bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Stability of soil organic matter accumulated under long‐term use as a rice paddy
Authors: Nakahara Shiko , Zou Ping , Ando Ho , Fu Jianrong , Cao Zhihong , Nakamura Toshio , Sugiura Yuki , Watanabe Akira
Published: December 2015

To understand the mechanism responsible for the enhanced accumulation of soil organic matter (SOM) under long‐term use as a rice paddy, soil samples from the plow layer from 16 fields that have been used for irrigated rice production from 5 to 2000 years in the Hangzhou Bay, China, were analyzed. The humin in silt/clay particles was isolated as a representative relatively stable SOM pool, and isotopic signatures (δ13C, δ15N, and 14C concentration), 13C nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectra, and biodegradability in an incubation were examined. The amounts of C and N in the bulk soil, silt/clay, and silt/clay‐humin increased with increasing period of use as a rice paddy within the east and west zones, respectively. The degree of humification determined for humic acids indicated that the progression of humification did not contribute to the accumulation of C beyond 100 years. The δ15N of silt/clay‐humin suggested an increase in organic N derived from chemical fertilizer or recent biological fixation with increasing amount of this fraction. The 14C concentration showed a negative correlation with the amount of silt/clay‐humin C. The structural property with regard to 13C NMR spectra and biodegradability of the silt/clay‐humin remained constant with the length of use as a rice paddy or 14C concentration. These results suggest that the larger C or N accumulation in the soils with a longer rice paddy history can be attributed to an enhancement in the accumulation of recently generated SOM rather than the stable accumulation of humus over the years.
Removal of Hexavalent Chromium in Industrial Wastewater Using Poly[Allylamine‐(N,N‐Dimethylacrylamide)] Grafted onto Magnetic Nanoparticles
Authors: Khonsha Iman , Heidarinasab Amir , Moniri Elham , Ahmadpanahi Homayon
Published: December 2015

The present study proposes a new method for the use of functionalized magnetite nanoparticles (MNPs) for adsorption of chromium ions in industrial wastewater. Free radical copolymerization of N,N‐dimethylacrylamide and allylamine forms a functional chelating group, which is grafted onto MNPs using (3‐mercaptopropyl)trimethoxysilane as the novel adsorbent. The grafted MNPs were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectrometer, elemental analysis, thermogravimetric analysis, transmission electron microscopy, and scanning electron microscopy. The optimum pH for sorption of the metal ion was 4. The sorption capacity of the functionalized MNPs was 38.61 mg/g. The chelating sorbent was reused for 11 cycles of sorption–desorption without a significant change in sorption capacity. The functionalized MNPs showed good adsorption of Cr(VI) as evidenced by the dimensionless separation factor of 0.529. The equilibrium sorption data for Cr(VI) onto the polymeric sorbent was analyzed using the Langmuir, Freundlich, and Redlich–Peterson models. The equilibrium adsorption data indicated that the Langmuir and Freundlich constants were 0.01 and 0.486, respectively, at pH 4 and 25°C. In the Redlich–Peterson model, g equaled 0.98, indicating that the Langmuir isotherm is the best model. Removal from the industrial wastewater sample in the presence of other metal ions was successful with an average removal of 82.22% of hexavalent chromium.
Optimized Temperature Effect of Li‐Ion Diffusion with Layer Distance in Li(NixMnyCoz)O2 Cathode Materials for High Performance Li‐Ion Battery
Authors: Cui Suihan , Wei Yi , Liu Tongchao , Deng Wenjun , Hu Zongxiang , Su Yantao , Li Hao , Li Maofan , Guo Hua , Duan Yandong , Wang Weidong , Rao Mumin , Zheng Jiaxin , Wang Xinwei , Pan Feng
Published: December 2015

Understanding and optimizing the temperature effects of Li‐ion diffusion by analyzing crystal structures of layered Li(NixMnyCoz)O2 (NMC) (x + y + z = 1) materials is important to develop advanced rechargeable Li‐ion batteries (LIBs) for multi‐temperature applications with high power density. Combined with experiments and ab initio calculations, the layer distances and kinetics of Li‐ion diffusion of LiNixMnyCozO2 (NMC) materials in different states of Li‐ion de‐intercalation and temperatures are investigated systematically. An improved model is also developed to reduce the system error of the “Galvanostatic Intermittent Titration Technique” with a correction of NMC particle size distribution. The Li‐ion diffusion coefficients of all the NMC materials are measured from −25 to 50 °C. It is found that the Li‐ion diffusion coefficient of LiNi0.6Mn0.2Co0.2O2 is the largest with the minimum temperature effect. Ab initio calculations and XRD measurements indicate that the larger Li slab space benefits to Li‐ion diffusion with minimum temperature effect in layered NMC materials.
On fingering of steam chambers in steam‐assisted heavy oil recovery
Authors: Zhu Da , Bergerson Joule A. , Gates Ian D.
Published: December 2015

Western Canadian oil sands reservoirs are among the largest petroleum accumulations in the world. Given original oil viscosity up to 5,000,000 mPa‐s, these oils are currently recovered from these reservoirs using steam which heats the oil to ∼250°C with reduced viscosities <10 mPa‐s. A key issue faced by thermal recovery processes is the uniformity of the steam chamber within the reservoir. Nonuniformities of the chamber arise from multiphase flow instabilities in the porous media where fingering has been explained by penetration of low viscosity steam into viscous oil. Here, fine‐grid thermal reservoir simulation reveals that fingering takes place in the gas phase beyond the chamber edge in a zone created by gas exsolution due to elevated temperature beyond the edge of the steam chamber. The results suggest that nonuniform chambers will occur in perfectly homogeneous reservoirs which implies that uniform chambers along wells may be impossible to achieve. © 2015 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 62: 1364–1381, 2016
The formulation of optimal mixtures with generalized disjunctive programming: A solvent design case study
Authors: Jonuzaj Suela , Akula Paul T. , Kleniati Polyxeni‐Margarita , Adjiman Claire S.
Published: December 2015

Systematic approaches for the design of mixtures, based on a computer‐aided mixture/blend design (CAMbD) framework, have the potential to deliver better products and processes. In most existing methodologies the number of mixture ingredients is fixed (usually a binary mixture) and the identity of at least one compound is chosen from a given set of candidate molecules. A novel CAMbD methodology is presented for formulating the general mixture design problem where the number, identity and composition of mixture constituents are optimized simultaneously. To this end, generalized disjunctive programming is integrated into the CAMbD framework to formulate the discrete choices. This generic methodology is applied to a case study to find an optimal solvent mixture that maximizes the solubility of ibuprofen. The best performance in this case study is obtained with a solvent mixture, showing the benefit of using mixtures instead of pure solvents to attain enhanced behavior. © 2016 The Authors AIChE Journal published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 62: 1616–1633, 2016
Reducing Timp3 or vitronectin ameliorates disease manifestations in CADASIL mice
Authors: Capone Carmen , Cognat Emmanuel , Ghezali Lamia , Baron‐Menguy Céline , Aubin Déborah , Mesnard Laurent , Stöhr Heidi , Domenga‐Denier Valérie , Nelson Mark T. , Joutel Anne
Published: December 2015

Objective

CADASIL is a genetic paradigm of cerebral small vessel disease caused by NOTCH3 mutations that stereotypically lead to the extracellular deposition of NOTCH3 ectodomain (Notch3ECD) on the vessels. TIMP3 and vitronectin are 2 extracellular matrix proteins that abnormally accumulate in Notch3ECD‐containing deposits on brain vessels of mice and patients with CADASIL. Herein, we investigated whether increased levels of TIMP3 and vitronectin are responsible for aspects of CADASIL disease phenotypes.

Methods

Timp3 and vitronectin expression were genetically reduced in TgNotch3R169C mice, a well‐established preclinical model of CADASIL. A mouse overexpressing human TIMP3 (TgBAC‐TIMP3) was developed. Disease‐related phenotypes, including cerebral blood flow (CBF) deficits, white matter lesions, and Notch3ECD deposition, were evaluated between 6 and 20 months of age.

Results

CBF responses to neural activity (functional hyperemia), topical application of vasodilators, and decreases in blood pressure (CBF autoregulation) were similarly reduced in TgNotch3R169C and TgBAC‐TIMP3 mice, and myogenic responses of brain arteries were likewise attenuated. These defects were rescued in TgNotch3R169C mice by haploinsufficiency of Timp3, although the number of white matter lesions was unaffected. In contrast, haploinsufficiency or loss of vitronectin in TgNotch3R169C mice ameliorated white matter lesions, although CBF responses were unchanged. Amelioration of cerebrovascular reactivity or white matter lesions in these mice was not associated with reduced Notch3ECD deposition in brain vessels.

Interpretation

Elevated levels of TIMP3 and vitronectin, acting downstream of Notch3ECD deposition, play a role in CADASIL, producing divergent influences on early CBF deficits and later white matter lesions. ANN NEUROL 2016;79:387–403
Breakable Hybrid Organosilica Nanocapsules for Protein Delivery
Authors: Prasetyanto Eko Adi , Bertucci Alessandro , Septiadi Dedy , Corradini Roberto , Castro‐Hartmann Pablo , De Cola Luisa
Published: December 2015

The direct delivery of specific proteins to live cells promises a tremendous impact for biological and medical applications, from therapeutics to genetic engineering. However, the process mostly involves tedious techniques and often requires extensive alteration of the protein itself. Herein we report a straightforward approach to encapsulate native proteins by using breakable organosilica matrices that disintegrate upon exposure to a chemical stimulus. The biomolecule‐containing capsules were tested for the intracellular delivery of highly cytotoxic proteins into C6 glioma cells. We demonstrate that the shell is broken, the release of the active proteins occurs, and therefore our hybrid architecture is a promising strategy to deliver fragile biomacromolecules into living organisms.
Iron‐ and Cobalt‐Catalyzed Synthesis of Carbene Phosphinidenes
Authors: Pal Kuntal , Hemming Oliver B. , Day Benjamin M. , Pugh Thomas , Evans David J. , Layfield Richard A.
Published: December 2015

In the presence of stoichiometric or catalytic amounts of [M{N(SiMe3)2}2] (M=Fe, Co), N‐heterocyclic carbenes (NHCs) react with primary phosphines to give a series of carbene phosphinidenes of the type (NHC)⋅PAr. The formation of (IMe4)⋅PMes (Mes=mesityl) is also catalyzed by the phosphinidene‐bridged complex [(IMe4)2Fe(μ‐PMes)]2, which provides evidence for metal‐catalyzed phosphinidene transfer.
Taichunamides: Prenylated Indole Alkaloids from Aspergillus taichungensis (IBT 19404)
Authors: Kagiyama Ippei , Kato Hikaru , Nehira Tatsuo , Frisvad Jens C. , Sherman David H. , Williams Robert M. , Tsukamoto Sachiko
Published: December 2015

Seven new prenylated indole alkaloids, taichunamides A–G, were isolated from the fungus Aspergillus taichungensis (IBT 19404). Taichunamides A and B contained an azetidine and 4‐pyridone units, respectively, and are likely biosynthesized from notoamide S via (+)‐6‐epi‐stephacidin A. Taichunamides C and D contain endoperoxide and methylsulfonyl units, respectively. This fungus produced indole alkaloids containing an anti‐bicyclo[2.2.2]diazaoctane core, whereas A. protuberus and A. amoenus produced congeners with a syn‐bicyclo[2.2.2]diazaoctane core. Plausible biosynthetic pathways to access these cores within the three species likely arise from an intramolecular hetero Diels–Alder reaction.
Ionogels of a Sugar Surfactant in Ionic Liquids
Authors: Wang Xiaolin , Yang Qiao , Cao Yixue , Zhou Junhan , Hao Haibin , Liang Yuanyuan , Hao Jingcheng
Published: December 2015

Green and environmentally friendly ionogels formed by a sugar surfactant were prepared in two kinds of imidazolium‐based ionic liquids. The phase transition from ribbon structures to lamellar structures induced by temperature and the transition mechanism were investigated in detail by means of freeze‐fracture TEM and field‐emission SEM observations, as well as small‐angle X‐ray scattering measurements. The rheological properties and tribological properties of two kinds of ionogels were systematically investigated. The difference in the lubricating properties and antiwear capability can be explained well by the mechanical and viscoelastic properties, as well as the different microstructures of samples destroyed by shear forces. This work provides a better understanding of the relationship between the structures, rheological properties, and tribological properties of ionogels.
Salad = success and fries = failure? Conceptualizing and assessing self‐control outcome measures in food decision‐making research
Authors: Haws Kelly , Davis Scott , Dholakia Utpal
Published: December 2015

Researchers studying decisions about food utilize a wide variety of measures to assess self‐control outcomes in experimental studies. However, it is often unclear whether or not the chosen dependent variables truly implicate self‐regulatory mechanisms in decision making. In the present research, we provide a conceptual framework for evaluating self‐control outcome measures, concentrating specifically on the domain of food and eating self‐control decisions. We propose and empirically examine the essential characteristics [i.e., (i) recognized as self‐control relevant by study population, (ii) related to individual differences in self‐control, and (iii) recognized as self‐control relevant by individual] of good self‐control outcome measures and provide specific methodological recommendations (including the “rank‐then‐choose” method) for capturing exhibited self‐control in the domain of food decision making. Our conceptual developments and recommendations seek to enhance the consistency, efficiency, and effectiveness of food‐related decision research. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Dissolved oxygen concentration in the medium during cell culture: Defects and improvements
Authors: Zhang Kuan , Zhao Tong , Huang Xin , He Yunlin , Zhou Yanzhao , Wu Liying , Wu Kuiwu , Fan Ming , Zhu Lingling
Published: December 2015

In vitro cell culture has provided a useful model to study the effects of oxygen on cellular behavior. However, it remains unknown whether the in vitro operations themselves affect the medium oxygen levels and the living states of cells. In addition, a prevailing controversy is whether reactive oxygen species (ROS) production is induced by continuous hypoxia or reoxygenation. In this study, we have measured the effects of different types of cell culture containers and the oxygen environment where medium replacement takes place on the actual oxygen tension in the medium. We found that the deviations of oxygen concentrations in the medium are much greater in 25‐cm2 flasks than in 24‐well plates and 35‐mm dishes. The dissolved oxygen concentrations in the medium were increased after medium replacement in normoxia, but remained unchanged in glove boxes in which the oxygen tension remained at a low level (11.4, 5.7, and 0.5% O2). We also found that medium replacement in normoxia increased the number of ROS‐positive cells and reduced the cell viability; meanwhile, medium replacement in a glove box did not produce the above effects. Therefore, we conclude that the use of 25‐cm2 flasks should be avoided and demonstrate that continuous hypoxia does not produce ROS, whereas the reoxygenation that occurs during the harvesting of cells leads to ROS and induces cell death.
Thin strut bare metal stents in patients with atrial fibrillation: Is there still a need for BMS?
Authors: Leschke Matthias , Waliszewski Matthias , Pons Maxime , Champin Stanislas , Nait Saidi Lyassine , Mok Heang Tay , Maskon Oteh , Azman Bin Wan Ahmad Wan , Herberger Denny , Moulichon Marc‐Eric , Rischner Jérôme , Robin Christophe , Leclercq Florence , Peyre Jean‐Pascal , Faurie Benjamin , Schneider André
Published: December 2015

Objectives

This observational study assessed the 9‐month clinical outcomes in an « all comers » population with a focus on patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) after thin strut bare metal stenting.

Background

Drug eluting stent (DES) implantation is the treatment of choice for coronary artery disease (CAD) leaving only marginal indications for the use of bare metal stents (BMS). However, selected treatment populations with DES contraindications such as patients who cannot sustain 6–12 months of dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) remain candidates for BMS implantations.

Methods

Thin strut bare metal stenting ina prioridefined subgroups were investigated in a non‐randomized, international, multicenter «all comers» observational study. Primary endpoint was the 9‐month TLR rate whereas secondary endpoints included the 9‐month MACE and procedural success rates.

Results

A total of 783 patients of whom 98 patients had AF underwent BMS implantation. Patient age was 70.4 ± 12.8 years. Cardiovascular risk factors in the overall population were male gender (78.2%, 612/783), diabetes (25.2%, 197/783), hypertension (64.1%, 502/783), cardiogenic shock (4.9%, 38/783) and end stage renal disease (4.9%, 38/783). In‐hospital MACE was 4.1% (30/783) in the overall population. The 9‐month TLR rate was 4.5% (29/645) in the non‐AF group and 3.3% (3/90) in the AF group (P = 0.613). At 9 months, the MACE rate in the AF‐group and non‐AF group was not significantly different either (10.7%, 69/645 vs. 6.7%, 6/90;P = 0.237). Accumulated stroke rates were 0.3% (2/645) in the non‐AF subgroup at baseline and 1.1% (1/90) in the AF subgroup (P = 0.264).

Conclusion

Bare metal stenting in AF patients delivered acceptably low TLR and MACE rates while having the benefit of a significantly shorter DAPT duration in a DES dominated clinical practice. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Pressure Effects on Lignocellulose‐Degrading Enzymes
Authors: Kirsch Christian , Surendran Sruthi , Smirnova Irina
Published: December 2015

The effect of elevated pressure on the activity and stability of industrially relevant lignocellulose‐degrading enzymes and their mixtures was investigated. It was observed that even at moderate pressure the tested enzymes can be applied at higher temperature as at ambient pressure without significant activity loss. No negative influence of pressure on the enzyme stability was detected in the pressure range investigated. It can be concluded that pressure can improve the stability of lignocellulose‐digesting enzymes, enabling higher reaction temperatures and, therefore, higher reaction rates. This might be a useful tool in industrial applications of lignocellulose‐digesting enzymes.
Formal Synthesis of Solanoeclepin A: Enantioselective Allene Diboration and Intramolecular [2+2] Photocycloaddition for the Construction of the Tricyclic Core
Authors: Kleinnijenhuis Roel A. , Timmer Brian J. J. , Lutteke Ginger , Smits Jan M. M. , de Gelder René , van Maarseveen Jan H. , Hiemstra Henk
Published: December 2015

An enantioselective synthesis of an intermediate in the Tanino total synthesis of solanoeclepin A has been developed. The key step was an intramolecular [2+2] photocycloaddition, which led to the tricyclo[5.2.1.01, 6]decane core in six steps. The first photosubstrate, prepared through an indium‐mediated Barbier‐type reaction, gave an excellent [2+2] cycloaddition, but it could not be obtained in sufficient enantiopurity. The second photosubstrate, prepared through an asymmetric allene diborylation in high enantiomeric excess, gave the [2+2] cycloaddition product in high yield on irradiation at 365 nm on 20 g scale in a flow system. Other important steps were the replacement of a boronate group at the quaternary carbon by a vinyl group and diastereoselective cyclopropanation of an allylic alcohol.
Computer‐Aided Process and Plant Development. A Review of Common Software Tools and Methods and Comparison against an Integrated Collaborative Approach
Authors: Merchan Victor Alejandro , Esche Erik , Fillinger Sandra , Tolksdorf Gregor , Wozny Günter
Published: December 2015

In process systems engineering models are used for many applications, e.g., process simulation, optimization or control. Various types of models such as shortcut or rigorous models exist. An exchange and reuse thereof is highly desirable, but seldom performed. This article focuses on current approaches for developing and solving process models in specific instances for different applications. A close look will be made at the state of the art in modeling, simulation, and optimization software. Requirements for future software developments are derived to reduce the development and synthesis costs for new chemical engineering processes. The web‐based modeling, simulation, and optimization environment MOSAIC is taken as an example to highlight current developments towards collaborative computer‐aided engineering work.
Novel fluorinated surfactants for enhanced oil recovery in carbonate reservoirs
Authors: Al‐Amodi Adel O. , Al‐Mubaiyedh Usamah A. , Sultan Abdullah S. , Kamal Muhammad Shahzad , Hussein Ibnelwaleed A.
Published: December 2015

Novel surfactant‐polymer (SP) formulations containing fluorinated amphoteric surfactant (surfactant‐A) and fluorinated anionic surfactant (surfactant‐B) with partially hydrolyzed polyacrylamide (HPAM) were evaluated for enhanced oil recovery applications in carbonate reservoirs. Thermal stability, rheological properties, interfacial tension, and adsorption on the mineral surface were measured. The effects of the surfactant type, surfactant concentration, temperature, and salinity on the rheological properties of the SP systems were examined. Both surfactants were found to be thermally stable at a high temperature (90 °C). Surfactant‐B decreased the viscosity and the storage modulus of the HPAM. Surfactant‐A had no influence on the rheological properties of the HPAM. Surfactant‐A showed complete solubility and thermal stability in seawater at 90 °C. Only surfactant‐A was used in adsorption, interfacial tension, and core flooding experiments, since surfactant‐B was not completely soluble in seawater and therefore was limited to deionized water. A decrease in oil/water interfacial tension (IFT) of almost one order of magnitude was observed when adding surfactant‐A. However, betaine‐based co‐surfactant reduced the IFT to 10−3 mN/m. An adsorption isotherm showed that the maximum adsorption of surfactant‐A was 1 mg per g of rock. Core flooding experiments showed 42 % additional oil recovery using 2.5 g/L (2500 ppm) HPAM and 0.001 g/g (0.1 mass%) amphoteric surfactant at 90 °C.
Preparation of cottonseed‐based epoxy fatty acid methyl esters by an integrated approach
Authors: Gui Xia , Ding Ying , Yun Zhi
Published: December 2015

An integrated approach was developed for preparing epoxy fatty acid methyl esters (EFAMEs) from cottonseed using a two‐phase solvent extraction (TPSE) process followed by sequential base‐catalyzed transesterification and epoxidation reactions. The TPSE process was performed to achieve simultaneous production of high‐quality crude cottonseed oil and nontoxic cottonseed meal. The base‐catalyzed transesterification of the cottonseed oil proceeded smoothly at 30 °C over 2 h to provide a high yield of fatty acid methyl esters (FAMEs). Subsequent epoxidation of the unsaturated FAMEs using petroleum ether as a non‐polar solvent, H3PO4 as a catalyst, 0.3 g/g H2O2 as an oxygen donor, and HCOOH as an oxygen carrier gave the corresponding EFAMEs with a conversion to oxirane of 0.85 g/g. The order of effectiveness of catalysts was found to be H3PO4 > TiO2 > H2SO4 > strong‐acid cation exchange resin. The bio‐based integrated process and new methods for the preparation of modified EFAMEs show great promise for comprehensive development and commercial applications of cottonseed with fewer steps and lower cost.
Systematic Synthesis of Tellurium Nanostructures and Their Optical Properties: From Nanoparticles to Nanorods, Nanowires, and Nanotubes
Authors: Liu Jian‐Wei , Xu Jie , Hu Wei , Yang Jin‐Long , Yu Shu‐Hong
Published: December 2015

In the past two decades, tremendous efforts have been made towards the development of synthetic strategies for nanostructured materials with well‐controlled size, shape, composition, and spatial arrangement. Herein, we report a systematic study on the synthesis of tellurium nanostructures, which can evolve from nanoparticles to nanorods, nanowires, and nanotubes by a simple solution‐based process. The size‐ and diameter‐dependent optical properties of Te nanowires have been explained based on the modeling calculations using the joint density of states (JDOS).
Automatically identifying apps in mobile traffic
Authors: Sun Jianhua , She Lingjun , Chen Hao , Zhong Wenyong , Chang Cheng , Chen Zhiwen , Li Wentao , Yao Shuna
Published: December 2015

With the rapid development of smartphones in recent years, we have witnessed an exponential growth of the number of mobile apps. Considering the security and management issues, network operators need to have a clear visibility into the apps running in the network. To this end, this paper presents a novel approach to generating the fingerprints for mobile apps from network traffic. The fingerprints that characterize the unique behaviors of specific mobile apps can be used to identify mobile apps from the real network traffic. In order to handle the large volume of traffic efficiently, we use non‐negative matrix factorization (NMF) to perform traffic analysis to cluster similar network traffic into groups. Then, access patterns of individual apps that are extracted from each group can be used as fingerprints distinguishing apps from others uniquely. The experimental evaluations show that the proposed approach can identify the mobile apps from random and mixed network traffic with high precision. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
GPU‐based parallel fuzzy c‐mean clustering model via genetic algorithm
Authors: Hung Che‐Lun , Wu Yuan‐Huai
Published: December 2015

Detection of white matter changes in brain tissue using magnetic resonance imaging has been an increasingly active and challenging research area in computational neuroscience. A genetic algorithm based on a fuzzy c‐mean clustering method (GAFCM) was applied to simulated images to separate foreground spot signal information from the background, and the results were compared. The strength of this algorithm was tested by evaluating the segmentation matching factor, coefficient of determination, concordance correlation, and gene expression values. The experimental results demonstrated that the segmentation ability of GAFCM was better than that of fuzzy c‐means and K‐means algorithms. However, GAFCM is computationally expensive. This study presents a new GPU‐based parallel GAFCM algorithm to improve the performance of GAFCM. The experimental results show that computational performance can be increased by a factor of approximately 20 over the CPU‐based GAFCM algorithm while maintaining the quality of the processed images. Thus, the proposed GPU‐based parallel GAFCM algorithm can achieve the same results and significantly decrease processing time. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
First‐Principles Study on Doping of SnSe2 Monolayers
Authors: Huang YuCheng , Zhou Danmei , Chen Xi , Liu Hai , Wang Chan , Wang Sufan
Published: December 2015

Doping is a vitally important technique that can be used to modulate the properties of two‐dimensional materials. In this work, by using first‐principles density functional calculations, we investigated the electrical properties of SnSe2 monolayers by p‐type/n‐type and isoelectronic doping. Substitution at Sn/Se sites was found to be easy if the monolayer was grown under Sn‐/Se‐poor conditions. Substitutions at Sn sites with metallic atoms (e.g. Ga, Ge, In, Bi, Sb, Pb) resulted in positive substitution energies, which indicated that they were not effective doping candidates. For substitutions at Se sites with nonmetallic atoms, no promising candidates were found for p‐type doping (e.g., N, P, As). Among these, N and As showed positive substitution energies. Although P had a negative substitution energy under Sn‐rich conditions, it introduced trap states within the band gap. For n‐type doping (e.g., F, Cl, Br), all the calculated substitution energies were negative under both Sn‐ and Se‐rich conditions. Br was proven to be a promising candidate, because the impurity introduced a shallow donor level. Finally, for isoelectronic doping (e.g., O, S, Te), the intrinsic semiconducting features of the SnSe2 monolayer did not change, and the contribution from the impurity to the states near the band edge increased with the atomic number.
Fine‐needle aspiration cytology of epithelioid malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor: A case report and review of the literature
Authors: Jiwani Shahanawaz , Gokden Murat , Lindberg Matthew , Ali Sumera , Jeffus Susanne
Published: December 2015

The epithelioid variant of malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor (eMPNST) is an extremely rare soft tissue neoplasm comprising less than 5% of all MPNSTs. It is distinguished cytomorphologically from a conventional MPNST by the presence of polymorphous round epithelioid cells arranged in loose clusters with or without spindled tumor cells. These features pose a diagnostic challenge because the differential diagnosis involves a variety of mesenchymal and non‐mesenchymal tumors including epithelioid sarcoma, sclerosing epithelioid fibrosarcoma, malignant rhabdoid tumor, chordoma, metastatic carcinomas, and melanoma. Thus, it may become imperative to perform immunochemical stains on cell blocks of FNA aspirates to arrive at definitive diagnosis. Reports describing the cytologic features of eMPNST are rare. Herein, we report a case of eMPNST with focus on cytomorphologic and cytoimmunochemical features and differential diagnosis. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2016;44:226–231. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Development of role‐differentiated bimanual manipulation in infancy: Part 1. The emergence of the skill
Authors: Babik Iryna , Michel George F.
Published: December 2015

This is the first paper in a series of three discussing different aspects of the development of role‐differentiated bimanual manipulation (RDBM—two hands performing different but complementary actions on an object). Emergence of RDBM is an important shift in the development of infant manual skills. Trajectories of monthly changes in the number of RDBMs and RDBM hand preference were explored in a sample of 90 (57 males) normally developing infants (30 with a right preference for acquiring objects, 30 with a left preference, 30 with no preference) during the 9–14 month period. Multilevel analysis revealed that infants performed more RDBMs with age, with similar patterns of change in all hand preference groups. A hand‐use preference for RDBM became more prominent with age with most right‐preferring infants and those without a preference for object acquisition developing right‐hand preference for RDBM. Left‐preferring infants exhibited more heterogeneity in their hand‐use for RDBM. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Dev Psychobiol 58: 243–256, 2016.
Postdispersal nepotism in male long‐tailed macaques (Macaca fascicularis)
Authors: Gerber Livia , Krützen Michael , de Ruiter Jan R. , van Schaik Carel P. , van Noordwijk Maria A.
Published: December 2015

Cooperative behaviors are promoted by kin selection if the costs to the actor are smaller than the fitness benefits to the recipient, weighted by the coefficient of relatedness. In primates, cooperation occurs primarily among female dyads. Due to male dispersal before sexual maturity in many primate species, however, it is unknown whether there are sufficient opportunities for selective tolerance and occasional coalitionary support for kin selection to favor male nepotistic support. We studied the effect of the presence of male kin on correlates of male reproductive success (residence time, duration of high dominance rank) in non‐natal male long‐tailed macaques (Macaca fascicularis). We found that “related” (i.e., related at the half‐sibling level or higher) males in a group have a significantly higher probability to remain in the non‐natal group compared to males without relatives. Moreover, males stayed longer in a group when a relative was present at group entry or joined the same group within 3 months upon arrival. Males with co‐residing relatives also maintained a high rank for longer than those without. To our knowledge, this is the first demonstration of a potential nepotistic effect on residence and rank maintenance among non‐natal males in a social system without long‐term alliances.
First Catalyzed Hydration of Halo­alkynes by a Recyclable Catalytic ­System
Authors: Zou Huaxu , He Weibao , Dong Qizhi , Wang Ruijia , Yi Niannian , Jiang Jun , Pen Dongming , He Weimin
Published: December 2015

The hydration of haloalkynes to give α‐halomethyl ketones was achieved based on a combination of a Cu(OAc)2 catalyst and a TFA (trifluoroacetic acid) promoter. This is the first synthesis of chloro/bromo/iodo methyl ketones through a hydration reaction catalyzed by a recyclable catalytic system. The catalytic system has a wide substrate scope and excellent chemoselectivity, and the procedure can also be scaled up.
Investigation of Reactive Intermediates and Reaction Pathways in the Coupling Agent Mediated Phos­phonamidation Reaction
Authors: Fredriksen Kim Alex , Amedjkouh Mohamed
Published: December 2015

The preparation of carboxamides through the coupling agent mediated reaction of carboxylic acids and amines is one of the most frequently employed reaction types of modern organic synthesis and has largely replaced older methods of amide formation based on reactive acyl chloride intermediates. However, the preparations of analogous phosphonamidates still rely on the use of phosphonochloridate intermediates – a method that is incompatible with sensitive functional groups. Herein, we present a comprehensive study in which different coupling agents are tested in the phosphonamidation reaction. The procedures, parallel to those typically applied to the preparation of carboxamides, were generally unsuccessful with regard to the coupling reactions of monoesters of phosphonic acids and amines, with the exception of those mediated by (benzotriazol‐1‐yloxy)tripyrrolidinophosphonium hexafluorophosphate (PyBOP). The implementation of a preactivation period in the absence of the amine coupling partner allowed for efficient phosphonamidate formation with coupling agents such as (1‐cyano‐2‐ethyoxy‐2‐oxoethylideneaminooxy)dimethylamino‐morpholino‐carbenium hexafluorophosphate (COMU), [ethyl cyano(hydroxyimino)acetato‐O2]tri‐1‐pyrrolidinylphosphonium hexafluorophosphate (PyOxim), dicyclohexyl carbodiimide (DCC), N,N′‐diisopropylcarbodiimide (DIC), and N,N,N′,N′‐tetramethyl‐O‐(1H‐benzotriazol‐1‐yl)uronium hexafluorophosphate (HBTU). The reactive intermediates observed by 31P NMR analysis were individually synthesized and examined to understand their influence on the reaction.
Political involvement moderates the impact of worldviews and values on SDO and RWA
Authors: Leone Luigi , Livi Stefano , Chirumbolo Antonio
Published: December 2015

The Dual Process Model (DPM) of social attitudes and prejudice proposes that Social Dominance Orientation (SDO) and Right Wing Authoritarianism (RWA) reflect two distinct motivational processes. In two studies, we investigated how political involvement moderates the impact of social worldviews and value‐based dimensions on SDO and RWA. We proposed that political involvement constrains SDO, RWA and their antecedents into a tighter left–right ideological dimension, therefore transforming the double dissociation pattern of the DPM into a double additive pattern. As expected, for stronger political involvement, Study 1 (N = 237) showed that SDO and RWA were a function of both the competitive jungle and the dangerous world worldviews, whereas Study 2 (N = 143) pointed out that SDO and RWA were both connected with the value dimensions of self‐enhancement and conservation.
Fabrication of a Fe2O3 Nanoparticles Implantation‐modified Electrode and its Applications in Electrochemical Sensing
Authors: Yuan Mengwei , Li Jingzhe , Yu Yanan , Fu Yingyi , Fong Anna , Hu Jingbo
Published: December 2015

A novel Fe2O3 modified indium tin oxide electrode (Fe2O3/ITO) was fabricated by iron ion‐implantation method first, and then annealed at 300 °C. Fe2O3/ITO reveals good catalytic performance toward hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) in phosphate buffer solution due to the Fe(II)/Fe(III) redox couple. Amperometric response shows a linear dependency on the H2O2 concentration ranging up to 360 μM with a detection limit of 0.3 μM. Moreover, electrocatalytic activity based on rarely reported higher oxidation states of iron (tentatively assigned to Fe(IV)) was shown to allow the reliable detection of glucose and cysteine. The results show promising application potential of the proposed electrode.
Electrical Properties of HeLa Cells Based on Scalable 3D Interdigital Electrode Array
Authors: Chang Fu‐Yu , Chen Ming‐Kun , Wang Min‐Haw , Jang Ling‐Sheng
Published: December 2015

This study analyzed the electrical properties of a multiple‐cells using the electric cell‐substrate impedance sensing, a scalable three‐dimensional electrode array and an equivalent circuit model (ECM). The experimental results validated the accuracy and validity of the extraction method for the ECM. The ECM simulation results using the electrical properties extracted by measuring 52 HeLa cells successfully forecasted the impedance magnitudes and phases for 15, 29, 78, and 98 HeLa cells. Comparing the ECM simulations and measurements, the maximum average errors in magnitude and phase were 3.06 % and 4.67 %, suggesting the number of HeLa cells can be classified by their electrical properties.
Evaluation of the exact conditional spectrum and generalized conditional intensity measure methods for ground motion selection
Authors: Kwong N. Simon , Chopra Anil K.
Published: December 2015

Two existing, contemporary ground motion selection and modification procedures – (i) exact conditional spectrum (CS‐exact) and (ii) generalized conditional intensity measure (GCIM) – are evaluated in their ability to accurately estimate seismic demand hazard curves (SDHCs) of a given structure at a specified site. The amount of effort involved in implementing these procedures to compute a single SDHC is studied, and a case study is chosen where rigorous benchmark SDHCs can be determined for evaluation purposes. By comparing estimates from ground motion selection and modification procedures with the benchmark, we conclude that estimates from CS‐exact are unbiased in many of the cases considered. The estimates from GCIM are even more accurate, as they are unbiased for most – but not all – of the cases where estimates from CS‐exact are biased. We find that it is possible to obtain biased SDHCs from GCIM, even after employing a very diverse collection of intensity measures to select ground motions and implementing its bias‐checking feature, because it is usually difficult to identify intensity measures that are truly ‘sufficient’ for the response of a complex, multi‐degree‐of‐freedom system. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The trout farm effect on Dinocras megacephala (Plecoptera: Perlidae) larvae: Antioxidative defense
Authors: Mirčić Dejan , Stojanović Katarina , Živić Ivana , Todorović Dajana , Stojanović Dalibor , Dolićanin Zana , Perić-Mataruga Vesna
Published: December 2015

Trout production represents a major agricultural activity in Serbia. Organic compounds are drained into the environment, usually without previous sedimentation, thus affecting the stream biota. Considering that biological monitoring is commonly based on aquatic macroinvertebrates as target organisms, the authors used larvae of Dinocras megacephala to estimate trout farm effects on the mass of the larvae and their antioxidative defense in pollution stress conditions. Four locations were chosen along the channel of the Raška River, 2 upstream (L1, L2) and 2 downstream (L3, L4) from the trout farm outlet. Basic physical and chemical water parameters were measured. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activity changes were analyzed to determine the level of oxidative stress caused by the increase of organic compounds originating from the trout farm. Dissolved oxygen concentration decreased from the upstream to downstream locations. Furthermore, the concentration of ionized ammonia was almost 10 times higher at the downstream locations than at the upstream locations. Larval mass, as well as CAT activity, was significantly higher at L3 compared with the other 3 locations. Activity of SOD was significantly higher at L3 than at L1. The results indicate that higher concentrations of organic compounds from the trout farm induce clear changes in the status of the antioxidant defense of D. megacephala larvae. Environ Toxicol Chem 2016;35:1775–1782. © 2015 SETAC
Benefits of Membrane Electrode Assemblies with Asymmetrical GDL Configurations for PEM Fuel Cells
Authors: Schweiss R.
Published: December 2015

Membrane electrode assemblies (MEAs), based on commercial catalyst‐coated membranes combined with various gas diffusion layers (GDLs) on anode and cathode, were studied in terms of their specific advantages for different operations regimes of proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs.) It is verified that MEAs with optimized gas diffusion layer designs (backing and micro‐porous layers) on anode and cathode are able to provide improved cell performance combined with a largely reduced sensitivity towards changes in the relative humidity as compared to MEAs with symmetrical gas diffusion layer configuration.
Quantifying groundwater dependency of riparian surface hydrologic features using the exit gradient
Authors: Faulkner Barton R. , Leibowitz Scott G. , Canfield Timothy J. , Groves Justin F.
Published: December 2015

Numerical groundwater flow models necessarily are limited to subsurface flow evaluation. It is of interest, however, to examine the possibility that, for unconfined aquifer systems, they could be used to proportionately measure the magnitude of seepage they estimate when these aquifers intersect the landscape surface. Our goal in this study was to determine the degree to which an unconfined groundwater model can estimate run‐off or seepage at the land surface during winter time wet season conditions, as well as in the dry season, when evapotranspiration is a major part of the water balance, using a lowland basin‐fill example study area in the Pacific Northwest. The exit gradient is a metric describing the potential for vertical seepage at the landscape surface. We investigated the spatial relationship of mapped surface features, such as wetlands, streams and ponds, to the model‐predicted mapped exit gradient. We found that areas mapped as wetlands had positive exit gradients. During the wet season, modelled exit gradients predicted seepage throughout extensive areas of the groundwater shed, extending far beyond mapped wetland areas (355% increase), associated with previously observed increases in nitrate‐nitrogen in streams in wet season. During the dry season, exit gradients spatially corresponded with wetland areas. The increase in in‐stream nitrogen corresponds with shorter residence times in carbon‐rich wetland zones because of the onset of saturation overland flow. We present results that suggest that the exit gradient could be a useful concept in examining the groundwater–surface water linkage that is often under represented physically in watershed flow models. Published 2015. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.
Psychometric characteristics of the Parenting Scale in a Vietnamese sample
Authors: Del Vecchio Tamara , Jerusalmi Dana , Terjesen Mark D.
Published: December 2015

The Parenting Scale (PS) is a well‐established instrument for measuring discipline practices in Western populations. However, whether the PS is a valid and reliable measure in Eastern populations is not known. Thus, this study examined the psychometric properties of the PS in a sample of 433 Vietnamese parents of children aged 2–7 years. Confirmatory factor analyses (CFAs) examined the commonly used Reitman et al.'s two‐factor and Rhoades and O'Leary's three‐factor solutions. Neither factor structure fit the data. An exploratory factor analysis identified a 12‐item one‐factor and 14‐item two‐factor solutions that overlapped substantially with established factor structures. The one‐factor solution reflected Lax/Overreactive parenting and the two‐factor solution consisted of Lax/Overreactive and Hostile subscales. The factor structures were confirmed via multigroup CFA. Internal consistencies were acceptable and ranged between .70 and .85. Each factor was positively associated with parent anger, dysfunctional cognitions about child behaviour, and externalising child behaviour problems. However, when entered simultaneously in a regression, Hostile discipline was not uniquely associated with child behaviour. Overall, results support the potential utility of the 12‐item one‐factor PS as a measure of dysfunctional parenting practices for Vietnamese parents.
Full genome analysis of enterovirus D‐68 strains circulating in Alberta, Canada
Authors: Pabbaraju Kanti , Wong Sallene , Drews Steven J. , Tipples Graham , Tellier Raymond
Published: December 2015

A widespread outbreak of enterovirus (EV)‐D68 that started in the summer of 2014 has been reported in the USA and Canada. During the course of this outbreak, EV‐D68 was identified as a possible cause of acute, unexplained severe respiratory illness and a temporal association was observed between acute flaccid paralysis with anterior myelitis and EV‐D68 detection in the upper respiratory tract. In this study, four nasopharyngeal samples collected from patients in Alberta, Canada with a laboratory diagnosis of EV‐D68 were used to determine the near full‐length genome sequence directly from the specimens. Phylogenetic analysis was performed to study the genotypes and pathogenesis of the circulating strains. Our results support the contention that mutations in the VP1 gene and other regions of the genome causing altered antigenicity, as well as lack of immunity in the younger population, may be responsible for the increased severe respiratory disease outbreaks of EV‐D68 worldwide. J. Med. Virol. 88:1194–1203, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.