bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Screen‐Printed Electrodes Modified with Carbon Nanomaterials: A Comparison among Carbon Black, Carbon Nanotubes and Graphene
Authors: Cinti Stefano , Arduini Fabiana , Carbone Marilena , Sansone Lucia , Cacciotti Ilaria , Moscone Danila , Palleschi Giuseppe
Published: July 2015

In this work a comparative study using Screen‐Printed Electrodes (SPEs) modified by drop casting with Carbon Black, Single Walled Carbon NanotubesCOOH, Graphene Oxide, and reduced Graphene Oxide is reported. The carbon nanomaterials employed were characterized by X‐ray photoelectron and Raman spectroscopy, while the modified SPEs have been morphologically and electrochemically characterized. Nanoengineered SPEs have been tested with ferricyanide, NADH, ascorbic acid and cysteine. We observed valuable electroanalytical performances of Carbon Black with the advantage to be i) cost‐effective ii) suitable to obtain stable and homogenous dispersion and iii) mass‐producible following a well established route.
Role of Introduction of a Resistor in Series with the Working Electrode in Impedance Related Electrochemical Measurements
Authors: Huang Xinjian , Deng Haiqiang , Fang Yishan , Wang Lishi
Published: July 2015

Intentional introduction of a resistor in series with the working electrode during electrochemical measurements can apparently change the constituents of the electrochemical system. The introduced resistor behaves like the uncompensated solution resistance, which was often regarded as an unwanted factor. However, the introduction of the resistor brings substantial benefits in some circumstances such as (a) compressing the impedance dynamic range of an electrochemical system and making the time domain EIS measurement more reliable; (b) tuning the RC time constant of an electrochemical system to a larger or even desired value and making the potential step based capacitive biosensing more flexible.
The Use of Graphitic Carbon Nitride Based Composite Anodes for Lithium‐Ion Battery Applications
Authors: Miller Thomas S. , Jorge Ana Belen , Sella Andrea , Corà Furio , Shearing Paul R. , Brett Daniel J. L. , McMillan Paul F.
Published: July 2015

Graphitic carbon nitride (gCN) is shown to undergo lithium insertion reactions applicable with lithium‐ion battery anodes. Lithium capacity was found to be substantially lower than theoretically expected, so the properties of gCN composited with conducting graphite (CG), which was added to improve the performance, were investigated. The electrodes exhibited a systematic increase in lithium uptake with CG content, but the capacity never exceeded that of graphite. It is shown that electron transport via conducting pathways was limiting. Li+ uptake for 10 % gCN was similar to a graphite electrode, indicating that gCN does play a role in determining the storage capacity.
Electrochemical Treatment of Glassy Carbon for Label‐Free Detection of DNA Bases and Neurotransmitters
Authors: Zhang Yan , Kim Doo Young
Published: July 2015

Electrochemically reduced glassy carbon (r‐GC) showed a superior electrochemical sensing performance, compared to oxidized GC (ox‐GC) and untreated GC for the oxidation of 4 DNA bases and neurotransmitters (epinephrine, norepinephrine and serotonin). r‐GC exhibited not only the largest current intensities of all redox biomolecules, but also displayed an excellent selectivity in detecting coexisting redox biomolecules. The enhanced performance of r‐GC was attributed to the improved surface cleanliness of electrode and its catalytic surface functional groups. The results presented herein imply that simple electrochemical treatments are a viable method to produce sensitive and selective electrodes for label‐free biosensing.
Electrochemical Sensitive Determination of Nanomolar Guanine from ZnO Nanorods Coated on Platinum Electrode
Authors: Sharma Sanjeev K. , Kaur Narinder , Singh Jasminder , Sankar S. , Gaur S. S. , Lee Sejoon , Kim Deuk Young , Singh Narinder , Singh Harpreet
Published: July 2015

The crystalline ZnO nanorods, grown on Si‐substrate (100) at a low temperature using a hydrothermal process were used for modification of platinum electrode using PVC and THF for in order to test their chemosensor activity. The modified electrode can be used for selective nanomolar determination of guanine in aqueous media without any interference from other biomolecules. The prepared chemosensor has a lower detection limit of 40 nM for guanine, and a modification of the electrodes with ZnO nanorods increases the reproducibility by reducing the fouling effect caused by the oxidation of biomolecules on the electrode surface as the prepared electrode can be used for more than 30 consecutive scans and can be used for 5 days without any change in current intensity or sensitivity.
Highly Sensitive Voltammetric Thrombin Aptamer Sensor Based on the Synergistic Effect of Doping/Depositing Gold Nanoparticles in Polydopamine Film
Authors: Jeong Bongjin , Akter Rashida , Choi Jong‐Soon , Rahman Md. Aminur
Published: July 2015

A highly sensitive square‐wave voltammetric thrombin (TB) aptamer sensor was developed using functional polydopamine (PD) film by doping and depositing gold nanoparticles into the bulk and the surface of PD. The aptamer sensor was fabricated by immobilizing a thiolated TB‐binding aptamer (TBA) on the AuNPs‐doped/deposited PD film. AuNPs‐supported methylene blue labels were used for the detection of human α‐TB. Under the optimized conditions, the aptamer sensor’s dynamic range and the detection limit were determined to be 2.0 pM–50 nM and 0.97±0.06 pM, respectively. Finally, the proposed aptamer sensor was successfully examined in human serum samples and satisfactory results were obtained.
Development of a Potentiometric Chemical Sensor for the Rapid Detection of Carbofuran Based on Air Stable Lipid Films with Incorporated Calix[4]arene Phosphoryl Receptor Using Graphene Electrodes
Authors: Bratakou Spyridoula , Nikoleli Georgia‐Paraskevi , Nikolelis Dimitrios P. , Psaroudakis Nikolas
Published: July 2015

The present article describes a miniaturized potentiometric carbofuran chemical sensor on graphene nanosheets with incorporated lipid films. The graphene electrode was used for the development of a very selective and sensitive chemical sensor for the detection of carbofuran by immobilizing an artificial selective receptor on stabilized lipid films. The artificial receptor was synthesized by transformation of the hydroxyl groups of resorcin[4]arene receptor into phosphoryl groups. This chemical sensor responded for the wide range of carbofuran concentrations with fast response time of ca. 20 s. The presented potentiometric carbofuran chemical sensor is easy to construct and exhibits good reproducibility, reusability, selectivity, rapid response times, long shelf life and high sensitivity of ca. 59 mV/decade over the carbofuran logarithmic concentration range from 10−6 to 10−3 M.
AGILE: A terminal energy efficient scheduling method in mobile cloud computing
Authors: Chen Chao , Bao Weidong , Zhu Xiaomin , Ji Haoran , Xiao Wenhua , Wu Jianhong
Published: July 2015

With the development of mobile telecommunication technology, mobile phones have become a necessary tool in daily life and provided us many conveniences. Meanwhile, the huge number of cell phones constitute a potential high performance data processing system, called mobile cloud computing, to strengthen capacity for individual devices. Many researchers have studied about the architectures and scheduling algorithms of mobile cloud computing. However, little work has been performed about how to schedule mobile application tasks in data centers to extend battery life for mobile terminals. To address this issue, we investigate agent models, mobile energy consumption models and data transmission models under different connection environments. Based on which, we propose a novel terminal energy efficient scheduling method (AGILE for short). AGILE compares energy consumption in cloud execution and mobile execution according to the actual wireless environment, then makes energy‐efficient decisions. Extensive experiments are conducted to evaluate the performance of the AGILE under different wireless channels, and the performance impact on different parameters are studied. The experimental results indicate that the proposed method can save mobile devices' energy effectively. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Analysis of geological effects on methane adsorption capacity of continental shale: a case study of the Jurassic shale in the Tarim Basin, northwestern China
Authors: Gao Xiaoyue , Liu Luofu , Jiang Fujie , Wang Ying , Xiao Fei , Ren Zeying , Xiao Zhengyang
Published: July 2015

The Jurassic shale is an important source rock for the found gas reservoirs in the Tarim Basin, northwestern China, but has never been researched for shale gas potential. The geological effects on methane adsorption capacity for the gas shale have been investigated in this paper through the geochemical, mineralogical and adsorption analyses on samples from wells and sections. The methane adsorption capacity ranges from 0.58 to 16.57 cm3/g, and the total organic carbon (TOC) content is between 0.5 and 13.5 wt%. The organic maturity measured by Tmax is between 410 °C (immature) and 499 °C (overmature). The methane adsorption capacity of the Jurassic continental shale in the Tarim Basin is affected by many geological factors, including the TOC content, organic matter maturity, mineral composition, surface area and pore size distribution. The TOC content is the most significant factor with a positive effect on the adsorption capacity of the Jurassic shale, and the influence varies piecewise according to the TOC content. The TOC content contributes much more to the methane adsorption capacity of organic‐rich shale samples (TOC content > 0.7 wt%) than to the organic‐lean samples (TOC content < 0.7 wt%). The mineral composition is a secondary factor, and the abundance of clay content has a positive effect on the methane adsorption capacity despite its relatively weaker adsorption ability compared to TOC. The pore size distribution has different effects on surface area and pore volume. Mesopores and micropores provide the major surface area and are mainly derived from TOC and illite, which has a positive influence on the adsorption capacity. Mesopores and macropores offer the major pore volume and are mainly formed by illite, which is the major contributor for pore volume rather than surface area. In addition, the TOC and illite contents of the Jurassic shale in the Tarim Basin are closely related to the origin, maturity and diagenesis evolution of the shale: (1) both TOC and illite content variations are related to the different provenances and depositional environments of shale; (2) the decrease of TOC content with increasing maturity is also partly attributed to hydrocarbon generation; and (3) the increase of illite content with increasing maturity is due to illitization in the diagenesis of shale. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The subthalamic nucleus during decision‐making with multiple alternatives
Authors: Keuken Max C. , Van Maanen Leendert , Bogacz Rafal , Schäfer Andreas , Neumann Jane , Turner Robert , Forstmann Birte U.
Published: July 2015

Several prominent neurocomputational models predict that an increase of choice alternatives is modulated by increased activity in the subthalamic nucleus (STN). In turn, increased STN activity allows prolonged accumulation of information. At the same time, areas in the medial frontal cortex such as the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) and the pre‐SMA are hypothesized to influence the information processing in the STN. This study set out to test concrete predictions of STN activity in multiple‐alternative decision‐making using a multimodal combination of 7 Tesla structural and functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging, and ancestral graph (AG) modeling. The results are in line with the predictions in that increased STN activity was found with an increasing amount of choice alternatives. In addition, our study shows that activity in the ACC is correlated with activity in the STN without directly modulating it. This result sheds new light on the information processing streams between medial frontal cortex and the basal ganglia. Hum Brain Mapp 36:4041–4052, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Is hepatitis E virus an emerging problem in industrialized countries?
Authors: Sayed Ibrahim M. , Vercouter Ann‐Sofie , Abdelwahab Sayed F. , Vercauteren Koen , Meuleman Philip
Published: July 2015

Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is yearly responsible for approximately 20 million infections worldwide. Although most infections occur in developing countries, HEV appears to be an emerging problem in several industrialized countries, where it is mostly associated with either traveling to an HEV endemic area or contact with pigs, which represent a major reservoir of HEV. The major risk groups for HEV infection and its ensuing complications are elderly men, pregnant women, young children, immunocompromised patients, patients with preexisting liver disease, and workers that come into close contact with HEV‐infected animals. Whereas HEV mainly causes acute self‐limiting infections, chronic infections may occur among immunocompromised patients (e.g., transplant recipients and human immunodeficiency virus [HIV]‐infected patients). Accordingly, HEV‐HIV coinfection leads to accelerated liver cirrhosis and increased mortality rates compared to HEV infection alone, which is, except during pregnancy, usually associated with only low mortality. In the Western world, the most common genotype (gt) causing HEV infection is gt 3. Ribavirin (RBV) and interferon have been used successfully for treatment of HEV, but this treatment is contraindicated in certain patient groups. Therefore, novel antiviral compounds are highly needed, especially given that viral isolates with RBV resistance have been recently identified. Moreover, eradication of HEV is hampered by long‐term environmental persistence of the virus, which represents a continuous source of the virus. In 2011, the first prophylactic HEV vaccine, Hecolin, was approved in China, but it is not yet globally available. In this review, we will discuss the molecular virology of HEV, mode of transmission in industrialized countries, and potential implications for different specific patient populations.(Hepatology 2015;62:1883–1892)
Depletion of B cells induces remission of autoimmune hepatitis in mice through reduced antigen presentation and help to T cells
Authors: Béland Kathie , Marceau Gabriel , Labardy Agathe , Bourbonnais Sara , Alvarez Fernando
Published: July 2015

Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is known as a T cell–mediated disease. However, AIH patients refractory to conventional treatment have been successfully treated with anti‐CD20‐mediated B‐cell depletion. The aim of this project was to understand the immunological changes underlying the AIH remission caused by B‐cell depletion in an experimental model of AIH. C57BL/6 AIH mice, xenoimmunized with DNA coding for human liver antigens, were treated with a single dose of depleting mouse anti‐CD20 antibody at the peak of liver inflammation. Liver inflammation, alanine aminotransferase levels, chemokine (C‐X‐C) ligand 10 expression, and circulating B‐cell, autoantibody, and total immunoglobulin G levels were monitored following depletion. T‐cell and B‐cell phenotype and function were characterized. Administration of a single dose of anti‐CD20 resulted in a drastic reduction of liver inflammation accompanied by a significant reduction of alanine aminotransferase levels and of proinflammatory chemokine (C‐X‐C) ligand 10 expression. The treatment did not result in significant changes in total immunoglobulin G levels or autoantibodies. There were significantly more naive and less antigen‐experienced CD4+ and CD8+ T cells, and T‐cell proliferation was significantly reduced following anti‐CD20 treatment. B cells served as antigen‐presenting cells to CD4+ T cells. Anti‐CD20 treatment also led to a profound reduction of T follicular helper cells. Conclusion: B cells play an active role in the pathogenesis of AIH in antigen presentation processes and the modulation of T‐cell functions and influence the T follicular helper–cell population; this active role of B cells could explain the success of B‐cell depletion for remission of AIH despite its classification as a T cell–mediated autoimmune liver disease. (Hepatology 2015;62:1511–1523)
Decision‐making style, nicotine and caffeine use and dependence
Authors: Phillips James G. , Ogeil Rowan P.
Published: July 2015

Rationale

As therapeutic interventions are being developed utilising telehealth and mobile phones, it is important to understand how substance‐dependent individuals will respond to offers of online assistance.

Objectives

The present paper considered the following: (1) how decision‐making style is associated with use and dependence upon commonly used stimulants and (2) how it influences behavioural responses to electronic offers of further information about these drugs.

Method

An online survey examined patterns of nicotine and caffeine use, administered Severity of Dependence Scales for caffeine and nicotine and assessed decision‐making style using the Melbourne Decision Making Questionnaire and mood using the Kessler Distress Scale. Upon completing these scales, the 181 participants with a mean age of 28.14 years were offered further information online.

Results

Stimulant dependence was associated with psychological distress. Caffeine dependence was linked to hypervigilance (panic). Decisional self‐esteem varied with stimulant dependence and Kessler Distress Scale score. Participants with high decisional self‐esteem declined electronic offers of further information.

Conclusion

Confidence rather than defensive avoidance was a factor in reducing information‐seeking behaviours on the Internet. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
High affinity targeting of CD23 inhibits IgE synthesis in human B cells
Authors: Fellmann Marc , Buschor Patrick , Röthlisberger Silvan , Zellweger Fabian , Vogel Monique
Published: July 2015

The low‐affinity IgE receptor FcϵRII (CD23) is part of the regulatory system controlling IgE synthesis in human B cells and exists in membrane and soluble forms. Binding of IgE to CD23 has been described to have stabilizing effects and to prevent cleavage of CD23. Previous experiments using anti‐CD23 antibodies reduced IgE synthesis but were difficult to interpret as the antibody Fc part might also mediate feedback mechanisms. The purpose of this study was to investigate the regulatory role of CD23, by using designed ankyrin repeat proteins (DARPins) that specifically recognize CD23. Anti‐CD23 DARPins were isolated by ribosome display and were produced as monovalent and bivalent constructs. Affinities to CD23 were measured by surface plasmon resonance. IgE synthesis and up‐regulation of CD23 in human peripheral B cells were induced by IL‐4 and anti‐CD40 antibody. We assessed CD23 expression and its stabilization by FACS and used an ELISA for detecting soluble CD23. IgE synthesis was measured by ELISA and real‐time PCR. Surface plasmon resonance revealed affinities of the DARPins to CD23 in the pico‐molar range. Anti‐CD23 DARPins strongly inhibited binding of IgE to CD23 and share thus a similar binding epitope as IgE. The DARPins stabilized membrane CD23 and reduced IgE synthesis in an isotype specific manner. Furthermore, the anti‐CD23 DARPins decreased IgE transcript through inhibition of mature Cϵ RNA synthesis suggesting a posttranscriptional control mechanism. This study demonstrates that targeting CD23 alone is sufficient to inhibit IgE synthesis and suggests that a negative signaling occurs directly through the CD23 molecule.
CMTR1 is associated with increased asthma exacerbations in patients taking inhaled corticosteroids
Authors: Dahlin Amber , Denny Joshua , Roden Dan M. , Brilliant Murray H. , Ingram Christie , Kitchner Terrie E. , Linneman James G. , Shaffer Christian M. , Weeke Peter , Xu Hua , Kubo Michiaki , Tamari Mayumi , Clemmer George L. , Ziniti John , McGeachie Michael J. , Tantisira Kelan G. , Weiss Scott T. , Wu Ann Chen
Published: July 2015

Inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) are the most effective controller medications for asthma, and variability in ICS response is associated with genetic variation. Despite ICS treatment, some patients with poor asthma control experience severe asthma exacerbations, defined as a hospitalization or emergency room visit. We hypothesized that some individuals may be at increased risk of asthma exacerbations, despite ICS use, due to genetic factors. A GWAS of 237,726 common, independent markers was conducted in 806 Caucasian asthmatic patients from two population‐based biobanks: BioVU, at Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC) in Tennessee (369 patients), and Personalized Medicine Research Project (PMRP) at the Marshfield Clinic in Wisconsin (437 patients). Using a case–control study design, the association of each SNP locus with the outcome of asthma exacerbations (defined as asthma‐related emergency department visits or hospitalizations concurrent with oral corticosteroid use), was evaluated for each population by logistic regression analysis, adjusting for age, gender and the first four principal components. A meta‐analysis of the results was conducted. Validation of expression of selected candidate genes was determined by evaluating an independent microarray expression data set. Our study identified six novel SNPs associated with differential risk of asthma exacerbations (P < 10−05). The top GWAS result, rs2395672 in CMTR1, was associated with an increased risk of exacerbations in both populations (OR = 1.07, 95% CI 1.03–1.11; joint P = 2.3 × 10−06). Two SNPs (rs2395672 and rs279728) were associated with increased risk of exacerbations, while the remaining four SNPs (rs4271056, rs6467778, rs2691529, and rs9303988) were associated with decreased risk. Three SNPs (rs2395672, rs6467778, and rs2691529) were present in three genes: CMTR1, TRIM24 and MAGI2. The CMTR1 mRNA transcript was significantly differentially expressed in nasal lavage samples from asthmatics during acute exacerbations, suggesting potential involvement of this gene in the development of this phenotype. We show that genetic variability may contribute to asthma exacerbations in patients taking ICS. Furthermore, our studies implicate CMTR1 as a novel candidate gene with potential roles in the pathogenesis of asthma exacerbations.
Contrasting electronic requirements for CH binding and CH activation in d6 half‐sandwich complexes of rhenium and tungsten
Authors: Thenraj Murugesan , Samuelson Ashoka G.
Published: July 2015

A computational study of the interaction half‐sandwich metal fragments (metal = Re/W, electron count = d6), containing linear nitrosyl (NO+), carbon monoxide (CO), trifluorophosphine (PF3), N‐heterocyclic carbene (NHC) ligands with alkanes are conducted using density functional theory employing the hybrid meta‐GGA functional (M06). Electron deficiency on the metal increases with the ligand in the order NHC < CO < PF3 < NO+. Electron‐withdrawing ligands like NO+ lead to more stable alkane complexes than NHC, a strong electron donor. Energy decomposition analysis shows that stabilization is due to orbital interaction involving charge transfer from the alkane to the metal. Reactivity and dynamics of the alkane fragment are facilitated by electron donors on the metal. These results match most of the experimental results known for CO and PF3 complexes. The study suggests activation of alkane in metal complexes to be facile with strong donor ligands like NHC. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A simulation‐based resident‐as‐teacher program: The impact on teachers and learners
Authors: Miloslavsky Eli M. , Sargsyan Zaven , Heath Janae K. , Kohn Rachel , Alba George A. , Gordon James A. , Currier Paul F.
Published: July 2015

BACKGROUND

Residency training is charged with improving resident teaching skills. Utilizing simulation in teacher training has unique advantages such as providing a controlled learning environment and opportunities for deliberate practice.

OBJECTIVE

We assessed the impact of a simulation‐based resident‐as‐teacher (RaT) program.

DESIGN

A RaT program was embedded in an existing 8‐case simulation curriculum for 52 internal medicine (IM) interns. Residents participated in a workshop, then served as facilitators in the curriculum and received feedback from faculty.

METHODS

Residents' teaching and feed back skills were measured using a pre‐ and post‐program self‐assessment and post‐session and post‐curriculum evaluations by intern learners.

SETTING/PARTICIPANTS

Forty‐one second‐ and third‐year residents participated in the study August 2013 to October 2013 at a single center.

RESULTS

Pre‐ and post‐program teaching skills were assessed for 34 of 41 resident facilitators (83%) participating in 3.9 sessions on average. Partaking in the program led to improvements in resident facilitators' self‐reported teaching and feedback skills across all domains. The most significant improvement was in teaching in a simulated environment (2.81 to 4.16, P < 0.001). Interns rated the curriculum highly (81% “excellent,” 19% “good”) and reported that resident facilitators frequently utilized debriefing techniques covered in the RaT program.

CONCLUSIONS

Our simulation‐based RaT program offered a unique opportunity for deliberate practice of teaching skills in a controlled environment and led to improvements in resident facilitators' teaching and feed back skills. The simulation curriculum, facilitated by residents, was well received by the intern learners. Our program design may serve as a model for the development of simulation curricula and RaT programs within IM residencies. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2015;10:767–772. © 2015 Society of Hospital Medicine
Evaluation of rapid cell division in non‐uniform cell cycles
Authors: Lee Juyun , Jeon Wonju , Chang Man , Han Myung‐Soo
Published: July 2015

To better understand the mechanisms of development of harmful algal blooms (HABs), accurate estimates of species‐specific in situ growth rates are needed. HABs are caused by rapid cell division by the causative microorganisms. To accurately estimate the in situ growth rates of harmful algae having non‐uniform and/or irregular cell cycles, we modified a standard equation based on the cell cycle, and calculated the in situ growth rate to describe the process of bloom development in nature. Sampling of a developing bloom of Heterosigma akashiwo in Pohang Bay, Korea, was conducted every 3 h from 15:00 on August 2 to 07:00 on August 4, 2006. The amount of H. akashiwo DNA was measured using flow cytometry following tyramide signal amplification‐fluorescence in situ hybridization. On August 2, the percentage of G1 phase cells decreased from 15:00 to 19:00 then increased until 22:00; it then decreased until 07:00 on August 3, followed by an increase to 10:00. This indicates the ability of the cells in nature to undergo more than one round of division per day. During the following night two rounds of division did not occur. The in situ growth rates estimated using the modified equation ranged from 0.31 to 0.53 d−1. We conclude that the use of this equation enables more accurate estimates of bloom formation by rapidly dividing cells.
Molecular cloning and characterization of a new and highly thermostable esterase from Geobacillus sp. JM6
Authors: Zhu Yanbing , Zheng Wenguang , Ni Hui , Liu Han , Xiao Anfeng , Cai Huinong
Published: July 2015

A new lipolytic enzyme gene was cloned from a thermophile Geobacillus sp. JM6. The gene contained 750 bp and encoded a 249‐amino acid protein. The recombinant enzyme was expressed and purified from Escherichia coli BL21 (DE3) with a molecular mass of 33.6 kDa. Enzyme assays using p‐nitrophenyl esters with different acyl chain lengths as the substrates confirmed its esterase activity, yielding the highest activity with p‐nitrophenyl butyrate. When p‐nitrophenyl butyrate was used as a substrate, the optimum reaction temperature and pH for the enzyme were 60 °C and pH 7.5, respectively. Geobacillus sp. JM6 esterase showed excellent thermostability with 68% residual activity after incubation at 100 °C for 18 h. A theoretical structural model of strain JM6 esterase was developed with a monoacylglycerol lipase from Bacillus sp. H‐257 as a template. The predicted core structure exhibits an α/β hydrolase fold, and a putative catalytic triad (Ser97, Asp196, and His226) was identified. Inhibition assays with PMSF indicated that serine residue is involved in the catalytic activity of strain JM6 esterase. The recombinant esterase showed a relatively good tolerance to the detected detergents and denaturants, such as SDS, Chaps, Tween 20, Tween 80, Triton X‐100, sodium deoxycholate, urea, and guanidine hydrochloride.
Genome‐wide analysis of synonymous codon usage in Huaiyangshan virus and other bunyaviruses
Authors: Luo Xuelian , Liu Qingzhen , Xiong Yanwen , Ye Changyun , Jin Dong , Xu Jianguo
Published: July 2015

Huaiyangshan virus (HYSV) is a newly discovered bunyavirus, which is transmitted by ticks and causes hemorrhagic fever‐like illness in human. The interplay of codon usage among viruses and their hosts is expected to affect viral survival, evasion from host's immune system and evolution. However, little is known about the codon usage in HYSV genome. In the present study, we analyzed synonymous codon usage in 120 available full‐length HYSV sequences and performed a comparative analysis of synonymous codon usage patterns in HYSV and 42 other bunyaviruses. The relative synonymous codon usage (RSCU) analysis showed that the preferred synonymous codons were G/C‐ended. A comparative analysis of RSCU between HYSV and its hosts reflected that codon usage patterns of HYSV were mostly coincident with that of its hosts. Our data suggested that although mutational bias dominated codon usage, patterns of codon usage in HYSV were also under the influence of nature selection. Phylogenetic analysis based on RSCU values across different HYSV strains and 42 other bunyaviruses suggested that codon usage pattern in HYSV was the most similar with that of Uukuniemi virus among these bunyaviruses and that viruses belonged to Phlebovirus showed a diversity of codon usage patterns.
Combination therapy with intra‐articular injection of mesenchymal stem cells and articulated joint distraction for repair of a chronic osteochondral defect in the rabbit
Authors: Harada Yohei , Nakasa Tomoyuki , Mahmoud Elhussein Elbadry , Kamei Goki , Adachi Nobuo , Deie Masataka , Ochi Mitsuo
Published: July 2015

The present study investigated intra‐articular injection of bone‐marrow‐derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) combined with articulated joint distraction as treatment for osteochondral defects. Large osteochondral defects were created in the weight‐bearing area of the medial femoral condyle in rabbit knees. Four weeks after defect creation, rabbits were divided into six groups: control group, MSC group, distraction group, distraction + MSC group, temporary distraction group, and temporary distraction + MSC group. Groups with MSC received intra‐articular injection of MSCs. Groups with distraction underwent articulated distraction arthroplasty. Groups with temporary distraction discontinued the distraction after 4 weeks. The rabbits were euthanized at 4, 8, and 12 weeks after treatment except temporary distraction groups which were euthanized at only 12 weeks. Histological scores in the distraction + MSC group were significantly better than in the control, MSC group or distraction group at 4 and 8 weeks, but showed no further improvement. At 12 weeks, the temporary distraction + MSC group showed the best results, demonstrating hyaline cartilage repair with regeneration of the osteochondral junction. In conclusion, joint distraction with intra‐articular injection of MSCs promotes early cartilage repair, and compressive loading of the repair tissue after temporary distraction stimulates articular cartilage regeneration. © 2015 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 33:1466–1473, 2015.
Hypoxia‐inducible factor 3‐alpha expression is associated with the stable chondrocyte phenotype
Authors: Markway Brandon D. , Cho Holly , Zilberman‐Rudenko Jevgenia , Holden Paul , McAlinden Audrey , Johnstone Brian
Published: July 2015

The hypoxia‐inducible factors HIF‐1α and HIF‐2α are important regulators of the chondrocyte phenotype but little is known about HIF‐3α in cartilage. The objective of this study was to characterize HIF‐3α (HIF3A) expression during chondrocyte differentiation in vitro and in native cartilage tissues. HIF3A, COL10A1, and MMP13 were quantified in mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and articular chondrocytes from healthy and osteoarthritic (OA) tissue in three‐dimensional cultures and in human embryonic epiphyses and adult articular cartilage. HIF3A was found to have an inverse association with hypertrophic markers COL10A1 and MMP13 in chondrogenic cells and tissues. In healthy chondrocytes, HIF3A was induced by dexamethasone and increased during redifferentiation. By comparison, HIF3A expression was extremely low in chondrogenically differentiated MSCs expressing high levels of COL10A1 and MMP13. HIF3A was also lower in redifferentiated OA chondrocytes than in healthy chondrocytes. In human embryonic epiphyseal tissue, HIF3A expression was lowest in the hypertrophic zone. Distinct splice patterns were also found in embryonic cartilage when compared with adult articular cartilage and redifferentiated chondrocytes. These in vitro and in vivo findings suggest that HIF3A levels are indicative of the hypertrophic state of chondrogenic cells and one or more splice variants may be important regulators of the chondrocyte phenotype. © 2015 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 33:1561–1570, 2015.
Raman spectroscopy of carbonaceous particles of environmental interest
Authors: Ferrugiari Anna , Tommasini Matteo , Zerbi Giuseppe
Published: July 2015

Carbonaceous particles of environmental origin are practically insoluble, which constitutes an obstacle to many chemical physical characterization techniques. Micro‐Raman spectroscopy overcomes the sample preparation step and can be applied on the as‐received sample and even in situ, with nowadays commercially available portable Raman equipment. Multivariate statistical analysis of Raman data recorded on a variety of carbonaceous particles of different origin, through a molecular interpretation of the signal, shows that the use of Raman spectroscopy with several excitation sources can provide a useful tool for assisting the characterization of various forms of environmental carbon matter. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Robotic lateral transabdominal adrenalectomy
Authors: Nomine‐Criqui Claire , Brunaud Laurent , Germain Adeline , Klein Marc , Cuny Thomas , Ayav Ahmet , Bresler Laurent
Published: July 2015

Laparoscopic transabdominal adrenalectomy is considered to be the standard of care for adrnalectomy. Widespread adoption of robotic technology has positioned robotic adrenalectomy as an option in some medical centers. Many studies have compared laparoscopic versus robotic approaches to perform adrenalectomy and evaluated potential advantages to balance higher costs. This review summarizes current available data regarding the use of the robotic system to perform adrenalectomy (RA) and its comparison with laparoscopic adrenalectomy (LA). J. Surg. Oncol. 2015; 112:305–309. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Postoperative recurrence of papillary thyroid carcinoma with lymph node metastasis
Authors: Liu Feng‐Hsuan , Kuo Sheng‐Fong , Hsueh Chuen , Chao Tzu‐Chieh , Lin Jen‐Der
Published: July 2015

Background and Objectives

: The purpose of this study was to retrospectively analyze the features of patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) presenting with neck lymph node (LN) metastasis.

Methods

: The study enrolled 909 patients with PTC who had undergone total thyroidectomy. After a median follow‐up of 14.6 years, 73 (8.0%) patients died of thyroid cancer. A total of 536 patients had the tumor confined to the thyroid (intra‐thyroid), 111 had lymph node (LN) metastasis, 225 showed soft tissue invasion, and 37 had distant metastasis.

Results

: Compared with the intra‐thyroid group, the group with LN metastases showed larger tumor size, higher postoperative thyroglobulin levels, advanced TNM stage, higher recurrence rates (5.2% vs. 31.5%), and higher disease‐specific mortality (1.3% vs. 12.6%). Of the 111 patients with PTC and LN metastases, 35 (31.5%) were diagnosed with recurrence during a mean follow‐up period of 16.9 ± 0.6 years. Among the 35 patients with recurrent PTC, 14 (40.0%) died of thyroid cancer. The mortality group was characterized by older, mostly male patients who presented with larger initial tumor size compared with survivors.

Conclusions

: In patients with PTC, the rates of recurrence and cancer mortality were higher in the group with LN metastasis than that in the intra‐thyroid tumor group. J. Surg. Oncol. 2015 111:149–154. © 2015 The Authors. Journal of Surgical Oncology Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Quality assessment of crude and processed ginger by high‐performance liquid chromatography with diode array detection and mass spectrometry combined with chemometrics
Authors: Deng Xianmei , Yu Jiangyong , Zhao Ming , Zhao Bin , Xue Xingyang , Che ChunTao , Meng Jiang , Wang Shumei
Published: July 2015

A sensitive, simple, and validated high‐performance liquid chromatography with diode array detection and mass spectrometry detection method was developed for three ginger‐based traditional Chinese herbal drugs, Zingiberis Rhizoma, Zingiberis Rhizome Preparatum, and Zingiberis Rhizome Carbonisata. Chemometrics methods, such as principal component analysis, hierarchical cluster analysis, and analysis of variance, were also employed in the data analysis. The results clearly revealed significant differences among Zingiberis Rhizoma, Zingiberis Rhizome Preparatum, and Zingiberis Rhizome Carbonisata, indicating variations in their chemical compositions during the processing, which may elucidate the relationship of the thermal treatment with the change of the constituents and interpret their different clinical uses. Furthermore, the sample consistency of Zingiberis Rhizoma, Zingiberis Rhizome Preparatum, and Zingiberis Rhizome Carbonisata can also be visualized by high‐performance liquid chromatography with diode array detection and mass spectrometry analysis followed by principal component analysis/hierarchical cluster analysis. The comprehensive strategy of liquid chromatography with mass spectrometry analysis coupled with chemometrics should be useful in quality assurance for ginger‐based herbal drugs and other herbal medicines.
Impact of Deployment‐Related Sexual Stressors on Psychiatric Symptoms After Accounting for Predeployment Stressors: Findings From a U.S. National Guard Cohort
Authors: McCallum Ethan B. , Murdoch Maureen , Erbes Christopher R. , Arbisi Paul , Polusny Melissa A.
Published: July 2015

This study used a longitudinal research design to examine the impact of predeployment stressors and deployment‐related sexual stressors on self‐reported psychiatric symptoms of U.S. National Guard soldiers returning from deployments to Iraq or Afghanistan. Prior to deployment, participants completed measures of depression and posttraumatic stress symptoms, along with an inventory of predeployment stressor experiences. At 3‐months postdeployment, participants (468 men, 60 women) again completed self‐report measures of psychiatric symptoms, along with an inventory of sexual stressors experienced during deployment. We compared a cross‐sectional model of sexual stressors’ impact on psychiatric symptoms, in which only postdeployment reports were considered, to a longitudinal model in which we adjusted for participants’ predeployment stressors and psychiatric symptoms. No participants reported sexual assault during deployment, though sexual harassment was common. The cross‐sectional model suggested that deployment‐related sexual stressors were significantly associated with postdeployment depression (R2 = .11) and posttraumatic stress symptoms (R2 = .10). Once predeployment factors were taken into consideration, however, sexual stressors were no longer significant. The results did not support the notion of lasting negative impact for low‐level sexual stressors (e.g., sexual harassment) during deployment after predeployment stressors are accounted for. Future studies of sexual stressors should consider longitudinal designs.
Homelessness‐Related Traumatic Events and PTSD Among Women Experiencing Episodes of Homelessness in Three U.S. Cities
Authors: Whitbeck Les B. , Armenta Brian E. , Gentzler Kari C.
Published: July 2015

In this article, we report the prevalence of traumatic events (TEs), lifetime and 12‐month posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among 148 women experiencing homelessness in 3 midsized cities in the United States (Omaha, NE, Pittsburgh, PA, and Portland, OR). The women ranged in age from 19 to 54 years with an average age of 38.89 years (SD = 10.18). The sample was 42.6% White/European American. We investigated the mediation of distal TEs (i.e., childhood maltreatment) by more proximal TEs associated with being homeless (i.e., homelessness‐related stressors) for meeting diagnostic criteria for 12‐month PTSD. Results indicated that 42.6% of the women met criteria for lifetime PTSD and 39.7% met criteria for past‐year PTSD. The number of TEs reported ranged from 0 to 16 in order of prevalence with a median of 6 TEs. The correlations between childhood maltreatment and 12‐month PTSD ranged from .16 to .20 and the correlations between homelessness‐related stressors and 12‐month PTSD ranged from .21 to .30. The mediation analysis was consistent with the association between childhood maltreatment and past‐year PTSD being fully mediated by homelessness‐related trauma.
Treatment of type 2 hepatorenal syndrome in patients awaiting transplantation: Effects on kidney function and transplantation outcomes
Authors: Rodriguez Ezequiel , Henrique Pereira Gustavo , Solà Elsa , Elia Chiara , Barreto Rogelio , Pose Elisa , Colmenero Jordi , Fernandez Javier , Navasa Miquel , Arroyo Vicente , Ginès Pere
Published: July 2015

There is little information on the effects of treatment with vasoconstrictors plus albumin in patients with type 2 hepatorenal syndrome (HRS), particularly those awaiting liver transplantation (LT). This study reports the effects of treatment of type 2 HRS in patients on the waiting list for LT. We included 56 patients with type 2 HRS who were awaiting LT. Out of these 56 patients, 31 were treated with terlipressin and albumin. Nineteen (61%) of these 31 patients had response to therapy, and 11 of them relapsed after treatment withdrawal. There were no differences in mortality on the waiting list between responders and nonresponders. Among the 46 (82%) patients who underwent transplantation, 15 underwent transplantation with reversal of type 2 HRS, whereas the remaining 31 underwent transplantation with type 2 HRS. There were no significant differences in serum creatinine or estimated glomerular filtration rate between the 2 cohorts of patients at 3, 6, and 12 months after transplantation. There were no significant differences regarding development of acute kidney injury, need for renal replacement therapy, frequency of chronic kidney disease 1 year after transplant, length of hospitalization, and survival. In conclusion, treatment of patients with type 2 HRS with terlipressin and albumin does not appear to have beneficial effects either in pretransplantation or in posttransplantation outcomes. Liver Transpl 21:1347‐1354, 2015. © 2015 AASLD.
Effects of substituting ytterbium for scandium on corrosion behaviour of Al–Sc alloy
Authors: Tuan N. Q. , Alves A. C. , Toptan F. , Lopes A. B. , Pinto A. M. P.
Published: July 2015

The localized corrosion and electrochemical behaviour of Al–0.28 wt.% Sc and Al–0.24 wt.% Sc–0.07 wt.% Yb alloys have been studied in 3.5 wt.% NaCl solution. The results showed that the impurity intermetallic phases containing Fe can act as cathodes and promote localized corrosion in the surrounding matrix. Yb had strong effect on the polarization behaviour in the anodic domain of Al–Sc alloy by improving the pitting corrosion resistance of this alloy. It has been deduced that a high number density of fully coherent nano‐sized Al3Sc or Al3(Sc,Yb) precipitates in heat treated alloys can enhance the passivation tendency of these alloys.
Influence of process parameters on localized corrosion of AA7075 alloy during the production of aeronautic components
Authors: Lourenço J. C. , Faria M. I. S. T. , Robin A. , Prisco L. P. , Puccini M.C.
Published: July 2015

The 7xxx alloys are mainly used in high stress applications, such as aircrafts structural parts, due to their great mechanical properties and low density compared to steel. Depending on the intermetallics in the alloys, they may suffer pitting which reduces the materiaĺs fatigue life time. The objective of the study was to identify what factors during the manufacture of AA7075 alloy parts are significant and how they should be controlled to minimize the occurrence of corrosion. Three steps of the production cycle were considered, machining, deburring and liquid penetrant test. After the definition of the significant factors at each step separately, a design of experiment based on a fractional factorial type was built for the whole manufacture line. The response variable was the amount of corrosion obtained by image analysis. The most significant factors were found at the machining stage: state of the bench vice jaw material (device which holds the aluminum part at the CNC lathe) and chloride concentration in the cooling fluid.
Stable Formation of Gold Nanoparticles onto Redox‐Active Solid Biosubstrates Made of Squid Suckerin Proteins
Authors: Cantaert Bram , Ding Dawei , Rieu Clément , Petrone Luigi , Hoon Shawn , Kock Kian Hong , Miserez Ali
Published: July 2015

The use of biomolecules to synthesize inorganic nanomaterials, including metallic nanoparticles, offers the ability to induce controlled growth under mild environmental conditions. Here, recently discovered silk‐like “suckerin” proteins are used to induce the formation of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs). Advantage is taken of the distinctive biological and physico‐chemical characteristics of suckerins, namely their facile recombinant expression, their solubility in aqueous solutions, and their modular primary structure with high molar content of redox‐active tyrosine (Tyr) residues to induce the formation of AuNPs not only in solution, but also from nanostructured solid substrates fabricated from suckerins.

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Mussel‐Inspired Photografting on Colloidal Spheres: A Generalized Self‐Template Route to Stimuli‐Responsive Hollow Spheres for Controlled Pesticide Release
Authors: Sheng Wenbo , Li Wei , Li Bin , Li Cuihua , Xu Yisheng , Guo Xuhong , Zhou Feng , Jia Xin
Published: July 2015

A thermo‐controlled pesticide release system composed of poly(2‐(dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate) (PDMAEMA) thin film grafted polydopamine (PDA) (PDMAEMA‐g‐PDA) microcapsules is reported. SiO2 microparticles are used as a template to prepare PDA‐coated SiO2 microparticles. The thermally‐responsive PDMAEMA thin films are grafted on PDA surfaces using a metal‐free surface‐initiated photopolymerization approach without adding any photo­initiator or photosensitizer under UV light irradiation. The subsequent acid etching yields PDMAEMA‐g‐PDA hollow microcapsules. PDMAEMA‐g‐PDA microcapsules exhibit well‐controlled release of avermectin (Av). The results show that the loading ability of PDMAEMA‐g‐PDA microcapsules of Av is up to 52.7% (w/w). The release kinetics of Av demonstrate that Av@PDMAEMA‐g‐PDA microcapsules exhibit temperature‐controlled release performance. This work is significant for controlled release systems. This simple design is expected to be used in various applications, such as in controlled drug release and agriculture‐related fields.

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