bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Three‐Tier Hierarchical Clusters of Carbon‐Coated Li4Ti5O12 Single Crystals as High‐Power and High‐Energy Anodes for Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Bai Hongwei , Zan Xiaoli , Liu Zhaoyang , Sun Darren Delai
Published: October 2015

A novel three‐tier hierarchical cluster lithium‐ion battery (LIB) anode is reported here, consisting of 1) carbon‐coated Li4Ti5O12 crystals as the first nano‐tier (ca. 10 nm) for high‐rate capability; 2) submicron spheres consisting of Li4Ti5O12 crystals as the second submicron tier (100–300 nm), facilitating electrolyte infiltration and Li+ diffusion; and 3) clusters comprising Li4Ti5O12 spheres as the third micron‐sized tier (1–2 μm) to increase the packing density of active materials for high‐power LIBs. The submicron tier acts as a transition zone between the nano‐tier and micro‐tier to further benefit Li+ diffusion, electrolyte infiltration, and electron transport. The carbon coating on Li4Ti5O12 forms a uniform and continuous conductive network for fast electron transport and Li+ diffusion to address the low electronic conductivity obstacle of the Li4Ti5O12 anode. The three‐tier hierarchical clusters maximize the close contact between the electrolytes and the active materials for excellent electrochemical performance.
Analysis of Proton NMR in Hydrogen Bonds in Terms of Lone‐Pair and Bond Orbital Contributions
Authors: Sutter Kiplangat , Aucar Gustavo A. , Autschbach Jochen
Published: October 2015

NMR spectroscopic parameters of the proton involved in hydrogen bonding are studied theoretically. The set of molecules includes systems with internal resonance‐assisted hydrogen bonds, internal hydrogen bonds but no resonance stabilization, the acetic acid dimer (AAD), a DNA base pair, and the hydrogen succinate anion (HSA). Ethanol and guanine represent reference molecules without hydrogen bonding. The calculations are based on zero‐point vibrationally averaged molecular structures in order to include anharmonicity effects in the NMR parameters. An analysis of the calculated NMR shielding and J‐coupling is performed in terms of “chemist’s orbitals”, that is, localized molecular orbitals (LMOs) representing lone‐pairs, atomic cores, and bonds. The LMO analysis associates some of the strong de‐shielding of the protons in resonance‐assisted hydrogen bonds with delocalization involving the π‐backbone. Resonance is also shown to be an important factor causing de‐shielding of the OH protons for AAD and HSA, but not for the DNA base pair. Nitromalonamide (NMA) and HSA have particularly strong hydrogen bonds exhibiting signs of covalency in the associated J‐couplings. The analysis results show how NMR spectroscopic parameters that are characteristic for hydrogen bonded protons are influenced by the geometry and degree of covalency of the hydrogen bond as well as intra‐ and intermolecular resonance.
Electrochemical Fluorographane: Hybrid Electrocatalysis of Biomarkers, Hydrogen Evolution, and Oxygen Reduction
Authors: Gusmão Rui , Sofer Zdeněk , Šembera Filip , Janoušek Zbyněk , Pumera Martin
Published: October 2015

Fluorographane (C1HxF1−x+δ)n is a new member of the graphene family that exhibits hydrophobicity and a large band gap that is tunable based on the level of fluorination. Herein, sensing and energy applications of fluorographane are reported. The results reveal that the carbon‐to‐fluoride ratio of fluorographane has a great impact on the electrochemical performance of the materials. Lowered oxidation potentials for ascorbic and uric acids, in addition to a catalytic effect for hydroquinone and dopamine redox processes, are obtained with a high fluoride content. Moreover, fluorographane, together with residual copper‐ and nickel‐based doping, acted as a hybrid electrocatalyst to promote hydrogen evolution and oxygen reduction reactions with considerably lower onset potentials than those of graphane (starting material), which makes this a promising material for a broad range of applications.
Effect of High‐Dose Statin Pretreatment on the Incidence of Periprocedural Myocardial Infarction in Patients Undergoing Percutaneous Coronary Intervention: Grading the Evidence Through a Cumulative Meta‐analysis
Authors: Zhai ChuanNan , Cong HongLiang , Liu YuJie , Zhang Ying , Liu XianFeng , Zhang Hao , Ren ZhiJing
Published: October 2015

Background

Previous studies have showed that high‐dose statin pretreatment could reduce the incidence of periprocedural myocardial infarction (PMI) in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). However, previous analyses have not performed reliable grading of evidence.

Hypothesis

In previous analyses, it supposed that the high‐dose statin pretreatment was effective in reduction of the rate of PMI. In this analysis, we evaluated the effect of high‐dose statin pretreatment on the reduction of rate of PMI based on a cumulative meta‐analysis and grading of evidence.

Methods

We assembled the relevant published randomized controlled trials that compared the efficacy of high‐dose statin pretreatment prior to PCI. We evaluated the risk of PMI by a cumulative meta‐analysis, with subgroups stratified by clinical classifications and different statin histories, and we conducted explicit grading of evidence.

Results

High‐dose statin pretreatment caused a 55% reduction in PMI through this cumulative meta‐analysis of 23 RCTs (odds ratio [OR]: 0.45, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.37‐0.54). The effect of high‐dose statin pretreatment was significant for the stable angina subgroup (OR: 0.42, 95% CI: 0.32‐0.56), ACS subgroup (OR: 0.43, 95% CI: 0.29‐0.64), and the mixed presentation subgroup (OR: 0.50, 95% CI: 0.36‐0.70). In different statin therapy histories, high‐dose statin pretreatment reduced incidence of PMI 55% in the statin‐naive subgroup (OR: 0.45, 95% CI: 0.36‐0.56) and 54% in the low‐dose statin subgroup (OR: 0.46, 95% CI: 0.32‐0.66). The GRADE system indicated that the overall evidence quality was moderate. This finding may strengthen the confidence in any recommendations.

Conclusions

High‐dose statin pretreatment can reduce the rate of PMI, irrespective of either the clinical presentation or previous statin‐treatment history. Importantly, the overall GRADE evidence quality was moderate.
International collaboration between Japan and Chile to improve detection rates in colorectal cancer screening
Authors: Okada Takuya , Tanaka Koji , Kawachi Hiroshi , Ito Takashi , Nishikage Tetsuro , Odagaki Tomoyuki , Zárate Alejandro J , Kronberg Udo , López‐Köstner Francisco , Karelovic Stanko , Flores Sergio , Estela Ricardo , Tsubaki Masahiro , Uetake Hiroyuki , Eishi Yoshinobu , Kawano Tatsuyuki
Published: October 2015

BACKGROUND

In Chile, mortality from colorectal cancer (CRC) has increased rapidly. To help address this issue, the Prevention Project for Neoplasia of the Colon and Rectum (PRENEC) program was initiated in 2012 with intensive support from Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU) in Tokyo, Japan, as part of an international collaboration.

METHODS

From June 2012 to July 2014, a total of 10,575 asymptomatic participants were enrolled in PRENEC. Participants with positive immunochemical fecal occult blood test (iFOBT) results or a family history of CRC underwent colonoscopy. The colonoscopy results from a similar, previous project in Chile (PREVICOLON) were compared with those from PRENEC. Furthermore, the initial colonoscopies of 1562 participants in PRENEC were analyzed according to whether the colonoscopists were from TMDU or Chile.

RESULTS

The complete colonoscopy, adenoma detection, and cancer detection rates were 88.0%, 26.7%, and 1.1%, respectively, in PREVICOLON, while the corresponding values were 94.4%, 41.8%, and 6.0%, respectively, in PRENEC. In PRENEC, 107 cases of CRC were detected, amounting for 1.0% of all participants. Considering initial colonoscopies in PRENEC, the complete colonoscopy, adenoma detection, and cancer detection rates were 97.4%, 45.3%, and 9.3%, respectively, for physicians at TMDU and 93.3%, 41.5%, and 5.1%, respectively for Chilean physicians. The detection rates of intramucosal cancer were 7.3% and 3.7%, respectively, for TMDU and Chilean physicians.

CONCLUSIONS

Quality indicators of colonoscopy substantially improved from PREVICOLON to PRENEC. The assessments made by Chilean physicians alone were improved in PRENEC, but remained better in the TMDU group. Moreover, physicians from TMDU detected more CRCs than Chilean physicians, especially at earlier stages. Cancer 2016;122:71–77. © 2015 American Cancer Society.
Migrate or not? Exploring virtual machine migration in roadside cloudlet‐based vehicular cloud
Authors: Yao Hong , Bai Changmin , Zeng Deze , Liang Qingzhong , Fan Yuanyuan
Published: October 2015

Vehicle Ad‐Hoc Networks (VANET) enable all components in intelligent transportation systems to be connected so as to improve transport safety, relieve traffic congestion, reduce air pollution, and enhance driving comfort. The vision of all vehicles connected poses a significant challenge to the collection, storage, and analysis of big traffic‐related data. Vehicular cloud computing, which incorporates cloud computing into vehicular networks, emerges as a promising solution. Different from conventional cloud computing platform, the vehicle mobility poses new challenges to the allocation and management of cloud resources in roadside cloudlet. In this paper, we study a virtual machine (VM) migration problem in roadside cloudlet‐based vehicular network and unfold that (1) whether a VM shall be migrated or not along with the vehicle moving and (2) where a VM shall be migrated, in order to minimize the overall network cost for both VM migration and normal data traffic. We first treat the problem as a static off‐line VM placement problem and formulate it into a mixed‐integer quadratic programming problem. A heuristic algorithm with polynomial time is then proposed to tackle the complexity of solving mixed‐integer quadratic programming. Extensive simulation results show that it produces near‐optimal performance and outperforms other related algorithms significantly. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Differential Many‐Body Cooperativity in Electronic Spectra of Oligonuclear Transition‐Metal Complexes
Authors: Chmela Jiří , Harding Michael E. , Matioszek Dimitri , Anson Christopher E. , Breher Frank , Klopper Wim
Published: October 2015

In computational chemistry, non‐additive and cooperative effects can be defined in terms of a (differential) many‐body expansion of the energy or any other physical property of the molecular system of interest. One‐body terms describe energies or properties of the subsystems, two‐body terms describe non‐additive but pairwise contributions and three‐body as well as higher‐order terms can be interpreted as a measure for cooperativity. In the present article, this concept is applied to the analysis of ultraviolet/visible (UV/Vis) spectra of homotrinuclear transition‐metal complexes by means of a many‐body expansion of the change in the spectrum induced by replacing each of the three transition‐metal ions by another transition‐metal ion to yield a different homotrinuclear transition‐metal complex. Computed spectra for the triangulo‐complexes [M3{Si(mtMe)3}2] (M=Pd/Pt, mtMe=methimazole) and tritopic triphenylene‐based N‐heterocyclic carbene Rh/Ir complexes illustrate the concept, showing large and small differential three‐body cooperativity, respectively.
Direct Synthesis of Highly Conductive tert‐Butylthiol‐Capped CuInS2 Nanocrystals
Authors: Lefrançois Aurélie , Pouget Stéphanie , Vaure Louis , Lopez‐Haro Miguel , Reiss Peter
Published: October 2015

tert‐butylthiol (tBuSH) is used as the sulfur source, surface ligand and co‐solvent in the synthesis of CuInS2 nanocrystals (NCs). The presented method gives direct access to short‐ligand‐capped NCs without post‐synthetic ligand exchange. The obtained 5 nm CuInS2 NCs crystallize in the cubic sphalerite phase with space group F‐43m and a lattice parameter a=5.65 Å. Their comparably large optical and electrochemical band gap of 2.6–2.7 eV is attributed to iodine incorporation into the crystal structure as reflected by the composition Cu1.04In0.96S1.84I0.62 determined by EDX. Conductivity measurements on thin films of the tBuSH‐capped NCs result in a value of 2.5.10−2 S m−1, which represents an increase by a factor of 400 compared to established dodecanethiol‐capped CuInS2 NCs.
Numerical Investigation Into the Highly Nonlinear Heat Transfer Equation with Bremsstrahlung Emission in the Inertial Confinement Fusion Plasmas
Authors: Habibi M. , Oloumi M. , Hosseinkhani H. , Magidi S.
Published: October 2015

A highly nonlinear parabolic partial differential equation that models the electron heat transfer process in laser inertial fusion has been solved numerically. The strong temperature dependence of the electron thermal conductivity and heat loss term (Bremsstrahlung emission) makes this a highly nonlinear process. In this case, an efficient numerical method is developed for the energy transport mechanism from the region of energy deposition into the ablation surface by a combination of the Crank‐Nicolson scheme and the Newton‐Raphson method. The quantitative behavior of the electron temperature and the comparison between analytic and numerical solutions are also investigated. For more clarification, the accuracy and conservation of energy in the computations are tested. The numerical results can be used to evaluate the nonlinear electron heat conduction, considering the released energy of the laser pulse at the Deuterium‐Tritium (DT) targets and preheating by heat conduction ahead of a compression shock in the inertial confinement fusion (ICF) approach. (© 2015 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Controlled Levitation of Dust Particles in RF+DC Discharges
Authors: Bastykova N. Kh. , Kovács A. Zs. , Korolov I. , Kodanova S. K. , Ramazanov T. S. , Hartmann P. , Donkó Z.
Published: October 2015

Experiments and particle‐based kinetic simulations were performed to obtain the equilibrium levitation height of dust particles in plane parallel electrode discharges in low pressure argon gas, established by combined RF and DC excitation. The computed values were compared to experimental data. The good overall agreement of the simulation results and the experimental data verifies our gas discharge, dust charging, as well as dust force balance models. (© 2015 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Peripheral blood regulatoryTcell levels are correlated with some poor prognostic markers in newly diagnosed lymphoma patients
Authors: Gunduz Eren , Sermet Serap , Musmul Ahmet
Published: October 2015

Background

Regulatory T cells (Tregs) are a specialized subpopulation of CD4+ T cells which maintain the immune system homeostasis. They may increase during cancer progression and have been correlated with a worse prognosis in many malignancies. However, the role of Treg cells in lymphoma is debated.

Methods

In this study, we assessed the peripheral blood levels of CD4+ CD25+ FOXP3+ Tregs in newly diagnosed patients with lymphoma and tried to find a relationship with patient characteristics. Twenty one patients with Hodgkin lymphoma (HL), 40 patients with non Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) and 30 healthy sex matched controls were included in the study. Analysis were done by 3‐color flow cytometry and only helper T cells were selected directly using CD4perCP as a gating strategy.

Results

In HL group; there was a positive correlation with IPS, CRP, LDH and negative correlation with albumin, absolute lymphocyte count. Tregs were higher in male HL patients. In NHL group; there was a positive correlation with stage, IPI, CRP, LDH and a negative correlation with albumin ve absolute lymphocyte count.

Conclusions

There is a relationship between peripheral blood Treg levels and some poor prognostic parameters in newly diagnosed lymphoma patients. This relationship suggests a possible prognostic role of Tregs in lymphoma. Further research is needed in determining how to use Tregs as a prognostic factor. © 2015 International Clinical Cytometry Society
Cardiac outflow morphogenesis depends on effects of retinoic acid signaling on multiple cell lineages
Authors: El Robrini Nicolas , Etchevers Heather C. , Ryckebüsch Lucile , Faure Emilie , Eudes Nathalie , Niederreither Karen , Zaffran Stéphane , Bertrand Nicolas
Published: October 2015

Background: Retinoic acid (RA), the bioactive derivative of vitamin A, is essential for vertebrate heart development. Both excess and reduced RA signaling lead to cardiovascular malformations affecting the outflow tract (OFT). To address the cellular mechanisms underlying the effects of RA signaling during OFT morphogenesis, we used transient maternal RA supplementation to rescue the early lethality resulting from inactivation of the murine retinaldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (Raldh2) gene. Results: By embryonic day 13.5, all rescued Raldh2−/− hearts exhibit severe, reproducible OFT septation defects, although wild‐type and Raldh2+/− littermates have normal hearts. Cardiac neural crest cells (cNCC) were present in OFT cushions of Raldh2−/− mutant embryos but ectopically located in the periphery of the endocardial cushions, rather than immediately underlying the endocardium. Excess mesenchyme was generated by Raldh2−/− mutant endocardium, which displaced cNCC derivatives from their subendocardial, medial position. Conclusions: RA signaling affects not only cNCC numbers but also their position relative to endocardial mesenchyme during the septation process. Our study shows that inappropriate coordination between the different cell types of the OFT perturbs its morphogenesis and leads to a severe congenital heart defect, persistent truncus arteriosus. Developmental Dynamics 245:388–401, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Interactive effects of predation risk and conspecific density on the nutrient stoichiometry of prey
Authors: Guariento Rafael D. , Carneiro Luciana S. , Jorge Jaqueiuto S. , Borges Angélica N. , Esteves Francisco A. , Caliman Adriano
Published: October 2015

The mere presence of predators (i.e., predation risk) can alter consumer physiology by restricting food intake and inducing stress, which can ultimately affect prey‐mediated ecosystem processes such as nutrient cycling. However, many environmental factors, including conspecific density, can mediate the perception of risk by prey. Prey conspecific density has been defined as a fundamental feature that modulates perceived risk. In this study, we tested the effects of predation risk on prey nutrient stoichiometry (body and excretion). Using a constant predation risk, we also tested the effects of varying conspecific densities on prey responses to predation risk. To answer these questions, we conducted a mesocosm experiment using caged predators (Belostoma sp.), and small bullfrog tadpoles (Lithobates catesbeianus) as prey. We found that L. catesbeianus tadpoles adjust their body nutrient stoichiometry in response to predation risk, which is affected by conspecific density. We also found that the prey exhibited strong morphological responses to predation risk (i.e., an increase in tail muscle mass), which were positively correlated to body nitrogen content. Thus, we pose the notion that in risky situations, adaptive phenotypic responses rather than behavioral ones might partially explain why prey might have a higher nitrogen content under predation risk. In addition, the interactive roles of conspecific density and predation risk, which might result in reduced perceived risk and physiological restrictions in prey, also affected how prey stoichiometry responded to the fear of predation.
Contrasting acute and chronic effects of tolvaptan on serum osmolality in the EVEREST trial
Authors: Vaduganathan Muthiah , Goldsmith Steven R. , Senni Michele , Butler Javed , Gheorghiade Mihai
Published: October 2015

Aims

In the EVEREST trial, tolvaptan improved symptoms and body weight during hospitalization for heart failure (HF), but did not improve post‐discharge cardiovascular outcomes. We hypothesized that this disconnect between the short‐ and long‐term effects may be related to changes in serum osmolality. We describe the longitudinal profile of osmolality and its response to tolvaptan during and after hospitalization for HF.

Methods and results

EVEREST enrolled 4133 patients hospitalized for HF and reduced EF. Serum osmolality data were available in 3744 (91%). We assessed the effects of tolvaptan on serum osmolality and related these effects to in‐hospital changes in body weight and physician‐assessed symptoms. Calculated values of osmolality, determined from serum sodium, blood urea nitrogen, and glucose, were 3–4 mOsm/kg higher than concurrently measured serum osmolality at enrolment and discharge in both treatment arms. During hospitalization in the placebo group, serum osmolality slightly increased throughout hospitalization, whereas serum sodium decreased and blood urea nitrogen increased until discharge. Tolvaptan increased osmolality by hospital day 1, but this effect diminished by post‐discharge week 4–8 and disappeared by post‐discharge week 56. In‐hospital changes in osmolality were poorly correlated with in‐hospital changes in body weight and physician‐assessed dyspnoea.

Conclusion

Tolvaptan increased serum osmolality during hospitalization for HF, a time frame when the drug also improved signs and symptoms of HF. However, this effect on osmolality declined in the early post‐discharge period, when tolvaptan failed to influence clinical outcomes. Serum osmolality, which can be estimated based on readily available laboratory parameters, may be a marker or a target of response to tolvaptan.
Evolutionary conservation of molecular structure and antiviral function of a viral receptor, LGP2, in amphioxus Branchiostoma japonicum
Authors: Liu Shousheng , Liu Yuanyuan , Yang Shuangshuang , Huang Youhua , Qin Qiwei , Zhang Shicui
Published: October 2015

RIG‐I‐like (where RIG‐I is retinoic acid inducible gene I) receptor LGP2 (where LGP2 is laboratory of genetics and physiology) is an important intracellular receptor that recognizes viral RNAs in innate immunity, but its origin and evolution remains unknown. Here we clearly demonstrate the presence of a RIG‐I‐like receptor, BjLGP2, in the basal chordate amphioxus. It is predominantly expressed in the hepatic caecum and hindgut, and is upregulated following challenge with poly(I:C). BjLGP2 is distributed in the cytoplasm of both grouper spleen and flounder gill (FG) cells, and the recombinant BjLGP2 interacts with poly(I:C). BjLGP2 can enhance the expression of IFN and IFN‐inducible genes in FG cells upon poly(I:C) challenge. It also significantly induces the expression of the antiviral genes ifn‐i and Mx as well as the signal transduction relevant genes MAVS, NF‐κB, and IRF‐3 in FG cells upon lymphocystis disease virus challenge. Moreover, BjLGP2 inhibits the replication of lymphocystis disease virus in FG cells and the gene transcription of Singapore grouper iridovirus in grouper spleen cells. This is the first report showing that a LGP2 protein in invertebrate species (amphioxus) is structurally conserved and plays an antiviral role similar to that of vertebrate LGP2 proteins.
Synergistic inhibition of PARP‐1 and NF‐κB signaling downregulates immune response against recombinant AAV2 vectors during hepatic gene therapy
Authors: Hareendran Sangeetha , Ramakrishna Banumathi , Jayandharan Giridhara R.
Published: October 2015

Host immune response remains a key obstacle to widespread application of adeno‐associated virus (AAV) based gene therapy. Thus, targeted inhibition of the signaling pathways that trigger such immune responses will be beneficial. Previous studies have reported that DNA damage response proteins such as poly(ADP‐ribose) polymerase‐1 (PARP‐1) negatively affect the integration of AAV in the host genome. However, the role of PARP‐1 in regulating AAV transduction and the immune response against these vectors has not been elucidated. In this study, we demonstrate that repression of PARP‐1 improves the transduction of single‐stranded AAV vectors both in vitro (∼174%) and in vivo (two‐ to 3.4‐fold). Inhibition of PARP‐1, also significantly downregulated the expression of several proinflammatory and cytokine markers such as TLRs, ILs, NF‐κB subunit proteins associated with the host innate response against self‐complementary AAV2 vectors. The suppression of the inflammatory response targeted against these vectors was more effective upon combined inhibition of PARP‐1 and NF‐κB signaling. This strategy also effectively attenuated the AAV capsid‐specific cytotoxic T‐cell response, with minimal effect on vector transduction, as demonstrated in normal C57BL/6 and hemophilia B mice. These data suggest that targeting specific host cellular proteins could be useful to attenuate the immune barriers to AAV‐mediated gene therapy.
Superparamagnetic hydrophobic particles as shell material for digital microfluidic droplets and proof‐of‐principle reaction assessments with immobilized laccase
Authors: Al‐Kaidy Huschyar , Tippkötter Nils
Published: October 2015

In the field of biotechnology and molecular biology, the use of small liquid volumes has significant advantages. In particular, screening and optimization runs with acceptable amounts of expensive and hardly available catalysts, reagents, or biomolecules are feasible with microfluidic technologies. The presented new microfluidic system is based on the inclusion of small liquid volumes by a protective shell of magnetizable microparticles. Hereby, discrete aqueous microreactor drops with volumes of 1–30 μL can be formed on a simple planar surface. A digital movement and manipulation of the microreactor is performed by overlapping magnetic forces. The magnetic forces are generated by an electrical coil matrix positioned below a glass plate. With the new platform technology, several discrete reaction compartments can be moved simultaneously on one surface. Due to the magnetic fields, the reactors can even be merged to initiate reactions by mixing or positioned above surface‐immobilized catalysts and then opened by magnetic force. Comparative synthesis routes of the magnetizable shell particles and superhydrophobic glass slides including their performance and stability with the reaction platform are described. The influence of diffusive mass transport during the catalyzed reaction is discussed by evaluation finite element model of the microreactor. Furthermore, a first model dye reaction of the enzyme laccase has been established.
Revised palaeoclimatic significance of Mueller Glacier moraines, Southern Alps, New Zealand
Authors: Reznichenko Natalya V. , Davies Tim R. H. , Winkler Stefan
Published: October 2015

A sequence of Late Holocene moraines on the foreland of the Mueller Glacier, Southern Alps, New Zealand, forms part of a local moraine‐age database used to establish a regional glacier chronology and subsequently to investigate potential intra‐hemispheric and global climate forcing mechanisms. We present new sedimentological and geomorphological evidence that a set of these moraine ridges, previously considered to represent individual advances, constitutes a single moraine complex (the ‘Mueller Memorial Moraine’) formed by supraglacial transport of a large volume of landslide debris to the glacier terminus. Because a moraine formed in this way is not necessarily associated with an advance triggered by a climate event, we question the palaeoclimatic significance of the Mueller Memorial Moraine, as well as that of other moraines in comparable settings. Our findings suggest that the mode of formation and glacio‐dynamical context of moraines whose ages contribute to existing palaeoclimate reconstructions need to be re‐examined in order to assess the reliability of these reconstructions. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Application of hydrolyzed proteins of animal origin in processed meat
Authors: Meinert Lene , Broge Eva Honnens de Lichtenberg , Bejerholm Camilla , Jensen Kirsten
Published: October 2015

With increasing consumer interest in functional foods, proteins from slaughterhouse side streams can offer interesting application opportunities in this respect. Worldwide, increasing numbers of people are suffering from hypertension and protein deficiency. Hydrolyzed proteins of animal origin may show ACE‐inhibitory activity, which is central to the treatment of hypertension. Furthermore, the protein content of, for example, meat products increases markedly through the addition of hydrolyzed proteins, and these protein‐rich products are of interest to those suffering from protein deficiency. Through a series of analyses, six selected hydrolysates were analyzed for their application potential in the Danish meat product saveloy. Hydrolyzed pig rectum and bovine diaphragm showed the highest ACE‐inhibitory activities, and these activities were maintained in the processed saveloys. The ACE‐inhibitory activities could not readily be explained by the amino acid profile. The content of N‐compounds in the saveloys increased with increasing addition of hydrolysate, with little difference between the added hydrolysates. A sensory panel assessed the saveloys with added porcine rectum (8%), bovine diaphragm (8%), and bovine heart (4% and 8%) as having the strongest off‐flavors (chemical flavor). No increase in salty taste resulting from the addition of hydrolysates was detected in the saveloys. Finally, the consumers found the saveloys too mild in flavor and recommended the addition of more spices.
Polyethyleneimine‐associated polycaprolactone—Superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles as a gene delivery vector
Authors: Kim Min‐Cheol , Lin Meng Meng , Sohn Youngjoo , Kim Jwa‐Jin , Kang Bo Sun , Kim Do Kyung
Published: October 2015

This study describes the synthesis of novel gene delivery vector with low toxicity and high transfection efficiency for magnetofection. The rational design of magnetofection vector called PPMag (PEI‐associated polycaprolactone (PCL)‐SPIONs) composed of oleic acid (OA) stabilized superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPPIONs) prepared by thermolysis of iron oleate with a combination of hydrophobic PCL and proton absorbing polymer polyethyleneimine (PEI) (PEI‐PCL‐SPIONs) is described. Encapsulation of amphiphilic PEI with SPIONs not only improves water dispersity of SPIONs, but also allows nucleic acid (NA) condensation and endosomal/lysosomal escape via proton sponge effect after internalization in cells. MTT cytotoxicity assay showed that cell viability was improved compared to conventional PEI‐SPIONs. The luciferase activity of magneto‐polyplexes treated cells significantly improved compared to both controls revealed that transfection efficiency of PPMag‐ pCIKlux polyplexes group was improved compared to naked pCIKlux group. The application underneath of a rare earth magnet significantly improve the transfection efficiency (i.e., the luciferase activity doubles) compared to cells without magnet, indicating that sedimentation induced by magnetic field plays important role in accumulation of magneto‐polyplexes on cell surfaces. The results demonstrate that PPMag can be used as a novel gene transfection vector to improve transfection efficiency. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 105B: 145–154, 2017.
Comparison of DNA Methylation and Expression Pattern of S100 and Other Epidermal Differentiation Complex Genes in Differentiating Keratinocytes
Authors: Sobiak Barbara , Graczyk‐Jarzynka Agnieszka , Leśniak Wiesława
Published: October 2015

Epidermal Differentiation Complex (EDC) is a gene cluster on human chromosome 1 q21, which comprises genes encoding four protein families: S100, S100 fused (SFTP), small proline‐rich region (SPRR) and late cornified envelope (LCE) proteins. Contrary to the latter three families, which group proteins important for skin barrier formation, the role of S100 proteins has not been well defined and there are no systematic comparative data concerning their expression in the epidermis. Furthermore, little is known about epigenetic mechanisms controlling changes in S100 and other EDC genes expression in differentiating epidermis. In our study, using real‐time PCR, we followed the expression of nine S100 genes at subsequent stages of differentiation of primary human keratinocytes and found that they exhibited different expression patterns. Then, we confronted the expression level in undifferentiated and differentiated keratinocytes with the extent of DNA methylation within their promoter or intragenic regions assessed by bisulfite sequencing. Methylation analysis was also performed for three other EDC genes of known expression pattern (involucrin, loricrin, and NICE‐1) and a recently identified evolutionary conserved region with defined enhancer properties. The results indicate that altered EDC genes expression is not accompanied by major changes in DNA methylation. J. Cell. Biochem. 117: 1092–1098, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Barriers to guideline‐concordant antibiotic use among inpatient physicians: A case vignette qualitative study
Authors: Livorsi Daniel , Comer Amber R. , Matthias Marianne S. , Perencevich Eli N. , Bair Matthew J.
Published: October 2015

BACKGROUND

Greater adherence to antibiotic‐prescribing guidelines may promote more judicious antibiotic use, which could benefit individual patients and society at large.

OBJECTIVE

To assess physician knowledge and acceptance of antibiotic‐prescribing guidelines through the use of case vignettes.

DESIGN

We conducted semistructured interviews with 30 inpatient physicians. Participants were asked to respond to 3 hypothetical case vignettes: (1) a skin and soft tissue infection (SSTI), (2) suspected hospital‐acquired pneumonia (HAP), and (3) asymptomatic bacteriuria (ASB). All participants received feedback according to guidelines from the Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA) and were asked to discuss their level of comfort with following these guidelines.

SETTING

Two acute care teaching hospitals for adult patients.

INTERVENTION

None.

MEASUREMENTS

Data from transcribed interviews were analyzed using emergent thematic analysis.

RESULTS

Participants were receptive to guidelines and believed they were useful. However, participants' responses to the case vignettes demonstrated that IDSA guideline recommendations were not routinely followed for SSTI, HAP, and ASB. We identified 3 barriers to guideline‐concordant care: (1) physicians' lack of awareness of specific guideline recommendations; (2) tension between adhering to guidelines and the desire to individualize patient care; and (3) skepticism of certain guideline recommendations.

CONCLUSIONS

Case vignettes may be useful tools to assess physician knowledge and acceptance of antibiotic‐prescribing guidelines. Using case vignettes, we identified 3 barriers to following IDSA guidelines. Efforts to improve guideline‐concordant antibiotic prescribing should focus on reducing such barriers at the local level. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2016;11:174–180. © 2015 Society of Hospital Medicine
The Role of Real Options Thinking in Achieving Sustainable Competitive Advantage for SMEs
Authors: Jahanshahi Asghar Afshar , Nawaser Khaled , Eizi Nadia , Etemadi Marjan
Published: October 2015

Strategic management and marketing research has shown that market orientation and organizational learning can each separately enable small‐ and medium‐size enterprises (SMEs) achieve competitive advantage. The literature is less clear, however, on how the joining of those capabilities might help SMEs not only edge out their competition but also sustain their advantage over time and under varying conditions. Consideration of six propositions grounded in previous studies highlights the role that real options reasoning can play to increase market orientation and organizational learning, consequently providing a firm with the ability to both attain and sustain competitive advantage, particularly in a volatile environment. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Effect of adipose‐derived stromal cells and BMP12 on intrasynovial tendon repair: A biomechanical, biochemical, and proteomics study
Authors: Gelberman Richard H. , Shen Hua , Kormpakis Ioannis , Rothrauff Benjamin , Yang Guang , Tuan Rocky S. , Xia Younan , Sakiyama‐Elbert Shelly , Silva Matthew J. , Thomopoulos Stavros
Published: October 2015

The outcomes of flexor tendon repair are highly variable. As recent efforts to improve healing have demonstrated promise for growth factor‐ and cell‐based therapies, the objective of the current study was to enhance repair via application of autologous adipose derived stromal cells (ASCs) and the tenogenic growth factor bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) 12. Controlled delivery of cells and growth factor was achieved in a clinically relevant canine model using a nanofiber/fibrin‐based scaffold. Control groups consisted of repair‐only (no scaffold) and acellular scaffold. Repairs were evaluated after 28 days of healing using biomechanical, biochemical, and proteomics analyses. Range of motion was reduced in the groups that received scaffolds compared to normal. There was no effect of ASC + BMP12 treatment for range of motion or tensile properties outcomes versus repair‐only. Biochemical assays demonstrated increased DNA, glycosaminoglycans, and crosslink concentration in all repair groups compared to normal, but no effect of ASC + BMP12. Total collagen was significantly decreased in the acellular scaffold group compared to normal and significantly increased in the ASC + BMP12 group compared to the acellular scaffold group. Proteomics analysis comparing healing tendons to uninjured tendons revealed significant increases in proteins associated with inflammation, stress response, and matrix degradation. Treatment with ASC + BMP12 amplified these unfavorable changes. In summary, the treatment approach used in this study induced a negative inflammatory reaction at the repair site leading to poor healing. Future approaches should consider cell and growth factor delivery methods that do not incite negative local reactions. © 2015 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 34:630–640, 2016.
A Comparative Study of Long‐Term Effects on Fire‐Affected Volcanic Soils in Two Different Ecosystems in the Canary Islands
Authors: Mora Juan Luis , Armas‐Herrera Cecilia M. , Guerra José Asterio , Arbelo Carmen D. , Rodríguez‐Rodríguez Antonio , Notario del Pino Jesús S.
Published: October 2015

Volcanic soils have unique properties that can be specifically affected by fire. In this work, we use a chronosequence approach to investigate the long‐term effects of wildfires on the surface and topsoil (0–30 cm) of volcanic soils in two different ecosystems: the Canary pine forest (dry and fire‐adapted) and the laurel forest or monteverde (subhumid and not prone to fire). Redundancy analysis and partial Kendall's correlation were used to analyse the relationship between soil characteristics and the wildfire chronosequences, controlling most significant environmental variables. No long‐term effects of fire were observed on the pine forest topsoil, but strongly persistent erosion‐related features were found on the soil surface, suggesting that chronic erosion might occur as a result of increased wildfire frequency. The soils of the monteverde were affected over the long term by severe losses of organic matter including highly humified and complexed forms. Organic losses appeared to be mainly due to erosion and associated with decreases in water‐holding capacity and in the levels of organo‐complexed metals and bioavailable nutrients such as boron or zinc. Fire also led to decreased bioavailability of some nutrients (e.g. phosphorus) and increased release of other elements (e.g. silicon), most likely by exposing surfaces of short‐range‐order minerals. Better management is needed to reduce irreversible effects of severe wildfires on these soils. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Soil Erosion in Steep Road Cut Slopes in Palencia (Spain)
Authors: Navarro‐Hevia Joaquín , Lima‐Farias Teresa Raquel , de Araújo José Carlos , Osorio‐Peláez Catalina , Pando Valentín
Published: October 2015

Construction associated to land development, such as roads and railroads, promote severe land degradation. Cutslope sediment yield is one of the major pollutants on waters close to the road and railroad network. To estimate road impact, soil erosion (E), sediment yield (SY) and morphological evolution of a railroad cut in Palencia (Spain), were studied using erosion nails, during the periods 1998–1999, 1999–2000 and 2000–2010. Data from two sample plots were analyzed by an ANOVA for repeated measures. Slope morphological evolution was estimated using a cubic polynomial regression, while E and SY were calculated by integration. The top and the toe of the slope eroded and accumulated 0·5 m respectively, evolving into a concave/convex slope profile. The mean measured E was 220 Mg ha−1 y−1. SY was 31 Mg ha−1 y−1, ranging from 109 Mg ha−1 y−1 to 24 Mg ha−1 y−1. Sediment yield was 4·5 times higher during the first year, than in all subsequent years. Results showed a decreasing trend and a stabilization in E and SY rates. However, both rates remain high and critical over the analyzed time, with regards to soil formation, water protection, land degradation and infrastructure maintenance. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
On the transmission problems for the Oseen and Brinkman systems on Lipschitz domains in compact Riemannian manifolds
Authors: Gutt Robert , Kohr Mirela , Pintea Cornel , Wendland Wolfgang L.
Published: October 2015

The purpose of this work is to show the well‐posedness in L2‐Sobolev spaces of the Poisson‐transmission problem for the Oseen and Brinkman systems on complementary Lipschitz domains in a compact Riemannian manifold. The Oseen system appears as a perturbation of order one of the Stokes system, given in terms of the Levi‐Civita connection, while the Brinkman system is a zero order perturbation of the Stokes system. The technical details of this paper rely on the layer potential theory for the Stokes system and the invertibility of some perturbed zero index Fredholm operators by a first order differential operator given in terms of the Levi‐Civita connection. The compactness of this differential operator requires to restrict ourselves to low dimensional compact Riemannian manifolds.
The NINDS Parkinson's disease biomarkers program
Authors: Rosenthal Liana S. , Drake Daniel , Alcalay Roy N. , Babcock Debra , Bowman F. DuBois , Chen‐Plotkin Alice , Dawson Ted M. , Dewey Richard B. , German Dwight C. , Huang Xuemei , Landin Barry , McAuliffe Matthew , Petyuk Vladislav A. , Scherzer Clemens R. , Hillaire‐Clarke Coryse St. , Sieber Beth‐Anne , Sutherland Margaret , Tarn Chi , West Andrew , Vaillancourt David , Zhang Jing , Gwinn Katrina ,   on behalf of the PDBP consortium
Published: October 2015

Background

Neuroprotection for Parkinson's disease (PD) remains elusive. Biomarkers hold the promise of removing roadblocks to therapy development. The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke has therefore established the Parkinson's Disease Biomarkers Program to promote discovery of PD biomarkers for use in phase II and III clinical trials.

Methods

Using a novel consortium design, the Parkinson's Disease Biomarker Program is focused on the development of clinical and laboratory‐based biomarkers for PD diagnosis, progression, and prognosis. Standardized operating procedures and pooled reference samples were created to allow cross‐project comparisons and assessment of batch effects. A web‐based Data Management Resource facilitates rapid sharing of data and biosamples across the research community for additional biomarker projects.

Results

Eleven consortium projects are ongoing, seven of which recruit participants and obtain biosamples. As of October 2014, 1,082 participants have enrolled (620 PD, 101 with other causes of parkinsonism, 23 essential tremor, and 338 controls), 1,040 of whom have at least one biosample. Six thousand eight hundred ninety‐eight total biosamples are available from baseline, 6‐, 12‐, and 18‐month visits: 1,006 DNA, 1,661 RNA, 1,419 whole blood, 1,382 plasma, 1,200 serum, and 230 cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Quality control analysis of plasma, serum, and CSF samples indicates that almost all samples are high quality (24 of 2,812 samples exceed acceptable hemoglobin levels).

Conclusions

By making samples and data widely available, using stringent operating procedures based on existing standards, hypothesis testing for biomarker discovery, and providing a resource that complements existing programs, the Parkinson's Disease Biomarker Program will accelerate the pace of PD biomarker research. © 2015 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
ERK5/HDAC5‐mediated, resveratrol‐, and pterostilbene‐induced expression of MnSOD in human endothelial cells
Authors: Gan Woting , Dang Yanqi , Han Xin , Ling Shuang , Duan Ju , Liu Jun , Xu Jin‐Wen
Published: October 2015

Scope

Mitochondrial oxidative stress is closely correlated with numerous cardiovascular diseases. Manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD) is an important antioxidant enzyme in mitochondria. Although polyphenols can induce the expression of MnSOD, their corresponding mechanisms remains unclear. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that resveratrol and pterostilbene can activate the expression of MnSOD through an AMPK‐ERK5/HDAC5‐KLF2 pathway.

Methods and results

Our results revealed that two stilbenes reduced mitochondrial superoxide‐free radicals, and endothelial cell senescence, and increased the mRNA expression of several genes related to mitochondrial function, including MnSOD. Moreover, two stilbenes upregulated the activation of human MnSOD promoter luciferase reporter gene and protein level in human umbilical vein endothelial cells. Similarly, two stilbenes also stimulated LKB1, AMPKα, extracellular‐signal related kinase 5 (ERK5) phosphorylation, and histone acetylase 5 (HDAC5) and Kruppel‐like factor 2 (KLF2) expression. The knockdown of AMP‐activated protein kinase (AMPK), ERK5, and HDAC5 by using short‐hairpin RNA blocked pterostilbene‐induced phosphorylation of their downstream signaling proteins and the expression of KLF2. Furthermore, using a chromatin immunoprecipitation‐PCR detection method, we found that resveratrol and pterostilbene promoted KLF2 binding to CACCC sites of the human MnSOD promoter.

Conclusion

Resveratrol and pterostilbene can activate MnSOD expression through ERK5/HDAC5 pathway, thus alleviating mitochondrial oxidative stress in endothelial cells that relates to cardiovascular disease.
Nach der Katastrophe von Tianjin
Authors: Osterath Brigitte
Published: October 2015

Explosionen im Hafen der nordchinesischen Stadt Mitte August kosteten über 150 Menschen das Leben, viele hundert wurden schwer verletzt. Ein Logistikunternehmen hatte Sicherheitsvorschriften verletzt.
Auf dem Weg zum graphenbasierten Sensor
Authors: Rösicke Felix , Gluba Marc A.
Published: October 2015

Das Potenzial von Graphen als empfindliches Sensormaterial erschließt sich durch die Funktionalisierung. Erst dann verändern sich die elektrischen Eigenschaften adsorbatspezifisch.
Mit Salzschmelzen zu neuen Designerkohlen
Authors: Fellinger Tim
Published: October 2015

Unkonventionelle Methoden liefern Kohlenstoffmaterialien mit unterschiedlichen Porengrößen und zum Teil sehr großen Oberflächen. Ausgangsstoffe dafür sind organische Materialien, die sich in anorganischen Salzschmelzen lösen. Die Produkte eignen sich etwa als Brennstoffzellkatalysatoren.
Wegweisende Oberflächen
Authors: Rink Ina , Schmitz Katja
Published: October 2015

Molekulare Signale steuern, wohin die Zellen des Immunsystems wandern, wenn sie Pathogene und Entzündungen bekämpfen. Dabei beeinflussen Proteinmuster die patrouillierenden Zellen. Die Frage ist nur: Wie?