bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Synthesis and Evaluation of Thiophene‐Based Organic Dyes Contain­ing a Rigid and Nonplanar Donor with Secondary Electron Donors for Use in Dye‐Sensitized Solar Cells
Authors: Fuse Shinichiro , Takahashi Ryota , Maitani Masato M. , Wada Yuji , Kaiho Tatsuo , Tanaka Hiroshi , Takahashi Takashi
Published: December 2015

We demonstrate herein the divergent synthesis of six dyes containing our originally developed rigid and nonplanar donor with three different secondary electron donors (SEDs), namely thiophene, 4‐methoxybenzene, and diphenylethene. Evaluation of the photophysical properties of the synthesized dyes revealed that the introduction of the SEDs resulted in an increased absorbance in the 350–450 nm region. The influence of the SEDs on the electrochemical and photovoltaic properties depended on their structure and position of attachment. The introduction of the thiophene SED to D4π4A2, which we previously reported to be our best dye, resulted in an increased Jsc. The dye‐sensitized solar cell (DSSC) prepared by using dye 2b, which contains the thiophene SED, shows a higher power conversion efficiency (PCE; η = 4.62 ± 0.02 %) and a higher incident photon‐to‐current conversion efficiency (IPCE) in the region 300–600 nm than D4π4A2.
Greater family identification—but not greater contact with family members—leads to better health: Evidence from a Spanish longitudinal study
Authors: Wakefield Juliet R. H. , Sani Fabio , Herrera Marina , Khan Sammyh S. , Dugard Pat
Published: December 2015

We investigated the effect of family identification (one's subjective sense of belonging to and commonality with the family) on self‐reported ill‐health in 206 Valencian undergraduates, with eight months between Time 1 (T1) and Time 2 (T2). While greater family identification T1 predicted lower ill‐health T2, ill‐health T1 did not predict family identification T2. Family contact T1 (one's intensity of interaction with family) was unrelated to ill‐health T2. This shows that family identification impacts positively on health over time (rather than health impacting positively on family identification over time), and this is not reducible to effects exerted by family contact. These findings indicate that encouraging patients to engage in group activities might produce negligible health gains unless the patient identifies with the group in question.
A chronic toxicity test for the tropical marine snail Nassarius dorsatus to assess the toxicity of copper, aluminium, gallium, and molybdenum
Authors: Trenfield Melanie A. , van Dam Joost W. , Harford Andrew J. , Parry David , Streten Claire , Gibb Karen , van Dam Rick A.
Published: December 2015

Chronic toxicity test methods for assessing the toxicity of contaminants to tropical marine organisms are generally lacking. A 96-h chronic growth rate toxicity test was developed for the larval stage of the tropical dogwhelk, Nassarius dorsatus. Growth rates of N. dorsatus larvae were assessed following exposures to copper (Cu), aluminium (Al), gallium (Ga), and molybdenum (Mo). Exposure to Cu at 28 °C validated the sensitivity of the test method, with 10% (EC10) and 50% (EC50) effect concentrations of 4.2 μg/L and 7.3 μg/L Cu, respectively. The EC10 and EC50 values for Al (<0.45-μm filtered fraction) at 28 °C were 115 μg/L and 185 μg/L, respectively. The toxicity of Cu and Al was also assessed at 24 °C and 31 °C, representing average year-round water temperatures for subtropical and tropical Australian coastal environments. At 24 °C, the growth rate of control larvae was reduced by 52% compared with the growth rate at 28 °C and there was an increase in sensitivity to Cu (EC50 = 4.7 μg/L) but a similar sensitivity to Al (EC50 = 180 μg/L). At 31 °C the control growth rate increased by 35% from that measured at 28 °C and there was reduced sensitivity to both Cu and Al (EC50s = 8.5 μg/L and 642 μg/L, respectively). There was minimal toxicity resulting from Ga (EC50 = 4560 μg/L) and Mo (no effect at ≤7000 μg/L Mo). Environ Toxicol Chem 2016;35:1788–1795. © 2015 SETAC
Identifying a Deletion Affecting Total Lung Capacity Among Subjects in the COPDGene Study Cohort
Authors: Begum Ferdouse , Ruczinski Ingo , Li Shengchao , Silverman Edwin K. , Cho Michael H. , Lynch David A. , Curran‐Everett Douglas , Crapo James , Scharpf Robert B. , Parker Margaret M. , Hetmanski Jacqueline B. , Beaty Terri H.
Published: December 2015

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a progressive disease with both environmental and genetic risk factors. Genome‐wide association studies (GWAS) have identified multiple genomic regions influencing risk of COPD. To thoroughly investigate the genetic etiology of COPD, however, it is also important to explore the role of copy number variants (CNVs) because the presence of structural variants can alter gene expression and can be causal for some diseases. Here, we investigated effects of polymorphic CNVs on quantitative measures of pulmonary function and chest computed tomography (CT) phenotypes among subjects enrolled in COPDGene, a multisite study. COPDGene subjects consist of roughly one‐third African American (AA) and two‐thirds non‐Hispanic white adult smokers (with or without COPD). We estimated CNVs using PennCNV on 9,076 COPDGene subjects using Illumina's Omni‐Express genome‐wide marker array. We tested for association between polymorphic CNV components (defined as disjoint intervals of copy number regions) for several quantitative phenotypes associated with COPD within each racial group. Among the AAs, we identified a polymorphic CNV on chromosome 5q35.2 located between two genes (FAM153B and SIMK1, but also harboring several pseudo‐genes) giving genome‐wide significance in tests of association with total lung capacity (TLCCT) as measured by chest CT scans. This is the first study of genome‐wide association tests of polymorphic CNVs and TLCCT. Although the ARIC cohort did not have the phenotype of TLCCT, we found similar counts of CNV deletions and amplifications among AA and European subjects in this second cohort.
Does targeted cognitive training reduce educational disparities in cognitive function among cognitively normal older adults?
Authors: Clark Daniel O. , Xu Huiping , Unverzagt Frederick W. , Hendrie Hugh
Published: December 2015

Objective

The aim of this study was to investigate educational differences in treatment responses to memory, reasoning, and speed of processing cognitive training relative to no‐contact control.

Methods

Secondary analyses of the Advanced Cognitive Training for Independent and Vital Elderly trial were conducted. Two thousand eight hundred older adults were randomized to memory, reasoning, or speed of processing training or no‐contact control. A repeated‐measures mixed‐effects model was used to investigate immediate post‐training and 1‐year outcomes with sensitivity analyses out to 10 years. Outcomes were as follows: (1) memory composite of Hopkins Verbal Learning Test, Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test, and Rivermead Behavioral Memory Test; (2) reasoning composite of letter series, letter sets, and word series; and (3) speed of processing measured using three trials of useful field of view and the digit symbol substitution test.

Results

The effects of reasoning and memory training did not differ by educational attainment. The effect of speed of processing training did. Those with fewer than 12 years of education experienced a 50% greater effect on the useful field of view test compared with those with 16 or more years of education. The training advantage for those with fewer than 12 years of education was maintained to 3 years post‐training.

Conclusion

Older adults with less than a secondary education are at elevated risk of dementia, including Alzheimer's disease. The analyses here indicate that speed of processing training is effective in older adults with low educational attainment.
Macrophage recruitment by fibrocystin‐defective biliary epithelial cells promotes portal fibrosis in congenital hepatic fibrosis
Authors: Locatelli Luigi , Cadamuro Massimiliano , Spirlì Carlo , Fiorotto Romina , Lecchi Silvia , Morell Carola Maria , Popov Yury , Scirpo Roberto , De Matteis Maria , Amenduni Mariangela , Pietrobattista Andrea , Torre Giuliano , Schuppan Detlef , Fabris Luca , Strazzabosco Mario
Published: December 2015

Congenital hepatic fibrosis (CHF) is a disease of the biliary epithelium characterized by bile duct changes resembling ductal plate malformations and by progressive peribiliary fibrosis, in the absence of overt necroinflammation. Progressive liver fibrosis leads to portal hypertension and liver failure; however, the mechanisms leading to fibrosis in CHF remain elusive. CHF is caused by mutations in PKHD1, a gene encoding for fibrocystin, a ciliary protein expressed in cholangiocytes. Using a fibrocystin‐defective (Pkhd1
del4/del4) mouse, which is orthologous of CHF, we show that Pkhd1
del4/del4 cholangiocytes are characterized by a β‐catenin‐dependent secretion of a range of chemokines, including chemokine (C‐X‐C motif) ligands 1, 10, and 12, which stimulate bone marrow‐derived macrophage recruitment. We also show that Pkhd1
del4/del4 cholangiocytes, in turn, respond to proinflammatory cytokines released by macrophages by up‐regulating αvβ6 integrin, an activator of latent local transforming growth factor‐β1. While the macrophage infiltrate is initially dominated by the M1 phenotype, the profibrogenic M2 phenotype increases with disease progression, along with the number of portal myofibroblasts. Consistent with these findings, clodronate‐induced macrophage depletion results in a significant reduction of portal fibrosis and portal hypertension as well as of liver cysts. Conclusion: Fibrosis can be initiated by an epithelial cell dysfunction, leading to low‐grade inflammation, macrophage recruitment, and collagen deposition; these findings establish a new paradigm for biliary fibrosis and represent a model to understand the relationship between cell dysfunction, parainflammation, liver fibrosis, and macrophage polarization over time. (Hepatology 2016;63:965–982)
Acute and Chronic Hepatitis E Virus Infection in Human Immunodeficiency Virus‐Infected U.S. Women
Authors: Kuniholm Mark H. , Ong Edgar , Hogema Boris M. , Koppelman Marco , Anastos Kathryn , Peters Marion G. , Seaberg Eric C. , Chen Yue , Nelson Kenrad E. , Linnen Jeffrey M.
Published: December 2015

Exposure to hepatitis E virus (HEV) is common in the United States, but there are few data on prevalence of HEV/human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) coinfection in U.S. populations. We tested 2,919 plasma samples collected from HIV‐infected (HIV+) women and men enrolled in U.S. cohort studies for HEV viremia using a high‐throughput nucleic acid testing (NAT) platform. NAT+ samples were confirmed by real‐time polymerase chain reaction. Samples were selected for testing primarily on the basis of biomarkers of liver disease and immune suppression. Prevalence of HEV viremia was 3 of 2,606 and 0 of 313 in tested plasma samples collected from HIV+ women and men, respectively. All HEV isolates were genotype 3a. Based on follow‐up testing of stored samples, 1 woman had chronic HEV infection for >4 years whereas 2 women had acute HEV detectable at only a single study visit. Conclusions: To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of chronic HEV infection in an HIV+ U.S. individual. We also confirm that chronic HEV infection can persist despite a CD4+ count >200 cells/mm3. Overall, though, these data suggest that HEV infection is rare in the HIV+ U.S. population. (Hepatology 2016;63:712–720)
Directed Tests of No Cross‐Sectional Correlation in Large‐N Panel Data Models
Authors: Demetrescu Matei , Homm Ulrich
Published: December 2015

The paper proposes tests for no cross‐correlation based on the information matrix equality. The tests rely on suitably weighted residual cross‐covariances or cross‐correlations, and are in this sense a generalization of Pesaran's (2004, CESifo working paper 1229) test for no cross‐sectional dependence. They follow chi‐squared distributions under joint N,T asymptotics without restrictive sphericity or distributional assumptions. When using the outcome of the directed tests to decide whether to use panel‐robust standard errors or not for testing slope parameters, the latter tests are apparently not affected; they can be severely affected, though, if using generic cross‐correlation tests as pretests. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Allopurinol induces innate immune responses through mitogen‐activated protein kinase signaling pathways in HL‐60 cells
Authors: Nakajima Akira , Oda Shingo , Yokoi Tsuyoshi
Published: December 2015

Allopurinol, an inhibitor of xanthine oxidase, is a frequent cause of severe cutaneous adverse reactions (SCARs) in humans, including drug rash with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms, Stevens–Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis. Although SCARs have been suspected to be immune‐mediated, the mechanisms of allopurinol‐induced SCARs remain unclear. In this study, we examined whether allopurinol has the ability to induce innate immune responsesin vitrousing human dendritic cell (DC)‐like cell lines, including HL‐60, THP‐1 and K562, and a human keratinocyte cell line, HaCaT. In this study, we demonstrate that treatment of HL‐60 cells with allopurinol significantly increased the mRNA expression levels of interleukin‐8, monocyte chemotactic protein‐1 and tumor necrosis factor α in a time‐ and concentration‐dependent manner. Furthermore, allopurinol induced the phosphorylation of mitogen‐activated protein kinases (MAPK), such as c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase and extracellular signal‐regulated kinase, which regulate cytokine production in DC. In addition, allopurinol‐induced increases in cytokine expression were inhibited by co‐treatment with the MAPK inhibitors. Collectively, these results suggest that allopurinol has the ability to induce innate immune responses in a DC‐like cell line through activation of the MAPK signaling pathways. These results indicate that innate immune responses induced by allopurinol might be involved in the development of allopurinol‐induced SCARs. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A New Subtype of Multiple Synostoses Syndrome Is Caused by a Mutation in GDF6 That Decreases Its Sensitivity to Noggin and Enhances Its Potency as a BMP Signal
Authors: Wang Jian , Yu Tingting , Wang Zhigang , Ohte Satoshi , Yao Ru-en , Zheng Zhaojing , Geng Juan , Cai Haiqing , Ge Yihua , Li Yuchan , Xu Yunlan , Zhang Qinghua , Gusella James F , Fu Qihua , Pregizer Steven , Rosen Vicki , Shen Yiping
Published: December 2015

Growth and differentiation factors (GDFs) are secreted signaling molecules within the BMP family that have critical roles in joint morphogenesis during skeletal development in mice and humans. Using genetic data obtained from a six-generation Chinese family, we identified a missense variant in GDF6 (NP_001001557.1; p.Y444N) that fully segregates with a novel autosomal dominant synostoses (SYNS) phenotype, which we designate as SYNS4. Affected individuals display bilateral wrist and ankle deformities at birth and progressive conductive deafness after age 40 years. We find that the Y444N variant affects a highly conserved residue of GDF6 in a region critical for binding of GDF6 to its receptor(s) and to the BMP antagonist NOG, and show that this mutant GDF6 is a more potent stimulator of the canonical BMP signaling pathway compared with wild-type GDF6. Further, we determine that the enhanced BMP activity exhibited by mutant GDF6 is attributable to resistance to NOG-mediated antagonism. Collectively, our findings indicate that increased BMP signaling owing to a GDF6 gain-of-function mutation is responsible for loss of joint formation and profound functional impairment in patients with SYNS4. More broadly, our study highlights the delicate balance of BMP signaling required for proper joint morphogenesis and reinforces the critical role of BMP signaling in skeletal development. © 2015 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Hyperspectral coherent Raman imaging – principle, theory, instrumentation, and applications to life sciences
Authors: Kano Hideaki , Segawa Hiroki , Okuno Masanari , Leproux Philippe , Couderc Vincent
Published: December 2015

Coherent Raman scattering microscopy such as coherent anti‐Stokes Raman scattering and stimulated Raman scattering microscopy boosts the weak Raman signal and enables us to perform label‐free visualization of the molecular distribution and its dynamical behavior in living cells and tissues with high speed. In comparison with fluorescence imaging, cells and tissues can be visualized without specifying the target molecule. In this review, we describe the characteristics of a hyperspectral coherent Raman imaging method, which is capable of acquiring both spectra and images simultaneously, and review applications to life sciences. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Preparation of novel alkaline pH‐responsive copolymers for the formation of recyclable aqueous two‐phase systems and their application in the extraction of lincomycin
Authors: Liu Jiali , Cao Xuejun
Published: December 2015

Aqueous two‐phase systems have potential industrial application in bioseparation and biocatalysis engineering; however, their practical application is limited primarily because the copolymers involved in the formation of aqueous two‐phase systems cannot be recovered. In this study, two novel alkaline pH‐responsive copolymers were synthesized and examined for the extraction of lincomycin. The two copolymers could form a novel alkaline aqueous two‐phase systems when their concentrations were both 6% w/w and the pH was 8.4(±0.1)–8.7(±0.1). One copolymer was synthesized using acrylic acid, 2‐(dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate, and butyl methacrylate as monomers. Moreover, 98.8% of the copolymer could be recovered by adjusting the solution pH to its isoelectric point (pH 6.29). The other copolymer was synthesized using the monomers methacrylic acid, 2‐(dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate, and methyl methacrylate. In this case, 96.7% of the copolymer could be recovered by adjusting the solution pH to 7.19. The optimal partition coefficient of lincomycin was 0.17 at 30°C in the presence of 10 mM KBr and 5.5 at 40°C in the presence of 80 mM Ti(SO4)2 using the novel alkaline aqueous two‐phase systems.
Gene analysis of multiple oral bacteria by the polymerase chain reaction coupled with capillary polymer electrophoresis
Authors: Liu Chenchen , Yamaguchi Yoshinori , Sekine Shinichi , Ni Yi , Li Zhenqing , Zhu Xifang , Dou Xiaoming
Published: December 2015

Capillary polymer electrophoresis is identified as a promising technology for the analysis of DNA from bacteria, virus and cell samples. In this paper, we propose an innovative capillary polymer electrophoresis protocol for the quantification of polymerase chain reaction products. The internal standard method was modified and applied to capillary polymer electrophoresis. The precision of our modified internal standard protocol was evaluated by measuring the relative standard deviation of intermediate capillary polymer electrophoresis experiments. Results showed that the relative standard deviation was reduced from 12.4–15.1 to 0.6–2.3%. Linear regression tests were also implemented to validate our protocol. The modified internal standard method showed good linearity and robust properties. Finally, the ease of our method was illustrated by analyzing a real clinical oral sample using a one‐run capillary polymer electrophoresis experiment.
Analysis of laryngoscopic features in patients with unilateral vocal fold paresis
Authors: Woo Peak , Parasher Arjun K. , Isseroff Tova , Richards Amanda , Sivak Mark
Published: December 2015

Objectives/Hypothesis

The diagnosis of paresis in patients with vocal fold motion impairment remains a challenge. More than 27 clinical parameters have been cited that may signify paresis. We hypothesize that some features are more significant than others.

Study Design

Prospective case series.

Methods

Two laryngologists rated laryngoscopy findings in 19 patients suspected of paresis. The diagnosis was confirmed with laryngeal electromyography. A standard set of 27 ratings was used for each examination that included movement, laryngeal configuration, and stroboscopy signs. A Fisher exact test was completed for each measure. A kappa coefficient was calculated for effectiveness in predicting the laterality of paresis.

Results

Left‐sided vocal fold paresis (n = 13) was significantly associated with ipsilateral axis deviation, thinner vocal fold, bowing, reduced movement, reduced kinesis, and phase lag (P < .05). Right‐sided vocal fold paresis (n = 6) was significantly associated with ipsilateral shorter vocal fold, axis deviation, reduced movement, and reduced kinesis (P < .05). Using these key parameters, the senior author was accurately able to diagnose the side of paresis in 89.5% of cases for a kappa coefficient of 0.78.

Conclusions

Of the multiple features on laryngoscopy, glottic configuration, ipsilateral thin vocal fold, vocal fold bowing, reduced movement, reduced kinesis, and phase lag were more likely to be associated with vocal fold paresis.

Level of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 126:1831–1836, 2016
Electrochemical behaviour in synthetic saliva of silane coated Ni/Cu/Ni Nd‐Fe‐B magnet for dentistry applications
Authors: Calabrese L. , Caprì A. , Fabiano F. , Bonaccorsi L. , Borsellino C. , Proverbio E.
Published: December 2015

In this work the electrochemical behaviour in synthetic saliva of silane coated Ni/Cu/Ni Nd‐Fe‐B magnets for dentistry applications was assessed. A protective multilayer of N‐propyl‐trimethoxy‐silane was deposited by dip‐coating onto Ni/Cu/Ni Nd‐Fe‐B magnets. The corrosion process of the silanised magnets was experimentally studied by polarization and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy tests performed at increasing immersion time in synthetic saliva solution. The Ni/Cu/Ni plated cover is not able to provide good barrier protection in this electrolytic media, while an additional three‐layer silane film guarantees better anti‐corrosion properties and durability in synthetic saliva solution.
Corrosion behaviour of austenitic and duplex stainless steels in an industrial strongly acidic solution
Authors: Bellezze T. , Giuliani G. , Roventi G. , Fratesi R. , Andreatta F. , Fedrizzi L.
Published: December 2015

AISI 316L metallic components of an industrial plant, producing tartaric acid as by‐product of grape pressing, were subjected to a so severe corrosive attack to promote the search of alternative stainless steels for this specific application. The aggressive industrial solution is strongly acidic and it contains large amounts of chlorides and sulphates and it operates in the temperature range of 25–60 °C. As possible alternative materials to AISI 316L, two super austenitic stainless steels, AISI 904L and SanicroTM 28, and three duplex stainless steels, SAF 2707 HDTM, SAF 2507TM and SAF 2205TM, were tested. The steels were characterised by means of chemical analysis, metallographic observations and anodic polarisations in a tartaric acid saturated solution, both in presence and in absence of chlorides and sulphates. The AISI 316L alloy showed the presence of ferrite δ at the austenitic grain boundaries, which is responsible for a selective attack and severe damage of this material. Among the tested steels, as alternative to AISI 316L, Sanicro 28TM and AISI 904L can be considered promising, with a preference for Sanicro 28TM. SAF 2707 HDTM showed a passive behaviour only with a mirror surface finishing, which is not acceptable for service conditions.
Effect of processing parameters and graphite content on the tribological behaviour of 3D printed acrylonitrile butadiene styrene
Authors: Dawoud M. , Taha I. , Ebeid S. J.
Published: December 2015

3D printing is nowadays used not only to rapidly produce prototypes, but is further applied for the fabrication of functional parts. Amongst other factors, processing parameters such as scaffolding angle and raster gap greatly affect the behaviour of such printed parts. Little attention has been given so far to the tribological behaviour of such prints. In this study the above mentioned parameters on the friction behaviour, in terms of friction coefficient and wear rate, is investigated. For this purpose the Fused Deposition Modelling is used as one of state of the art 3D printing methods. Graphite flakes were further added to the reference acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) matrix in an attempt to enhance the properties. Results show that the scaffolding angle only affects the behaviour, if a positive printing gap is applied – when a negative gap is used, the angle has no significant effect on properties. Maximum coefficient of friction at acceptable values of specific wear rates can be attained at a scaffolding angle of 90° with negative gap. The incorporation of graphite further increases the friction coefficient on the expense of reduced wear properties.
DNA double‐strand breaks disrupted the spindle assembly in porcine oocytes
Authors: Wang HaiYang , Luo YiBo , Zhao Ming‐Hui , Lin ZiLi , Kwon Jeongwoo , Cui Xiang‐Shun , Kim Nam‐Hyung
Published: December 2015

We used etoposide (25–100 µg/mL) to induce DNA double‐strand breaks (DSBs) in porcine oocytes at the germinal vesicle (GV) stage to determine how such damage affects oocyte maturation. We observed that DNA damage did not delay the rate of germinal vesicle breakdown (GVBD), but did inhibit the final stages of maturation, as indicated by the failure to extrude the first polar body. Oocytes with low levels of DSBs failed to effectively activate ataxia telangiectasia‐mutated (ATM) kinase, while those with severe DNA DSBs failed to activate checkpoint kinase 1 (CHK1)—the two regulators of the DNA damage response pathway—indicating that porcine oocytes lack an efficient G2/M phase checkpoint. DSBs induced spindle defects and chromosomal misalignments, leading to the arrest of these oocytes at meiotic metaphase I. The activity of maturation‐promoting factor also did not increase appropriately in oocytes with DNA DSBs, although its abundance was sufficient to promote GVBD and chromosomal condensation. Following parthenogenetic activation, embryos from etoposide‐treated oocytes formed numerous micronuclei. Thus, our results indicate that DNA DSBs do not efficiently activate the ATM/CHK1‐dependent DNA‐damage checkpoint in porcine oocytes, allowing these DNA‐impaired oocytes to enter M phase. Oocytes with DNA damage did, however, arrest at metaphase I in response to spindle defects and chromosomal misalignments, which limited the ability of these oocytes to reach meiotic metaphase II. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 83: 132–143, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Der Kraft‐durch‐Freude‐Chemiker Wilhelm Jander
Authors: Kahlert Heinrich
Published: December 2015

“Gute Wissenschaftler waren keine guten Nazis” — so hieß es nach der Entnazifizierung. Otto Hahn und Werner Heisenberg, angeblich ohne NS‐Vergangenheit, untermauerten diesen Mythos. Wilhelm Jander beweist das Gegenteil: Als ernsthafter Chemiker war er eng mit Nazi‐Deutschland verbunden.
Mit molekularem Iod katalysieren
Authors: Breugst Martin
Published: December 2015

100 Jahre nach den ersten iodkatalysierten Umsetzungen sind die Mechanismen immer noch nicht geklärt. Untersuchungen weisen auf Bindungen zwischen Iod und Lewis‐Basen hin — die Halogen‐ brückenbindungen.
A micromechanics‐based model for concrete materials subjected to carbonation
Authors: Ghorbanbeigi Hamid , Shen Wanqing , Yurtdas Ismail , Shao Jian‐Fu
Published: December 2015

In this paper, we present a micromechanics‐based elastic–plastic model to describe the mechanical behaviour of concrete composites subjected to carbonation. For this purpose, a three‐step nonlinear homogenization procedure is employed. At the microscopic scale, calcite grains generated by the carbonation are embedded in the solid calcium silicate hydrates phase. At the mesoscopic scale, the cement paste is considered as a porous medium. At the macroscopic scale, large aggregates are taken into account. By using the modified secant method, the homogenization procedure leads to a closed‐form plastic yield function for the carbonated concrete, taking into account the effects of the volume fraction of calcite grains, the porosity and the aggregates volume fraction. An associated plastic model is then formulated by introducing a specific plastic hardening law. Further, a heuristic non‐associated plastic potential is proposed directly at the macroscopic scale in order to capture differences with the associated model for the description of plastic volumetric strain and porosity change. The proposed models are implemented in a standard finite element code and applied to reproduce a series of laboratory tests. Comparisons between numerical results and experimental data are presented to assess the capacity of the model to take into consideration the main features of mechanical behaviour of concrete composites. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Public Sector Management Reform in Developing Countries: Perspectives Beyond NPM Orthodoxy
Authors: Brinkerhoff Derick W. , Brinkerhoff Jennifer M.
Published: December 2015

With the passage of time and the accumulation of experience, the hegemony of the New Public Management (NPM) (now no longer new) as the dominant approach to public sector reform has weakened, particularly as applied to developing countries. What alternative frameworks for theory and practice offer insights and guidance beyond the NPM orthodoxy? This article offers some answers to this question and draws upon the contributions to this special issue to explore four analytic strands that constitute post‐NPM approaches to reform: political economy and institutions, public management function over form, iterative and adaptive reform processes, and individual and collective agency. The discussion highlights the significance of functional mimicry, the challenges of measuring results, the practical difficulties in achieving contextual fit and accounting for the inherent uncertainty in reform processes, the tensions between ownership and outside expertise, and unpacking political economy dynamics within various micro‐contexts and across regime types. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Poor‐prognosis disclosure preference in cancer patient–caregiver dyads and its association with their quality of life and perceived stress: a cross‐sectional survey in mainland China
Authors: Nie Xin , Ye Dawei , Wang Qiming , Manyande Anne , Yang Lin , Qiu Hong , Chao Tengfei , Zhang Peng , Gong Chen , Zhuang Liang , Yu Shiying , Xiong Huihua
Published: December 2015

Background

This study attempted to examine the discordance between family caregivers and cancer patients in their poor‐prognosis disclosure preferences in mainland China and then ascertained the associations between quality of life (QoL), perceived stress, and poor‐prognosis disclosure preferences.

Methods

Six hundred fifty‐one pairs of inpatients and their matched caregivers (participation rate = 92.2%) were recruited in this cross‐sectional survey. A set of paired self‐administered questionnaires were completed independently by patient–caregiver dyads.

Results

Fewer family caregivers than cancer patients felt that poor prognosis should be disclosed to patients (61.2% vs. 90.0%, p < 0.001). Patients' positive poor‐prognosis disclosure preference was associated with patients' better QoL (p < 0.05) and caregivers' reduced perceived stress levels (p = 0.013). However, caregivers' poor‐prognosis disclosure preference correlated only with their own physical state (p = 0.028). Moreover, the caregivers who concurred with patients in positive poor‐prognosis disclosure preference were more likely to experience a better QoL (p < 0.05) and lower perceived stress levels (p = 0.048) in the III–IV stage subgroup.

Conclusions

There was a significant discrepancy in poor‐prognosis disclosure preference between cancer patients and caregivers in China. The caregivers' preference of concealing poor prognosis from patients was not related to cancer patients' QoL or perceived stress. In addition, caregivers had better QoL and lower stress levels when they held the same positive poor‐prognosis disclosure preference as the patients. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Proteomics and glomerulonephritis: A complementary approach in renal pathology for the identification of chronic kidney disease related markers
Authors: L'Imperio Vincenzo , Smith Andrew , Chinello Clizia , Pagni Fabio , Magni Fulvio
Published: December 2015

Glomerulonephritis (GN) is one of the most common origins of chronic kidney disease and its careful evaluation is crucial for prognostic and therapeutic purposes, with the renal biopsy still playing a central role for the diagnosis. However, due to its invasiveness, it is not devoid of complications and many investigations have focused on identifying biomarkers for chronic kidney diseases using less‐invasive and easy‐to‐collect samples, such as urine and blood. In this context, proteomics has played a crucial role in determining the molecular changes related to disease progression and early pathological glomerular modifications. Here, we report a review of selected literature for each GN, based on selected works published in the last 10 years, showing how these approaches have generated clinically relevant findings in the study of glomerulonephritis. We also describe several proteomic strategies, highlighting their technical advantages and limitations, future perspectives for proteomic applications in the study of GNs, and their possible application in routine practice.
InN/GaN short‐period superlattices as ordered InGaN ternary alloys
Authors: Kusakabe Kazuhide , Imai Daichi , Wang Ke , Yoshikawa Akihiko
Published: December 2015

Coherent (InN)1/(GaN)n short‐period superlattices (SPSs) were successfully grown through dynamic atomic layer epitaxy (D‐ALEp) mode by RF‐plasma molecular beam epitaxy (MBE), where GaN layer thicknesses n were thinned down to 4 monolayer (ML). After this achievement, we demonstrated quasi‐ternary InGaN behavior in their photoluminescence (PL) spectra for the first time. It was found interestingly that GaN layer thickness of n = 4 ML was the criterion both for structural control and continuum‐band formation. Although highly lattice‐mismatched InN/GaN interfaces easily introduce relaxation in (InN)1/(GaN)4 SPSs during growth depending on the dynamic surface stoichiometry condition, this problem was overcome by precise control/removal of fluid‐like residual In/Ga metals on the growth front with in‐situ monitoring method. The (InN)1/(GaN)n SPSs with n ≥ 7 ML showed a constant PL peak energy around 3.2 eV at 12 K, reflecting discrete electron/hole wavefunctions. On the other hand, the (InN)1/(GaN)4 SPSs indicated the red‐shifted PL peak at 2.93 eV at 12 K, which was attributed to the continuum‐band state with increasing in the overlap of electrons/hole wavefunctions. This result is concluded that the (InN)1/(GaN)4 SPSs can be considered as ordered InGaN alloys. (© 2015 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
High Detectivity Graphene‐Silicon Heterojunction Photodetector
Authors: Li Xinming , Zhu Miao , Du Mingde , Lv Zheng , Zhang Li , Li Yuanchang , Yang Yao , Yang Tingting , Li Xiao , Wang Kunlin , Zhu Hongwei , Fang Ying
Published: December 2015

A graphene/n‐type silicon (n‐Si) heterojunction has been demonstrated to exhibit strong rectifying behavior and high photoresponsivity, which can be utilized for the development of high‐performance photodetectors. However, graphene/n‐Si heterojunction photodetectors reported previously suffer from relatively low specific detectivity due to large dark current. Here, by introducing a thin interfacial oxide layer, the dark current of graphene/n‐Si heterojunction has been reduced by two orders of magnitude at zero bias. At room temperature, the graphene/n‐Si photodetector with interfacial oxide exhibits a specific detectivity up to 5.77 × 1013 cm Hz1/2 W‐1 at the peak wavelength of 890 nm in vacuum, which is highest reported detectivity at room temperature for planar graphene/Si heterojunction photodetectors. In addition, the improved graphene/n‐Si heterojunction photodetectors possess high responsivity of 0.73 A W−1 and high photo‐to‐dark current ratio of ≈107. The current noise spectral density of the graphene/n‐Si photodetector has been characterized under ambient and vacuum conditions, which shows that the dark current can be further suppressed in vacuum. These results demonstrate that graphene/Si heterojunction with interfacial oxide is promising for the development of high detectivity photodetectors.
Identifying, Quantifying, and Operationalizing Queer‐Spectrum and Trans‐Spectrum Students: Assessment and Research in Student Affairs
Authors: Rankin Susan (Sue) , Garvey Jason C.
Published: December 2015

This chapter offers both challenges and new directions in conducting quantitative assessments and research with queer‐spectrum and trans‐spectrum college student populations. Both the challenges and future directions are grounded in the literature and the experiences of the authors.
Screening for new brewing yeasts in the non‐Saccharomyces sector with Torulaspora delbrueckii as model
Authors: Michel Maximilian , Kopecká Jana , Meier‐Dörnberg Tim , Zarnkow Martin , Jacob Fritz , Hutzler Mathias
Published: December 2015

This study describes a screening system for future brewing yeasts focusing on non‐Saccharomyces yeasts. The aim was to find new yeast strains that can ferment beer wort into a respectable beer. Ten Torulaspora delbrueckii strains were put through the screening system, which included sugar utilization tests, hop resistance tests, ethanol resistance tests, polymerase chain reaction fingerprinting, propagation tests, amino acid catabolism and anabolism, phenolic off‐flavour tests and trial fermentations. Trial fermentations were analysed for extract reduction, pH drop, yeast concentration in bulk fluid and fermentation by‐products. All investigated strains were able to partly ferment wort sugars and showed high tolerance to hop compounds and ethanol. One of the investigated yeast strains fermented all the wort sugars and produced a respectable fruity flavour and a beer of average ethanol content with a high volatile flavour compound concentration. Two other strains could possibly be used for pre‐fermentation as a bio‐flavouring agent for beers that have been post‐fermented by Saccharomyces strains as a consequence of their low sugar utilization but good flavour‐forming properties. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Yield Analysis of Oil Palm Cultivated Under Irrigation in the Brazilian Savanna
Authors: do Amaral Teles Daniel Aparecida , Braga Marcelo Fideles , Antoniassi Rosemar , Junqueira Nilton Tadeu Vilela , Peixoto José Ricardo , Malaquias Juaci Vitoria
Published: December 2015

The oil palm is currently a major source of oil used worldwide for biofuel production and food. In Brazil, it is grown in high rainfall and high temperature regions. The high cost of this oil crop in the Brazilian Amazonia, combined with environmental and land ownership issues and the occurrence of diseases, has aroused considerable interest in growing it in other regions of the country, including the Savanna (Cerrado) Biome. This study aimed to evaluate, for 1 year, the fruit bunch, the oil yield, and other parameters of two oil palm cultivars (BRS C1001 and BRS C2501) under the typical Savanna conditions in the Federal District, Brazil. Differences between these cultivars were observed in some parameters evaluated throughout the year (p < 0.05). The oil yield/bunch ranged from 25 to 32 and 29 to 36 % for BRS C2501 and BRS C1001 cultivars, respectively and similar to those obtained for the same cultivars in the Brazilian Amazonia and for other genotypes in Indonesia, Sumatra, and Malaysia. Both cultivars proved to be promising in terms of oil yield in a trail carried out at 1000 m of altitude under irrigation at Cerrado Biome in Brazil.
Varied Presentations of Absent Ductus Venosus, Their Associations, and Outcomes
Authors: Thomas Anuja , Balakrishnan Bijoy K. , Batra Meenu , Kuriakose Rekha Raichel , Vikraman Seneesh Kumar , Gopinathan Kannoly Karunakaran
Published: December 2015

The present study aimed at identification of fetuses with absent ductus venosus at prenatal screening ultrasound, determination of the type of umbilical venous drainage, and follow-up to assess their outcomes. This prospective study was conducted at CIMAR Hospital, Kerala, in antenatal women with singleton pregnancy, who underwent screening at 11 to 13 + 6 weeks, from November 2013 to January 2015. Ultrasonography was done according to Fetal Medicine Foundation (FMF) protocol. Absence of ductus venosus was diagnosed, when ductus venosus was not visualized connecting the portal sinus to the subphrenic confluence. The type of umbilical venous drainage was determined. Karyotyping was offered in all diagnosed cases and follow-up was obtained. Absent ductus venosus was diagnosed in three out of the 3691 women screened. Two of these had intrahepatic and the third had extrahepatic type of umbilical venous drainage. Karyotype was normal in all the three. The first patient with intrahepatic type of drainage developed polyhydramnios and ended up in intrauterine fetal demise at 26 weeks of gestation. In the second patient, malaligned ventricular septal defect and intestinal obstruction was detected in the anomaly scan. She underwent termination of pregnancy. The fetus with extrahepatic type of umbilical venous drainage developed cardiomegaly on follow-up. This baby underwent ligation of patent ductus arteriosus at third month of life. Our study suggests that absence of ductus venosus is associated with variable fetal outcome. Careful search of co-existing anomalies and follow-up is warranted in these cases.
Mind the Gap: Hong Kong’s Sexual Conviction Record Scheme
Authors: ONG Rebecca , SABAPATHY Sandy , CHUI Wing Hong
Published: December 2015

It is likely that no criminal behaviour breeds as much condemnation and fear as sex offences. Tragic examples of young victims of sex offenders from around the world have raised societal concerns and prompted calls for increased surveillance and control. It is responsible public policy to address these concerns in ways that will increase public protection and allay unnecessary fears. The purpose of this paper is three-fold. First, the paper examines Hong Kong’s recently implemented Sexual Conviction Record Check Scheme against the Territory’s low crime victimization rate. Second, it compares the Scheme with pre-employment screening checks in Australia and the UK. The paper finally concludes with proposals for changes to the Scheme.
Information for Autocrats
Authors: Manion Melanie
Published: December 2015

This book investigates the new representation unfolding in Chinese local congresses. Drawing qualitative fieldwork and data analysis from original surveys of 5,130 township, county, and municipal congressmen and women and constituents, Melanie Manion shows the priorities and problems of ordinary Chinese significantly influence both who gets elected to local congresses and what the congresses do once elected. Candidates nominated by ordinary voters are 'good types', with qualities that signal they will reliably represent the community. By contrast, candidates nominated by the communist party are 'governing types', with qualities that reflect officially valued competence and loyalty. However, congressmen and women of both types now largely reject the Maoist-era role of state agent. Instead, they view themselves as 'delegates', responsible for advocating with local government to supply local public goods. Manion argues that representation in Chinese local congresses taps local knowledge for local governance, thereby bolstering the rule of autocrats in Beijing.
Landscape and the Spaces of Metaphor in Ancient Literary Theory and Criticism
Authors: Worman Nancy
Published: December 2015

This study explores a previously uncharted area of ancient literary theory and criticism: the ancient landscapes (such as the Ilissus river in Athens and Mount Helicon) that generate metaphors for distinguishing styles, which dovetail with ancient conceptions of metaphor as itself spatial and mobile. Ancient writers most often coordinate stylistic features with country settings, where authoritative performers such as Muses, poets, and eventually critics or theorists view, appropriate, and emulate their bounties (for example springs, flowers, rivers, paths). These spaces of metaphor and their elaborations provide poets and critics with a vivid means of distinguishing among styles and an influential vocabulary. Together these figurative terrains shape critical and theoretical discussions in Greece and beyond. Since this discourse has a remarkably wide reach, the book is broad in scope, ranging from archaic Greek poetry through Roman oratory and 'Longinus' to the reception of critical imagery in Proust and Derrida.
The Life and Correspondence of Thomas Arnold
Authors: Stanley Arthur Penrhyn
Published: December 2015

Head of Rugby School for over a decade, Thomas Arnold (1795–1842) became Regius Professor of Modern History at Oxford in the final year of his life. Known for his controversial ideas on schooling and religion, he was a prominent and influential figure in the history of British education. First published in 1844, this two-volume work presents a diverse collection of Arnold's correspondence, compiled by his friend and former pupil Arthur Penrhyn Stanley (1815–81), Dean of Westminster. Interspersed with biographical commentary by Stanley, the letters in Volume 1 illuminate Arnold's early life and work, and his career at Rugby up to 1835. In them he discusses his ideas for reform in both teaching and religion, revealing his unfailing dedication to both. Offering insights into the role of school and church in the early nineteenth century, Arnold's writings continue to interest scholars of both religion and education.
Prehistoric Man
Authors: Wilson Daniel
Published: December 2015

The Scottish archaeologist and anthropologist Daniel Wilson (1816–92) spent the latter part of his life in Canada. Published in 1862, this is a seminal work in the study of early man in which Wilson utilises studies of native tribes 'still seen there in a condition which seems to reproduce some of the most familiar phases ascribed to the infancy of the unhistoric world'. He believed that civilisations initially developed in mild climates and judged the Mayans to have been the most advanced civilisation in the New World. Twentieth-century anthropologist Bruce Trigger argued that Wilson 'interpreted evidence about human behaviour in a way that is far more in accord with modern thinking than are the racist views of Darwin and Lubbock', and it is in this light that this two-volume work can be judged. Volume 1 covers such important areas as the development and use of metals and 'the architectural instinct'.
The Reunification of China
Authors: Lorge Peter
Published: December 2015

The Song dynasty (960–1279) has been characterized by its pre-eminent civil culture and military weakness. This groundbreaking work demonstrates that the civil dominance of the eleventh century was the product of a half-century of continuous warfare and ruthless political infighting. The spectacular culture of the eleventh century, one of the high points in Chinese history, was built on the bloody foundation of the conquests of the tenth century. Peter Lorge examines how, rather than a planned and inevitable reunification of the Chinese empire, the foundation of the Song was an uncertain undertaking, dependent upon highly contingent battles, both military and political, whose outcome was always in doubt. Song civil culture grew out of the successful military campaigns that created the dynasty and, as the need for war and armies diminished, the need for civil officials grew. The Song dynasty's successful waging of war led ultimately to peace.