bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reversible Phase Transitions and Dielectric Properties in [(CH3)4P]2[Cr2O7] and ­[Et4P]2[Cr3O10]
Authors: Shi Ping‐Ping , Ye Qiong , Wang Hui‐Ting , Li Qiang , Fu Da‐Wei , Zhang Yi
Published: June 2015

Tetramethylphosphonium dichromate ([(CH3)4P]2[Cr2O7], 1) undergoes a reversible phase transition at around 221 K. The results of the variable‐temperature single‐crystal X‐ray structural analyses and the rotational potential energy calculations suggest that the phase transition is probably related to the order–disorder transition of the [Cr2O7]2– anion. The change of the space group from Pa‐3 at room temperature to Pbca at low temperature is reflected in the peak‐like dielectric response. Tetraethylphosphonium trichromate ([Et4P]2[Cr3O10], 2) crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P21/c at room temperature. Upon cooling and heating, the step‐like dielectric anomalies observed at around 270 K indicate a reversible phase transition. Moreover, the rotational potential energy calculations certify the potential motion of the [Cr3O10]2– anion, being related to the phase transition. These findings open a new approach to the design of complexes that show phase transitions coupled with unusual dielectric properties.
Trinuclear Heterobimetallic Complexes by Stepwise Metalation of a Macrocyclic Tetraimidazolium Salt
Authors: Schulte to Brinke Christian , Hahn F. Ekkehardt
Published: June 2015

A series of trinuclear heterobimetallic AuI/M2 (M = RhIII, IrIII, RuII) complexes were prepared by the stepwise and selective metalation of a rigid cyclic tetraimidazolium salt. Reaction of the tetraimidazolium salt with exactly 1 equivalent of silver oxide and transmetalation of the dicarbene ligand to AuI yielded selectively a mononuclear AuI complex. This complex features an CNHC–Au–CNHC unit obtained by coordination of two N‐heterocyclic carbene (NHC) donors placed in diagonal positions within the macrocycle and two non‐metalated imidazolium moieties. Subsequent metalation of these imidazolium groups yielded heterobimetallic complexes (AuI/RhIII2, AuI/IrIII2, and AuI/RuII2) with Au···M separations shorter than 5.5 Å.
Endocrine-disrupting effect of the ultraviolet filter benzophenone-3 in zebrafish, Danio rerio
Authors: Kinnberg Karin L. , Petersen Gitte I. , Albrektsen Mette , Minghlani Mita , Awad Suad Mohamud , Holbech Bente F. , Green John W. , Bjerregaard Poul , Holbech Henrik
Published: June 2015

The chemical ultraviolet (UV) filter benzophenone-3 (BP-3) is suspected to be an endocrine disruptor based on results from in vitro and in vivo testing. However, studies including endpoints of endocrine adversity are lacking. The present study investigated the potential endocrine-disrupting effects of BP-3 in zebrafish (Danio rerio) in the Fish Sexual Development Test (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development TG 234) and a 12-d adult male zebrafish study. In TG 234, exposure from 0 d to 60 d posthatch caused a monotone dose-dependent skewing of the phenotypic sex ratio toward fewer males and more female zebrafish (no observed effect concentration [NOEC]: 191 μg/L, lowest observed effect concentration [LOEC]: 388 μg/L). Besides, gonad maturation was affected in both female fish (NOEC 191 μg/L, LOEC 388 μg/L) and male fish (NOEC 388 μg/L, LOEC 470 μg/L). Exposure to BP-3 did not affect the vitellogenin concentration in TG 234. After 12 d exposure of adult male zebrafish, a slight yet significant increase in the vitellogenin concentration was observed at 268 μg/L but not at 63 μg/L and 437 μg/L BP-3. Skewing of the sex ratio is a marker of an endocrine-mediated mechanism as well as a marker of adversity, and therefore the conclusion of the present study is that BP-3 is an endocrine-disrupting chemical in accordance with the World Health Organization's definition. Environ Toxicol Chem 2015;34:2833–2840. © 2015 SETAC
Species-specific mercury bioaccumulation in a diverse fish community
Authors: Donald David B. , Wissel Björn , Anas M.U. Mohamed
Published: June 2015

Mercury bioaccumulation models developed for fish provide insight into the sources and transfer of Hg within ecosystems. Mercury concentrations were assessed for 16 fish species of the western reach of Lake Diefenbaker, Saskatchewan, Canada. For top predators (northern pike, Esox Lucius; walleye, Sander vitreum), Hg concentrations were positively correlated to δ15N, and δ15N to fish age, suggesting that throughout life these fish fed on organisms with increasingly higher trophic values and Hg concentrations. However, fish mass and/or age were the principal parameters related to Hg concentrations for most species. For 9 common species combined, individual variation in Hg concentration was explained in declining order of importance by fish mass, trophic position (δ15N), and fish age. Delta 15N value was not the leading variable related to Hg concentration for the assemblage, probably because of the longevity of lower­–trophic-level species (3 species ≥ 20 yr), substantial overlap in Hg concentration and δ15N values for large-bodied fish up to 3000 g, and complex relationships between Hg concentration and δ15N among species. These results suggest that the quantity of food (and Hg) consumed each year and converted to fish mass, the quantity of Hg bioaccumulated over years and decades, and trophic position were significant determinants of Hg concentration in Lake Diefenbaker fish. Environ Toxicol Chem 2015;34:2846–2855. © 2015 SETAC
Effect of brick kiln emissions on commonly used vegetables of Kashmir Valley
Authors: Skinder Bhat M. , Sheikh Afeefa Q. , Pandit Ashok K. , Ganai Bashir A. , Kuchy Aashiq H.
Published: June 2015

To study the impact of brick kiln emissions on plant growth and productivity, a study was conducted on various biochemical parameters of three main vegetables Brassica oleracea L., Phaseolus vulgaris L., and Solanum melongena L. cultivated in the vicinity of the brick kiln area of the Panzan village of district Budgam (J&K). Plants in the vicinity of brick kilns are direct recipients of emissions and therefore important materials for assessing potential effects of kiln pollutants. The biochemical values of all the three vegetables of the brick kiln site when compared to the control site are significantly (P ≤ 0.05) different. The findings of the present work depict that the brick kilns are the prime reason for the deterioration of important consumable vegetables, which could lead to chaos in the food security of the area in concern besides a threat to local people in terms of health if proper pollution control devices or the replacement of brick kilns are not put in place with new technology.
Na+/H+ exchanger regulatory factor 1 knockout mice have an attenuated hepatic inflammatory response and are protected from cholestatic liver injury
Authors: Li Man , Mennone Albert , Soroka Carol J. , Hagey Lee R. , Ouyang Xinshou , Weinman Edward J. , Boyer James L.
Published: June 2015

The intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM‐1) is induced in mouse liver after bile duct ligation (BDL) and plays a key role in neutrophil‐mediated liver injury in BDL mice. ICAM‐1 has been shown to interact with cytoskeletal ezrin‐radixin‐moesin (ERM) proteins that also interact with the PDZ protein, Na+/H+ exchanger regulatory factor 1 (NHERF‐1/EBP50). In NHERF‐1−/− mice, ERM proteins are significantly reduced in brush‐border membranes from kidney and small intestine. ERM knockdown reduces ICAM‐1 expression in response to tumor necrosis factor alpha. Here we show that NHERF‐1 assembles ERM proteins, ICAM‐1 and F‐actin into a macromolecule complex that is increased in mouse liver after BDL. Compared to wild‐type (WT) mice, both sham‐operated and BDL NHERF‐1−/− mice have lower levels of activated ERM and ICAM‐1 protein in the liver accompanied by significantly reduced hepatic neutrophil accumulation, serum alanine aminotransferase, and attenuated liver injury after BDL. However, total bile acid concentrations in serum and liver of sham and BDL NHERF‐1−/− mice were not significantly different from WT controls, although hepatic tetrahydroxylated bile acids and Cyp3a11 messenger RNA levels were higher in NHERF‐1−/− BDL mice. Conclusion: NHERF‐1 participates in the inflammatory response that is associated with BDL‐induced liver injury. Deletion of NHERF‐1 in mice leads to disruption of the formation of ICAM‐1/ERM/NHERF‐1 complex and reduction of hepatic ERM proteins and ICAM‐1, molecules that are up‐regulated and are essential for neutrophil‐mediated liver injury in cholestasis. Further study of the role of NHERF‐1 in the inflammatory response in cholestasis and other forms of liver injury should lead to discovery of new therapeutic targets in hepatic inflammatory diseases. (Hepatology 2015;62:1227‐1236)
Histone deacetylase 4 promotes cholestatic liver injury in the absence of prohibitin‐1
Authors: Barbier‐Torres Lucía , Beraza Naiara , Fernández‐Tussy Pablo , Lopitz‐Otsoa Fernando , Fernández‐Ramos David , Zubiete‐Franco Imanol , Varela‐Rey Marta , Delgado Teresa C. , Gutiérrez Virginia , Anguita Juan , Pares Albert , Banales Jesús M. , Villa Erica , Caballería Juan , Alvarez Luis , Lu Shelly C. , Mato Jose M. , Martínez‐Chantar María Luz
Published: June 2015

Prohibitin‐1 (PHB1) is an evolutionarily conserved pleiotropic protein that participates in diverse processes depending on its subcellular localization and interactome. Recent data have indicated a diverse role for PHB1 in the pathogenesis of obesity, cancer, and inflammatory bowel disease, among others. Data presented here suggest that PHB1 is also linked to cholestatic liver disease. Expression of PHB1 is markedly reduced in patients with primary biliary cirrhosis and biliary atresia or with Alagille syndrome, two major pediatric cholestatic conditions. In the experimental model of bile duct ligation, silencing of PHB1 induced liver fibrosis, reduced animal survival, and induced bile duct proliferation. Importantly, the modulatory effect of PHB1 is not dependent on its known mitochondrial function. Also, PHB1 interacts with histone deacetylase 4 (HDAC4) in the presence of bile acids. Hence, PHB1 depletion leads to increased nuclear HDAC4 content and its associated epigenetic changes. Remarkably, HDAC4 silencing and the administration of the HDAC inhibitor parthenolide during obstructive cholestasis in vivo promote genomic reprogramming, leading to regression of the fibrotic phenotype in liver‐specific Phb1 knockout mice. Conclusion: PHB1 is an important mediator of cholestatic liver injury that regulates the activity of HDAC4, which controls specific epigenetic markers; these results identify potential novel strategies to treat liver injury and fibrosis, particularly as a consequence of chronic cholestasis. (Hepatology 2015;62:1237‐1248)
When Feedback Interventions Backfire: Why Higher Performance Feedback May Result in Lower Self‐Perceived Competence and Satisfaction with Performance
Authors: Luffarelli Jonathan , Gonçalves Dilney , Stamatogiannakis Antonios
Published: June 2015

In relative performance evaluation systems, appraisers may choose to adopt stricter or laxer evaluation criteria. When laxer (vs. stricter) criteria are used, higher absolute performance evaluations become easier (vs. harder) to achieve. Thus, each appraisee's absolute performance feedback and the mean of the distribution of absolute performance feedback are shifted upward (vs. downward). Yet, relative performance remains constant. When evaluation outcomes depend solely on relative performance, can the adoption of laxer (vs. stricter) criteria—leading to higher absolute performance feedback but no change in relative performance—influence appraisees’ satisfaction with performance? Despite the ubiquity of such systems in organizations, research has not addressed this question. This article points to an important gap between practitioners’ beliefs and research findings. We show that while most appraisers believe that higher absolute performance feedback will automatically result in more satisfaction with performance, the opposite may also happen. Specifically, we find that appraisees with a stronger (vs. weaker) chronic or contextual need to engage in social comparison are more satisfied with lower (vs. higher) absolute performance feedback. Overall, we demonstrate why and how feedback interventions in relative performance evaluation systems may backfire, and suggest a set of practical guidelines for maximizing appraisees’ satisfaction with performance in such systems. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Comparison of sequential drug release in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Sundararaj Sharath C. , Al‐Sabbagh Mohanad , Rabek Cheryl L. , Dziubla Thomas D. , Thomas Mark V. , Puleo David A.
Published: June 2015

Development of drug‐delivery devices typically involves characterizing in vitro release performance with the inherent assumption that this will closely approximate in vivo performance. Yet, as delivery devices become more complex, for instance with a sequential drug release pattern, it is important to confirm that in vivo properties correlate with the expected “programming” achieved in vitro. In this work, a systematic comparison between in vitro and in vivo biomaterial erosion and sequential release was performed for a multilayered association polymer system comprising cellulose acetate phthalate and Pluronic F‐127. After assessing the materials during incubation in phosphate‐buffered saline, devices were implanted supracalvarially in rats. Devices with two different doses and with different erosion rates were harvested at increasing times post‐implantation, and the in vivo thickness loss, mass loss, and the drug release profiles were compared with their in vitro counterparts. The sequential release of four different drugs observed in vitro was successfully translated to in vivo conditions. Results suggest, however, that the total erosion time of the devices was longer and that release rates of the four drugs were different, with drugs initially released more quickly and then more slowly in vivo. Many comparative studies of in vitro and in vivo drug release from biodegradable polymers involved a single drug, whereas this research demonstrated that sequential release of four drugs can be maintained following implantation. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 104B: 1302–1310, 2016.
Methylenetetrahydrofolate Reductase CpG Islands: Epigenotyping
Authors: Wei Loo Keat , Sutherland Heidi , Au Anthony , Camilleri Emily , Haupt Larisa M , Gan Siew Hua , Griffiths Lyn R
Published: June 2015

Background

Determination of the differential DNA methylation patterns of methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) that are associated with differential MTHFR activity is important to understand the pathogenesis of ischemic stroke. However, to date, no data are available on the differential DNA methylation profiles of Kelantanese Malays. Therefore, we developed a rapid and efficient serial pyrosequencing assay to determine differential DNA methylation profiles of MTHFR, which help to further our understanding of the pathogenesis of ischemic stroke. The developed assay also served as the validation platform for our previous computational epigenetic research on MTHFR.

Methods

Polymerase chain reaction primers were designed and validated to specifically amplify the cytosine that is followed by guanine residues (CpGs) A and B regions. Prior epigenotyping on 110 Kelantanese Malays, the serial pyrosequencing assays for the CpGs A and B regions were validated using five validation controls. The mean values of the DNA methylation profiles of CpGs A and B were calculated.

Results

The mean DNA methylation levels for CpGs A and B were 0.984 ± 0.582 and 2.456 ± 1.406, respectively. The CpGs 8 and 20 showed the highest (5.581 ± 4.497) and the lowest (0.414 ± 2.814) levels of DNA methylation at a single‐base resolution.

Conclusion

We have successfully developed and validated a pyrosequencing assay that is fast and can yield high‐quality pyrograms for DNA methylation analysis and is therefore applicable to high throughput study. Using this newly developed pyrosequencing assay, the MTHFR DNA methylation profiles of 110 Kelantanese Malays were successfully determined. It also validated our computational epigenetic research on MTHFR.
Cu(I)‐Catalyzed Regioselective and Highly Efficient One‐Pot Synthesis of Novel 1,2,3‐Triazoles Decorated with Pyridine and Heterocyclic Amines
Authors: Kushwaha Khushbu , Vashist Monika , Chand Mahesh , Jain Subhash C.
Published: June 2015

An efficient one‐pot synthesis of 1,2,3‐triazoles via the three‐component coupling reaction between propargyl bromide, secondary amines, and 3‐azidopyridine in the presence of CuI as catalyst has been presented. The reaction is highly regioselective and afforded novel 1,4‐disubstituted‐1,2,3‐triazoles in excellent yields by the [3 + 2] Huisgen cycloaddition reaction. This method avoids isolation and handling of terminal acetylenes. The ease of purification has made this methodology clean and safe for the synthesis of 1,2,3‐triazoles with a broad scope.
3,4‐Bis(bromomethyl)thieno[2,3‐b]thiophene: Versatile Precursors for Novel Bis(triazolothiadiazines), Bis(quinoxalines), Bis(dihydrooxadiazoles), and Bis(dihydrothiadiazoles)
Authors: Sayed Osama M. , Mekky Ahmed E. M. , Farag Ahmad M. , Elwahy Ahmed H. M.
Published: June 2015

A synthesis of novel bis(triazolothiadiazines) 11, 12, 13, 14, bis(quinoxalines) 16 and 17, bis(thiadiazoles) 24 and 25, and bis(oxadiazole) 31, which are linked to the thieno[2,3‐b]thiophene core via phenoxymethyl group, was reported. Thus, reaction of the bis(α‐bromoketones) 6 and 7 with the corresponding 4‐amino‐3‐mercapto‐1,2,4‐triazole derivatives 8, 9, 10 in ethanol–DMF mixture in the presence of a few drops of triethylamine as a catalyst under reflux afforded the novel bis(5,6‐dihydro‐s‐triazolo[3,4‐b]thiadiazines) 11, 12, 13, 14 in 60–72% yields. The bis(quinoxalines) 16 and 17 were also synthesized as a sole product in high yields by the reaction of 6 and 7 with o‐phenylenediamine 15 in refluxing acetonitrile in the presence of piperidine as a catalyst. Cyclization of the bis(aldehyde thiosemicarbazones) 20 and 21 with acetic anhydride afforded the corresponding bis(4,5‐dihydro‐1,3,4‐thiadiazolyl) derivatives 24 and 25 in good yield. Bis(5‐phenyl‐2,3‐dihydro‐1,3,4‐oxadiazole) derivative 31 could be obtained in 67% yield by cyclization of the appropriate bis(N‐phenylhydrazone) 29 in refluxing acetic anhydride for 3 h.
In vivo breath‐hold 1H MRS simultaneous estimation of liver proton density fat fraction, and T1 and T2 of water and fat, with a multi‐TR, multi‐TE sequence
Authors: Hamilton Gavin , Middleton Michael S. , Hooker Jonathan C. , Haufe William M. , Forbang Nketi I. , Allison Matthew A. , Loomba Rohit , Sirlin Claude B.
Published: June 2015

Purpose

To examine the intra‐examination repeatability of proton density fat fraction (PDFF) and T1 and T2 of liver water and fat as estimated by a novel multi‐repetition time (TR)‐echo time (TE) 1H magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS)‐stimulated echo acquisition mode (STEAM) sequence that acquires 32 spectra for a range of TRs and TEs in single breath‐hold.

Materials and Methods

Sixty‐seven subjects undergoing liver MRI examinations at 3T had three multi‐TR‐TE sequences acquired consecutively in a single session. This sequence was designed to allow accurate estimation of T1 and T2 of both water and fat, as well as PDFF, in a single breath‐hold. A standard long‐TR, multi‐TE sequence was also acquired to allow comparison of estimated PDFF. Regression and interclass correlation (ICC) analyses were performed.

Results

There was strong agreement between PDFF estimated by the multi‐TR‐TE and long‐TR, multi‐TE sequences (slope 0.997; intercept −0.03; R = 0.997). The multi‐TR‐TE sequence had high repeatability for estimating PDFF (ICC = 0.999), water T2 (ICC = 0.920), water T1 (ICC = 0.845), and fat T2 (ICC = 0.760), and moderate repeatability for estimating fat T1 (ICC = 0.556).

Conclusion

A novel multi‐TR‐TE sequence can estimate PDFF and water and fat T1 and T2 in a single breath‐hold. Refinement may be needed to improve repeatability for fat T1 estimation. J. MAGN. RESON. IMAGING 2015;42:1538–1543.
Prevalence of human papillomavirus types in cervical cancerous and precancerous lesions of Ecuadorian women
Authors: Mejía Lorena , Muñoz Diana , Trueba Gabriel , Tinoco Leopoldo , Zapata Sonia
Published: June 2015

Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted infection worldwide and it is responsible for most cases of uterine cancer. In Ecuador there is limited information about HPV types (and variants) in cancerous lesions; however, identifying the type‐specific HPV prevalence in cervical lesions of women living in Ecuador is important to better predict the impact of HPV prophylactic vaccination in this country. We studied the prevalence of HPV types in cervical cancerous or precancerous lesions from 164 Ecuadorian women and found that 86.0% were HPV positive. The most common types were HPV16 (41.8%) and HPV58 (30.5%). Interestingly, HPV18 was detected only in 2.8% of the HPV‐positive samples. Fifteen DNA sequences (genes E6 and L1) from 16 samples positive for HPV16 belonged to the European lineage, considered one of the least carcinogenic lineages, and 1 (6.25%) to the Asian‐American lineage. Similar analysis in 12 HPV58 positive samples showed that 10 (83.3%) sequences grouped in sublineage A2, which belongs to the oldest HPV58 lineage, 1 belonged to A3 and 1 to lineage C. This study suggests that the currently used HPV vaccines (bivalent and tetravalent) may have lower effectiveness in Ecuador than in other geographic locations where HPV18 is more prevalent. J. Med. Virol. 88:144–152, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Experimental determination of CO2 diffusion coefficient in aqueous solutions under pressure at room temperature via Raman spectroscopy: impact of salinity (NaCl)
Authors: Belgodere Clément , Dubessy Jean , Vautrin Denis , Caumon Marie‐Camille , Sterpenich Jérôme , Pironon Jacques , Robert Pascal , Randi Aurélien , Birat Jean‐Pierre
Published: June 2015

The accurate determination of the diffusion coefficient of dissolved CO2 in aqueous solutions is a key parameter to predict the transport of the dissolved gas in the aqueous solution of porous aquifers and caprocks in the context of the mitigation of greenhouse gases emissions. A better understanding of the diffusion kinetics of dissolved CO2 as a function of subsurface conditions is essential to ensure the integrity of CO2 storage in saline aquifers. Experimental data are available to predict the CO2 diffusion kinetics as a function of temperature and pressure. However, the impact of salinity on CO2 diffusivity is still poorly documented. In this work, the diffusion coefficients of dissolved CO2 were determined using in situ Raman microspectrometry in Fused Silica Capillaries in a range of salinity from 0.0 to 6.0 molNaCl kg−1H2O. The diffusion coefficient of CO2 dissolved in pure water at 21 ± 1 °C and 40 bar is 1.71 × 10−9 ± 0.06 m2 s−1. In the same conditions of pressure and temperature, the diffusion coefficient of dissolved CO2 decreases with salinity increase: from 0.0 to 6.0 molNaCl kg−1H2O (the diffusion kinetics of dissolved CO2 is divided by two). Consequently, the impact of salinity on the diffusion coefficient of dissolved CO2 must be taken into account to evaluate the transport of dissolved gases in the brine of the reservoir and caprock. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A Raman technique applicable for the analysis of the working principle of promoters and inhibitors of gas hydrate formation
Authors: Braeuer Andreas , Hankel Robert Fabian , Mehnert Markus Konstantin , Schuster Julian Jonathan , Will Stefan
Published: June 2015

We report a Raman technique applicable for the in situ analysis of the development of hydrogen bonds in the liquid water‐rich phase just before the onset of gas hydrate formation. Herewith, the phase transition as well as the working principle of hydrate formation inhibitors and promoters can be analyzed. © 2015 The Authors. Journal of Raman Spectroscopy published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Reactivity change of IgE to buckwheat protein treated with high‐pressure and enzymatic hydrolysis
Authors: Lee Chaeyoon , In Sooyeon , Han Youngshin , Oh Sangsuk
Published: June 2015

BACKGROUND

Buckwheat is a popular food material in eastern Asian countries that can cause allergenic response. This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of hydrolysis with papain and high‐pressure (HP) treatment of buckwheat protein (BWP) on reactivity of immunoglobulin E (IgE) and its secondary structure.

RESULTS

Reactivity of IgE was examined by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) with serum samples from 16 patients allergic to buckwheat. Reactivity of IgE to hydrolysate of BWP with papain showed a maximum decrease of 79.8%. After HP treatment at 600 MPa for 1 min, reactivity of IgE to BWP decreased by up to 55.1%. When extracted, BWP was hydrolyzed with papain overnight following HP treatment at 600 MPa which the reactivity of IgE decreased significantly by up to 87.1%. Significant changes in secondary structure of BWP were observed by circular dichroism (CD) analysis after hydrolysis with papain following HP treatment.

CONCLUSION

Reduction of reactivity of IgE showed a correlation with changes in secondary structure of BWP, which may cause changes in conformational epitopes. This suggests the possibility of decreasing the reactivity of IgE to BWP using combined physical and enzymatic treatments. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry
Polarization‐free directional coupling of surface plasmon polaritons
Authors: Chen Jianjun , Sun Chengwei , Rong Kexiu , Li Hongyun , Gong Qihuang
Published: June 2015

Surface plasmon polaritons (SPPs) have sparked enormous interest on nanophotonics beyond the diffraction limit for their remarkable capabilities of subwavelength confinements and strong enhancements. Due to the inherent polarization sensitivity of the SPPs [transverse‐magnetic (TM) polarization], it is a great challenge to couple the s‐polarized free‐space light to the SPPs. Here, an ultrasmall defect aperture (<λ2/2) is designed to directionally couple both the p‐ and s‐polarized incident beams to the single SPP mode in a broad bandwidth, which is guided by a subwavelength plasmonic waveguide. Simulations show that hot spots emerge at the sharp corners of the defect aperture when the incident beams illuminate it from the back side. The strong radiative fields from the hot spots are directionally coupled to the SPP mode because of the symmetry breaking of the defect aperture. By adjusting the structural parameters, both the unidirectional and bidirectional SPP coupling from the two orthogonal linear‐polarization incident beams are experimentally demonstrated. The polarization‐free coupling of the SPPs is of importance in circuits for fully optical processing of information with a deep‐subwavelength footprint.

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One‐Pot Formation of ZnO‐graft‐Poly(d,l‐Lactide) Hybrid Systems via Microwave‐Assisted Polymerization of d,l‐Lactide in the Presence of ZnO Nanoparticles
Authors: Rodríguez‐Tobías Heriberto , Morales Graciela , Olivas Amelia , Grande Daniel
Published: June 2015

The surface modification of inorganic nanoparticles by polymer grafting is generally required for obtaining well dispersed polymer‐based (bio)nanocomposites, and the in situ polymerization of corresponding monomers is considered to be a versatile approach to this purpose. In this work, the microwave‐assisted ring‐opening polymerization of d,l‐lactide in the presence of zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles affords an original and straightforward method for generating ZnO‐graft‐poly(d,l‐lactide) hybrid systems. The influence of ZnO particle size and concentration on polymerization kinetics and molar masses of free poly(d,l‐lactide) (PLA) chains is analyzed. Several physico‐chemical techniques, including proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR), Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and thermogravimetric analysis, are used to characterize intermediates and/or reaction products. Taking into account the kinetic and spectroscopic investigation, competitive chemical pathways based on grafting from and grafting onto reactions are proposed for the one‐pot formation of PLA‐grafted ZnO nanoparticles.

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Degenerated shell element with composite implicit time integration scheme for geometric nonlinear analysis
Authors: Zhang Jie , Liu Donghuan , Liu Yinghua
Published: June 2015

A degenerated shell element with composite implicit time integration scheme is developed in the present paper to solve the geometric nonlinear large deformation and dynamics problems of shell structures. The degenerated shell element is established based on the eight‐node solid element, where the nodal forces, mass matrices, and stiffness matrices are firstly obtained upon virtual velocity principle and then translated to the shell element. The strain field is modified based on the mixed interpolation of tensorial components method to eliminate the shear locking, and the constitutive relation is modified to satisfy the shell assumptions. A simple and practical computational method for nonlinear dynamic response is developed by embedding the composite implicit time integration scheme into the degenerated shell element, where the composite scheme combines the trapezoidal rule with the three‐point backward Euler method. The developed approach can not only keep the momentum and energy conservation and decay the high frequency modes but also lead to a symmetrical stiffness matrix. Numerical results show that the developed degenerated shell element with the composite implicit time integration scheme is capable of solving the geometric nonlinear large deformation and dynamics problems of the shell structures with momentum and energy conservation and/or decay. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Lithium Insertion Mechanism in Iron‐Based Oxyfluorides with Anionic Vacancies Probed by PDF Analysis
Authors: Dambournet Damien , Chapman Karena W. , Duttine Mathieu , Borkiewicz Olaf , Chupas Peter J. , Groult Henri
Published: June 2015

The mechanism of lithium insertion that occurs in an iron oxyfluoride sample with a hexagonal–tungsten–bronze (HTB)‐type structure was investigated by the pair distribution function. This study reveals that upon lithiation, the HTB framework collapses to yield disordered rutile and rock salt phases followed by a conversion reaction of the fluoride phase toward lithium fluoride and nanometer‐sized metallic iron. The occurrence of anionic vacancies in the pristine framework was shown to strongly impact the electrochemical activity, that is, the reversible capacity scales with the content of anionic vacancies. Similar to FeOF‐type electrodes, upon de‐lithiation, a disordered rutile phase forms, showing that the anionic chemistry dictates the atomic arrangement of the re‐oxidized phase. Finally, it was shown that the nanoscaling and structural rearrangement induced by the conversion reaction allow the in situ formation of new electrode materials with enhanced electrochemical properties.
c‐Met identifies a population of matrix metalloproteinase 9‐producing monocytes in peritumoural stroma of hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Zhao Lan , Wu Yan , Xie Xu‐Dong , Chu Yi‐Fan , Li Jin‐Qing , Zheng Limin
Published: June 2015

Macrophages (Mϕ) are prominent components of solid tumours and exhibit distinct phenotypes in different microenvironments. Previously, we found that tumours could alter the normal developmental process of Mϕ to trigger transient activation of monocytes in the peritumoural stroma of human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). In the present study, we showed that a fraction of monocytes in the peritumoural stroma, but not in HCC cancer nests, expressed surface c‐Met molecules. Monocytes exposed to tumours strongly expressed c‐Met proteins with kinetics similar to their activation status, and significant correlations were found between c‐Met levels and HLA‐DR expression on tumour‐infiltrating monocytes. NF‐κB‐mediated autocrine TNF‐α stimulated the expression of c‐Met on activated monocytes, and by interacting with its ligand hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), c‐Met increased the motility and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) 9‐producing capacity of tumour‐associated monocytes. The intensity of c‐Met expression on tumour‐infiltrating monocytes was associated with high mortality and reduced survival of patients with HCC. Therefore, the expression of c‐Met on activated monocytes/Mϕ may represent a novel mechanism by which a tumour actively and precisely regulates the distribution and functions of these cells to facilitate disease progression. Copyright © 2015 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Loss of keratin 19 favours the development of cholestatic liver disease through decreased ductular reaction
Authors: Chen Yu , Guldiken Nurdan , Spurny Manuela , Mohammed Hawraman HA , Haybaeck Johannes , Pollheimer Marion J , Fickert Peter , Gassler Nikolaus , Jeon Min Kyung , Trautwein Christian , Strnad Pavel
Published: June 2015

Keratins (K) are cytoprotective proteins and keratin mutations predispose to the development of multiple human diseases. K19 represents the most widely used marker of biliary and hepatic progenitor cells as well as a marker of ductular reaction that constitutes the basic regenerative response to chronic liver injury. In the present study, we investigated the role of K19 in biliary and hepatic progenitor cells and its importance for ductular reaction. K19 wild‐type (WT) and knockout (KO) mice were fed: (a) 3,5‐diethoxycarbonyl‐1,4‐dihydrocollidine (DDC); (b) cholic acid (CA); (c) a choline‐deficient, ethionine‐supplemented (CDE) diet; or (d) were subjected to common bile duct ligation (CBDL). The bile composition, liver damage, bile duct proliferation, oval cell content and biliary fibrosis were analysed. In untreated animals, loss of K19 led to redistribution of the K network in biliary epithelial cells (BECs) but to no obvious biliary phenotype. After DDC feeding, K19 KO mice exhibited (compared to WTs): (a) increased cholestasis; (b) less pronounced ductular reaction with reduced ductular proliferation and fewer oval cells; (c) impaired Notch 2 signalling in BECs; (d) lower biliary fibrosis score and biliary bicarbonate concentration. An attenuated oval cell proliferation in K19 KOs was also found after feeding with the CDE diet. K19 KOs subjected to CBDL displayed lower BEC proliferation, oval cell content and less prominent Notch 2 signal. K19 deficiency did not change the extent of CA‐ or CBDL‐induced liver injury and fibrosis. Our results demonstrate that K19 plays an important role in the ductular reaction and might be of importance in multiple chronic liver disorders that frequently display a ductular reaction. Copyright © 2015 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cancer survivors in the first year after treatment: the prevalence and correlates of unmet needs in different domains
Authors: Willems Roy A. , Bolman Catherine A. W. , Mesters Ilse , Kanera Iris M. , Beaulen Audrey A. J. M. , Lechner Lilian
Published: June 2015

Objective

To explore cancer survivors' unmet needs in the first year after primary treatment, and to investigate the relationship between demographic, disease‐related, and psychosocial characteristics and the number of unmet needs in different domains.

Methods

Cancer survivors were recruited through eight Dutch hospitals (November 2012–January 2013). In a cross‐sectional survey, 255 survivors were asked about unmet needs across several domains (CaSUN) and demographic, disease‐related, and psychosocial characteristics, comprising quality of life (EORTC QLQ‐C30), psychological distress (HADS), mental adjustment (MAC), and problem solving (SPSI‐R:S).

Results

Sixty‐three percent of survivors reported one or more unmet needs (M = 5.13, SD = 6.98, range = 0–34). Common unmet needs concerned emotional support (31.3%), smoking cessation (26.7% of smokers), managing side effects/complications (25.9%), fear of recurrence (23.0%), cancer care (22.0%), social support (22.0%), up‐to‐date information (19.8%), and carrying out work (19.6%). Regression analysis showed that age, higher education, participation in support programs, anxiety, depression, and negative adjustment style correlated positively, while being female, time since last treatment, and quality of life correlated negatively with the number of unmet needs. Lower number of unmet needs also accounted for other types of cancer (except colon cancer) than breast cancer. These relationships differed per need domain.

Conclusions

The heterogeneity in unmet needs complicates the provision of adequate support for survivors. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Peer mentorship to promote physical activity among cancer survivors: effects on quality of life
Authors: Pinto Bernardine , Stein Kevin , Dunsiger Shira
Published: June 2015

Objective

Physical activity (PA) adoption can improve quality of life (QOL) and related outcomes among breast cancer survivors. To disseminate a telephone‐based PA intervention to cancer survivors, we partnered with the American Cancer Society's Reach To Recovery program (RTR) whose volunteers (breast cancer survivors) provide information and emotional support to breast cancer survivors.

Method

This randomized controlled trial compared the effects of PA telephone counseling delivered by RTR volunteers (PA Plus RTR) versus a contact control condition (RTR Control) in six New England states. RTR volunteers (n = 18; mean age = 54.9 years, mean years since breast cancer diagnosis = 7.0) delivered a 12‐week PA program to help participants adopt 30 min of moderate‐intensity activity ≥5 days/week. Breast cancer survivors (n = 76; mean age = 55.62 years, mean years since diagnosis = 1.11, Stage 0 = 6.58%, Stage 1 = 38.16%, Stage 2 = 44.74%, Stage 3 = 10.53%) were randomized to a study group.

Results

Using a series of generalized linear models, we assessed intervention effects on physical health, physical functioning, mental health, fatigue, and QOL at 12 and 24 weeks, and examined whether these effects were moderated by age, marital status, chemotherapy use, and baseline values of the outcomes. There were no significant intervention effects on the outcomes but there were significant moderator effects of age, chemotherapy use, and baseline physical functioning, physical health, and breast cancer‐specific symptoms (all p's < .05).

Conclusions

Specific demographic and treatment variables and baseline psychosocial health moderate the impact of PA interventions on QOL. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Transforming growth factor‐beta 1 in humidifier disinfectant‐associated children's interstitial lung disease
Authors: Kim Yoon Hee , Kim Kyung Won , Lee Kyung Eun , Lee Mi‐Jung , Kim Sang Kyum , Kim Se Hoon , Shim Hyo Sup , Lee Chang Young , Kim Myung‐Joon , Sohn Myung Hyun , Kim Kyu‐Earn
Published: June 2015

Background

Humidifier disinfectant‐associated children's interstitial lung disease has an unpredictable clinical course with a high morbidity and mortality.

Objectives

To evaluate the differences in clinical findings between survivors and non‐survivors of humidifier disinfectant‐associated children's interstitial lung disease. To evaluate dynamic changes in serum cytokines related to inflammation and fibrosis in lung injury, and to determine whether these changes are predictive of survival in this disease.

Methods

We evaluated 17 children with humidifier disinfectant‐associated children's interstitial lung disease, from whom serum samples were obtained weekly during hospitalization. The severity of chest tomographic and lung pathologic findings was scored. Levels of several cytokines were measured in the serial serum samples.

Results

Seven of the 17 children were survivors. Compared to survivors, non‐survivors had greater ground‐glass attenuation on follow‐up chest tomography, higher admission neutrophil counts, and more macrophages on pathologic findings. Transforming growth factor‐beta 1 persisted at an elevated level (1,000–1,500 pg/ml) in survivors, whereas it decreased abruptly in non‐survivors. At the time of this decrease, non‐survivors had clinical worsening of their respiratory failure. Transforming growth factor‐beta 1 was positively correlated with PaO2/FiO2 (r = 0.481, P < 0.0001).

Conclusions

Non‐survivors exhibited more inflammatory clinical findings than survivors. Transforming growth factor‐beta 1 remained elevated in survivors, suggesting that it affected the clinical course of humidifier disinfectant‐associated children's interstitial lung disease. The prognosis of this lung disease may depend more on controlling excessive inflammation and repairing damaged lung than on fibrosis, and transforming growth factor‐beta 1 may play a key role in this process. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2016;51:173–182. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Achieving data privacy on hybrid cloud
Authors: Huang Xueli , Du Xiaojiang
Published: June 2015

In this paper, we propose a novel scheme that can achieve data privacy by hybrid cloud, which consists of public and private cloud, and reduce storage and computation in private cloud, as well as communication overhead between private and public cloud. Meanwhile, we propose a novel algorithm to process private image data. Our experimental results show that (1) our algorithm achieves data privacy but only takes about 1/1000, time of the Advanced Encryption Standard algorithm and (2) the delay of our hybrid cloud approach (including the private and public cloud communications) is only 3%–5% more compared with the traditional public cloud‐only approach. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
High‐Internal‐Phase Emulsion Tailoring Polymer Amphiphilicity towards an Efficient NIR‐Sensitive Bacteria Filter
Authors: Huang Xiaopeng , Yang Youdi , Shi Jiezhong , Ngo Huynh Thien , Shen Chaohua , Du Wenbin , Wang Yapei
Published: June 2015

Emulsions having a high internal‐phase volume fraction—termed as HIPEs for high internal phase emulsions—are in high demand as templates for functional macroporous materials. Designing molecular surfactants with appropriate amphiphilicity plays a critical role in the HIPE preparation. In this study, successful tailoring of the amphiphilicity of the originally hydrophobic block co‐polymer of polystyrene‐b‐polyvinylpyridine (PS‐b‐P4VP) is reported. In combination with trifluoroacetic acid, less than 5 wt% of the polymer–CF3COOH system is feasible as a surfactant for HIPE preparation; this is lower than the amounts typically needed for commonly used commercial surfactants. Using the HIPEs as templates, well‐defined closed‐ and open‐cell macroporous triacrylate‐based monoliths are fabricated simply through the adjustment of the ratio of the water phase to oil phase. After coating the resulting macroporous material with polypyrrole nanoparticles, the system can be exploited as an NIR‐sensitive filter for bacteria; it not only excludes oversized bacteria, but it also kills the bacteria with the help of NIR‐induced heat.
Meeting the criteria: linking biofilter design to fecal indicator bacteria removal
Authors: Rippy Megan A.
Published: June 2015

The capture, treatment, and reuse of storm‐water runoff are win–win propositions that can lead to improvements in both human water security and ecosystem health. Although not all treatment technologies facilitate the capture, treatment, and reuse of water, biofilters do. Biofilters are engineered analogues of natural systems that use low energy, natural processes to treat stormwater. Biofilter design is closely linked to treatment efficiency. As such, specific design components, such as submerged zones (SZs: saturated, organic‐rich layers near the base of biofilters), can significantly affect contaminant removal. Of particular interest, is the utility of SZ biofilter designs for removing indicators of pathogens, the so‐called fecal indicator bacteria (FIB). FIB exist at high concentrations in stormwater, sometimes several orders of magnitude above recreational, nonpotable reuse, or drinking water standards, and have been identified as one of the primary barriers to stormwater reuse. A comparison of FIB removal values from literature indicates that SZ systems significantly enhance FIB removal (∼10‐fold) relative to other design configurations (p < 0.05). Processes that may contribute to this effect include physicochemical filtration, biofilm formation, and protistan grazing, amongst others. A high degree of synergy exists between processes, and many unknowns remain. Model frameworks developed for evaluation of similarly synergistic systems, including biofilter analogues like the vadose zone, may be useful for addressing these unknowns and informing future biofilter design. WIREs Water 2015, 2:577–592. doi: 10.1002/wat2.1096

This article is categorized under:

Engineering Water > Sustainable Engineering of Water

Engineering Water > Water, Health, and Sanitation
Prosody and language comprehension
Authors: Dahan Delphine
Published: June 2015

This review provides a summary of the most recent advances on the study of how prosody is used during language comprehension. Prosody is characterized as an abstract structure composed of discrete tonal elements aligned with the segmental composition of the sentence organized in constituents of increasing size, and this structure is influenced by the phonological, syntactic, and informational structures of the sentence. Here, we discuss evidence that listeners are affected by prosody when establishing those linguistic structures. Prosody has been shown to influence the segmentation of the utterance into syllables and words, and, in some cases, whether a syllable or word is judged to be present or not. The literature on how prosody informs the structural relationship between words and phrases is also discussed, contrasting views that assume a direct (albeit probabilistic) link between syntax and prosody with those that posit a complex interface between syntax and prosodic structure. Finally, the role of prosody in conveying important aspects pertaining to the sentence's information structure (i.e., which parts of the sentence's meaning are highlighted and brought forward to the discourse, which ones are presupposed and left in the background, which attitudes are being conveyed about the concepts or propositional content) has long been recognized. Current research focuses on which prosodic elements contribute to marking the dimensions (or semantic primitives) of the information structure.WIREs Cogn Sci2015, 6:441–452. doi: 10.1002/wcs.1355

This article is categorized under:

Linguistics > Language in Mind and Brain