bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
CO/CO2 Study of High Performance La0.3Sr0.7Fe0.7Cr0.3O3–δ Reversible SOFC Electrodes
Authors: Addo P. K. , Molero‐Sanchez B. , Chen M. , Paulson S. , Birss V. 
Published: September 2015

AbstractIn this study, we demonstrate that the La0.3Sr0.7Fe0.7Cr0.3O3–δ (LSFCr) perovskite, examined here as a CO/CO2 fuel electrode material intended for symmetrical, reversible solid oxide fuel cell (RSOFC) applications, is both high performing and stable towards CO2 electrolysis (SOEC mode) and the oxidation of CO (SOFC mode). To demonstrate this, symmetrical LSFCr/GDC/YSZ/GDC/LSFCr cells were evaluated electrochemically by using both DC (cyclic voltammetry (CV) and galvanostatic) and AC (impedance) techniques. The cells were tested at 800 °C using either 90% CO2:10% CO or 70% CO2:30% CO at the fuel electrode and air flowing to the O2 electrode. From the open circuit impedance data, the polarization resistance, measured at 800 °C in a 90% CO2:10% CO and 70% CO2:30% CO gas composition, was 1.3 Ω cm2 and 0.9 Ω cm2, respectively. Both the CV and polarized impedance data showed that the cell performance is higher during the electrolysis of CO2 than for the oxidation of CO. Furthermore, the cell showed a very stable activity during CO2 electrolysis, with a degradation rate of only 0.057 mV h−1 after ca. 135 h of galvanostatic testing at –100 mA cm−2 in 90% CO2:10% CO at 800 °C.
Functional expressions of adenosine triphosphate‐binding cassette transporters during the development of zebrafish embryos and their effects on the detoxification of cadmium chloride and β‐naphthoflavone
Authors: Yin Huancai , Bai Pengli , Miao Peng , Chen Mingli , Hu Jun , Deng Xudong , Yin Jian 
Published: September 2015

AbstractAdenosine triphosphate‐binding cassette (ABC) transporters, including ABCB, ABCC and ABCG families represent general biological defenses against environmental toxicants in varieties of marine and freshwater organisms, but their physiological functions at differential developmental stages of zebrafish embryos remain undefined. In this work, functional expressions of typical ABC transporters including P‐glycoprotein (Pgp), multiresistance associated protein 1 (Mrp1) and Mrp2 were studied in zebrafish embryos at 4, 24, 48 and 72 h post‐fertilization (hpf). As a result, both the gene expressions and activities of Pgp and Mrps increased with the development of embryos. Correspondingly, 4–72 hpf embryos exhibited an increased tolerance to the toxicity caused by cadmium chloride (CdCl2) and β‐naphthoflavone (BNF) with time. Such a correlation was assumed caused by the involvement of ABC transporters in the detoxification of chemicals. In addition, the assumption was supported by the fact that model efflux inhibitors of Pgp and Mrps such as reversine 205 and MK571 significantly inhibited the efflux of toxicants and increased the toxicity of Cd and BNF in zebrafish embryos. Moreover, exposure to CdCl2 and BNF induced the gene expressions of Pgp and Mrp1 in 72 hpf embryos. Thus, functional expressions of Pgp and Mrps increased with the development of zebrafish embryos, which could cause an increasing tolerance of zebrafish embryos to CdCl2 and BNF. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Smooth muscle tissue engineering in crosslinked electrospun gelatin scaffolds
Authors: Elsayed Yahya , Lekakou Constantina , Labeed Fatima , Tomlins Paul 
Published: September 2015

AbstractCrosslinked, multi‐layer electrospun gelatin fiber scaffolds with generally ±45 degree fiber orientation have been used to grow human umbilical vein smooth muscle cells (HUVSMCs) to create a vascular tunica media graft. Scaffolds of different fiber diameter (2–5 μm in wet state), pore size, and porosity (16–21% in wet state) were assessed in terms of cell adherence and viability, cell proliferation, and migration in both in‐plane and transverse directions through the scaffold as a function of time under static cell culture conditions. HUVSMC cell viability reached between 80 and 92% for all scaffolds after 9 days in culture. HUVSMCs adhered, elongated, and orientated in the fiber direction, and migrated through a scaffold thickness of 200–235 μm 9 days post‐seeding under static conditions. The best scaffold was then used to assess the tissue engineering of HUVSMCs under dynamic conditions for a rotating, cell seeded, tubular scaffold in the bioreactor containing the culture medium. Dynamic conditions almost doubled the rate of cell proliferation through the scaffold, forming full tissue throughout a scaffold of 250–300 μm thickness 6 days post‐seeding. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 104A: 313–321, 2016.
Impact of transesophageal echocardiography on clinical management of patients over age 50 with cryptogenic stroke and normal transthoracic echocardiogram
Authors: Marino Brian , Jaiswal Abhishek , Goldbarg Seth , Bernardini Gary L. , Kerwin Todd 
Published: September 2015

BACKGROUNDThe utility of transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) subsequent to a normal transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE) in older patients with an unexplained stroke is uncertain.METHODSTwo hundred sixty‐three consecutive patients over the age of 50 years hospitalized with a clinical stroke confirmed with brain magnetic resonance imaging and a normal TTE were retrospectively analyzed. Patients with atrial fibrillation, atrial flutter, or any other causative reason for stroke were excluded. TEE was analyzed for findings that could explain the etiology of stroke as well as findings that would change therapy based on current guidelines.RESULTSBaseline characteristics included a mean age of 66.7 years (range, 50–91 years); 42.5% of patients were female. A possible etiology of stroke was discovered by TEE in 111 (42.2%) patients and included 1 or more of the following: complex plaque of the ascending aorta or arch, patent foramen ovale, atrial septal aneurysm, both atrial septal aneurysm and patent foramen ovale, or spontaneous contrast. Only 1 patient (0.4%) had a finding that changed immediate management, which was a thrombus in the left atrial appendage for which anticoagulation was prescribed. Follow‐up was available at 6 months on 85 patients, of whom 13 (15%) had been discovered to have developed atrial fibrillation.CONCLUSIONIn our study population, when performed subsequent to a normal TTE in patients aged >50 years with cryptogenic stroke, TEE demonstrated a high diagnostic value, but had minimal incremental effect on patient management. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2016;11:95–98. © 2015 Society of Hospital Medicine
Twenty‐first century snowfall projections within the eastern Great Lakes region: detecting the presence of a lake‐induced snowfall signal in GCMs
Authors: Suriano Zachary J. , Leathers Daniel J. 
Published: September 2015

ABSTRACTIn this study, an analysis of model‐derived snowfall from 2006 to 2100 is conducted, investigating the presence of a lake‐induced (LI) snowfall signal to the lee of Lakes Erie and Ontario. Output from seven fully coupled global climate models is used from phase 5 of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project. Snowfall trends over the entire study area, and in the defined LI snowbelt, are examined seasonally for two representative concentration pathway (RCP) scenarios. The term lake‐induced is used to encompass both lake effect processes, along with lake‐enhanced snow. In addition to snowfall, physical mechanisms associated with these trends, such as surface temperatures and snow to total precipitation ratios, are examined.The models perform well when compared to snowfall observations despite model difficulties in resolving small‐scale orographic and lake effect processes. Modelled snowfall declines by 20–45% over the entire region by 2100, with snowfall increasing in the LI belt during the first quarter century before declining rapidly in RCP 8.5. An additional statistically significant 1.8–1.97 cm signal of LI snow water equivalent is detected within the ensemble mean of the defined snowbelt to the lee of Lakes Erie and Ontario that is not seen in the grid cells outside of the lake belt. This LI signal is also projected to decline more quickly than the non‐lake‐induced signal. Surface 2‐m temperature is found to have a significant impact on snowfall changes in the region, with impacts not only on total precipitation but also on the percentage of precipitation falling as snow.
Tropical cyclone rainfall over Puerto Rico and its relations to environmental and storm‐specific factors
Authors: Hernández Ayala José J. , Matyas Corene J. 
Published: September 2015

ABSTRACTAlthough tropical cyclone rainfall (TCR) is common over Puerto Rico, the factors that cause this rain to vary from one storm to another have not been studied. The aim of this article is to understand how storm‐specific characteristics including storm location, duration, storm centre proximity to land, intensity, horizontal translation speed (HTS) and environmental factors like moisture and vertical wind shear affect TCR variability over Puerto Rico. TCR was determined at rain gauge locations for days when storms were within a 500 km radius of Puerto Rico. The station data were then used to calculate an island‐averaged total rainfall value for 86 storms during 1970–2010. The maximum observed rainfall was also examined. Correlation analyses of the individual predictors, principal component regression (PCR) procedures and Mann–Whitney U tests identified precipitable water, storm centre proximity to land, mid‐level relative humidity (MRH), duration, HTS and longitude as the predictors with the strongest influence on rainfall. The PCR showed that a component comprised of precipitable water, MRH and longitude accounted for more than 60% in TCR variability. When an additional component comprised of storm duration, storm centre proximity to land and translation speed was considered, the PCR model explained 70% (52%) of the variability in mean (maximum) TCR. Key threshold values for high rainfall across Puerto Rico are a storm centre distance of 233 km or less and moisture exceeding 44.5 mm of precipitable water and 44.5% of relative humidity with forward speeds of 6.4 m s−1 or less. Extreme rainfall at a single location can occur when a TC's centre is over 450 km away.
Cool Laser for Cutting Diamonds
Authors: Shankar Nitin 
Published: September 2015

AbstractDiamond cutters have been looking for a laser cutting tool that can slice through a diamond without causing any thermal damage.Raw diamonds can contain inclusions in the form of non‐diamond hybrid materials or air bubbles, making them susceptible to damage from intense heat during laser cutting. The heat of a conventional laser beam can cause the inherent material tension in such inclusions to explode the stone. Thus, a rough diamond worth several thousands of dollars can literally be reduced to worthless bits in a matter of seconds without any warning.
Industrial Fiber Beam Delivery System for Ultrafast Lasers
Authors: Funck Max , Wedel Björn 
Published: September 2015

AbstractFree space beam delivery has long been the only option to transport high energy laser pulses. But what happens if the free space is surrounded by an optical fiber? Micro‐structured hollow core fibers now make it possible to confine the laser light inside a small hollow core and transmit pico‐ and femtosecond pulses of high energy with excellent beam quality. Packaged into a rugged laser light cable, this is likely the start of a new era in laser beam delivery.
Photodeformable Microspheres from Amphiphilic Azo Polyurethane
Authors: Zhou Yuqi , Wang Xiao Gong 
Published: September 2015

Photodeformable microspheres are fabricated from a newly synthesized amphiphilic azo polyurethane (PU) through gradually hydrophobic aggregation. For the synthesis, a PU‐based precursor polymer (PU‐Ph) is synthesized through step polymerization between 4,4′‐methylenebis(phenyl isocyanate) and N‐phenyldiethanolamine. Then, the PU‐based azo polymer (PU‐Azo‐Ph) is obtained by postpolymerization azo‐coupling reaction between PU‐Ph and diazonium salt of 4‐aminobenzoic acid. The microspheres with controllable morphology and narrow size distribution are fabricated by gradually adding H2O into tetrahydrofuran solutions of PU‐Azo‐Ph, which are characterized by laser light scattering and transmission electron micro­scopy. The research indicates that the colloid structures can be significantly modified by adjusting the preset water content in the preparation process. By adjusting the self‐assembling condition, the colloidal microspheres with solid interiors and porous and hollow structures are obtained. Upon exposure to a linearly polarized Ar+ laser beam, the microspheres are elongated along the polarization direction to give ellipsoids and other elongated structures.
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AGET ATRP of Poly[poly(ethylene glycol) methyl ether methacrylate] Catalyzed by Hydrophobic Iron(III)–Porphyrins
Authors: Proietti Silvestri I. , Cellesi F. 
Published: September 2015

Commercially available hydrophobic porphyrins are investigated as an environmentally friendly catalytic system for iron‐mediated atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) of poly(ethylene glycol) monomethyl ether methacrylate (PEGMA). Polymerizations in organic solvent are optimized using activators generated by electron transfer (AGET ATRP), based on iron(III)–porphyrin complexes, and tin(II) 2‐ethyl hexanoate or ascorbic acid as a reducing agent. Copper‐free PPEGMA macromolecules are obtained with high conversion, controlled molecular weight, and polydispersity index compared with standard copper‐based ATRP. The facile preparation and availability of the catalyst, together with its expected low toxicity, represent clear advantages for the synthesis of PPEGMA‐based materials for biomedical use.
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Systematic Analysis of Polymer Molecular Weight Influence on the Organic Photovoltaic Performance
Authors: Katsouras Athanasios , Gasparini Nicola , Koulogiannis Chrysanthos , Spanos Michael , Ameri Tayebeh , Brabec Christoph J. , Chochos Christos L. , Avgeropoulos Apostolos 
Published: September 2015

The molecular weight of an electron donor‐conjugated polymer is as essential as other well‐known parameters in the chemical structure of the polymer, such as length and the nature of any side groups (alkyl chains) positioned on the polymeric backbone, as well as their placement, relative strength, the ratio of the donor and acceptor moieties in the backbone of donor–acceptor (D–A)‐conjugated polymers, and the arrangement of their energy levels for organic photovoltaic performance. Finding the “optimal” molecular weight for a specific conjugated polymer is an important aspect for the development of novel photovoltaic polymers. Therefore, it is evident that the chemistry of functional conjugated polymers faces major challenges and materials have to adopt a broad range of specifications in order to be established for high photovoltaic performance. In this review, the approaches followed for enhancing the molecular weight of electron‐donor polymers are presented in detail, as well as how this influences the optoelectronic properties, charge transport properties, structural conformation, morphology, and the photovoltaic performance of the active layer.
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Combination therapies: The next logical Step for the treatment of synucleinopathies?
Authors: Valera Elvira , Masliah Eliezer 
Published: September 2015

AbstractCurrently there are no disease‐modifying alternatives for the treatment of most neurodegenerative disorders. The available therapies for diseases such as Parkinson's disease (PD), PD dementia (PDD), dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB), and multiple system atrophy (MSA), in which the protein alpha‐synuclein (α‐Syn) accumulates within neurons and glial cells with toxic consequences, are focused on managing the disease symptoms. However, using strategic drug combinations and/or multi‐target drugs might increase the treatment efficiency when compared with monotherapies. Synucleinopathies are complex disorders that progress through several stages, and toxic α‐Syn aggregates exhibit prion‐like behavior spreading from cell to cell. Therefore, it follows that these neurodegenerative disorders might require equally complex therapeutic approaches to obtain significant and long‐lasting results. Hypothetically, therapies aimed at reducing α‐Syn accumulation and cell‐to‐cell transfer, such as immunotherapy against α‐Syn, could be combined with agents that reduce neuroinflammation with potential synergistic outcomes. Here we review the current evidence supporting this type of approach, suggesting that such rational therapy combinations, together with the use of multi‐target drugs, may hold promise as the next logical step for the treatment of synucleinopathies. © 2015 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Role of forward‐motility‐stimulating factor as an extracellular activator of soluble adenylyl cyclase
Authors: Dey Souvik , Roy Debarun , Majumder Gopal C. , Mukherjee Biswajit , Bhattacharyya Debdas 
Published: September 2015

SUMMARYForward‐motility‐stimulating factor (FMSF) is a protein, originally purified from bubaline serum, that promotes progressive motility of mature spermatozoa. FMSF binds to sperm surface receptors and activates transmembrane adenylyl cyclase (tmAC), causing a rise in intracellular cyclic AMP level ([cAMP]i) and subsequent activation of a protein kinase A/tyrosine kinase‐mediated pathway that enhances forward motility. This article further evaluates how FMSF works in the caprine system, particularly identifying the stimulatory effect of this glycoprotein on soluble adenylyl cyclase (sAC). Elevated [cAMP]i, initially resulting from FMSF‐dependent activation of tmAC, was associated with the release of Ca2+ from an intracellular calcium store in the sperm head, likely via an inositol triphosphate‐sensitive calcium ion channel. This peak Ca2+ concentration of ∼125–175 nM was capable of stimulating sAC in vitro in a calmodulin‐independent manner, thereby triggering more cAMP production. Our model proposes that a positive‐feedback loop mediated by cAMP and Ca2+ is established in FMSF‐stimulated sperm, with cAMP playing the role of a chemical messenger at multiple steps, resulting in the observed progressive motility. Thus, FSMF stimulates a novel signaling cascade that synergistically activate both tmAC and sAC to achieve forward sperm motility. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 82: 1001–1014, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Cluster analysis of DCE‐MRI data identifies regional tracer‐kinetic changes after tumor treatment with high intensity focused ultrasound
Authors: Jacobs Igor , Hectors Stefanie J. C. G. , Schabel Matthias C. , Grüll Holger , Strijkers Gustav J. , Nicolay Klaas 
Published: September 2015

Evaluation of high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) treatment with MRI is generally based on assessment of the non‐perfused volume from contrast‐enhanced T1‐weighted images. However, the vascular status of tissue surrounding the non‐perfused volume has not been extensively investigated with MRI. In this study, cluster analysis of the transfer constant Ktrans and extravascular extracellular volume fraction ve, derived from dynamic contrast‐enhanced MRI (DCE‐MRI) data, was performed in tumor tissue surrounding the non‐perfused volume to identify tumor subregions with distinct contrast agent uptake kinetics.DCE‐MRI was performed in CT26.WT colon carcinoma‐bearing BALB/c mice before (n = 12), directly after (n = 12) and 3 days after (n = 6) partial tumor treatment with HIFU. In addition, a non‐treated control group (n = 6) was included. The non‐perfused volume was identified based on the level of contrast enhancement. Quantitative comparison between non‐perfused tumor fractions and non‐viable tumor fractions derived from NADH‐diaphorase histology showed a stronger agreement between these fractions 3 days after treatment (R2 to line of identity = 0.91) compared with directly after treatment (R2 = 0.74). Next, k‐means clustering with four clusters was applied to Ktrans and ve parameter values of all significantly enhanced pixels. The fraction of pixels within two clusters, characterized by a low Ktrans and either a low or high ve, significantly increased after HIFU. Changes in composition of these clusters were considered to be HIFU induced. Qualitative H&E histology showed that HIFU‐induced alterations in these clusters may be associated with hemorrhage and structural tissue disruption. Combined microvasculature and hypoxia staining suggested that these tissue changes may affect blood vessel functionality and thereby tumor oxygenation. In conclusion, it was demonstrated that, in addition to assessment of the non‐perfused tumor volume, the presented methodology gives further insight into HIFU‐induced effects on tumor vascular status. This method may aid in assessment of the consequences of vascular alterations for the fate of the tissue. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Change in psychological distress in longer‐term oesophageal cancer carers: are clusters of illness perception change a useful determinant?
Authors: Graham Lisa , Dempster Martin , McCorry Noleen K. , Donnelly Michael , Johnston Brian T. 
Published: September 2015

AbstractObjectiveThis study provides a longitudinal assessment of distress in longer‐term oesophageal cancer carers, while examining illness perception schema as a possible determinant of change in distress over time.MethodsOesophageal cancer carers (n = 171), 48 months post‐diagnosis, were assessed at baseline and 12 months later with the Illness Perception Questionnaire‐Revised, Cancer Coping Questionnaire, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale and Concerns About Recurrence Scale.ResultsFindings report deterioration from normal to probable anxiety in 35.7% of carers and probable depression in 28.7% carers over time. Fear of recurrence remained stable. Changes in control, consequence and cause beliefs were identified as key determinants of a change in psychological morbidity.ConclusionsIllness beliefs appear to be valuable targets for psychological intervention to improve wellbeing among carers of people with oesophageal cancer. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The relevance of political affinity for the initial acquisition premium in cross‐border acquisitions
Authors: Bertrand Olivier , Betschinger Marie‐Ann , Settles Alexander 
Published: September 2015

Research summary: In the context of economic nationalism, we investigate the relevance of political affinity between countries to the initial acquisition premium offered in cross‐border acquisitions. Political affinity is defined as the similarity of national interests in global affairs. We argue that political affinity affects how foreign acquirers anticipate their bargaining position in their negotiations with domestic target firms. With decreasing political affinity, the host government becomes increasingly likely to intervene against foreign firms in an acquisition deal. Consequently, foreign acquirers need to provide a more lucrative initial offer to dissuade target firms from leveraging government intervention to oppose the acquisition. Our prediction is supported by strong evidence that political affinity, as revealed by UN general assembly voting patterns, leads to lower initial acquisition premiums.Managerial summary: Media reports suggest that politics plays an important role in international business transactions. However, we still know very little about how bilateral political relations affect corporate decision‐making. In this article, we analyze the influence of the quality of bilateral political relations on the bidding behavior of foreign acquirers in cross‐border acquisitions. We argue that the host government is more likely to intervene against the foreign acquirer during deal negotiations if the quality of bilateral political relations is poor. A lower political affinity between countries therefore decreases the bargaining power of the acquirer and pushes up the initial bid premium the acquirer has to offer to the local target. Our empirical results confirm our argument. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.