bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessing the Validity of Published Randomized Controlled Trials in Podiatric Medical Journals
Authors: Turlik Michael A. , Kushner Donald , Stock Dina
Published: April 2014

The purposes of this study were to develop an instrument to assess the validity of randomized controlled trials and to report on the differences in the validity of randomized controlled trials between two podiatric medical journals and a mainstream medical journal. The study demonstrated that after adequate training, there can be agreement among reviewers evaluating the quality of published randomized controlled trials using an established instrument and guidelines. The results of the study indicate that randomized controlled trials published in podiatric medical journals are less credible than those published in a mainstream medical journal. (J Am Podiatr Med Assoc 93(5): 392-398, 2003)
In Vivo Forces in the Plantar Fascia During the Stance Phase of Gait
Authors: Ward Erin D. , Smith Kevin M. , Cocheba Jay R. , Patterson Patrick E. , Phillips Robert D.
Published: April 2014

Plantar fasciotomies have become commonplace in podiatric and orthopedic medicine for the treatment of plantar fasciitis. However, several complications have been associated with plantar fascial release. It has been speculated that the cause of these complications is excessive release of the plantar fascia. The aim of this project was to determine whether the amount of fascia released, from medial to lateral, causes a significant increase in force in the remaining fascia. A dynamic loading system was developed that allowed a cadaveric specimen to replicate the stance phase of gait. The system was capable of applying appropriate muscle forces to the extrinsic tendons on the foot and replicating the in vivo timing of the muscle activity while applying force to the tibia and fibula from heel strike to toe-off. As the plantar fascia was sequentially released from medial to lateral, from intact to 33% released to 66% released, the real-time force and the duration of force in the remaining fascia increased significantly, and the force was shifted later in propulsion. In addition, the subtalar joint was unable to resupinate as the amount of fascia release increased, indicating a direct relationship between the medial band of the plantar fascia and resupination of the subtalar joint during late midstance and propulsion. (J Am Podiatr Med Assoc 93(6): 429-442, 2003)
Acute and Chronic Renal Failure
Authors: Costa Jonathan , Crausman Robert S. , Weinberg Marc S.
Published: April 2014

Renal failure is defined as a deterioration of kidney function that results in the retention of nitrogenous waste products. It is increasingly prevalent in older populations, individuals with diabetes or hypertension, and postoperative patients. Therefore, podiatric physicians caring for these populations can expect to encounter this condition frequently. This article describes the epidemiology, causes, complications, and appropriate evaluation of renal failure relevant to a practicing podiatric physician. Also highlighted are treatment considerations, renal dosing of medications, and prevention of contrast nephropathy. (J Am Podiatr Med Assoc 94(2): 168-176, 2004)
Primer on Medical Professionalism
Authors: Diaz Joseph A. , Stamp Michael J.
Published: April 2014

Medicine as a profession depends on a unique social contract between the public and health-care professionals. We define professionalism in medicine, provide examples of challenges in professionalism relevant to podiatric medicine, and offer resources on ethics and professionalism in medicine. “Medical professionalism” is the set of attitudes, values, and conduct exhibited by medical providers resulting from placing patients’ and society’s interests above their own. The primacy of patient welfare has been at the core of a set of values held by medical professionals since the drafting of the Hippocratic Oath, and it remains at the center of medical professionalism today. (J Am Podiatr Med Assoc 94(2): 206-209, 2004)
Phosphoinositide-mediated oligomerization of a defensin induces cell lysis
Authors: Poon Ivan KH , Baxter Amy A , Lay Fung T , Mills Grant D , Adda Christopher G , Payne Jennifer AE , Phan Thanh Kha , Ryan Gemma F , White Julie A , Veneer Prem K , van der Weerden Nicole L , Anderson Marilyn A , Kvansakul Marc , Hulett Mark D
Published: April 2014

Cationic antimicrobial peptides (CAPs) such as defensins are ubiquitously found innate immune molecules that often exhibit broad activity against microbial pathogens and mammalian tumor cells. Many CAPs act at the plasma membrane of cells leading to membrane destabilization and permeabilization. In this study, we describe a novel cell lysis mechanism for fungal and tumor cells by the plant defensin NaD1 that acts via direct binding to the plasma membrane phospholipid phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PIP2). We determined the crystal structure of a NaD1:PIP2 complex, revealing a striking oligomeric arrangement comprising seven dimers of NaD1 that cooperatively bind the anionic headgroups of 14 PIP2 molecules through a unique ‘cationic grip’ configuration. Site-directed mutagenesis of NaD1 confirms that PIP2-mediated oligomerization is important for fungal and tumor cell permeabilization. These observations identify an innate recognition system by NaD1 for direct binding of PIP2 that permeabilizes cells via a novel membrane disrupting mechanism.
RNA structures that resist degradation by Xrn1 produce a pathogenic Dengue virus RNA
Authors: Chapman Erich G , Moon Stephanie L , Wilusz Jeffrey , Kieft Jeffrey S
Published: April 2014

Dengue virus is a growing global health threat. Dengue and other flaviviruses commandeer the host cell’s RNA degradation machinery to generate the small flaviviral RNA (sfRNA), a noncoding RNA that induces cytopathicity and pathogenesis. Host cell exonuclease Xrn1 likely loads on the 5′ end of viral genomic RNA and degrades processively through ∼10 kB of RNA, halting near the 3′ end of the viral RNA. The surviving RNA is the sfRNA. We interrogated the architecture of the complete Dengue 2 sfRNA, identifying five independently-folded RNA structures, two of which quantitatively confer Xrn1 resistance. We developed an assay for real-time monitoring of Xrn1 resistance that we used with mutagenesis and RNA folding experiments to show that Xrn1-resistant RNAs adopt a specific fold organized around a three-way junction. Disrupting the junction’s fold eliminates the buildup of disease-related sfRNAs in human cells infected with a flavivirus, directly linking RNA structure to sfRNA production.
A conserved MCM single-stranded DNA binding element is essential for replication initiation
Authors: Froelich Clifford A , Kang Sukhyun , Epling Leslie B , Bell Stephen P , Enemark Eric J
Published: April 2014

The ring-shaped MCM helicase is essential to all phases of DNA replication. The complex loads at replication origins as an inactive double-hexamer encircling duplex DNA. Helicase activation converts this species to two active single hexamers that encircle single-stranded DNA (ssDNA). The molecular details of MCM DNA interactions during these events are unknown. We determined the crystal structure of the Pyrococcus furiosus MCM N-terminal domain hexamer bound to ssDNA and define a conserved MCM-ssDNA binding motif (MSSB). Intriguingly, ssDNA binds the MCM ring interior perpendicular to the central channel with defined polarity. In eukaryotes, the MSSB is conserved in several Mcm2-7 subunits, and MSSB mutant combinations in S. cerevisiae Mcm2-7 are not viable. Mutant Mcm2-7 complexes assemble and are recruited to replication origins, but are defective in helicase loading and activation. Our findings identify an important MCM-ssDNA interaction and suggest it functions during helicase activation to select the strand for translocation.
Mechanical integrity and environmental reliability of a single wall carbon nanotube as a flexible transparent conducting electrode
Authors: Eun Kyoungtae , Lee Eun Kyung , Lee Mi Kyoung , Kim Kyunnyun , Kim Wonhyo , Shin Kwonwoo , Choa Sung-Hoon
Published: April 2014

We investigated a single wall carbon nanotube (SWCNT) electrode as a potential flexible transparent conducting electrode. The mechanical integrity of an SWCNT electrode spray-coated onto a polyethylene terephthalate substrate was investigated via outer/inner bending, twisting, stretching, and adhesion tests. In particular, its environmental reliability under high-temperature and high-humidity conditions was characterized. The spray-coated SWCNT electrode showed a sheet resistance of 200 Ω/square and a transparency of 83%. The SWCNT electrode showed a constant resistance change (ΔR/R
0) within an outer and inner bending radius of 2.5 mm. The bending fatigue test showed that the SWCNT electrode can withstand 10,000 bending cycles at a bending radius of 5 mm. Furthermore, the resistance change of the stretched SWCNT electrode was fairly constant up to a strain of 5%, which is quite stable compared with the resistance change of conventional amorphous indium tin oxide electrodes. The SWCNT electrode also showed good adhesion strength. The environmental storage test at a high temperature (85 °C) indicated that change in the electrical resistance of the SWCNT electrode is less than 9% after 100 h test. In the environmental reliability tests at 85% relative humidity (RH) and 60 °C/90% RH, the ΔR/R
0 of the SWCNT electrode was very small. These results indicate that the SWCNT electrode has good environmental stability.
Reduced electrical resistivity in TiO2:Nb/ZnO:Ga film by thermal annealing
Authors: Yamada Yasuji , Funaki Shuhei , Ichiyanagi Seiji , Kikuchi Hiroki , Inoue Sota
Published: April 2014

Layered films consisting of transparent conducting oxides, Ga-doped ZnO (GZO) and Nb-doped TiO2 (TNO), were fabricated on glass substrates and their electrical properties were investigated. As-deposited TNO/GZO films showed the mean resistivity of TNO and GZO films. Thermal annealing reduced the resistivity of these films; however, TNO/GZO films exhibited the lowest value among them. The carrier concentration and Hall mobility of TNO/GZO films increased with the reduction in electrical resistivity. The thickness dependence, annealing temperature dependence, and crystalline orientation of the TNO and GZO layers in TNO/GZO films indicated that the improvement of the electrical properties of the GZO underlayer contributed to the resistivity reduction behavior of TNO/GZO films induced by thermal annealing.
Turbulent magnetic field fluctuations in Saturn's magnetosphere
Authors: von Papen M. , Saur J. , Alexandrova O.
Published: March 2014

We analyze the statistical properties of magnetic field fluctuations measured by the Cassini spacecraft inside Saturn's magnetosphere. We introduce Saturn's magnetosphere as a new laboratory for plasma turbulence, where background magnetic field is strong (1 nT<B0≤75 nT), fluctuations are weak (<δB/B> = 0.07), and the ion plasma βi is smaller than one. We also show that the dissipation of these magnetic field fluctuations has important implications for the magnetosphere. In a case study of the second orbit of Cassini around Saturn we show that at MHD scales, the spectra and the nature of fluctuations are characterized by large‐scale nonstationary processes. The spectral slope varies between −0.8 and −1.7. At higher frequencies we observe a steeper spectrum with nearly constant power law exponent. A spectral break correlating with ion scales separates the two frequency ranges. We carry out a statistical study of high‐frequency range fluctuations using the first seven orbits of Cassini. We find that the energy density of raw frequency spectra depends on radial distance from Saturn and thermal and magnetic pressures. However, normalized spectra depend only on ion plasma βi. Closer to Saturn the spectral slope is about −2.3 and for radial distances r>9 Rs the average slope is −2.6. The fluctuations have probability density functions with increasingly non‐Gaussian tails and a power law increase of flatness with frequency, which indicates intermittency. We estimate the total energy flux contained in the turbulent cascade as 60–100 GW, which is on the same order of magnitude as needed to heat an adiabatically expanding plasma to the temperatures measured in Saturn's magnetosphere.
Modeling forest dynamics along climate gradients in Bolivia
Authors: Seiler C. , Hutjes R. W. A. , Kruijt B. , Quispe J. , Añez S. , Arora V. K. , Melton J. R. , Hickler T. , Kabat P.
Published: March 2014

Dynamic vegetation models have been used to assess the resilience of tropical forests to climate change, but the global application of these modeling experiments often misrepresents carbon dynamics at a regional level, limiting the validity of future projections. Here a dynamic vegetation model (Lund Potsdam Jena General Ecosystem Simulator) was adapted to simulate present‐day potential vegetation as a baseline for climate change impact assessments in the evergreen and deciduous forests of Bolivia. Results were compared to biomass measurements (819 plots) and remote sensing data. Using regional parameter values for allometric relations, specific leaf area, wood density, and disturbance interval, a realistic transition from the evergreen Amazon to the deciduous dry forest was simulated. This transition coincided with threshold values for precipitation (1400 mm yr−1) and water deficit (i.e., potential evapotranspiration minus precipitation) (−830 mm yr−1), beyond which leaf abscission became a competitive advantage. Significant correlations were found between modeled and observed values of seasonal leaf abscission (R2 = 0.6, p <0.001) and vegetation carbon (R2 = 0.31, p <0.01). Modeled Gross Primary Productivity (GPP) and remotely sensed normalized difference vegetation index showed that dry forests were more sensitive to rainfall anomalies than wet forests. GPP was positively correlated to the El Niño–Southern Oscillation index in the Amazon and negatively correlated to consecutive dry days. Decreasing rainfall trends were simulated to reduce GPP in the Amazon. The current model setup provides a baseline for assessing the potential impacts of climate change in the transition zone from wet to dry tropical forests in Bolivia.
Hydrodynamic provinces and oceanic connectivity from a transport network help designing marine reserves
Authors: Rossi Vincent , Ser‐Giacomi Enrico , López Cristóbal , Hernández‐García Emilio
Published: April 2014

Oceanic dispersal and connectivity have been identified as crucial factors for structuring marine populations and designing marine protected areas (MPAs). Focusing on larval dispersal by ocean currents, we propose an approach coupling Lagrangian transport and new tools from Network Theory to characterize marine connectivity in the Mediterranean basin. Larvae of different pelagic durations and seasons are modeled as passive tracers advected in a simulated oceanic surface flow from which a network of connected areas is constructed. Hydrodynamical provinces extracted from this network are delimited by frontiers which match multiscale oceanographic features. By examining the repeated occurrence of such boundaries, we identify the spatial scales and geographic structures that would control larval dispersal across the entire seascape. Based on these hydrodynamical units, we study novel connectivity metrics for existing reserves. Our results are discussed in the context of ocean biogeography and MPAs design, having ecological and managerial implications.
Earthquake model experiments in a viscoelastic fluid: A scaling of decreasing magnitudes of earthquakes with depth
Authors: Namiki Atsuko , Yamaguchi Tetsuo , Sumita Ikuro , Suzuki Takehito , Ide Satoshi
Published: March 2014

We performed shear deformation experiments using quasi‐Maxwell fluids. We found that, depending on the strain rates, the same material generates earthquakes associated with the elastic rebound and deforms viscously. Around the threshold, elastic rebound releases a certain fraction of the interseismic displacement, but the other fraction remains as a result of the viscous relaxation. We applied our experimental results to a subduction zone, in which the upper part of the hanging wall behaves as an elastic layer and generates seismicity, while the deeper part behaves as a viscous fluid and subducts with the slab. Our experimental results suggest that, around the boundary of the elastic and viscous layers, seismicity can occur, but only some part of the interseismic displacements is released. The experimentally obtained threshold of the seismic activity is determined by the combination of the subduction velocity vs, the viscosity of the hanging wall η, the fault length W, and the adhesive stress σa, vsη/(Wσa)>1. This threshold suggests that if the viscosity of the hanging wall decreases with depth, the maximum size of the earthquakes also decreases with depth, and, finally, seismicity disappears. This hypothesis is consistent with the observed fact that slow earthquakes, characterized by their small magnitudes, are observed at the downdip limit of the seismogenic zone.
Expression of IL‐33 and its epigenetic regulation in multiple sclerosis
Authors: Zhang Fanglin , Tossberg John T. , Spurlock Charles F. , Yao Song‐Yi , Aune Thomas M. , Sriram Subramaniam
Published: March 2014

Objective

We examined the expression of IL‐33 as an indicator of an innate immune response in relapsing remitting MS (RRMS) and controls. We proposed a link between the expression of IL‐33 and IL‐33 regulated genes to histone deacetylase (HDAC) activity and in particular HDAC3, an enzyme that plays a role in the epigenetic regulation of a number genes including those which regulate inflammation.

Methods

Using TaqMan low density arrays, flow cytometry and ELIZA, expression of IL‐33, and family of innate immune response genes which regulate cytokine gene expression was examined in RRMS patients and controls.

Results

Intracellular expression of IL‐33 and IL‐33 regulated genes are increased in patients with RRMS. In addition, following in vitro culture with TLR agonist lipopolysaccharide (LPS), there is increased induction of both IL‐33 and HDAC3 in RRMS patients over that seen in controls. Also, culture of PBMC with IL‐33 led to the expression of genes which overlapped with that seen in RRMS patients suggesting that the gene expression signature seen in RRMS is likely to be driven by IL‐33 mediated innate immune pathways. Expression of levels of IL‐33 but not IL‐1 (another gene regulated by TLR agonists) is completely inhibited by Trichostatin A (TSA) establishing a closer regulation of IL‐33 but not IL‐1 with HDAC.

Interpretation

These results demonstrate the over expression of innate immune genes in RRMS and offer a causal link between the epigenetic regulation by HDAC and the induction of IL‐33.
Nanofur for Biomimetic Applications
Authors: Röhrig Michael , Mail Matthias , Schneider Marc , Louvin Henri , Hopf Andreas , Schimmel Thomas , Worgull Matthias , Hölscher Hendrik
Published: March 2014

Many plants and insects possess multi‐functional surfaces covered by dense nanohair. Such a nanofur is of high interest for various biomimetic applications like self‐healing, air retention, and oil/water separation. Here, we introduce a highly scalable and competitive molding technique for the fabrication of biomimetic nanofur. With this method, we pull nanofur out of flat polycarbonate and tune its wettability from hydrophilic to superhydrophobic. By mechanically structuring these samples we create various devices suitable for microfluidics. The nanofur can be also used for the fabrication of self‐healing surfaces inspired by pitcher plants as well as for air‐retaining surfaces mimicking the water fern Salvinia minima. Finally, we utilize the nanofur for oil/water separation and the cleaning of oil spills.
Testing the role of circadian genes in conferring risk for psychiatric disorders
Authors: Byrne Enda M. , Heath Andrew C. , Madden Pamela A.F. , Pergadia Michele L. , Hickie Ian B. , Montgomery Grant W. , Martin Nicholas G. , Wray Naomi R.
Published: March 2014

Disturbed sleep and disrupted circadian rhythms are a common feature of psychiatric disorders, and many groups have postulated an association between genetic variants in circadian clock genes and psychiatric disorders. Using summary data from the association analyses of the Psychiatric Genomics Consortia (PGC) for schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and major depressive disorder, we evaluated the evidence that common SNPs in genes encoding components of the molecular clock influence risk to psychiatric disorders. Initially, gene‐based and SNP P‐values were analyzed for 21 core circadian genes. Subsequently, an expanded list of genes linked to control of circadian rhythms was analyzed. After correcting for multiple comparisons, none of the circadian genes were significantly associated with any of the three disorders. Several genes previously implicated in the etiology of psychiatric disorders harbored no SNPs significant at the nominal level of P < 0.05, and none of the the variants identified in candidate studies of clock genes that were included in the PGC datasets were significant after correction for multiple testing. There was no evidence of an enrichment of associations in genes linked to control of circadian rhythms in human cells. Our results suggest that genes encoding components of the molecular clock are not good candidates for harboring common variants that increase risk to bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, or major depressive disorder. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Comparative kinetics of esterification of methanol–acetic acid in the presence of liquid and solid catalysts
Authors: Mekala Mallaiah , Goli Venkat Reddy
Published: March 2014

Esterification of acetic acid with methanol to produce methyl acetate in an isothermal stirred batch reactor has been studied. Sulfuric acid was used as a liquid catalyst, and Indion‐180, Indion‐190 and Amberlyst‐16wet ion exchange resins were used as solid catalysts. The feed mole ratio was varied from 1 : 1 to 1 : 4. The reaction temperatures were varied from 305.15 to 333.15 K for sulfuric acid as catalyst and 323.15 to 353.15 K for the solid catalysts. The catalyst concentrations were used in the range of 1% to 5%, for the sulfuric acid catalyst, and 0.01 to 0.05 g/cc, for the solid catalysts. The effect of temperature, catalyst concentration, agitation speed, size of catalyst particle and reactant concentration on the acetic acid conversion was investigated. A second‐order kinetic rate equation was proposed to fit the experimental data. For both forward and backward reactions, the activation energies were estimated from Arrhenius plots. The reaction rate increased with catalyst concentration and temperature for both the liquid and solid catalysts. The acetic acid conversion was found to increase with increases in acetic acid to methanol ratio in the feed. The developed kinetic rate equation was used for the simulation of reactive distillation process, in our laboratory column. © 2014 Curtin University of Technology and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Dairy effluent treatment and lipids production by Chlorella pyrenoidosa and Euglena gracilis: study on open and closed systems
Authors: Yadavalli Rajasri , Rao C. S. , Rao Ramgopal S. , Potumarthi Ravichandra
Published: March 2014

Organic content and nutrients from dairy effluent by immobilized Chlorella pyrenoidosa and Euglena gracilis were removed in both open and closed systems. Biochemical constituents viz, carbohydrates, lipids, and proteins were analyzed to assess the changes in their proximate composition in both the systems for both species. Euglena gracilis has a high lipid content of 11% at the end of 7 days of cultivation period compared and to C. pyrenoidosa resulted in 7% at the end of 10 days, respectively. Whereas protein content of Chlorella sp. was found to be higher at 44% compared to 29% of Euglena sp. A significant increase was also observed in carbohydrates in C. pyrenoidosa at the end of 10 days. Whilst NH4+‐N was completely removed by immobilized Chlorella sp., it was reduced by 96% compared to Euglena sp. Further, 98% PO43−‐P removal was achieved with immobilized cultures of both species in two modes of operation. Biological oxygen demand and chemical oxygen demand were observed in the range of significant decrease (~80%–96%) by this approach. © 2014 Curtin University of Technology and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Crystallization and microporous membrane properties of ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene with dibenzylidene sorbitol
Authors: Liu Sijun , Zhao Bin , He Dannong
Published: March 2014

Dibenzylidene sorbitol (DBS) was chosen as an in situ forming nucleating agent to study ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) crystallization and microporous membrane. The experimental results indicated that DBS self‐assembled into fibrils first and the solution became a physical gel before UHMWPE crystallization during thermally induced phase separation (TIPS) of UHMWPE/liquid paraffin (LP)/DBS solution, and the temperature of DBS self‐assembly shows a strong dependence of DBS concentration. With decreasing temperature further, DBS fibrils as heterogeneous nucleating agent accelerated UHMWPE crystallization, which was showed more clearly in UHMWPE/LP/DBS phase diagram. UHMWPE microporous membranes were prepared through TIPS method with the control of DBS concentration. It was found that UHMWPE microporous membranes in the presence of DBS fibrils show small porous size and low water permeability, but relatively larger mechanical strength. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 40706.
Curing behavior of epoxy resins in two‐stage curing process by non‐isothermal differential scanning calorimetry kinetics method
Authors: Sun He , Liu Yuyan , Wang Youshan , Tan Huifeng
Published: March 2014

In this research, a new thermal curing system, with two‐stage curing characteristics, has been designed. And the reaction behaviors of two different curing processes have been systematically studied. The non‐isothermal differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) test is used to discuss the curing reaction of two stages curing, and the data obtained from the curves are used to calculate the kinetic parameters. Kissinger‐Akahira‐Sunose (KAS) method is applied to determine activation energy (Ea) and investigate it as the change of conversion (α). Málek method is used to unravel the curing reaction mechanism. The results indicate that the curing behaviors of two different curing stages can be implemented successfully, and curing behavior is accorded with Šesták‐Berggren mode. The non‐isothermal DSC and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy test results reveal that two different curing stages can be implemented successfully. Furthermore, the double x fitting method is used to determine the pre‐exponential factor (A), reaction order (m, n), and establish the kinetic equation. The fitting results between experiment curves and simulative curves prove that the kinetic equation can commendably describe the two different curing reaction processes. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 40711.
Synthesis and photocatalytic performance of PVA/TiO2/graphene‐MWCNT nanocomposites for dye removal
Authors: Jung Gowun , Kim Hyung‐Il
Published: March 2014

TiO2/graphene‐MWCNT nanocomposite was prepared using solvothermal reaction for the effective distribution of TiO2 nanoparticles on carbonaceous materials. TiO2/graphene‐MWCNT nanocomposite was immobilized in poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) matrix for a convenient recovery after wastewater purification. MWCNT was incorporated in a nanocomposite not only to prevent the restacking of graphene but also to increase the electron transfer from TiO2. The detailed characterization of the nanocomposite was performed using SEM, EDX, XRD, XPS, and FTIR. The photocatalytic performance of PVA/TiO2/graphene‐MWCNT nanocomposite was investigated by UV spectroscopy on the basis of degradation of organic pollutants. PVA/TiO2/graphene‐MWCNT nanocomposite showed improved photocatalytic decomposition of more than 70% of residual dye left in case of using PVA/TiO2/graphene nanocomposite due to the improved electron transfer and the higher adsorption of organic pollutants. PVA/TiO2/graphene‐MWCNT nanocomposite was suitable as a promising material for the recyclable photocatalytic wastewater purification system. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 40715.
Ultraweak, spontaneous photon emission in seedlings: toxicological and chronobiological applications
Authors: de Mello Gallep Cristiano
Published: March 2014

The detection of ultraweak light emission in seedlings has been explored in toxicological and chronobiological studies. The main studies in this area are reviewed briefly, including a report on applied tests held in the last 7 years at LaFA – UNICAMP (Brazil). In general, results indicate that a linear relation for total light emission versus germination performance is found if only strong stress situations are considered, when external factors depress a seedling's development, even when considering a sequential series of tests. Light emitted by a single seedling was detected in a compact apparatus, and data are presented here for the first time showing pronounced circadian cycles are evident, with similar time and frequency profiles as those of the local gravimetric tide. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Development of determination of four analytes of Zhi‐Shao‐San decoction using LC‐MS/MS and its application to comparative pharmacokinetics in normal and irritable bowel syndrome rat plasma
Authors: Chen Jiayi , Chen Zhi , Ma Li , Liang Qiaowen , Jia Wei , Pan Zhenzhen , Zeng Yuaner , Jiang Bin
Published: March 2014

Zhi‐Shao‐San (ZSS), a traditional Chinese medicinal prescription, has been clinically used for the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) for centuries. A comparative study was designed and conducted to compare the pharmacokinetic differences between paeoniflorin naringin, hesperidin and neohesperidin after oral administration of ZSS decoction to normal rats and IBS rats induced by acetic acid and restraint stress. Further, an efficient, sensitive and selective liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry for the simultaneous determination of four analytes of ZSS decoction in rat plasma was developed and validated. The validated method was successfully applied to comparison of pharmacokinetic profiles of analytes in rat plasma. The results showed that the absorptions of naringin, hesperidin and neohesperidin in IBS group were all significantly higher than those in normal group and no obvious difference was seen for paeoniflorin between the two groups, which is helpful for improving clinical therapeutic efficacy and further pharmacological studies of ZSS. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Determination of swertianolin in rat plasma by LC‐MS/MS and its application to a pharmacokinetic study
Authors: He Jun , Tian Chengwang , Ouyang Huizi , Adelakun Tiwalade A. , Yu Bin , Chang Yanxu , Pan Guixiang , Jiang Linghuo , Gao Xiumei
Published: March 2014

A sensitive and rapid LC‐MS/MS method has been developed and validated for quantifying swertianolin in rat plasma using rutin as an internal standard (IS). Following liquid–liquid extraction with ethyl acetate, chromatographic separation for swertianolin was achieved on a C18 column with a gradient elution using 0.1% formic acid as mobile phase A and acetonitrile as mobile phase B at a flow rate of 0.3 mL/min. The detection was performed on a tandem mass spectrometer using multiple reaction monitoring via an electrospray ionization source and operating in the negative ionization mode. The optimized mass transition ion pairs (m/z) for quantitation were 435.1/272.0 for swertianolin and 609.2/300.1 for IS. The lower limit of quantitation was 0.5 ng/mL within a linear range of 0.5–500 ng/mL. Intra‐day and inter‐day precision was less than 6.8%. The accuracy was in the range of −13.9 to 12.0%. The mean recovery of swertianolin was >66.7%. The proposed method was successfully applied in evaluating the pharmacokinetics of swertianolin after an oral dose of 50 mg/kg Swertia mussotii extract in rats. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Strategy for modeling flow diverters in cerebral aneurysms as a porous medium
Authors: Raschi M. , Mut F. , Löhner R. , Cebral J.R.
Published: March 2014

Simulations using the patient‐specific geometry of the aneurysm may help in a better planning of the treatment and in a consequent reduction of the associated risks. We propose, evaluate, and implement a methodology for the simulation of flow diverter (FD) devices in intracranial aneurysms by using a porous medium method (PMM), which greatly reduces the computational cost of these simulations compared with immersed method (IMM) approaches used to model complex FDs. The method relies on parameters from an empirical correlation derived from experimental observations in wire screens, consistent with CFD simulations. The verification of our PMM strategy was carried out by comparing the results of simulations in different (patient‐specific) geometries and FDs, to those obtained under identical conditions by the IMM. Overall, both quantitative and qualitative results are consistent between IMM and PMM in cases where the local porosity remains roughly uniform throughout the neck, with differences in the reduction of the observables lower than 10%. This PMM strategy is up to 10 times faster than the IMM, which allows for a runtime of hours instead of days, bringing it closer for its application in the clinic. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Rivaroxaban crushed tablet suspension characteristics and relative bioavailability in healthy adults when administered orally or via nasogastric tube
Authors: Moore Kenneth T. , Krook Mark A. , Vaidyanathan Seema , Sarich Troy C. , Damaraju C. V. , Fields Larry E.
Published: March 2014

Purpose

Because some patients have difficulty swallowing a whole tablet, we investigated the relative bioavailability of a crushed 20 mg rivaroxaban tablet and of 2 alternative crushed tablet dosing strategies.

Methods

Stability and nasogastric (NG) tube adsorption characteristics of a crushed rivaroxaban tablet were assessed. Then, in 55 healthy adults, relative bioavailability of rivaroxaban administered orally as a whole tablet (Reference [Whole‐Oral]), crushed tablet in applesauce suspension (Crushed‐Oral), or crushed tablet in water suspension via NG tube (Crushed‐NG) were determined.

Results

There were no significant changes in mean percent of non‐degraded rivaroxaban recovered over 4 hours from crushed tablet suspensions (>98.4% recovery across all suspensions and time points) or after NG tube exposure (recovery: 99.1% for silicone and 98.9% for polyvinyl chloride NG tubes). Relative bioavailability was similar between Crushed‐Oral and Reference dosing (Cmax and AUC∞ were within the 80–125% bioequivalence limits). Relative bioavailability was also similar between the Crushed‐NG and Reference dosing (AUC∞ was within bioequivalence limits; Cmax [90% CI range: 78.5–85.8%] was only slightly below the 80% lower bioequivalence limit).

Conclusions

A crushed rivaroxaban tablet was stable and when administered orally or via NG tube, displayed similar relative bioavailability compared to a whole tablet administered orally.
Anomalous Behavior in the Crossover between the Negative and Positive Biaxial Nematic Mesophases in a Lyotropic Liquid Crystal
Authors: Akpinar Erol , Reis Dennys , Figueiredo Neto Antonio M.
Published: April 2014

A novel quaternary lyotropic liquid‐crystalline mixture of dodecyltrimethylammonium bromide (DDTMABr)/sodium bromide/1‐dodecanol/water, presenting the biaxial nematic phase (NB) in addition to two uniaxial discotic (ND) and calamitic (NC) nematic ones, was synthesized. The partial phase diagram of this new mixture was constructed as a function of the DDTMABr molar‐fraction concentration. The phase transitions from uniaxial to biaxial nematic phases were studied by means of the temperature dependence of the optical birefringence. In a particular region of the phase diagram, anomalous behavior was observed in the crossover from${N_{\rm{B}}^ - }$to${N_{\rm{B}}^ + :}$the contrast of the conoscopic fringes, which allows the birefringence measurements, almost vanishes, and the sample loses its alignment. This behavior, which was not observed before in lyotropics, was interpreted as a decrease in the mean diamagnetic susceptibility anisotropy (Δχ) of the sample, which was related to the shape anisotropy of the micelles. Small‐angle X‐ray scattering measurements were performed to evaluate the micellar shape anisotropy; these revealed that this mixture presented a smaller shape anisotropy than those of other lyotropic micellar systems presenting theNBphase.
A Metal‐Free, Carbon‐Based Catalytic System for the Oxidation of Lignin Model Compounds and Lignin
Authors: Gao Yongjun , Zhang Jiaguang , Chen Xi , Ma Ding , Yan Ning
Published: April 2014

Nitrogen‐containing graphene material (LCN) has been identified as an effective catalyst for the oxidation of β‐O‐4 and α‐O‐4 types of lignin model compounds in the presence of tert‐butyl hydroperoxide, to provide aromatic aldehydes, acids and other organic chemicals in high yield. The transformations of five lignin model compounds over LCN were investigated systematically. Instrumentation analysis, kinetic study and radical trapping experiments highlight the mechanistic features of the reaction, including: 1) the reaction pathway starts by benzylic CH or COH bond activation, followed by CαCβ or CαO bond cleavage, and finally further oxidation of intermediate aromatics; and 2) the reaction follows a free‐radical mechanism with all the key steps involving radical species. In addition, the LCN proved to be a highly stable catalyst; no significant activity decrease was observed for four consecutive runs, and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis indicates negligible decrease in the content of the active nitrogen species in the catalyst. Notably, this new catalytic system can be extended to the oxidative depolymerisation of real lignin, to produce a significant portion of liquefied, low‐molecular‐mass products.
Complexity measurement of natural and artificial languages
Authors: Febres Gerardo , Jaffé Klaus , Gershenson Carlos
Published: March 2014

We compared entropy for texts written in natural languages (English, Spanish) and artificial languages (computer software) based on a simple expression for the entropy as a function of message length and specific word diversity. Code text written in artificial languages showed higher entropy than text of similar length expressed in natural languages. Spanish texts exhibit more symbolic diversity than English ones. Results showed that algorithms based on complexity measures differentiate artificial from natural languages, and that text analysis based on complexity measures allows the unveiling of important aspects of their nature. We propose specific expressions to examine entropy related aspects of tests and estimate the values of entropy, emergence, self‐organization, and complexity based on specific diversity and message length. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Complexity 20: 25–48, 2015
Targeting misuse of 2‐amino‐N‐ethyl‐1‐phenylbutane in urine samples: in vitro–in vivo correlation of metabolic profiles and development of LC‐TOF‐MS method
Authors: Kobayashi Masaki , Pelander Anna , Ketola Raimo A. , Leinonen Antti , Kuuranne Tiia
Published: March 2014

A phenyethylamine derivative, 2‐amino‐N‐ethyl‐1‐phenylbutane (2‐AEPB), has recently been detected in doping control and drugs‐of‐abuse samples, and identified as a non‐labelled ingredient in a dietary supplement. To facilitate efficient control of this substance we have studied the in vitro metabolic behaviour of 2‐AEPB with human liver preparation, compared these results with in vivo pathways in human, and finally propose an analytical strategy to target the potential misuse of 2‐AEPB for toxicological, forensic and doping control purposes. The major in vitro formed metabolites originated from desethylation (M1) and monohydroxylation (M2). A minor metabolite with hydroxylation/N‐oxidation was also observed (M3). In vitro‐in vivo correlation was studied in an excretion study with a single, oral dose of 2‐AEPB‐containing supplement. An unmodified substance was the most abundant target compound and detected until the last point of sample collection (72 h), and the detection of M1 (40 h) and M2 (27 h) demonstrated good correlation to in vitro results. In the study with authentic cases (n = 6), 2‐AEPB and M1 were mainly found in free urinary fraction, whereas higher inter‐individual variability was observed for M2. It was predominantly conjugated and already within this limited number of cases, the ratio between glucuronide‐ and sulpho‐conjugated fractions varied significantly. As a conclusion, hydrolysis is not mandatory in the routine sample preparation, and as the separation can be based on either gas chromatography or liquid chromatography, this study verifies that routine mass spectrometric detection methods targeted to amphetamine derivatives can be easily extended to control the misuse of 2‐AEPB. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Developmental origins and functions of stromal cells in the normal and diseased mammalian kidney
Authors: Li Winny , Hartwig Sunny , Rosenblum Norman D.
Published: March 2014

The kidney is a model developmental paradigm of vertebrate organogenesis. As in many other organs, kidney development involves reciprocal inductive tissue interactions between multiple cell lineages. The most well defined of these interactions occurs between the ureteric bud and the nephrogenic mesenchyme. A population of mesenchymal cells distinct from nephrogenic precursors and termed stromal cells, have been relatively understudied. Yet existing knowledge indicates that stromal cells are critical regulators in the normal and diseased kidney. This commentary reviews current knowledge regarding the origin and functional roles of the stromal cell population during kidney development. Gaps in our current understanding of renal stromal cells and future directions needed to advance this expanding field of study are highlighted. Developmental Dynamics 243:853–863, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Drive for activity in patients with anorexia nervosa
Authors: Sternheim Lot , Danner Unna , Adan Roger , van Elburg Annemarie
Published: March 2014

Objective

Hyperactivity and elevated physical activity are both considered symptom characteristics of anorexia nervosa (AN). It has been suggested that a drive for activity (DFA) may underlie these expressions, yet research into DFA in AN remains scant. This study investigated DFA levels in patients with AN and its relation to AN severity. Furthermore, as physical exercise may be a way to reduce negative affect, the influence of negative affect (anxiety) on the role of DFA in AN was tested.

Method

Two hundred and forty female patients with AN completed measures for DFA, eating disorder (ED) pathology, anxiety, and clinical parameters.

Results

A strong relation between DFA levels and ED pathology was found, which remained significant even after controlling for negative affect (anxiety).

Discussion

After much theorizing about DFA in AN this study provides empirical evidence for DFA as a hallmark feature of AN, independent of anxiety levels. Future research should shed light on the relationships between DFA, actual physical activity, and the course of AN. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. (Int J Eat Disord 2015; 48:42–45)
On estimation and identifiability issues of sex‐linked inheritance with a case study of pigmentation in Swiss barn owl (Tyto alba)
Authors: Larsen Camilla T. , Holand Anna M. , Jensen Henrik , Steinsland Ingelin , Roulin Alexandre
Published: March 2014

Genetic evaluation using animal models or pedigree‐based models generally assume only autosomal inheritance. Bayesian animal models provide a flexible framework for genetic evaluation, and we show how the model readily can accommodate situations where the trait of interest is influenced by both autosomal and sex‐linked inheritance. This allows for simultaneous calculation of autosomal and sex‐chromosomal additive genetic effects. Inferences were performed using integrated nested Laplace approximations (INLA), a nonsampling‐based Bayesian inference methodology. We provide a detailed description of how to calculate the inverse of the X‐ or Z‐chromosomal additive genetic relationship matrix, needed for inference. The case study of eumelanic spot diameter in a Swiss barn owl (Tyto alba) population shows that this trait is substantially influenced by variation in genes on the Z‐chromosome ( and ). Further, a simulation study for this study system shows that the animal model accounting for both autosomal and sex‐chromosome‐linked inheritance is identifiable, that is, the two effects can be distinguished, and provides accurate inference on the variance components.
Type I NKT‐cell‐mediated TNF‐α is a positive regulator of NLRP3 inflammasome priming
Authors: Chow Melvyn T. , Duret Helene , Andrews Daniel M. , Faveeuw Christelle , Möller Andreas , Smyth Mark J. , Paget Christophe
Published: March 2014

The NLRP3 inflammasome plays a crucial role in the innate immune response to pathogens and exogenous or endogenous danger signals. Its activity must be precisely and tightly regulated to generate tailored immune responses. However, the immune cell subsets and cytokines controlling NLRP3 inflammasome activity are still poorly understood. Here, we have shown a link between NKT‐cell‐mediated TNF‐α and NLRP3 inflammasome activity. The NLRP3 inflammasome in APCs was critical to potentiate NKT‐cell‐mediated immune responses, since C57BL/6 NLRP3 inflammasome‐deficient mice exhibited reduced responsiveness to α‐galactosylceramide. Importantly, NKT cells were found to act as regulators of NLRP3 inflammasome signaling, as NKT‐cell‐derived TNF‐α was required for optimal IL‐1β and IL‐18 production by myeloid cells in response to α‐galactosylceramide, by acting on the NLRP3 inflammasome priming step. Thus, NKT cells play a role in the positive regulation of NLRP3 inflammasome priming by mediating the production of TNF‐α, thus demonstrating another means by which NKT cells control early inflammation.
Coupling of fluorescence correlation spectroscopy with capillary and microchannel analytical systems and its applications
Authors: Dong Chaoqing , Ren Jicun
Published: March 2014

In the past decade, fluorescence correlation spectroscopy (FCS) has become an ultrasensitive and noninvasive single‐molecule detection technique, which is widely applied in the physical, chemical, and life‐science research. The coupling of FCS with narrow channel flow systems including the ones based on capillary provide the important, convenient, and sensitive assay platforms for probing and understanding the behavior of single molecules or nanoparticles with improved temporal and spatial resolution and need for less sample volume among other advantages. This review focus on different approaches for FCS with capillary and microchannel analytical systems and its applications in confined diffusion study, flow profiles, and imaging of narrow channel, multicomponent analyses such as protein, DNA analysis, and characterization on nanoparticles.