors: Hroch Miloš , Mičuda Stanislav , Havelek Radim , Cermanová Jolana , Cahlíková Lucie , Hošťálková Anna , Hulcová Daniela , Řezáčová Martina
Published: November 2015

Evidence gathered in various studies points to the fact that haemanthamine, an isoquinoline alkaloid, has multiple medicinally interesting characteristics, including antitumor, antileukemic, antioxidant, antiviral, anticonvulsant and antimalarial activity. This work presents, for the first time, a universal LC‐MS/MS method for analysis of haemanthamine in plasma, bile and urine which has been verified in a pilot pharmacokinetic experiment on rats. Chromatographic separation was performed on a pentafluorophenyl core–shell column in gradient elution mode with a mobile phase consisting of acetonitrile–methanol–ammonium formate buffer. A sample preparation based on liquid–liquid extraction with methyl tert‐butyl ether was employed with ambelline used as an internal standard. Quantification was performed using LC‐MS‐ESI(+) in Selected Reaction Monitoring mode. The method was validated according to the European Medicines Agency guideline in a concentration range of 0.1–10 μmol/L in plasma, bile and urine. The concentration–time profiles of haemanthamine in plasma, bile and urine after a single i.v. bolus of 10 mg/kg have been described for the first time. The presented study addresses the lack of information on haemanthamine pharmacokinetics and also introduces a new universal method of haemanthamine analysis in complex biological matrices. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Ultra‐performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometric assay for the simultaneous determination of brucine, strychnine and brucine N‐oxide in rat plasma: application to a pharmacokinetic study
Authors: Gu Wei , Wang Dongyue , Pan Zihao , Liu Xiao , Cai Baochang , Chen Jun
Published: November 2015

A rapid, simple and sensitive UHPLC‐MS/MS method was developed and validated for the simultaneous determination of brucine, strychnine and brucine N‐oxide in rat plasma using huperzine A as an internal standard (IS) after protein precipitation with methanol. The analytes were separated on a Purospher® STAR RP18 UHPLC column (2 µm, 2.1 × 100 mm) by gradient elution using a mobile phase composed of methanol and water (containing 0.1% formic acid) at a flow rate of 0.3 mL/min. Brucine, strychnine, brucine N‐oxide and IS were detected in positive ion multiple reaction monitoring mode by means of an electrospray ionization interface (m/z 395.2 → 324.1, m/z 335.2 → 184.1, m/z 411.2 → 394.2, m/z 243.1 → 226.1). The calibration curve was linear over the range of 1–500 ng/mL for brucine and strychnine and 0.2−50 ng/mL for brucine N‐oxide. The intra‐ and inter‐day precisions of these analytes were all within 15% and the accuracy ranged from 85 to 115%. The stability experiment indicated that the plasma samples at three concentration levels were stable under different conditions. The developed method was successfully applied for the first time to pharmacokinetic studies of brucine, strychnine and brucine N‐oxide following a single oral and intravenous administration of modified total alkaloid fraction in rats. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Transcatheter mitral valve implantation for inoperable severely calcified native mitral valve disease: A systematic review
Authors: Puri Rishi , Abdul‐Jawad Altisent Omar , del Trigo Maria , Campelo‐Parada Francesco , Regueiro Ander , Barbosa Ribeiro Henrique , DeLarochellière Robert , Paradis Jean‐Michel , Dumont Eric , Rodés‐Cabau Josep
Published: November 2015

Background

Transcatheter mitral valve implantation (TMVI) for severely calcified native mitral valve disease recently emerged as a treatment option in patients deemed inoperable by conventional techniques. Yet no systematic appraisal currently exists characterizing this novel treatment paradigm.

Methods

A systematic literature review summarizing the clinical, anatomical, peri‐ and post‐procedural characteristics underscoring the technical feasibility of this procedure was performed.

Results

Nine publications describing 11 patients [mean age 68 ± 10 years, 82% female, 82% severe mitral stenosis (MS), 18% severe mitral regurgitation (MR)] were identified. Mean STS score, trans‐mitral gradient and effective orifice area were 10.5 ± 4.6%, 12 ± 2.4 mm Hg and 0.93 ± 0.06 cm2 respectively. All patients had severe, circumferential mitral annular calcification on imaging. Dedicated balloon‐expanding transcatheter aortic valves were used in 10/11 cases, with 8/11 cases involving a true percutaneous approach with peri‐procedural 3D trans‐esophageal echocardiographic guidance; 3/11 cases involved an open left atrial approach. Following initial balloon inflation and valve deployment, procedural success rate was 73%, without residual paravalvular leaks (PVL). Successful immediate re‐deployment of a 2nd valve was needed in 2 instances following significant PVL detection. Residual trans‐valvular gradients ranged from 3 to 7 mm Hg, with no patient demonstrating >grade 2 MR. All patients survived the procedure, with 2 reported deaths on days 10‐ and 41 post‐TMVI being non‐cardiac‐related. Mid‐term clinical follow‐up, reported in 8 patients, revealed 6 patients to be alive at 3‐months with much improved functional status.

Conclusions

TMVI for native severely calcified mitral valve disease appears technically feasible with acceptable initial acute and mid‐term hemodynamic and clinical outcomes. The outcomes of an ongoing, dedicated global Sapien TMVI registry will shed further light on this evolving treatment paradigm. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
“Real‐World” Comparison of Prasugrel With Ticagrelor in Patients With Acute Coronary Syndrome Treated With Percutaneous Coronary Intervention in the United States
Authors: Larmore Cynthia , Effron Mark B. , Molife Cliff , DeKoven Mitch , Zhu Yajun , Lu Jingsong , Karkare Swapna , Lieu Hsiao D. , Lee Won Chan , Vetrovec George W.
Published: November 2015

Objectives

The 30‐day clinical outcomes with prasugrel or ticagrelor were compared using a US payer database in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).

Background

Prasugrel and ticagrelor demonstrated superior efficacy with increased non‐coronary artery bypass graft major bleeding compared with clopidogrel in randomized clinical trials. No direct randomized or observational studies have compared clinical outcomes between prasugrel and ticagrelor.

Methods

Patients hospitalized for ACS‐PCI between August 1, 2011 and April 30, 2013 and prescribed prasugrel or ticagrelor were selected. Drug treatment cohorts were propensity matched based upon demographic and clinical characteristics. The primary objective compared 30‐day net adverse clinical events (NACE) in prasugrel‐ and ticagrelor‐treated patients using a prespecified 20% noninferiority margin. Secondary objectives included comparisons of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) and major bleeding.

Results

Data were available for 16,098 patients (prasugrel, n = 13,134; ticagrelor, n = 2,964). In unmatched cohorts, prasugrel‐treated patients were younger with fewer comorbidities than ticagrelor‐treated patients, and 30‐day NACE rates were 5.6 and 9.3%, respectively (P < 0.001). Following propensity matching, NACE was noninferior (P < 0.001) and 22% lower in prasugrel‐treated than in ticagrelor‐treated patients (RR, 0.78; 95% CI, 0.64–0.94). A 30‐day adjusted MACE (RR, 0.80; 95% CI, 0.64–0.98) and major bleeding (RR, 0.65; 95% CI, 0.45–0.95) were also lower in prasugrel‐treated patients compared with ticagrelor‐treated patients.

Conclusions

In this “real‐world,” retrospective, observational study, physicians appear to preferentially use prasugrel in younger patients with lower risk of bleeding or comorbidities compared with ticagrelor. Following adjustment, clinical outcomes associated with prasugrel use appear as good, if not better, than those associated with ticagrelor in ACS‐PCI patients. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Investigation of Photon Fluxes within Microstructured Photoreactors Revealing Great Optimization Potentials
Authors: Ziegenbalg Dirk , Wriedt Benjamin , Kreisel Günter , Kralisch Dana
Published: November 2015

A simple model for determining potential bottlenecks of a photoreactor setup focusing on the photon fluxes is presented. The application of the concept can reveal optimization potentials and gives insights into the sensitivity of the reactor setup to different optimization possibilities. The introduced model benefits from the concept of using only data already available from optimization studies of the process conditions. Applying the introduced concept to the characterization of a previously developed modular organic light‐emitting diode reactor setup revealed great optimization potentials, especially with respect to the external photonic efficiency. Interestingly, the attempt to enhance the external photonic efficiency by increasing the projection area of the reactor did not provide any improvement. This is attributed to a significant influence of reflection and scattering within the setup.
Synthesis and characterization of carbon‐doped ZnSn(OH)6 with enhanced photoactivity by hydrothermal method
Authors: Lu Hongxia , Lei Jun , Li Xuexue , Shao Gang , Hou Tiecui , Fan Bingbing , Chen Deliang , Zhang Liwei , Wang Hailong , Xu Hongliang , Zhang Rui
Published: November 2015

Well‐dispersed carbon‐doped ZnSn(OH)6 submicrocubes were successfully synthesized through a facile and economical hydrothermal method at 433K, which used green chemical glucose (C6H12O6) as the carbon‐doping source. Photocatalytic activity of the as‐synthesized C‐doped ZnSn(OH)6 was evaluated by studying photocatalytic decomposition of methylene blue (MB) in aqueous solution under visible light irradiation(≥ 400 nm). The results show that carbon‐doped ZnSn(OH)6 photocatalysts exhibited higher photocatalytic performance as compared to pure ZnSn(OH)6. 1.0 wt% C‐doped ZnSn(OH)6 photocatalyst exhibited obviously higher photocatalytic activity that of pure ZnSn(OH)6 or other C‐ZnSn(OH)6 catalysts under the same condition. The enhanced photocatalytic degradation of MB could be attributed to the doping of carbon and the possible mechanism for high photocatalytic activity of C‐doped ZnSn(OH)6 was discussed.
Controllable synthesis of TiO2 nanoparticles employing substrate/dielectrophoresis/sol‐gel
Authors: Cui Chenyang , Chen Huiying , Zuo Tongtong , Fu Xiaotao , Chen Lizhen , Geng Junfeng , Li Hua , Xing Xuan
Published: November 2015

Due to size‐dependent catalytic selectivity, the size and special morphology are of great importance to applications of TiO2. The synthesis method of size and morphology control has been in need of innovation. In this study, TiO2 nanoparticles(TiO2‐NPs) with well‐defined morphology and homogenous size were synthesized using a novel method, in which bamboo substrate, dielectrophoresis (DEP) technology and a sol‐gel process were combined(substrate/ DEP/ sol‐gel). Powder X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) techniques were used to characterize the TiO2‐NPs. Further study showed that, with this combined method, the size and the uniformity of TiO2‐NPs can be controlled by changing the voltage of DEP. The number and arrangement of TiO2 nanorods can be controlled by changing the voltage. Substrate/ DEP/ sol‐gel proved to be an efficient way to form special morphologies of TiO2‐NPs. A visible‐light catalytic activity experiment showed that among three preparation methods, the substrate/ DEP/ sol‐gel method made TiO2‐NPs with the highest catalytic activity for degradation of methyl orange. TiO2‐NPs produced by the DEP/ sol‐gel process presented higher catalytic activity than TiO2‐NPs produced by only a sol‐gel process.
Crystal growth, crystal structure and optical properties of calcium antimony tartrate nonahydrate, Ca[Sb2((+)C4H2O6)2]·9H2O
Authors: Bohatý Ladislav , Held Peter , Becker Petra
Published: November 2015

Large single crystals of optical quality of the non‐centrosymmetric orthorhombic (space group P 212121) calcium antimony tartrate nonahydrate, Ca[Sb2((+)C4H2O6)2]·9H2O, were grown from aqueous solution. The crystal structure and thermal stability of the crystals are evaluated and refractive indices and their dispersion in the wavelength range 404 nm – 1083 nm are reported. Based on the linear optical data phase matching conditions for second harmonic generation (SHG) are analysed. This new non‐centrosymmetric crystal allows phase matched collinear SHG processes of both, type I and type II, in a broad wavelength range in the visible and near IR regions.
Phosphorous–Nitrogen‐Codoped Carbon Materials Derived from Metal–Organic Frameworks as Efficient Electrocatalysts for Oxygen Reduction Reactions
Authors: Fu Yu'ang , Huang Yan , Xiang Zhonghua , Liu Guangqing , Cao Dapeng
Published: November 2015

Despite the impressive progress in the development of doped carbon catalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR), the current mono‐heteroatom‐doped carbon‐based catalysts are still far from satisfactory for large‐scale applications in fuel cells. The development of dual‐heteroatom‐doped nanoporous carbon electrocatalysts for the ORR is particularly attractive as a feasible solution for the commercialization of fuel‐cell technology. Herein, a series of UiO‐66‐NH2‐derived phosphorus–nitrogen‐codoped porous carbon materials (P–N‐carbons) are prepared from phosphorus‐doped UiO‐66‐NH2 through postsynthetic modification (PSM) followed by one‐step pyrolysis at various temperatures. The newly developed P–N‐carbons exhibit high catalytic activity that is nearly equal to those of commercial Pt/C catalysts along with superior long‐term stability and excellent methanol tolerance. This work shows not only that UiO‐66‐NH2 can be considered as a self‐sacrificial precursor and nitrogen source but also that metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) with active functional groups may be developed as efficient alternative precursors. Owing to the versatility of MOF structures, the MOF‐derived porous carbon materials would broaden the family of nanoporous carbon materials significantly and provide new structures and multifunctional properties for use in electrocatalysts, sensors, supercapacitors, and batteries, for example.
Benign Perfluoroalkylation of Aniline Derivatives through Photoredox Organocatalysis under Visible‐Light Irradiation
Authors: Barata‐Vallejo Sebastián , Yerien Damian E. , Postigo Al
Published: November 2015

In this work, we present a room‐ or solar‐light‐initiated transition‐metal‐free radical homolytic aromatic substitution (HAS) reaction of aniline derivatives with perfluoroalkyl moieties employing perfluoroalkyl halides as readily available perfluoroalkyl sources in the presence of cesium carbonate as base and inexpensive Rose Bengal as organophotocatalyst in MeCN as solvent, rendering perfluoroalkyl‐substituted aniline derivatives in good‐to‐excellent yields, even upon scaling up. Although the mechanism of this reaction is still under investigation, we shall present some evidence based on competitive substitution rate experiments that cast some light onto the reaction intermediates.
Neuronal expression of pathological tau accelerates oligodendrocyte progenitor cell differentiation
Authors: Ossola Bernardino , Zhao Chao , Compston Alastair , Pluchino Stefano , Franklin Robin J. M. , Spillantini Maria Grazia
Published: November 2015

Oligodendrocyte progenitor cell (OPC) differentiation is an important therapeutic target to promote remyelination in multiple sclerosis (MS). We previously reported hyperphosphorylated and aggregated microtubule‐associated protein tau in MS lesions, suggesting its involvement in axonal degeneration. However, the influence of pathological tau‐induced axonal damage on the potential for remyelination is unknown. Therefore, we investigated OPC differentiation in human P301S tau (P301S‐htau) transgenic mice, both in vitro and in vivo following focal demyelination. In 2‐month‐old P301S‐htau mice, which show hyperphosphorylated tau in neurons, we found atrophic axons in the spinal cord in the absence of prominent axonal degeneration. These signs of early axonal damage were associated with microgliosis and an upregulation of IL‐1β and TNFα. Following in vivo focal white matter demyelination we found that OPCs differentiated more efficiently in P301S‐htau mice than wild type (Wt) mice. We also found an increased level of myelin basic protein within the lesions, which however did not translate into increased remyelination due to higher susceptibility of P301S‐htau axons to demyelination‐induced degeneration compared to Wt axons. In vitro experiments confirmed higher differentiation capacity of OPCs from P301S‐htau mice compared with Wt mice‐derived OPCs. Because the OPCs from P301S‐htau mice do not ectopically express the transgene, and when isolated from newborn mice behave like Wt mice‐derived OPCs, we infer that their enhanced differentiation capacity must have been acquired through microenvironmental priming. Our data suggest the intriguing concept that damaged axons may signal to OPCs and promote their differentiation in the attempt at rescue by remyelination. GLIA 2016;64:457–471
Calcium Sensing Receptor Function Supports Osteoblast Survival and Acts as a Co‐Factor in PTH Anabolic Actions in Bone
Authors: Al‐Dujaili Saja A. , Koh Amy J. , Dang Ming , Mi Xue , Chang Wenhan , Ma Peter X. , McCauley Laurie K.
Published: November 2015

Anabolic actions of PTH in bone involve increased deposition of mineralizing matrix. Regulatory feedback of the process may be important to maintain calcium homeostasis and, in turn, calcium may inform the process. This investigation clarified the role of calcium availability and the calcium sensing receptor (CaSR) in the anabolic actions of PTH. CaSR function promoted osteoblastic cell numbers, with lower cell numbers in post‐confluent cultures of primary calvarial cells from Col1‐CaSR knock‐out (KO) mice, and for calvarial cells from wild‐type (WT) mice treated with a calcilytic. Increased apoptosis of calvarial cells with calcilytic treatment suggested CaSR is critical for protection against stage‐dependent cell death. Whole and cortical, but not trabecular, bone parameters were significantly lower in Col1‐CaSR KO mice versus WT littermates. Intact Col1‐CaSR KO mice had lower serum P1NP levels relative to WT. PTH treatment displayed anabolic actions in WT and, to a lesser degree, KO mice, and rescued the lower P1NP levels in KO mice. Furthermore, PTH effects on whole tibiae were inhibited by osteoblast‐specific CaSR ablation. Vertebral body implants (vossicles) from untreated Col1‐CaSR KO and WT mice had similar bone volumes after 4 weeks of implantation in athymic mice. These findings suggest that trabecular bone formation can occur independently of the CaSR, and that the CaSR plays a collaborative role in the PTH anabolic effects on bone. J. Cell. Biochem. 117: 1556–1567, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A highly efficient hybrid method for calculating the hydration free energy of a protein
Authors: Oshima Hiraku , Kinoshita Masahiro
Published: November 2015

We develop a new method for calculating the hydration free energy (HFE) of a protein with any net charge. The polar part of the energetic component in the HFE is expressed as a linear combination of four geometric measures (GMs) of the protein structure and the generalized Born (GB) energy plus a constant. The other constituents in the HFE are expressed as linear combinations of the four GMs. The coefficients (including the constant) in the linear combinations are determined using the three‐dimensional reference interaction site model (3D‐RISM) theory applied to sufficiently many protein structures. Once the coefficients are determined, the HFE and its constituents of any other protein structure are obtained simply by calculating the four GMs and GB energy. Our method and the 3D‐RISM theory give perfectly correlated results. Nevertheless, the computation time required in our method is over four orders of magnitude shorter.
Shift‐and‐invert parallel spectral transformation eigensolver: Massively parallel performance for density‐functional based tight‐binding
Authors: Keçeli Murat , Zhang Hong , Zapol Peter , Dixon David A. , Wagner Albert F.
Published: November 2015

The Shift‐and‐invert parallel spectral transformations (SIPs), a computational approach to solve sparse eigenvalue problems, is developed for massively parallel architectures with exceptional parallel scalability and robustness. The capabilities of SIPs are demonstrated by diagonalization of density‐functional based tight‐binding (DFTB) Hamiltonian and overlap matrices for single‐wall metallic carbon nanotubes, diamond nanowires, and bulk diamond crystals. The largest (smallest) example studied is a 128,000 (2000) atom nanotube for which ∼330,000 (∼5600) eigenvalues and eigenfunctions are obtained in ∼190 (∼5) seconds when parallelized over 266,144 (16,384) Blue Gene/Q cores. Weak scaling and strong scaling of SIPs are analyzed and the performance of SIPs is compared with other novel methods. Different matrix ordering methods are investigated to reduce the cost of the factorization step, which dominates the time‐to‐solution at the strong scaling limit. A parallel implementation of assembling the density matrix from the distributed eigenvectors is demonstrated. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The behaviour of Nafion® 424 membrane in the electrochemical production of lithium hydroxide
Authors: Turan Abdullah Zahid , Baloglu Halit , Ünveren Elif , Bulutcu A Nusret
Published: November 2015

BACKGROUND

Nafion® membranes have found several applications in chemical processes, one of which is ‘salt splitting’, where a salt is split to produce acid and/or alkali. So, the determination of the behaviour of this membrane in the electrolysis of certain salts is an important issue. The aim of this study is to investigate the performance of Nafion® 424 membrane in a two‐compartment membrane cell for the membrane electrolysis of lithium sulphate (Li2SO4), where lithium hydroxide (LiOH) is the target product.

RESULTS

Regression analysis was performed between conductivity and concentration to predict instantaneous electrolyte concentration. The effects of catholyte concentration (4–8% LiOH), current density (4–16 A dm−2) and temperature (30–60 °C) were investigated. 45–70% current efficiency; 6.1–14.6 kWh kg−1 LiOH power consumption and 140–900 g LiOH m−2 membrane h−1 production rate were obtained. A cost estimation revealed that 60 °C, 8% LiOH and 4 A dm−2 are the optimum parameters within the studied range.

CONCLUSION

Concentration can be successfully predicted for lithium sulphate and lithium hydroxide with the help of conductivity–concentration regression equations. Current efficiency is affected primarily by LiOH concentration with a direct proportion. Power consumption increases with the increase of current density and the decrease of temperature. Based on production cost estimation, optimum working parameters can be recommended. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry
Coloring of Plane Graphs with Unique Maximal Colors on Faces
Authors: Wendland Alex
Published: November 2015

The Four Color Theorem asserts that the vertices of every plane graph can be properly colored with four colors. Fabrici and Göring conjectured the following stronger statement to also hold: the vertices of every plane graph can be properly colored with the numbers 1, …, 4 in such a way that every face contains a unique vertex colored with the maximal color appearing on that face. They proved that every plane graph has such a coloring with the numbers 1, …, 6. We prove that every plane graph has such a coloring with the numbers 1, …, 5 and we also prove the list variant of the statement for lists of sizes seven.