bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Three‐dimensional necking during viscous slab detachment
Authors: von Tscharner M. , Schmalholz S. M. , Duretz T.
Published: June 2014

We study the three‐dimensional (3‐D) deformation during detachment of a lithospheric slab with simple numerical models using the finite element method. An initially vertical layer of power law viscous fluid mimics the slab and is surrounded by a linear or power law viscous fluid representing asthenospheric mantle. We quantify the impact of slab size and shape (symmetric/asymmetric) on slab detachment and identify two processes that control the lateral (i.e., along‐trench) slab deformation: (1) the horizontal deflection of the lateral, vertical slab sides (> 100 km with velocities up to 16 mm/yr) and (2) the propagation of localized thinning (necking) inside the slab (with velocities >9 cm/yr). The lateral propagation velocity is approximately constant during slab detachment. Larger slabs (here wider than approximately 300 km) detach with rates similar to those predicted by 2‐D models, whereas smaller slabs detach slower. Implications for geodynamic processes and interpretations of seismic tomography are discussed.
Sediment size fractionation and focusing in the equatorial Pacific: Effect on 230Th normalization and paleoflux measurements
Authors: Lyle Mitchell , Marcantonio Franco , Moore Willard S. , Murray Richard W. , Huh Chih‐An , Finney Bruce P. , Murray David W. , Mix Alan C.
Published: June 2014

We use flux, dissolution, and excess 230Th data from the Joint Global Ocean Flux Study and Manganese Nodule Project equatorial Pacific study Site C to assess the extent of sediment focusing in the equatorial Pacific. Measured mass accumulation rates (MAR) from sediment cores were compared to reconstructed MAR by multiplying the particulate rain caught in sediment traps by the 230Th focusing factor and subtracting measured dissolution. CaCO3 MAR is severely overestimated when the 230Th focusing factor correction is large but is estimated correctly when the focusing factor is small. In contrast, Al fluxes in the sediment fine fraction are well matched when the focusing correction is used. Since CaCO3 is primarily a coarse sediment component, we propose that there is significant sorting of fine and coarse sediments during lateral sediment transport by weak currents. Because CaCO3 does not move with 230Th, normalization typically overcorrects the CaCO3 MAR; and because CaCO3 is 80% of the total sediment, 230Th normalization overestimates lateral sediment flux. Fluxes of 230Th in particulate rain caught in sediment traps agree with the water column production‐sorption model, except within 500 m of the bottom. Near the bottom, 230Th flux measurements are as much as 3 times higher than model predictions. There is also evidence for lateral near‐bottom 230Th transport in the bottom nepheloid layer since 230Th fluxes caught by near‐bottom sediment traps are higher than predicted by resuspension of surface sediments alone. Resuspension and nepheloid layer transport under weak currents need to be better understood in order to use 230Th within a quantitative model of lateral sediment transport.
Beat It! Music Overloads Novice Dancers
Authors: Betteridge Gabrielle L. , Stevens Catherine J. , Bailes Freya A.
Published: June 2014

Together with melody, harmony, and timbre, rhythm and beat provide temporal structure for movement timing. Such musical features may act as cues to the phrasing and dynamics of a dance choreographed to the music. Novice dancers (N = 54) learned to criterion a novel 32‐s dance‐pop routine, either to full music or to the rhythm of that music. At test, participants recalled the dance to the same music, rhythm, new music, and in silence. If musical features aid memory, then full music during learning and test should result in superior dance recall, whereas if rhythm alone aids memory, then rhythm during learning and test should result in superior recall. The presence of a rhythm accompaniment during learning provided a significantly greater memory advantage for the recall of dance‐pop steps than full music. After learning to full music, silence at test enhanced recall. Findings are discussed in terms of entrainment and cognitive load. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Process flow sheet synthesis: Reaching targets for idealized coal gasification
Authors: Fox James Alistair , Hildebrandt Diane , Glasser David , Batel Bilal , Hausberger Brendon
Published: June 2014

The gasification of coal is a process that has been commonly used to produce a mixture of gases containing primarily carbon dioxide and hydrogen, called syngas. This syngas is used as an intermediate in the production of many chemicals such as ammonia, synthetic hydrocarbons, and methanol (to name a few). Coal gasification has a reputation for being “dirty” in terms of its emissions in comparison with other syngas creation technologies, such as methane reforming. However, there is remarkably little information on what the “best case” for coal gasification could actually be and how existing process perform relative to that “best case.” The goal of this article is to formulate a preliminary and conceptual flow sheet for the gasification process; this flow sheet is not intended to be a finalized design or a definitive solution. It is intended to illustrate the method of setting and achieving design objectives and provide a basis of comparison for either new or existing processes. Thermodynamics can be used to describe any process, or system of processes. Of particular interest are the properties of enthalpy and Gibbs free energy. Using these two thermodynamic properties together as vectors on a diagram of free energy (ΔG) against enthalpy (ΔH), it becomes possible to develop better process flow sheets that combine the thermodynamics of chemical reactions and the dynamics of physical operations on a single diagram. This article will discuss the selection of the independent mass balances that best describe the process as a whole, then the choosing of design objectives, how these objectives might be achieved, and their implications for the process as a whole. Using these ideas one is able to show how to improve the carbon and operating efficiency of a gasification process, making the process more reversible. It was found that there will always be a price to pay for using coal as the feedstock for creating synthesis gas but there is room for improvement, most notably in how combustion is carried out and how energy is used internally within a process. © 2014 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 60: 3258–3266, 2014
Exploring secular changes in the association between BMI and waist circumference in Mexican‐Origin and white women: A comparison of Mexico and the United States
Authors: Albrecht Sandra S. , Barquera Simon , Popkin Barry M.
Published: June 2014

Objectives

BMI and waist circumference (WC) tend to be highly correlated, but changes in lifestyle behaviors may promote greater accumulation of abdominal fat for the same BMI in recent years. We examined secular shifts in BMI and WC distributions, and investigated whether WC for a given BMI has changed over time among Mexican‐origin women in Mexico and the US, and in US white women as a comparison.

Methods

Nationally representative surveys for women aged 20–49 years from Mexico (1988, 1999, and 2012) (n = 37,116) and the US (1988–1994, 1999–2002, and 2007–2010) (n = 6,985) were used. Quantile regressions estimated age‐adjusted changes in BMI and WC across years; linear regression tested changes in mean WC over time, adjusting for age and BMI.

Results

In all women, BMI and WC at most centiles increased over time. WC was also significantly higher over time for the same BMI, though the increase was largest in Mexican women. For example, WC was 6.7 cm (standard error (SE): 0.17, P < 0.0001) higher in 2012 than in 1999 among Mexican women, holding age and BMI constant. Estimates were smaller in magnitude for Mexican‐American and white women (∼3 cm, P < 0.01), even when comparing over a longer timeframe (1988–1994 to 2007–2010). In all groups, WC adjusted for BMI increased to a larger extent among younger cohorts.

Conclusion

WC for the same BMI has increased in Mexican‐American, white, and Mexican women of reproductive age. These patterns may have implications for future cardio‐metabolic burden in Mexico and the US. Am. J. Hum. Biol. 26:627–634, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Prolonged Hot Electron Dynamics in Plasmonic‐Metal/Semiconductor Heterostructures with Implications for Solar Photocatalysis
Authors: DuChene Joseph S. , Sweeny Brendan C. , Johnston‐Peck Aaron C. , Su Dong , Stach Eric A. , Wei Wei David
Published: June 2014

Ideal solar‐to‐fuel photocatalysts must effectively harvest sunlight to generate significant quantities of long‐lived charge carriers necessary for chemical reactions. Here we demonstrate the merits of augmenting traditional photoelectrochemical cells with plasmonic nanoparticles to satisfy these daunting photocatalytic requirements. Electrochemical techniques were employed to elucidate the mechanics of plasmon‐mediated electron transfer within Au/TiO2 heterostructures under visible‐light (λ>515 nm) irradiation in solution. Significantly, we discovered that these transferred electrons displayed excited‐state lifetimes two orders of magnitude longer than those of electrons photogenerated directly within TiO2 via UV excitation. These long‐lived electrons further enable visible‐light‐driven H2 evolution from water, heralding a new photocatalytic paradigm for solar energy conversion.
Peptide Nanotubes
Authors: Hamley Ian W.
Published: June 2014

The self‐assembly of different classes of peptide, including cyclic peptides, amyloid peptides and surfactant‐like peptides into nanotube structures is reviewed. The modes of self‐assembly are discussed. Additionally, applications in bionanotechnology and synthetic materials science are summarized.
The influence of in situ polymerized epoxidized A/F bisphenol‐chitosan on features of oilwell cement slurry—Molecular‐level analysis and long‐term interaction of API fracturing fluid
Authors: Vieira Eunice F. S. , Lima Pablo F. , dos Santos Ivory M. G. , Mangrich Antonio S. , de França Amanda A. , Le Saoût Gwenn , Cestari Antonio R.
Published: June 2014

A novel oilwell cement slurry was prepared with in situ polymerized epoxidized A/F bisphenol–chitosan and characterized by 29Si NMR and EPR spectroscopy. The hydrated and cured cement slurry evidenced the presence of unreacted clinker phases identified by the presence of orthosilicate groups along with the presence of hydration products identified by short linear polymeric silicate units typical of calcium silicate hydrate (CSH). Two main Fe3+ domains and Mn2+‐related hyperfine sextets were detected by EPR spectroscopy. After long‐term contact with an API acidizing fluid, the features of the 29Si NMR and EPR spectra did not change appreciably. The kinetics of overall solids dissolution upon contact with the hot acidizing fluid was modeled with the Avrami‐Erofe'ev equation. The kinetic parameters are not very sensitive to changes of temperature. The values of the Avrami exponent suggest that diffusion‐controlled processes without chemical reactions govern the overall rate of interaction processes or are partially involved in it. The results indicate that the A/F bisphenol–chitosan polymeric network can improve significantly the chemical stability of cement slurries in the presence of acidizing fluids and may be a good option for oil and gas industry. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 41044.
Calcined Zn/Al hydrotalcites as solid base catalysts for glycolysis of poly(ethylene terephthalate)
Authors: Chen Feifei , Yang Feng , Wang Guanghui , Li Wei
Published: June 2014

In this research, glycolysis of poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) with ethylene glycol (EG) was carried out using Zn/Al mixed oxide catalyst. These mixed oxides were prepared by calcining crystalline Zn/Al hydrotalcites at different calcination temperatures. The samples and corresponding precursors were characterized by X‐ray diffraction, BET, Fourier‐transform infrared spectra, thermogravimetry/differential thermal analysis, and Hammett titration method. The experimental results showed that Zn/Al mixed oxides obtained from hydrotalcites were found to be more active than their individual oxides for glycolysis of PET. The relationship between catalytic performance and chemical–physical features of catalysts was established. In addition, a study for optimizing the glycolysis reaction conditions, such as the weight ratio of EG to PET, catalyst amount and reaction time, was performed. The conversion of PET and yield of bis(2‐hydroxyethyl terephthalate) (BHET) reached about 92% and 79%, respectively, under the optimal experimental conditions. Moreover, it should be noted that Zn/Al mixed oxide not only provided an effective heterogeneous catalyst for glycolysis of poly(ethylene terephthalate), but also presented a novel method for decolorization of discarded colored polyester fabric. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 41053.
Reconstructing an Identity: A Psychoanalytical Reading ofThe Night of the Iguanaby Tennessee Williams
Authors: Rezaei Hezaveh Leila , Low Bt Abdullah Nurul Farhana , Yaapar Md Salleh
Published: June 2014

This paper attempts to detect Tennessee Williams's psychological development in his last successful playThe Night of the Iguana(1961) in comparison with his previous plays which pronounced his fragmented identity. A comparison between Tennessee Williams'sSuddenly Last Summer(1958) andThe Night of the Iguanadetects a sudden shift of the dramatist's mind in the application of symbols and images employed. A psychoanalytical assessment and comparison of symbols, images and literary devices applied in both plays will depict the dramatist's constitution of his tenuous “I” and reconstruction of his distorted identity. Unlike the horrifying images of God, cannibalism and melancholia resulting from abjection that imposed a certain Gothic atmosphere inSuddenly Last Summer, the images and settings inThe Night of the Iguanaresonate with comfort and leisure which resemble the pre‐symbolic. The study therefore suggests that Williams's abundant use of natural symbols and images, particularly the God image inThe Night of the Iguanapresents the setting as the “chora” which Kristeva defines as the place where the infant's identity is merged with his/her mother before gaining an identity after the mirror stage and the learning of language which marks subsequent entry into the symbolic order. This analysis therefore helps to bring some clarity to the play, particularly in the light of prior criticism levelled against Williams for his excessive use of symbols and natural images. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Spatial patterns of lacustrine fish assemblages in a catchment of the Mississippi Alluvial Valley
Authors: Andrews Caroline S. , Miranda L. E. , Goetz Daniel B. , Kröger Robert
Published: June 2014

In the alluvial valley of the lower Mississippi River, floodplain lakes form isolated aquatic fragments that retain differing degrees of connectivity to neighbouring rivers. Within these floodplain lakes it was hypothesized that fish species composition, relative abundance, and biodiversity metrics would be shaped largely by aquatic connectivity within a catchment.

Fish assemblages in 13 floodplain lakes (five on‐channel; eight off‐channel) were assessed with electrofishing in 2006–2012 in the Bear Creek catchment, Mississippi, USA. Bear Creek spans approximately 80 km before draining into the Yazoo River, a tributary of the Mississippi River.

Fish assemblages in on‐channel and off‐channel lakes were different, and fish assemblages in on‐channel lakes were as a group more homogeneous than off‐channel lakes. Moreover, a longitudinal gradient in fish assemblages occurred in on‐channel lakes. The observed patterns in fish assemblages are linked largely to differing intensities in connectivity among lakes within the catchment. Lakes with irregular connections have greater individuality, whereas lakes with continuous or chronic connection are more similar. The wide variation in connectivity could be a key to the distinctive biodiversity of catchments and the focus of fish conservation programmes.

Off‐channel floodplain lakes are among the first landscape elements to vanish as a consequence of agricultural development. These habitats tend to accumulate sediments at fast rates and are converted to agricultural land as soon as suitable drainage can be attained. Considering that off‐channel lakes with limited connectivity contribute greatly to the heterogeneity of fish assemblages, such losses pose great concerns to conservation of biodiversity.

Published 2014. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.
Privacy as a fuzzy concept: A new conceptualization of privacy for practitioners
Authors: Vasalou Asimina , Joinson Adam , Houghton David
Published: June 2014

In recent years, technological innovation has re‐ignited an interest in privacy as designers, policy makers, and users each strive to reconcile the advantages of technology with the new demands they pose for privacy. Driven by a classic approach to defining concepts, scholars have not been able to agree on a unified definition of privacy. This poses a barrier to those who seek to implement privacy through their decisions. A critical component of their work involves anticipating and responding to potential privacy risks. In choosing one definition over another, practitioners might be missing nuanced contextual overlaps that bear on privacy and thus bias their subsequent decisions. For these practical endeavors, it is important to adopt an inclusive and rich definition. Such a definition should also be responsive to how those affected by decisions that might compromise privacy, namely citizens and technology users, conceive of privacy. The present paper applies a prototype perspective on privacy that acknowledges the fuzziness of concepts and goes on to develop such a definition in a series of empirical studies. The relevance of the privacy prototype is then explored as it applies to privacy theorists, practitioners, and methodologists, suggesting new avenues for future research.
Are relations in thesauri “context‐free, definitional, and true in all possible worlds”?
Authors: Hjørland Birger
Published: June 2014

Much of the literature of information science and knowledge organization has accepted and built upon Elaine Svenonius's (2004) claim that “paradigmatic relationships are those that are context‐free, definitional, and true in all possible worlds” (p. 583). At the same time, the literature demonstrates a common understanding that paradigmatic relations are the kinds of semantic relations used in thesauri and other knowledge organization systems (including equivalence relations, hierarchical relations, and associative relations). This understanding is problematic and harmful because it directs attention away from the empirical and contextual basis for knowledge‐organizing systems. Whether A is a kind of X is certainly not context‐free and definitional in empirical sciences or in much everyday information. Semantic relations are theory‐dependent and, in biology, for example, a scientific revolution has taken place in which many relations have changed following the new taxonomic paradigm named “cladism.” This biological example is not an exception, but the norm. Semantic relations including paradigmatic relations are not a priori but are dependent on subject knowledge, scientific findings, and paradigms. As long as information scientists and knowledge organizers isolate themselves from subject knowledge, knowledge organization cannot possibly progress.
Start‐up demonstration tests: models, methods and applications, with some unifications
Authors: Balakrishnan N. , Koutras M.V. , Milienos F.S.
Published: June 2014

Start‐up demonstration tests were first discussed in the quality/reliability literature about three decades ago. Since then, many variations of these tests have been introduced, and the corresponding distributional characteristics and inferential methods have also been studied. All these developments, based on independent and identically distributed binary trials, have been further generalized to some other forms of trials such as Markov‐dependent trials, exchangeable trials and multistate trials. In this paper, we provide a comprehensive review of all these results and highlight some unifications of the results. We also describe a general estimation method and then present several numerical examples to illustrate some of the models and methods described here. Finally, a number of open issues in this area of research are pointed out. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
On generalized multi‐state start‐up demonstration tests
Authors: Zhao Xian , Sun Ge , Xie Weijuan , Lin Cong
Published: June 2014

In view of the fact that start‐up results of products are usually multi‐state, based on the traditional two‐state start‐up demonstration tests, such as consecutive successes total failures (CSTF), total successes consecutive failures (TSCF), consecutive successes consecutive failures (CSCF) and total successes total failures (TSTF), four multi‐state start‐up demonstration tests are proposed in this paper. By using finite Markov chain imbedding approach, the acceptance and rejection probabilities, the probability mass function, the distribution function and the expectation of the number of the start‐up tests to be terminated are given. We also provide a procedure to select the optimal parameter values. Besides, the estimations of possibly unknown probabilities are given by using maximum likelihood estimation. Finally, a numerical example that contains two tables is given to illustrate the advantages of multi‐state start‐up demonstration tests. The first table is presented to illustrate that the multi‐state start‐up demonstration tests are superior to two‐state start‐up demonstration tests. The second one is to illustrate that the four‐state models (proposed in this paper) are superior to CSTF and CS (1) CS (1,2) TF (proposed by Smith and Griffith) with the same values of α and β set by Smith and Griffith. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
How wasting is saving: Weight loss at altitude might result from an evolutionary adaptation
Authors: Murray Andrew J. , Montgomery Hugh E.
Published: June 2014

At extreme altitude (>5,000 – 5,500 m), sustained hypoxia threatens human function and survival, and is associated with marked involuntary weight loss (cachexia). This seems to be a coordinated response: appetite and protein synthesis are suppressed, and muscle catabolism promoted. We hypothesise that, rather than simply being pathophysiological dysregulation, this cachexia is protective. Ketone bodies, synthesised during relative starvation, protect tissues such as the brain from reduced oxygen availability by mechanisms including the reduced generation of reactive oxygen species, improved mitochondrial efficiency and activation of the ATP‐sensitive potassium (KATP) channel. Amino acids released from skeletal muscle also protect cells from hypoxia, and may interact synergistically with ketones to offer added protection. We thus propose that weight loss in hypoxia is an adaptive response: the amino acids and ketone bodies made available act not only as metabolic substrates, but as metabolic modulators, protecting cells from the hypoxic challenge.

Also watch the Video Abstract.
Engineered thermostable fungal cellulases exhibit efficient synergistic cellulose hydrolysis at elevated temperatures
Authors: Trudeau Devin L. , Lee Toni M. , Arnold Frances H.
Published: June 2014

A major obstacle to using widely available and low‐cost lignocellulosic feedstocks to produce renewable fuels and chemicals is the high cost and low efficiency of the enzyme mixtures used to hydrolyze cellulose to fermentable sugars. One possible solution entails engineering current cellulases to function efficiently at elevated temperatures in order to boost reaction rates and exploit several other advantages of a higher temperature process. Here, we describe the creation of the most stable reported fungal endoglucanase, a derivative of Hypocrea jecorina (anamorph Trichoderma reesei) Cel5A, by combining stabilizing mutations identified using consensus design, chimera studies, and structure‐based computational methods. The engineered endoglucanase has an optimal temperature that is 17°C higher than wild type H. jecorina Cel5A, and hydrolyzes 1.5 times as much cellulose over 60 h at its optimum temperature compared to the wild type enzyme at its optimal temperature. This enzyme complements previously engineered highly active, thermostable variants of the fungal cellobiohydrolases Cel6A and Cel7A in a thermostable cellulase mixture that hydrolyzes cellulose synergistically at an optimum temperature of 70°C over 60 h.The thermostable mixture produces three times as much total sugar as the best mixture of the wild type enzymes operating at its optimum temperature of 60°C, clearly demonstrating the advantage of higher temperature cellulose hydrolysis. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2014;111: 2390–2397. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Highly efficient folding of multi‐disulfide proteins in superoxidizing Escherichia coli cytoplasm
Authors: Zhang Wenyao , Zheng Wenyun , Mao Miaowei , Yang Yi
Published: June 2014

In this study, we monitored the thiol–disulfide redox potential of different Escherichia coli strains using redox‐sensitive variants of green fluorescent protein. The cells with extreme oxidizing cytoplasm were generated by introducing a highly efficient disulfide relay system. The developed cells have exceptionally efficient de novo disulfide bond formation and significantly improve the oxidative folding of the client multi‐disulfide proteins. Superoxidizing E. coli strain provides an effective method for the high‐level production of recombinant disulfide‐containing proteins. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2014;111: 2520–2527. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Kannibalismus in Herxheim
Authors: Zeeb‐Lanz Andrea
Published: June 2014

In einer jungsteinzeitlichen Siedlung in Herxheim (Südpfalz) wurden in einem Erdwerk der frühesten Ackerbauern unserer Breiten die manipulierten Überreste von mehr als 500 menschlichen Individuen entdeckt; sie stammen aus der Zeit um 5000 v. Chr. Im Rahmen eines bislang unbekannten Rituals wurde hier eine erhebliche Anzahl von Menschen getötet, zerlegt und dann möglicherweise rituell verspeist – ein für die europäische Prähistorie bis dato einmaliger Befund. Prunkkeramik, wertvolle Steingeräte und Mahlsteine – alle systematisch zerstört – gehören ebenfalls zum Fundspektrum von Herxheim und betonen den hochrituellen Charakter der hier vor 7000 Jahren durchgeführten Handlungen.
Die epigenetische Spur von Blütendüften
Authors: Paulsen Martina
Published: June 2014

In den letzten Jahren wurden vermehrt Studien publiziert, die darauf hinwiesen, dass umweltinduzierte Verhaltensveränderungen möglicherweise an die Nachkommen weitergegeben werden könnten. So reagierten die Nachkommen von Mäusen, die vor Stromschlägen Blütenduft wahrgenommen hatten, sensibler auf denselben Geruch. Wissenschaftler vermuten nun, dass hier epigenetische Veränderungen eine Rolle spielen, die an die Nachkommen weitergegeben werden.
Walstrandungen: gemeinsam ins Verderben
Authors: Kronberg Inge
Published: June 2014

Neben Navigationsfehlern aufgrund von Umwelteinflüssen oder organischen Beeinträchtigungen spielen bei Walstrandungen offenbar soziale Bindungen eine wichtige Rolle. Das gilt besonders für Pilotwale, die häufig von Massenstrandungen betroffen sind. Dank genetischer Analysen lassen sich heute Einzeltiere identifizieren und die verwandtschaftlichen Beziehungen der gestrandeten Wale genauer erfassen.
Mensch und Säbelzahnkatze in Niedersachsen
Authors: Serangeli Jordi
Published: June 2014

Vor rund 300.000 Jahren lebten Menschen am Ufer eines Sees im heutigen Niedersachsen, wie die Funde ihrer Speere beweisen. Nun weiß man, dass sie ihre Heimat mit einem zweiten gefährlichen Jäger teilten: die Säbelzahnkatze (Homotherium latidens) wurde erstmals in Niedersachsen nachgewiesen.
Der Unterschied zwischen mono‐ und polyklonalen Antikörpern
Authors: Hauk Andrea
Published: June 2014

Ob bei ELISA, Westernblot oder Immunfluoreszenz – für die Anwendung immunologischer Nachweisverfahren werden spezifische Antikörper benötigt, die ganz bestimmten Anforderungen genügen müssen. Unter anderem ist die Frage abzuklären, ob ein mono‐ oder polyklonaler Antikörper im Versuch Verwendung finden soll. Doch worin liegt der Unterschied?
Von Drosselschmieden, Schneckenplagen und hilfreichen Schnegeln
Authors: Petrischak Hannes
Published: June 2014

Schnecken können in strukturreichen Gärten mit Büschen, Bäumen, Rasenflächen und Mauern in großer Zahl auftreten. Mehrere Arten zählen zu den charakteristischen Vertretern der Tierwelt in der Siedlungslandschaft. Bei feuchtem Wetter oder in der Nacht werden sie aktiv. Einige machen sich als berüchtigte Schädlinge über Nutz‐ und Zierpflanzen her, andere sind als deren Gegenspieler sogar sehr nützlich.
Right portal vein embolization with absolute ethanol in major hepatic resection for hepatobiliary malignancy
Authors: Sofue K , Arai Y , Shimada K , Takeuchi Y , Kobayashi T , Satake M , Sugimura K
Published: June 2014

Background

This study aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of preoperative right portal vein embolization (PVE) with absolute ethanol in patients with hepatobiliary malignancies.

Methods

PVE was performed via a percutaneous transhepatic ipsilateral approach, and the right portal branch was embolized with absolute ethanol. Technical success and complications following PVE, and changes in liver enzyme levels were evaluated. Changes in future liver remnant (FLR) and FLR/total functional liver volume ratio were calculated. Complications following hepatic resection were assessed.

Results

A total of 83 patients with hepatobiliary malignancies (53 men, 30 women; mean age 68 years) underwent right PVE. Tumour types were hilar cholangiocarcinoma (37), liver metastases (14), gallbladder cancer (13), intrahepatic cholangiocellular carcinoma (10) and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) (9). PVE was performed successfully in all patients. Four patients (5 per cent) developed complications following PVE (liver abscess 2, left portal vein thrombosis 1, pseudoaneurysm 1), but this did not preclude hepatic resection. Liver enzyme levels rose transiently after PVE. The mean FLR and FLR/total functional liver volume increased after PVE (from 366 to 513 cm3 and from 31 to 43 per cent respectively; both P < 0·001). Changes in the FLR and FLR/total functional liver volume ratio were comparable between patients with HCC and those with other malignancies (42 and 44 per cent, and 12 and 12 per cent, respectively). Sixty-nine of 83 patients underwent hepatic resection at a median of 25 days after PVE, with no postoperative mortality.

Conclusion

Preoperative right PVE with absolute ethanol is safe and effective for induction of selective hepatic hypertrophy in patients with hepatobiliary malignancy.
Association between socioeconomic status, surgical treatment and mortality in patients with colorectal cancer
Authors: Dik V K , Aarts M J , Van Grevenstein W M U , Koopman M , Van Oijen M G H , Lemmens V E , Siersema P D
Published: June 2014

Background

High socioeconomic status is associated with better survival in colorectal cancer (CRC). This study investigated whether socioeconomic status is associated with differences in surgical treatment and mortality in patients with CRC.

Methods

Patients diagnosed with stage I–III CRC between 2005 and 2010 in the Eindhoven Cancer Registry area in the Netherlands were included. Socioeconomic status was determined at a neighbourhood level by combining the mean household income and the mean value of the housing.

Results

Some 4422 patients with colonic cancer and 2314 with rectal cancer were included. Patients with colonic cancer and high socioeconomic status were operated on with laparotomy (70·7 versus 77·6 per cent; P = 0·017), had laparoscopy converted to laparotomy (15·7 versus 29·5 per cent; P = 0·008) and developed anastomotic leakage or abscess (9·6 versus 12·6 per cent; P = 0·049) less frequently than patients with low socioeconomic status. These differences remained significant after adjustment for patient and tumour characteristics. In rectal cancer, patients with high socioeconomic status were more likely to undergo resection (96·3 versus 93·7 per cent; P = 0·083), but this was not significant in multivariable analysis (odds ratio (OR) 1·44, 95 per cent confidence interval 0·84 to 2·46). The difference in 30-day postoperative mortality in patients with colonic cancer and high and low socioeconomic status (3·6 versus 6·8 per cent; P < 0·001) was not significant after adjusting for age, co-morbidities, emergency surgery, and anastomotic leakage or abscess formation (OR 0·90, 0·51 to 1·57).

Conclusion

Patients with CRC and high socioeconomic status have more favourable surgical treatment characteristics than patients with low socioeconomic status. The lower 30-day postoperative mortality found in patients with colonic cancer and high socioeconomic status is largely explained by patient and surgical factors.
Digital pathology services in acute surgical situations
Authors: Neil D A H , Demetris A J
Published: June 2014

The future for out-of-hours pathology services
Assessment of baicalin in mouse blood by monoclonal antibody‐based icELISA
Authors: Zhao Yan , Kong Hui , Sun Ye , Feng Huibin , Zhang Yue , Su Xin , Qu Huihua , Wang Qingguo
Published: June 2014

An indirect competitive enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (icELISA) based on monoclonal antibaodies (MAb) was recently developed. This new method displays high sensitivity and accuracy, and is especially suitable for pharmacokinetic studies in small laboratory animals. This study aimed to develop an icELISA procedure for baicalin (BAL) quantitation in blood. We successfully developed the icELISA and applied in pharmacokinetic assays of Gegen Qinlian Decoction in mice. A linear correlation was obtained for BAL concentrations in the range from 34.69 to 2220.00 µg/L. The regression equation was y = 1.5557 − 0.4028log(C) with a correlation coefficient of 0.9936. Precision and accuracy of the icELISA method were evaluated by the variations between replicates from well to well (intra‐assay) and plate to plate (inter‐assay). The values obtained for these parameters were within the normal range (<15%). The recovery rates ranged from 98.93 to 126.78%, meeting the requirements for biological samples. Stability studies showed that BAL sample solutions were intact for 1 h, enough time for UV detection. However, long‐term storage and especially freeze–thaw procedures were detrimental to BAL. The pharmacokinetic parameters derived from mouse experiments were as follows: area under the curves from time 0 to 48 h, 1876.15 ± 1108.14 mg h/L; mean maximum blood concentrations, 101.09 ± 31.53 mg/L; time of maximum concentration, 3.58 ± 2.88 h; mean residence time, 79.30 ± 61.21 h. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Selective extraction of catecholamines by packed fiber solid‐phase using composite nanofibers composing of polymeric crown ether with polystyrene
Authors: Chen Li‐Qin , Wang Yu , Qu Jian‐Song , Deng Jian‐Jun , Kang Xue‐Jun
Published: June 2014

For the first time, electrospun composite nanofibers comprising polymeric crown ether with polystyrene (PCE‐PS) have been used for the selective extraction of catecholamines – dopamine (DA), norepinephrine (NE) and epinephrine (E) – prior to their analysis by high‐performance liquid chromatography–electrochemical detection. Using a minicartridge packed with PCE‐PS composite nanofibers, the target compounds were extracted effectively from urine samples to which diphenylborinic acid 2‐aminoethyl ester was added as a complexing reagent. The extracted catecholamines could be liberated from the fiber by the addition of acetic acid. A good linearity was observed for catecholamines in the range of 2.0–200 ng mL−1 (NE, E and DA). The detection limits of catecholamines (signal‐to‐noise ratio = 3) were 0.5 ng mL−1 (NE), 0.2 ng mL−1 (E) and 0.2 ng mL−1 (DA), respectively. Under the optimized conditions, the absolute recoveries of the above three catecholamines were 90.6% (NE), 88.5% (E) and 94.5% (DA). The repeatability of extraction performance was from 5.4 to 9.2% (expressed as relative standard deviation). Our results indicate that the proposed method could be used for the determination of NE, E and DA in urine. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Antibodies against Mucin‐Based Glycopeptides Affect Trypanosoma cruzi Cell Invasion and Tumor Cell Viability
Authors: Campo Vanessa L. , Riul Thalita B. , Carvalho Ivone , Baruffi Marcelo‐Dias
Published: June 2014

This study describes the synthesis of glycopeptides NHAc[βGal]‐(Thr)2‐[αGalNAc]‐(Thr)2‐[αGlcNAc]‐(Thr)2Gly‐OVA (1‐OVA) and NHAc[βGal‐αGalNAc]‐(Thr)3‐[αLacNAc]‐(Thr)3‐Gly‐OVA (2‐OVA) as mimetics of both T. cruzi and tumor mucin glycoproteins. These glycopeptides were obtained by solid‐phase synthesis, which involved the prior preparation of the protected glycosyl amino acids αGlcNAc‐ThrOH (3), αGalNAc‐ThrOH (4), βGal‐ThrOH (5), αLacNAc‐ThrOH (6), and βGal‐αGalNAc‐ThrOH (7) through glycosylation reactions. Immunizations of mice with glycopeptides 1‐OVA and 2‐OVA induced high antibody titers (1:16 000), as verified by ELISA tests, whereas flow cytometry assays showed the capacity of the obtained anti‐glycopeptides 1‐OVA and 2‐OVA antibodies to recognize both T. cruzi and MCF‐7 tumor cells. In addition, antisera induced by glycopeptides 1‐OVA and 2‐OVA were also able to inhibit T. cruzi fibroblast cell invasion (70 %) and to induce antibody‐mediated cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) against MCF‐7 cells, with 50 % reduction of cell viability.
Synthesis of Migrastatin and its Macroketone Analogue and In Vivo FRAP Analysis of the Macroketone on E‐Cadherin Dynamics
Authors: Lo Re Daniele , Zhou Ying , Nobis Max , Anderson Kurt I. , Murphy Paul V.
Published: June 2014

An efficient and scalable synthesis of a key acyclic intermediate used for the preparation of migrastatin and its macroketone analogue is described; Brown alkoxyallylation is the key step for this synthesis. The macroketone was prepared on 100 mg scale by this route. Treatment of invasive pancreatic cancer cells grown on a cell‐derived matrix or as subcutaneous tumours in nude mice with the macroketone inhibited E‐cadherin dynamics in a manner consistent with increased cell adhesion and reduced invasive potential.
Insight into the Formation and Reactivity of Framework‐Bound Methoxide Species in H‐ZSM‐5 from Static and Dynamic Molecular Simulations
Authors: Van der Mynsbrugge Jeroen , Moors Samuel L. C. , De Wispelaere Kristof , Van Speybroeck Veronique
Published: June 2014

Framework‐bound methoxides occur as intermediates in the stepwise mechanism for zeolite‐catalyzed methylation reactions. Herein, the formation of methoxides from methanol or dimethyl ether in H‐ZSM‐5 is investigated by a combination of static and dynamic simulations, with particular focus on the effect of additional water and methanol molecules on the mechanism and kinetics. Metadynamics simulations allow partitioning the reaction path into distinct phases. Proton transfer from the zeolite to the reactants is found to be the rate‐limiting phase in the methoxide formation. Additional methanol molecules only assist the proton transfer in the methoxide formation from methanol, whereas the reaction from dimethyl ether does not benefit from methanol assistance. Once formed, methoxides are found to be as reactive toward alkene methylation as methanol and dimethyl ether.
The Adsorption and Simulated Separation of Light Hydrocarbons in Isoreticular Metal–Organic Frameworks Based on Dendritic Ligands with Different Aliphatic Side Chains
Authors: Jia Jiangtao , Wang Lei , Sun Fuxing , Jing Xiaofei , Bian Zheng , Gao Lianxun , Krishna Rajamani , Zhu Guangshan
Published: June 2014

Three isoreticular metal–organic frameworks, JUC‐100, JUC‐103 and JUC‐106, were synthesized by connecting six‐node dendritic ligands to a [Zn4O(CO2)6] cluster. JUC‐103 and JUC‐106 have additional methyl and ethyl groups, respectively, in the pores with respect to JUC‐100. The uptake measurements of the three MOFs for CH4, C2H4, C2H6 and C3H8 were carried out. At 298 K, 1 atm, JUC‐103 has relatively high CH4 uptake, but JUC‐100 is the best at 273 K, 1 atm. JUC‐100 and JUC‐103 have similar C2H4 absorption ability. In addition, JUC‐100 has the best absorption capacity for C2H6 and C3H8. These results suggest that high surface area and appropriate pore size are important factors for gas uptake. Furthermore, ideal adsorbed solution theory (IAST) analyses show that all three MOFs have good C3H8/CH4 and C2H6/CH4 selectivities for an equimolar quaternary CH4/C2H4/C2H6/C3H8 gas mixture maintained at isothermal conditions at 298 K, and JUC‐106 has the best C2H6/CH4 selectivity. The breakthrough simulations indicate that all three MOFs have good capability for separating C2 hydrocarbons from C3 hydrocarbons. The pulse chromatographic simulations also indicate that all three MOFs are able to separate CH4/C2H4/C2H6/C3H8 mixture into three different fractions of C1, C2 and C3 hydrocarbons.
Ln[N(SiMe3)2]3‐Catalyzed Cross‐Diinsertion of CN/CC into an NH Bond: Facile Synthesis of 1,2,4‐Trisubstituted Imidazoles from Propargylamines and Nitriles
Authors: Hong Longcheng , Shao Yinlin , Zhang Lixin , Zhou Xigeng
Published: June 2014

A lanthanide‐catalyzed sequential insertion of CN and CC into an NH bond is presented. The convenient reaction, which proceeds under mild conditions, is an efficient method for preparing 1,2,4‐trisubstituted imidazoles directly from readily available propargylamines and nitriles.
Mechanochromic Behavior of Aryl‐Substituted Buta‐1,3‐Diene Derivatives with Aggregation Enhanced Emission
Authors: Zhang Yijia , Han Ting , Gu Shangzhi , Zhou Tianye , Zhao Chuanzhen , Guo Yuexin , Feng Xiao , Tong Bin , Bing J. , Shi Jianbing , Zhi Junge , Dong Yuping
Published: June 2014

Three tetra‐aryl substituted 1,3‐butadiene derivatives with aggregation enhanced emission (AEE) and mechanochromic fluorescence behavior have been rationally designed and synthesized. The results suggest an effective design strategy for developing diverse materials with aggregation induced emission (AIE) and significant mechanochromic performance by employing D‐π‐A structures with large dipole moments.
High Throughput Technology: Exemplary Highlights of Advanced Technical Tools
Authors: Titlbach Sven , Futter Cornelia , Lejkowski Michael , Lange de Oliveira Armin , Schunk Stephan Andreas
Published: June 2014

High throughput experimentation in catalysis and materials science has evolved into a mature technology platform. This article provides a technology‐focused mini‐review of three specific exemplary highlights, such as the purification of heavy feedstocks via hydroprocessing, the debottlenecking of workflows by smart use of alternative technologies, and the development of new mass screening devices. The approaches presented here clearly demonstrate their specific potential for accelerating research and show what level of sophistication has been reached since the early beginnings.
Coupled Near‐ and Far‐Field Scattering in Silver Nanoparticles for High‐Efficiency, Stable, and Thin Plasmonic Dye‐Sensitized Solar Cells
Authors: Adhyaksa Gede Widia Pratama , Baek Se‐Woong , Lee Ga In , Lee Dong Ki , Lee Jung‐Yong , Kang Jeung Ku
Published: June 2014

Here, we report plasmonically enhanced thin dye‐sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) in an imidazolium‐dicyanamide based ionic liquid, in which size‐controlled metal (silver) nanoparticles (AgNPs) with passivation layers of a few nanometers are arranged into the electrolyte and photo‐electrodes. It was revealed that the AgNPs in the electrolyte and the photo‐electrode have distinct effects on device performance via different coupling mechanisms. Strong far‐field scattering is critical in the electrolyte while near‐field scattering is efficient in the photo‐electrode. Indeed, we find that the power conversion efficiency of the DSSC can be substantially improved by a synergistic arrangement of the AgNPs in the electrolyte and the photo‐electrode. Furthermore, an imidazolium‐dicyanamide based nonvolatile ionic liquid electrolyte for MNPs is demonstrated to provide thin plasmonic DSSCs with good stability.
Using zebrafish to study podocyte genesis during kidney development and regeneration
Authors: Kroeger Paul T. , Wingert Rebecca A.
Published: June 2014

During development, vertebrates form a progression of up to three different kidneys that are comprised of functional units termed nephrons. Nephron composition is highly conserved across species, and an increasing appreciation of the similarities between zebrafish and mammalian nephron cell types has positioned the zebrafish as a relevant genetic system for nephrogenesis studies. A key component of the nephron blood filter is a specialized epithelial cell known as the podocyte. Podocyte research is of the utmost importance as a vast majority of renal diseases initiate with the dysfunction or loss of podocytes, resulting in a condition known as proteinuria that causes nephron degeneration and eventually leads to kidney failure. Understanding how podocytes develop during organogenesis may elucidate new ways to promote nephron health by stimulating podocyte replacement in kidney disease patients. In this review, we discuss how the zebrafish model can be used to study kidney development, and how zebrafish research has provided new insights into podocyte lineage specification and differentiation. Further, we discuss the recent discovery of podocyte regeneration in adult zebrafish, and explore how continued basic research using zebrafish can provide important knowledge about podocyte genesis in embryonic and adult environments. genesis 52:771–792, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Effects of agri‐environmental schemes on farmland birds: do food availability measurements improve patterns obtained from simple habitat models?
Authors: Ponce Carlos , Bravo Carolina , Alonso Juan Carlos
Published: June 2014

Studies evaluating agri‐environmental schemes (AES) usually focus on responses of single species or functional groups. Analyses are generally based on simple habitat measurements but ignore food availability and other important factors. This can limit our understanding of the ultimate causes determining the reactions of birds to AES. We investigated these issues in detail and throughout the main seasons of a bird's annual cycle (mating, postfledging and wintering) in a dry cereal farmland in a Special Protection Area for farmland birds in central Spain. First, we modeled four bird response parameters (abundance, species richness, diversity and “Species of European Conservation Concern” [SPEC]‐score), using detailed food availability and vegetation structure measurements (food models). Second, we fitted new models, built using only substrate composition variables (habitat models). Whereas habitat models revealed that both, fields included and not included in the AES benefited birds, food models went a step further and included seed and arthropod biomass as important predictors, respectively, in winter and during the postfledging season. The validation process showed that food models were on average 13% better (up to 20% in some variables) in predicting bird responses. However, the cost of obtaining data for food models was five times higher than for habitat models. This novel approach highlighted the importance of food availability‐related causal processes involved in bird responses to AES, which remained undetected when using conventional substrate composition assessment models. Despite their higher costs, measurements of food availability add important details to interpret the reactions of the bird community to AES interventions and thus facilitate evaluating the real efficiency of AES programs.