bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
New generation drug‐eluting stents for ST‐elevation myocardial infarction: A new paradigm for safety
Authors: Garg Ankit , Brodie Bruce R. , Stuckey Thomas D. , Garberich Ross F. , Tobbia Patrick , Hansen Charles , Kissling Grace , Kadakia Hemal , Lips Daniel , Henry Timothy D.
Published: October 2013

Objectives

The objective of this study is to compare the long‐term safety of new generation drug‐eluting stents (DES) with early generation DES and bare metal stents (BMS) for ST‐segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI).

Background

Early generation DES for STEMI have reduced target vessel revascularization, but have more very late ST compared with BMS raising concerns about their safety. New compared with early generation DES have lower rates of ST, but there are limited data in STEMI patients.

Methods

From 2003 to 2011, 3,464 STEMI patients were treated with BMS (n = 1,187), early generation DES (n = 1,525), or new generation DES (n = 752) and were followed for 1–9 years.

Results

Patients with new generation DES were younger, had less cardiogenic shock, and less prior infarction versus BMS, and more hypertension versus early generation DES. At 2 years, new generation DES had lower mortality (4.0% vs. 12.4%, P < 0.001), similar reinfarction (4.4% vs. 5.1%, P = 0.35), and less ST (1.4% vs. 3.8%, P = 0.031) versus BMS; and similar mortality (4.0% vs. 5.8%, P = 0.23), similar reinfarction (4.4% vs. 5.2%, P = 0.64), and trends for less ST (1.4% vs. 3.3%, P = 0.17) versus early generation DES. By Cox multivariable analyses, BMS had more ST than new generation DES (HR [95% CI] = 1.93 [1.01–3.66], P = 0.045).

Conclusions

New generation DES in STEMI patients have less ST compared to BMS and trends for less ST compared to early generation DES. These data suggest a new safety paradigm and should encourage the use of new generation DES in most STEMI patients treated with primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Mechanism and kinetics of H‐acid degradation in TiO2/O3/UV process
Authors: Pan Zhenhua , Cai Qizhou , Luo Qiang , Li Xinwei
Published: October 2013

The mechanism and kinetics of synergetic effect in TiO2/O3/UV process on H‐acid degradation were investigated. The experimental results showed that H‐acid removal rate of TiO2/O3/UV process was the highest among TiO2/UV, O3/UV and TiO2/O3/UV processes. The investigation of reactions with suitable active species scavengers confirmed that H‐acid was mainly oxidised by ozone and holes on TiO2 in the TiO2/O3/UV process. The recombination between holes and electrons in TiO2 reduced in the presence of ozone, as indicated by fluorescence emission spectra. Moreover, the intermediates generated during H‐acid oxidation in various processes were analysed by LC/MSD trap. It is proposed that H‐acid was oxidised to polyhydroxy aromatics, benzene carboxylic acids and quinoids in the first step. Then, saturated aliphatics carboxylic acids were formed and mineralised to inorganic compounds through the Photo‐Kolbe reaction. Finally, a kinetic study on TiO2/UV, O3/UV and TiO2/O3/UV processes was conducted and it was confirmed that both ozonation and photocatalytic activity were improved in TiO2/O3/UV process because of the synergetic effect.
Therapeutic Hypothermia‐Induced Electrocardiographic Changes and Relations to In‐hospital Mortality
Authors: Lam David H. , Dhingra Ravi , Conley Sheila M. , Kono Alan T.
Published: October 2013

Background

Therapeutic hypothermia improves survival for selected patients who remain comatose after cardiac arrest. Hypothermia triggers changes in electrocardiographic (ECG) parameters; however, the association of these changes to in‐hospital mortality remains unclear.

Hypothesis

QT interval changes induced by therapeutic hypothermia are not associated with in‐hospital mortality.

Methods

We retrospectively compared precooling ECG parameters to ECG parameters during hypothermia on all consecutive patients with available information who received hypothermia at our academic medical center between December 2006 and July 2012 (N = 101; 24% women). Paired 2‐sample t test was used to compare precooling vs cooling ECG parameters. In‐hospital mortality related to ECG parameter changes was compared using the Pearson χ2 test.

Results

Therapeutic hypothermia resulted in increases in PR and QTc intervals and decreases in heart rate and QRS intervals (P for all <0.02). During hospitalization, 45 of the 101 patients died. Survivors vs nonsurvivors did not differ in heart rate change (P = 0.74), PR change (P = 0.57), QRS change (P = 0.09), or QTc change (P = 0.67). Comparing patients who had reduced QTc intervals with hypothermia to those who had prolonged QTc with hypothermia, 14 out of 30 died in the former group, whereas 31 out of 71 died in the latter group (46.7% vs 43.7%, odds ratio [OR]: 1.13, 95% CI: 0.48‐2.66). Patients presenting with right bundle branch block (RBBB) had a higher risk of in‐hospital death compared to those without RBBB (72.2% vs 38.6%, OR: 4.14, 95% CI: 1.35‐12.73).

Conclusions

Therapeutic hypothermia prolonged QTc interval with no association to in‐hospital mortality. Presence of RBBB on initial presentation was related to increased mortality.
A phase 2 study of ruxolitinib, an oral JAK1 and JAK2 inhibitor, in patients with advanced polycythemia vera who are refractory or intolerant to hydroxyurea
Authors: Verstovsek Srdan , Passamonti Francesco , Rambaldi Alessandro , Barosi Giovanni , Rosen Peter J. , Rumi Elisa , Gattoni Elisabetta , Pieri Lisa , Guglielmelli Paola , Elena Chiara , He Shui , Contel Nancy , Mookerjee Bijoyesh , Sandor Victor , Cazzola Mario , Kantarjian Hagop M. , Barbui Tiziano , Vannucchi Alessandro M.
Published: October 2013

BACKGROUND

Polycythemia vera (PV) is a myeloproliferative neoplasm associated with somatic gain‐of‐function mutations of Janus kinase‐2 (JAK2). Therapeutic options are limited in patients with advanced disease. Ruxolitinib, an oral JAK1/JAK2 inhibitor, is active in preclinical models of PV. The long‐term efficacy and safety of ruxolitinib in patients with advanced PV who are refractory or intolerant to hydroxyurea were studied in a phase 2 trial.

METHODS

Response was assessed using modified European LeukemiaNet criteria, which included a reduction in hematocrit to < 45% without phlebotomy, resolution of palpable splenomegaly, normalization of white blood cell and platelet counts, and reduction in PV‐associated symptoms.

RESULTS

Thirty‐four patients received ruxolitinib for a median of 152 weeks (range, 31 weeks‐177 weeks) or 35.0 months (range, 7.1 months‐40.7 months). Hematocrit < 45% without phlebotomy was achieved in 97% of patients by week 24. Only 1 patient required a phlebotomy after week 4. Among patients with palpable splenomegaly at baseline, 44% and 63%, respectively, achieved nonpalpable spleen measurements at weeks 24 and 144. Clinically meaningful improvements in pruritus, night sweats, and bone pain were observed within 4 weeks of the initiation of therapy and maintained with continued treatment. Ruxolitinib treatment also reduced elevated levels of inflammatory cytokines and granulocyte activation. Thrombocytopenia and anemia were the most common adverse events. Thrombocytopenia of ≥ grade 3 or anemia of ≥ grade 3 (according to National Cancer Institute Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events, version 3.0) occurred in 3 patients each (9%) (1 patient had both) and were managed with dose modification.

CONCLUSIONS

Ruxolitinib was generally well tolerated and provided rapid and durable clinical benefits in patients with advanced PV who were refractory or intolerant to hydroxyurea. Cancer 2014;120:513–20. © 2013 The Authors published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of American Cancer Society.
Growth of a Carbon Nanotube Forest on Silicon using Remote Plasma CVD
Authors: Ismagilov Rinat R. , Shvets Petr V. , Zolotukhin Aleksey A. , Obraztsov Alexander N.
Published: October 2013

CVD enhanced by remote plasma is applied to produce carbon film material on silicon substrates. The layers of aligned multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) are obtained without a metal catalyst by deposition from a methane/hydrogen gas mixture activated by a direct current (DC) discharge. The individual MWCNTs in the films consist of 4–7 concentric carbon shells with a spacing of 0.34 nm. An absence of metallic impurities in the MWCNT film material is confirmed using energy dispersive X‐ray (EDX) and electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS) analyses. A proposed model explains the formation of the cylindrical seeds of the MWCNTs via condensation of carbon atoms from the activated gaseous environment on the inner surfaces of pores, created in the substrate material as a result of silicon etching by ionized hydrogen, generated in the DC discharge plasma. Further growth of these seeds during the CVD process leads to the formation of MWCNT forests.
Diamine oxidase activity levels in anorexia nervosa
Authors: Takimoto Yoshiyuki , Yoshiuchi Kazuhiro , Shimodaira Satoshi , Akabayashi Akira
Published: October 2013

Objective

Anorexia nervosa (AN) patients often experience gastrointestinal complications caused by their malnutrition. We hypothesized that intestinal integrity is disturbed in AN. Therefore, the objective of the present study was to investigate serum diamine oxidase (DAO) activity, which is considered to be a clinical indicator of the integrity of the intestinal mucosa, in AN patients.

Method

Thirty‐six AN female patients including 21 AN restricting type (AN‐R) and 15 AN binge‐eating/purging type (AN‐BP) were compared with twenty healthy women on serum DAO activity using immunoassay.

Results

DAO levels in AN‐R patients were significantly lower than in AN‐BP patients and healthy controls.

Discussion

DAO levels were decreased in AN‐R patients. This finding suggests the presence of intestinal structural disturbance as one of the physical complications of malnutrition in AN‐R patients. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. (Int J Eat Disord 2014; 47:203–205)
Treatment of anorexia nervosa in the context of transsexuality: A case report
Authors: Ewan Lindsay A. , Middleman Amy B. , Feldmann Jennifer
Published: October 2013

Males comprise a minority of patients with eating disorders (ED). However, men who have sex with men, males with gender identity disorder, and transsexual (TS) males are at increased risk for ED. Little has been published about the unique treatment needs of TS patients with ED. A 19‐year‐old male‐to‐female TS patient presented with restrictive eating, purging, and weight loss. History revealed that her ED ideation and behaviors were strongly intertwined with her gender identity. She was admitted and during her hospitalization both her ED and TS status were addressed medically. Physicians treating patients with ED should be aware of patients' gender identities and the ways in which gender identity may impact management and recovery. When appropriate, providers should consider addressing medical treatment toward gender transition concurrently with treatment for ED to facilitate medical stabilization and weight restoration in the manner most consistent with the patient's identified gender. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. (Int J Eat Disord 2014; 47:112–115)
Water use efficiency of annual‐dominated and bunchgrass‐dominated savanna intercanopy space
Authors: Hamerlynck Erik P. , Scott Russell L. , Cavanaugh Michelle L. , Barron‐Gafford Greg
Published: October 2013

In semi‐arid savannas, dominance of intercanopy space by annual or perennial grasses may alter partitioning of ecosystem water and carbon fluxes and affect ecosystem water use efficiency (WUEe), the ratio of net ecosystem carbon dioxide exchange (NEE) to evapotranspiration (ET). To establish if these contrasting growth habits changed controls to WUEe, we tracked volumetric soil moisture (θ25cm), ET and transpiration (T), NEE and its constituent ecosystem respiration (Reco) and gross ecosystem photosynthesis (GEP) fluxes, and community water use efficiency (WUEc = GEP : T) in annual‐dominated and bunchgrass‐dominated plots in a southern Arizona, United States, savanna. Annual and bunchgrass plots had similar θ25cm, ET, and T, suggesting the similarity in ET was due to higher soil evaporation in annual plots. Seasonal NEE was delayed and lower in annual plots compared with that in bunchgrass plots, owing to higher Reco in annual plots. Transpiration, GEP, and Reco in both vegetation types increased following late‐season rain, indicating similar late‐season phenological constraint. WUEe was lower in annual plots, but with similar WUEc between plot types. These results suggest that differences in annual plant biomass allocation and plot‐level leaf area distribution increased proportional soil evaporation and aboveground Reco contributions, reducing plot‐level WUEe, not lowering plant WUE typical of arid‐land annuals. Lower plot‐level WUEe suggests that any increase in annual plant dominance would increase interannual variation of productivity in savanna intercanopy spaces, which could enhance the negative effects of predicted higher temperatures, greater aridity, and larger and more widely spaced storms on arid‐land watershed processes. Published 2013. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.
Multigeneration impacts on Daphnia magna of carbon nanomaterials with differing core structures and functionalizations
Authors: Arndt Devrah A. , Chen Jian , Moua Maika , Klaper Rebecca D.
Published: October 2013

Several classes of contaminants have been shown to have multigenerational impacts once a parental generation has been exposed. Acute and chronic toxicity are described for several types of nanomaterials in the literature; however, no information is available on the impact of nanomaterials on future generations of organisms after the exposure is removed. In the present study, the authors examined the impacts of carbon nanomaterials (CNMs), including fullerenes (C60), single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs), and multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) with neutral, positive, and negative functional groups to F1 and F2 generation daphnids after an F0 exposure. Data from the present study indicate that multigenerational toxicity is present with certain nanomaterial exposures and is highly dependent on the surface chemistry of the nanomaterial. Many CNMs that showed toxicity to exposed F0 daphnids in previous experiments did not induce multigenerational toxicity. Certain nanomaterials, however, such as C60-malonate, SWCNTs, SWCNT-CONH2, and MWCNTs, caused a significant decrease in either survival or reproduction in F1 daphnids; and SWCNT-CONH2 decreased reproduction out to the F2 generation. Impacts of nanomaterials on F1 and F2 size were small and lacked clear patterns, indicating that CNMs have minimal multigenerational impacts on size. Industries should take into account how surface chemistry influences nanomaterial toxicity to future generations of organisms to create sustainable nanomaterials that do not harm freshwater ecosystems. Environ Toxicol Chem 2014;33:541–547. © 2013 The Authors. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of SETAC. This is an open access article under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution–NonCommercial License, which permits use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited and is not used for commercial purposes.
Accumulation and translocation of 198Hg in four crop species
Authors: Cui Liwei , Feng Xinbin , Lin Che-Jen , Wang Xinming , Meng Bo , Wang Xun , Wang Heng
Published: October 2013

The uptake and transport of mercury (Hg) through vegetation play an important role in the biogeochemical cycling of Hg. However, quantitative information regarding Hg translocation in plants is poorly understood. In the present study, Hg uptake, accumulation, and translocation in 4 crops—rice (Oryza.sativa L.), wheat (Triticum L.), corn (Zea mays L.), and oilseed rape (Brassica campestris L.)—grown in Hoagland solution were investigated using a stable isotope (198Hg) tracing technique. The distribution of 198Hg in root, stem, and leaf after uptake was quantified, and the release of 198Hg into the air from crop leaf was investigated. It was found that the concentration of Hg accumulated in the root, stem, and leaf of rice increased linearly with the spiked 198Hg concentration. The uptake equilibrium constant was estimated to be 2.35 mol Hg/g dry weight in rice root per mol/L Hg remaining in the Hoagland solution. More than 94% of 198Hg uptake was accumulated in the roots for all 4 crops examined. The translocation to stem and leaf was not significant because of the absence of Hg2+ complexes that facilitate Hg transport in plants. The accumulated 198Hg in stem and leaf was not released from the plant at air Hg0 concentration ranging from 0 ng/m3 to 10 ng/m3. Transfer factor data analysis showed that Hg translocation from stems to leaves was more efficient than that from roots to stems. Environ Toxicol Chem 2014;33:334–340. © 2013 SETAC
Comparison of biodegradation performance of OECD test guideline 301C with that of other ready biodegradability tests
Authors: Kayashima Takakazu , Taruki Masanori , Katagiri Kazuomi , Nabeoka Ryosuke , Yoshida Tomohiko , Tsuji Toshiaki
Published: October 2013

The Organisation for Economic Co-operatoin and development (OECD) Guidelines for the Testing of Chemicals list 7 types of tests for determining the ready biodegradability of chemical compounds (301A–F and 310). The present study compares the biodegradation performance of test guideline 301C, which is applied in Japan's Chemical Substances Control Law, with the performance of the other 6 ready biodegradability tests (RBTs) listed in the guidelines. Test guideline 301C specifies use of activated sludge precultured with synthetic sewage containing glucose and peptone (301C sludge) as a test inoculum; in the other RBTs, however, activated sludge from wastewater treatment plants (WWTP sludge) is frequently employed. Analysis based on percentage of biodegradation and pass levels revealed that the biodegradation intensity of test guideline 301C is relatively weak compared with the intensities of RBTs using WWTP sludge, and the following chemical compounds are probably not biodegraded under test guideline 301C conditions: phosphorus compounds; secondary, tertiary, and quaternary amines; and branched quaternary carbon compounds. The relatively weak biodegradation intensity of test guideline 301C may be related to the markedly different activities of the 301C and WWTP sludges. These findings will be valuable for evaluating RBT data in relation to Japan's Chemical Substances Control Law. Environ Toxicol Chem 2014;33:328–333. © 2013 SETAC
Estimation of the bioaccumulation potential of a nonchlorinated bisphenol and an ionogenic xanthene dye to Eisenia andrei in field-collected soils, in conjunction with predictive in silico profiling
Authors: Princz Juliska , Bonnell Mark , Ritchie Ellyn , Velicogna Jessica , Robidoux Pierre-Yves , Scroggins Rick
Published: October 2013

In silico–based model predictions, originating from structural and mechanistic (e.g., transport, bioavailability, reactivity, and binding potential) profiling, were compared against laboratory-derived data to estimate the bioaccumulation potential in earthworms of 2 organic substances (1 neutral, 1 ionogenic) known to primarily partition to soil. Two compounds representative of specific classes of chemicals were evaluated: a nonchlorinated bisphenol containing an –OH group (4,4′-methylenebis[2,6-di-tert-butylphenol] [Binox]), and an ionogenic xanthene dye (2′,4′,5′,7′-tetrabromo-4,5,6,7-tetrachloro-3′,6′-dihydroxy-, disodium salt [Phloxine B]). Soil bioaccumulation studies were conducted using Eisenia andrei and 2 field-collected soils (a clay loam and a sandy soil). In general, the in silico structural and mechanistic profiling was consistent with the observed soil bioaccumulation tests. Binox did not bioaccumulate to a significant extent in E. andrei in either soil type; however, Phloxine B not only accumulated within tissue, but was not depurated from the earthworms during the course of the elimination phase. Structural and mechanistic profiling demonstrated the binding and reactivity potential of Phloxine B; this would not be accounted for using traditional bioaccumulation metrics, which are founded on passive-based diffusion mechanisms. This illustrates the importance of profiling for reactive ionogenic substances; even limited bioavailability combined with reactivity can result in exposures to a hazardous substance not predictable by traditional in silico modeling methods. Environ Toxicol Chem 2014;33:308–316. © 2013 SETAC
The peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor‐γ agonist pioglitazone protects against cisplatin‐induced renal damage in mice
Authors: Jesse Cristiano R. , Bortolatto Cristiani F. , Wilhelm Ethel A. , Roman Silvane Souza , Prigol Marina , Nogueira Cristina W.
Published: October 2013

Peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor‐γ (PPAR‐γ) agonists not only improve metabolic abnormalities of diabetes and consequent diabetic nephropathy, but they also protect against non‐diabetic kidney disease in experimental models. Here, we investigated the effect of PPAR‐γ agonist pioglitazone against acute renal injury on a cisplatin model in mice. Nephrotoxicity was induced by a single intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection of cisplatin (10 mg kg–1). Pioglitazone was administered for six consecutive days in doses of 15 or 30 mg kg–1 day–1, per os (p.o.), starting 3 days before cisplatin injection. Cisplatin treatment to mice induced a marked renal failure, characterized by a significant increase in serum urea and creatinine levels and alterations in renal tissue architecture. Cisplatin exposure induced oxidative stress as indicated by decreased levels of non‐enzymatic antioxidant defenses [glutathione (GSH) and ascorbic acid levels] and components of the enzymatic antioxidant defenses [superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione reductase (GR) and and glutathione S‐transferase(GST) activities)] in renal tissue. Administration of pioglitazone markedly protected against the increase in urea and creatinine levels and histological alterations in kidney induced by cisplatin treatment. Pioglitazone administration ameliorated GSH and ascorbic acid levels decreased by cisplatin exposure in mice. Pioglitazone protected against the inhibition of CAT, SOD, GPx, GR and GST activities induced by cisplatin in the kidneys of mice. These results indicated that pioglitazone has a protective effect against cisplatin‐induced renal damage in mice. The protection is mediated by preventing the decline of antioxidant status. The results have implications in use of PPAR‐γ agonists in human application for protecting against drugs‐induced nephrotoxicity. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Atypical RNAs in the coelacanth transcriptome
Authors: Nitsche Anne , Doose Gero , Tafer Hakim , Robinson Mark , Saha Nil Ratan , Gerdol Marco , Canapa Adriana , Hoffmann Steve , Amemiya Chris T. , Stadler Peter F.
Published: October 2013

Circular and apparently trans‐spliced RNAs have recently been reported as abundant types of transcripts in mammalian transcriptome data. Both types of non‐colinear RNAs are also abundant in RNA‐seq of different tissue from both the African and the Indonesian coelacanth. We observe more than 8,000 lincRNAs with normal gene structure and several thousands of circularized and trans‐spliced products, showing that such atypical RNAs form a substantial contribution to the transcriptome. Surprisingly, the majority of the circularizing and trans‐connecting splice junctions are unique to atypical forms, that is, are not used in normal isoforms. J. Exp. Zool. (Mol. Dev. Evol.) 322B: 342–351, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Three‐dimensional implant position and orientation after total knee replacement performed with patient‐specific instrumentation systems
Authors: Cenni Francesco , Timoncini Antonio , Ensini Andrea , Tamarri Silvia , Belvedere Claudio , D'Angeli Valentina , Giannini Sandro , Leardini Alberto
Published: October 2013

Patient‐specific instrumentation systems are entering into clinical practice in total knee replacement, but validation tests have yet to determine the accuracy of replicating computer‐based plans during surgery. We performed a fluoroscopic analysis to assess the final implant location with respect to the corresponding preoperative plan. Forty‐four patients were analyzed after using a patient‐specific system based on CT and MRI. Computer aided design implant models and models of the femur and tibia bone portions, as for the preoperative plans, were provided by the manufacturers. Two orthogonal fluoroscopic images of each knee were taken after surgery for pseudo‐biplane imaging; 3D component locations with respect to the corresponding bones were estimated by a shape‐matching technique. Assuming that the corresponding values at the preoperative plan were equal to zero, discrepancies were taken as an indication of accuracy for the systems. A repeatability test revealed that the technique was reliable within 1 mm and 1°. The maximum discrepancies for all the patients for the femoral component were 5.9 mm in a proximo‐distal direction and 4.2° in flexion. Good matching was found between final implantations and preoperative plans with mean discrepancies smaller than 3.1 mm and 1.9°. © 2013 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 32:331–337, 2014.
Soil phosphorus fractions after seven decades of fertilizer application in the Rengen Grassland Experiment
Authors: Pätzold Stefan , Hejcman Michal , Barej Julia , Schellberg Jürgen
Published: October 2013

Declining global P reserves require a better understanding of P cycling in soil and related plant uptake. On managed grasslands, application of lime and fertilizer affects not only soil nutrient status, but also plant‐species composition of the sward. We examined the P fractionation in the Rengen Grassland Experiment (RGE) on a naturally acid Stagnic Cambisol in the Eifel Mts. (Germany) 69 y after the setup of the experiment. A modified sequential Hedley fractionation was carried out for samples from 30 plots at 0–10 cm depth. Application of inorganic phosphorus fertilizer had diverse effects on inorganic (Pi) and organic P (Po) fractions. Resin‐Pi, NaHCO3‐Pi, NaHCO3‐Po, NaOH‐Pi, HCldil‐Pi, HClconc‐Pi, and HClconc‐Po contents increased, while NaOH‐Po significantly decreased and residual‐P remained unaffected. Strongest enrichment occurred in the HCldil‐Pi fraction, probably due to the chemical nature of the basic Thomas slag applied as P fertilizer. Without P fertilization, all fractions except residual‐P were more or less depleted. Strong P limitation of the vegetation in the limed treatments without P led to lowered contents also for NaOH‐Pi and NaOH‐Po. However, NaOH‐Po was largest in the Control and even exceeded the respective content in the treatments with P. It remained unclear why species adapted to a low soil P status did not access this P fraction though being P‐limited. Published theory on the availability of Hedley P fractions does neither match P exploitation nor P nutritional status of the vegetation in the RGE. Regarding NaOH‐Po as stable and HCldil‐Pi as moderately labile led to a more realistic evaluation of plant P uptake. Evaluation of P availability on the basis of chemical extractions alone is questionable for conditions like in the RGE. On long‐term grassland, plant‐species composition has to be taken into account to estimate access of plants to soil P.
Metabolomic responses in grain, ear, and straw of winter wheat under increasing sulfur treatment
Authors: Zörb Christian , Mühling Karl Hermann , Hasler Mario , Gödde Victoria , Niehaus Karsten , Becker Dirk , Geilfus Christoph‐Martin
Published: October 2013

Only little is known about the effect of a varying sulfur (S) nutrition on the pattern of metabolites in different organs of the ears of winter wheat (Tritcum aestivum L.) at final maturity. More insights into the metabolome as influenced by increasing S‐fertilizer rates would, however, be of particular interest in order to unravel S‐dependent physiological processes related to grain filling in wheat. We have therefore investigated the effects of varying sulfur nutrition on metabolite composition and distribution in the organs of the wheat ear and vegetative organs at final maturity. Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry–based metabolite profiles revealed that S deficiency decreased the bulk of metabolites in the straw in favor of an increasing metabolite concentration in the husk, rachis, and grains. Surprisingly, only four out of 109 detectable metabolites, namely N‐acetyl glucosamine, lysine, ferulic acid, and β‐aminoisobutyric acid were most responsible for organ‐specific differences in the metabolite profiles. Under S‐deficient conditions, N‐acetyl‐glucosamine, lysine, and β‐aminoisobutyric were increasingly transferred from source tissues into the ears and grains.
Iron availability thresholds for the inoculation of cucumber with Trichoderma asperellum T34
Authors: García‐López Ana María , Avilés Manuel , Delgado Antonio
Published: October 2013

Inoculation with biocontrol agents can affect iron (Fe) uptake by plants. The objective of this research was to study the necessity of defining a Fe threshold in growth media for the inoculation with the biocontrol agent Trichoderma asperellum T34. A completely randomized experiment with cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) was performed involving two factors: Fe rate in the growth medium in the form of ferrihydrite (0, 8, 16, 32.5, and 75 mg kg–1 of citrate‐ascorbate‐extractable Fe (CA‐Fe), and plant inoculation with T34. Dry matter (DM) of aerial parts of cucumber was decreased by T34. This was related to a decreased accumulation of Fe in plants, more in aerial parts than in roots. However, at the highest Fe rate (75 mg kg–1), differences in DM yield, plant height, and the content and concentration of Fe in shoots between inoculated and noninoculated plants were not significant. The threshold of CA‐Fe in the medium for DM yield of cucumber was 37 mg kg–1 without T34. With T34, this threshold was 65 mg kg–1, which implies that, below this limit, additional Fe supply is required for inoculation with T34.
Post‐Assembly of Oxidation‐Responsive Amphiphilic Triblock Polymer Containing a Single Diselenide
Authors: Sun Tongbing , Jin Yong , Qi Rui , Peng Shaojun , Fan Baozhu
Published: October 2013

Linear amphiphilic triblock polymers containing a single diselenide (SeSe‐tri‐ABP) are synthesized by coupling reactions. They self‐assemble into spherical micelles 1 in aqueous solution. A remarkable morphology transformation of the micelles is confirmed through dynamic light scattering (DLS) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The release behavior of a model molecule, Rhodamine B (RB), is studied by UV–vis spectrophotometry. It is found that post‐assembly from micelles 1 to micelles 2 is induced by the oxidation‐responsive cleavage of the diselenide group in the oxidation solution. Interestingly, the RB release studies reveal that these micelles release RB in a diphasic pattern (slow after initial fast release) within 24 h under an oxidative environment. In contrast, minimal drug release (<20%) is observed within 24 h for SeSe‐tri‐ABP micelles under aqueous conditions. Meanwhile, this release behavior of the RB‐loaded micelles can be tuned by the post‐assembly of oxidation‐responsive SeSe‐tri‐ABP in different oxidation conditions, providing a promising platform for controlled delivery of nanocarriers.

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Intra‐Chain Photodimerization of Pendant Anthracene Units as an Efficient Route to Single‐Chain Nanoparticle Fabrication
Authors: Frank Peter G. , Tuten Bryan T. , Prasher Alka , Chao Danming , Berda Erik B.
Published: October 2013

An efficient route to architecturally defined, sub‐20 nm soft nanoparticles fabricated from single polymer chains via intramolecular photodimerization of pendant anthracene units is presented. Photodimerization is confirmed by the disappearance of the characteristic anthracene π−π* absorption peak at ≈360 nm measured by UV–vis spectroscopy. Size exclusion chromatography (SEC) with UV, multi‐angle light scattering (MALS), and viscometric detection confirms that as photodimers form, the chains fold to form nanoparticles, demonstrated by shifts in the SEC traces to longer retention times as a function of increased irradiation time. These shifts indicate a reduction in hydrodynamic radius, corroborated and quantified by viscometric data. MALS detector traces reveal the presence of a small amount of chain–chain coupling during this process, but confirm that this is primarily a single‐chain phenomenon. Electron microscopy provides visual confirmation of nanoparticle formation.

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Fabrication of Water Repellent Coatings Using Waterborne Resins for the Protection of the Cultural Heritage
Authors: Chatzigrigoriou Aikaterini , Manoudis Panagiotis N. , Karapanagiotis Ioannis
Published: October 2013

Silica nanoparticles are dispersed in aqueous solutions of silanes and siloxanes. The dispersions are deposited, by brush, on various materials which have been used in objects of the cultural heritage such as marble, sandstone, mortar, wood, cotton and ceramic. The effect of the particle concentration on the wettability of the surfaces of the composite (siloxane‐silica) films is studied. It is shown that superhydrophobicity and water repellency are achieved when high concentrations of nanoparticles are used for the production of the composite films. This result is explained with SEM images which reveal the surface morphologies of the films. Colorimetry and XRF are employed to evaluate the efficiency of the composite films to be used for the protection of cultural heritage objects.
Designing Issues in Polymer Foaming with Supercritical Fluids
Authors: Tsivintzelis Ioannis , Panayiotou Costas
Published: October 2013

Various foaming routes were used in order to produce poly(methyl methacrylate) porous structures. The focus was, primarily, on the temperature‐induced phase separation method and the effect of foaming temperature was, first, investigated. It was observed that the pore size decreases with increase of foaming temperature up to the glass transition region, where the softening of the polymer matrix results in the increase of the average pore diameter with further increase of the foaming temperature. Subsequently, different porous structures were obtained using identical initial and final conditions, but varying the foaming route. The role of the intermediate foaming steps (which define the foaming route) on the final porous structure is discussed.
Polymerization Kinetics and Thermal Degradation of Poly(2‐hydroxyethyl methacylate) / Organo‐Modified Montmorillonite Nanocomposites Prepared by In Situ Bulk Polymerization
Authors: Siafaka Panoraia , Achilias Dimitris S.
Published: October 2013

Poly(2‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate) based nanocomposites with nano‐clay were prepared using the in situ bulk radical polymerization technique. XRD analysis revealed mainly intercalated and partially exfoliated structures. Polymerization kinetics was investigated with DSC and found that the presence of small amount of nanofiller could slightly affect polymerization rate and monomer conversion. Thermal stability of the nanocomposites is enhanced according to the presence of nanoclay.
Kinetics Study of Curing by FT‐IR and Dynamic Thermomechanical Analysis of the Glass‐Conservation Epoxy Resin HXTAL‐NYL‐1
Authors: Tsagkalias I.S. , Vouvoudi E.C. , Sideridou I.D.
Published: October 2013

This work has focused on the study of a commercially‐available epoxy resin manufactured especially for glass conservation and treatment, HXTAL‐NYL‐1. It has been produced for this purpose and remains crystal clear over time and exposure to direct light. Through Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT‐IR) the degree of conversion (% DC) versus time can be determined following the 910cm−1 peak which corresponds to the oxirane bond and eliminates by time passing. Area calculations for both diminishing and standard peaks used as references help us to evaluate the % DC. This kinetics study revealed strong dependence of % DC on polymerization temperature. Dynamic Thermomechanical Analysis (DMTA) is a widely used technique when cross‐linked polymeric materials require characterization. Information such as elastic modulus (E′), loss modulus (E″), tangent delta (tanδ = E″/E′) and Tg are basic properties for future applications of the material. The oscillation occurs in a temperature range, starting with an elastic behavior of the sample and ending to a viscous one. Tanδ curves of the studied resin yield narrow peaks, indicating the rather uniform structure of the polymeric network. The Tg values do not vary significantly with hardening temperatures.
A Molecular Dynamics Study of Polymer/Graphene Nanocomposites
Authors: Rissanou Anastassia N. , Harmandaris Vagelis
Published: October 2013

Graphene based polymer nanocomposites are hybrid materials with a very broad range of technological applications. In this work, we study three hybrid polymer/graphene interfacial systems (polystyrene/graphene, poly(methyl methacrylate)/graphene and polyethylene/graphene) through detailed atomistic molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. Density profiles, structural characteristics and mobility aspects are being examined at the molecular level for all model systems. In addition, we compare the properties of the hybrid systems to the properties of the corresponding bulk ones, as well as to theoretical predictions.
Renal cyclooxygenase and lipoxygenase products are altered in polycystic kidneys and by dietary soy protein and fish oil treatment in the Han:SPRD‐Cy rat
Authors: Ibrahim Naser H. M. , Jia Yong , Devassy Jessay G. , Yamaguchi Tamio , Aukema Harold M.
Published: October 2013

Scope

Dietary fish oil (FO) and soy protein (SP) are two interventions that slow disease progression in the Han:SPRD‐Cy rat model of polycystic kidney disease (PKD). Inhibition of cyclooxygenase (COX)‐derived eicosanoids also reduces disease progression, but the role of lipoxygenase (LOX) products in this disease is not known.

Methods and results

Since dietary FO and SP have been shown to alter eicosanoid formation via differing mechanisms, Han:SPRD‐Cy rats were given diets containing either casein protein (CP) or SP, and soy oil (SO) or FO. Analysis of eicosanoids revealed that renal COX products were higher and LOX products were lower in diseased kidneys. SP feeding resulted in lower COX products, activity and COX1 protein and higher LOX products in the diseased kidneys in parallel with reduced renal cyst growth and fibrosis. By comparison, FO reduced both COX and LOX products produced from n‐6 fatty acids and increased 3‐series prostanoids in both normal and diseased cortex and medulla, but these differences did not parallel effects on disease.

Conclusion

Renal COX‐derived eicosanoids are elevated and LOX products are reduced in this model of kidney disease. The effects of dietary SP, but not FO, on renal eicosanoids parallel the effects on disease.
The metabolism of methylsulfinylalkyl‐ and methylthioalkyl‐glucosinolates by a selection of human gut bacteria
Authors: Luang‐In Vijitra , Narbad Arjan , Nueno‐Palop Carmen , Mithen Richard , Bennett Mark , Rossiter John T.
Published: October 2013

Scope

Certain myrosinase‐positive human gut bacteria can metabolize glucosinolates (GSLs) to produce isothiocyanates (ITC) as chemopreventive agents. We investigated glucoerucin, glucoiberin, and glucoraphanin (present in broccoli) metabolism by human gut strains.

Methods and results

All tested bacteria metabolized glucoerucin to completion within 16 h to erucin and erucin nitrile (NIT). Lactobacillus agilis R16 metabolized only 10% of glucoiberin and glucoraphanin with no detectable products. Enterococcus casseliflavus CP1, however, metabolized 40–50% of glucoiberin and glucoraphanin producing relatively low concentrations of iberin and sulforaphane. Interestingly, Escherichia coli VL8 metabolized 80–90% of glucoiberin and glucoraphanin and also bioconverted glucoraphanin and glucoiberin to glucoerucin and glucoiberverin, respectively, producing erucin, erucin NIT, iberverin, and iberverin NIT from the two GSLs. The putative reductase enzyme in the cell‐free extracts of this bacterium required both Mg2+ and NAD(P)H as cofactors for bioconversion. The cell‐free extract of E. coli VL8 containing the reductase enzyme was able to reduce both the GSL glucoraphanin and its hydrolysis product sulforaphane to glucoerucin and erucin/erucin NIT, respectively.

Conclusion

The composition and metabolic activity of the human gut bacteria can indirectly impact on the potential chemopreventive effects of GSL‐derived metabolites.
Self‐image in adolescents with deliberate self‐harm behavior
Authors: Andersson Maria J. E. , Tannå Hanna , Nordin Steven
Published: October 2013

This study tested the hypothesis of a positive relation between deliberate self‐harm and poor self‐image in adolescents and investigated the relation between substance abuse (drugs, cigarettes, and alcohol) and deliberate self‐harm. One‐hundred thirteen high‐school students, aged predominantly 16–18 years, responded to the 16‐item version of the Deliberate Self‐Harm Inventory, the 36‐item Structural Analysis of Social Behavior, and single questions about use of drugs, cigarettes, and alcohol. The results showed a positive relation between deliberate self‐harm and poor self‐image, and between deliberate self‐harm and cigarette smoking and alcohol consumption. These results imply that poor self‐image and a large extent of substance use may be markers for identifying adolescents at risk for deliberate self‐harm.
Single‐Component Diazo‐resin Microcapsules for Encapsulation and Triggered Release of Small Molecules
Authors: Yi Qiangying , Sukhorukov Gleb B.
Published: October 2013

Although many efforts have been devoted to encapsulate potential cargo substances with large molecular weights, at present it is still a challenging task to seal small molecules in multilayer capsule cavities. In this work, single‐component polyelectrolyte microcapsules based on diazo‐resin are proposed to solve this problem. Generally, the multilayer capsule system is built up with DAR polymers carrying both positive and negative charges. Upon exposure to a 380 nm UV light, photolysis between paired diazonium and diazo‐sulfonate groups rapidly converts the electrostatic interactions into covalent cross‐linking within the multilayer shells. This photo‐driven reaction offers an externally controlled method to seal the multilayer capsules. The resulting phenyl‐ring‐rich shell structures serve as excellent sealed micro‐containers to entrap small molecule rhodamine B.
Automating human intuition for protein design
Authors: Nivón Lucas G. , Bjelic Sinisa , King Chris , Baker David
Published: October 2013

In the design of new enzymes and binding proteins, human intuition is often used to modify computationally designed amino acid sequences prior to experimental characterization. The manual sequence changes involve both reversions of amino acid mutations back to the identity present in the parent scaffold and the introduction of residues making additional interactions with the binding partner or backing up first shell interactions. Automation of this manual sequence refinement process would allow more systematic evaluation and considerably reduce the amount of human designer effort involved. Here we introduce a benchmark for evaluating the ability of automated methods to recapitulate the sequence changes made to computer‐generated models by human designers, and use it to assess alternative computational methods. We find the best performance for a greedy one‐position‐at‐a‐time optimization protocol that utilizes metrics (such as shape complementarity) and local refinement methods too computationally expensive for global Monte Carlo (MC) sequence optimization. This protocol should be broadly useful for improving the stability and function of designed binding proteins. Proteins 2014; 82:858–866. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The influence of the structure of the Au(110) surface on the ordering of a monolayer of cytochrome P450 reductase at the Au(110)/phosphate buffer interface
Authors: Smith C. I. , Convery J. H. , Khara B. , Scrutton N. S. , Weightman P.
Published: October 2013

The reflection anisotropy spectra (RAS) observed initially from Au(110)/phosphate buffer interfaces at applied potentials of −0.652 and 0.056 V are very similar to the spectra observed from ordered Au(110) (1 × 3) and anion induced (1 × 1) surface structures respectively. These RAS profiles transform to a common profile after cycling the potential between these two values over 72 h indicating the formation of a less ordered surface. The RAS of a monolayer of a P499C variant of the human flavoprotein cytochrome P450 reductase adsorbed at 0.056 V at an ordered Au(110)/phosphate buffer interface is shown to arise from an ordered layer in which the optical dipole transitions are in a plane that is orientated roughly normal to the surface and parallel to either the or [001] axes of the Au(110) surface. The same result was found previously for adsorption of P499C on an ordered interface at −0.652 V. The adsorption of P499C at the disordered surface does not result in the formation of an ordered monolayer confirming that the molecular ordering is strongly influenced by both the local structure and the long range macroscopic order of the Au(110) surface.
On reduction of optical losses in semiconductors
Authors: Kussow Adil‐Gerai , Akyurtlu Alkim
Published: October 2013

The method of dramatic reduction of optical losses in nonohmic conductors, being based on the concepts of nonlinear optics, is proposed. The mechanism responsible for the underlying effect is a result of the two‐wave parametric mixing in a conductive medium. Under certain conditions, the optical‐loss suppression follows from the solution of nonlinear Boltzmann equation combined with Maxwell equations. The phase‐matching conditions for the parametric coupling are formulated and the correlation of these requirements with the optical properties of semiconductors is examined. A specific case that demonstrates that this effect can be realized experimentally in bulk semiconductors, e.g., zinc telluride (ZnTe), within the mid‐IR frequency range, is provided.
Resistive switching behaviour of highly epitaxial CeO2 thin film for memory application
Authors: Zhang Jun , Zhao Hongbin , Wei Feng , Yang Mengmeng , Yang Zhimin , Chen Qiuyun , Chen Jun
Published: October 2013

We report on the remarkable potential of highly epitaxial and pure (001)‐oriented CeO2 thin films grown on conducting Nb‐doped SrTiO3 (NSTO) substrates by laser molecular beam epitaxy for nonvolatile memory application. Resistive switching (RS) devices with the structure of Au/epi‐CeO2/NSTO exhibit reversible and steady bipolar RS behaviour with large high/low resistance ratio and a narrow dispersion of the resistance values. Detailed analysis of the conduction mechanisms reveals that the trapping/detrapping processes and oxygen vacancies migration play important roles in the switching behaviour. In the light of XPS measurement results, the CeO2/NSTO interface with oxygen vacancies or defects is responsible for the RS effect. Furthermore, a model is proposed to explain this resistance switching behaviour. (© 2014 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Context and Implications Document for: Exposing the intricacies of pre‐service teacher education: Incorporating the insights of Freire and Bourdieu
Authors: Hooley Neil
Published: October 2013

This guide accompanies the following article: Neil Hooley, Exposing the intricacies of pre‐service teacher education: Incorporating the insights of Freire and Bourdieu, Review of Education, 10.1002/rev3.3011