bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modification Induced in Makrofol BL 2‐4 Polycarbonate due to Electron Beam Irradiation
Authors: Nouh S. A. , Al‐Shekify L. S. , Benthami K. , Bashter I. I.
Published: January 2015

Makrofol BL 2‐4 is an extrusion film based on Makrolon polycarbonate. It is different from Makrofol DE as it comprises excellent die‐cutting performance combined with high light transmission and moderate light scattering properties. It is a polymeric solid‐state nuclear track detector, which has many applications in various radiation detection fields. Samples from Makrofol BL sheets were irradiated using different electron beam doses ranging from 20 to 300 kGy. It is worth mentioning that this report is almost the first one dealing with this topic of material changes using Makrofol BL 2‐4. The resultant effect of electron beam irradiation on the properties of Makrofol has been investigated using X‐ray diffraction, intrinsic viscosity, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, refractive index, and color difference studies. The results indicate that the electron beam irradiation in the dose range 50–200 kGy led to the dominance of cross‐linking, enhancing the properties of Makrofol.
Electrically Contacted Bienzyme‐Functionalized Mesoporous Carbon Nanoparticle Electrodes: Applications for the Development of Dual Amperometric Biosensors and Multifuel‐Driven Biofuel Cells
Authors: Trifonov Alexander , Tel‐Vered Ran , Fadeev Michael , Willner Itamar
Published: January 2015

The capping of electron relay units in mesoporous carbon nanoparticles (MPC NPs) by crosslinking of different enzymes on MPC NPs matrices leads to integrated electrically contacted bienzyme electrodes acting as dual biosensors or as functional bienzyme anodes and cathodes for biofuel cells. The capping of ferrocene methanol and methylene blue in MPC NPs by the crosslinking of glucose oxidase (GOx) and horseradish peroxidase (HRP) yields a functional sensing electrode for both glucose and H2O2, which also acts as a bienzyme cascaded system for the indirect detection of glucose. A MPC NP matrix, loaded with ferrocene methanol and capped by GOx/lactate oxidase (LOx), is implemented for the oxidation and detection of both glucose and lactate. Similarly, MPC NPs, loaded with 2,2′‐azino‐bis(3‐ethylbenzo­thiazoline‐6‐sulphonic acid), are capped with bilirubin oxidase (BOD) and catalase (Cat), to yield a bienzyme O2 reduction cathode. A biofuel cell that uses the bienzyme GOx/LOx anode and the BOD/Cat cathode, glucose and/or lactate as fuels, and O2 and/or H2O2 as oxidizers is assembled, revealing a power efficiency of ≈90 μW cm−2 in the presence of the two fuels. The study demonstrates that multienzyme MPC NP electrodes may improve the performance of biofuel cells by oxidizing mixtures of fuels in biomass.
Enhancement of Thermoelectric Performance of n‐Type PbSe by Cr Doping with Optimized Carrier Concentration
Authors: Zhang Qian , Chere Eyob Kebede , McEnaney Kenneth , Yao Mengliang , Cao Feng , Ni Yizhou , Chen Shuo , Opeil Cyril , Chen Gang , Ren Zhifeng
Published: January 2015

Ti, V, Cr, Nb, and Mo are found to be effective at increasing the Seebeck coefficient and power factor of n‐type PbSe at temperatures below 600 K. It is found that the higher Seebeck coefficients and power factors are due to higher Hall mobility ≈1000 cm2 V−1s−1 at lower carrier concentration. A larger average ZT value (relevant for applications) can be obtained by an optimization of carrier concentration to ≈1018–1019 cm−3. Even though the highest room temperature power factor ≈3.3 × 10−3 W m−1 K−2 is found in 1 at% Mo‐doped PbSe, the highest ZT is achieved in Cr‐doped PbSe. Combined with the lower thermal conductivity, ZT is improved to ≈0.4 at room temperature and peak ZTs of ≈1.0 are observed at ≈573 K for Pb0.9925Cr0.0075Se and ≈673 K for Pb0.995Cr0.005Se. The calculated device efficiency of Pb0.995Cr0.005Se is as high as ≈12.5% with cold side 300 K and hot side 873 K, higher than those of all the n‐type PbSe materials reported in the literature.
Long‐term outcomes of primary systemic light chain (AL) amyloidosis in patients treated upfront with bortezomib or lenalidomide and the importance of risk adapted strategies
Authors: Kastritis Efstathios , Roussou Maria , Gavriatopoulou Maria , Migkou Magdalini , Kalapanida Despina , Pamboucas Constantinos , Kaldara Elisavet , Ntalianis Argyrios , Psimenou Erasmia , Toumanidis Savvas T. , Tasidou Anna , Terpos Evangelos , Dimopoulos Meletios A.
Published: January 2015

Bortezomib and lenalidomide are increasingly used in patients with AL amyloidosis, but long term data on their use as primary therapy in AL amyloidosis are lacking while early mortality remains significant. Thus, we analyzed the long term outcomes of 85 consecutive unselected patients, which received primary therapy with bortezomib or lenalidomide and we prospectively evaluated a risk adapted strategy based on bortezomib/dexamethasone to reduce early mortality. Twenty‐six patients received full‐dose bortezomib/dexamethasone, 36 patients lenalidomide with oral cyclophosphamide and low‐dose dexamethasone and 23 patients received bortezomib/dexamethasone at a dose and schedule adjusted to the risk of early death. On intent to treat, 67% of patients achieved a hematologic response (24% hemCRs) and 34% an organ response; both were more frequent with bortezomib. An early death occurred in 20%: in 36% of those treated with full‐dose bortezomib/dexamethasone, in 22% of lenalidomide‐treated patients but only in 4.5% of patients treated with risk‐adapted bortezomib/dexamethasone. Activity of full vs. adjusted dose bortezomib/dexamethasone was similar; twice weekly vs. weekly administration of bortezomib also had similar activity. After a median follow up of 57 months, median survival is 47 months and is similar for patients treated with bortezomib vs. lenalidomide‐based regimens. However, risk adjusted‐bortezomib/dexamethasone was associated with improved 1‐year survival vs. full‐dose bortezomib/dexamethasone or lenalidomide‐based therapy (81% vs. 56% vs. 53%, respectively). In conclusion, risk‐adapted bortezomib/dexamethasone may reduce early mortality and preserve activity while long term follow up indicates that remissions obtained with lenalidomide or bortezomib may be durable, even without consolidation with alkylators.Am. J. Hematol. 90:E60–E65, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Pediatric aplastic anemia and refractory cytopenia: A retrospective analysis assessing outcomes and histomorphologic predictors
Authors: Forester Craig M. , Sartain Sarah E. , Guo Dongjing , Harris Marian H. , Weinberg Olga K. , Fleming Mark D. , London Wendy B. , Williams David A. , Hofmann Inga
Published: January 2015

Pediatric acquired aplastic anemia (AA) is a bone marrow disorder that is difficult to distinguish from inherited bone marrow failure syndromes and hypocellular refractory cytopenia of childhood (RCC). Historically, patients with hypocellular RCC have been given the diagnosis of AA. To assess the clinical and histologic distinction between RCC and AA, we performed a retrospective analysis of 149 patients previously diagnosed with AA between 1976 and 2010. We evaluated event free survival (EFS), overall survival (OS), response rates to immunosuppressive therapy, treatment‐related toxicities and clonal evolution. The 5‐year EFS and OS were 50.8% ± 5.5% and 73.1% ± 4.7%, respectively. Patients with very severe AA had worse OS compared to patients with severe and moderately severe AA. Seventy‐two patients had diagnostic pathology specimens available for review. Three pediatric hematopathologists reviewed and reclassified these specimens as AA, RCC or Other based on 2008 WHO Criteria. The concordance between pathologists in the diagnosis of AA or RCC was modest. RCC was associated with a trend toward improved OS and EFS and was not prognostic of immunosuppression therapy treatment failure. There was a low rate of clonal evolution exclusively associated with moderately severe AA. Our findings indicate that a diagnosis of RCC is difficult to establish with certainty and does not predict outcomes, calling into question the reproducibility and clinical significance of the RCC classification and warranting further studies. Am. J. Hematol. 90:320–326, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Cardiovascular and pulmonary adverse events in patients treated with BCR‐ABL inhibitors: Data from the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System
Authors: Cortes Jorge , Mauro Michael , Steegmann Juan Luis , Saglio Giuseppe , Malhotra Rachpal , Ukropec Jon A. , Wallis Nicola T.
Published: January 2015

Rare but serious cardiovascular and pulmonary adverse events (AEs) have been reported in patients with chronic myeloid leukemia treated with BCR‐ABL inhibitors. Clinical trial data may not reflect the full AE profile of BCR‐ABL inhibitors because of stringent study entry criteria, relatively small sample size, and limited duration of follow‐up. To determine the utility of the FDA AE Reporting System (FAERS) surveillance database for identifying AEs possibly associated with the BCR‐ABL inhibitors imatinib, dasatinib, and nilotinib in the postmarketing patient population, we conducted Multi‐Item Gamma Poisson Shrinker disproportionality analyses of FAERS reports on AEs in relevant system organ classes. Signals consistent with the known safety profiles of these agents as well as signals for less well‐described AEs were detected. Bone marrow necrosis, conjunctival hemorrhage, and peritoneal fluid retention events were uniquely associated with imatinib. AEs that most commonly reached the threshold for dasatinib consisted of terms relating to hemorrhage and fluid retention, including pleural effusion and pericardial effusion. Most terms that reached the threshold solely with nilotinib were related to peripheral and cardiac vascular events. Although this type of analysis cannot determine AE incidence or establish causality, these findings elucidate the AEs reported in patients treated with BCR‐ABL inhibitors across multiple clinical trials and in the community setting for all approved and nonapproved indications, suggesting drug‐AE associations warrant further investigation. These findings emphasize the need to consider patient comorbidities when selecting amongst BCR‐ABL inhibitors. Am. J. Hematol. 90:E66–E72, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Divergent Mechanistic Routes for the Formation of gem‐Dimethyl Groups in the Biosynthesis of Complex Polyketides
Authors: Poust Sean , Phelan Ryan M. , Deng Kai , Katz Leonard , Petzold Christopher J. , Keasling Jay D.
Published: January 2015

The gem‐dimethyl groups in polyketide‐derived natural products add steric bulk and, accordingly, lend increased stability to medicinal compounds, however, our ability to rationally incorporate this functional group in modified natural products is limited. In order to characterize the mechanism of gem‐dimethyl group formation, with a goal toward engineering of novel compounds containing this moiety, the gem‐dimethyl group producing polyketide synthase (PKS) modules of yersiniabactin and epothilone were characterized using mass spectrometry. The work demonstrated, contrary to the canonical understanding of reaction order in PKSs, that methylation can precede condensation in gem‐dimethyl group producing PKS modules. Experiments showed that both PKSs are able to use dimethylmalonyl acyl carrier protein (ACP) as an extender unit. Interestingly, for epothilone module 8, use of dimethylmalonyl‐ACP appeared to be the sole route to form a gem‐dimethylated product, while the yersiniabactin PKS could methylate before or after ketosynthase condensation.
Indolo‐Phakellins as β5‐Specific Noncovalent Proteasome Inhibitors
Authors: Beck Philipp , Lansdell Theresa A. , Hewlett Nicole M. , Tepe Jetze J. , Groll Michael
Published: January 2015

The proteasome represents an invaluable target for the treatment of cancer and autoimmune disorders. The application of proteasome inhibitors, however, remains limited to blood cancers because their reactive headgroups and peptidic scaffolds convey unfavorable pharmacodynamic properties. Thus, the discovery of more drug‐like lead structures is indispensable. In this study, we present the first structure of the proteasome in complex with an indolo‐phakellin that exhibits a unique noncovalent binding mode unparalleled by all hitherto reported inhibitors. The natural product inspired pentacyclic alkaloid binds solely and specificially into the spacious S3 subpocket of the proteasomal β5 substrate binding channel, gaining major stabilization through halogen bonding with the protein backbone. The presented compound provides an ideal scaffold for the structure‐based design of subunit‐specific nonpeptidic proteasome‐blockers.
Double Heteroatom Functionalization of Arenes Using Benzyne Three‐Component Coupling
Authors: García‐López José‐Antonio , Çetin Meliha , Greaney Michael F.
Published: January 2015

Arynes participate in three‐component coupling reactions with N, S, P, and Se functionalities to yield 1,2‐heteroatom‐difunctionalized arenes. Using 2‐iodophenyl arylsulfonates as benzyne precursors, we could effectively add magnesiated S‐, Se‐, and N‐nucleophilic components to the strained triple bond. In the same pot, addition of electrophilic N, S, or P reagents and a copper(I) catalyst trapped the intermediate aryl Grignard to produce a variety of 1,2‐difunctionalized arenes.
The organic electrochemical transistor for biological applications
Authors: Strakosas Xenofon , Bongo Manuelle , Owens Róisín M.
Published: January 2015

The rising field of bioelectronics, which couples the realms of electronics and biology, holds huge potential for the development of novel biomedical devices for therapeutics and diagnostics. Organic electronic devices are particularly promising; the use of robust organic electronic materials provides an ideal biointerface due to their reported biocompatibility, and mechanical matching between the sensor element and the biological environment, are amongst the advantages unique to this class of materials. One promising device emerging from this field is the organic electrochemical transistor (OECT). Arguably, the most important feature of an OECT is that it provides local amplification and as such can be used as a high fidelity transducer of biological events. Additionally, the OECT combines properties and characteristics that can be tuned for a wide spectrum of biological applications. Here, we frame the development of the OECT with respect to its underlying optimization for a variety of different applications, including ion sensing, enzymatic sensing, and electrophysiology. These applications have allowed the development of OECTs to sense local ionic/biomolecular and single cell activity, as well characterization of tissue and even monitoring of function of whole organs. The body of work reviewed here demonstrates that the OECT is an extremely versatile device that emerges as an important player for therapeutics and diagnostics. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015, 132, 41735.
Flame‐retardancy properties of tris(2‐hydroxyethyl) isocyanurate based charring agents on polypropylene
Authors: Chen Wenyan , Liu Gousheng
Published: January 2015

Tris(2‐hydroxyethyl) isocyanurate based charring agent (TBCA) was synthesized by melt polycondensation with tris(2‐hydroxyethyl) isocyanurate (THEIC) and terephthalic acid as raw materials. It was characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, elemental analysis, 1H‐NMR, and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). TBCA was blended with ammonium polyphosphate (APP) to form an intumescent flame retardant (IFR) for polypropylene (PP). The charring properties of TBCA was tested by flame retardancy in the PP/APP/TBCA (PP/IFR2) composite and compared with that of the PP/APP/THEIC (PP/IFR1) composite. The results show that PP/IFR2 had lower flame‐retardant properties but better water resistance than that of the PP/IFR1 composite because PP/IFR2 could still obtain a V‐0 rating after it had been soaked in water at 70°C for 96 h, whereas PP/IFR1 could not achieve any rating after 36 h. Their combustion performance was further evaluated by a cone calorimeter test, their thermal degradation processes were studied by TGA, and the morphology of the char residue was observed by scanning electron microscopy. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015, 132, 41810.
Ultrathin and nanofibers via room temperature electrospinning from trifluoroacetic acid solutions of untreated lignocellulosic sisal fiber or sisal pulp
Authors: Rodrigues Bruno V. M. , Ramires Elaine C. , Santos Rachel P. O. , Frollini Elisabete
Published: January 2015

Lignocellulosic sisal fiber (LSF) and sisal pulp (SP) were electrospun at room temperature from solutions in trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) prepared at concentrations of 2 × 10−2g mL−1and 3 × 10−2g mL−1, respectively. Scanning electron microscopy images of the electrospun LSF showed fibers with diameters ranging from 120 to 510 nm. The presence of defects decreased along with increasing the flow rate of the SP solution, which generated nanofibers and ultrathin fibers with diameters in the range of 40–60 (at 5.5 µL min−1) up to 90–200 nm (at 65.5 µL min−1). Despite the known ability of TFA to esterify the hydroxyl groups present in the starting materials, the Fourier transform infrared spectra indicated the absence of trifluoroacetyl groups in the electrospun samples. The thermal stability of the final materials proved suitable for many applications even though some differences were observed relative to the starting materials. This study demonstrated a feasible novel approach for producing nano/ultrathin fibers from lignocellulosic biomass or its main component, which allows for a wide range of applications for these materials. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci.2015,132, 41826.
Effects of substitution for carbon black with graphene oxide or graphene on the morphology and performance of natural rubber/carbon black composites
Authors: Yang Ganwei , Liao Zhenfei , Yang Zhijun , Tang Zhenghai , Guo Baochun
Published: January 2015

In this study, nanosheets including graphene oxide (GO) and reduced graphene oxide (rGO), were incorporated into natural rubber (NR), to study the effects of substituting GO or rGO for carbon black (CB) on the structure and performance of NR/CB composites. The morphological observations revealed the dispersion of CB was improved by partially substituting nanosheets for CB. The improvements in static and dynamic mechanical properties were achieved at small substitution content of GO or rGO nanosheets. With substitution of rGO nanosheets, significant improvement in flex cracking resistance was achieved. NR/CB/rGO (NRG) composites has a much lower heat build‐up value compared with NR/CB/GO (NG) composites at a high load of nanosheets. However, both GO and rGO tended to aggregate at a high concentration, which led to the poor efficiency on enhancing the dynamic properties, or even deteriorate the performance of rubber composites. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015, 132, 41832.
Direct N‐Methylation Reaction Using DMSO as One‐Carbon Bridge: Convenient Access to Heterocycle‐Containing β‐Amino Ketones
Authors: Sun Kai , Wang Xin , Jiang Yongqing , Lv Yunhe , Zhang Liping , Xiao Beibei , Li Donghui , Zhu Zhonghong , Liu Lin
Published: January 2015

A novel oxidative CS bond cleavage reaction of DMSO for dual CC and CN bond formation is described. A series of acetyl heteroarenes could be selectively converted into the corresponding β‐amino ketones, which are frequently found in biologically active compounds and pharmaceuticals. DMSO acted in this reaction not only as the solvent but also as a one‐carbon bridge.
Ultrasound‐Driven Secondary Self‐Assembly of Amphiphilic β‐Cyclodextrin Dimers
Authors: Zhang Hai‐tao , Fan Xiao‐dong , Tian Wei , Suo Rong‐tian , Yang Zhen , Bai Yang , Zhang Wan‐bin
Published: January 2015

The controlled secondary self‐assembly of amphiphilic molecules in solution is theoretically and practically significant in amphiphilic molecular applications. An amphiphilic β‐cyclodextrin (β‐CD) dimer, namely LA‐(CD)2, has been synthesized, wherein one lithocholic acid (LA) unit is hydrophobic and two β‐CD units are hydrophilic. In an aqueous solution at room temperature, LA‐(CD)2 self‐assembles into spherical micelles without ultrasonication. The primary micelles dissociates and then secondarily form self‐assemblies with branched structures under ultrasonication. The branched aggregates revert to primary micelles at high temperature. The ultrasound‐driven secondary self‐assembly is confirmed by transmission electron microscopy, dynamic light scattering, 1H NMR spectroscopy, and Cu2+‐responsive experiments. Furthermore, 2D NOESY NMR and UV/Vis spectroscopy results indicate that the formation of the primary micelles is driven by hydrophilic–hydrophobic interactions, whereas host–guest interactions promote the formation of the secondary assemblies. Additionally, ultrasonication is shown to be able to effectively destroy the primary hydrophilic–hydrophobic balances while enhancing the host–guest interaction between the LA and β‐CD moieties at room temperature.
Functional Graphene by Thiol‐ene Click Chemistry
Authors: Luong Nguyen Dang , Sinh Le Hoang , Johansson Leena‐Sisko , Campell Joseph , Seppälä Jukka
Published: January 2015

Thiol‐ene click reaction was successfully employed for chemical modification of graphene oxide (GO) by one‐step synthesis. Herein, 2,2‐azobis(2‐methylpropionitrile) (AIBN) was used as thermal catalyst and cysteamine hydrochloride (HS−(CH2)2−NH2HCl) was used as thiol‐containing compound, which is incorporated to GO surface upon reaction with the C=C bonds. The hydrochloride acts as protecting group for the amine, which is finally eliminated by adding sodium hydroxide. The modified GO contains both S‐ and N‐containing groups (NS‐GO). We found that NS‐GO sheets form good dispersion in water, ethanol, and ethylene glycol. These graphene dispersions can be processed into functionalized graphene film. Besides, it was demonstrated that NS‐GO was proved to be an excellent host matrix for platinum nanoparticles. The developed method paves a new way for graphene modification and its functional nanocomposites.
Experimental and modelling study of propane aromatization over H‐ZSM‐5 catalysts prepared by different silica sources
Authors: Baradaran Soroush , Sohrabi Morteza , Moghimpour Bijani Parsia , Royaee Sayed Javid , Sahebdelfar Saeed
Published: January 2015

The catalytic performance of H‐ZSM‐5 samples prepared from different silica sources, namely, Ludox (sample A), waterglass (sample B) and tetraethyl orthosilicate (sample C) in aromatization of propane was studied. The catalysts were characterized by BET, SEM, XRD and NH3‐TPD techniques to analyze the structure and acidity of the active sites. The performance tests were carried out in fixed‐bed reactor at 550 °C. For a quantitative assessment, the long‐term propane conversion data were fitted with a second order kinetics for the main reaction and a second order independent kinetics for deactivation using integral method of analysis. Fair fits were observed. According to silica source, the order for activity and stability were A>B>C and B>C>A, respectively. The incorporation of Zn (0.4 wt. %) as a promoter showed beneficial effect on aromatic selectivity at the expense of propane conversion and catalyst stability. The introduction of Zn decreased the rate constant of aromatization from 9.4 to 8.7 m6·kg−1·mol−1·h−1 at 550 °C, while the rate constant of deactivation increased by a factor of five, that is, from 0.0056 to 0.025 h−1.
Two‐dimensional lattice Boltzmann simulation of natural convection in differentially heated square cavity: Effect of Prandtl and Rayleigh numbers
Authors: Gangawane Krunal M. , Bharti Ram P. , Kumar Surendra
Published: January 2015

A thermal lattice Boltzmann method is utilized for the numerical simulation of the natural convection heat transfer phenomena inside a differentially heated square cavity. Numerical simulations are performed to elucidate the combined effects of Prandtl number (0.71 ≤ Pr ≤ 100) and Rayleigh number (104 ≤ Ra ≤ 106) on heat transfer and fluid flow characteristics inside the cavity. Detailed insights are gained by the evaluation of isotherms, stream functions and vorticity profiles. For higher Prandtl and Rayleigh numbers, streamlines become more confined to hot wall with the loss of symmetry. Similarly, isotherms patterns become more stratified towards the hot wall. The centre‐line velocity and temperature profiles are also analyzed. Further, the heat transfer rate is estimated in terms of average Nusselt number. It suggests a proportional increase in the average Nusselt number with the increasing values of Prandtl number for considered range of Rayleigh numbers. Finally, the numerical data for the average Nusselt number are presented in the form of a correlation for their best utilization in design and engineering practices.
Standards kompetenzorientierter Schulbücher für die Naturwissenschaften
Authors: Bölsterli Katrin , Wilhelm Markus , Rehm Markus
Published: January 2015

Vergleichbar mit dem Handeln von Lehrkräften müssen „gute“ Schulbücher bestimmten Standards genügen, wenn sie maßgeblich auf die Qualität eines kompetenzorientierten Unterrichts wirken sollen. Welche Standards als relevant betrachtet werden, hängt jedoch von der Perspektive ab. Aus diesem Grund wird in der vorliegenden Teilstudie einer größeren Studie [1] folgender Frage nachgegangen: Welche Unterschiede bestehen zwischen Grund‐ und Sekundarschullehrkräften sowie Didaktikdozierenden bezüglich der zehn Top‐Standards für kompetenzorientierte Schulbücher der Naturwissenschaften? Zur Beantwortung dieser Frage wurden Schulbuchstandards evidenzbasiert ermittelt. Dazu wurden vorläufige Standards qualitativ erhoben und in einem quantitativen Fragebogen nach ihrer Relevanz gewichtet. Für die Gewichtung der Schulbuchstandards wurden Grund‐ und Sekundarschullehrkräfte sowie Didaktikdozierende der Naturwissenschaften befragt. Die Ergebnisse weisen darauf hin, dass Lehrkräfte stark auf die Praxistauglichkeit von Schulbüchern achten, während Didaktikdozierende eher kompetenzorientierte Aspekte hoch gewichten. Weiter zeigt sich, dass Grundschullehrkräfte Lehrerbände höher gewichten als Sekundarschullehrkräfte.
Natural Products as Zinc‐Dependent Histone Deacetylase Inhibitors
Authors: Tan Shuai , Liu Zhao‐Peng
Published: January 2015

Zinc‐dependent histone deacetylases (HDACs), a family of hydrolases that remove acetyl groups from lysine residues, play an important role in the regulation of multiple processes, from gene expression to protein activity. The dysregulation of HDACs is associated with many diseases including cancer, neurological disorders, cellular metabolism disorders, and inflammation. Molecules that act as HDAC inhibitors (HDACi) exhibit a variety of related bioactivities. In particular, HDACi have been applied clinically for the treatment of cancers. Inhibition through competitive binding of the catalytic domain of these enzymes has been achieved by a diverse array of small‐molecule chemotypes, including a number of natural products. This review provides a systematic introduction of natural HDACi, with an emphasis on their enzyme inhibitory potency, selectivity, and biological activities, highlighting their various binding modes with HDACs.
Plasmon‐Enhanced Photoelectrochemical Water Splitting Using Au Nanoparticles Decorated on Hematite Nanoflake Arrays
Authors: Wang Lei , Zhou Xuemei , Nguyen Nhat Truong , Schmuki Patrik
Published: January 2015

Hematite nanoflake arrays were decorated with Au nanoparticles through a simple solution chemistry approach. We show that the photoactivity of Au‐decorated Fe2O3 electrodes for photoelectrochemical water oxidation can be effectively enhanced in the UV/Visible region compared with the bare Fe2O3. Au‐nanoparticle‐decorated Fe2O3 nanoflake electrodes exhibit a significant cathodic shift of the onset potential up to 0.6 V [vs. reversible hydrogen electrode (RHE)], and a two times increase in the water oxidation photocurrent is achieved at 1.23 VRHE. A maximum photocurrent of 2.0 mA cm−2 at 1.6 VRHE is obtained in 1 M KOH under AM 1.5 (100 mW cm−2) conditions. The enhancement in photocurrent can be attributed to the Au nanoparticles acting as plasmonic photosensitizers that increase the optical absorption.
3D CFD Simulations: Effect of Operation Parameters on the Deposition of Photocatalytic TiO2 Nanoparticles by MOCVD
Authors: Othman Siti Hajar , Abdul Rashid Suraya , Mohd. Ghazi Tinia Idaty , Abdullah Norhafizah
Published: January 2015

A 3‐dimensional (3D) computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulation study on the effect of temperature and carrier‐gas flow rate on the deposition of photocatalytic titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles by metal‐organic (MO)CVD is presented. The model predicts the temperature, velocity, mass fraction of reactants and products, kinetic rate of reaction, and surface deposition rate profiles. Increasing temperature and reducing carrier gas flow rate increases the deposition rate and hence the amount of nanoparticles produced. Unlike carrier‐gas flow rate, temperature is significant in determining the rate of surface deposition. Simulation results are validated by experiments whenever possible due to limited data. Decent agreement between experiment and simulation supports the reliability of the simulation.
Aerosol‐Assisted CVD of Bismuth Vanadate Thin Films and Their Photoelectrochemical Properties
Authors: Brack Paul , Sagu Jagdeep S. , Peiris T. A. Nirmal , McInnes Andrew , Senili Mauro , Wijayantha K. G. Upul , Marken Frank , Selli Elena
Published: January 2015

Thin film bismuth vanadate (BiVO4) photoelectrodes are prepared by aerosol‐assisted (AA)CVD for the first time on fluorine‐doped tin oxide (FTO) glass substrates. The BiVO4 photoelectrodes are characterised by X‐ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy (RS), and energy‐dispersive X‐ray (EDX) spectroscopy and are found to consist of phase‐pure monoclinic BiVO4. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis shows that the thin film is uniform with a porous structure, and consists of particles approximately 75−125 nm in diameter. The photoelectrochemical (PEC) properties of the BiVO4 photoelectrodes are studied in aqueous 1 M Na2SO4 and show photocurrent densities of 0.4 mA cm−2, and a maximum incident‐photon‐to‐electron conversion efficiency (IPCE) of 19% at 1.23 V vs. the reversible hydrogen electrode (RHE). BiVO4 photoelectrodes prepared by this method are thus highly promising for use in PEC water‐splitting cells.
Biomarkers of animal health: integrating nutritional ecology, endocrine ecophysiology, ecoimmunology, and geospatial ecology
Authors: Warne Robin W. , Proudfoot Glenn A. , Crespi Erica J.
Published: January 2015

Diverse biomarkers including stable isotope, hormonal, and ecoimmunological assays are powerful tools to assess animal condition. However, an integrative approach is necessary to provide the context essential to understanding how biomarkers reveal animal health in varied ecological conditions. A barrier to such integration is a general lack of awareness of how shared extraction methods from across fields can provide material from the same animal tissues for diverse biomarker assays. In addition, the use of shared methods for extracting differing tissue fractions can also provide biomarkers for how animal health varies across time. Specifically, no study has explicitly illustrated the depth and breadth of spacial and temporal information that can be derived from coupled biomarker assessments on two easily collected tissues: blood and feathers or hair. This study used integrated measures of glucocorticoids, stable isotopes, and parasite loads in the feathers and blood of fall‐migrating Northern saw‐whet owls (Aegolius acadicus) to illustrate the wealth of knowledge about animal health and ecology across both time and space. In feathers, we assayed deuterium (δD) isotope and corticosterone (CORT) profiles, while in blood we measured CORT and blood parasite levels. We found that while earlier migrating owls had elevated CORT levels relative to later migrating birds, there was also a disassociation between plasma and feather CORT, and blood parasite loads. These results demonstrate how these tissues integrate time periods from weeks to seasons and reflect energetic demands during differing life stages. Taken together, these findings illustrate the potential for integrating diverse biomarkers to assess interactions between environmental factors and animal health across varied time periods without the necessity of continually recapturing and tracking individuals. Combining biomarkers from diverse research fields into an integrated framework hold great promise for advancing our understanding of environmental effects on animal health.
Diversity patterns of ground beetles and understory vegetation in mature, secondary, and plantation forest regions of temperate northernChina
Authors: Zou Yi , Sang Weiguo , Wang Shunzhong , Warren‐Thomas Eleanor , Liu Yunhui , Yu Zhenrong , Wang Changliu , Axmacher Jan Christoph
Published: January 2015

Plantation and secondary forests form increasingly important components of the global forest cover, but our current knowledge about their potential contribution to biodiversity conservation is limited. We surveyed understory plant and carabid species assemblages at three distinct regions in temperate northeastern China, dominated by mature forest (Changbaishan Nature Reserve, sampled in 2011 and 2012), secondary forest (Dongling Mountain, sampled in 2011 and 2012), and forest plantation habitats (Bashang Plateau, sampled in 2006 and 2007), respectively. Theα‐diversity of both taxonomic groups was highest in plantation forests of the Bashang Plateau. Beetleα‐diversity was lowest, but plant and beetle species turnover peaked in the secondary forests of Dongling Mountain, while habitats in the Changbaishan Nature Reserve showed the lowest turnover rates for both taxa. Changbaishan Nature Reserve harbored the highest proportion of forest specialists. Our results suggest that in temperate regions of northern China, the protected larch plantation forest established over extensive areas might play a considerable role in maintaining a high biodiversity in relation to understory herbaceous plant species and carabid assemblages, which can be seen as indicators of forest disturbance. The high proportion of phytophagous carabids and the rarity of forest specialists reflect the relatively homogenous, immature status of the forest ecosystems on the Bashang Plateau. China's last remaining large old‐growth forests like the ones on Changbaishan represent stable, mature ecosystems which require particular conservation attention.
Proximity to encroaching coconut palm limits native forest water use and persistence on a Pacific atoll
Authors: Krauss Ken W. , Duberstein Jamie A. , Cormier Nicole , Young Hillary S. , Hathaway Stacie A.
Published: January 2015

Competition for fresh water between native and introduced plants is one important challenge facing native forests as rainfall variability increases. Competition can be especially acute for vegetation on Pacific atolls, which depend upon consistent rainfall to replenish shallow groundwater stores. Patterns of sap flow, water use, and diameter growth ofPisonia grandistrees were investigated on Sand Islet, Palmyra Atoll, Line Islands, during a period of low rainfall. Sap flow in the outer sapwood was reduced by 53% forP.grandistrees growing within coconut palm (Cocos nucifera) stands (n = 9) versus away from coconut palm (n = 9). This suggested that water uptake was being limited by coconut palm. Radial patterns of sap flow into the sapwood ofP.grandisalso differed between stands with and without coconut palm, such that individual tree water use forP.grandisranged from 14 to 67 L day−1, averaging 47·8 L day−1without coconut palm and 23·6 L day−1with coconut palm. Diameter growth ofP.grandiswas measured from nine islets. In contrast to sap flow, competition with coconut palm increased diameter growth by 89%, equating to an individual tree basal area increment of 5·4 versus 10·3 mm2 day−1. Greater diameter growth countered by lower rates of water use byP.grandistrees growing in competition with coconut palm suggests that stem swell may be associated with water storage when positioned in the understory of coconut palm, and may facilitate survival when water becomes limiting until too much shading overwhelmsP.grandis. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Deconvolution in Potentiometric SECM
Authors: Kiss András , Nagy Géza
Published: January 2015

One of the main limitations of potentiometric scanning electrochemical microscopy (SECM) is the large RC time constant, and therefore long response time of the cell. A relatively long equilibration interval has to be allowed before sampling at each data acquisition point to reach equilibrium potential, and avoid image distortion. In this paper, we present a method to get high‐quality, low distortion images, without increasing scan time. The convolution function causing the distortion can be expressed from the response function of the potentiometric cell. A model system was studied with high scan rate, then the image was deconvoluted using the inverse of the potentiometric response function to calculate the equilibrium potential for each data acquisition point from the respective observed values.
Passion fruit juice with different sweeteners: sensory profile by descriptive analysis and acceptance
Authors: Rocha Izabela Furtado de Oliveira , Bolini Helena Maria André
Published: January 2015

This study evaluated the effect of different sweeteners on the sensory profile, acceptance, and drivers of preference of passion fruit juice samples sweetened with sucrose, aspartame, sucralose, stevia, cyclamate/saccharin blend 2:1, and neotame. Sensory profiling was performed by 12 trained assessors using quantitative descriptive analysis (QDA). Acceptance tests (appearance, aroma, flavor, texture and overall impression) were performed with 124 consumers of tropical fruit juice. Samples with sucrose, aspartame and sucralose showed similar sensory profile (P < 0.05), without bitter taste, bitter aftertaste, and metallic taste, and samples with sucrose and sucralose did not differ from each other for the attribute sweet aftertaste. Passion fruit flavor affected positively and sweet aftertaste affected negatively the acceptance of the samples. Samples sweetened with aspartame, sucralose, and sucrose presented higher acceptance scores for the attributes flavor, texture, and overall impression, with no significant (P < 0.05) differences between them. Aspartame and sucralose can be good substitutes for sucrose in passion fruit juice.
IL‐33 facilitates oncogene‐induced cholangiocarcinoma in mice by an interleukin‐6‐sensitive mechanism
Authors: Yamada Daisaku , Ilyas Sumera I. , Razumilava Nataliya , Bronk Steven F. , Davila Jaime I. , Champion Mia D. , Borad Mitesh J. , Bezerra Jorge A. , Chen Xin , Gores Gregory J.
Published: January 2015

Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is a lethal hepatobiliary neoplasm originating from the biliary apparatus. In humans, CCA risk factors include hepatobiliary inflammation and fibrosis. The recently identified interleukin (IL)−1 family member, IL‐33, has been shown to be a biliary mitogen which also promotes liver inflammation and fibrosis. Our aim was to generate a mouse model of CCA mimicking the human disease. Ectopic oncogene expression in the biliary tract was accomplished by the Sleeping Beauty transposon transfection system with transduction of constitutively active AKT (myr‐AKT) and Yes‐associated protein. Intrabiliary instillation of the transposon–transposase complex was coupled with lobar bile duct ligation in C57BL/6 mice, followed by administration of IL‐33 for 3 consecutive days. Tumors developed in 72% of the male mice receiving both oncogenes plus IL‐33 by 10 weeks but in only 20% of the male mice transduced with the oncogenes alone. Tumors expressed SOX9 and pancytokeratin (features of CCA) but were negative for HepPar1 (a marker of hepatocellular carcinoma). Substantive overlap with human CCA specimens was revealed by RNA profiling. Not only did IL‐33 induce IL‐6 expression by human cholangiocytes but it likely facilitated tumor development in vivo by an IL‐6–sensitive process as tumor development was significantly attenuated in Il‐6–/–
male animals. Furthermore, tumor formation occurred at a similar rate when IL‐6 was substituted for IL‐33 in this model. Conclusion: The transposase‐mediated transduction of constitutively active AKT and Yes‐associated protein in the biliary epithelium coupled with lobar obstruction and IL‐33 administration results in the development of CCA with morphological and biochemical features of the human disease; this model highlights the role of inflammatory cytokines in CCA oncogenesis. (Hepatology 2015;61:1627–1642)
Hepatocyte responses to in vitro freezing and β‐adrenergic stimulation: Insights into the extreme freeze tolerance of subarctic Rana sylvatica
Authors: do Amaral M. Clara F. , Lee Richard E. , Costanzo Jon P.
Published: January 2015

The wood frog, Rana sylvatica LeConte 1825, is a freeze‐tolerant amphibian widely distributed in North America. Subarctic populations of this species can survive experimental freezing to temperatures below −16 °C, whereas temperate populations tolerate freezing only at temperatures above −6 °C. We investigated whether hepatocytes isolated from frogs indigenous to Interior Alaska (subarctic) or southern Ohio (temperate) had distinct characteristics that could contribute to this variation in freeze tolerance capacity. Following in vitro freezing, cell damage, as assessed from lactate dehydrogenase leakage, was similar between samples from Alaskan and Ohioan frogs. Preincubation of cells in media containing glucose or urea, the two primary cryoprotectants used by R. sylvatica, markedly reduced freezing damage to hepatocytes; however, results suggested that cells of the northern phenotype were comparatively more amenable to cryoprotection by urea. Stimulation of isolated hepatocytes with β‐adrenergic agonists, which simulates the freezing‐induced cryoprotectant mobilization response, gave rates of glucose production from endogenous glycogen reserves that were similar between the populations. Our findings suggest that extreme freeze tolerance in subarctic R. sylvatica does not require an enhanced ability of the liver to resist freezing stress or rapidly mobilize cryoprotectant. J. Exp. Zool. 323A: 89–96, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Accumulation of glycogen in axotomized adult rat facial motoneurons
Authors: Takezawa Yosuke , Baba Otto , Kohsaka Shinichi , Nakajima Kazuyuki
Published: January 2015

This study biochemically determined glycogen content in the axotomized facial nucleus of adult rats up to 35 days postinsult. The amounts of glycogen in the transected facial nucleus were significantly increased at 5 days postinsult, peaked at 7 days postinsult, and declined to the control levels at 21–35 days postinsult. Immunohistochemical analysis with antiglycogen antibody revealed that the quantity of glycogen granules in the axotomized facial nucleus was greater than that in the control nucleus at 7 days postinjury. Dual staining methods with antiglycogen antibody and a motoneuron marker clarified that the glycogen was localized mainly in motoneurons. Immunoblotting and quantification analysis revealed that the ratio of inactive glycogen synthase (GS) to total GS was significantly decreased in the injured nucleus at about 1–3 days postinsult and significantly increased from 7 to 14 days postinsult, suggesting that glycogen is actively synthesized in the early period postinjury but suppressed after 7 days postinsult. The enhanced glycogen at about 5–7 days postinsult is suggested to be responsible for the decrease in inactive GS levels, and the decrease of glycogen after 7 days postinsult is considered to be caused by increased inactive GS levels and possibly the increase in active glycogen phosphorylase. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Evaluation of differences between Chiralpak IA and Chiralpak AD‐RH amylose‐based chiral stationary phases in reversed‐phase high‐performance liquid chromatography
Authors: Kalíková Květa , Geryk Radim , Vozka Jiří , Tesařová Eva
Published: January 2015

Polysaccharide‐based chiral stationary phases can be used for the enantioselective separation of a wide range of structurally different compounds. These phases are available with chiral selectors coated or immobilized on silica gel support. The means of attachment of the chiral selector to the carrier can influence the separation performance of these stationary phases. This paper deals with evaluation of differences in the separation abilities of coated Chiralpak AD‐RH versus immobilized Chiralpak IA amylose‐based stationary phases in the reversed–phase mode of high–performance liquid chromatography. A set of chiral analytes was separated under acidic and basic conditions. Differences were observed in the enantioseparation potential of the tested phases. The linear‐free energy relationship and additional evaluation of ionic interactions were used to ascertain whether the interactions that participate in retention and enantioseparation are affected by the means of preparation of these phases. All the interactions covered by the linear‐free energy relationship were significant for the studied phases and their absolute values were almost always higher for the coated phase. Ionic interactions were found to be more important on the immobilized stationary phase but did not contribute to any improvement in the enantioselective separation performance.
Rapid identification of erythrocyte phospholipids in Sprague–Dawley rats by ultra high performance liquid chromatography with electrospray ionization quadrupole time‐of‐flight tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Pi Juanjuan , Wu Xia , Yang Shitian , Zeng Pingyan , Feng Yifan
Published: January 2015

A rapid, sensitive, and reliable approach for analyzing five kinds of erythrocyte phospholipids in Sprague–Dawley rats was provided by ultra high performance liquid chromatography coupled with electrospray ionization quadrupole time‐of‐flight tandem mass spectrometry with MassLynxTM MassFragment. Improving conventional high performance liquid chromatography techniques, ultra high performance liquid chromatography integrated with quadrupole time‐of‐flight tandem mass spectrometry offers high sensitivity and increased analytical speed by using columns packed with sub‐2 μm particles (1.7 μm), which allows a faster separation to be achieved. Through this method, 83 phospholipids were tentatively characterized based on their mass spectra and tandem mass spectra, as well as by matching the in‐house formula database within a mass error of 5 ppm, including 40 phosphatidylcholines, 24 phosphatidyl ethanolamines, three phosphatidylinositols, six phosphatidylserines, and ten sphingomyelins. Our present results proved that the established method could be used to qualitatively analyze complex erythrocyte phospholipids in Sprague–Dawley rats and provide a useful data base for pharmacology and phospholipidomics to seek potential biomarkers of disease prediction.