bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Revitalisation du Faubourg Saint-Laurent (Montréal) : facteur de changement social ?
Authors: Bélanger Hélène
Published: June 2015

Les grands projets urbains et autres opérations de rénovation, de réhabilitation ou de design urbain contribuent à la revitalisation des quartiers délabrés. La revitalisation serait souhaitable, car elle permettrait à la fois d’améliorer les conditions physiques du milieu de vie des résidants actuels et d’attirer des investisseurs, touristes, visiteurs, travailleurs et résidants plus fortunés, ce qui pourrait également favoriser une augmentation de la mixité sociorésidentielle. Cet article présente les résultats d’une recherche exploratoire sur la revitalisation urbaine comme facteur de changement social dans le Faubourg Saint-Laurent à partir d’une analyse du foncier et d’une enquête par entretiens auprès de résidants. Le Faubourg Saint-Laurent est un quartier central de la ville de Montréal abritant des fonctions centrales et des secteurs à vocation résidentielle. Le Faubourg a été et continue d’être témoin de nombreuses transformations physiques et sociales à la suite de l’implantation de grands projets urbains.
Modeling the instantaneous response of glaciers after the collapse of the Larsen B Ice Shelf
Authors: De Rydt J. , Gudmundsson G. H. , Rott H. , Bamber J. L.
Published: June 2015

Following the disintegration of the Larsen B Ice Shelf, Antarctic Peninsula, in 2002, regular surveillance of its ∼20 tributary glaciers has revealed a response which is varied and complex in both space and time. The major outlets have accelerated and thinned, smaller glaciers have shown little or no change, and glaciers flowing into the remnant Scar Inlet Ice Shelf have responded with delay. In this study we present the first areawide numerical analysis of glacier dynamics before and immediately after the collapse of the ice shelf, combining new data sets and a state‐of‐the‐art numerical ice flow model. We simulate the loss of buttressing at the grounding line and find a good qualitative agreement between modeled changes in glacier flow and observations. Through this study, we seek to improve confidence in our numerical models and their ability to capture the complex mechanical coupling between floating ice shelves and grounded ice.
Subthermocline eddies observed by rapid‐sampling Argo floats in the subtropical northwestern Pacific Ocean in Spring 2014
Authors: Zhang Zhiwei , Li Peiliang , Xu Lixiao , Li Cheng , Zhao Wei , Tian Jiwei , Qu Tangdong
Published: June 2015

In Spring 2014, two subthermocline eddies (STEs) were observed by rapid‐sampling Argo floats in the subtropical northwestern Pacific (STNWP). The first one is a warm, salty, and oxygen‐poor lens, with its temperature/salinity /dissolved oxygen (T/S/DO) anomalies reaching 1.16°C/0.21 practical salinity unit (psu)/−29.9 µmol/kg, respectively, near the 26.62σ0 surface. The other is a cold, fresh, and oxygen‐rich lens, with its T/S/DO anomalies reaching −1.95°C/−0.34 psu/88.0 µmol/kg, respectively, near the 26.54σ0 surface. The vertical extent of the water mass anomalies in the warm (cold) STE is about 190 m (150 m), and its horizontal length scale is 22 ± 7 km (18 ± 10 km). According to their water mass properties, we speculate that the warm and cold STEs are generated in the North Pacific Subtropical and Subarctic Front region, respectively. The observed STEs may play an important role in modifying the intermediate‐layer water properties in the STNWP, and this needs to be confirmed by more focused observations in the future.
3D Cardiac Microtissues Encapsulated with the Co‐Culture of Cardiomyocytes and Cardiac Fibroblasts
Authors: Saini Harpinder , Navaei Ali , Van Putten Alison , Nikkhah Mehdi
Published: June 2015

Cardiac tissue engineering has major applications in regenerative medicine, disease modeling and biological studies. Despite the significance, numerous questions still need to be explored to enhance the functionalities of engineered tissue substitutes. In this study, 3D cardiac microtissues are developed through encapsulation of cardiomyocytes and cardiac fibroblasts, as the main cellular constituents of native myocardium. The geometries of the constructs are precisely controlled and assessed for their role on synchronous contraction of the cells. Cardiomyocytes exhibit a native‐like phenotype when co‐cultured with cardiac fibroblasts as compared to the monoculture condition. Particularly, elongated F‐actin fibers with abundance of sarcomeric α‐actinin and troponin‐I are observed within all layers of the constructs. Higher expressions of connexin‐43 and integrin‐β1 indicate improved cell–cell and cell–matrix interactions. Amongst co‐culture conditions, 2:1 (cardiomyocytes: cardiac fibroblasts) ratio exhibits enhanced functionalities, whereas decreasing the construct size adversely affects the synchronous contraction of the cells. Overall, the study here indicates that the cell–cell ratio and the construct geometry are crucial parameters, which need to be optimized to enhance the functionalities of the engineered tissue substitutes.
Observing Atoms at Work by Controlling Beam–Sample Interactions
Authors: Kisielowski Christian
Published: June 2015

Functional behavior can be initiated and captured in series of images with previously unknown details using a successful effort to effectively control beam–sample interactions in high‐resolution transmission electron microscopy. The approach uses tunable electron dose rates that can be chosen to be as low as attoamperes per square‐Ångstrom to delay sample degradation to an unexplored end. Dose rates can be systematically increased to stimulate and observe dynamic object responses. Observations can be made in real time with deep sub‐Ångstrom resolution and single‐atom sensitivity, even if radiation‐sensitive matter is probed and either pressure or temperature is raised in the electron microscope.
A Practical Synthesis of α‐Fluoroketones in Aqueous Media by Decarboxylative Fluorination of β‐Ketoacids
Authors: Li Jian , Li Yin‐Long , Jin Nan , Ma Ai‐Lun , Huang Ya‐Nan , Deng Jun
Published: June 2015

A practical and novel process for the decarboxylative fluorination of β‐ketoacids in water in the presence of phase transfer catalyst has been developed, affording a series of α‐fluoroketones in good to excellent yields. Furthermore, a preliminary investigation for the catalytic asymmetric transformation was performed and a proposed mechanistic pathway for this catalytic process was proposed.

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Process to planet: A multiscale modeling framework toward sustainable engineering
Authors: Hanes Rebecca J. , Bakshi Bhavik R.
Published: June 2015

To prevent the chance of unintended environmental harm, engineering decisions need to consider an expanded boundary that captures all relevant connected systems. Comprehensive models for sustainable engineering may be developed by combining models at multiple scales. Models at the finest “equipment” scale are engineering models based on fundamental knowledge. At the intermediate “value chain” scale, empirical models represent average production technologies, and at the coarsest “economy” scale, models represent monetary and environmental exchanges for industrial sectors in a national or global economy. However, existing methods for sustainable engineering design ignore the economy scale, while existing methods for life cycle assessment do not consider the equipment scale. This work proposes an integrated, multiscale modeling framework for connecting models from process to planet and using them for sustainable engineering applications. The proposed framework is demonstrated with a toy problem, and potential applications of the framework including current and future work are discussed. © 2015 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 61: 3332–3352, 2015
Skin pigmentation variation among populations of West Maharashtra, India
Authors: Jonnalagadda Manjari , Ozarkar Shantanu , Ashma Richa , Kulkarni Shaunak
Published: June 2015

Objectives

Global patterns of skin pigmentation have evolved as an adaptation to local ultraviolet radiation (UVR). Indian populations exposed to intense UVR show great variation in skin pigmentation. The UVR‐based selection model cannot satisfactorily address the high prevalence of light skin among these populations. Thus, the present study examines pigmentation variation among populations of West Maharashtra and the Indian subcontinent within the context of population structure and social hierarchy.

Methods

Melanin index (MI) was measured from 555 individuals representing six endogamous populations of West Maharashtra. Skin pigmentation was assessed in terms of variation between populations and differences between and among castes and tribes. A linear regression analysis was run to assess the relationship among MI, UVR, and social hierarchy using published MI data from 13 Indian endogamous populations.

Results

Skin pigmentation differed significantly among populations of West Maharashtra. Significant pigmentation variation exists between castes and tribes of West Maharashtra as well as across the Indian subcontinent. We observe a significant negative relationship between social hierarchy and skin pigmentation, whereas the relationship between UVR and MI is weak.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that various factors may have contributed to pigmentation diversity across the Indian subcontinent. The lack of correlation between UVR and MI suggests that natural selection may not have played a significant role in shaping pigmentation variation across the subcontinent. We discuss other possible explanations, including metabolic conservation and cultural factors such as traditional social hierarchies and strict endogamy that have led to the development of population structure. Am. J. Hum. Biol. 28:36–43, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Length of time spent working on a commercial construction site and the associations with worker characteristics
Authors: Sparer Emily H. , Okechukwu Cassandra A. , Manjourides Justin , Herrick Robert F. , Katz Jeffrey N. , Dennerlein Jack T.
Published: June 2015

Background

Construction workers move frequently from jobsite to jobsite, yet little is documented about length of stay on‐site and associations with worker characteristics.

Method

Using cross‐sectional data, we investigated associations between worker characteristics (including trade and musculoskeletal pain) and length of stay on‐site (dichotomized as <1 month, n = 554, and ≥1month, n = 435).

Results

Approximately, 56% of workers remained on the worksite for at least 1 month. Length of stay was significantly associated with workers' race/ethnicity, union status, title, trade, and musculoskeletal pain (P‐values < 0.05). Trades associated with longer length of stay included pipefitters and plumbers. Trades associated with shorter length of stay included operators and piledrivers. Workers with single‐location pain had 2.21 times (95%CI: 1.52, 3.19) the odds of being short‐term versus long‐term, adjusting for trade, title, and race/ethnicity.

Conclusion

The length of stay and associated characteristics provide important insight into how workers come and go on construction sites and the methodological challenges associated with traditional intervention evaluations. Am. J. Ind. Med. 58:964–973, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Brain calcification process and phenotypes according to age and sex: Lessons from SLC20A2, PDGFB, and PDGFRB mutation carriers
Authors: Nicolas Gaël , Charbonnier Camille , de Lemos Roberta Rodrigues , Richard Anne‐Claire , Guillin Olivier , Wallon David , Legati Andrea , Geschwind Daniel , Coppola Giovanni , Frebourg Thierry , Campion Dominique , de Oliveira João Ricardo Mendes , Hannequin Didier ,   the collaborators from the French IBGC study Group
Published: June 2015

Primary Familial Brain Calcification (PFBC) is a dominantly inherited cerebral microvascular calcifying disorder with diverse neuropsychiatric expression. Three causative genes have been identified: SLC20A2, PDGFRB and, recently, PDGFB, whose associated phenotype has not yet been extensively studied. We included in the largest published case series of genetically confirmed PFBC, 19 PDGFB (including three new mutations), 24 SLC20A2 (including 4 new mutations), and 14 PDGFRB mutation carriers, from two countries (France and Brazil). We studied clinical features and applied our visual rating scale on all 49 available CT scans. Among the symptomatic mutation carriers (33/57, 58%), the three most frequently observed categories of clinical features were psychiatric signs (72.7%, 76.5%, and 80% for PDGFB, SLC20A2, and PDGFRB, respectively), movement disorders (45.5%, 76.5%, and 40%), and cognitive impairment (54.6%, 64.7%, and 40%). The median age of clinical onset was 31 years, 25% had an early onset (before 18) and 25% a later onset (after 53). Patients with an early clinical onset exhibited mostly isolated psychiatric or cognitive signs, while patients with a later onset exhibited mostly movement disorders, especially in association with other clinical features. CT scans rating allowed identifying four patterns of calcification. The total calcification score was best predicted by the combined effects of gene (SLC20A2 > PDGFB > PDGFRB mutations), sex (male), and (increasing) age, defining three risk classes, which correlated with the four patterns of calcification. These calcification patterns could reflect the natural history of the calcifying process, with distinct risk classes characterized by different age at onset or rate of progression. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Contrast‐enhanced multidetector‐row computed tomography can predict pathological findings of acute appendicitis in children
Authors: Hashizume Naoki , Iinuma Yasushi , Hirayama Yutaka , Nitta Kohju , Iida Hisataka , Shiotani Motoi , Shibuya Hiroyuki , Yagi Minoru
Published: June 2015

Aims

To retrospectively evaluate the correlation between multidetector‐row computed tomography findings of acute appendicitis and the pathological status of acute appendicitis, and evaluate the capability of multidetector‐row computed tomography to predict the pathological status of acute appendicitis in children.

Methods

The presence of a distended appendix (>6 mm in transverse diameter) was used as a primary sign to indicate the presence of appendiceal inflammation. The presence of appendiceal wall thickening (>1 mm) and enhanced appendiceal wall continuity were also used as predictive findings to reflect the degree of progression of acute appendicitis on multidetector‐row computed tomography findings. The findings of each individual case were classified into four grades. The final pathological diagnosis was classified into four groups: normal findings, only mucosal inflammation, inflammation with intramural spreading, and gangrenous. The relationship between the pathological grades and computed tomography grades was analyzed using Spearman's rank correlation test.

Results

Four of six cases in Grade 0 reflected normal appendiceal findings (66.7%) and 3 of 5 cases in Grade I reflected only mucosal inflammation status (60.0%). Forty‐four of 51 cases in Grade II reflected intramural inflammation status (86.3%), and 40 of 57 cases in Grade III reflected gangrenous status (70.2%). The multidetector‐row computed tomography grade was significantly correlated to the pathological grade with Spearman's rank correlation coefficient of 0.689 (P < 0.001).

Conclusions

There was a close relationship between the multidetector‐row computed tomography imaging findings and the pathological findings. This preoperative information is extremely useful for decision‐making in the treatment strategy for acute appendicitis in children.
Epoxidized pine oil‐siloxane: Crosslinking kinetic study and thermomechanical properties
Authors: Abdelwahab Mohamed A. , Misra Manjusri , Mohanty Amar K.
Published: June 2015

In this study, a novel approach to toughen biobased epoxy polymer with different types of siloxanes was explored. Three different modified siloxanes, e.g., amine‐terminated polydimethyl siloxane (PDMS‐amine), glycidyl‐terminated polydimethyl siloxane (PDMS‐glycidyl), and glycidyl‐terminated polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS‐glycidyl) were used as toughening agents. The curing and kinetics of bioepoxy was investigated by differential scanning calorimetry and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The mechanical, thermal, and morphological properties of the cured materials were investigated. Rheological characterization revealed that the inclusion of POSS‐glycidyl slightly increased the complex viscosity compared to the neat resin. The morphology of the cured bioresin was characterized by transmission electron microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. The inclusion of POSS‐glycidyl to bioepoxy resin resulted in a good homogeneity within the blends. The inclusion of PDMS‐amine or PDMS‐glycidyl was shown to have no effect on tensile and flexural properties of the bioresins, but led to a deterioration in the impact strength. However, the inclusion of POSS‐glycidyl enhanced the impact strength and elongation at break of the bioresins. Dynamic mechanical analysis showed that the siloxane modified epoxy decreased the storage modulus of the bioresins. The thermal properties, such as decomposition temperature, coefficient of linear thermal expansion, and heat deflection temperature were improved by inclusion of POSS‐glycidyl. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015, 132, 42451.
Improving the helium gas barrier properties of epoxy coatings through the incorporation of graphene nanoplatelets and the influence of preparation techniques
Authors: van Rooyen Louis Johann , Karger‐Kocsis Jozsef , David Kock Lesotlho
Published: June 2015

Graphene/epoxy nanocomposite coatings were formulated by applying different dispersion and preparation methods to determine whether the coatings might be a potential gas barrier material for irradiated graphite waste which is known to release radioactive gases like tritium (3H2). Helium was used as a substitute gas for tritium and the gas permeability was measured with the use of a helium leak detector. The dispersion and fabrication techniques influenced the ability of the coatings to reduce the helium gas permeability. Characterization of the graphene nanoplatelets and the composite morphology showed that the graphene nanoplatelet geometry and aspect ratio were altered by the applied dispersion techniques. The results showed that incorporating 2 wt % graphene into the epoxy matrix, combined with a multilayer fabrication method, reduced the helium gas permeability by 83% when compared to the reference epoxy samples. Modeling the gas permeability according to the tortuous path theory confirmed the aspect ratios which were estimated by the microscopic methods and particle size analysis. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015, 132, 42584.
Improved impact strength of epoxy by the addition of functionalized multiwalled carbon nanotubes and reactive diluent
Authors: da Silva Wellington Marcos , Ribeiro Hélio , Neves Juliana Cardoso , Sousa Alexandre Rangel , Silva Glaura Goulart
Published: June 2015

Multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs), both oxidized and amine functionalized (triethylenetetramine—TETA), have been used to improve the mechanical properties of nanocomposites based on epoxy resin. The TGA and XPS analysis allowed the evaluation of the degree of chemical modification on MWCNTs. Nanocomposites were manufactured by a three‐roll milling process with 0.1, 0.5, and 1.0 wt % of MWCNT–COOH and MWCNT–COTETA. A series of nanocomposites with 5.0 wt % of reactive diluent was also prepared. Tensile and impact tests were conducted to evaluate the effects of the nanofillers and diluent on the mechanical properties of the nanocomposites. The results showed higher gains (258% increase) in the impact strength for nanocomposites manufactured with aminated MWCNTs. Optical microscopy (OM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) were used to investigate the overall filler distribution, the dispersion of individual nanotubes, and the interface adhesion on the nanocomposites. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015, 132, 42587.
Caenorhabditis evolution in the wild
Authors: Cutter Asher D.
Published: June 2015

Recent research has filled many gaps about Caenorhabditis natural history, simultaneously exposing how much remains to be discovered. This awareness now provides means of connecting ecological and evolutionary theory with diverse biological patterns within and among species in terms of adaptation, sexual selection, breeding systems, speciation, and other phenomena. Moreover, the heralded laboratory tractability of C. elegans, and Caenorhabditis species generally, provides a powerful case study for experimental hypothesis testing about evolutionary and ecological processes to levels of detail unparalleled by most study systems. Here, I synthesize pertinent theory with what we know and suspect about Caenorhabditis natural history for salient features of biodiversity, phenotypes, population dynamics, and interactions within and between species. I identify topics of pressing concern to advance Caenorhabditis biology and to study general evolutionary processes, including the key opportunities to tackle problems in dispersal dynamics, competition, and the dimensionality of niche space.
Three dimensional multi‐cellular muscle‐like tissue engineering in perfusion‐based bioreactors
Authors: Cerino Giulia , Gaudiello Emanuele , Grussenmeyer Thomas , Melly Ludovic , Massai Diana , Banfi Andrea , Martin Ivan , Eckstein Friedrich , Grapow Martin , Marsano Anna
Published: June 2015

Conventional tissue engineering strategies often rely on the use of a single progenitor cell source to engineer in vitro biological models; however, multi‐cellular environments can better resemble the complexity of native tissues. Previous described co‐culture models used skeletal myoblasts, as parenchymal cell source, and mesenchymal or endothelial cells, as stromal component. Here, we propose instead the use of adipose tissue‐derived stromal vascular fraction cells, which include both mesenchymal and endothelial cells, to better resemble the native stroma. Percentage of serum supplementation is one of the crucial parameters to steer skeletal myoblasts toward either proliferation (20%) or differentiation (5%) in two‐dimensional culture conditions. On the contrary, three‐dimensional (3D) skeletal myoblast culture often simply adopts the serum content used in monolayer, without taking into account the new cell environment. When considering 3D cultures of mm‐thick engineered tissues, homogeneous and sufficient oxygen supply is paramount to avoid formation of necrotic cores. Perfusion‐based bioreactor culture can significantly improve the oxygen access to the cells, enhancing the viability and the contractility of the engineered tissues. In this study, we first investigated the influence of different serum supplementations on the skeletal myoblast ability to proliferate and differentiate during 3D perfusion‐based culture. We tested percentages of serum promoting monolayer skeletal myoblast‐proliferation (20%) and differentiation (5%) and suitable for stromal cell culture (10%) with a view to identify the most suitable condition for the subsequent co‐culture. The 10% serum medium composition resulted in the highest number of mature myotubes and construct functionality. Co‐culture with stromal vascular fraction cells at 10% serum also supported the skeletal myoblast differentiation and maturation, hence providing a functional engineered 3D muscle model that resembles the native multi‐cellular environment. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2016;113: 226–236. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Resolution and quantification of arginine, monomethylarginine, asymmetric dimethylarginine, and symmetric dimethylarginine in plasma using HPLC with internal calibration
Authors: Alkaitis Matthew S. , Nardone Glenn , Chertow Jessica H. , Ackerman Hans C.
Published: June 2015

NG,NG‐dimethyl‐l‐arginine (asymmetric dimethylarginine, ADMA),NG‐monomethyl‐l‐arginine (l‐NMMA) and NG,NG’‐dimethyl‐l‐arginine (symmetric dimethylarginine, SDMA) are released during hydrolysis of proteins containing methylated arginine residues. ADMA and l‐NMMA inhibit nitric oxide synthase by competing with l‐arginine substrate. All three methylarginine derivatives also inhibit arginine transport. To enable investigation of methylarginines in diseases involving impaired nitric oxide synthesis, we developed a high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) assay to simultaneously quantify arginine, ADMA, l‐NMMA and SDMA. Our assay requires 12 μL of plasma and is ideal for applications where sample availability is limited. We extracted arginine and methylarginines with mixed‐mode cation‐exchange columns, using synthetic monoethyl‐l‐arginine as an internal standard. Metabolites were derivatized with ortho‐phthaldialdeyhde and 3‐mercaptopropionic acid, separated by reverse‐phase HPLC and quantified with fluorescence detection. Standard curve linearity was ≥0.9995 for all metabolites. Inter‐day coefficient of variation (CV) values were ≤5% for arginine, ADMA and SDMA in human plasma and for arginine and ADMA in mouse plasma. The CV value for l‐NMMA was higher in human (10.4%) and mouse (15.8%) plasma because concentrations were substantially lower than ADMA and SDMA. This assay provides unique advantages of small sample volume requirements, excellent separation of target metabolites from contaminants and validation for both human and mouse plasma samples. © 2015 The Authors Biomedical Chromatography published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
H2S restores the cardioprotection from ischemic post‐conditioning in isolated aged rat hearts
Authors: Wei Can , Zhao Yan , Wang Lina , Peng Xue , Li Hong , Zhao Yajun , He Yuqin , Shao Hongjiang , Zhong Xin , Li Hongzhu , Xu Changqing
Published: June 2015

This study explored the mechanisms underlying the recovery of myocardial protection from ischemic post‐conditioning (PC) by exogenous hydrogen sulfide (H2S) in aged rat hearts. We observed that ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) inhibited the phosphorylation of extracellular signal‐regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) and promoted phosphorylation of p38 MAPK and c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase (JNK) in both young hearts and aged hearts. PC up‐regulated ERK1/2 phosphorylations and down‐regulated p38 MAPK and JNK phosphorylations. Exogenous H2S further enhanced the role of PC in the young hearts. In the aged hearts, PC failed to affect all these 3 MAPK members, while co‐treatment with exogenous H2S‐induced ERK1/2 and reduced p38 MAPK and JNK phosphorylations. These results suggest that exogenous H2S recovers PC‐induced cardioprotection via MAPK pathway in the aged hearts.
Electron‐Poor Thiophene 1,1‐Dioxides: Synthesis, Characterization, and Application as Electron Relays in Photocatalytic Hydrogen Generation
Authors: Tsai Chia‐Hua , Chirdon Danielle N. , Kagalwala Husain N. , Maurer Andrew B. , Kaur Aman , Pintauer Tomislav , Bernhard Stefan , Noonan Kevin J. T.
Published: June 2015

The synthesis and characterization of electron‐poor thiophene 1,1‐dioxides bearing cyanated phenyl groups are reported. The electron‐accepting nature of these compounds was evaluated by cyclic voltammetry, and highly reversible and facile reductions were observed for several derivatives. Moreover, some of the reduced thiophene dioxides form colorful anions, which were investigated spectroelectrochemically. Photoluminescence spectra of the electron‐deficient sulfones were measured in CH2Cl2, and they emit in the blue‐green region with significant variation in the quantum yield depending on the aryl substituents. By expanding the degree of substitution on the phenyl rings, quantum yields up to 34 % were obtained. X‐ray diffraction data are reported for two of the thiophene 1,1‐dioxides, and the electronic structure was probed for all synthesized derivatives through DFT calculations. The dioxides were also examined as electron relays in a photocatalytic water reduction reaction, and they showed potential to boost the efficiency.
Influence of P‐Bonded Bulky Substituents on Electronic Interactions in Ferrocenyl‐Substituted Phospholes
Authors: Miesel Dominique , Hildebrandt Alexander , Korb Marcus , Wild Duncan A. , Low Paul J. , Lang Heinrich
Published: June 2015

2,5‐Diferrocenyl‐1‐Ar‐1H‐phospholes 3 a–e (Ar=phenyl (a), ferrocenyl (b), mesityl (c), 2,4,6‐triphenylphenyl (d), and 2,4,6‐tri‐tert‐butylphenyl (e)) have been prepared by reactions of ArPH2 (1 a–e) with 1,4‐diferrocenyl butadiyne. Compounds 3 b–e have been structurally characterized by single‐crystal XRD analysis. Application of the sterically demanding 2,4,6‐tri‐tert‐butylphenyl group led to an increased flattening of the pyramidal phosphorus environment. The ferrocenyl units could be oxidized separately, with redox separations of 265 (3 b), 295 (3 c), 340 (3 d), and 315 mV (3 e) in [NnBu4][B(C6F5)4]; these values indicate substantial thermodynamic stability of the mixed‐valence radical cations. Monocationic [3 b]+–[3 e]+ show intervalence charge‐transfer absorptions between 4650 and 5050 cm−1 of moderate intensity and half‐height bandwidth. Compounds 3 c–e with bulky, electron‐rich substituents reveal a significant increase in electronic interactions compared with less demanding groups in 3 a and 3 b.
Crystal Engineering of Energetic Materials: Co‐crystals of Ethylenedinitramine (EDNA) with Modified Performance and Improved Chemical Stability
Authors: Aakeröy Christer B. , Wijethunga Tharanga K. , Desper John
Published: June 2015

Invited for the cover of this issue is the group of Christer B. Aakeröy at Kansas State University. The image depicts the transition from one page to the next reflecting how research in the area of energetic materials can be facilitated by new co‐crystal technology. Read the full text of the article at 10.1002/chem.201501721.
Transmit‐only/receive‐only radiofrequency coil configuration for hyperpolarized 129Xe MRI of rat lungs
Authors: Doganay Ozkan , Thind Kundan , Wade Trevor , Ouriadov Alexei , Santyr Giles E.
Published: June 2015

We report a novel radiofrequency (RF) transmit‐only/receive‐only (TO/RO) coil configuration providing excellent transmit B1+ field uniformity as well as high sensitivity for hyperpolarized 129Xe MR lung imaging of rats at 3T (35.34 MHz). The TO/RO coil configuration consisted of two separate components: (i) a high‐pass birdcage transmit coil which produces a homogeneous B1+ magnetic field, (ii) a saddle‐shaped single‐turn receive‐only surface coil that couples closely to the rat lung. On transmit, the receive‐only coil is decoupled from the transmit coil using a detuning circuit. On receive, the bird‐cage coil is deactivated through the use of PIN diodes. The sensitivity and uniformity of the saddle‐shaped receive coil were optimized solving the Biot‐Savart equation using 3D finite element modeling. The electrical performance of the new TO/RO configuration in transmit/receive (T/R) mode was compared with a commercial T/R birdcage coil of similar diameter, which was considering to be the gold standard for conventional T/R mode imaging. Experimental results in phantoms confirm that our novel TO/RO coil configuration provides a factor of three increase in SNR without compromising B1 transmit uniformity compared with the commercial T/R birdcage coil configuration. The novel TO/RO coil was successfully tested for in vivo rat lung imaging. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Concepts Magn Reson Part B (Magn Reson Engineering) 45B: 115–124, 2015
Low‐level PGAS computing on many‐core processors with TSHMEM
Authors: Lam Bryant C. , George Alan D. , Lam Herman , Aggarwal Vikas
Published: June 2015

Diminishing returns from increased clock frequencies and instruction‐level parallelism have forced computer architects to adopt architectures that exploit wider parallelism through multiple processor cores. While emerging many‐core architectures have progressed at a remarkable rate, concerns arise regarding the performance and productivity of numerous parallel‐programming tools for application development. Development of parallel applications on many‐core processors often requires developers to familiarize themselves with unique characteristics of a target platform while attempting to maximize performance and maintain correctness of their applications. The family of partitioned global address space (PGAS) programming models comprises the current state of the art in balancing performance and programmability. One such PGAS approach is SHMEM, a lightweight, shared‐memory programming library that has demonstrated high performance and productivity potential for parallel‐computing systems with distributed‐memory architectures. In the paper, we present research, design, and analysis of a new SHMEM infrastructure specifically crafted for low‐level PGAS on modern and emerging many‐core processors featuring dozens of cores and more. Our approach (with a new library known as TSHMEM) is investigated and evaluated atop two generations of Tilera architectures, which are among the most sophisticated and scalable many‐core processors to date, and is intended to enable similar libraries atop other architectures now emerging. In developing TSHMEM, we explore design decisions and their impact on parallel performance for the Tilera TILE‐Gx and TILEPro many‐core architectures, and then evaluate the designs and algorithms within TSHMEM through microbenchmarking and applications studies with other communication libraries. Our results with barrier primitives provided by the Tilera libraries show dissimilar performance between the TILE‐Gx and TILEPro; therefore, TSHMEM's barrier design takes an alternative approach and leverages the on‐chip mesh network to provide consistent low‐latency performance. In addition, our experiments with TSHMEM show that naive collective algorithms consistently outperformed linear distributed collective algorithms when executed in an SMP‐centric environment. In leveraging these insights for the design of TSHMEM, our approach outperforms the OpenSHMEM reference implementation, achieves similar to positive performance over OpenMP and OSHMPI atop MPICH, and supports similar libraries in delivering high‐performance parallel computing to emerging many‐core systems. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A fast time‐domain EM–TCAD coupled simulation framework via matrix exponential with stiffness reduction
Authors: Chen Quan , Schoenmaker Wim , Weng Shih‐Hung , Cheng Chung‐Kuan , Chen Guan‐Hua , Jiang Li‐Jun , Wong Ngai
Published: June 2015

We present a fast time‐domain multiphysics simulation framework that combines full‐wave electromagnetism (EM) and carrier transport in semiconductor devices (technology computer‐aided design (TCAD)) for radio frequency (RF) and mixed‐signal modules. The proposed framework features a division of linear and nonlinear components in the EM–TCAD coupled system. The linear portion is extracted and handled independently with high efficiency by a matrix exponential approach assisted with Krylov subspace method. The nonlinear component is treated by ordinary Newton's method yet with a much sparser Jacobian matrix that leads to substantial speedup in solving the linear system of equations. More convenient error management and adaptive control are also available through the linear and nonlinear decoupling. Furthermore, a new form of system formulation is developed to further enhance the efficiency of the proposed framework by reducing the stiffness of EM–TCAD systems via special equation and variable transforms. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Fabrication of a Modified Electrode Based on Fe3O4‐Graphene Oxide Hybrid Composite: Applying to Simultaneous Determination of Adenine and Guanine in DNA
Authors: Xie Qianjie , Chen Xiang‐yu , Zhang Hanzhi , Liu Mengdi , Wang Qian , Zhang Xin , Shen Yehua , Yang Fengchun
Published: June 2015

A Fe3O4‐graphene oxide hybrid composite (Fe3O4GO) was synthesized and used to construct a novel electrochemical sensor for the simultaneous detection of adenine and guanine. The Fe3O4GO based electrochemical sensor exhibits linear ranges of 0.05–25 μM and 0.05–25 μM with detection limits of 4 nM and 3 nM for adenine and guanine, respectively. This method was applied in the determination of guanine and adenine in many samples with satisfying results. The value of (G+C)/(A+T) in DNA was calculated to be 0.7536. The sensor exhibits some advantages, such as rapidity, good reproducibility and long‐term stability.
A Simple and Rapid Estimation of Totals Polyphenols Based On Carbon Paste Electrode Modified with Ruthenium Oxo‐Complex
Authors: Raymundo‐Pereira Paulo A. , Teixeira Marcos F. S. , Caetano Fábio R. , Bergamini Márcio F. , Marcolino‐Júnior Luiz H.
Published: June 2015

A simple and fast method based on electrochemical measurements was proposed for estimation of total polyphenols using a carbon paste modified electrode. The method was based on catalytic response exhibited by a ruthenium complex [(bpy)2(NH3)RuIII(µ‐O)RuIII(NH3)(bpy)2]4+ in presence of gallic acid (GA). Calibration plots using chronoamperometry (CA) showed a linear response for GA concentrations ranging from 6.6×10−6 to 1.9×10−4 mol L−1 with a detection limit of 4.9×10−7 mol L−1. Comparative studies using the official method revealed a good agreement between methods suggesting that the proposed method can be applied for polyphenol estimation without any sample treatment.
Risk of endocrine disruption to fish in the Yellow River catchment in China assessed using a spatially explicit model
Authors: Liu Xiaowei , Keller Virginie , Dumont Egon L. , Shi Jianghong , Johnson Andrew C.
Published: June 2015

The global water availability assessment (GWAVA) model, incorporating regional water abstractions and reservoir information, was used to model the human-sourced steroid estrogens estrone (E1) and estradiol (E2) in the Yellow River catchment (China). The river flows in the main stem were calibrated using gauged flows. Following a review of Chinese data on estrogen discharge from a range of sewage treatment plants, low, median, and high discharge rates were identified and used as best, expected, and worst-case scenarios, respectively. For any given location, the temporal variation of modeled estrogen levels was summarized using the mean and upper 90th percentile, which is where the model predicts 90% of values would be below this concentration. The predicted means and 90th percentiles for E1 were comparable to previous E1 measurements reported in the river. For the whole catchment, only 19% (mean value) of the river system by length was predicted to exceed 1 ng/L E2 equivalents (EEQs) using expected estrogen sewage discharge. Only 3% of the network by length was predicted to exceed the dangerously high 10 ng/L EEQ when considering 90th percentile concentrations. The highest exposures were in the Fen and Wei tributaries. Endocrine disruption risk from estrogens was predicted to be minimal in the main stem. Only in the worst-case discharge scenario and 90th percentile predicted concentrations were the most downstream river reaches of the main stem predicted to be at risk. Reservoirs appeared to be helpful in reducing estrogen concentrations thanks to longer water residence facilitating biodegradation. Environ Toxicol Chem 2015;34:2870–2877. © 2015 SETAC
Manganese toxicity to tropical freshwater species in low hardness water
Authors: Harford Andrew J. , Mooney Thomas J. , Trenfield Melanie A. , van Dam Rick A.
Published: June 2015

Elevated manganese (Mn) is a common contaminant issue for mine water discharges, and previous studies have reported that its toxicity is ameliorated by H+, Ca2+, and Mg2+ ions. In the present study, the toxicity of Mn was assessed in a high risk scenario, that is, the slightly acidic, soft waters of Magela Creek, Kakadu National Park, Northern Territory, Australia. Toxicity estimates were derived for 6 tropical freshwater species (Chlorella sp., Lemna aequinoctialis, Amerianna cumingi, Moinodaphnia macleayi, Hydra viridissima, and Mogurnda mogurnda). Low effect chronic inhibition concentration (IC10) and acute lethal concentration (LC05) values ranged between 140 μg L–1 and 80 000 μg L–1, with 3 of the species tested (M. macleayi, A. cumingi, and H. viridissima) being more sensitive to Mn than all but 1 species in the international literature (Hyalella azteca). A loss of Mn was observed on the final day for 2 of the H. viridissima toxicity tests, which may be a result of the complex speciation of Mn and biological oxidation. International data from toxicity tests conducted in natural water with a similar physicochemistry to Magela Creek water were combined with the present study's data to increase the sample size to produce a more reliable species sensitivity distribution. A 99% protection guideline value of 73 μg L–1 (33−466 μg L–1) was derived; the low value of this guideline value reflects the higher toxicity of Mn in slightly acidic soft waters. Environ Toxicol Chem 2015;34:2856–2863. © 2015 Commonwealth of Australia. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of SETAC.
Valuing Reductions in Fatal Illness Risks: Implications of Recent Research
Authors: Robinson Lisa A. , Hammitt James K.
Published: June 2015

The value of mortality risk reductions, conventionally expressed as the value per statistical life, is an important determinant of the net benefits of many government policies. US regulators currently rely primarily on studies of fatal injuries, raising questions about whether different values might be appropriate for risks associated with fatal illnesses. Our review suggests that, despite the substantial expansion of the research base in recent years, few US studies of illness‐related risks meet criteria for quality, and those that do yield similar values to studies of injury‐related risks. Given this result, combining the findings of these few studies with the findings of the more robust literature on injury‐related risks appears to provide a reasonable range of estimates for application in regulatory analysis. Our review yields estimates ranging from about $4.2 million to $13.7 million with a mid‐point of $9.0 million (2013 dollars). Although the studies we identify differ from those that underlie the values currently used by Federal agencies, the resulting estimates are remarkably similar, suggesting that there is substantial consensus emerging on the values applicable to the general US population. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Lipoprotein apheresis reduces circulating galectin‐3 in humans
Authors: Eliaz Isaac , Weil Elaine , Dutton Julie‐Ann , McCalley Audrey E. , Nolte Barbie , Moriarty Patrick M.
Published: June 2015

Background:

Plasma galectin‐3 (Gal‐3) is elevated in, and drives, diverse systemic inflammatory disorders, including cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and diabetes. Circulating Gal‐3 promotes tumorigenesis and metastasis, as well as fibrotic remodeling, and is a promising therapeutic target. Apheresis has proven utility in reducing circulating disease‐promoting substances, exemplified by the success of lipoprotein apheresis (LA) in abrogating cardiovascular disease progression in drug‐refractory hypercholesterolemia patients. We compared the clinical utility of two FDA‐approved LA systems in reducing plasma Gal‐3 in humans.

Methods:

Plasma Gal‐3 levels were assessed by ELISA in blinded samples drawn pre‐ and post‐apheresis from hypercholesterolemia patients (n = 10/group) undergoing therapeutic LA using either a heparin‐induced extracorporeal LDL precipitation (HELP) or dextran sulfate‐adsorption (DSA) system.

Results:

Mean baseline plasma Gal‐3 concentrations (±SD) were 14.3 ± 5.1 (range 6.6–22.8) and 14.5 ± 2.8 (range 10.6–19.8) ng/mL in the HELP and DSA groups, respectively. Post‐apheresis Gal‐3 levels were respectively reduced by 19.4% and 22.7% in the HELP (P = 0.0094) and DSA (P = 0.0027) systems (paired t‐tests); the difference between devices was insignificant (P = 0.5288; Mann–Whitney). Post‐treatment Gal‐3 levels were 11.3 ± 3.7 (HELP; range 4.5–16.3) and 11.3 ± 3.8 (DSA; range 7.5–20.7) ng/mL.

Conclusions:

Circulating Gal‐3 levels showed a statistically significant decrease in humans undergoing therapeutic LA. Although absolute Gal‐3 reduction was ≈19–23%, this effect, combined with reducing atherogenic LDL and other inflammation mediators (e.g., CRP, fibrinogen, Lp‐PLA2), may enhance apheresis clinical benefits. Applying new Gal‐3‐specific extraction technologies to apheresis may be advantageous in treating diverse pathologies that are promoted by elevated plasma Gal‐3. J. Clin. Apheresis 31:388–392, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Variation in readmission rates by emergency departments and emergency department providers caring for patients after discharge
Authors: Singh Siddhartha , Lin Yu‐Li , Nattinger Ann B. , Kuo Yong‐Fang , Goodwin James S.
Published: June 2015

BACKGROUND

The role of the emergency department (ED) provider and ED facility in readmissions of recently discharged patients who visit the ED has not been studied.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the variation in readmission rates by ED facility and ED providers caring for patients after discharge.

DESIGN

Retrospective cohort study using multilevel, multivariable models of 100% Texas Medicare claims data from the years 2007 to 2011.

SETTING

Texas acute‐care hospitals and ED facilities.

PATIENTS: Medicare beneficiaries who visited an ED within 30 days of discharge from a hospital.

INTERVENTION

None.

MEASUREMENT: Readmission after an ED visit within 30 days of discharge from an initial hospitalization defined as a hospitalization starting the day of or the day following the ED visit.

RESULTS

The mean readmission rate following an ED visit was 52.67%. In 2‐level models, 14.2% of ED providers readmitted significantly more patients (mean readmission rate of 67.2%) than the mean; 14.7% of ED providers readmitted significantly fewer patients (mean readmission rate of 36.8%) than the mean. After accounting for the ED facility in 3‐level models, the variance for the ED providers decreased 65% from 0.2532 to 0.0893.

CONCLUSIONS

The risk of readmission varies by ED provider caring for patients after discharge. A large part of this variation is explained by the ED facility in which the ED providers practice. Thus, ED provider practices patterns and ED facility systems of care may be a target for interventions to reduce readmissions. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2015;10:705–710. © 2015 Society of Hospital Medicine
High‐resolution MALDI‐TOF MS study on analysis of low‐molecular‐weight products from photo‐oxidation of poly(3‐hexylthiophene)
Authors: Mizukado Junji , Sato Hiroaki , Chen Liang , Suzuki Yasumasa , Yamane Shogo , Aoyama Yoshinori , Suda Hiroyuki
Published: June 2015

High‐resolution matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (TOF MS) was used for the analysis of the low‐molecular‐weight products from the photo‐oxidation of poly(3‐hexylthiophene) (P3HT) in solution and thin film. Eight new peak series were observed in the low‐mass range of the mass spectra of the products degraded in solution, and the formulas of the eight components were determined from the accurate mass. From SEC/MALDI‐TOF MS, two components were identified as the degraded products, and the other six components were derived from the fragmentation of the degraded products during the MALDI process. A mechanism for the formation of these components was proposed on the basis of the results of MALDI‐TOF MS. For the thin film degradation, a part of products in the solution degradation were observed, which supports that the oxidation of P3HT in solution and thin film proceeded in the same mechanism. This study shows that high‐resolution MALDI‐TOF MS is effective for the analysis of the low‐molecular‐weight products from P3HT photo‐oxidation and expected to be feasible for the degradation analyses of other polymers. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.