bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Utility of texture analysis for quantifying hepatic fibrosis on proton density MRI
Authors: Yu HeiShun , Buch Karen , Li Baojun , O'Brien Michael , Soto Jorge , Jara Hernan , Anderson Stephan W.
Published: April 2015

Purpose

To evaluate the potential utility of texture analysis of proton density maps for quantifying hepatic fibrosis in a murine model of hepatic fibrosis.

Materials and Methods

Following Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) approval, a dietary model of hepatic fibrosis was used and 15 ex vivo murine liver tissues were examined. All images were acquired using a 30 mm bore 11.7T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanner with a multiecho spin‐echo sequence. A texture analysis was employed extracting multiple texture features including histogram‐based, gray‐level co‐occurrence matrix‐based (GLCM), gray‐level run‐length‐based features (GLRL), gray level gradient matrix (GLGM), and Laws' features. Texture features were correlated with histopathologic and digital image analysis of hepatic fibrosis.

Results

Histogram features demonstrated very weak to moderate correlations (r = –0.29 to 0.51) with hepatic fibrosis. GLCM features correlation and contrast demonstrated moderate‐to‐strong correlations (r = –0.71 and 0.59, respectively) with hepatic fibrosis. Moderate correlations were seen between hepatic fibrosis and the GLRL feature short run low gray‐level emphasis (SRLGE) (r = –0. 51). GLGM features demonstrate very weak to weak correlations with hepatic fibrosis (r = –0.27 to 0.09). Moderate correlations were seen between hepatic fibrosis and Laws' features L6 and L7 (r = 0.58).

Conclusion

This study demonstrates the utility of texture analysis applied to proton density MRI in a murine liver fibrosis model and validates the potential utility of texture‐based features for the noninvasive, quantitative assessment of hepatic fibrosis. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2015;42:1259–1265.
Long‐term local disease control in a recurrent soft‐tissue sarcoma of the thigh treated by radiofrequency ablation
Authors: Belfiore MD Maria P. , Ronza MD Francesco M. , Della Volpe Tullio , Pascale Michela , Belfiore Giuseppe
Published: April 2015

In 2008, we performed radiofrequency ablation (RFA) in an elderly patient with a large recurrent soft‐tissue sarcoma of the thigh, previously treated with surgery and radiotherapy. After ablation, a marked shrinkage of tumor was obtained. Further local recurrences occurred during follow‐up, all safely treated by RFA, with local control of the disease maintained until 6‐year follow‐up. RFA was safe, effective, and repeatable for soft‐tissue sarcoma recurrences, and allowed long‐term local control of the disease. J. Surg. Oncol. 2015 111:708–710. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Comparing the treatment outcomes of potassium‐titanyl‐phosphate laser vaporization and transurethral electroresection for primary nonmuscle‐invasive bladder cancer: A prospective, randomized study
Authors: Xu Yansheng , Guan Weimin , Chen Weihao , Xie Changliang , Ouyang Yun , Wu Yiguang , Liu Cuilong
Published: April 2015

Background and Objectives

In urology, potassium‐titanyl‐phosphate (KTP) laser is mainly used in the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia with a low rate of intraoperative and postoperative complications. A prospective, randomized study was undertaken to investigate the treatment outcomes of KTP laser vaporization for primary non‐muscle‐invasive bladder tumors (NMIBTs) as compared with conventional monopolar transurethral resection of bladder tumors (TURBT).

Materials and Methods

This study was designed as a prospective, randomized trial. After institutional review board approval, 229 consecutive patients with NMIBTs were randomized to 2 groups. Among them, 116 patients underwent KTP laser vaporization of a bladder tumor (laser group) and 113 patients underwent standard transurethral electroresection of the bladder tumors using monopolar loop electrode (TURBT group). According to the prognostic factors for recurrence, all patients were divided into low, intermediate or high risk subgroups. The clinical data were recorded and compared between the two groups.

Results

Eighty‐nine patients in laser group and 94 in TURBT group were evaluable for the study end points. The preoperative characteristics of the patients were comparable in the two groups. There was no statistical difference in operation time between the two groups. Patients in the laser group had fewer perioperative complications and more patients needed bladder irrigation in the TURBT group. Compared with laser group, patients in the TURBT group had longer catheterization time and hospitalization duration. There were no statistical differences in the oncologic results in term of 2‐year recurrence rates as compared between the two groups.

Conclusions

Our study demonstrated that using KTP laser, transurethral vaporization is an effective and safe treatment for the patients with primary NMIBT. Compared with traditional TURBT, the KTP laser surgery had fewer perioperative complications and similar oncological results. Lasers Surg. Med. 47:???–???, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Fabrication of Polyethylene Glycol‐Based Hydrogel Microspheres Through Electrospraying
Authors: Jain Era , Scott Kayla M. , Zustiak Silviya P. , Sell Scott A.
Published: April 2015

Polyethylene glycol (PEG) hydrogel microspheres of controlled sizes and narrow size distribution were fabricated via electrospraying. To facilitate the formation of microspheres through electrospraying, the gelation time of PEG hydrogels by Michael's addition reaction between acrylate and thiol were optimized. The effect of electrospraying parameters such as applied voltage, flow rate, needle gauge, and tip to collector distance (TTCD) on Taylor cone formation and microsphere size and distribution was determined. Applied voltage and TTCD had the strongest influence on Taylor cone formation and microsphere size and distribution. By careful design of process parameters a wide range of PEG hydrogel microspheres were obtained, namely 70–700 μm in diameter. The biodegradable PEG hydrogel microspheres developed in this study through a combination of mild gelation chemistry and electrospraying will be valuable in a variety of biological applications including drug and protein delivery, cell encapsulation, and biosensors.
Simple 17O NMR method for studying electron self‐exchange reaction between UO22+ and U4+ aqua ions in acidic solution
Authors: Bányai István , Farkas Ildikó , Tóth Imre
Published: April 2015

17O NMR spectroscopy is proven to be suitable and convenient method for studying the electron exchange by following the decrease of 17O‐enrichment in U17OO2+ ion in the presence of U4+ ion in aqueous solution. The reactions have been performed at room temperature using I = 5 M ClO4− ionic medium in acidic solutions in order to determine the kinetics of electron exchange between the U4+ and UO22+ aqua ions. The rate equation is given as R = a[H+]−2 + R′, where R′ is an acid independent parallel path. R′ depends on the concentration of the uranium species according to the following empirical rate equation: R′ = k1[UO2 +]1/2[U4 +]1/2 + k2[UO2 +]3/2[U4 +]1/2. The mechanism of the inverse H+ concentration‐dependent path is interpreted as equilibrium formation of reactive UO2+ species from UO22+ and U4+ aqua ions and its electron exchange with UO22+. The determined rate constant of this reaction path is in agreement with the rate constant of UO22+–UO2+, one electron exchange step calculated by Marcus theory, match the range given experimentally of it in an early study. Our value lies in the same order of magnitude as the recently calculated ones by quantum chemical methods. The acid independent part is attributed to the formation of less hydrolyzed U(V) species, i.e. UO3+, which loses enrichment mainly by electron exchange with UO22+ ions. One can also conclude that 17O NMR spectroscopy, or in general NMR spectroscopy with careful kinetic analysis, is a powerful tool for studying isotope exchange reactions without the use of sophisticated separation processes. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Three‐dimensional coronary dark‐blood interleaved with gray‐blood (cDIG) magnetic resonance imaging at 3 tesla
Authors: Xie Guoxi , Bi Xiaoming , Liu Jiabin , Yang Qi , Natsuaki Yutaka , Conte Antonio Hernandez , Liu Xin , Li Kuncheng , Li Debiao , Fan Zhaoyang
Published: April 2015

Purpose

Three‐dimensional (3D) dark‐blood MRI has shown great potential in coronary artery plaque evaluation. However, substantial variability in quantification could result from superficial calcification because of its low signal. To address this issue, a 3D coronary dark‐blood interleaved with gray‐blood (cDIG) technique was developed.

Methods

cDIG is based on a balanced steady‐state free precession readout combined with a local re‐inversion‐based double‐inversion‐recovery (LocReInv‐DIR) preparation. The LocReInv‐DIR is applied every two RR intervals. Dark‐blood and gray‐blood contrasts are collected in the first and second RR interval, respectively. To improve the respiratory gating efficiency, two independent navigators were developed to separately gate the respiratory motion for the two interleaved acquisitions. In vivo experiments in eight healthy subjects and one patient were conducted to validate the technique.

Results

cDIG provided dual‐contrasts without compromise in scan time. The dark‐blood images with cDIG demonstrated excellent wall and lumen signal performances and morphological measurements. Advantageously, cDIG yielded a second contrast that was shown to help identify the superficial calcification in the coronary plaque of a patient.

Conclusion

A novel technique was developed for obtaining 3D coronary vessel wall and gray lumen images. The additional contrast may aid in identifying calcified nodules and thus potentially improve the evaluation of coronary plaque burden. Magn Reson Med 75:997–1007, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Crystallization‐induced toughness of rubber‐modified polylactide: combined effects of biodegradable impact modifier and effective nucleating agent
Authors: Odent Jérémy , Raquez Jean‐Marie , Leclère Philippe , Lauro Franck , Dubois Philippe
Published: April 2015

The co‐addition of rubber‐like poly(ε‐caprolactone‐co‐D, l‐lactide) (P[CL‐co‐LA]) as impact modifier and N,N′‐ethylenebis(stereamide) (EBS) as nucleating agent has here been investigated to tailor both the crystallization and toughness of resulting polylactide (PLA)‐based materials. In this work, 10 wt% of P[CL‐co‐LA] copolymer and different concentrations of EBS were added into PLA by twin‐screw extrusion (in a micro‐compounder) in order to establish the mechanical performances of the resulting blends upon the nucleating agent content. Crystallization behavior and impact toughness of PLA‐based materials were both enhanced and were ascribed to a clear alteration of the matrix crystallinity, spherulitic growth rate, and crystal structure upon the nucleating agent content. As a result, toughness of PLA‐based materials was considerably enhanced up to, at least, 11 times with respect to neat PLA. Such improvement of the fracture resistance upon the extent of PLA crystallinity was related to a change in the toughening mechanism from crazing to shear‐yielding (combined with crazing) through the deformation of spherulites, promoting high energy dissipation pathways as crystallization occurs. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Graphene coating assisted injection molding of ultra‐thin thermoplastics
Authors: Cabrera Eusebio Duarte , Zhang Panpan , Liao Wei‐Ching , Yen Ying‐Chieh , Yu Jiangfeng , Castro Jose , Lee L. James
Published: April 2015

High strength light weight parts are critical for the development of new technologies, particularly electronic devices, such as laptop computers, smart phones, and tablet devices. Injection molded plastics and composites are excellent choices for mass producing such parts. As the part thickness decreases from traditional injection molding (>2 mm thickness) to thin wall molding (∼1 mm thickness), and lastly, to ultra‐thin wall molding (<0.5 mm thickness), avoiding incomplete filling (short shots) becomes more challenging. Even though, methods exist today for molding thin‐wall plastic parts (i.e., fast heating/fast cooling injection molding), they require multiple steps resulting in a noncost efficient process. In this article, we demonstrate the technical feasibility of using graphene coating to facilitate flow, by promoting slip at the mold walls. We evaluate the influence of coated and uncoated mold inserts on fiber orientation. We present experimental results using un‐reinforced polypropylene and a 40% by weight carbon fiber reinforced polycarbonate/acrylonitrile butadiene styrene. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 55:1374–1381, 2015. © 2015 Society of Plastics Engineers
Migration in Differentiated Localities: Changing Statuses and Ethnic Relations in a Multi‐Ethnic Locality in Transylvania, Romania
Authors: Anghel Remus Gabriel
Published: April 2015

In recent years, an increasing number of scholars have started to analyse the effects of migration in societies of emigration. This scholarship often depicts migration as a powerful process generating ‘levelled’ processes of diffusion of money, goods, ideas, and values, ultimately changing entire communities and regions of origin. The paper diverges from this view and argues for a differentialist approach in researching processes of migration and social change. I substantiate this claim by analysing patterns of migration and social change in a multi‐ethnic community in Romania that consists of Hungarians, Romanians, and Roma. The research fieldwork consisted of qualitative interviews and participant observation.

By using a perspective inspired by the literature on critical social capital and mechanisms of migration, I show that local social differentiation profoundly affects not only the development of migration but also the relationship between migration and social change. As I unfold in the paper, social closure based on ethnic and class/group membership had a strong effect on the ways in which Hungarians, Roma, and Romanians migrated towards Hungary, Italy, and Germany, as well as on the economic niches they occupied in countries of destination. The enrichment of some Roma and the new social position they gained reveals that migrant localities are contested social spaces where migrants' new social statuses and the ideas and values they bring back with them are weighted and negotiated against local values and systems of classification. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Graphene transparent electrode for thin‐film solar cells
Authors: Ishikawa Ryousuke , Kurokawa Yasuyoshi , Miyajima Shinsuke , Konagai Makoto
Published: April 2015

Transparent electrode is a key component in the multi‐junction solar cells, working as window and intermediate electrodes. It requires high transparency for wide range and suitable electrical junctions. Graphene, a single atomic layer of sp2 graphitic carbon, is one of alternative materials. We demonstrated a‐Si thin film solar cells with high‐quality graphene grown by chemical vapor deposition. The graphene‐cell showed higher open‐circuit voltage compared with conventional transparent conductive oxide. It might be a contribution of lower Schottky barrier at graphene/p‐layer interface. Our experimental results demonstrated a high potential of graphene transparent electrode not only for a‐Si solar cells but also for multi‐junction solar cells.
Band structure and vacancy formation in β‐Ag2S: Ab‐initio study
Authors: Alekberov Oktay , Jahangirli Zakir , Paucar Raul , Huseynova Suma , Abdulzade Nigar , Nakhmedov Anver , Wakita Kazuki , Mamedov Nazim
Published: April 2015

Electronic band structure, together with formation energy of native point defects has been studied for β‐Ag2S superionic material. The density‐functional full‐potential calculations have been carried out for perfect crystal and defect structure. In latter case a 96‐atom supercell has been composed and account of structural relaxation around a vacancy has been taken up to second nearest neighbor. Formation energies of point defects have been obtained and compared. According to comparison, cation vacancies are the dominant intrinsic defects in β‐Ag2S and transition into a state with high ionic conductivity is probably related with their abrupt concentration increase with increasing temperature. (© 2015 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Visibility Enhancement using Autonomous Multicamera Controls with Situational Role Assignment for Teleoperated Work Machines
Authors: Kamezaki Mitsuhiro , Yang Junjie , Iwata Hiroyasu , Sugano Shigeki
Published: April 2015

The aim of this study is to provide a machine operator with enhanced visibility and more adaptive visual information suited to the work situation, particularly advanced unmanned construction. Toward that end, we propose a method for autonomously controlling multiple environmental cameras. Situations in which the yaw, pitch, and zoom of cameras should be controlled are analyzed. Additionally, we define imaging objects, including the machine, manipulators, and end points; and imaging modes, including tracking, zoom, posture, and trajectory modes. To control each camera simply and effectively, four practical camera roles with different combinations of the imaging objects and modes were defined: overview machine, enlarge end point, posture‐manipulator, and trajectory‐manipulator. A real‐time role assignment system is described for assigning the four camera roles to four out of six cameras suitable for the work situation (e.g., reaching, grasping, transport, and releasing) on the basis of the assignment‐priority rules. To test this system, debris‐removal tasks were performed in a virtual reality simulation to compare performance among fixed camera, manual control camera, and autonomous control camera systems. The results showed that the autonomous system was the best of the three at decreasing the number of grasping misses and erroneous contacts and simultaneously increasing the subjective usability and time efficiency.
Whole-genome sequencing of Bacillus subtilis XF-1 reveals mechanisms for biological control and multiple beneficial properties in plants
Authors: Guo Shengye , Li Xingyu , He Pengfei , Ho Honhing , Wu Yixin , He Yueqiu
Published: April 2015

Bacillus subtilis XF-1 is a gram-positive, plant-associated bacterium that stimulates plant growth and produces secondary metabolites that suppress soil-borne plant pathogens. In particular, it is especially highly efficient at controlling the clubroot disease of cruciferous crops. Its 4,061,186-bp genome contains an estimated 3853 protein-coding sequences and the 1155 genes of XF-1 are present in most genome-sequenced Bacillus strains: 3757 genes in B. subtilis 168, and 1164 in B. amyloliquefaciens FZB42. Analysis using the Cluster of Orthologous Groups database of proteins shows that 60 genes control bacterial mobility, 221 genes are related to cell wall and membrane biosynthesis, and more than 112 are genes associated with secondary metabolites. In addition, the genes contributed to the strain’s plant colonization, bio-control and stimulation of plant growth. Sequencing of the genome is a fundamental step for developing a desired strain to serve as an efficient biological control agent and plant growth stimulator. Similar to other members of the taxon, XF-1 has a genome that contains giant gene clusters for the non-ribosomal synthesis of antifungal lipopeptides (surfactin and fengycin), the polyketides (macrolactin and bacillaene), the siderophore bacillibactin, and the dipeptide bacilysin. There are two synthesis pathways for volatile growth-promoting compounds. The expression of biosynthesized antibiotic peptides in XF-1 was revealed by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry.
Direct medical costs and source of cost differences across the spectrum of cognitive decline: A population‐based study
Authors: Leibson Cynthia L. , Long Kirsten Hall , Ransom Jeanine E. , Roberts Rosebud O. , Hass Steven L. , Duhig Amy M. , Smith Carin Y. , Emerson Jane A. , Pankratz V. Shane , Petersen Ronald C.
Published: April 2015

Background

Objective cost estimates and source of cost differences are needed across the spectrum of cognition, including cognitively normal (CN), mild cognitive impairment (MCI), newly discovered dementia, and prevalent dementia.

Methods

Subjects were a subset of the Mayo Clinic Study of Aging stratified‐random sampling of Olmsted County, MN, residents aged 70 to 89 years. A neurologist reviewed provider‐linked medical records to identify prevalent dementia (review date = index). Remaining subjects were invited to participate in prospective clinical/neuropsychological assessments; participants were categorized as CN, MCI, or newly discovered dementia (assessment date = index). Costs for medical services/procedures 1‐year pre‐index (excluding indirect and long‐term care costs) were estimated using line‐item provider‐linked administrative data. We estimated contributions of care‐delivery site and comorbid conditions (including and excluding neuropsychiatric diagnoses) to between‐category cost differences.

Results

Annual mean medical costs for CN, MCI, newly discovered dementia, and prevalent dementia were $6042, $6784, $9431, $11,678, respectively. Hospital inpatient costs contributed 70% of total costs for prevalent dementia and accounted for differences between CN and both prevalent and newly discovered dementia. Ambulatory costs accounted for differences between CN and MCI. Age‐, sex‐, education‐adjusted differences reached significance for CN versus newly discovered and prevalent dementia and for MCI versus prevalent dementia. After considering all comorbid diagnoses, between‐category differences were reduced (e.g., prevalent dementia minus MCI (from $4842 to $3575); newly discovered dementia minus CN (from $3578 to $711)). Following the exclusion of neuropsychiatric diagnoses from comorbidity adjustment, between‐category differences tended to revert to greater differences.

Conclusions

Cost estimates did not differ significantly between CN and MCI. Substantial differences between MCI and prevalent dementia reflected high inpatient costs for dementia and appear partly related to co‐occurring mental disorders. Such comparisons can help inform models aimed at identifying where, when, and for which individuals proposed interventions might be cost‐effective.
Examining the literature on “Networks in Space and in Time.” An introduction
Authors: DE BENEDICTIS LUCA , VITALE MARIA PROSPERINA , WASSERMAN STANLEY
Published: April 2015

The special issue of “Networks in space and in time: methods and applications” contributes to the debate on contextual analysis in network science. It includes seven research papers that shed light on the analysis of network phenomena studied within geographic space and across temporal dimensions. In these papers, methodological issues as well as specific applications are described from different fields. We take the seven papers, study their citations and texts, and relate them to the broader literature. By exploiting the bibliographic information and the textual data of these seven documents, citation analysis and lexical correspondence analysis allow us to evaluate the connections among the papers included in this issue.
Vote Dilution and Suppression in Indian Country
Authors: Schroedel Jean , Hart Ryan
Published: April 2015

The struggle for Native American voting rights has lasted more than two centuries. Although the 1924 Indian Citizenship Act granted citizenship to indigenous peoples born within the geographic boundaries of the United States, it did not ensure the right to vote. Because the Constitution gives states the power to determine the “times, places, and manner of holding elections,” many states statutorily denied Native Americans the franchise until federal lawsuits forced them to change. Having the statutory right to vote, however, did not ensure that it could be exercised in a meaningful way. Since the passage of the 1965 Voting Rights Act there have been more than ninety voting rights cases involving Native Americans. While the overall historical trend has been toward extending the vote, periods of enhanced voting rights often have been followed by periods of retrenchment. In this article, we argue that the traditional frameworks used to explain racial inequalities fail to account for the unique character of relations between indigenous peoples and the U.S. government, and we propose a tripartite approach that draws from studies in core–periphery development and “racial institutional orders,” but also considers the many ways that tribal identities intersect with these.
A DEBATE BETWEEN A THEIST AND A SANTA CLAUSIST (ACT II)
Authors: Tallman Ruth , Johnson David Kyle
Published: April 2015

In Act I, Faith and Klaus had it out regarding whether their deity of choice – God and Santa respectively – exists. Although Klaus was unable to convince Faith, Klaus suggested that Krampus, his ‘Santa pastor’ (the guy who owns the mall where he buys his Christmas presents), will set Faith straight. We join the dialogue, once again, as Faith is about to first meet Krampus, who promises to provide us with more sophisticated arguments in favor of Santa Claus.
THE EVIL GOD CHALLENGE – A RESPONSE
Authors: Ward Keith
Published: April 2015

I argue that the co-existence of omnipotence, omniscience, and total evil forms an inconsistent triad. An omniscient being will know what it is like for anyone to feel pain, and since pain is undesirable, will not freely create pains which it would have to share. An omnipotent being would choose to be rational, and a purely rational being would choose what it believes to be good. It would in fact choose to be of supreme value, and thus would necessarily contain all compossible values, including those of friendship and love. Therefore an omnipotent omniscient being cannot be evil.
Risikokompetenz in der Schule lernen
Authors: Gigerenzer Gerd , Martignon Laura
Published: April 2015

Dieser Beitrag beschreibt Situationen, bei denen Informationen zu Risiken unentbehrlich sind. Diese Informationen können verständlich ausgedrückt werden oder auch unverständlich, mit schwierigen Formeln und undurchsichtigen Graphiken. Hier wird für sehr einfache, transparente Repräsentationen plädiert, die das Verständnis fördern. Nach einigen Beispielen aus der medizinischen Praxis wird eine Lanze für die Einführung erster Risikobegriffe in der Grundschule gebrochen.
Förderung von Datenkompetenz in der Primarstufe
Authors: Biehler Rolf , Frischemeier Daniel
Published: April 2015

Die Bildungsstandards Mathematik und daran anknüpfend insbesondere die Leitidee „Daten, Häufigkeit und Wahrscheinlichkeit“ sehen die Förderung von Datenkompetenz bereits im Mathematikunterricht der Grundschule vor. In diesem Artikel möchten wir verschiedene Aktivitäten zur Förderung eben dieser Datenkompetenz vorstellen. Darunter zählen wir das Durchlaufen eines kompletten Datenanalyse-Zyklus, der das Generieren eigener statistischer Fragestellungen, das Erstellen eines Fragebogens sowie das Sammeln und Auswerten von Daten umfasst. Bezüglich der Analyse der Daten werden wir verschiedene Zugänge beschreiben, die aufeinander aufbauen und es ermöglichen, Datenanalyse auf verschiedenen Ebenen (enaktiv, ikonisch und symbolisch) zu erleben. Eine wesentliche Rolle kann dabei unter anderem das Arbeiten mit „Datenkarten“ (auf denen die Schülerinnen und Schüler mehrere Merkmale notieren) spielen. Durch Umlegen und Ordnen dieser Datenkarten können Schülerinnen und Schüler eigenständig Entdeckungen im Universum der Daten machen, dabei die Genese konventioneller Darstellungen (z. B. Säulendiagramm) nachempfinden und darüber hinaus neue Darstellungen erfinden. Dieses kann zudem durch das Aufstellen und Umsortieren der Schülerinnen und Schüler als Merkmalsträger selbst im Sinne der „lebendigen Statistik“ gestützt werden. Abschließend werden wir als Ausblick die Datenanalysesoftware TinkerPlots vorstellen. Diese knüpft an das Arbeiten mit Datenkarten an und ermöglicht bereits in einem frühen Stadium die Exploration großer und multivariater Datensätze.
Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptorβ/δ activation is essential for modulating p-Foxo1/Foxo1 status in functional insulin-positive cell differentiation
Authors: Li L , Li T , Zhang Y , Pan Z , Wu B , Huang X , Zhang Y , Mei Y , Ge L , Shen G , Ge R-s , Zhu D , Lou Y
Published: April 2015

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) participate in energy homeostasis and play essential roles in diabetes therapy through their effects on non-pancreas tissues. Pathological microenvironment may influence the metabolic requirements for the maintenance of stem cell differentiation. Accordingly, understanding the mechanisms of PPARs on pancreaticβ-cell differentiation may be helpful to find the underlying targets of disrupted energy homeostasis under the pancreatic disease condition. PPARs are involved in stem cell differentiation via mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation, but the subtype member activation and the downstream regulation in functional insulin-positive (INS+) cell differentiation remain unclear. Here, we show a novel role of PPARβ/δactivation in determining INS+cell differentiation and functional maturation. We found PPARβ/δexpression selectively upregulated in mouse embryonic pancreases or stem cells-derived INS+cells at the pancreatic mature stagein vivoandin vitro. Strikingly, given the inefficiency of generating INS+cellsin vitro, PPARβ/δactivation displayed increasing mouse and human ES cell-derived INS+cell numbers and insulin secretion. This phenomenon was closely associated with the forkhead box protein O1 (Foxo1) nuclear shuttling, which was dependent on PPARβ/δdownstream PI3K/Akt signaling transduction. The present study reveals the essential role of PPARβ/δactivation on p-Foxo1/Foxo1 status, and in turn, determining INS+cell generation and insulin secretionviaaffecting pancreatic and duodenal homeobox-1 expression. The results demonstrate the underlying mechanism by which PPARβ/δactivation promotes functional INS+cell differentiation. It also provides potential targets for anti-diabetes drug discovery and hopeful clinical applications in human cell therapy.
Synaptic NMDA receptor activity is coupled to the transcriptional control of the glutathione system
Authors: Baxter Paul S. , Bell Karen F.S. , Hasel Philip , Kaindl Angela M. , Fricker Michael , Thomson Derek , Cregan Sean P. , Gillingwater Thomas H. , Hardingham Giles E.
Published: April 2015

How the brain’s antioxidant defenses adapt to changing demand is incompletely understood. Here we show that synaptic activity is coupled, via the NMDA receptor (NMDAR), to control of the glutathione antioxidant system. This tunes antioxidant capacity to reflect the elevated needs of an active neuron, guards against future increased demand and maintains redox balance in the brain. This control is mediated via a programme of gene expression changes that boosts the synthesis, recycling and utilization of glutathione, facilitating ROS detoxification and preventing Puma-dependent neuronal apoptosis. Of particular importance to the developing brain is the direct NMDAR-dependent transcriptional control of glutathione biosynthesis, disruption of which can lead to degeneration. Notably, these activity-dependent cell-autonomous mechanisms were found to cooperate with non-cell-autonomous Nrf2-driven support from astrocytes to maintain neuronal GSH levels in the face of oxidative insults. Thus, developmental NMDAR hypofunction and glutathione system deficits, separately implicated in several neurodevelopmental disorders, are mechanistically linked.
Difference in microRNA expression and editing profile of lung tissues from different pig breeds related to immune responses to HP-PRRSV
Authors: Li Jia , Chen Zhisheng , Zhao Junlong , Fang Liurong , Fang Rui , Xiao Jiang , Chen Xing , Zhou Ao , Zhang Yingyin , Ren Liming , Hu Xiaoxiang , Zhao Yaofeng , Zhang Shujun , Li Ning
Published: April 2015

Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) is one of the most devastating diseases for the pig industry. Our goal was to identify microRNAs involved in the host immune response to PRRS. We generated microRNA expression profiles of lung tissues from Tongcheng or Landrace pigs infected with a highly pathogenic PRRS virus (PRRSV) at 3, 5, 7 dpi (day post infection) and control individuals from these two breeds. Our data showed that 278 known and 294 novel microRNAs were expressed in these combined microRNA transcriptomes. Compared with control individuals, almost half of the known microRNAs (116 in Tongcheng and 153 in Landrace) showed significantly differential expression (DEmiRNAs) at least once. The numbers of down-regulated DEmiRNAs were larger than the corresponding number of up-regulated DEmiRNAs in both breeds. Interestingly, miR-2320-5p, which was predicted to bind to conserved sequences of the PRRSV genome, was down-regulated significantly at 3 dpi after PRRSV infection in both breeds. In addition, PRRSV infection induced a significant increase of microRNA editing level in both breeds. Our results provide novel insight into the role of microRNA in response to PRRSV infection in vivo, which will aid the research for developing novel therapies against PRRSV.
Biochar from commercially cultivated seaweed for soil amelioration
Authors: Roberts David A. , Paul Nicholas A. , Dworjanyn Symon A. , Bird Michael I. , de Nys Rocky
Published: April 2015

Seaweed cultivation is a high growth industry that is primarily targeted at human food and hydrocolloid markets. However, seaweed biomass also offers a feedstock for the production of nutrient-rich biochar for soil amelioration. We provide the first data of biochar yield and characteristics from intensively cultivated seaweeds (Saccharina, Undaria and Sargassum – brown seaweeds and Gracilaria, Kappaphycus and Eucheuma – red seaweeds). While there is some variability in biochar properties as a function of the origin of seaweed, there are several defining and consistent characteristics of seaweed biochar, in particular a relatively low C content and surface area but high yield, essential trace elements (N, P and K) and exchangeable cations (particularly K). The pH of seaweed biochar ranges from neutral (7) to alkaline (11), allowing for broad-spectrum applications in diverse soil types. We find that seaweed biochar is a unique material for soil amelioration that is consistently different to biochar derived from ligno-cellulosic feedstock. Blending of seaweed and ligno-cellulosic biochar could provide a soil ameliorant that combines a high fixed C content with a mineral-rich substrate to enhance crop productivity.
Frequency Dependant Topological Alterations of Intrinsic Functional Connectome in Major Depressive Disorder
Authors: Luo Qinghua , Deng Zhou , Qin Jingxue , Wei Dongtao , Cun Lingli , Qiu Jiang , Hitchman Glen , Xie Peng
Published: April 2015

Major depressive disorder is associated with aberrant topological organizations of brain networks. However, whether this aberrance is shown in broader frequency bands or in a specific frequency band remains unknown. Fifty patients and fifty gender, age and education matched normal controls underwent resting state functional magnetic resonance imaging. Frequency dependent topological measures based on graph theory were calculated from wavelet decomposed resting state functional brain signals. In the specific frequency band of 0.03–0.06 14Hz, the clustering coefficient and the global efficiency were reduced while the characteristic path length was increased. Furthermore, patients showed aberrant nodal centralities in the default mode network, executive network and occipital network. Network based statistical analysis revealed system-wise topological alterations in these networks. The finding provides the first systematic evidence that depression is associated with frequency specific global and local topological disruptions and highlights the importance of frequency information in investigating major depressive disorders.
Triple-channel comparative analysis of volatile flavour composition in raw whole and skim milk via electronic nose, GC-MS and GC-O
Authors: Ai Na-si , Liu Hui-lin , Wang Jing , Zhang Xiao-mei , Zhang Hui-juan , Chen Hai-tao , Huang Ming-quan , Liu Yong-guo , Zheng Fu-ping , Sun Bao-guo
Published: April 2015

A novel triple-channel comparative analysis of volatile composition in RWM and RSM was developedviaE-Nose, GC-MS, and GC-O.
The influence of the textural properties of activated carbons on acetaminophen adsorption at different temperatures
Authors: Galhetas Margarida , Andrade Marta A. , Mestre Ana S. , Kangni-foli Ekoé , Villa de Brito Maria J. , Pinto Moisés L. , Lopes Helena , Carvalho Ana P.
Published: April 2015

Positive effect of temperature on acetaminophen adsorption is observed for carbons with non-continuous micropore size distribution centered at widths close to the critical dimension of acetaminophen planar form.
Novel CuII–MII–CuII(M = Cu or Ni) trinuclear and [NaI2CuII6] hexanuclear complexes assembled by bi-compartmental ligands: syntheses, structures, magnetic and catalytic studies
Authors: Biswas Surajit , Dutta Arpan , Dolai Malay , Bhowmick Indrani , Rouzières Mathieu , Clérac Rodolphe , Panja Anangamohan , Ali Mahammad
Published: April 2015

Complexes5–7synthesized from twoin situgenerated ligands, HL1and HL2exhibited excellent TON for epoxidation of olefins.
Template-synthesized ultra-thin molecularly imprinted polymers membrane for the selective preconcentration of dyes
Authors: Lu Lili , Yue Xianyang , Lin Fuquan , Huang Feng , Zhang Bintian , Lin Zhang
Published: April 2015

An ultra-thin molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) membrane was synthesizedviaa surface-imprinting technique using layered double hydroxides (LDH) as the template substrate and applied for the selective preconcentration of RhB in wastewater.
Blood, sweat, and tears: developing clinically relevant protein biosensors for integrated body fluid analysis
Authors: Corrie S. R. , Coffey J. W. , Islam J. , Markey K. A. , Kendall M. A. F.
Published: April 2015

This review describes the challenges, opportunities and recent advances in developing clinically applicable biosensors for integrated body fluid analysis.
Two luminescent Zn(ii) metal–organic frameworks for exceptionally selective detection of picric acid explosives
Authors: Shi Zhi-Qiang , Guo Zi-Jian , Zheng He-Gen
Published: April 2015

Two luminescent thiophene-containing Zn–MOFs exhibit very highly sensitive and selective detection of picric acid compared to other nitroaromatic explosives.
Ratiometric sensing of lysine through the formation of the pyrene excimer: experimental and computational studies
Authors: Lohar Sisir , Safin Damir A. , Sengupta Archya , Chattopadhyay Ansuman , Matalobos Jesús Sanmartín , Babashkina Maria G. , Robeyns Koen , Mitoraj Mariusz P. , Kubisiak Piotr , Garcia Yann , Das Debasis
Published: April 2015

Lysine assisted ratiometric monomer to excimer conversion of pyrene derivatives allows intracellular lysine detections.
Modified deposition process of electron transport layer for efficient inverted planar perovskite solar cells
Authors: Dong Hua , Wu Zhaoxin , Xia Bin , Xi Jun , Yuan Fang , Ning Shuya , Xiao Lixin , Hou Xun
Published: April 2015

A highly-efficient inverted heterojunction perovskite solar cell is reported, with a double-layer PCBM film deposited by sequential spin-coating/vapor deposition as the electron transport layer.
Conversion of a metal–organic framework to N-doped porous carbon incorporating Co and CoO nanoparticles: direct oxidation of alcohols to esters
Authors: Zhou Yu-Xiao , Chen Yu-Zhen , Cao Lina , Lu Junling , Jiang Hai-Long
Published: April 2015

A Co-based metal–organic framework undergoes pyrolysis to afford Co–CoO@N-doped porous carbon, which exhibits excellent catalytic performance toward the direct oxidation of alcohols to esters.
Controlling interfacial contact and exposed facets for enhancing photocatalysis via 2D–2D heterostructures
Authors: Dong Fan , Xiong Ting , Sun Yanjuan , Zhang Yuxin , Zhou Ying
Published: April 2015

The BiOIO3/BiOI 2D–2D layered heterostructures with intimate contact and exposed reactive facets endowed the heterostructures with highly enhanced visible photocatalysis.
Impact of a conductive oxide core in tungsten sulfide-based nanostructures on the hydrogen evolution reaction
Authors: Seo Bora , Jeong Hu Young , Hong Sung You , Zak Alla , Joo Sang Hoon
Published: April 2015

Tungsten oxide/tungsten sulfide (W18O49@WS2) core–shell nanorods prepared via controlled sulfidization reaction of W18O49 nanowhiskers showed hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) activity superior to WS2 nanotubes, indicating the critical role of a highly conductive oxide core in enhancing HER activity.
Solvent-induced variable conformation of bis(terpyridine) derivatives during supramolecular self-assembly at liquid/HOPG interfaces
Authors: Wang Shuai , Zhao Fengying , Luo Shiwen , Geng Yanfang , Zeng Qingdao , Wang Chen
Published: April 2015

Variable supramolecular structures of bis-(2,2′:6′,2′′-terpyridine)-4′-oxyhexadecane (BT-O-C16) at various liquid–HOPG interfaces were observed by scanning tunneling microscopy (STM).
Diastereo-specific conformational properties of neutral, protonated and radical cation forms of (1R,2S)-cis- and (1R,2R)-trans-amino-indanol by gas phase spectroscopy
Authors: Bouchet Aude , Klyne Johanna , Piani Giovanni , Dopfer Otto , Zehnacker Anne
Published: April 2015

The effects of ionisation and protonation on the geometric and electronic structure of a prototypical aromatic amino-alcohol with two chiral centres are revealed by IR and UV spectroscopy.
Protein motions and dynamic effects in enzyme catalysis
Authors: Luk Louis Y. P. , Loveridge E. Joel , Allemann Rudolf K.
Published: April 2015

While the full catalytic power of dihydrofolate reductase depends on finely tuning protein motions in each step of the catalytic cycle, dynamic coupling to the actual chemical step is detrimental to catalysis.
Potential-dependent structures investigated at the perchloric acid solution/iodine modified Au(111) interface by electrochemical frequency-modulation atomic force microscopy
Authors: Utsunomiya Toru , Tatsumi Shoko , Yokota Yasuyuki , Fukui Ken-ichi
Published: April 2015

Highly sensitive force measurements revealed that hydration and geometrical structures at the iodine terminated Au(111) surface were reversibly modified by applying electrode potentials.
Room temperature N-alkylation of amines with alcohols under UV irradiation catalyzed by Cu–Mo/TiO2
Authors: Zhang Lina , Zhang Yan , Deng Youquan , Shi Feng
Published: April 2015

Cu–Mo/TiO2 can be an active photocatalyst for N-alkylation of amines with alcohols under UV irradiation at room temperature without the addition of noble metals.
CO tolerance of a Pt3Sn(111) catalyst in ethanol decomposition
Authors: Lu Xiaoqing , Deng Zhigang , Wei Shuxian , Zhu Qing , Wang Weili , Guo Wenyue , Wu Chi-Man Lawrence
Published: April 2015

The alloying element Sn plays bifunctional and ligand effect roles to strengthen the O-end species adsorptions, adjust the electronic structures, weaken the Pt–CO bonds, and thus enhance the CO tolerance of Pt3Sn(111).
Synthesis and characterization of heterofluorenes containing four-coordinated group 13 elements: theoretical and experimental analyses and comparison of structures, optical properties and electronic states
Authors: Matsumoto Takuya , Tanaka Kazuo , Tanaka Kazuyoshi , Chujo Yoshiki
Published: April 2015

Herein, we report the series of heterofluorenes containing four-coordinated group 13 elements.
Preparation of a biomimetic superhydrophobic ZnO coating on an X90 pipeline steel surface
Authors: Hao Li , Sirong Yu , Xiangxiang Han
Published: April 2015

ZnO coating with upright micro–nano structures was fabricated via electrodeposition and hydrothermal treatment. After it was modified by fluorination, the ZnO coating presented superhydrophobicity with the water CA of 157.59° and the SA was less than 10°.
One-pot catalyst-free synthesis of down- and upconversion fluorescent oligopyrazolines from diazoacetates and maleic anhydride
Authors: Jia Xiangxiang , Li Yan , Wu Jinlong , Chen Cheng , Liu Lijian
Published: April 2015

Oligopyrazoline, synthesized conveniently from maleic anhydride and diazoacetates via a one-pot catalyst-free reaction, exhibits fascinating down- and upconversion fluorescence properties.
Halogen bonding in polymer science: from crystal engineering to functional supramolecular polymers and materials
Authors: Berger Gilles , Soubhye Jalal , Meyer Franck
Published: April 2015

The applications of halogen bonding in surface functionalization, soft, luminescent and magnetic materials, interpenetrated networks, synthetic methods, and separation and inclusion techniques are reviewed.
A comprehensive study of apixaban's degradation pathways under stress conditions using liquid chromatography coupled to multistage mass spectrometry
Authors: Secrétan Philippe-Henri , Sadou-Yayé Hassane , Aymes-Chodur Caroline , Bernard Mélisande , Solgadi Audrey , Amrani Fatma , Yagoubi Najet , Do Bernard
Published: April 2015

The main degradation pathways of apixaban, a novel anticoagulant drug acting as factor Xa inhibitor, has been established based on the degradation products identification using liquid chromatography coupled to multistage high resolution mass spectrometry.
α-Mangostin induces G1 cell cycle arrest in HCT116 cells through p38MAPK-p16INK4a pathway
Authors: Korm Sovannarith , Jeong Ho-Chang , Kwon Ok-Seon , Park Jeong-Rak , Cho Hyeseong , Kim Young-Mi , Chin Young-Won , Cha Hyuk-Jin
Published: April 2015

α-Mangostin (α-MG), one of the active substances inGarcinia mangostana, has been shown to exhibit anti-cancer effects in HCT116 colon cancer cells.
Synthesis of silicate-bridged ZnO/g-C3N4nanocomposites as efficient photocatalysts and its mechanism
Authors: Liu Chong , Li Chengming , Fu Xuedong , Raziq Fazal , Qu Yang , Jing Liqiang
Published: April 2015

The built silicate bridges are favorable for charge transfer and separation, which lead to the greatly enhanced photoactivities of ZnO/g-C3N4.
Versatile method for the synthesis of porous nanostructured thin films of conducting polymers and their composites
Authors: Dai LingFeng , He Yuan , Huang Xiang , Cui Xin , Wang Shihui , Ge Dongtao , Zhao Nifang , Li Yue , Sun Yanan , Shi Wei
Published: April 2015

Porous nanostructured FeCl3 was used as template and oxidant simultaneously to synthesize nanostructured films of conducting polymers and their composites.
Planar wheel-type M©BnHn2−/−/0 clusters (M = Cr, Mn and Fe for dianion, anion and neutral, respectively; n = 6 and 7)
Authors: Hou Jianhua , Duan Qian , Qin Jieming , Shen Xiande , Zhao Jianxun , Liang Qingcheng , Jiang Dayong , Gao Shang
Published: April 2015

A new “electronic” strategy that adds two electrons into the dz2 orbital of the central M atom to form a lone pair, in contrast to Hoffmann’s “electronic” strategy to turn the bowl-type MBnHn0/+ (M = Cr and Mn; n = 6 and 7) clusters into planar wheel-type clusters.
The salt effect on the yields of trioxane in reaction solution and in distillate
Authors: Yin Liuyi , Hu Yufeng , Zhang Xianming , Qi Jianguang , Ma Weiting
Published: April 2015

The salt effects and the mechanisms that govern such effects on the sulfuric acid catalyzed synthesis of trioxane are reported.
Preparation of single-handed helical carbonaceous nanotubes using 3-aminophenol-formaldehyde resin
Authors: Chen Hao , Li Yi , Tang Xianhui , Li Baozong , Zhang Chuanyong , Yang Yonggang
Published: April 2015

Single-handed helical carbonaceous nanotubes with optical activity were prepared using 3-aminophenol-formaldehyde resin.
Self-organisation of dodeca-dendronized fullerene into supramolecular discs and helical columns containing a nanowire-like core
Authors: Guerra Sebastiano , Iehl Julien , Holler Michel , Peterca Mihai , Wilson Daniela A. , Partridge Benjamin E. , Zhang Shaodong , Deschenaux Robert , Nierengarten Jean-François , Percec Virgil
Published: April 2015

C60dendronized with 12 chiral or achiral self-assembling dendrons form discs with C60 at their centre that self-organise into helical columns with a nanowire-like core.