bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reducing Treatment Decision Conflict Difficulties in Breast Cancer Surgery: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Lam Wendy W.T. , Chan Miranda , Or Amy , Kwong Ava , Suen Dacita , Fielding Richard
Published: July 2013

Purpose

Breast cancer (BC) decision aid (DA) randomized studies are limited to DA use in consultations among Western populations and for primary surgery. Their effectiveness beyond consultations, for reconstructive surgery and in other populations, has not been evaluated. We developed a DA administered after consultation for Chinese women deciding on BC surgery and, where relevant, immediate breast reconstruction, which was evaluated in this randomized controlled trial (RCT).

Patients and Methods

Overall, 276 women considering BC surgery for early-stage BC were randomly assigned to receive a DA (take-home booklet) or the standard information booklet (control condition) after the initial consultation, wherein surgeons disclosed the diagnosis and discussed treatment options with patients. Using block random assignment by week, 138 women were assigned to the DA arm and 138 to the control arm. Participants completed interview-based questionnaires 1 week after consultation and then 1, 4, and 10 months after surgery. Primary outcome measures were decisional conflict, decision-making difficulties, BC knowledge 1 week after consultation, and decision regret 1 month after surgery. Secondary outcome measures were treatment decision, decision regret 4 and 10 months after surgery, and postsurgical anxiety and depression.

Results

The DA group reported significantly lower decisional conflict scores 1 week after consultation (P = .016) compared with women in the control arm. Women receiving the DA had significantly lower decision regret scores 4 (P = .026) and 10 months (P = .014) after surgery and lower depression scores 10 months after surgery (P = .001).

Conclusion

This RCT demonstrated DAs may benefit Chinese patients in Hong Kong by reducing decisional conflict and subsequent regret and enhance clinical services for this population.
Obinutuzumab (GA101) Monotherapy in Relapsed/Refractory Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma or Mantle-Cell Lymphoma: Results From the Phase II GAUGUIN Study
Authors: Morschhauser Franck Andre , Cartron Guillaume , Thieblemont Catherine , Solal-Céligny Philippe , Haioun Corinne , Bouabdallah Reda , Feugier Pierre , Bouabdallah Krimo , Asikanius Elina , Lei Guiyuan , Wenger Michael , Wassner-Fritsch Elisabeth , Salles Gilles Andre
Published: July 2013

Purpose

Obinutuzumab (GA101), a type II, glycoengineered, humanized anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody, was superior to rituximab in human diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) and mantle-cell lymphoma (MCL) xenograft models. In phase I of our study, obinutuzumab (GA101) exhibited encouraging activity but no clear dose-response relationship, and few patients had aggressive histologies. The efficacy and safety of two doses of obinutuzumab (GA101) were explored in our randomized phase II trial in patients with heavily pretreated DBLCL and MCL.

Patients and Methods

Patients were randomly assigned to receive eight cycles of obinutuzumab (GA101) either as a flat dose of 400 mg for all infusions (days 1 and 8 of cycle 1; day 1 of cycles 2 to 8) or 1,600 mg on days 1 and 8 of cycle 1 and 800 mg on day 1 of cycles 2 to 8.

Results

Forty patients were enrolled: 21 patients in the 400/400-mg treatment arm (DLBCL, n = 10; MCL, n = 11) and 19 patients in the 1,600/800-mg arm (DLBCL, n = 15; MCL, n = 4). End-of-treatment response was 28% (32% and 24% in the 1,600/800-mg and 400/400-mg study arms, respectively). Best overall response rates were 37% in the 1,600/800-mg arm and 24% in the 400/400-mg study arm (DLBCL, eight [32%] of 25 patients; MCL, four [27%] of 15 patients). Five (20%) of 25 rituximab-refractory patients exhibited treatment response, including four of 12 in the 1,600/800-mg group. The most common adverse events were infusion-related reactions (IRRs), which were manageable. Three patients had grade 3/4 IRRs. Grade 3/4 neutropenia was seen in only one patient.

Conclusion

Obinutuzumab (GA101) 1,600/800 mg achieves early steady-state concentration and clinical activity with an acceptable safety profile in relapsed/refractory DLBCL and MCL, supporting further exploration.
Interim Cosmetic and Toxicity Results From RAPID: A Randomized Trial of Accelerated Partial Breast Irradiation Using Three-Dimensional Conformal External Beam Radiation Therapy
Authors: Olivotto Ivo A. , Whelan Timothy J. , Parpia Sameer , Kim Do-Hoon , Berrang Tanya , Truong Pauline T. , Kong Iwa , Cochrane Brandy , Nichol Alan , Roy Isabelle , Germain Isabelle , Akra Mohamed , Reed Melanie , Fyles Anthony , Trotter Theresa , Perera Francisco , Beckham Wayne , Levine Mark N. , Julian Jim A.
Published: July 2013

Purpose

To report interim cosmetic and toxicity results of a multicenter randomized trial comparing accelerated partial-breast irradiation (APBI) using three-dimensional conformal external beam radiation therapy (3D-CRT) with whole-breast irradiation (WBI).

Patients and Methods

Women age > 40 years with invasive or in situ breast cancer ≤ 3 cm were randomly assigned after breast-conserving surgery to 3D-CRT APBI (38.5 Gy in 10 fractions twice daily) or WBI (42.5 Gy in 16 or 50 Gy in 25 daily fractions ± boost irradiation). The primary outcome was ipsilateral breast tumor recurrence (IBTR). Secondary outcomes were cosmesis and toxicity. Adverse cosmesis was defined as a fair or poor global cosmetic score. After a planned interim cosmetic analysis, the data, safety, and monitoring committee recommended release of results. There have been too few IBTR events to trigger an efficacy analysis.

Results

Between 2006 and 2011, 2,135 women were randomly assigned to 3D-CRT APBI or WBI. Median follow-up was 36 months. Adverse cosmesis at 3 years was increased among those treated with APBI compared with WBI as assessed by trained nurses (29% v 17%; P < .001), by patients (26% v 18%; P = .0022), and by physicians reviewing digital photographs (35% v 17%; P < .001). Grade 3 toxicities were rare in both treatment arms (1.4% v 0%), but grade 1 and 2 toxicities were increased among those who received APBI compared with WBI (P < .001).

Conclusion

3D-CRT APBI increased rates of adverse cosmesis and late radiation toxicity compared with standard WBI. Clinicians and patients are cautioned against the use of 3D-CRT APBI outside the context of a controlled trial.
Global gene expression profiling of pancreatic islets in mice during streptozotocin-induced β-cell damage and pancreatic Glp-1 gene therapy
Authors: Tonne Jason M. , Sakuma Toshie , Deeds Michael C. , Munoz-Gomez Miguel , Barry Michael A. , Kudva Yogish C. , Ikeda Yasuhiro
Published: July 2013

Streptozotocin (STZ), a glucosamine-nitrosourea compound, has potent genotoxic effects on pancreatic β-cells and is frequently used to induce diabetes in experimental animals. Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) has β-cell protective effects and is known to preserve β-cells from STZ treatment. In this study, we analyzed the mechanisms of STZ-induced diabetes and GLP-1-mediated β-cell protection in STZ-treated mice. At 1 week after multiple low-dose STZ administrations, pancreatic β-cells showed impaired insulin expression, while maintaining expression of nuclear Nkx6.1. This was accompanied by significant upregulation of p53-responsive genes in islets, including a mediator of cell cycle arrest, p21 (also known as Waf1 and Cip1). STZ treatment also suppressed expression of a wide range of genes linked with key β-cell functions or diabetes development, such as G6pc2, Slc2a2 (Glut2), Slc30a8, Neurod1, Ucn3, Gad1, Isl1, Foxa2, Vdr, Pdx1, Fkbp1b and Abcc8, suggesting global β-cell defects in STZ-treated islets. The Tmem229B, Prss53 and Ttc28 genes were highly expressed in untreated islets and strongly suppressed by STZ, suggesting their potential roles in β-cell function. When a pancreas-targeted adeno-associated virus (AAV) vector was employed for long-term Glp-1 gene delivery, pancreatic GLP-1 expression protected mice from STZ-induced diabetes through preservation of the β-cell mass. Despite its potent β-cell protective effects, however, pancreatic GLP-1 overexpression showed limited effects on the global gene expression profiles in the islets. Network analysis identified the programmed-cell-death-associated pathways as the most relevant network in Glp-1 gene therapy. Upon pancreatic GLP-1 expression, upregulation of Cxcl13 and Nptx2 was observed in STZ-damaged islets, but not in untreated normal islets. Given the pro-β-cell-survival effects of Cxcl12 (Sdf-1) in inducing GLP-1 production in α-cells, pancreatic GLP-1-mediated Cxcl13 induction might also play a crucial role in maintaining the integrity of β-cells in damaged islets.
Insights into the pathogenic character of a commonNUBPLbranch-site mutation associated with mitochondrial disease and complex I deficiency using a yeast model
Authors: Wydro Mateusz M. , Balk Janneke
Published: July 2013

Complex I deficiencies are the most common causes of mitochondrial disorders. They can result from mutations not only in the structural subunits but also in a growing number of known assembly factors. A branch-site mutation in the human gene encoding assembly factor NUBPL has recently been associated with mitochondrial encephalopathy and complex I deficiency in seven independent cases. Moreover, the mutation is present in 1.2% of European haplotypes. To investigate its pathogenicity, we have reconstructed the altered C-terminus that results from the branch-site mutation and frameshift in the homologous Ind1 protein in the respiratory yeast Yarrowia lipolytica. We demonstrate that the altered sequence did not affect IND1 mRNA stability, yet it led to a decrease in Ind1 protein level. The instability of mutant Ind1 resulted in a strong decrease in complex I activity and caused slow growth, resembling the phenotype of the deletion strain of IND1. The presented data confirms the deleterious impact of the altered C-terminus resulting from the branch-site mutation. Furthermore, our approach demonstrates the great potential of Y. lipolytica as a model to investigate complex I deficiencies, especially in cases with genetic complexity.
Phylogenetics, morphological evolution, and classification of Euphorbia subgenus Euphorbia
Authors: Dorsey Brian L. , Haevermans Thomas , Aubriot Xavier , Morawetz Jeffery J. , Riina Ricarda , Steinmann Victor W. , Berry Paul E.
Published: July 2013

Euphorbia subg. Euphorbia is the largest and most diverse of four recently recognized subgenera within Euphorbia and is distributed across the tropics and subtropics. Relationships within this group have been difficult to discern due mainly to homoplasious morphological characters and inadequate taxon sampling in previous phylogenetic studies. Here we present a phylogenetic analysis of E. subg. Euphorbia, using one nuclear and two plastid regions, for the most complete sampling of molecular sequence data to date. We assign 661 species to the subgenus and show that it is comprised of four highly supported clades, including a single New World clade and multiple independent lineages on Madagascar. Using this phylogenetic framework we discuss patterns of homoplasy in morphological evolution and general patterns of biogeography. Finally, we present a new sectional classification of E. subg. Euphorbia comprising 21 sections, nine of them newly described here.
Molecular phylogenetics of Chelonopsis (Lamiaceae: Gomphostemmateae) as inferred from nuclear and plastid DNA and morphology
Authors: Xiang Chun-Lei , Zhang Qiang , Scheen Anne-Cathrine , Cantino Philip D. , Funamoto Tsuneo , Peng Hua
Published: July 2013

The recently established tribe Gomphostemmateae (Lamiaceae) consists of Gomphostemma, Bostrychanthera and Chelonopsis, but relationships within and between these genera have not been well studied. Only six of the approximately 46 species of Gomphostemmateae have been included in any previous phylogenetic analysis. In the present study, we used DNA sequences of two nuclear regions (ITS, ETS) and five plastid loci (psbA–trnH, rps16, trnL intron, trnL–trnF spacer, trnS–trnG) to reconstruct the phylogeny of the East Asian genus Chelonopsis for the first time. The molecular results indicate that the tribe Gomphostemmateae is monophyletic; Bostrychanthera is embedded in Chelonopsis; and Chelonopsis comprises two clades, one encompassing the taxa of Chelonopsis subg. Chelonopsis and the genus Bostrychanthera and the other consisting of Chelonopsis subg. Aequidens. This split is supported by several morphological characters. These results, which are further strengthened by morphological and cytological data, indicate that Bostrychanthera should be transferred to Chelonopsis. In addition, our results show that within C. subg. Aequidens, sect. Aequidens and sect. Microphyllum are monophyletic. Furthermore, two major clades are concordant with the Sino–Japanese and Sino–Himalayan distribution patterns.
Global legume diversity assessment: Concepts, key indicators, and strategies
Authors: Yahara Tetsukazu , Javadi Firouzeh , Onoda Yusuke , de Queiroz Luciano Paganucci , Faith Daniel P. , Prado Darién E. , Akasaka Munemitsu , Kadoya Taku , Ishihama Fumiko , Davies Stuart , Slik J.W. Ferry , Yi Tingshuang , Ma Keping , Bin Chen , Darnaedi Dedy , Pennington R. Toby , Tuda Midori , Shimada Masakazu , Ito Motomi , Egan Ashley N. , Buerki Sven , Raes Niels , Kajita Tadashi , Vatanparast Mohammad , Mimura Makiko , Tachida Hidenori , Iwasa Yoh , Smith Gideon F. , Victor Janine E. , Nkonki Tandiwe
Published: July 2013

While many plant species are considered threatened under anthropogenic pressure, it remains uncertain how rapidly we are losing plant species diversity. To fill this gap, we propose a Global Legume Diversity Assessment (GLDA) as the first step of a global plant diversity assessment. Here we describe the concept of GLDA and its feasibility by reviewing relevant approaches and data availability. We conclude that Fabaceae is a good proxy for overall angiosperm diversity in many habitats and that much relevant data for GLDA are available. As indicators of states, we propose comparison of species richness with phylogenetic and functional diversity to obtain an integrated picture of diversity. As indicators of trends, species loss rate and extinction risks should be assessed. Specimen records and plot data provide key resources for assessing legume diversity at a global scale, and distribution modeling based on these records provide key methods for assessing states and trends of legume diversity. GLDA has started in Asia, and we call for a truly global legume diversity assessment by wider geographic collaborations among various scientists.
Taxonomic notes on Asperula sect. Cynanchicae (Rubiaceae )
Authors: Del Guacchio Emanuele , Caputo Paolo
Published: July 2013

Taxonomic and nomenclatural issues in Asperula aristata L. f. and allied taxa are discussed and the identity of the autonymic subspecies of A. aristata established as being the taxon commonly, but erroneously, called A. aristata subsp. scabra . The synonymy of other names in the group is also discussed, and eight of them are typified. Asperula exaristata, applicable ambiguously to a southern Italian taxon, is newly identified and synonymised.
Molecular phylogeny of the Campanula pyramidalis species complex (Campanulaceae) inferred from chloroplast and nuclear non‐coding sequences and its taxonomic implications
Authors: Lakušić Dmitar , Liber Zlatko , Nikolić Toni , Surina Boštjan , Kovačić Sanja , Bogdanović Sandro , Stefanović Saša
Published: July 2013

The Campanula pyramidalis complex is a group of closely related taxa with a distribution across the Balkans, from the Gulf of Trieste in the north to the Peloponnese Peninsula in the south, with small disjunct parts of the range in the south Apennines. Although 21 taxa were described within this complex, only three, C. pyramidalis, C. versicolor, and C. secundiflora, have been generally accepted in recent synoptical taxonomic treatments. Our molecular phylogenetic analyses based on sequences of three non‐coding chloroplast regions (psbA‐trnH, psbZ‐trnfM, trnG‐trnS) as well as of nuclear ribosomal internal transcribed spacers (nrITS), lend strong support to the recognition of several lineages which only partially correspond to generally accepted taxonomic concepts. Molecular data presented in this study showed that C. pyramidalis is a polyphyletic assemblage that segregates into three distinct lineages, one of which is described here as a new species, C. austroadriatica sp. nov. The lectotype of C. pyramidalis, redefined in a strict sense, is designated. Neither C. versicolor nor C. secundiflora were found to be strictly monophyletic, but their monophyly could not be rejected. Morphological and biogeographical implications are discussed.
Enzymatic C-glycosylation: Insights from the study of a complementary pair of plant O- and C-glucosyltransferases
Authors: Gutmann Alexander , Nidetzky Bernd
Published: July 2013

C-Glycosylation presents a rare mode of sugar attachment to the core structure of natural products and is catalyzed by a special type of Leloir C-glycosyltransferases (C-GTs). Elucidation of mechanistic principles for these glycosyltransferases (GTs) is of fundamental interest, and it could also contribute to the development of new biocatalysts for the synthesis of valuable C-glycosides, potentially serving as analogues of the highly hydrolysis-sensitive O‑glycosides. Enzymatic glucosylation of the natural dihydrochalcone phloretin from UDP‑D-glucose was applied as a model reaction in the study of a structurally and functionally homologous pair of plant glucosyltransferases, where the enzyme from rice (Oryza sativa) was specific for C-glycosylation and the enzyme from pear (Pyrus communis) was specific for O-glycosylation. We show that distinct active-site motifs are used by the two enzymes to differentiate between C- and O-glucosylation of the phloretin acceptor. An enzyme design concept is therefore developed where exchange of active-site motifs results in a reversible switch between C/O-glycosyltransferase (C/O-GT) activity. Mechanistic proposal for enzymatic C-glycosylation involves a single nucleophilic displacement at the glucosyl anomeric carbon, proceeding through an oxocarbenium ion-like transition state. Alternatively, the reaction could be described as Friedel–Crafts-like direct alkylation of the phenolic acceptor.
Observer Effects of Punishment in a Distribution Network
Authors: Wang Danny T. , Gu Flora F. , Dong Maggie Chuoyan
Published: July 2013

In a distribution network, a punishment event not only affects the disciplined distributor but also changes the attitudes and behaviors of others in the network (i.e., observers). By moving beyond a dyadic view of punishment, this article considers the effects of punishment on observers and integrates insights from social learning, fairness heuristic, and social network theories. The resulting framework of the observer effects of punishment in a distribution network, empirically tested with a survey in China, reveals two mechanisms through which punishment leads to reduced observer opportunism: (1) a direct deterrence effect and (2) a trust-building process. Moreover, two information-related constructs moderate the observer effects differently. The disciplined distributor's relational embeddedness, which motivates greater information flow to observers, aggravates the problem of information asymmetry against the manufacturer, making punishment less deterrent for observers. In contrast, the manufacturer's monitoring capability, which reduces information asymmetry, strengthens observer effects. The authors discuss both theoretical and managerial implications of using punishment to achieve collaboration from a wide network of channel members.
National survey on critical values notification of 599 institutions in China
Authors: Zeng Rong , Wang Wei , Wang Zhiguo
Published: July 2013

Background:A national cross-sectional survey on the reporting of critical values was conducted to provide suggestions on monitoring of the quality indicator and obtain the goal of quality improvement.

Methods:All clinical laboratories participating in the external quality assessment (EQA) programs of chemistry, blood gas, and hematology tests organized by the National Center for Clinical Laboratories (NCCL) were enrolled in our study. General information on the policy of critical values reporting and the particular problems about critical limits and practice of critical values reporting in the last 2 months were asked in the questionnaire. All collected data were analyzed by the special statistical software designed by the NCCL.

Results:The return rate of surveys for critical values on clinical biochemistry, blood gas, and hematology testing were 46.11%, 41.14%, and 39.42%, respectively. Most laboratories in the surveys suggested they set different critical limits for children and adults. The analytes of critical values chosen most frequently were potassium, glucose, sodium, calcium, pH, pCO2, pO2, white blood cell (WBC) count, hemoglobin (Hb), prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time, and fibrinogen. The analytes with most critical values were potassium, blood gas, and creatinine for clinical biochemistry, pCO2for blood gas, and WBC, Hb, and PT for hematology testing. The medians of critical limits for potassium, sodium, calcium, and glucose were not significantly different from the results of the national survey conducted by Kost in 1990.

Conclusions:Remarkable inter-laboratory difference in the development and implementation of critical values reporting procedure were found. Laboratories should communicate with clinicians to obtain consensus on the analytes and limits of critical values.
Complex visual hallucinations in a patient with chronic schizophrenia and alcohol dependence: a case report and literature review
Authors: Dobry Yuriy , Sher Leo
Published: July 2013

The aim of this study was to report a patient with complex visual perceptual disturbances and a 30-year history of schizophrenia and alcohol dependence, and to formulate a comprehensive clinical approach to this unique neuropsychiatric phenomenon.

The authors report subjective and objective information from the patient’s past medial history and current admission. The authors also did a comprehensive review of the literature on complex visual hallucinations.

Complex visual hallucination is a frightening experience, with a pathogenesis ranging from chronic psychiatric disorders, such as schizophrenia, to acute neurological events, such as cerebrovascular accident. The hallucination content is typically described by patients as vivid with dynamic images, in striking colors and clear contours. The authors report a patient earlier diagnosed with schizophrenia and alcohol dependence disorder who became agitated following a sudden onset of visions of vivid, interactive images of people and animals.

Due to the scope of the differential diagnosis, identifying the exact underlying etiology of complex visual hallucinations is often challenging, yet critical, in preventing the high risk of morbidity and mortality associated with some of the root causes of this neuropsychiatric phenomenon.
Evaluation of Lycopene Loss and Colour Values in Convective Drying of Tomato by Surface Response Methodology
Authors: Coelho Karen , Costa Bruna R. , Pinto Luiz Antonio de Almeida
Published: July 2013

The increasing interest in the antioxidant activity of lycopene has been to promote the consumption of tomato and tomato-based products. The aim of this work was to evaluate tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill) drying in thin layer through response surface methodology. The independent variables investigated in this study were drying air temperature (60, 70 and 80°C) and wet sample thickness (3, 5 and 7 mm). The drying condition with the lower colour value (Hue angle) and higher lycopene content was 60°C and sample thickness of 3 mm. In this condition, the responses for the colour (Hue angle) and lycopene content values were 47.7 0.2° and 301.9 3.1 μg g–
1, respectively. The lycopene loss was similar to that reported in the literature (30–50%) using more expensive methods of tomato drying such as freeze-drying and lyophilization.
Prenatal Alcohol Exposure and Educational Achievement in Children Aged 8–9 Years
Authors: O’Leary Colleen M. , Taylor Cate , Zubrick Stephen R. , Kurinczuk Jennifer J. , Bower Carol
Published: July 2013

OBJECTIVE:

This study examines the relationships between the dose, pattern, and timing of prenatal alcohol exposure and achievement in reading, writing, spelling, and numeracy in children aged 8 to 9 years.

METHODS:

Data from a randomly selected, population-based birth cohort of infants born to non-Indigenous women in Western Australia between 1995 and 1997 (n = 4714) (Randomly Ascertained Sample of Children born in Australia’s Largest State Study cohort) were linked to the Western Australian Midwives’ Notification System and the Western Australian Literacy and Numeracy Assessment statewide education testing program. The records for 86% (n = 4056) of the cohort were successfully linked with education records when the children were aged 8 to 9 years. The associations between prenatal alcohol exposure and achievement of national benchmarks in school numeracy, reading, spelling, and writing tests and nonattendance for the tests was examined. Logistic regression was used to generate adjusted odds ratios (aOR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI), adjusting for potential confounding factors. The referent group included children of mothers who previously drank alcohol but who abstained during pregnancy.

RESULTS:

Children were twice as likely not to achieve the benchmark for reading after heavy prenatal alcohol exposure during the first trimester (aOR 2.26; 95% CI 1.10–4.65) and for writing when exposed to occasional binge drinking in late pregnancy (aOR 2.35; 95% CI 1.04–5.43). Low-moderate prenatal alcohol exposure was not associated with academic underachievement.

CONCLUSIONS:

The type of learning problems expressed depends on the dose, pattern, and timing of prenatal alcohol exposure.
DNA Transfection Efficiency of Antimicrobial Peptide as Revealed by Molecular Dynamics Simulation
Authors: Javkhlantugs Namsrai , Munkhtsetseg Janlav , Ganzorig Chimed , Ueda Kazuyoshi
Published: July 2013

The peptide-DNA complex was investigated by using molecular dynamics simulation to analyze the transfection efficiency of cationic amphipathic peptide. Previously, the cationic peptide, LFampinB, with positively charged amino acid residues of Lysines was used to investigate the orientation and interaction energies for entering the cell though disruption of the endosomal membrane. The same interactions were obtained for N-terminus of the LFampinB peptide with membrane and with plasmid DNA. The N-terminus of LFampinB can bind at minor groove of DNA to make complexation of the peptide with DNA.
Biotemplating Magnetic Nanoparticles on Patterned Surfaces for Potential Use in Data Storage
Authors: Galloway Johanna M. , Bird Scott M. , Bramble Jonathan P. , Critchley Kevin , Staniland Sarah S.
Published: July 2013

Thin-films of magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) with high coercivities are deposited onto surfaces for use in data storage applications. This usually requires specialist clean-room facilities, sputtering equipment and high temperatures to achieve the correct crystallographic phases. One possible cheaper and more environmentally friendly alternative could be to use biomolecules. Many biomineralization and biotemplating molecules have been identified that are able to template a wide range of technologically relevant materials using mild, aqueous chemistry under physiological reaction conditions. Here, we have designed a dual affinity peptide (DAP) sequence to template MNPs onto a surface. One end of the DAP has a high binding affinity for SiO2and the other for MNPs of the L10phase of CoPt, a high coercivity magnetic material. Images of the biomineralized substrates show that nanoparticles of CoPt are localized onto the areas that were functionalized with the biotemplating DAP. Magnetic force microscopy (MFM) plots of the biotemplated nanoparticles show that there is magnetic contrast on the patterned surface.
Earthworm effects on the incorporation of litter C and N into soil organic matter in a sugar maple forest
Authors: Fahey Timothy J. , Yavitt Joseph B. , Sherman Ruth E. , Maerz John C. , Groffman Peter M. , Fisk Melany C. , Bohlen Patrick J.
Published: July 2013

To examine the mechanisms of earthworm effects on forest soil C and N, we double‐labeled leaf litter with13C and15N, applied it to sugar maple forest plots with and without earthworms, and traced isotopes into soil pools. The experimental design included forest plots with different earthworm community composition (dominated byLumbricus terrestrisorL. rubellus). Soil carbon pools were 37% lower in earthworm‐invaded plots largely because of the elimination of the forest floor horizons, and mineral soil C:N was lower in earthworm plots despite the mixing of high C:N organic matter into soil by earthworms. Litter disappearance over the first winter–spring was highest in theL. terrestris(T) plots, but during the warm season, rapid loss of litter was observed in bothL. rubellus(R) and T plots. After two years, 22.0% ± 5.4% of13C released from litter was recovered in soil with no significant differences among plots. Total recovery of added13C (decaying litter plus soil) was much higher in no‐worm (NW) plots (61–68%) than in R and T plots (20–29%) as much of the litter remained in the former whereas it had disappeared in the latter. Much higher percentage recovery of15N than13C was observed, with significantly lower values for T than R and NW plots. Higher overwinter earthworm activity in T plots contributed to lower soil N recovery. In earthworm‐invaded plots isotope enrichment was highest in macroaggregates and microaggregates whereas in NW plots silt plus clay fractions were most enriched. The net effect of litter mixing and priming of recalcitrant soil organic matter (SOM), stabilization of SOM in soil aggregates, and alteration of the soil microbial community by earthworm activity results in loss of SOM and lowering of the C:N ratio. We suggest that earthworm stoichiometry plays a fundamental role in regulating C and N dynamics of forest SOM.
Modeled diversity effects on microbial ecosystem functions of primary production, nutrient uptake, and remineralization
Authors: Goebel Nicole L. , Edwards Christopher A. , Follows Michael J. , Zehr Jonathan P.
Published: July 2013

Ecosystem‐wide primary productivity generally increases with primary producer diversity, emphasizing the importance of diversity for ecosystem function. However, most studies that demonstrate this positive relationship have focused on terrestrial and aquatic benthic systems, with little attention to the diverse marine pelagic primary producers that play an important role in regulating global climate. Here we show how phytoplankton biodiversity enhances overall marine ecosystem primary productivity and other ecosystem functions using a self‐organizing ecosystem model. Diversity manipulation numerical experiments reveal positive, asymptotically saturating relationships between ecosystem‐wide phytoplankton diversity and functions of productivity, nutrient uptake, remineralization, and diversity metrics used to identify mechanisms shaping these relationships. Increase in productivity with increasing diversity improves modeled ecosystem stability and model robustness and leads to productivity rates that exceed expected yields primarily through niche complementarity and facilitative interactions between coexisting phytoplankton types; the composition of traits in assemblages determines the magnitude of complementarity and selection effects. While findings based on these aggregate measures of diversity effects parallel those from the majority of experimental outcomes of terrestrial and benthic biodiversity–ecosystem function studies, we combine analyses of community diversity effects and investigations of the underlying interactions among phytoplankton types to demonstrate how an increase in recycled production of non‐diatoms through an increase in new production of diatoms drives this diversity–ecosystem function response. We demonstrate the important role that facilitation plays in the modeled marine plankton and how this facilitative interaction could amplify future climate‐driven changes in ocean ecosystem productivity.
Understanding Neonatal Ventilation: Strategies for Decision Making in the NICU
Authors: Petty Julia
Published: July 2013

Abstract

Neonatal ventilation is an integral component of care delivered in the neonatal unit. The aim of any ventilation strategy is to support the neonate’s respiratory system during compromise while limiting any long-term damage to the lungs. Understanding the principles behind neonatal ventilation is essential so that health professionals caring for sick neonates and families have the necessary knowledge to understand best practice. Given the range of existing ventilation modes and parameters available, these require explanation and clarification in the context of current evidence. Many factors can influence clinical decision making on both an individual level and within the wider perspective of neonatal care.
Recycling of the rare earth oxides from spent rechargeable batteries using waste metallurgical slags
Authors: Tang K. , Ciftja A. , van der , Wilson S. , Tranell G.
Published: July 2013

A high temperature process for recycling spent nickel-metal hydride
rechargeable batteries has been recently developed at SINTEF/NTNU. The spent
battery modules were first frozen with liquid nitrogen for the de-activation
and brittle fracture treatment. The broken steel scraps and plastics were
then separated by the mechanical classification and magnetic separation. The
remaining positive and negative electrodes, together with the polymer
separator, were heated to 600-800oC in order to remove the organic components
and further separate the Ni-based negative electrode. XRF analyses indicate
that the heat-treated materials consist mainly of nickel, rare earth and
cobalt oxides. The valuable rare earth oxides were further recovered by the
high-temperature slagging treatment. The waste metallurgical slags, consist
mainly of SiO2 and CaO, were used as the rare earth oxide absorbent. After
the high temperature slagging treatment, over 98% of nickel and cobalt oxides
were reduced to the metal phase; meanwhile almost all rare earth oxides
remain in the molten slags. Furthermore, EPMA and XRF analyses of the slag
samples indicate that the rare earth oxides selectively precipitate in the
forms of solid xSiO2?yCaO?zRe2O3. The matrix of slag phase is Re2O3
deficient, typically being less than 5 wt%. This provides a sound basis to
further develop the high-temperature process of concentrating the Re2O3
oxides in slags.
Yttria stabilized zirconia membrane stability in molten fluoride fluxes for low-carbon magnesium production by the SOM process
Authors: Milshtein J. , Gratz E. , Pati S. , Powell A.C. , Pal U.
Published: July 2013

The Solid Oxide Membrane (SOM) process for magnesium production involves the
direct electrolysis of magnesium oxide for energy efficient and low-carbon
magnesium production. In the SOM process, magnesium oxide is dissolved in a
molten oxy-fluoride flux. An oxygen-ion-conducting SOM tube, made from yttria
stabilized zirconia (YSZ), is submerged in the flux. The operating life of
the electrolytic cell can be improved by understanding degradation processes
in the YSZ, and one way the YSZ degrades is by yttria diffusion out of the
YSZ. By adding small amounts of YF3 to the flux, yttria diffusion can be
controlled. The diffusion of yttria into the flux was quantified by
determining the yttria concentration profile as a function of immersion time
in the flux and distance from the flux-YSZ interface. Yttria concentrations
were determined using x-ray spectroscopy. The diffusion process was modeled
using a numerical approach with an analytic solution to Fick?s second law.
These modeling and experimental methods allowed for the determination of the
optimum YF3 concentration in the flux to minimize yttria diffusion and
improve membrane stability. Furthermore, the effects of common impurities in
magnesium ores, such as calcium oxide, silica, and sodium oxide/sodium
peroxide, on YSZ stability are being investigated.
Decarburization of ferrochrome and high alloy steels with optimized gas and slag phases towards improved Cr retention
Authors: Wang H. , Nzotta M.M. , Teng L. , Seetharaman S.
Published: July 2013

Chromium is a high value metal and the retention of the same during the
refining of high carbon ferrochrome as well as high alloy steel has
significant economic and environmental impacts. The loss of chromium during
the decarburization is generally minimized using argon-oxygen mixtures
thereby reducing the oxygen partial pressure (PO2) of the oxidant gas. In the
current study, experiments were carried out in an induction furnace and CO2
was introduced with the view to partly reduce PO2 and partly as an oxidizer.
During these experiments, the decarburization of molten Cr-alloy was
conducted using pure O2, pure CO2 or O2+CO2 mixtures. The results
demonstrated that the Cr loss can be minimized under CO2 introduction. The
kinetic analysis showed that the mass transfer is effective due to the
production of 2CO gas molecules from one CO2 molecule during the reaction
which will improve the stirring of the bath. Besides, CO2 reacts with carbon
in melt is an endothermic reaction, introduction of CO2 could be a cooler
during the refining process, hence the temperature could be controlled by
controlling the diluting gas amount, in this case, the over heat of bath
refractory could be prevented and the lifetime of refractory could be
extended.
Reduction mechanism of titanomagnetite concentrate by carbon monoxide
Authors: She X.F. , Sun H.Y. , Dong X.J. , Xue Q.G. , Wang J.S.
Published: July 2013

Titanomagnetite concentrate was reduced by CO-Ar gas mixtures in a laboratory
fixed bed reactor in the temperature range from 1123 to 1323 K. The
influences of reductive conditions on the reduction rate and metallization
degree including reduction temperature, reduction time and carbon monoxide
content were studied. And the characteristics of reduced samples were
analyzed by XRD, BES and EDS. Results shown that both the reduction and
metallization degree increased with the increasing of temperature and
monoxide content. The low reduction degree was owing to the low iron oxides
content and high impurities content such as magnesium oxide in
titanomagnetite concentrate. Above 1123 K, the reduction is controlled by
interfacial chemical reaction at early stage of the reaction and then turns
to the internal diffusion controlling with reaction processing. The reduction
path at temperatures above 1123 K is suggested as follow: Fe3-xTixO4 ?
(x+y-1)FeO + Fe4-2x-yTixO4-y ? (x+y-1)Fe + Fe4-2x-yTixO4-y ? (3-x)Fe + xTiO2
(0<y<4-2x, x=0.27?0.02)
Effect of Al2O3, MgO, and CuOx on the dissolution behavior of rhodium in the Na2O-SiO2 slags
Authors: Wiraseranee C. , Yoshikawa T. , Okabe T.H. , Morita K.
Published: July 2013

Aiming to optimize rhodium recovery in the high temperature recycling process
by minimizing rhodium loss into slags in an oxidizing atmosphere by
controlling slag composition, the effects of representative slag components,
such as Al2O3, MgO, and CuOx, on the dissolution behavior of rhodium into the
Na2O-SiO2 slags was investigated. The solubility of rhodium was measured by
equilibrating the sodium silicate based slags with pure solid rhodium at 1473
K in air. Considering that rhodium dissolved into slags as RhO1.5, the effect
of the oxide addition on the activity coefficient of RhO1.5 in slags was
determined. The dissolution of rhodium in slags was suppressed by the
addition of Al2O3 and MgO, where Al2O3 behaved as an acidic oxide and MgO
behaved as a diluent of slag basicity at a fixed Na2O/SiO2 ratio of 0.97. The
content of copper in solid rhodium equilibrated with the CuOx bearing slags
slightly increased with increasing content of CuOx, and CuOx was found to
slightly enhance the dissolution of rhodium. Rhodate capacity of all slag
systems increased with increasing optical basicity, suggesting that the
correlation between rhodate capacity and the optical basicity enables the
estimation of the content of rhodium in slags of which thermodynamic
properties of rhodium are not clarified.
The Effects of Type 2 Diabetes on Lipoprotein Composition and Arterial Stiffness in Male Youth
Authors: Gordon Scott M. , Davidson W. Sean , Urbina Elaine M. , Dolan Lawrence M. , Heink Anna , Zang Huaiyu , Lu L. Jason , Shah Amy S.
Published: July 2013

Recent studies suggest HDL exists as numerous subpopulations with distinct protein/lipid compositions that are not reflected in the HDL cholesterol (HDL-C) number. In this study, we sought to evaluate HDL subpopulations in adolescents with type 2 diabetes (T2D) to determine if changes in HDL composition are associated with early vascular disease. T2D (n = 10), lean (n = 9), and obese (n = 11) youth were recruited. Plasma was fractionated using gel-filtration chromatography, and lipid-associated proteins were identified using mass spectrometry. Concurrently, vascular stiffness was assessed using pulse wave velocity (PWV). We found youth with T2D exhibited decreased phospholipid content in fractions containing large HDL particles that was inversely associated with PWV (P < 0.001). No association was noted between HDL-C and PWV. Proteomic analysis revealed changes in 7 of 45 identified proteins in the T2D group, including apolipoprotein (apo) A-II, apoE, and paraoxonase-1 (P < 0.05). Our data demonstrate early changes in the lipid and protein compositions of specific HDL subspecies in adolescents with T2D that are related to early markers of arterial disease. These findings suggest that analyzing the composition of HDL, rather than HDL-C, may be useful in assessing cardiovascular risk in this population.
Dissociation of Intestinal and Hepatic Activities of FXR and LXRα Supports Metabolic Effects of Terminal Ileum Interposition in Rodents
Authors: Mencarelli Andrea , Renga Barbara , D’Amore Claudio , Santorelli Chiara , Graziosi Luigina , Bruno Angela , Monti Maria Chiara , Distrutti Eleonora , Cipriani Sabrina , Donini Annibale , Fiorucci Stefano
Published: July 2013

The farnesoid X receptor (FXR) and the liver x receptors (LXRs) are bile acid–activated receptors that are highly expressed in the enterohepatic tissues. The mechanisms that support the beneficial effects of bariatric surgery are only partially defined. We have investigated the effects of ileal interposition (IT), a surgical relocation of the distal ileum into the proximal jejunum, on FXR and LXRs in rats. Seven months after surgery, blood concentrations of total bile acids, taurocholic acid, an FXR ligand, and taurohyocholic acid, an LXRα ligand, were significantly increased by IT (P < 0.05). In contrast, liver and intestinal concentrations of conjugated and nonconjugated bile acids were decreased (P < 0.05). These changes were associated with a robust induction of FXR and FXR-regulated genes in the intestine, including Fgf15, a negative regulator of bile acid synthesis. IT repressed the liver expression of glucose-6-phosphatase (G6PC) and phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (Pepck), two gluconeogenetic genes, along with the expression of LXRα and its target genes sterol regulatory element-binding protein (Srebp) 1c and fatty acid synthase (Fas) in the liver. Treating IT rats with chenodeoxycholic acid ameliorated insulin signaling in the liver. Whether confirmed in human settings, these results support the association of pharmacological therapies with bariatric surgeries to exploit the selective activation of intestinal nuclear receptors.
Antipsychotic-Induced Insulin Resistance and Postprandial Hormonal Dysregulation Independent of Weight Gain or Psychiatric Disease
Authors: Teff Karen L. , Rickels Michael R. , Grudziak Joanna , Fuller Carissa , Nguyen Huong-Lan , Rickels Karl
Published: July 2013

Atypical antipsychotic (AAP) medications that have revolutionized the treatment of mental illness have become stigmatized by metabolic side effects, including obesity and diabetes. It remains controversial whether the defects are treatment induced or disease related. Although the mechanisms underlying these metabolic defects are not understood, it is assumed that the initiating pathophysiology is weight gain, secondary to centrally mediated increases in appetite. To determine if the AAPs have detrimental metabolic effects independent of weight gain or psychiatric disease, we administered olanzapine, aripiprazole, or placebo for 9 days to healthy subjects (n = 10, each group) under controlled in-patient conditions while maintaining activity levels. Prior to and after the interventions, we conducted a meal challenge and a euglycemic-hyperinsulinemic clamp to evaluate insulin sensitivity and glucose disposal. We found that olanzapine, an AAP highly associated with weight gain, causes significant elevations in postprandial insulin, glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1), and glucagon coincident with insulin resistance compared with placebo. Aripiprazole, an AAP considered metabolically sparing, induces insulin resistance but has no effect on postprandial hormones. Importantly, the metabolic changes occur in the absence of weight gain, increases in food intake and hunger, or psychiatric disease, suggesting that AAPs exert direct effects on tissues independent of mechanisms regulating eating behavior.
Reversal of Neuropathic Pain in Diabetes by Targeting Glycosylation of Cav3.2 T-Type Calcium Channels
Authors: Orestes Peihan , Osuru Hari Prasad , McIntire William E. , Jacus Megan O. , Salajegheh Reza , Jagodic Miljen M. , Choe WonJoo , Lee JeongHan , Lee Sang-Soo , Rose Kirstin E. , Poiro Nathan , DiGruccio Michael R. , Krishnan Katiresan , Covey Douglas F. , Lee Jung-Ha , Barrett Paula Q. , Jevtovic-Todorovic Vesna , Todorovic Slobodan M.
Published: July 2013

It has been established that CaV3.2 T-type voltage-gated calcium channels (T-channels) play a key role in the sensitized (hyperexcitable) state of nociceptive sensory neurons (nociceptors) in response to hyperglycemia associated with diabetes, which in turn can be a basis for painful symptoms of peripheral diabetic neuropathy (PDN). Unfortunately, current treatment for painful PDN has been limited by nonspecific systemic drugs with significant side effects or potential for abuse. We studied in vitro and in vivo mechanisms of plasticity of CaV3.2 T-channel in a leptin-deficient (ob/ob) mouse model of PDN. We demonstrate that posttranslational glycosylation of specific extracellular asparagine residues in CaV3.2 channels accelerates current kinetics, increases current density, and augments channel membrane expression. Importantly, deglycosylation treatment with neuraminidase inhibits native T-currents in nociceptors and in so doing completely and selectively reverses hyperalgesia in diabetic ob/ob mice without altering baseline pain responses in healthy mice. Our study describes a new mechanism for the regulation of CaV3.2 activity and suggests that modulating the glycosylation state of T-channels in nociceptors may provide a way to suppress peripheral sensitization. Understanding the details of this regulatory pathway could facilitate the development of novel specific therapies for the treatment of painful PDN.