bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Potential of Biochar‐Amended Soil to Enhance Crop Productivity under Deficit Irrigation
Authors: Kangoma Emmanuel , Blango Mohamed M. , Rashid‐Noah Augustine B. , Sherman‐Kamara Joseph , Moiwo Juana P. , Kamara Alie
Published: June 2017

With the world population hitting 8 billion and the global climate becoming more erratic with pronounced droughts, floods, water shortages and storage depletions, the need for optimal soil and water conditions for high crop productivity and food security has become ever more urgent. There is a growing effort towards enhancing water storage in the root‐zone soil layer (as a rainwater‐harvesting strategy) to increase crop productivity. This study analysed the effects of biochar and deficit irrigation on rice productivity under greenhouse conditions. Grain yield, plant height, tiller number and biomass yield under 0% biochar (B1) were respectively 13.6, 6.4, 27.4 and 3.0% higher for moderate deficit irrigation (I2) than for flood irrigation (I1). Also in terms of tiller number, I2 performed better than I1 by 45.8 and 69.2% under B2 (4% biochar) and B4 (16% biochar), respectively. While for biochar the highest crop productivity was under B2, this changed vastly under the combined effects of irrigation and biochar. This suggested that crop productivity was as much dependent on irrigation as on biochar treatment. The variations in productivity could provide farmers with the choice of treatments or treatment combinations that are best suitable for their local agro‐edaphic, hydroclimatic and socio‐economic conditions. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Efficient estimation of Bayesian VARMAs with time‐varying coefficients
Authors: Chan Joshua C.C. , Eisenstat Eric
Published: June 2017

Empirical work in macroeconometrics has been mostly restricted to using vector autoregressions (VARs), even though there are strong theoretical reasons to consider general vector autoregressive moving averages (VARMAs). A number of articles in the last two decades have conjectured that this is because estimation of VARMAs is perceived to be challenging and proposed various ways to simplify it. Nevertheless, VARMAs continue to be largely dominated by VARs, particularly in terms of developing useful extensions. We address these computational challenges with a Bayesian approach. Specifically, we develop a Gibbs sampler for the basic VARMA, and demonstrate how it can be extended to models with time‐varying vector moving average (VMA) coefficients and stochastic volatility. We illustrate the methodology through a macroeconomic forecasting exercise. We show that in a class of models with stochastic volatility, VARMAs produce better density forecasts than VARs, particularly for short forecast horizons.
Endothelial to mesenchymal transformation is induced by altered extracellular matrix in aortic valve endothelial cells
Authors: Dahal Sudip , Huang Peter , Murray Bruce T. , Mahler Gretchen J.
Published: June 2017

Alterations in shear stress, mechanical deformation, extracellular matrix (ECM) composition and exposure to inflammatory conditions are known to cause endothelial to mesenchymal transformation (EndMT). This change in endothelial phenotype has only recently been linked to adult pathologies such as cancer progression, organ fibrosis, and calcific aortic valve disease; and its function in adult physiology, especially in response to tissue mechanics, has not been rigorously investigated. EndMT is a response to mechanical and biochemical signals that results in the remodeling of underlying tissues. In diseased aortic valves, glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) are present in the collagen‐rich valve fibrosa, and are deposited near calcified nodules. In this study, in vitro models of early and late‐stage valve disease were developed by incorporating the GAGs chondroitin sulfate (CS), hyaluronic acid, and dermatan sulfate into 3D collagen hydrogels with or without exposure to TGF‐β1 to simulate EndMT in response to microenvironmental changes. High levels of CS induced the highest rate of EndMT and led to the most collagen I and GAG production by mesenchymally transformed cells, which indicates a cell phenotype most likely to promote fibrotic disease. Mesenchymal transformation due to altered ECM was found to depend on cell–ECM bond strength and extracellular signal‐regulated protein kinases 1/2 signaling. Determining the environmental conditions that induce and promote EndMT, and the subsequent behavior of mesenchymally transformed cells, will advance understanding on the role of endothelial cells in tissue regeneration or disease progression. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 105A: 2729–2741, 2017.
Epigenetic Effects of an Adenosine Derivative in a Wistar Rat Model of Liver Cirrhosis
Authors: Rodríguez‐Aguilera Jesús Rafael , Guerrero‐Hernández Carlos , Pérez‐Molina Rosario , Cadena‐del‐Castillo Carla Elizabeth , Pérez‐Cabeza de Vaca Rebeca , Guerrero‐Celis Nuria , Domínguez‐López Mariana , Murillo‐de‐Ozores Adrián Rafael , Arzate‐Mejía Rodrigo , Recillas‐Targa Félix , Chagoya de Sánchez Victoria
Published: June 2017

The pathological characteristic of cirrhosis is scarring which results in a structurally distorted and dysfunctional liver. Previously, we demonstrated that Col1a1 and Pparg genes are deregulated in CCl4‐induced cirrhosis but their normal expression levels are recovered upon treatment with IFC‐305, an adenosine derivative. We observed that adenosine was able to modulate S‐adenosylmethionine‐dependent trans‐methylation reactions, and recently, we found that IFC‐305 modulates HDAC3 expression. Here, we investigated whether epigenetic mechanisms, involving DNA methylation processes and histone acetylation, could explain the re‐establishment of gene expression mediated by IFC‐305 in cirrhosis. Therefore, Wistar rats were CCl4 treated and a sub‐group received IFC‐305 to reverse fibrosis. Global changes in DNA methylation, 5‐hydroxymethylation, and histone H4 acetylation were observed after treatment with IFC‐305. In particular, during cirrhosis, the Pparg gene promoter is depleted of histone H4 acetylation, whereas IFC‐305 administration restores normal histone acetylation levels which correlates with an increase of Pparg transcript and protein levels. In contrast, the promoter of Col1a1 gene is hypomethylated during cirrhosis but gains DNA methylation upon treatment with IFC‐305 which correlates with a reduction of Col1a1 transcript and protein levels. Our results suggest a model in which cirrhosis results in a general loss of permissive chromatin histone marks which triggers the repression of the Pparg gene and the upregulation of the Col1a1 gene. Treatment with IFC‐305 restores epigenetic modifications globally and specifically at the promoters of Pparg and Col1a1 genes. These results reveal one of the mechanisms of action of IFC‐305 and suggest a possible therapeutic function in cirrhosis. J. Cell. Biochem. 119: 401–413, 2018. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
MALAT1/miR‐127‐5p Regulates Osteopontin (OPN)‐Mediated Proliferation of Human Chondrocytes Through PI3K/Akt Pathway
Authors: Liang Jun , Xu Li , Zhou Feng , Liu An‐min , Ge Hong‐xing , Chen Yuan‐yuan , Tu Min
Published: June 2017

Osteoarthritis (OA) is characterized by progressive destruction of articular cartilage, resulting in significant disability. Chondrocytes present in various types of cartilage and are responsible for the growth and maintenance of the tissue. Over‐proliferation of human chondrocytes may contributes to OA pathological process. Previously, we revealed that miR‐127‐5p could inhibit the proliferation of human chondrocytes through osteopontin (OPN). In the present study, we used online tools to figure out several candidates lncRNAs which were potentially correlated with miR‐127‐5p. Through assessing the expression levels of the candidates lncRNAs, metastasis associated lung adenocarcinoma transcript 1 (MALAT1) was chosen as a further research subject. MALAT1 knockdown significantly repressed human OA chondrocyte proliferation, as well as the protein levels of OPN, p‐PI3K, and p‐Akt in OA chondrocytes. As verified by luciferase assays, MALAT1 directly bound to miR‐127‐5p to inhibit miR‐127‐5p expression. Then we achieved miR‐127‐5p inhibition through miR‐127‐5p inhibitor transfection; the miR‐127‐5p inhibition could promote chondrocyte proliferation, as well as the protein levels of OPN, p‐PI3K, and p‐Akt; in addition, the MALAT1 knockdown partially reversed the promotive effect of miR‐127‐5p inhibition on chondrocyte proliferation, OPN and PI3K/Akt signaling‐related protein levels. Taken together, MALAT1 could directly bind to miR‐127‐5p to inhibit its expression, so as to rescue OPN expression and promote chondrocyte proliferation through PI3K/Akt pathway. Targeting MALAT1 so as to rescue miR‐127‐5p expression in OA might help to inhibit chondrocyte proliferation through miR‐127‐5p‐mediated OPN regulation and downstream PI3K/Akt pathway. J. Cell. Biochem. 119: 431–439, 2018. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Raman spectroscopy as a tool of early dental caries detection–new insights
Authors: Buchwald Tomasz , Okulus Zuzanna , Szybowicz Mirosław
Published: June 2017

The aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of Raman spectroscopy in determination of changes in composition and structure of human tooth enamel with caries by use of new parameters such as the Raman band position, the full width at half maximum of Raman band and line shape of Raman band. The values of spectroscopic parameters were obtained by analysis of Raman scattering spectra. We proposed to base the diagnosis on several parameters determined by simultaneous analysis of Raman scattering, Rayleigh scattering and fluorescence emission. We verified the correlations between the values of the few selected parameters and the severity of dental caries. Raman band spectral parameters, such as position and line shape, can be useful to indicate the enamel caries changes. Moreover, it is possible to detect early caries by analysis of background in the Raman scattering spectrum related to the Rayleigh scattering and fluorescence emission. We demonstrated that a few independent parameters obtained by simultaneous analysis of three different physical phenomena could allow unambiguous determination of the early caries occurrence in the enamel. The published results give new insights into early caries detection and demonstrate the new possibilities of Raman spectroscopy as a diagnostic tool to recognize the caries disease. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Combined spectroscopic analysis of stratified glass eye beads from China dated to the Warring States Period
Authors: Zhao H. X. , Li Q. H.
Published: June 2017

We herein report the application of a combined spectroscopic approach for the analysis of eight stratified glass eye beads unearthed from China, which was dated back to the Warring States Period (475 bc to 221 bc). Portable X‐ray fluorescence spectrometry (pXRF) was used to determine that seven samples were typical natron type soda–lime–silicate glass beads with low contents of MgO and K2O except for one plant‐ash type soda–lime–silicate sample. In addition, combined with micro‐Raman spectroscopy, two different types of colorants were present in these beads, namely oxidized transition metals such as Co, Cu and Fe, and antimony‐based compound opacifiers/colorants. Furthermore, the distribution of their glassy and scattering phases could be determined by the optical coherence tomography (OCT) images, in which it exhibits that their morphologies were related to their Sb contents. According to the determined typology, chemical composition, micro‐crystal, and eyeball structural characteristics within the samples, the possible relations among them were speculated. It is the most interesting finding that seven natron type soda–lime glasses could be imported from the eastern Mediterranean area and one plant‐ash type glass could be imported from the eastern region of the Euphrates River such as Iran area. Finally, through comparison with similar contemporary beads excavated from the famous tomb of Marquis Yi of the Zeng State (~433 bc) in the Hubei Province, provenance studies of these beads were carried out, and their origins and relationships are discussed briefly. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Current and future therapies for advanced pancreatic cancer
Authors: Gupta Rohan , Amanam Idoroenyi , Chung Vincent
Published: June 2017

Pancreatic cancer remains a deadly disease with a 5‐year survival rate of only 8%. Even after surgical resection, most patients have recurrence of their cancer. Over the last 10 years, improvements in chemotherapy regimens led to a doubling in median overall survival. Here we review the management of advanced pancreatic cancer and highlight vaccine therapy as a novel modality of treatment.
Cost analysis of postmastectomy reconstruction: A comparison of two staged implant reconstruction using tissue expander and acellular dermal matrix with abdominal‐based perforator free flaps
Authors: Tran Bao Ngoc N. , Fadayomi Ayotunde , Lin Samuel J. , Singhal Dhruv , Lee Bernard T.
Published: June 2017

Background and Objectives

Two staged tissue expander‐implant with acellular dermal matrix (TE/I + ADM) and deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap are the most common implant and autologous methods of reconstruction in the U.S. Implant‐based techniques are disproportionally more popular, partially due to its presumed cost effectiveness. We performed a comprehensive cost analysis to compare TE/I + ADM and DIEP flap.

Methods

A comparative cost analysis of TE/I + ADM and DIEP flap was performed. Medicare reimbursement costs for each procedure and their associated complications were calculated. Pooled probabilities of complications including cellulitis, seroma, skin necrosis, implant removal, flap loss, partial flap loss, and fat necrosis, were calculated using published studies from 2010 to 2016.

Results

Average actual cost for successful TE/I + ADM and DIEP flap were $13 304.55 and $10 237.13, respectively. Incorporating pooled complication data from published literature resulted in an increase in cost to $13 963.46 for TE/I + ADM and $12 624.29 for DIEP flap. The expected costs for successful TE/I + ADM and DIEP flap were $9700.35 and $8644.23, which are lower than the actual costs.

Conclusions

DIEP flap breast reconstruction incurs lower costs compared to TE/I + ADM. These costs are lower at baseline and when additional costs from pooled complications are incorporated.
Mechanism of ion stacking in aqueous partition chromatographic processes
Authors: Akter Fouzia , Ogiyama Yawara , Saito Shingo , Shibukawa Masami
Published: June 2017

It has been reported that ion enrichment phenomena are observed in liquid chromatographic processes with an aqueous mobile phase on the columns packed with nonionic materials. However, the mechanism of the ion enrichment is not at all well understood. In this study, we investigated the retention and enrichment behaviors of simple inorganic anions on a C18‐bonded silica column and a cross‐linked hydroxylated methacrylic polymer gel column with pure aqueous mobile phases containing various electrolytes. We show that the stacking of ionic solutes can successfully be accounted for by the ion partition model, and it takes place due to the effect of the background coion in the eluent and/or sample solution on the distribution of the ions between the bulk water and the water incorporated in the packing material, which acts as the stationary phase. Using the ion exclusion effect of fixed anionic charges on a packing material as well as the ion stacking by partition, we developed a simple and versatile method for effective enrichment of anionic solutes in aqueous solutions. The enrichment factor and the elution time of the stacked ion zone can be predicted by the ion partition model.
Habitat use and movements of common eiders wintering in southern New England
Authors: Beuth Joshua M. , Mcwilliams Scott R. , Paton Peter W.C. , Osenkowski Jason E.
Published: June 2017

Little is known about the habitat use patterns and movement ecology of American common eiders (Somateria mollissima dresseri) despite potential negative impacts on habitat and eider populations from anthropogenic sources (e.g., oil spills, hunting, offshore wind energy facilities). We used satellite telemetry to quantify migratory phenology, home range size, winter site fidelity, and resource selection of adult female eiders (n = 24) from December 2011 to July 2013 that were captured during winter in southern New England, USA. Eiders spent 39% of their annual cycle in southern New England. In spring, eiders took an average of 16 days (range = 2–47) in 2012 and 20 days (range = 1–61) in 2013 to migrate from wintering grounds to summer areas, whereas the duration of fall migration averaged 47 days (range = 7–115). Eiders exhibited high site fidelity to wintering areas, with 83% of birds with active transmitters (n = 23) returning to the study area the following winter (2012–2013). Mean individual core use home ranges on wintering grounds averaged 38.5 km2 and 95% utilization distributions were 199.3 km2. Based on habitat selection models, eiders preferred shallow, nearshore waters that had relatively fine sediments and a high probability of hard bottom. We estimated that only 3% of our 6,212‐km2 study area had a high relative probability of use by eiders. Future development (e.g., offshore wind energy developments) should avoid shallow, nearshore waters with hard bottoms preferred by eiders to minimize potential impacts. © 2017 The Wildlife Society.
Beta‐blockers in patients with advanced liver disease: Has the dust settled?
Authors: Moctezuma‐Velazquez Carlos , Kalainy Sylvia , Abraldes Juan G.
Published: June 2017

Nonselective beta‐blockers (NSBBs) have been the backbone for the treatment of portal hypertension in cirrhosis for the last 3 decades. A publication in 2010 of a prospective observational study suggested that NSBBs could increase mortality in patients with refractory ascites. This opened a controversy about the safety and efficacy of NSBBs in patients with advanced liver disease and led to the publication of a large corpus of observational data assessing the safety of NSBBs in patients with advanced cirrhosis. In this article, we briefly review the clinical pharmacology of NSBBs, the pathophysiological basis for the underlying benefits and harms of NSBBs in advanced cirrhosis, and the evidence in favor and against the use of NSBBs in specific scenarios. Finally, we summarize the current recommendations and propose areas of opportunity for future research. Liver Transplantation 23 1058–1069 2017 AASLD.
Living donor liver transplantation for post‐Kasai biliary atresia: Analysis of pretransplant predictors of outcomes in infants
Authors: Kitajima Toshihiro , Sakamoto Seisuke , Sasaki Kengo , Uchida Hajime , Narumoto Soichi , Fukuda Akinari , Teramukai Satoshi , Uemoto Shinji , Kasahara Mureo
Published: June 2017

After decades of dramatic surgical innovations in pediatric living donor liver transplantation (LDLT), LDLT for biliary atresia (BA) still poses various challenges. This study reviewed our experience with LDLT for children with post‐Kasai BA and evaluated outcomes and prognostic factors. From 2005 to 2016, 168 post‐Kasai BA LDLT patients were enrolled and divided into 3 groups by age. Patient characteristics and perioperative data were compared. Predictors of morbidity and mortality following LDLT were analyzed in 93 infants. Outcome was relatively worse in infants than older children, with overall survival at 1 and 5 years of 94.5% and 93.2%, respectively, and graft survival at 1 and 5 years of 91.1% each. Incidence of vascular complications was not significantly higher in infants. High Pediatric End‐Stage Liver Disease (PELD) score (odds ratio [OR], 3.72; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.30‐10.67; P = 0.02) and portal vein (PV) hypoplasia (OR, 3.23; 95% CI, 1.10‐9.52; P = 0.03) were independent risk factors for morbidity. Low weight‐for‐age z score (hazard ratio, 5.76; 95% CI, 1.05‐31.47; P = 0.03) was identified as a significant risk factor for mortality after LDLT, but not age or absolute body weight (BW). Infants with BW deficit had a significantly smaller PV diameter (P = 0.005), greater blood loss (P = 0.001), and higher incidence of postoperative bacteremia (P = 0.01). In conclusion, high PELD score and PV hypoplasia were independent risk factors for morbidity, and BW deficit was associated with poor survival in infants with post‐Kasai BA after LDLT. However, LDLT in these infants at the earliest possible time after referral is a feasible option with excellent patient survival in an experienced center. Liver Transplantation 23 1199–1209 2017 AASLD.
OSI‐027 modulates acute graft‐versus‐host disease after liver transplantation in a rat model
Authors: Zhi Xiao , Xue Fei , Chen Wei , Liang Chao , Liu Hao , Ma Tao , Xia Xuefeng , Hu Liqiang , Bai Xueli , Liang Tingbo
Published: June 2017

Despite its rarity (1%‐2%), acute graft‐versus‐host disease after liver transplantation (LT‐aGVHD) has a high mortality rate (85%). A gradual decrease in regulatory T cells (Tregs) correlates with disease progression in a rat LT‐GVHD model, and treatments which increase Tregs exert therapeutic effects on LT‐aGVHD. In this study, LT‐aGVHD model rats were treated with rapamycin (RAPA), OSI‐027, or an equal quantity of vehicle. Rats treated with OSI‐027 survived longer (>100 days) than those in the RAPA (70 ± 8 days) or control (24 ± 3 days) groups. Flow cytometric analysis showed that the Treg ratios in peripheral blood mononuclear cells in the OSI‐027 group were higher than those in the RAPA or control groups. The proportions of donor‐derived lymphocytes in the OSI‐027 group were lower than those in the RAPA or control groups. Hematoxylin‐eosin staining of skin tissue demonstrated less severe lymphocyte infiltration in the OSI‐027 group than that in the RAPA or control groups. In vitro, OSI‐027 induced differentiation of CD4+CD25– T cells into CD4+CD25+ forkhead box P3+ Tregs. Furthermore, injection of OSI‐027‐induced donor‐derived CD4+CD25+ T cells into the peripheral blood of LT‐aGVHD model rats prevented LT‐aGVHD. Thus, OSI‐027 is implicated as a novel method for the treatment of LT‐aGVHD. Liver Transplantation 23 1186–1198 2017 AASLD.
Psychogenic Movement Disorders in Adults and Children: A Clinical and Video Profile of 58 Indian Patients
Authors: Pandey Sanjay , Koul Arun
Published: June 2017

View Supplementary Video 1

View Supplementary Video 2

Background

Psychogenic movement disorders (PMDs) represent 2% to 20% of patients with movement disorders. There is a paucity of literature on PMD in children, with most existing literature relating to adults only.

Methods

For this detailed report of 58 patients (33 adults and 25 children) with PMD, history was assessed in the form of disease onset, duration, precipitating factors, diagnosis, and outcome. Movement phenotype was classified in terms of its appearance as tremor, dystonia, myoclonus, chorea, and others. Clinical evaluations were done to document variability, distractibility, and entrainment. Surface electromyography studies were obtained in patients with tremor.

Results

Seven adults and 7 children were classified with “documented” PMD, and 26 adults and 18 children were classified with “clinically established” PMD. Abrupt onset was common in adults (75.75%) and children (68%). The most common precipitating factors were family and social issues (42.42%) in adults and fear of examination (40%) and school‐related issues (24%) in children. Tremor was the most common PMD in both adults and children. The second most common PMD was hemifacial spasm in adults.

Conclusion

The majority of patients had abrupt onset of symptoms, and tremor was the most common form of movement disorder. The second most common PMDs were hemifacial spasm in adults and dystonia and gait abnormality in children. The most common precipitating factors in adults were related to family and social issues; whereas, in children, examination and school‐related issues were most common. Complete improvement was seen in only 405 of patients.
Chemical exchange rotation transfer imaging of intermediate‐exchanging amines at 2 ppm
Authors: Zu Zhongliang , Louie Elizabeth A. , Lin Eugene C. , Jiang Xiaoyu , Does Mark D. , Gore John C. , Gochberg Daniel F.
Published: June 2017

Chemical exchange saturation transfer (CEST) imaging of amine protons exchanging at intermediate rates and whose chemical shift is around 2 ppm may provide a means of mapping creatine. However, the quantification of this effect may be compromised by the influence of overlapping CEST signals from fast‐exchanging amines and hydroxyls. We aimed to investigate the exchange rate filtering effect of a variation of CEST, named chemical exchange rotation transfer (CERT), as a means of isolating creatine contributions at around 2 ppm from other overlapping signals. Simulations were performed to study the filtering effects of CERT for the selection of transfer effects from protons of specific exchange rates. Control samples containing the main metabolites in brain, bovine serum albumin (BSA) and egg white albumen (EWA) at their physiological concentrations and pH were used to study the ability of CERT to isolate molecules with amines at 2 ppm that exchange at intermediate rates, and corresponding methods were used for in vivo rat brain imaging. Simulations showed that exchange rate filtering can be combined with conventional filtering based on chemical shift. Studies on samples showed that signal contributions from creatine can be separated from those of other metabolites using this combined filter, but contributions from protein amines may still be significant. This exchange filtering can also be used for in vivo imaging. CERT provides more specific quantification of amines at 2 ppm that exchange at intermediate rates compared with conventional CEST imaging.
Time‐splitting methods with charge conservation for the nonlinear Dirac equation
Authors: Li Shu‐Cun , Li Xiang‐Gui , Shi Fang‐Yuan
Published: June 2017

In this work, four numerical time‐splitting methods are proposed for the (1 + 1)‐dimensional nonlinear Dirac equation. All of these methods (or schemes) are proved to satisfy the charge conservation in the discrete level. To enhance the computation efficiency, the block Thomas algorithm is adopted. Numerical experiments are given to test the accuracy order for these schemes, to simulate numerically the binary collision including two standing waves and two moving solitons, meanwhile, the dynamic properties for the nonlinear Dirac equation are discussed. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Numer Methods Partial Differential Eq 33: 1582–1602, 2017
Synthesis of Wavelength‐Shifting Fluorescent DNA and RNA with Two Photostable Cyanine–Styryl Dyes as the Base Surrogate Pair
Authors: Steinmeyer Jeannine , Rönicke Franziska , Schepers Ute , Wagenknecht Hans‐Achim
Published: June 2017

Two nucleic acid building blocks were synthesized, consisting of two photostable green‐ and red‐emitting cyanine–styryl dyes and (S)‐3‐amino‐1,2‐propanediol as a substitute for the ribofuranoside, and incorporated as base‐pair surrogates by using automated phosphoramidte chemistry in the solid phase. The optical properties and, in particular, the energy‐transfer properties were screened in a range of DNA duplexes, in which the “counter bases” of the two dyes were varied and the distance between the two dyes was enlarged to up to three intervening adenosine–thymidine pairs. The DNA duplex with the best optical properties and the best red/green emission ratio as the readout bore adenosine and thymidine opposite to the dyes, and the two dyes directly adjacent to each other as the base surrogate pair. This structural arrangement can be transferred to RNA to obtain similarly fluorescent RNA probes. Representatively, the positively evaluated DNA duplex was applied to verify the fluorescence readout in living HeLa cells by using fluorescence confocal microscopy.
Expecting something special? Developing assumptions of involvement organised interests as a source of regulatory quality in the European Union
Authors: Pedersen Morten Jarlbæk
Published: June 2017

Organised interests play a double role in policymaking: as representatives of societal interests and as policy experts adding to regulatory quality. The former of these 2 roles has been examined over and over again, whereas the latter has almost completely evaded scholarly interest for a number of reasons. One reason is that it demands a focus on output rather than on traditional darlings such as representation, input legitimacy, or influence. Another is that it demands an interdisciplinary approach as regulatory quality—that which the involvement of organised interests seek to furnish—is a concept that includes elements from both law and political science. The question of how to design involvement of organised interests in order to support regulatory quality, however, is a question with both academic and practical relevance. Building on an empirical study, this paper attempts to spur theorising to address this relevant question. The result is 4 assumptions that describe the relationship between involvement of organised interests and regulatory quality.
Highly improved conductivity of polyaniline–carbon nanotubes Composites doped by liquid bromine with a synergistic effect
Authors: Ou Xiang‐Hui , Xu Xue‐Cheng
Published: June 2017

In order to obtain highly conductive carbon nanotubes (CNTs)–polymer composite materials, we prepared polyaniline wrapped carbon nanotubes composites (CNTs‐PANI) by in situ polymerization, and used three different treated methods to fabricate bromine‐doped compounds. Only with the method of liquid bromine processing could we highly improve the conductivity of composites. When treating by liquid bromine, the conductivity of 10%CNTs‐PANI significantly improved nearly 3 × 106 times, which was already near that of pure CNTs we used. Compared with pure PANI doped by bromine, we found that there was a synergistic effect in CNTs‐PANI composites between bromine and CNTs. Based on Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and heat treatment experiment, we proposed that the interaction between bromine and CNTs‐PANI had both the doped effect as a promoter and the destructive effect on the electrical conductivity. POLYM. COMPOS., 39:E1034–E1040, 2018. © 2017 Society of Plastics Engineers
Aging of Standard and Insensitive RDX Crystals Investigated by Means of X‐Ray Diffraction
Authors: Herrmann Michael , Förter‐Barth Ulrich , Bohn Manfred A. , Borne Lionel
Published: June 2017

Coarse particles of the high explosive RDX in different qualities (S‐RDX, I‐RDX, VI‐RDX) were aged artificially in air and argon, equivalent up to 25 years at 25 °C. The samples were investigated by means of X‐ray diffraction and rocking curves, revealing the behavior of microstrain during the artificial aging. The investigations revealed that the improved crystal quality of RDX survives artificial aging in contrast to a standard quality, where aging increases microstrain significantly. Besides aging details and mechanisms on a crystal level are described and discussed, such as eutectic mixtures with HMX impurities, crystal growth, defect healing, surface diffusion and smoothing, and reconstruction of crystal faces, edges and corners in rounded particles.
Anticonvulsive evaluation of THIP in the murine pentylenetetrazole kindling model: lack of anticonvulsive effect of THIP despite functional δ‐subunit‐containing GABAA receptors in dentate gyrus granule cells
Authors: Simonsen Charlotte , Boddum Kim , von Schoubye Nadia L. , Kloppenburg Alissa , Sønderskov Kasper , Hansen Suzanne L. , Kristiansen Uffe
Published: June 2017

THIP (4,5,6,7‐tetrahydroisoxazolo[5,4‐c]pyridin‐3‐ol) is a GABAA receptor agonist with varying potencies and efficacies at γ‐subunit‐containing receptors. More importantly, THIP acts as a selective superagonist at δ‐subunit‐containing receptors (δ‐GABAARs) at clinically relevant concentrations. Evaluation of THIP as a potential anticonvulsant has given contradictory results in different animal models and for this reason, we reevaluated the anticonvulsive properties of THIP in the murine pentylenetetrazole (PTZ) kindling model. As loss of δ‐GABAAR in the dentate gyrus has been associated with several animal models of epilepsy, we first investigated the presence of functional δ‐GABAA receptors. Both immunohistochemistry and Western blot data demonstrated that δ‐GABAAR expression is not only present in the dentate gyrus, but also the expression level was enhanced in the early phase after PTZ kindling. Whole‐cell patch‐clamp studies in acute hippocampal brain slices revealed that THIP was indeed able to induce a tonic inhibition in dentate gyrus granule cells. However, THIP induced a tonic current of similar magnitude in the PTZ‐kindled mice compared to saline‐treated animals despite the observed upregulation of δ‐GABAARs. Even in the demonstrated presence of functional δ‐GABAARs, THIP (0.5–4 mg/kg) showed no anticonvulsive effect in the PTZ kindling model using a comprehensive in vivo evaluation of the anticonvulsive properties.
Control of oxygen for magnetron sputtered ZnO:Al window layer in Cu(In,Ga)Se2 thin film solar cells
Authors: Niu X. , Zhu H. , Zhang W. , Laing X. , Guo Y. , Li Z. , Chen J. , Xu Y. , Mai Y.
Published: June 2017

In this study, aluminum doped zinc oxide (ZnO:Al) thin films were prepared by magnetron sputtering from a ceramic target at room temperature for application in Cu(In,Ga)Se2 (CIGS) thin film solar cells as a window layer. Different oxygen‐argon mixture gas fluxes (5% O2 in Ar) were input in the deposition chamber during the preparation of ZnO:Al thin films. The influences of oxygen content on different properties of sputtered ZnO:Al thin films, including grain structure, optical and electrical properties, were systematically investigated. High O2‐Ar mixture gas flux leads to a low dynamic deposition rate, a high light transmission and a high resistivity. The CIGS thin film solar cells show a high short circuit current density but a low fill factor when ZnO:Al window layer is prepared at a high O2‐Ar mixture gas flux, which is related to the enhanced transmission and resistivity of ZnO:Al thin films with an increasing O2‐Ar mixture gas flux. The highest efficiency CIGS thin film solar cell of 14.7% has been achieved with the structure of SLG/Mo/CIGS/CdS/i‐ZnO/ZnO:Al/(Ni/Al/Ni)grids/MgF2 when the O2‐Ar mixture gas flux is 1.5 sccm here.
Low‐refractive‐index nanoparticle interlayers to reduce parasitic absorption in metallic rear reflectors of solar cells
Authors: Boccard Mathieu , Firth Peter , Yu Zhengshan J. , Fisher Kathryn C. , Leilaeioun Mehdi , Manzoor Salman , Holman Zachary C.
Published: June 2017

Metal reflectors or electrodes in contact with optoelectronic devices can induce parasitic light absorption. A low‐refractive‐index (low‐n) layer inserted between the metal reflector and the optically active layer(s) reduces this absorption. We investigate the use of porous, nanoparticulate films as low‐n layers, and fabricate silicon solar cells with nanoparticle/silver rear reflectors. We vary the porosity and thus n (between 1.1 and 1.5) of the nanoparticle films, which are deposited by a controllable aerosol spray process, and investigate their effectiveness in reducing infrared parasitic absorption in the solar cells. Optical test structures incorporating films with the highest n exhibit an internal reflectance of over 99%, matching best‐in‐class structures; lower‐n layers should in theory perform better still but their rougher surfaces appear to induce plasmonic absorption in the overlying silver layer. No loss in open‐circuit voltage or fill factor is observed when applying the best nanoparticle films in silicon heterojunction solar cells, enabling efficiencies similar to those achieved with reference cells that employ a thick indium tin oxide layer between the wafer and the rear silver electrode.
Ozone‐induced dissociation on a traveling wave high‐resolution mass spectrometer for determination of double‐bond position in lipids
Authors: Vu Ngoc , Brown Jeffery , Giles Kevin , Zhang Qibin
Published: June 2017

Rationale

The position of C=C within fatty acyl chains affects the biological function of lipids. Ozone‐induced dissociation mass spectrometry (OzID‐MS) has great potential in determination of lipid double‐bond position, but has generally been implemented on low‐resolution ion trap mass spectrometers. In addition, most of the OzID‐MS experiments carried out so far were focused on the sodiated adducts of lipids; fragmentation of the most commonly observed protonated ions generated in LC/MS‐based lipidomics workflow has been less explored.

Methods

Ozone generated in line from an ozone generator was connected to the trap and transfer gas supply line of a Synapt G2 high‐resolution mass spectrometer. Protonated ions of different phosphatidylcholines (PC) were generated by electrospray ionization through direct infusion. Different parameters, including traveling wave height and velocity, trap entrance and DC potential, were adjusted to maximize the OzID efficiency. sn‐positional isomers and cis/trans isomers of lipids were compared for their reactivity with ozone.

Results

Traveling wave height and velocity were tuned to prolong the encounter time between lipid ions and ozone, and resulted in improved OzID efficiency, as did increasing trapping region DC and entrance potential. Under optimized settings, at least 1000 times enhancement in OzID efficiency was achieved compared to that under default settings for monounsaturated PC standards. Monounsaturated C=C in the sn‐2 PC isomer reacted faster with ozone than the sn‐1 isomer. Similarly, the C=C in trans PC reacted faster than in cis PC.

Conclusions

This is the first implementation of OzID in the trap and transfer region of a traveling wave enabled high‐resolution mass spectrometer. The OzID reaction efficiency is significantly improved by slowing down ions in the trap region for their prolonged interaction with ozone. This will facilitate application of high‐resolution OzID‐MS in lipidomics.
Tissue‐specific turnover and diet‐tissue discrimination factors of carbon and nitrogen isotopes of a common forage fish held at two temperatures
Authors: Colborne S.F. , Fisk A.T. , Johnson T.B.
Published: June 2017

Rationale

The application of stable isotopes to foraging ecology is dependent on understanding life‐history and environmental factors unrelated to diet that may influence isotopic composition. Diet‐tissue discrimination factors (DTDFs) and turnover rates will increase the accuracy of isotope‐based studies. Furthermore, little consideration has been given to the effects of temperature or life‐history stage on isotopic ratios despite the prevalence of variation in temperature and growth rates throughout life.

Methods

We measured δ13C and δ15N values with an elemental analyzer coupled to a continuous flow isotope ratio mass spectrometer. These values were used to estimate turnover and DTDFs for Emerald Shiners (Notropis atherinoides), a common North American freshwater forage fish. Fish were assigned to a temperature treatment, either 10°C (Low) or 20°C (High), and provided one of three diets (commercial pellet, Artemia salina, or Hemimysis anomala). At regular intervals fish were sampled and the isotopic compositions of whole body and liver tissues were determined.

Results

Tissue turnover rates for fish fed Artemia were faster for liver than for whole body, but were also influenced by temperature. Turnover occurred faster at higher temperatures for body and liver δ15N values, but not for δ13C values. The pellet and Hemimysis treatments were in isotopic equilibrium from the start of the experiment and estimated DTDFs based on these treatments were lower than assumed for Δ15N (+0.6 to 2.7‰) and variable, but within expected ranges for Δ13C (−1.9 to +1.5‰).

Conclusions

The results for Emerald Shiners differed from commonly made assumptions for applying stable isotopes to ecological questions, possibly related to a bias in the use of juveniles in studies of turnover and DTDFs and assumptions regarding thermal‐independence of isotopic relationships. The species‐specific DTDF and tissue turnover estimates provided here will inform interpretations of stable isotope data for smaller fish species and improve food‐web studies.
Managing the negative impacts of groundwater flow on electrothermal remediation
Authors: Hegele Paul R. , McGee Bruce C. W.
Published: June 2017

Rapid groundwater fluxes often influence subsurface temperature distributions during in situ thermal remediation using electrothermal or conduction heating technologies. This study used a numerical approach to evaluate the impact of groundwater flow on electrothermal heating, as well as the effectiveness of several upgradient heat loss management strategies, in a hypothetical treatment volume. Design alternatives using upgradient (i) hydraulic barriers, (ii) physical barriers, and (iii) increased energy input are evaluated. Results indicate that target temperatures can be achieved, despite the presence of local groundwater flow velocities greater than 0.3 m/day, through the careful design and implementation of the alternatives evaluated. However, physical barriers need to be designed to prevent groundwater flow through the heated volume to be effective. Field data from an electrothermal application are also presented, where boiling temperatures were achieved after steam injection and upgradient pumping wells were implemented.
Remediation techniques for mitigating vapor intrusion from sewer systems to indoor air
Authors: Nielsen Karin Birn , Hvidberg Boerge
Published: June 2017

Investigations at former dry cleaning sites in Denmark show that sewer systems often are a major vapor intrusion pathway for chlorinated solvents to indoor air. In more than 20 percent of the contaminated drycleaner sites in Central Denmark Region, sewer systems were determined to be a major vapor intrusion pathway. Sewer systems can be a major intrusion pathway if contaminated groundwater intrudes into the sewer and contamination is transported within the sewer pipe by water flow in either free phase or dissolved states. Additionally, the contamination can volatilize from the water phase or soil gas can intrude the sewer system directly. In the sewer, the gas phase can migrate in any direction by convective transport or diffusion.

Indications of the sewer as a major intrusion pathway are:

higher concentrations in the upper floors in buildings,

higher concentrations in indoor air than expected from soil gas measurements,

higher concentrations in bathrooms/kitchen than in living rooms,

chlorinated solvents in the sewer system, and

a pressure gradient from the sewer system to indoor air.

Measurements to detect whether or not the sewer system is an intrusion pathway are simple. In Central Denmark Region, the concentrations of contaminants are routinely measured in the indoor air at all floors, the outdoor air, behind the water traps in the building, and in the manholes close to the building. The indoor and outdoor air concentration, as well as concentrations in manholes, are measured by passive sampling on sorbent samplers over a 14‐day period, and the measurements inside the sewer system are carried out by active sampling using carbon tubes (sorbent samplers). Furthermore, the pressure gradient over the building slab and between the indoor air and the sewer system are also measured. A simple test is depressurization of the sewer system. Using this technique, the pressure gradient between the sewer system and the indoor air is altered toward the sewer system—the contamination cannot enter the indoor air through the sewer system. If the sewer system is a major intrusion pathway, the effect of the test can be observed immediately in the indoor air.

Remediation of a sewer transported contamination can be:

prevention of the contaminants from intruding into the sewer system or

prevention of the contaminated gas in the sewer system from intruding into the indoor air.

Remediation techniques include the following:

lining of the sewer piping to prevent the contamination from intruding into the sewer;

sealing the sewer system in the building to prevent the contamination from the sewer system to intrude the indoor air;

venting of manholes; and

depressurizing the sewer system.
Pseudomonas sp. (Strain 10–1B): A potential inoculum candidate for green and sustainable remediation
Authors: Bello‐Akinosho Maryam , Adeleke Rasheed , Thantsha Mapitsi S. , Maila Mphekgo
Published: June 2017

Soil pollution caused by polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) is a consequence of various industrial processes which destabilizes the ecosystem. Bioremediation by bacteria is a cost‐effective and environmentally safe solution for reducing or eliminating pollutants in soils. In the present study, we artificially polluted agricultural soil with used automobile engine oil with a high PAH content and then isolated bacteria from the soil after 10 weeks. Pseudomonas sp. strain 10–1B was isolated from the bacterial community that endured this artificial pollution. We sequenced its genomic DNA on Illumina MiSeq sequencer and evaluated its ability to solubilize phosphate, fix atmospheric nitrogen, and produce indoleacetic acid, in vitro, to ascertain its potential for contribution to soil fertility. Its genome annotation predicted several dioxygenases, reductases, ferredoxin, and Rieske proteins important in the ring hydroxylation initiating PAH degradation. The strain was positive for the soil fertility attributes evaluated. Such combination of attributes is important for any potential bacterium partaking in sustainable bioremediation of PAH‐polluted soil.
Green algae of the genus Spirogyra: A potential absorbent for heavy metal from coal mine water
Authors: Vetrivel Selvi Angu , Diptanghu Mukherjee , Ebhin Masto Reginald , Sydavalli Sheik , Gaurav Nehru , Tiger Kumar Pankaj
Published: June 2017

Algae have considerable capability for absorbing heavy metals from wastewaters and are considered an effective treatment technology. Heavy metal absorption from coal mine water from the Bhowra Abandoned mine (open cast mine) and the Sudamdih Shaft mine (underground mine waters), both located in Dhanbad, India, by cells of Spirogyra was studied at different dilutions (100 percent, 80 percent, 60 percent, 40 percent, and 20 percent). In the present study, the following 18 metals were selected for analysis: aluminium (Al), arsenic (As), silver (Ag), barium (Ba), beryllium (Be), bismuth (Bi), cadmium (Cd), cobalt (Co), chromium (Cr), cesium (Cs), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), gallium (Ga), indium (In), potassium (K), manganese (Mn), nickel (Ni), and vanadium (V). Accordingly, Al and K were found to be higher in concentration with respect to selected metals for both mine waters. The biosorption study revealed that higher amounts of Al, Bi, Co, Cs, Fe, Ga, Mn, Ni, and V were absorbed by algal biomass at 100 percent concentration from both mine waters. The maximum uptake of Cu, As, and Cd was measured at 60 percent, 40 percent, and 20 percent, respectively, for the Bhowra Abandoned mine water. The biosorption equilibrium study revealed that Ag, Al, Ba, Be, Bi, Co, Cr, Cs, Fe, Ga, In, K, Mn, Ni, and V were maximally absorbed by algal biomass at 100 percent concentration from Bhowra mine water, while the maximum uptake by the algal biomass measured for the Sudamidh coal mine water was for Al, As, Bi, Cu, Fe, and Mn at 100 percent concentration. The different physicochemical characteristics of mine water and drinking water standards was also studied. Accordingly, total dissolved solid and chemical oxygen demand concentrations exceeded the drinking water standards for water samples collected from both mines.