bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Procedures and Practices for Evaluating Thin‐Film Solar Cell Stability
Authors: Roesch Roland , Faber Tobias , von Hauff Elizabeth , Brown Thomas M. , Lira‐Cantu Monica , Hoppe Harald
Published: September 2015

During the last few decades, and in some cases only the last few years, novel thin‐film photovoltaic (PV) technologies such as dye‐sensitized solar cells (DSSC), organic solar cells (OPV), and, more recently, perovskite‐based solar cells (PSC) have been growing in maturity with respect to device performance and device stability. Together with new material systems, novel device architectures have also been introduced. Both parameters will have an effect on the overall device stability. In order to improve the understanding of degradation effects and how they can be prevented, stress testing under different conditions is commonly applied. By careful combination of stress factors and thorough analysis of photovoltaic parameter decaying curves, an understanding of the underlying degradation pathways can be gained. With the help of standardized and accelerated stress tests, as described in the ISOS‐protocols, statements concerning application lifetimes can finally be made and compared among different labs. Once a photovoltaic technology has proven long lasting durability, the ultimate barrier for entering the commercial market are the IEC tests, taking a deeper look on overall safety and reliability, not only on durability. Here, the most prominent stress tests are reviewed, discussed and extended with respect to learning the most about photovoltaic device stability.
Rituximab with high‐dose methotrexate in primary central nervous system lymphoma
Authors: Kansara Roopesh , Shenkier Tamara N. , Connors Joseph M. , Sehn Laurie H. , Savage Kerry J. , Gerrie Alina S. , Villa Diego
Published: September 2015

The addition of rituximab (R) to chemotherapy improves outcomes in patients with systemic B‐cell non‐Hodgkin lymphomas, but the impact in patients with primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL) receiving high‐dose methotrexate (HDMTX) is unknown. Patients diagnosed with PCNSL at the British Columbia Cancer Agency (BCCA) between 2000 and 2013 were treated with ≥1 cycle of HDMTX 8 g/m2 every 2 weeks, to best response or 10 cycles. After 2006, rituximab 375 mg/m2 was given every 2 weeks with HDMTX for a total of 4 doses. 49 (66%) patients received HDMTX alone and 25 (34%) HDMTX+R, with a median of 5 (range 1–10) HDMTX cycles, and no difference between groups. The median follow‐up was 5 years: 8.8 years (range 3.15–13.5 years) HDMTX and 1.9 years (range 0.5–7 years) HDMTX+R. The 5‐year PFS was 17%, with no difference between groups (HR: 0.75, 95% CI: 0.41–1.35; P = 0.33). The 5‐year OS was 38%, with no difference between the groups OS (HR: 0.73, 95% CI: 0.35–1.52; P = 0.39). In this retrospective study comparing two subgroups of patients treated in different eras, the addition of R to HDMTX did not appear to improve outcomes in PCNSL, possibly consistent with its known poor CNS penetration. It is possible that with a larger sample size, longer follow‐up, or different rituximab dosing/schedule, the addition of rituximab may lead to a statistically significant improvement in outcomes. Prospective randomized trials currently in progress will more definitively estimate the impact of the addition of rituximab to HDMTX‐based chemotherapy for PCNSL. Am. J. Hematol. 90:1149–1154, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Polyanthraquinone as a Reliable Organic Electrode for Stable and Fast Lithium Storage
Authors: Song Zhiping , Qian Yumin , Gordin Mikhail L. , Tang Duihai , Xu Terrence , Otani Minoru , Zhan Hui , Zhou Haoshen , Wang Donghai
Published: September 2015

In spite of recent progress, there is still a lack of reliable organic electrodes for Li storage with high comprehensive performance, especially in terms of long‐term cycling stability. Herein, we report an ideal polymer electrode based on anthraquinone, namely, polyanthraquinone (PAQ), or specifically, poly(1,4‐anthraquinone) (P14AQ) and poly(1,5‐anthraquinone) (P15AQ). As a lithium‐storage cathode, P14AQ showed exceptional performance, including reversible capacity almost equal to the theoretical value (260 mA h g−1; >257 mA h g−1 for AQ), a very small voltage gap between the charge and discharge curves (2.18–2.14=0.04 V), stable cycling performance (99.4 % capacity retention after 1000 cycles), and fast‐discharge/charge ability (release of 69 % of the low‐rate capacity or 64 % of the energy in just 2 min). Exploration of the structure–performance relationship between P14AQ and related materials also provided us with deeper understanding for the design of organic electrodes.
Microporous Molecular Materials from Dipeptides Containing Non‐proteinogenic Residues
Authors: Yadav Vitthal N. , Comotti Angiolina , Sozzani Piero , Bracco Silvia , Bonge‐Hansen Tore , Hennum Martin , Görbitz Carl Henrik
Published: September 2015

Dipeptides with two hydrophobic side chains have proved to be an exceptional source of microporous organic materials, but since previous structures were limited to the incorporation of only proteinogenic residues, their full potential as adsorbents has remained unexplored. Single‐crystal XRD data for ten new compounds with non‐proteinogenic L‐2‐aminobutanoic acid and/or L‐2‐amino‐pentanoic acid are presented. The gas‐phase accessibility of their crystal pores, with cross‐sections of 2.3 to 5.1 Å, was monitored by CO2 and CH4 adsorption isotherms. Included CO2 was also detected spectroscopically by 2D MAS NMR. An extensive conformational analysis reveals that the use of linear rather than branched side chains (such as L‐valine and L‐isoleucine) affords peptides with a greater degree of conformational freedom and yields more‐flexible channel surfaces that may easily adapt to a series of potential guest molecules.
Visible‐Light‐Mediated Generation of Nitrogen‐Centered Radicals: Metal‐Free Hydroimination and Iminohydroxylation Cyclization Reactions
Authors: Davies Jacob , Booth Samuel G. , Essafi Stephanie , Dryfe Robert A. W. , Leonori Daniele
Published: September 2015

The formation and use of iminyl radicals in novel and divergent hydroimination and iminohydroxylation cyclization reactions has been accomplished through the design of a new class of reactive O‐aryl oximes. Owing to their low reduction potentials, the inexpensive organic dye eosin Y could be used as the photocatalyst of the organocatalytic hydroimination reaction. Furthermore, reaction conditions for a unique iminohydroxylation were identified; visible‐light‐mediated electron transfer from novel electron donor–acceptor complexes of the oximes and Et3N was proposed as a key step of this process.
Cp*CoIII Catalyzed Site‐Selective CH Activation of Unsymmetrical O‐Acyl Oximes: Synthesis of Multisubstituted Isoquinolines from Terminal and Internal Alkynes
Authors: Sun Bo , Yoshino Tatsuhiko , Kanai Motomu , Matsunaga Shigeki
Published: September 2015

The synthesis of isoquinolines by site‐selective CH activation of O‐acyl oximes with a Cp*CoIII catalyst is described. In the presence of this catalyst, the CH activation of various unsymmetrically substituted O‐acyl oximes selectively occurred at the sterically less hindered site, and reactions with terminal as well as internal alkynes afforded the corresponding products in up to 98 % yield. Whereas the reactions catalyzed by the Cp*CoIII system proceeded with high site selectivity (15:1 to 20:1), use of the corresponding Cp*RhIII catalysts led to low selectivities and/or yields when unsymmetrical O‐acyl oximes and terminal alkynes were used. Deuterium labeling studies indicate a clear difference in the site selectivity of the CH activation step under Cp*CoIII and Cp*RhIII catalysis.
Characteristics and Survival of Anti–U1 RNP Antibody–Positive Patients With Connective Tissue Disease–Associated Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension
Authors: Sobanski Vincent , Giovannelli Jonathan , Lynch Bernadette M. , Schreiber Benjamin E. , Nihtyanova Svetlana I. , Harvey Jennifer , Handler Clive E. , Denton Christopher P. , Coghlan John G.
Published: September 2015

Objective

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a severe complication of connective tissue diseases (CTDs). This study aimed to investigate the clinical and hemodynamic characteristics and survival of anti–U1 RNP–positive patients with CTD‐associated PAH, with a focus on systemic sclerosis (SSc)–associated PAH.

Methods

We implemented a prospective database that included patients with CTD‐associated PAH for whom there were clinical, autoantibody, and mortality data. We compared clinical and hemodynamic characteristics to anti–U1 RNP antibody status. We then assessed whether anti–U1 RNP antibodies could be a prognostic factor in CTD‐associated PAH with a focus on SSc‐associated PAH.

Results

We studied a total of 342 patients with CTD‐associated PAH, of whom 36 (11%) were anti–U1 RNP antibody positive. Anti–U1 RNP–positive patients were younger and less functionally impaired than were anti–U1 RNP–negative patients in CTD‐ and SSc‐associated PAH. Hemodynamic parameters were similar in anti–U1 RNP–positive and anti–U1 RNP–negative patients. In CTD‐associated PAH, anti–U1 RNP positivity was associated with decreased mortality in univariable analysis (hazard ratio 0.34 [95% confidence interval 0.18–0.65], P < 0.001). In multivariable analysis, anti–U1 RNP positivity was also associated with decreased mortality (hazard ratio 0.44 [95% confidence interval 0.20–0.97], P = 0.043) independently of age, sex, functional parameters, lung involvement, and hemodynamic parameters. Results were similar in SSc‐associated PAH, although the association between anti–U1 RNP positivity and survival did not reach significance in univariable (hazard ratio 0.47 [95% confidence interval 0.22–1.02], P = 0.055) and multivariable (hazard ratio 0.47 [95% confidence interval 0.20–1.11], P = 0.085) analyses.

Conclusion

Anti–U1 RNP positivity was associated with distinct clinical characteristics and survival in CTD‐ and SSc‐associated PAH. While hemodynamic parameters were similar in anti–U1 RNP–positive and anti–U1 RNP–negative patients, our results suggest that anti–U1 RNP positivity could be a factor protecting against mortality in CTD‐ and SSc‐associated PAH.
Imbalance Between Bone Morphogenetic Protein 2 and Noggin Induces Abnormal Osteogenic Differentiation of Mesenchymal Stem Cells in Ankylosing Spondylitis
Authors: Xie Zhongyu , Wang Peng , Li Yuxi , Deng Wen , Zhang Xin , Su Hongjun , Li Deng , Wu Yanfeng , Shen Huiyong
Published: September 2015

Objective

To study the osteogenic differentiation capacity of bone marrow–derived mesenchymal stem cells (BM‐MSCs) from patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and to investigate the mechanisms of abnormal osteogenic differentiation of BM‐MSCs in AS.

Methods

BM‐MSCs from healthy donors (HD‐MSCs) and patients with AS (AS‐MSCs) were cultured in osteogenic differentiation medium for 0–21 days, after which their osteogenic differentiation capacity was determined using alizarin red S and alkaline phosphatase assays. Gene expression levels of osteoblastic markers and related cytokines were detected by high‐throughput quantitative reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction. Enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay was performed to detect protein levels of bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP‐2) and Noggin in the cell culture supernatant. The activation of Smad1/5/8 and MAPK signaling pathways was measured by Western blotting. The balance between BMP‐2 and Noggin expression was regulated using lentiviruses encoding short hairpin RNA and exogenous Noggin, respectively, which enabled evaluation of how this balance affected osteogenic differentiation of AS‐MSCs.

Results

AS‐MSCs outperformed HD‐MSCs in osteogenic differentiation capacity. During osteogenic differentiation, AS‐MSCs secreted more BMP‐2 but less Noggin, accompanied by an overactivation of Smad1/5/8 and ERK‐1/2. When the Noggin concentration was increased or BMP‐2 expression was inhibited, the abnormal osteogenic differentiation of AS‐MSCs was rectified. In addition, the balance between BMP‐2 and Noggin secretion was restored.

Conclusion

The results of this study demonstrate that an imbalance between BMP‐2 and Noggin secretion induces abnormal osteogenic differentiation of AS‐MSCs. These findings reveal a mechanism of pathologic osteogenesis in AS and provide a new perspective on inhibiting pathologic osteogenesis by regulating the balance between BMP‐2 and Noggin.
Patterns of Coexisting Lesions Detected on Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Relationship to Incident Knee Osteoarthritis: The Multicenter Osteoarthritis Study
Authors: Niu Jingbo , Felson David T. , Neogi Tuhina , Nevitt Michael C. , Guermazi Ali , Roemer Frank , Lewis Cora E. , Torner James , Zhang Yuqing
Published: September 2015

Objective

To identify patterns of coexisting lesions seen on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in knees that are free of radiographic osteoarthritis (OA) and to examine the relationship of these MRI‐detected lesions to incident OA.

Methods

Study subjects were individuals enrolled in the Multicenter Osteoarthritis Study, a prospective cohort study. In each subject, 1 knee in which radiographic OA was absent in both the tibiofemoral and patellofemoral joints at baseline was selected for study, with followup for 84 months. We used a novel approach, latent class analysis, to group the constellation of MRI lesions in each joint, i.e., cartilage damage, bone marrow lesion, meniscal tear, meniscal extrusion, synovitis, and effusion, into a manageable number of subgroups. The association of these subgroups with incident radiographic OA in the same joint was assessed using logistic regression.

Results

Among 885 eligible knees (203 with incident disease in the tibiofemoral joint, 64 with incident disease in the patellofemoral joint), 4 latent subgroups in the tibiofemoral joint were identified (described briefly as minimal lesions, mild lesions, moderate lesions [but limited meniscal lesions], and severe lesions). The odds ratios of incident tibiofemoral joint OA in the latter 3 subgroups (compared to the knees with minimal lesions as the referent) were 5.6, 1.8, and 5.0, respectively. A similar set of 4 subgroups in the patellofemoral joint was identified, except that the fourth subgroup had limited meniscal lesions. The odds ratios of incident disease in the patellofemoral joint were 3.8, 5.1, and 13.7 in the subgroups with mild lesions, moderate lesions, and severe lesions, respectively.

Conclusion

Different patterns of coexisting MRI lesions, which have different implications with regard to risk of knee OA, were identified. Meniscal damage seemed to play a different role in the development of incident disease in tibiofemoral versus patellofemoral joints.
Breg Cells Are Numerically Decreased and Functionally Impaired in Patients With Systemic Sclerosis
Authors: Mavropoulos Athanasios , Simopoulou Theodora , Varna Areti , Liaskos Christos , Katsiari Christina G. , Bogdanos Dimitrios P. , Sakkas Lazaros I.
Published: September 2015

Objective

Breg cells, a regulatory cell subset that produces interleukin‐10 (IL‐10), play a significant role in suppressing autoimmune responses and preventing autoimmunity. This study was undertaken to examine the number and function of Breg cells in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc), a disease with many autoantibodies.

Methods

Forty‐five patients with SSc (12 with early SSc, 33 with established disease including 16 with SSc‐associated pulmonary fibrosis [PF]), 12 healthy control subjects, and 10 patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA)–associated PF were studied. The phenotypes of immature/transitional Breg cells (CD19+CD24highCD38high) and memory Breg cells (CD19+CD27+CD24high) were evaluated by flow cytometry. The function of Breg cells was assessed by measuring the production of IL‐10 after B cell activation. In addition, activation of p38 MAPK and STAT‐3 was measured following stimulation of the cells with B cell receptor (BCR) and Toll‐like receptor 9 (TLR‐9).

Results

Percentages of memory Breg cells were decreased in patients with early SSc (mean ± SEM 1.85 ± 0.38%), those with established SSc (1.6 ± 0.88%), those with SSc‐associated PF (1.52 ± 0.17%), and those with RA‐associated PF (1.58 ± 0.26%), compared to healthy controls (6.3 ± 0.49%; each P < 0.001). Percentages of transitional Breg cells were also decreased. Expression of IL‐10 by Breg cells after stimulation with TLR‐9 was impaired in patients with SSc, particularly those with SSc‐associated PF. Activation of STAT‐3 and p38 MAPK was impaired in naive and memory B cells from patients with SSc after stimulation with BCR and TLR‐9. Expression of the stimulatory CD19 receptor was increased in B cells and also increased, to a lesser extent, in Breg cells from patients with SSc compared to healthy controls. Percentages of memory B cells were decreased in patients with SSc, particularly in those with SSc‐associated PF.

Conclusion

This is the first study to demonstrate that Breg cells are phenotypically and functionally impaired in patients with SSc. Furthermore, in SSc, B cells exhibit impaired p38 MAPK and STAT‐3 activation upon stimulation with BCR and TLR‐9. The findings of decreased numbers of Breg cells along with increased expression of CD19 support the idea of B cell autoaggression acting as an immunopathogenic mediator in SSc.
Brief Report: Association of Inflammation With Development of Erosions in Patients With Hand Osteoarthritis: A Prospective Ultrasonography Study
Authors: Kortekaas Marion C. , Kwok Wing‐Yee , Reijnierse Monique , Stijnen Theo , Kloppenburg Margreet
Published: September 2015

Objective

To investigate the association between features of ultrasound‐detected inflammation and development of erosive disease in patients with hand osteoarthritis (OA) over 2.3 years of followup.

Methods

The study group comprised 56 consecutive patients with hand OA (mean age 61 years, 86% female) fulfilling the American College of Rheumatology criteria. Effusion, synovial thickening, and power Doppler signal in all interphalangeal (IP) joints were assessed with ultrasonography, using standardized methods, at baseline and followup. Radiographs were scored at both time points for osteophytes/joint space narrowing using the Osteoarthritis Research Society International method and for erosive disease (E phase [erosive] and R phase [remodeling]) using the method described by Verbruggen and Veys. Erosion development was defined as progression from N phase (normal) to E phase or R phase. Joints that were in E phase or R phase at baseline were excluded. Associations were analyzed using generalized estimating equations with adjustment for age, sex, body mass index, and baseline structural abnormalities.

Results

At baseline, 51 IP joints (in 18 patients) and at followup 89 IP joints (in 26 patients) had erosions; thus, erosions developed in 38 IP joints. Moderate/severe synovial thickening and a power Doppler signal at baseline were associated with erosion development (adjusted odds ratio [OR] 8.8, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 2.4–32.3 and OR 7.1, 95% CI 1.9–26.9, respectively). Persistent inflammation was particularly associated with the development of erosions.

Conclusion

Ultrasound‐detected features of inflammation are associated with the development of erosions in patients with hand OA, suggesting that inflammation plays a role in the pathogenesis of hand OA and could be a therapeutic target.
Receptor Protein Tyrosine Phosphatase α–Mediated Enhancement of Rheumatoid Synovial Fibroblast Signaling and Promotion of Arthritis in Mice
Authors: Stanford Stephanie M. , Svensson Mattias N. D. , Sacchetti Cristiano , Pilo Caila A. , Wu Dennis J. , Kiosses William B. , Hellvard Annelie , Bergum Brith , Muench German R. Aleman , Elly Christian , Liu Yun‐Cai , den Hertog Jeroen , Elson Ari , Sap Jan , Mydel Piotr , Boyle David L. , Corr Maripat , Firestein Gary S. , Bottini Nunzio
Published: September 2015

Objective

During rheumatoid arthritis (RA), fibroblast‐like synoviocytes (FLS) critically promote disease pathogenesis by aggressively invading the extracellular matrix of the joint. The focal adhesion kinase (FAK) signaling pathway is emerging as a contributor to the anomalous behavior of RA FLS. The receptor protein tyrosine phosphatase α (RPTPα), which is encoded by the PTPRA gene, is a key promoter of FAK signaling. The aim of this study was to investigate whether RPTPα mediates FLS aggressiveness and RA pathogenesis.

Methods

Through RPTPα knockdown, we assessed FLS gene expression by quantitative polymerase chain reaction analysis and enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay, invasion and migration by Transwell assays, survival by annexin V and propidium iodide staining, adhesion and spreading by immunofluorescence microscopy, and activation of signaling pathways by Western blotting of FLS lysates. Arthritis development was examined in RPTPα‐knockout (KO) mice using the K/BxN serum–transfer model. The contribution of radiosensitive and radioresistant cells to disease was evaluated by reciprocal bone marrow transplantation.

Results

RPTPα was enriched in the RA synovial lining. RPTPα knockdown impaired RA FLS survival, spreading, migration, invasiveness, and responsiveness to platelet‐derived growth factor, tumor necrosis factor, and interleukin‐1 stimulation. These phenotypes correlated with increased phosphorylation of Src on inhibitory Y527 and decreased phosphorylation of FAK on stimulatory Y397. Treatment of RA FLS with an inhibitor of FAK phenocopied the knockdown of RPTPα. RPTPα‐KO mice were protected from arthritis development, which was due to radioresistant cells.

Conclusion

By regulating the phosphorylation of Src and FAK, RPTPα mediates proinflammatory and proinvasive signaling in RA FLS, correlating with the promotion of disease in an FLS‐dependent model of RA.
An Arthritis‐Suppressive and Treg Cell–Inducing CD4+ T Cell Epitope Is Functional in the Context of HLA‐Restricted T Cell Responses
Authors: de Wolf Charlotte , van der Zee Ruurd , den Braber Ineke , Glant Tibor , Maillère Bernard , Favry Emmanuel , van Lummel Menno , Koning Frits , Hoek Aad , Ludwig Irene , van Eden Willem , Broere Femke
Published: September 2015

Objective

We previously showed that mycobacterial Hsp70‐derived peptide B29 induced B29‐specific Treg cells that suppressed experimental arthritis in mice via cross‐recognition of their mammalian Hsp70 homologs. The aim of the current study was to characterize B29 binding and specific CD4+ T cell responses in the context of human major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules.

Methods

Competitive binding assays were performed to examine binding of peptide B29 and its mammalian homologs to HLA molecules. The effect of B29 immunization in HLA–DQ8–transgenic mice with proteoglycan‐induced arthritis was assessed, followed by ex vivo restimulation with B29 to examine the T cell response. Human peripheral blood mononuclear cells were used to investigate the presence of B29‐specific T cells with immunoregulatory potential.

Results

The binding affinity of the B29 peptide was high to moderate for multiple HLA–DR and HLA–DQ molecules, including those highly associated with rheumatoid arthritis. This binding was considered to be functional, because B29 immunization resulted in the suppression of arthritis and T cell responses in HLA–DQ8–transgenic mice. In humans, we demonstrated the presence and expansion of B29‐specific CD4+ T cells, which were cross‐reactive with the mammalian homologs. Using HLA–DR4+ tetramers specific for B29 or the mammalian homolog mB29b, we showed expansion of cross‐reactive T cells, especially the human FoxP3+ CD4+CD25+ T cell population, after in vitro stimulation with B29.

Conclusion

These results demonstrated a conserved fine specificity and functionality of B29‐induced Treg cell responses in the context of the human MHC. Based on these findings, a path for translation of the experimental findings for B29 into a clinical immunomodulatory therapeutic approach is within reach.
Integrated economic models to support decisions on water pricing in biofuel production river basins: three case studies from Brazil
Authors: de Moraes Marcia M. G. A. , Ribeiro Márcia M. R. , Watkins David W. , Viana Jorge H. N. , Figueiredo Luiz E. N. , da Silva Gerald S. , Carneiro Ana C. G.
Published: September 2015

Energy securities, increases in fossil fuel prices, and concern about climate change have been major causes of increased bioenergy production. Because biomass production is rural‐based and generally labor‐intensive, bioenergy development happens mainly in less developed countries. Comprehensive analysis is needed to develop appropriate policies to ensure the sustainability of resource use while promoting economic development. Given this, public policies must promote more efficient inter‐ and intra‐sector water allocation schemes. Economic instruments, such as water pricing and water markets, can be used to avoid transferring negative environmental and economic impacts of meeting global renewable energy targets to production regions. In Brazil, water markets are not allowed, but the law has established raw water charges as a management instrument at the river basin level. However, the majority of bulk water charge systems have been defined exclusively for raising revenue. Integrated economic modeling can be a useful tool to support the design of effective economic instruments. This paper describes the main features of two economic modeling approaches that can support effective water pricing decisions. Three case studies illustrate sugarcane ethanol production river basins in Brazil where water prices have already been established but fail to reflect the real scarcity value of water in the region. In addition, preliminary results of a national‐level economic model being built for Brazil show that increasing water charges for the agricultural sector can have significant effects on water demand and agriculture production. The potential benefits of water pricing policy decisions based on economic modeling results are assessed. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
Self‐regulation and metacognition in young children: Does it matter if adults are present or not?
Authors: Robson Sue
Published: September 2015

This paper brings together two areas of considerable interest to researchers, practitioners and policy makers: young children's developing self‐regulation and metacognition, and the impact of adult (practitioner) presence or absence on their behaviour and learning. One hundred and twenty‐eight observations of 29 children aged 4–5 years in a reception class were analysed using a behavioural coding scheme. While the data show that adult presence and absence were both supportive, children were often significantly more likely to show evidence of self‐regulation and metacognition when adults were absent. When present, adults were a focus for the children's attention, and children appeared to cede some responsibility to them, more frequently looking to adults to set goals, allocate roles, check and correct progress and resolve disputes. At the same time, adults played a crucial role in supporting children's procedural knowledge when they were present. Children were keen to display their knowledge to these significant people and often chose to direct their comments to adults. It is suggested that the question of how adults can supportively become involved in young children's activity deserves closer attention, particularly in the context of the development and display of young children's self‐regulation and metacognition.
Facile Immobilization of a Lewis Acid Polyoxometalate onto Layered Double Hydroxides for Highly Efficient N‐Oxidation of Pyridine‐Based Derivatives and Denitrogenation
Authors: Liu Kai , Yao Zhixiao , Miras Haralampos N. , Song Yu‐Fei
Published: September 2015

N‐Oxides are a class of highly important compounds that are used widely as synthetic intermediates. In this paper, we demonstrate for the first time the use of a polyoxometalate‐based composite material as a highly efficient heterogeneous catalyst for the N‐oxidation of pyridines and its derivatives in the presence of H2O2 at room temperature. The composite was prepared by the intercalation of the [La(PW11O39)2]11− anion into a layered double hydroxide (LDH) modified with tris(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane (Tris). Additionally, the Tris‐LDH‐La(PW11)2‐based catalyst has been employed for the denitrogenation of a model oil mixture in the presence of 1‐butyl‐3‐methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate and H2O2. Denitrogenation can be achieved in 40 min at 75 °C. Finally, the heterogeneous catalyst can be recovered easily and reused at least 10 times without a measurable decrease of the catalytic activity and disintegration of the Tris‐LDH‐La(PW11)2 structure.
Template Design and Economical Strategy for the Synthesis of SSZ‐13 (CHA‐Type) Zeolite as an Excellent Catalyst for the Selective Catalytic Reduction of NOx by Ammonia
Authors: Xu Ruinian , Zhang Runduo , Liu Ning , Chen Biaohua , Zhang Qiao Shi
Published: September 2015

SSZ‐13 zeolite, a CHA‐type aluminosilicate, has attracted wide attention recently because of its extraordinary physiochemical properties and excellent potential for applications in catalysis. In this work, SSZ‐13 zeolite was synthesized using choline chloride as a CHA‐topology construction template. This new template has a low cost and is environmentally friendly. Specifically it has the appropriate geometry and functional groups for easy self‐assembly as dual molecules to form the CHA topology, which was verified by self‐prepared organic templates with similar structure and functional groups as well as IR spectroscopy and DFT and potential energy distribution calculations. After ion exchange by Cu cations, the as‐synthesized SSZ‐13 exhibited an outstanding performance for the selective catalytic reduction of NO and showed ≈100 % NO conversions across a wide temperature window of 150–450 °C.
A Solid Phase Vibrational Circular Dichroism Study of Polypeptide–Surfactant Interaction
Authors: Novotná Pavlína , Urbanová Marie
Published: September 2015

We studied the interaction of poly‐l‐lysine (PLL) and poly‐l‐arginine (PLAG) with sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) surfactant and the interaction of poly‐l‐glutamic acid (PLGA) and poly‐l‐aspartic acid (PLAA) with tetradecyltrimethylammonium bromide (TTAB) surfactant using vibrational circular dichroism (VCD) spectroscopy in the region of C‐H stretching vibration and in the Amide I region both in solution and in mulls. A chirality transfer from polypeptides to achiral surfactants was observed in the C‐H stretching region, where measurements in solution were impossible. This observation was enabled by a special sample treatment technique using lyophilization and the preparation of mulls. This technique demonstrated itself as an interesting and beneficial tool for VCD measurements. In addition, we observed that SDS changed the secondary structure of PLL to the β‐sheet and of PLAG to the α‐helix. TTAB disrupted the PLGA and PLAA structure. These results were obtained in the mull but were confirmed by the VCD spectra measured in solution and by electronic circular dichroism. The chirality transfer from the polypeptides to SDS was caused by polypeptides ordered into a specific conformation during the interaction, while in the TTBA system it was induced primarily by the chirality of the amino acid residues. Chirality 27:965–972, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The Effect of Remote Ischemic Conditioning and Glyceryl Trinitrate on Perioperative Myocardial Injury in Cardiac Bypass Surgery Patients: Rationale and Design of the ERIC‐GTN Study
Authors: Hamarneh Ashraf , Sivaraman Vivek , Bulluck Heerajnarain , Shanahan Hilary , Kyle Bonnie , Ramlall Manish , Chung Robin , Jarvis Claire , Xenou Maria , Ariti Cono , Cordery Roger , Yellon Derek M. , Hausenloy Derek J.
Published: September 2015

Remote ischemic conditioning (RIC) using transient limb ischemia/reperfusion has been reported to reduce perioperative myocardial injury in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting and/or valve surgery. The role of intravenous glyceryl trinitrate (GTN) therapy administered during cardiac surgery as a cardioprotective agent and whether it interferes with RIC cardioprotection is not clear and is investigated in the ERIC‐GTN trial (
http://www.clinicaltrials.gov: NCT01864252). The ERIC‐GTN trial is a single‐site, double‐blind, randomized, placebo‐controlled study. Consenting adult patients (age > 18 years) undergoing elective coronary artery bypass grafting ± valve surgery with blood cardioplegia will be eligible for inclusion. Two hundred sixty patients will be randomized to 1 of 4 treatment groups following anesthetic induction: (1) RIC alone, a RIC protocol comprising three 5‐minute cycles of simultaneous upper‐arm and thigh cuff inflation/deflation followed by an intravenous (IV) placebo infusion; (2) GTN alone, a simulated sham RIC protocol followed by an IV GTN infusion; (3) RIC + GTN, a RIC protocol followed by an IV GTN infusion; and (4) neither RIC nor GTN, a sham RIC protocol followed by IV placebo infusion. The primary endpoint will be perioperative myocardial injury as quantified by the 72‐hour area‐under‐the‐curve serum high‐sensitivity troponin T. The ERIC‐GTN trial will determine whether intraoperative GTN therapy is cardioprotective during cardiac surgery and whether it affects RIC cardioprotection.
6‐Methyluracil Derivatives as Bifunctional Acetylcholinesterase Inhibitors for the Treatment of Alzheimer's Disease
Authors: Semenov Vyacheslav E. , Zueva Irina V. , Mukhamedyarov Marat A. , Lushchekina Sofya V. , Kharlamova Alexandra D. , Petukhova Elena O. , Mikhailov Anatoly S. , Podyachev Sergey N. , Saifina Lilya F. , Petrov Konstantin A. , Minnekhanova Oksana A. , Zobov Vladimir V. , Nikolsky Evgeny E. , Masson Patrick , Reznik Vladimir S.
Published: September 2015

Novel 6‐methyluracil derivatives with ω‐(substituted benzylethylamino)alkyl chains at the nitrogen atoms of the pyrimidine ring were designed and synthesized. The numbers of methylene groups in the alkyl chains were varied along with the electron‐withdrawing substituents on the benzyl rings. The compounds are mixed‐type reversible inhibitors of cholinesterases, and some of them show remarkable selectivity for human acetylcholinesterase (hAChE), with inhibitory potency in the nanomolar range, more than 10 000‐fold higher than that for human butyrylcholinesterase (hBuChE). Molecular modeling studies indicate that these compounds are bifunctional AChE inhibitors, spanning the enzyme active site gorge and binding to its peripheral anionic site (PAS). In vivo experiments show that the 6‐methyluracil derivatives are able to penetrate the blood–brain barrier (BBB), inhibiting brain‐tissue AChE. The most potent AChE inhibitor, 3 d (1,3‐bis[5‐(o‐nitrobenzylethylamino)pentyl]‐6‐methyluracil), was found to improve working memory in scopolamine and transgenic APP/PS1 murine models of Alzheimer's disease, and to significantly decrease the number and area of β‐amyloid peptide plaques in the brain.
The Angelina effect revisited: Exploring a media‐related impact on public awareness
Authors: Lebo Patricia Beatrice , Quehenberger Franz , Kamolz Lars‐Peter , Lumenta David Benjamin
Published: September 2015

BACKGROUND

In 2013, Angelina Jolie's double mastectomy and publication of her personal treatment choice for BRCA1 positivity generated considerable media attention. To the authors’ knowledge, the current study is the first prospective survey conducted among the general public to measure a quantifiable media‐related effect on public awareness.

METHODS

The authors analyzed the changes in the general public's awareness of reconstructive options in breast cancer among 2 female population‐matched cohorts aged 18 to 65 years (1000 participants in each cohort) before (March 2013; poll 1) and after (June 2013; poll 2) the announcement of Ms. Jolie's mastectomy in May 2013.

RESULTS

There was an observed increase in public awareness: significantly more women from poll 2 were aware of reconstructive breast surgery being possible after breast cancer‐related mastectomy, notably with regard to autologous tissue and single‐stage reconstructions. Approximately 20% of the women in poll 2 (205 women) indicated that media coverage regarding Ms. Jolie affected their interest in breast cancer. A question that was exclusive to poll 2 revealed a preference for autologous (66.2%) versus implant‐based (8.2%) reconstructions, with the remainder indicating no preference (25.6%). None of the stratification variables were found to be associated with the above findings.

CONCLUSIONS

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first prospective study to demonstrate a statistically significant impact of a celebrity announcement on public awareness regarding breast cancer treatment. The results underscore the importance of a media‐related impact for professionals in the health care sector, which can serve as a tipping point for raising awareness and improving knowledge concerning a specific disease among the general public. Cancer 2015;121:3959–3964. © 2015 American Cancer Society.
Comparing symptomatic and functional outcomes over 5 years in two nonclinical cohorts characterized by binge eating with and without objectively large episodes
Authors: Palavras Marly A. , Hay Phillipa J. , Lujic Sanja , Claudino Angélica M.
Published: September 2015

Objective

The aim was to compare symptomatic and functional outcomes over 5 years in women with regular subjective (SBEs), objective (OBEs), and no regular binge eating episodes.

Method

Data were derived from two cohorts of 330 women with high levels of eating disorders symptoms followed over 5 years. Three groups were formed: (a) regular SBEs but no regular OBEs (N = 68), (b) regular OBEs with or without regular SBEs (N = 154), and (c) with no regular binge eating episodes (N = 108).

Results

At baseline, the groups did not differ significantly in restraint scores and quality of life. People in the OBE group scored higher than those in the SBE group in body mass index (BMI). Those who had no regular binge eating had lower global Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire (EDE‐Q) and weight and shape concern scores than those with regular SBEs, and lower eating concern scores than either binge eating groups. Across the follow‐up, there were no significant effects of being in either binge eating or the nonbinge eating group on the rates of change in BMI, general psychological distress, quality of life, or EDE‐Q scores with the exception that OBE group had a significantly different rate of change in eating concern and psychological distress compared to the group without regular binge eating.

Discussion

Individuals that report regular SBEs without regular OBEs represent a group with similar mental hardship and outcomes to those with regular OBEs. The findings support inclusion of regular SBEs in criteria for eating disorder diagnostic categories characterized by recurrent binge eating. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. (Int J Eat Disord 2015; 48:1158–1165).
Solid lipid microparticles of hardfats produced by spray cooling as promising crystallization modifiers in lipid systems
Authors: Lopes Julice Dutra , Grosso Carlos Raimundo Ferreira , de Andrade Calligaris Guilherme , Cardoso Lisandro Pavie , Basso Rodrigo Corrêa , Ribeiro Ana Paula Badan , Efraim Priscilla
Published: September 2015

Spray cooling (SC) is a simple and quick technique without the use of solvents that can be applied for the production of microparticles of different materials with diameters in the micrometer range. In this work, the SC technique was evaluated to obtain solid lipid microparticles (SLMs) of fully hydrogenated vegetable oils (hardfats) of soybean, cottonseed, palm, and crambe. SLMs were produced using a laboratory‐scale SC, varying the temperature of the hardfat (70–85°C), SLM solidification temperature (0 and 24°C), nozzle diameter (0.7–1 mm), and air pressure (1.25–1.75 kgf/cm2). The melting point and preferential polymorphisms of the soybean, cottonseed, palm, and crambe hardfats were, respectively, 69.5°C (β), 63.2°C (β′), 60.4°C (β′), and 73.8°C (β′ + β). The analysis of the morphology and particle size distribution showed that all SLMs had a spherical shape, with mean diameters ranging from 60.15 to 2013.99 µm (soybean), 101.25 to 302.85 µm (cottonseed), 56.12 to 2514.32 µm (palm), and 66.10 to 877.93 µm (crambe), depending on the process conditions. It was verified that the atomization process changed the polymorphic habit of all hardfats to the α form. These results indicate that the SC technique may be applied to obtain SLMs of hardfats.

Practical applications: Solid lipid microparticles, which are composed of fully hydrogenated vegetable oils and obtained by the spray cooling technique, have the potential to modulate or optimize conventional fat crystallization processes for several different industrial purposes.

Solid lipid microparticles of fully hydrogenated crambe oil, obtained by spray cooling technique, under the conditions of Test 9 (T = 80°C; P = 1.50 kgf/cm2; A = 0.7 mm).
Lifelong diet including common unsaturated fatty acids extends the lifespan and affects oxidation in Caenorhabditis elegans consistently with hormesis model
Authors: Fang Bing , Zhang Ming , Ren Fa Zheng , Zhou Xiao Dan
Published: September 2015

Diets abundant in unsaturated fatty acids (UFAs) help to support a longer and healthier life. We evaluated effects of dietary oleic acid (OA), linoleic acid (LnA), and linolenic acid (ALA) on lifespan and physical activities of Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans). Supplementation at doses per plate of 0.5 mg OA, 0.1 mg LnA, or 0.5 mg ALA extended the lifespan of C. elegans by 10.49, 14.17, or 8.47%, respectively (p < 0.05). At these doses, LnA and ALA significantly inhibited growth, pharyngeal pumping, reproduction, and respiration (p < 0.05), while OA did not influence these physiological activities (p > 0.05). Furthermore, OA significantly increased superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase activities. Based on results obtained with wild‐type N2, eat‐2, and sod‐2‐mutated C. elegans, OA extended C. elegans lifespan through a hormesis mechanism by activating antioxidant enzymes. In contrast, LnA and ALA acted via a caloric restriction mechanism. Consistent with calorie restriction being a type of stress, however, lifespan was shortened as LnA and ALA doses were further increased. Therefore, the effects of all three fatty acids might be regarded as being consistent with a classic hormesis effect.

Practical applications: Oleic acid, linoleic acid, and linolenic acid are the three most common unsaturated fatty acids in vegetable oils. The beneficial effects of oleic acid, linoleic acid, and linolenic acid supplementation on lifespan, normal physiological activities, and oxidation in our study support consumers choosing vegetable oils in their diets.

Supplementation with 0.5 mg OA, 0.1 mg LnA or 0.5 mg ALA extended the lifespan of C. elegans by 10.49%, 14.17% or 8.47%, respectively (p < 0.05). At these doses, LnA and ALA significantly inhibited growth, pharyngeal pumping, reproduction and respiration, while OA did not influence these physiological activities and significantly increased superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase activities. Using the eat‐2, and sod‐2 mutated strains, the anti‐aging mechanism of OA was hormesis, while LnA and ALA acted via caloric restriction.
Monitoring compositional changes in sunflower oil‐derived deep‐frying media by 1H Nuclear Magnetic Resonance
Authors: Martínez‐Yusta Andrea , Guillén María Dolores
Published: September 2015

The evolution of the composition of three sunflower oils submitted to frying temperatures over a prolonged period of time was carried out by means of 1H nuclear magnetic resonance. Using the same technique, the evolution of the composition of three sunflower oils derived frying media, formed throughout 14 deep‐frying experiments of three different foods, was also studied. The foods involved in the deep‐frying processes differ in both amount and nature of their lipids. The occurrence of migration of food lipids, thermo‐oxidation, and hydrolytic processes in the sunflower oil frying media can be studied simultaneously by this technique. Changes in the evolution of the molar percentage of the different kinds of acyl groups, as well as of the concentration and nature of the aldehydes and alcohols formed were addressed. It is noteworthy that the main aldehydes detected, in both sunflower oils and sunflower oil frying media, were the reactive (E,E)‐2,4‐alkadienals, likewise the genotoxic and cytotoxic 4‐hydroxy‐(E)‐2‐alkenals and 4,5‐epoxy‐2‐alkenals were also present. In addition, the extent of hydrolytic processes, and, both, the evolution of iodine value and percentage in weight of polar compounds, were also studied.

Practical applications: The used technique provides, in only one run and without chemical modification of the sample, a great deal of information related to the quality and safety of the sunflower frying media used in repeated deep frying episodes. The fact that during frying the sunflower oil generates toxic aldehydes with concentrations in line with the heating time and number of fryings should be taken into account at both industrial and culinary levels. It has been shown that the migration of food lipids during frying influences importantly on parameters such as iodine value and percentage in weight of polar compounds, which can mask the degradation level reached by the oil. This study provides useful information about the behavior in deep frying of sunflower, soybean, and extra virgin olive oils, which can be taken into account for the selection of the most suitable oil for frying each kind of food.

The study of the evolution of the composition of three sunflower oils submitted to heating at frying temperature over a prolonged period of time and of the composition of three sunflower oils derived frying media, formed throughout 14 deep‐frying experiments of 3 different foods was carried out by means of 1H NMR.
Amperometric Determination of Sulfide by Glassy Carbon Electrode Modified with Hemin Functionalized Reduced Graphene Oxide
Authors: Cao Xiaodong , Gao Jiaona , Ye Yingwang , Wang Pengfei , Ding Shun , Ye Yongkang , Sun Hanju
Published: September 2015

This work describes a new approach for rapid detection of sulfide using a glassy carbon electrode (GCE) modified with hemin functionalized reduced graphene oxide (hemin‐rGO). The modified GCE was applied to the selective amperometric detection of sulfide at a working potential of 0.05 V (vs. Ag/AgCl) at pH 7.5, which gave a linear range of 0.002–0.212 mM, a sensitivity of 246.5 µA mM−1 cm−2, and a detection limit of 1.3 µM. The proposed method was applied in determination of sulfide‐spiked water, and the method was verified with recovery percentage of standard samples with an acceptable satisfaction.