bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Review: Reducing residual soil nitrogen losses from agroecosystems for surface water protection in Quebec and Ontario, Canada: Best management practices, policies and perspectives
Authors: Rasouli Sogol , Whalen Joann K. , Madramootoo Chandra A.
Published: March 2014

Rasouli, S., Whalen, J. K. and Madramootoo, C. A. 2014. Review: Reducing residual soil nitrogen losses from agroecosystems for surface water protection in Quebec and Ontario, Canada: Best management practices, policies and perspectives. Can. J. Soil Sci. 94: 109–127. Eutrophication and cyanobacteria blooms, a growing problem in many of Quebec and Ontario's lakes and rivers, are largely attributed to the phosphorus (P) and nitrogen (N) emanating from intensively cropped agricultural fields. In fact, 49% of N loading in surface waters comes from runoff and leaching from fertilized soils and livestock operations. The residual soil nitrogen (RSN), which remains in soil at the end of the growing season, contains soluble and particulate forms of N that are prone to being transported from agricultural fields to waterways. Policies and best management practices (BMPs) to regulate manure storage and restrict fertilizer and manure spreading can help in reducing N losses from agroecosystems. However, reduction of RSN also requires an understanding of the complex interactions between climate, soil type, topography, hydrology and cropping systems. Reducing N losses from agroecosystems can be achieved through careful accounting for all N inputs (e.g., N credits for legumes and manure inputs) in nutrient management plans, including those applied in previous years, as well as the strategic implementation of multiple BMPs and calibrated soil N testing for crops with high N requirements. We conclude that increasing farmer awareness and motivation to implement BMPs will be important in reducing RSN. Programs to promote communication between farmers and researchers, crop advisors and provincial ministries of agriculture and the environment are recommended.
On the ℱϕ-Hypercentre of Finite Groups
Authors: Tang Juping , Miao Long
Published: March 2014

Let G be a finite group and let ℱ be a class of groups. Then Zℱϕ(G) is the ℱϕ-hypercentre of G, which is the product of all normal subgroups of G whose non-Frattini G-chief factors are ℱ-central in G. A subgroup H is called ℳ-supplemented in a finite group G if there exists a subgroup B of G such that G = HB and H1B is a proper subgroup of G for any maximal subgroup H1 of H. The main purpose of this paper is to prove the following: Let E be a normal subgroup of a group G. Suppose that every noncyclic Sylow subgroup P of F*(E) has a subgroup D such that 1 < |D| < |P| and every subgroup H of P with order |H| = |D| is 𝓜-supplemented in G, then E ≤ Zuϕ(G).
The use of SMILES data to study ozone loss in the Arctic winter 2009/2010 and comparison with Odin/SMR data using assimilation techniques
Authors: Sagi K. , Murtagh D. , Urban J. , Sagawa H. , Kasai Y.
Published: March 2014

Abstract. The Superconducting Submillimeter-Wave Limb-Emission Sounder (SMILES) on board the International Space Station observed ozone profiles in the stratosphere with high sensitivity. Although SMILES measurements do not cover high latitudes, the combination of data assimilation methods and an isentropic advection model allows us to use SMILES measurements to investigate the ozone loss due to the instability of the polar vortex in the northern hemisphere. We quantified the ozone depletion in the 2009/2010 Arctic polar winter. Ozone data from both SMILES and Odin/SMR (Sub-Millimetre Radiometer) for the winter were assimilated into the Dynamical Isentropic Assimilation Model for OdiN Data (DIAMOND). DIAMOND is an off-line wind-driven transport model on isentropic surfaces. Wind data from the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) were used to drive the model. In this study, particular attention is paid to the cross isentropic transport of the tracer. The assimilated SMILES ozone fields agree with the SMR fields despite the limited latitude coverage. Ozone depletion has been derived by comparing the ozone field acquired by sequential assimilation with a passively transported ozone field initiated to 1 December 2009. Significant ozone loss was found in different periods and altitudes from using both SMILES and SMR data. The initial depletion occurred in the end of January below 500 K with a loss of 0.6–1.0 ppm (approximately 20%). The ensuing loss started from the end of February between 575 K and 650 K. Our estimation shows that 0.8 ppmv (15–20%) of O3 has been removed from the lower stratosphere by 1 April in VMR.
Physical and remineralization processes govern the cobalt distribution in the deep western Atlantic Ocean
Authors: Dulaquais G. , Boye M. , Rijkenberg M. J. A. , Carton X.
Published: March 2014

Abstract. The distributions of the bio-essential trace element dissolved cobalt (DCo) and the apparent particulate Co (PCo) are presented along the GEOTRACES-A02 deep section from 64° N to 50° S in the western Atlantic Ocean (longest section of international GEOTRACES marine environment program). PCo was determined as the difference between total cobalt (TCo, unfiltered samples) and DCo. DCo concentrations ranged from 14.7 pM to 94.3 pM, and PCo concentrations from undetectable values to 18.8 pM. The lowest DCo concentrations were observed in the subtropical domains, and the highest in the low-oxygenated Atlantic Central Waters (ACW), which appears to be the major reservoir of DCo in the western Atlantic. In the Antarctic Bottom Waters, the enrichment in DCo with aging of the water mass can be related to suspension and redissolution of bottom sediments a well as diffusion of DCo from abyssal sediments. Mixing and dilution of deep water masses, rather than scavenging of DCo onto settling particles, generated the meridional decrease of DCo along the southward large-scale circulation in the deep western Atlantic. Furthermore, the apparent scavenged profile of DCo observed in the deep waters likely resulted from the persistence of relatively high concentrations in intermediate waters and low DCo concentrations in underlaying bottom waters. We suggest that the 2010 Icelandic volcanic eruption could have been a source of DCo that could have been transported into the core of the Northeast Atlantic Deep Waters. At intermediate depths, the high concentrations of DCo recorded in the ACW linearly correlated with the apparent utilization of oxygen (AOU), indicating that remineralization of DCo could be significant (representing up to 37% of the DCo present). Furthermore, the preferential remineralization of phosphate (P) compared to Co in these low-oxygenated waters suggests a decoupling between the deep cycles of P and Co. The vertical diffusion of DCo from the ACW appears to be a significant source of DCo into the surface waters of the equatorial domain. Summarizing, the dilution due to mixing processes rather than scavenging of DCo and the above-mentioned remineralization could be the two major pathways controlling the cycling of DCo into the intermediate and deep western Atlantic.
Natural periodicities and north–south hemispheres connection of fast temperature changes during the last glacial period: EPICA and NGRIP revisited
Authors: Alberti T. , Lepreti F. , Vecchio A. , Bevacqua E. , Capparelli V. , Carbone V.
Published: March 2014

Abstract. We investigate both the European Project for Ice Coring in Antarctica (EPICA) and North Greenland Ice-Core Project (NGRIP) datasets to study the time evolution of the so-called Dansgaard–Oeschger events during the last glacial period. The Empirical Mode Decomposition (EMD) is used to extract the proper modes of both the datasets. It is shown that the time behaviour of Dansgaard–Oeschger events is captured by three EMD modes, while three more EMD modes can be used to describe the evolution at longer time scales. Using EMD signal reconstructions and a simple model based on the one-dimensional Langevin equations, it is argued that the occurrence of a Dansgaard–Oeschger event can be described as an excitation of the climate system within the same state, while the longer time scale behaviour appears to be due to transitions between different states. Finally, on the basis of a cross-correlation analysis performed on EMD reconstructions, evidence is presented that the Antarctic climate changes lead that of Greenland by a lag of ≈3.6 kyr.
Investigation of Membrane-Based Total Heat Exchangers with Different Structures and Materials
Authors: Zhong Ting-Shu , Li Zhen-Xing , Zhang Li-Zhi
Published: March 2014

Membrane-based total heat exchangers are devices to recover both sensible heat and latent heat from the exhaust air. The performances of exchangers assembled with different structures and membranes vary dramatically. To investigate performances, five modules are fabricated for comparison. A test rig is built to measure the performance of these total heat exchangers. The heat and moisture transfer in the cores are studied simultaneously. These cores can be divided into two categories: with different structures and with different membranes. For the first category, parallel-plates, plate-fins and cross-corrugated structures are used. For the second category, three kinds of membranes, i.e. one-step hand-made CA membrane, hydrophobic-hydrophilic composite membrane and machine-made CA membrane are used. The heat and mass transfer coefficients, sensible cooling and latent effectiveness are obtained through experimental measurements. The experimental results show that the cross-corrugated ducts can enhance heat and mass transfer effectively. And the one-step hand-made CA membrane has the lowest resistance in heat and moisture transfer.
Applications of Open Channel Membrane Modules to Treat and Reuse Wastewater
Authors: Pervov A. , Matveev N.
Published: March 2014

Local utilities often face problems of domestic wastewater, local industrial wastes, storm water disposal due to existing strict regulations. For many local industries, the problem of wastewater treatment and discharge into surface reservoirs can’t be solved through the use of conventional biological treatment techniques. Current discharge standards require very strict removal of a number of impurities such as ammonia, nitrates, phosphate, etc. To reach this level of removal, modern modified biological treatment facilities (membrane bioreactors etc.) are used.
This article suggests a new technical approach to treat directly domestic wastewater and storm water to completely reuse them for technical needs.
The modern concept of rational water resources management requires the development of new efficient techniques that provide wastewater treatment and reuse.
As RO membranes simultaneously reject all dissolved impurities such as BOD, TDS, ammonia, phosphates etc., they become very attractive for the direct treatment of wastewater without biological stage. To treat wastewater, specially designed membrane "open channel" modules are used that do not possess "dead areas" that cause fouling or require pretreatment. A solution to RO concentrate disposal problem is presented that consists of reducing of initial wastewater volume by 100 times. Concentrate is withdrawn from membrane unit as sludge moisture. The efficient use of membrane RO techniques is connected with a salt balance in water system. Thus, to provide high ecological efficiency of developed techniques, all components of water supply and wastewater discharge systems should be accounted for.
Pilot Scale Hollow Fiber Pervaporation System for Phenol Recycling from Coal to Chemical Wastewater
Authors: Jie Yao , Dandan Zhang , Chao Cai , Hongxia Guo , Bangjun Han , Yahong Han , Zhenao Gu , Shuren Yang , Hong You , Ziwei Du , Agtmaal Sjack van , Chunhui Feng
Published: March 2014

Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS)/Polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) hollow fiber composite membrane was prepared by dynamic negative pressure method to treat coal to chemical wastewater containing high concentration of phenol, in which PVDF hollow fiber membrane acts as base membrane and PDMS as modified membrane. In the pilot scale experiment, the influence of aeration rate, temperature, flow rate, pressure under membrane on phenol removal efficiency were investigated and operating parameter optimized. At temperature 70℃, flow rate of 150 L/h, pressure under membrane 5 KPa, gas-water ratio 0.3, 75 L coal to chemical wastewater containing phenol fluctuated between 1600 and 1800 mg/L was treated for 6h, and phenol removal efficiency reached 72%. The system ran stably for 120 h and performed well, phenol removal efficiency being kept more than 60%.
« L’auditeur doit monter à bord de ma musique ! » : entretien avec Denis Gougeon
Authors: Davoine Françoise
Published: March 2014

Dans un entretien réalisé par l’animatrice Françoise Davoine, Denis Gougeon évoque son enfance, les rencontres qui l’ont marqué, son métier de compositeur et ses diverses sources d’inspiration. Il se prête à un exercice original : à partir de 12 de ses oeuvres soigneusement sélectionnées, il revit avec le lecteur 30 ans de création musicale.
Denis Gougeon : entre affect et narrativité
Authors: Leclair François-Hugues
Published: March 2014

La perspective privilégiée dans ce cahier d’analyse cherche à faire ressortir l’importance de ces deux dimensions (affect et narrativité) dans le travail du compositeur Denis Gougeon. Pour ce faire, un territoire particulier de sa création sera ciblé, soit ses oeuvres tissant des passerelles entre des musiques d’origines historiquement et/ou géographiquement éloignées. C’est sur l’oeuvre Toy (Music Box), composée en 2009-2010 pour deux flûtes de bambou (dizis) et orchestre symphonique – qui a gagné le premier prix du Concours international de composition de Shanghai (2010) – que portera la majeure partie de cette analyse. En guise d’introduction à cette approche, trois autres pièces seront brièvement commentées : Voix-Vénus (1990), pour soprano (ou ténor) et piano, sur un texte de Goethe ; Un fleuve, une île, une ville (1991-1992), pour orchestre symphonique ; Chants du coeur (2011-2012), pour violon et piano.
Engineering of Mixed Host for High External Quantum Efficiency above 25% in Green Thermally Activated Delayed Fluorescence Device
Authors: Kim Bo Seong , Lee Jun Yeob
Published: March 2014

Highly efficient thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF) devices are developed by engineering mixed host materials in the emitting layer. Mixed hosts with deep highest occupied molecular orbital and high singlet energy without any exciplex formation are ideal as the host material for the TADF organic light‐emitting diodes. A high external quantum efficiency of 28.6% is achieved in the green TADF organic light‐emitting diodes using a mixed host of 1,3‐bis(N‐carbazolyl)benzene:1,3,5‐tri[(3‐pyridyl)‐phen‐3‐yl]benzene and green emitting (4s,6s)‐2,4,5,6‐tetra(9H‐carbazol‐9‐yl)isophthalonitrile TADF emitter.
Electron Barrier Formation at the Organic‐Back Contact Interface is the First Step in Thermal Degradation of Polymer Solar Cells
Authors: Sachs‐Quintana I. T. , Heumüller Thomas , Mateker William R. , Orozco Darian E. , Cheacharoen Rongrong , Sweetnam Sean , Brabec Christoph J. , McGehee Michael D.
Published: March 2014

Long‐term stability of polymer solar cells is determined by many factors, one of which is thermal stability. Although many thermal stability studies occur far beyond the operating temperature of a solar cell which is almost always less than 65 °C, thermal degradation is studied at temperatures that the solar cell would encounter in real‐world operating conditions. At these temperatures, movement of the polymer and fullerenes, along with adhesion of the polymer to the back contact, creates a barrier for electron extraction. The polymer barrier can be removed and the performance can be restored by peeling off the electrode and depositing a new one. X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy measurements reveal a larger amount of polymer adhered to electrodes peeled from aged devices than electrodes peeled from fresh devices. The degradation caused by hole‐transporting polymer adhering to the electrode can be suppressed by using an inverted device where instead of electrons, holes are extracted at the back metal electrode. The problem can be ultimately eliminated by choosing a polymer with a high glass transition temperature.
Development of Therapeutic Polymeric Nanoparticles for the Resolution of Inflammation
Authors: Gadde Suresh , Even‐Or Orli , Kamaly Nazila , Hasija Apoorva , Gagnon Philippe G. , Adusumilli Krishna H. , Erakovic Andrea , Pal Anoop K. , Zhang Xue‐Qing , Kolishetti Nagesh , Shi Jinjun , Fisher Edward A. , Farokhzad Omid C.
Published: March 2014

Liver X receptors (LXRs) attenuate inflammation by modulating the expression of key inflammatory genes, making LXRs and their ligands particularly attractive candidates for therapeutic intervention in cardiovascular, metabolic, and/or inflammatory diseases. Herein, enhanced proresolving activity of polymeric nanoparticles (NPs) containing the synthetic LXR agonist GW3965 (LXR‐NPs) is demonstrated, developed from a combinatorial library of more than 70 formulations with variations in critical physicochemical parameters. In vitro studies on peritoneal macrophages confirm that LXR‐NPs are significantly more effective than the free agonist at downregulating pro‐inflammatory mediators (MCP‐1 and TNFα), as well as inducing the expression of LXR target genes (ABCA1 and SREBP1c). Through a zymosan‐induced acute peritonitis in vivo model, LXR‐NPs are found to be more efficient than free GW3965 at limiting the recruitment of polymononuclear neutrophils (50% vs 17%), suppressing the gene expression and secretion of pro‐inflammatory factors MCP‐1 and TNFα in peritoneal macrophages, and decreasing the resolution interval up to 4 h. Furthermore, LXR‐NPs suppress the secretion of MCP‐1 and TNFα by monocytes and macrophages more efficiently than the commercial drug dexamethasone. Overall, these findings demonstrate that LXR‐NPs are capable of promoting resolution of inflammation and highlight the prospect of LXR‐based nanotherapeutics for inflammatory diseases.
Controlled‐Release Systems for Metal‐Based Nanomedicine: Encapsulated/Self‐Assembled Nanoparticles of Anticancer Gold(III)/Platinum(II) Complexes and Antimicrobial Silver Nanoparticles
Authors: Lok Chun‐Nam , Zou Taotao , Zhang Jing‐Jing , Lin Iris Wing‐Shan , Che Chi‐Ming
Published: March 2014

The therapeutic applications of many anticancer or antimicrobial metal complexes often suffer from low solubility and low stability in physiological conditions or from drug resistance. To circumvent these problems, nanoparticle systems that allow controlled release and specific accumulation in the targeted disease tissue are of advantage for efficient treatment with minimal toxicity. The focus of this Research News is metal‐based nanomaterials comprising anticancer gold(III)/platinum(II) complexes or antimicrobial silver, highlighting the controlled‐release properties of self‐assembled metal systems.
One step forward: contrasting the effects of Toe clipping and PIT tagging on frog survival and recapture probability
Authors: Guimarães Murilo , Corrêa Décio T. , Filho Sérgio S. , Oliveira Thiago A. L. , Doherty Paul F. , Sawaya Ricardo J.
Published: March 2014

Amphibians have been declining worldwide and the comprehension of the threats that they face could be improved by using mark–recapture models to estimate vital rates of natural populations. Recently, the consequences of marking amphibians have been under discussion and the effects of toe clipping on survival are debatable, although it is still the most common technique for individually identifying amphibians. The passive integrated transponder (PIT tag) is an alternative technique, but comparisons among marking techniques in free‐ranging populations are still lacking. We compared these two marking techniques using mark–recapture models to estimate apparent survival and recapture probability of a neotropical population of the blacksmith tree frog, Hypsiboas faber. We tested the effects of marking technique and number of toe pads removed while controlling for sex. Survival was similar among groups, although slightly decreased from individuals with one toe pad removed, to individuals with two and three toe pads removed, and finally to PIT‐tagged individuals. No sex differences were detected. Recapture probability slightly increased with the number of toe pads removed and was the lowest for PIT‐tagged individuals. Sex was an important predictor for recapture probability, with males being nearly five times more likely to be recaptured. Potential negative effects of both techniques may include reduced locomotion and high stress levels. We recommend the use of covariates in models to better understand the effects of marking techniques on frogs. Accounting for the effect of the technique on the results should be considered, because most techniques may reduce survival. Based on our results, but also on logistical and cost issues associated with PIT tagging, we suggest the use of toe clipping with anurans like the blacksmith tree frog.
Effect of nitrogen source in low‐cost media on biomass and lipid productivity of Nannochloropsis salina for large‐scale biodiesel production
Authors: Liu Junying , Bangert Krys
Published: March 2014

A major cost component for large‐scale algal cultivation is the medium. In this study, a significantly higher growth rate was found for Nannochloropsis salina in an inexpensive medium of seawater and agricultural fertilizer than was reached in the f/2 medium. A key difference between this new low‐cost medium and the f/2 medium is the nitrogen source. In the conditions tested herein, with aeration using air, biomass productivity reached 0.5496 g L−1 day−1 after 10 days in the low‐cost medium compared with 0.1215 g L−1 day−1 in the f/2 medium. The lipid productivity of algae grown in the low‐cost medium was also higher than that in the f/2 medium (0.1281 g L−1 day−1 versus 0.0432 g L−1 day−1). The strong linear correlation (R2 = 0.9721) between chlorophyll content and biomass concentration demonstrated that this new medium can support healthy and consistent growth of algal cells. The results suggest that it would be preferable to feed the algae for large‐scale biodiesel production with agricultural waste stream or untreated swine wastewater containing high levels of ammonia rather than treated effluent in which the ammonia/urea has been oxidized to nitrate. © 2014 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 34: 297–303, 2015
Differential DNA methylation analysis of breast cancer reveals the impact of immune signaling in radiation therapy
Authors: Halvorsen Ann Rita , Helland Åslaug , Fleischer Thomas , Haug Karen Marie , Grenaker Alnæs Grethe Irene , Nebdal Daniel , Syljuåsen Randi G. , Touleimat Nizar , Busato Florence , Tost Jörg , Sætersdal Anna B. , Børresen‐Dale Anne‐Lise , Kristensen Vessela , Edvardsen Hege
Published: March 2014

Radiotherapy (RT) is a central treatment modality for breast cancer patients. The purpose of our study was to investigate the DNA methylation changes in tumors following RT, and to identify epigenetic markers predicting treatment outcome. Paired biopsies from patients with inoperable breast cancer were collected both before irradiation (n = 20) and after receiving 10–24 Gray (Gy) (n = 19). DNA methylation analysis was performed by using Illumina Infinium 27K arrays. Fourteen genes were selected for technical validation by pyrosequencing. Eighty‐two differentially methylated genes were identified in irradiated (n = 11) versus nonirradiated (n = 19) samples (false discovery rate, FDR = 1.1%). Methylation levels in pathways belonging to the immune system were most altered after RT. Based on methylation levels before irradiation, a panel of five genes (H2AFY, CTSA, LTC4S, IL5RA and RB1) were significantly associated with clinical response (p = 0.041). Furthermore, the degree of methylation changes for 2,516 probes correlated with the given radiation dose. Within the 2,516 probes, an enrichment for pathways involved in cellular immune response, proliferation and apoptosis was identified (FDR < 5%). Here, we observed clear differences in methylation levels induced by radiation, some associated with response to treatment. Our study adds knowledge on the molecular mechanisms behind radiation response.
Heterologous expression and characterization of human cellular glutathione peroxidase mutants
Authors: Guo Xiao , Yu Yang , Liu Xixi , Zhang Yinlong , Guan Tuchen , Xie Guiqiu , Wei Jingyan
Published: March 2014

Cellular glutathione peroxidase (GPx1; EC1.11.1.9) is a major intracellular antioxidant selenoenzyme in mammals. However, the complicated expression mechanism of selenocysteine (Sec)‐containing protein increases the difficulty of expressing human GPx1 (hGPx1) in Escherichia coli (E. coli). In this study, hGPx1 gene was cloned from a cDNA library of the human hepatoma cell line HepG2. The codon UGA encoding Sec49 of hGPx1 was first mutated to UGC encoding cysteine (Cys) and then biosynthetically converted to Sec during expression in an E. coli BL21(DE3)cys auxotrophic system. Seleno‐GPx1Sec displayed a low GPx activity of 522 U/μmol. To improve the activity, the other five Cys residues (C2, C78, C115, C156, C202) were mutated to serine (Ser) in one hGPx1 molecule. The mutant seleno‐hGPx1Ser showed a high activity of 5278 U/μmol, which was more than 10‐fold enhanced as compared with seleno‐GPx1Sec. The activity was the highest among all of those seleno‐proteins obtained by this method so far. Kinetic analysis of seleno‐hGPx1Ser showed a typical ping‐pong mechanism, which was similar to those of natural GPxs. This research will be of value in overcoming the problem of limited sources of natural GPx and substantially promotes the research of the characterization of GPx. © 2014 IUBMB Life, 66(3):212–219, 2014
Facile cell sheet manipulation and transplantation by using in situ gelation method
Authors: Akimoto Jun , Arauchi Ayumi , Nakayama Masamichi , Kanaya Ryo , Iwase Yuko , Takagi Soichi , Yamato Masayuki , Okano Teruo
Published: March 2014

Cell sheets harvested from temperature‐responsive cell culture dishes (TRDs) has attracted considerable attention as effective tools for reconstructing the lost functions of tissues and organs in the regenerative medicine field. However, because of their thinness, handling problems sometimes arise when transferring cell sheets from a TRD to a target surface. In this study, we developed a facile cell transfer method referred to as in situ gelation by using both gelatin hydrogel and a support membrane. Gelation and low‐temperature processes were simultaneously performed on TRD. Confluent cultured cells were efficiently harvested from TRD in less than 5 min by decreasing the incubation temperature to 20°C. Harvested cells were found to maintain their cell viability, extracellular matrix, and original shape, thus allowing transfer of the cells to another surface with a short incubation time at 37°C. This method is applicable for various cell types regardless of the formation of tight cell‐cell junctions. In addition, because of the high flexibility of the gelatin‐coated membrane, cells were efficiently transferred to the surface of a mouse subcutis and liver. When compared with conventional cell sheet manipulation methods, the interaction between the cell surface and membrane was reinforced by the uniformly formed gelatin gel layer without using a special device. Therefore, the in situ gelation method is a promising technique for cell sheet‐based tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 102B: 1659–1668, 2014.
In vivo administration of granulocyte colony‐stimulating factor restores long‐term depression in hippocampal slices prepared from transgenic APP/PS1 mice
Authors: Song Shijie , Wang Xinming , Sava Vasyl , Weeber Edwin J. , Sanchez‐Ramos Juan
Published: March 2014

Granulocyte colony‐stimulating factor (G‐CSF) is a hematopoietic cytokine that also possesses neurotrophic and antiapoptotic properties. G‐CSF has been reported to decrease amyloid burden significantly, promote hippocampal neurogenesis, and improve spatial learning in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease. To understand better the effects of G‐CSF on hippocampal‐dependent learning, the present study focused on electrophysiological correlates of neuroplasticity, long‐term potentiation (LTP), and long‐term depression (LTD). Two cohorts of transgenic APP/PS1 mice, with or without prior bone marrow transplantation from Tg GFP mice, were treated in vivo for 2 weeks with G‐CSF or vehicle. After completion of the treatments, hippocampal slices were prepared for electrophysiological studies of LTP and LTD. LTP was induced and maintained in both G‐CSF‐treated and vehicle‐treated groups of Tg APP/PS1. In contrast, LTD could not be induced in vehicle‐treated Tg APP/PS1 mice, but G‐CSF treatment restored LTD. The LTP and LTD results obtained from the cohort of bone marrow‐grafted Tg APP/PS1 mice did not differ from those from nongrafted Tg APP/PS1 mice. The mechanism by which G‐CSF restores LTD is not known, but it is possible that its capacity to reduce amyloid plaques results in increased soluble oligomers of amyloid‐β (A‐β), which in turn may facilitate LTD. This mechanism would be consistent with the recent report that soluble A‐β oligomers promote LTD in hippocampal slices. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Dispersive estimates for solutions to the perturbed one‐dimensional Klein‐Gordon equation with and without a one‐gap periodic potential
Authors: Prill Oskar
Published: March 2014

The knowledge about the stability properties of spatially localized structures in linear periodic media with and without defects is fundamental for many fields in nature. Its importance for the design of photonic crystals is, for example, described in and . Against this background, we consider a one‐dimensional linear Klein‐Gordon equation to which both a spatially periodic Lamé potential and a spatially localized perturbation are added. Given the dispersive character of the underlying equation, it is the purpose of this paper to deduce time‐decay rates for its solutions. We show that, generically, the part of the solution which is orthogonal to possible eigenfunctions of the perturbed Hill operator associated to the problem decays with a rate of w.r.t. the norm. In weighted L2 norms, we even get a time decay of . Furthermore, we consider the situation of a perturbing potential that is only made up of a spatially localized part which, now, can be slightly more general. It is well‐known that, in general, it is not possible to obtain the endpoint estimate in one space dimension by means of the wave operators drawn from scattering theory. For this reason, we proceed directly and prove, along the lines of , the expected decay rate of .
Real hypersurfaces in complex hyperbolic two‐plane Grassmannians with parallel Ricci tensor
Authors: Suh Young Jin , Woo Changhwa
Published: March 2014

In this paper we prove that there does not exist any Hopf real hypersurface in complex hyperbolic two‐plane Grassmannians with parallel Ricci tensor.
Free jejunal flap transfer for pharyngoesophageal reconstruction in patients with intestinal malrotation: Two case reports
Authors: Mizukami Takahide , Hyodo Ikuo , Fukamizu Hidekazu
Published: March 2014

Intestinal malrotation results from failure of intestinal rotation and fixation during fetal life. We report two cases of esophageal reconstruction with free jejunal flaps following total laryngopharyngectomy of hypopharyngeal and cervical esophageal carcinoma in which intestinal malrotation was detected during the jejunal flap harvesting. In both cases, the ligament of Treitz was absent, and the laparotomy incision was thus extended to identify the jejunum. In case 1, harvesting an adequate length of the vascular pedicle of the flap was impossible because of the abnormal position of the pancreas; thus, a jejunal flap of maximal length was harvested for optimal pedicle positioning in the recipient site. In case 2, Ladd's ligament prohibited the release of the jejunum from the ascending colon and required its dissection. Both patients underwent successful reconstruction. When the ligament of Treitz is absent during jejunal flap harvesting, investing the whole bowel by extended laparotomy incision is recommended. When anatomical abnormality caused by intestinal malrotation is detected, releasing an adhesion of the jejunum from circumferential organs and identifying the adequate vascular pedicle of a jejunal flap are necessary. If harvesting the long vascular pedicle is impossible, a jejunal flap of maximal length should be harvested for optimal positioning for vascular anastomosis at the shortest distance in the recipient site. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microsurgery 34:582–585, 2014.
Kesterite CZTS nanocrystals: pH‐dependent synthesis
Authors: Suryawanshi Mahesh , Shin Seung Wook , Bae Woo RI , Gurav Kishor , Kang Myun Gil , Agawane Ganesh , Patil Pramod , Yun Jae Ho , Lee Jeong Yong , Moholkar Annasaheb , Kim Jin Hyeok
Published: March 2014

The kesterite Cu2ZnSnS4 (CZTS) nanocrystals (NCs) were successfully synthesized using a relatively simple and one‐step hydrothermal route. The structural, compositional, and optical properties of the kesterite CZTS NCs have been studied in detail. The pH‐dependent CZTS phase formation has been elucidated for the first time. The X‐ray diffraction and Raman spectroscopy confirmed the formation of a main phase kesterite CZTS structure only at pH 7. However, for pH values (4.3, 5, and 9), the formation of CZTS alongwith few secondary phases like Cu2SnS3 (CTS), Cu2−xS, and SnS2/Sn2S3 have been detected. CZTS NCs of size 10–100 nm were obtained at 200 °C and pH 7. The synthesized NCs showed a pH‐dependent variation in optical band gap values from 1.15 to 1.44 eV, which is near optimum value for low cost thin film solar cells.
Enhanced AlN nanostructures for pyroelectric sensors
Authors: Crisman E. , Drehman A. , Miller R. , Osinsky A. , Volovik D. , Vasilyev V.
Published: March 2014

Measurements of the pyroelectric coefficient and pyroelectric voltage response of polycrystalline AlN films are presented. The results were used to calculate pyroelectric detectivity figures of merit in order to compare potential AlN pyroelectric sensor performance to other pyroelectric materials such as epitaxial AlN, PbSc0.5Ta0.5O3, and Ba0.65Sr0.35TiO3 films. We observed substantial enhancement (∼5x) of pyroelectric coefficient and pyroelectric figure of merit in polycrystalline multi‐oriented AlN films when compared to epitaxial monocrystalline AlN films. A mechanism of such augmentation in polycrystalline AlN films is proposed and discussed. Despite the relatively small absolute value of pyroelectric coefficient, AlN presents pyroelectric detectivity figure of merit near the same magnitude as commonly used pyroelectric materials because of its relatively low dielectric constant. The low dielectric constant enables high speed sensor operation >MHz. The results of these studies are suggesting even higher pyroelectric response might be obtainable for the polycrystalline thin film AlN structures. (© 2014 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
MBE growth and characterization of ZnTe epilayers on m‐plane sapphire substrates
Authors: Nakasu Taizo , Sun Wei‐Che , Yamashita Sotaro , Aiba Takayuki , Taguri Kosuke , Kobayashi Masakazu , Asahi Toshiaki , Togo Hiroyoshi
Published: March 2014

ZnTe epilayers were grown on transparent (10‐10) oriented (m ‐plane) sapphire substrates by molecular beam epitaxy (MBE). Pole figure imaging was used to study the domain distribution within the layer. (211)‐oriented ZnTe domains were formed on m ‐plane sapphire. The presence of only one kind of (211) ZnTe domain formed on the 2°‐tilted m ‐plane sapphire substrates was confirmed. Thus, single domain (211) ZnTe epilayers can be grown on the m ‐plane sapphire using MBE. Although differences in the crystal structure and lattice mismatch are large, precise control of the substrate surface lattice arrangement result in the formation of high‐quality epitaxial layers. (© 2014 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
M‐shaped Grating by Nanoimprinting: A Replicable, Large‐Area, Highly Active Plasmonic Surface‐Enhanced Raman Scattering Substrate with Nanogaps
Authors: Zhu Zhendong , Bai Benfeng , Duan Huigao , Zhang Haosu , Zhang Mingqian , You Oubo , Li Qunqing , Tan Qiaofeng , Wang Jia , Fan Shoushan , Jin Guofan
Published: March 2014

Plasmonic nanostructures separated by nanogaps enable strong electromagnetic‐field confinement on the nanoscale for enhancing light‐matter interactions, which are in great demand in many applications such as surface‐enhanced Raman scattering (SERS). A simple M‐shaped nanograting with narrow V‐shaped grooves is proposed. Both theoretical and experimental studies reveal that the electromagnetic field on the surface of the M grating can be pronouncedly enhanced over that of a grating without such grooves, due to field localization in the nanogaps formed by the narrow V grooves. A technique based on room‐temperature nanoimprinting lithography and anisotropic reactive‐ion etching is developed to fabricate this device, which is cost‐effective, reliable, and suitable for fabricating large‐area nanostructures. As a demonstration of the potential application of this device, the M grating is used as a SERS substrate for probing Rhodamine 6G molecules. Experimentally, an average SERS enhancement factor as high as 5×108 has been achieved, which verifies the greatly enhanced light–matter interaction on the surface of the M grating over that of traditional SERS surfaces.
Transforming Hair into Heteroatom‐Doped Carbon with High Surface Area
Authors: Chaudhari Kiran N. , Song Min Young , Yu Jong‐Sung
Published: March 2014

Herein, a unique approach to dispose of human hair by pyrolizing it in a regulated environment is presented, yielding highly porous, conductive hair carbons with heteroatoms and high surface area. α‐keratin in the protein network of hair serves as a precursor for the heteroatoms and carbon. The carbon framework is ingrained with heteroatoms such as nitrogen and sulfur, which otherwise are incorporated externally through energy‐intensive, hazardous, chemical reactions using proper organic precursors. This judicious transformation of organic‐rich waste not only addresses the disposal issue, but also generates valuable functional carbon materials from the discard. This unique synthesis strategy involving moderate activation and further graphitization enhances the electrical conductivity, while still maintaining the precious heteroatoms. The effect of temperature on the structural and functional properties is studied, and all the as‐obtained carbons are applied as metal‐free catalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). Carbon graphitized at 900 °C emerges as a superior ORR electrocatalyst with excellent electrocatalytic performance, high selectivity, and long durability, demonstrating that hair carbon can be a promising alternative for costly Pt‐based electrocatalysts in fuel cells. The ORR performance can be discussed in terms of heteroatom doping, surface properties, and electrical conductivity of the resulting porous hair carbon materials.
Genetic Counseling Practice in Next Generation Sequencing Research: Implications for the Ethical Oversight of the Informed Consent Process
Authors: Egalite Nathalie , Groisman Iris Jaitovich , Godard Beatrice
Published: March 2014

The potential for next generation sequencing research (NGS) to generate individual genetic results could have implications for the informed consent process and the provision of genetic counseling. We undertook a content analysis of informed consent templates and guidelines produced by Canadian institutional review boards, purposively sampling documents used by researchers to obtain consent from participants in genetics studies. Our goal was to examine the extent to which the informed consent documents addressed genetic counseling and the return of individual genetic results. Our analysis reveals that the majority of informed consent documents did not mention genetic counseling while several did not mention the return of results. We found differences in the ways in which documents addressed availability of counseling, eligibility criteria for referral to a genetic counselor, genetic counselor involvement, provision of services to family members of participants and incidental findings. From an ethical standpoint, consent documents should provide appropriate information so that participants may make an informed decision about their participation in research. The need to ensure adequate counseling for study populations in an NGS research context will necessarily involve adapting values that underlie care in genetic counseling practice. If the interests of research participants are to be truly promoted, the drafting and review of informed consent documents should give proper due to genetic counseling.
Metabolic Conversion of C20 Polymethylene‐Interrupted Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids to Essential Fatty Acids
Authors: Tanaka Tamotsu , Uozumi Sachika , Morito Katsuya , Osumi Takashi , Tokumura Akira
Published: March 2014

Polymethylene‐interrupted (PMI)‐polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) are fatty acids present largely in gymnosperm. Sciadonic acid (SciA, 20:3 Δ‐5,11,14) and juniperonic acid (JA, 20:4 Δ‐5,11,14,17) are typical C20 PMI‐PUFA with an isolated double bond at Δ5. Previously, we found that SciA and JA are converted to linoleic acid (LNA) and α‐linolenic acid (ΑLA), respectively. The conversion process includes chain‐shortening step by peroxisomal β‐oxidation for elimination a double bond at Δ5, and subsequent chain‐elongation step in microsomes. In this study, we examined the substrate specificity of this metabolism in rodent and human cells. Supplementation of SciA, eicosadienoic acid (EDA, 20:2 Δ‐11,14) or JA to CHO‐K1 cells (wild type) induced an accumulation of LNA, LNA or ALA, respectively, in cellular lipids. These changes were not observed in the peroxisomes‐deficient CHO cells, indicating involvement of peroxisomes in the metabolism. Two types of human cells (MKN74 and HepG2) also converted the C20 PMI‐PUFA and EDA to the respective essential fatty acids. In contrast, no chain‐shortened metabolite of pinolenic acid (18:3 Δ‐5,9,12) was detected in any cell lines tested. From these results, C20 PMI‐PUFA and EDA, but not C18 PMI‐PUFA, are suggested as being effectively converted to essential fatty acids by the fatty acid remodeling system in rodent and human cells.
Race, Restrictive State Abortion Laws and Abortion Demand
Authors: Medoff Marshall H.
Published: March 2014

A disproportionately large number of abortions are performed on black and Hispanic women. This study empirically investigates whether restrictive state abortion laws differentially affect the abortion demand of white, black and Hispanic women for the year 2005. A state Medicaid abortion funding restriction significantly decreases the abortion rate of all three races. However, Hispanic women's abortion demand is more sensitive to a Medicaid funding restriction than either white women or black women. Parental involvement laws and mandatory counseling laws have no significant impact on the abortion rates of the three racial groups. Two-visit laws are associated with a significant decrease in the abortion rate of white women, but have no significant effect on the abortion rates of black and Hispanic women.
Measurement of the bystander intervention model for bullying and sexual harassment
Authors: Nickerson Amanda B. , Aloe Ariel M. , Livingston Jennifer A. , Feeley Thomas Hugh
Published: March 2014

Although peer bystanders can exacerbate or prevent bullying and sexual harassment, research has been hindered by the absence of a validated assessment tool to measure the process and sequential steps of the bystander intervention model. A measure was developed based on the five steps of Latané and Darley’s (1970) bystander intervention model applied to bullying and sexual harassment. Confirmatory factor analysis with a sample of 562 secondary school students confirmed the five‐factor structure of the measure. Structural equation modeling revealed that all the steps were influenced by the previous step in the model, as the theory proposed. In addition, the bystander intervention measure was positively correlated with empathy, attitudes toward bullying and sexual harassment, and awareness of bullying and sexual harassment facts. This measure can be used for future research and to inform intervention efforts related to the process of bystander intervention for bullying and sexual harassment.
Multi‐marker analysis of circulating cell‐free DNA toward personalized medicine for colorectal cancer
Authors: Mouliere Florent , El Messaoudi Safia , Pang Dalong , Dritschilo Anatoly , Thierry Alain R.
Published: March 2014

Development of a Q‐PCR‐based assay for the high‐performance analysis of circulating cell‐free DNA (ccfDNA) requires good knowledge of its structure and size.

In this work, we present the first visual determination of ccfDNA by Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) on plasma samples from colorectal cancer (CRC) patients and healthy donors. In addition to the examination of fragment size distribution profile as performed by Q‐PCR, this analysis confirms that ccfDNA is highly fragmented and that more than 80% of ccfDNA fragments in CRC plasma are below 145 bp. We adapted an Allele‐Specific Blocker (ASB) Q‐PCR to small ccfDNA fragments to determine simultaneously the total ccfDNA concentration, the presence of point mutation, the proportion of mutated allele, and a ccfDNA integrity index. The data validated analytically these four parameters in 124 CRC clinical samples and 71 healthy individuals. The multi‐marker method, termed Intplex, enables sensitive and specific non‐invasive analysis of tumor ccfDNA, which has great potential in terms of cost, quality control, and easy implementation in every clinical center laboratory.
Violent expiratory events: on coughing and sneezing
Authors: Bourouiba Lydia , Dehandschoewercker Eline , Bush John W. M.
Published: March 2014

Violent respiratory events such as coughs and sneezes play a key role in transferring respiratory diseases between infectious and susceptible individuals. We present the results of a combined experimental and theoretical investigation of the fluid dynamics of such violent expiratory events. Direct observation of sneezing and coughing events reveals that such flows are multiphase turbulent buoyant clouds with suspended droplets of various sizes. Our observations guide the development of an accompanying theoretical model of pathogen-bearing droplets interacting with a turbulent buoyant momentum puff. We develop in turn discrete and continuous models of droplet fallout from the cloud in order to predict the range of pathogens. According to the discrete fallout model droplets remain suspended in the cloud until their settling speed matches that of the decelerating cloud. A continuous fallout model is developed by adapting models of sedimentation from turbulent fluids. The predictions of our theoretical models are tested against data gathered from a series of analogue experiments in which a particle-laden cloud is ejected into a relatively dense ambient. Our study highlights the importance of the multiphase nature of respiratory clouds, specifically the suspension of the smallest drops by circulation within the cloud, in extending the range of respiratory pathogens.