bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Substantial net N mineralization during the dormant season in temperate forest soils
Authors: Schütt Marianne , Borken Werner , Stange Claus Florian , Matzner Egbert
Published: June 2014

In temperate forest soils, N net mineralization has been extensively investigated during the growing season, whereas N cycling during winter was barely addressed. Here, we quantified net ammonification and nitrification during the dormant season by in situ and laboratory incubations in soils of a temperate European beech and a Norway spruce forest. Further, we compared temperature dependency of N net mineralization in in situ field incubations with those from laboratory incubations at controlled temperatures. From November to April, in situ N net mineralization of the organic and upper mineral horizons amounted to 10.9 kg N (ha · 6 months)–1 in the spruce soil and to 44.3 kg N (ha · 6 months)–1 in the beech soil, representing 65% (beech) and 26% (spruce) of the annual above ground litterfall. N net mineralization was largest in the Oi/Oe horizon and lowest in the A and EA horizons. Net nitrification in the beech soil [1.5 kg N (ha · 6 months)–1] was less than in the spruce soil [5.9 kg N (ha · 6 months)–1]. In the range of soil temperatures observed in the field (0–8°C), the temperature dependency of N net mineralization was generally high for both soils and more pronounced in the laboratory incubations than in the in situ incubations. We suggest that homogenization of laboratory samples increased substrate availability and, thus, enhanced the temperature response of N net mineralization. In temperate forest soils, N net mineralization during the dormant season contributes substantially to the annual N cycling, especially in deciduous sites with large amounts of litterfall immediately before the dormant season. High Q10 values of N net mineralization at low temperatures suggest a huge effect of future increasing winter temperature on the N cycle in temperate forests.
Development of pressurized liquid extraction and solid‐phase microextraction combined with gas chromatography and flame photometric detection for the determination of organophosphate esters in sediments
Authors: Zheng Jianming , Gao Zhanqi , Yuan Wenting , He Huan , Yang Shaogui , Sun Cheng
Published: June 2014

Organophosphate esters have been extensively used as flame retardants and plasticizers. The analysis of organophosphate esters in the environment is a hot topic because many of them are toxic and persistent. We developed a novel procedure for determining organophosphate esters in sediment. In this work, pressurized liquid extraction and solid‐phase microextraction are used for sample preparation to extract and concentrate the analytes, which are then analyzed by gas chromatography with flame photometric detection. The extraction parameters of pressurized liquid extraction were investigated and optimized by orthogonal design and then evaluated by range analysis and analysis of variance. Under the optimal conditions, the proposed procedure showed wide linear ranges (0.90–100 ng/g) with correlation coefficients ranging from 0.9921 to 0.9990. The detection limits of the method were in the range of 0.009–0.280 ng/g with standard deviations ranging from 2.2 to 9.5%. Recoveries of the proposed method ranged from 82.3 to 108.9% with relative standard deviations <8.4%. The obtained method was applied successfully to the determination of organophosphate esters in real sediments with recoveries varying from 79.8 to 107.3%. The proposed method was proved to be simple, easy, and sensitive for analyzing organophosphate esters in sediment samples.
Effect of chromatographic conditions and plasmid DNA size on the dynamic binding capacity of a monolithic support
Authors: Bicho Diana , Sousa Ângela , Sousa Fani , Queiroz João , Tomaz Cãndida
Published: June 2014

DNA therapies are becoming recognized alternatives for the treatment and prevention of severe pathologies. Although most current trials have used plasmids <10 kbp, in the future larger plasmids would be required. The purpose of this work was to study the chromatographic behavior of nongrafted carbonyldiimidazole monolithic disks using plasmids with different sizes under hydrophobic conditions. Thereunto, the purification of several plasmids was performed. Higher size plasmids needed lower ammonium sulfate concentration, due to the greater number of interactions between the plasmids and monolith. The dynamic binding capacity experiments for the different plasmids revealed a lower capacity for bigger plasmids. It was also verified that the increase of salt concentration from 2.5 to 3 M of ammonium sulfate increased the capacity. At the highest salt concentration, a slight improvement in the capacity using lower flow rate was observed, possibly due to compaction of plasmid molecules and its better organization on the monolith channels. Finally, a low pH also had a positive effect on the capacity. So, this monolithic support proved to be appropriate to purify the supercoiled isoform of different plasmids with different sizes, providing a valuable instrument as a purification technique.
Unusual interaction of RNA polymerase with the bacteriophage Mu middle promoter Pm in the absence of its activator protein Mor
Authors: Mo Yongkai , Howe Martha M.
Published: June 2014

The bacteriophage Mu Mor activator protein is absolutely required for transcription from the Mu middle promoter Pm. However, when RNA polymerase (RNAP) was incubated with Pm DNA in the absence of Mor, a band at promoter position −51 was hypersensitive to DNase I cleavage, demonstrating an interaction of RNAP with the promoter DNA. The hypersensitivity was similar at four different lengths of Pm DNA assayed from −62 to +10, −62 to +46, −96 to +10, and −96 to +46. The hypersensitivity occurred equally well at 5°C, 15°C, and 30°C, indicating that it did not require open complex formation, which only occurred at 30°C. The −51 hypersensitivity at 5°C and 15°C was eliminated by the addition of heparin, consistent with the possibility that it arose by formation of unstable closed complexes of RNAP bound to Pm DNA. Generation of the hypersensitive band required the complete RNAP with its αCTDs, but neither the αCTD nor intact α were sufficient for the interaction and resulting hypersensitivity. There was no correlation between the level of hypersensitivity observed in vitro and the level of Pm activity in vivo, as assayed by the Mor‐dependent production of β‐galactosidase from a Pm‐lacZ fusion. In an “order of addition” experiment, preincubation of Pm DNA with Mor followed by addition of RNAP led to the fastest open complex formation, whereas preincubation of Pm DNA with RNAP gave the slowest. These results support the conclusion that Mor recruits RNAP to Pm rather than reposition a prebound RNAP, as occurs for C‐dependent repositioning of RNAP at the Mu late promoter Pmom.
AglB, catalyzing the oligosaccharyl transferase step of the archaeal N‐glycosylation process, is essential in the thermoacidophilic crenarchaeon Sulfolobus acidocaldarius
Authors: Meyer Benjamin H. , Albers Sonja‐Verena
Published: June 2014

Sulfolobus acidocaldarius, a thermo‐acidophilic crenarchaeon which grows optimally at 76°C and pH 3, exhibits an astonishing high number of N‐glycans linked to the surface (S‐) layer proteins. The S‐layer proteins as well as other surface‐exposed proteins are modified via N‐glycosylation, in which the oligosaccharyl transferase AglB catalyzes the final step of the transfer of the glycan tree to the nascent protein. In this study, we demonstrated that AglB is essential for the viability of S. acidocaldarius. Different deletion approaches, that is, markerless in‐frame deletion as well as a marker insertion were unsuccessful to create an aglB deletion mutant. Only the integration of a second aglB gene copy allowed the successful deletion of the original aglB.
Randomized, controlled trial of rasagiline as an add‐on to dopamine agonists in Parkinson's disease
Authors: Hauser Robert A. , Silver Dee , Choudhry Azhar , Eyal Eli , Isaacson Stuart ,   for the ANDANTE study investigators
Published: June 2014

Dopamine agonists (DA) are often used as first‐line monotherapy for the symptomatic control of Parkinson's disease (PD). However, DA monotherapy typically becomes inadequate within a few years, at which time the DA dosage must be increased or other antiparkinsonian medications added. Adding a monoamine oxidase‐B (MAO‐B) inhibitor to DA monotherapy might improve symptomatic control while maintaining good safety and tolerability. We conducted an 18‐week, randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial of rasagiline 1 mg/d as an add‐on to DA therapy (ropinirole ≥ 6 mg/d or pramipexole ≥ 1.0 mg/d) in early PD patients whose conditions were not adequately controlled on their current treatment regimen. The primary efficacy variable was the change in total Unified Parkinson Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) score (sum of parts I, II, and III) from baseline to week 18, comparing rasagiline and placebo groups. The modified intent‐to‐treat (ITT) population included 321 subjects whose mean ± SD age was 62.6 ± 9.7, and duration of PD was 2.1 ± 2.1 years. Results demonstrated a significantly greater improvement in total UPDRS scores from baseline to week 18 in the rasagiline group compared with the placebo group (least squares [LS] mean difference ± SE, −2.4 ± 0.95; 95% confidence interval [CI], −4.3, −0.5; P = 0.012). Mean improvement (LS mean ± SE) was −3.6 ± 0.68 in the rasagiline group and −1.2 ± 0.68 in the placebo group. Rasagiline was well tolerated, and the most common adverse events (AEs; rasagiline vs. placebo) were dizziness (7.4% vs. 6.1%), somnolence (6.8% vs. 6.7%), and headache (6.2% vs. 4.3%). Rasagiline 1 mg/d provided statistically significant improvement when added to dopamine agonist therapy and was well tolerated. © 2014 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Multidisciplinary Rehabilitation for Chronic Widespread Musculoskeletal Pain: Results from Daily Practice
Authors: Koele Robin , Volker Gerard , van Vree Félicie , van Gestel Marc , Köke Albère , Vliet Vlieland Theodora
Published: June 2014

Introduction

Evidence for the efficacy of a multi‐component approach for chronic widespread musculoskeletal pain (CWP) has been reported, although the effects are overall moderate and this approach has rarely been investigated in real life.

Aim

The aim of the study was to describe the effects of a 15‐week multidisciplinary pain rehabilitation programme on pain, activities and participation in patients with CWP.

Methods

The current retrospective study used data which were routinely gathered on all consecutive patients with CWP referred to a rehabilitation programme over a 21‐month period. The 15‐week multidisciplinary rehabilitation programme consisted of cognitive behavioural therapy and exercise, as well as individual and group sessions with additional treatment modalities. Assessments included the Pain Disability Index (PDI), the Pain Catastrophizing Scale (PCS), the Multidimensional Pain Inventory (MPI), numerical scales for pain and fatigue, the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM), the one‐minute stair‐climb test and the RAND‐36. Paired t‐tests and Wilcoxon signed‐rank tests were carried out to analyse changes over time.

Results

A total of 165 patients were included [mean age 44.1 (standard deviation 12.9) years], 143 (87%) women). Discharge data were available for 154 patients (93%). All outcomes showed statistically significant improvements between admission and discharge (p < 0.05), with the largest effect sizes (>1.0) observed for the COPM. A longer duration of complaints was associated with less improvement in the PDI.

Discussion and conclusion

In daily rehabilitation practice, a 15‐week multidisciplinary treatment programme for patients with CWP showed statistically significant improvements in pain, activities and participation over time. Future studies are needed further to substantiate the long‐term cost‐effectiveness, and to identify the patients who benefit the most. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Twitch potentiation induced by two different modalities of neuromuscular electrical stimulation: Implications for motor unit recruitment
Authors: Regina Dias Da Silva Sarah , Neyroud Daria , Maffiuletti Nicola A. , Gondin Julien , Place Nicolas
Published: June 2014

Introduction: We tested the hypothesis that twitch potentiation would be greater following conventional (CONV) neuromuscular electrical stimulation (50‐µs pulse width and 25‐Hz frequency) compared with wide‐pulse high‐frequency (WPHF) neuromuscular electrical stimulation (1‐ms, 100‐Hz) and voluntary (VOL) contractions, because of specificities in motor unit recruitment (random in CONV vs. random and orderly in WPHF vs. orderly in VOL). Methods: A single twitch was evoked by means of tibial nerve stimulation before and 2 s after CONV, WPHF, and VOL conditioning contractions of the plantar flexors (intensity: 10% maximal voluntary contraction; duration: 10 s) in 13 young healthy subjects. Results: Peak twitch increased (P < 0.05) after CONV (+4.5 ± 4.0%) and WPHF (+3.3 ± 5.9%), with no difference between the 2 modalities, whereas no changes were observed after VOL (+0.8 ± 2.6%). Conclusions: Our results demonstrate that presumed differences in motor unit recruitment between WPHF and CONV do not seem to influence twitch potentiation results. Muscle Nerve 51: 412–418, 2015
Environmentally sensitive hydrogels: N‐isopropyl acrylamide/Acrylamide/ Mono‐, Di‐, Tricarboxylic acid crosslinked polymers
Authors: Işikver Yasemin , Saraydin Dursun
Published: June 2014

Environmentally sensitive hydrogels responsive to various stimuli such as temperature, pH, ionic strength of the medium and the solvent were prepared by using N‐isopropyl acrylamide (NIPAM), acrylamide (AAm) and monomers that have various number of carboxylic acid (XA) functionality using N,N′‐methylene bisacrylamide (Bis) as crosslinker. Hydrogels were prepared via free radical polymerization reaction in aqueous solution. P(NIPAAm‐co‐AAm) and p(NIPAAm‐co‐AAm)/XA hydrogels that contain monoprotic crotonic acid (CA) exhibit a lover critical solution temperature (LCST) at 28°C, whereas p(NIPAAm‐co‐AAm)/IA (IA:itaconic acid), and P(NIPAAm‐co‐AAm)/ACA (ACA:acotonic acid) hydrogels exhibit a lover critical solution temperature at 30.7°C and 34.4°C, respectively. Spectroscopic and thermal analyses were performed for the structural and thermal characterizations of the prepared hydrogel. The swelling experiments as equilibrium swelling percentages by gravimetrically were carried out in different solvents, at different solutions temperature, pH, and ionic strengths to determine their effects on swelling characteristic of hydrogels. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 55:843–851, 2015. © 2014 Society of Plastics Engineers
The relationship between posttraumatic stress and posttraumatic growth among adolescent and young adult (AYA) cancer patients
Authors: Zebrack Brad , Kwak Minyoung , Salsman John , Cousino Melissa , Meeske Kathleen , Aguilar Christine , Embry Leanne , Block Rebecca , Hayes‐Lattin Brandon , Cole Steve
Published: June 2014

Objective

Theories of posttraumatic growth suggest that some degree of distress is necessary to stimulate growth; yet, investigations of the relationship between stress and growth following trauma are mixed. This study aims to understand the relationship between posttraumatic stress symptoms and posttraumatic growth in adolescent and young adult (AYA) cancer patients.

Method

165 AYA patients aged 14–39 years at diagnosis completed standardized measures of posttraumatic stress and posttraumatic growth at 12 months following diagnosis. Locally weighted scatterplot smoothing and regression were used to examine linear and curvilinear relationships between posttraumatic stress and posttraumatic growth.

Results

No significant relationships between overall posttraumatic stress severity and posttraumatic growth were observed at 12‐month follow‐up. However, curvilinear relationships between re‐experiencing (a posttraumatic stress symptom) and two of five posttraumatic growth indicators (New Possibilities, Personal Strengths) were observed.

Conclusion

Findings suggest that re‐experiencing is associated with some aspects of posttraumatic growth but not others. Although re‐experiencing is considered a symptom of posttraumatic stress disorder, it also may represent a cognitive process necessary to achieve personal growth for AYAs. Findings call into question the supposed psychopathological nature of re‐experiencing and suggest that re‐experiencing, as a cognitive process, may be psychologically adaptive. Opportunities to engage family, friends, cancer survivors, or health care professionals in frank discussions about fears, worries, or concerns may help AYAs re‐experience cancer in a way that enhances their understanding of what happened to them and contributes to positive adaptation to life after cancer. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Inflammation and psychosocial factors mediate exercise effects on sleep quality in breast cancer survivors: pilot randomized controlled trial
Authors: Rogers Laura Q. , Fogleman Amanda , Trammell Rita , Hopkins‐Price Patricia , Spenner Allison , Vicari Sandra , Rao Krishna , Courneya Kerry S. , Hoelzer Karen , Robbs Randall , Verhulst Steven
Published: June 2014

Objective

To improve mechanistic understanding, this pilot randomized controlled trial examined mediators of an exercise intervention effects on sleep in breast cancer survivors (BCS).

Methods

Forty‐six postmenopausal BCS (≤Stage II, off primary treatment) were randomized to a 3‐month exercise intervention or control group. Intervention included 160 min/week of moderate intensity aerobic walking, twice weekly resistance training (resistance bands), and six discussion groups (to improve adherence). Blinded assessments at baseline and post‐intervention included sleep disturbance (PSQI and PROMIS®), objective sleep quality (accelerometer), serum cytokines, accelerometer physical activity, cardiorespiratory fitness, body composition, fatigue, and psychosocial factors. Mediation was tested using Freedman–Schatzkin difference‐in‐coefficients tests.

Results

When compared with control, the intervention group demonstrated a significant increase in PSQI sleep duration (i.e., fewer hours of sleep/night) (d = 0.73, p = .03). Medium to large but non‐significant standardized effect sizes were noted for PSQI daytime somnolence (d = −0.63, p = .05) and accelerometer latency (d = −0.49, p = .14). No statistically significant mediators were detected for PSQI sleep duration score or accelerometer latency. Daytime somnolence was mediated by tumor necrosis factor‐alpha (mediated 23% of intervention effect, p < .05), interleukin (IL)‐6:IL‐10 (16%, p < .01), IL‐8:IL‐10 (26%, p < .01), and fatigue (38%, p < .05). Mediating or enhancing relationships for several of the sleep outcomes were noted for accelerometer physical activity, PROMIS® fatigue, exercise social support, and/or physical activity enjoyment.

Conclusions

Inflammation and psychosocial factors may mediate or enhance sleep response to our exercise intervention. Further study is warranted to confirm our results and translate our findings into more effective interventions aimed at improving sleep quality in BCS. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Quality‐adjusted time without symptoms or toxicity (Q‐TWiST): patient‐reported outcome or mathematical model? A systematic review in cancer
Authors: Tate Wendy R. , Skrepnek Grant H.
Published: June 2014

Objective

Successful cancer treatment is defined as an increase in overall survival and/or progression‐free survival. Despite their importance, these metrics omit patient quality of life. Quality‐adjusted time without symptoms or toxicity (Q‐TWiST) was developed to adjust survival gained, accounting for quality of life. The purpose of this systematic review was to assess the methods reported in cancer literature to determine Q‐TWiST values and how these are currently translated to the clinic.

Methods

The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐analyses guidelines were used to conduct a systematic review of studies indexed on MEDLINE and Web of Science through April 2013. Cancer studies that measured Q‐TWiST either as a primary outcome or retrospectively and determined utility coefficients from a patient population were identified, and their methods reviewed to determine how the utility coefficient was calculated. Additionally, other relevant factors such as definitions of health states and significant findings were collected and summarized.

Results

Out of 284 studies, 11 were identified that calculated patient‐defined utility coefficients. Several methods to determine utility coefficients were reported, and multiple definitions of health state toxicity were applied. Of these studies, seven reported significant differences (p < 0.05) in quality‐adjusted survival. No studies, however, directly discussed the clinical relevance of their findings.

Conclusions

Currently, Q‐TWiST is utilized as a mathematical theory rather than a clinical tool. Standardization of terminology plus reliability and validity testing of determining both utility coefficients and time frame definitions must be performed before Q‐TWiST can become clinically useful to physicians and patients alike for making treatment decisions. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Photoelectrochemical properties of texture‐controlled nanostructured α‐Fe2O3 thin films prepared by AACVD
Authors: Tahir Asif Ali , Mat‐Teridi M. A. , Wijayantha K. G. Upul
Published: June 2014

Nanostructured α‐Fe2O3 thin film electrodes were deposited by aerosol‐assisted chemical vapour deposition (AACVD) for photoelectrochemical (PEC) water splitting on conducting glass substrates using 0.1 M methanolic solution of Fe(acac)3. The XRD analysis confirmed that the films are highly crystalline α‐Fe2O3 and free from other iron oxide phases. The highly reproducible electrodes have an optical bandgap of ∼2.15 eV and exhibit anodic photocurrent. The current–voltage characterization of the electrodes reveals that the photocurrent density strongly depended on the film morphology and deposition temperature. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis showed a change in the surface morphology with the change in deposition temperature. The films deposited at 450 °C have nanoporous structures which provide a maximum electrode/electrolyte interface. The maximum photocurrent density of 455 µA/cm2 was achieved at 0.25 V vs. Ag/AgCl/3M KCl (∼1.23 V vs. RHE) and the incident photon to electron conversion efficiency (IPCE) was 23.6% at 350 nm for the electrode deposited at 450 °C. (© 2014 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH &Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Analysis of overshooting top detections by Meteosat Second Generation: a 5‐year dataset
Authors: Proud Simon R.
Published: June 2014

Overshooting Tops (OTs) are associated with deep convective events and can be an indicator of severe weather conditions. In particular they are linked to strong updraughts, heavy rain, and have the potential to form dense ice clouds which pose a hazard to aviation. In this article, the Infrared Window Texture (IWT) method is used to detect OTs in a 5‐year series of observations from the Spinning Enhanced Visible and InfraRed Imager aboard the Meteosat Second Generation series of geostationary satellites. This dataset shows that substantial differences in time‐of‐formation and cloud temperature exist between OTs formed in different locations. In particular, it is notable that OTs formed over land tend to be more frequent and form later in the day than those over the ocean. Oceanic OTs, meanwhile, are shown often to be colder than land‐based OTs. The conclusions drawn from this dataset match well with data from other sources, such as the Tropical Rainfall Measurement Mission. A severe storm over South Africa is examined both to demonstrate the workings of the method and to highlight both strengths and weaknesses of the IWT method.
Defeat scanning worms in cyber warfare
Authors: Hsu Fu‐Hau , Chen Li‐Han , Lin Chia‐Jun
Published: June 2014

In this paper, we propose an automatic defense system, called Serum System, against scanning worms. The homeland security department of a country can use Serum System to protect its Internet infrastructure. When an infecting host is infecting a Serum System host, called Serum System Server (SSS), the SSS automatically replaces the shellcode inside the infecting string with its code (called serum code) and then uses the modified string (called serum string) to counterattack the infecting host and takes control of it. The serum code transforms the infecting host into a Serum System Client (SSC) that has the same functions as the SSS and is immune to the same worm. Therefore, infecting hosts attacking SSSs or SSCs will transform themselves into SSCs. We implemented Serum System on Linux and also built a mathematical model for Serum System to analyze its effectiveness and bandwidth savings. Our analyses show that with only a small number of SSSs and through chain counterattacks, Serum System can automatically and rapidly defeat related infected hosts. Compared with white worms whose spread cannot be controlled, Serum System only spreads on infected hosts. The amount of accumulative traffic saved by Serum System at time tick 450 reached 90%. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A virtual bridge certificate authority‐based cross‐domain authentication mechanism for distributed collaborative manufacturing systems
Authors: Zhang Wenfang , Wang Xiaomin , Khan Muhammad Khurram
Published: June 2014

The virtual enterprise (VE) is a new collaborative intelligent manufacturing paradigm that pools the core competencies of its member enterprises through computer networks to exploit transient market opportunities. The successful operation of such an organization is strongly dependent on its information securities, in which cross‐domain authentication among entities of different member enterprises is a crucial issue. This problem is particularly difficult in VEs because of their collaborative nature in terms of agility, market dynamics, low cost, and diversity of collaboration modes. In this paper, we put forward a novel virtual bridge certificate authority (BCA) trust model, based on which an efficient cross‐domain authentication scheme is further presented. The proposed scheme is implemented by the distributed verifiable secret sharing protocol and the threshold elliptic curve cryptosystem signature algorithm. It has the same advantages of simple construction and short length of inter‐enterprise certification paths as the BCA model but does not need to create and maintain a dedicated physical BCA. In addition, the proposed scheme has the merits of high bit security, high efficiency, low cost, conspiracy attack resistance, and adaptability to diverse collaboration modes of VE. Therefore, the scheme is suitable for cross‐domain authentications in VEs, especially for resource‐limited applications. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A quantitative model of preferential evaporation and retention for atom probe tomography
Authors: Takahashi J. , Kawakami K.
Published: June 2014

It is well known that the apparent concentration of a solute element in metal, detected by atom probe tomography analysis, depends on the measurement condition such as specimen temperature, pulse fraction, and pulse frequency. The dependence was qualitatively interpreted to be caused by preferential evaporation and retention in field evaporation. A quantitative physical model accounting for the preferential evaporation and retention was proposed herein for the first time. The proposed model was applied to a ferritic iron–copper (Fe–Cu) alloy for preferential evaporation and a ferritic iron–silicon (Fe–Si) alloy for preferential retention. The model explained the temperature dependence on the apparent concentration of the solute element and the unwindowed background noise in each alloy well, whereas the dependence of pulse fraction and pulse frequency was not completely explained. The cause of the difference between the experimental and calculated results based on the model was discussed. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The effect of tourmaline on cell membrane of nitrosomonas europaea and biodegradation of micropollutant
Authors: Qiu Shan , Xu Huang , Xu Shanwen , Ma Fang
Published: June 2014

As a kind of ammonia‐oxidizing bacteria, Nitrosomonas europaea (N. europaea) was chosen as a research model to study the alteration of cell membrane in the presence of tourmaline and biodegradation of acetochlor. atomic force microscopy images reveal that the presence of tourmaline substantially changes the structure of the outer membrane of the cell responsible for the cell permeability. SEM images show that the introduction of tourmaline makes the cell lose its ability to resist lysozyme owing to the damages. The fluorescence polarization has shown a significant decrease in membrane fluidity and the increase of permeability of cell membrane. Ca2+ and Mg2+ was measured using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry and was found in the supernatant from the cells treated by tourmaline. Tourmaline can improve the efficiency of biodegradation of acetochlor for N. europaea. It is proposed that the cell permeability is slightly increased, and the absorbability of nutrition from the medium becomes easier. As a result, N. europaea grows faster in the presence of tourmaline than the native cells. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Individual Differences in the Psychobiological Response to Psychosocial Stress (Trier Social Stress Test): The Relevance of Trait Anxiety and Coping Styles
Authors: Villada Carolina , Hidalgo Vanesa , Almela Mercedes , Salvador Alicia
Published: June 2014

The main objective of this study was to investigate the contribution of some personality traits to the physiological and psychological response to a standardized laboratory psychosocial stressor (trier social stress test). Cortisol and affective response (anxiety and mood) were analysed in a mixed‐sex group composed of 35 young adults who participated in a crossover design (18 men and 17 women). After verifying a statistically significant response to the trier social stress test in all parameters studied in both sex groups, exploratory cluster analyses were carried out to identify sub‐groups based on their psychophysiological responses. These analyses showed two different groups: subjects displaying lower psychological response along with higher cortisol response (cluster 1) compared with the group with high affective reactivity along with lower cortisol response (cluster 2). Interestingly, we also found significant differences in trait anxiety and coping styles when the two clusters were compared. Subjects in cluster 1 showed lower scores on trait anxiety and higher scores on active coping, whereas the subjects in the second cluster obtained higher scores on anxiety and on coping focused on emotions and mental disengagement. These findings support the importance of personality traits and coping styles in understanding the overall integrative psychobiological responsiveness to social stress. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Perceived Control and Psychological Contract Breach as Explanations of the Relationships Between Job Insecurity, Job Strain and Coping Reactions: Towards a Theoretical Integration
Authors: Vander Elst Tinne , De Cuyper Nele , Baillien Elfi , Niesen Wendy , De Witte Hans
Published: June 2014

This study aims to further knowledge on the mechanisms through which job insecurity is related to negative outcomes. Based on appraisal theory, two explanations—perceived control and psychological contract breach—were theoretically integrated in a comprehensive model and simultaneously examined as mediators of the job insecurity–outcome relationship. Different categories of outcomes were considered, namely work‐related (i.e. vigour and need for recovery) and general strain (i.e. mental and physical health complaints), as well as psychological (i.e. job satisfaction and organizational commitment) and behavioural coping reactions (i.e. self‐rated performance and innovative work behaviour). The hypotheses were tested using data of a heterogeneous sample of 2413 Flemish employees by means of both single and multiple mediator structural equation modelling analyses (bootstrapping method). Particularly, psychological contract breach accounted for the relationship between job insecurity and strain. Both perceived control and psychological contract breach mediated the relationships between job insecurity and psychological coping reactions, although the indirect effects were larger for psychological contract breach. Finally, perceived control was more important than psychological contract breach in mediating the relationships between job insecurity and behavioural coping reactions. This study meets previous calls for a theoretical integration regarding mediators of the job insecurity–outcome relationship. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Plasmonic Enhancement in BiVO4 Photonic Crystals for Efficient Water Splitting
Authors: Zhang Liwu , Lin Chia‐Yu , Valev Ventsislav K. , Reisner Erwin , Steiner Ullrich , Baumberg Jeremy J.
Published: June 2014

Photo‐electrochemical water splitting is a very promising and environmentally friendly route for the conversion of solar energy into hydrogen. However, the solar‐to‐H2 conversion efficiency is still very low due to rapid bulk recombination of charge carriers. Here, a photonic nano‐architecture is developed to improve charge carrier generation and separation by manipulating and confining light absorption in a visible‐light‐active photoanode constructed from BiVO4 photonic crystal and plasmonic nanostructures. Synergistic effects of photonic crystal stop bands and plasmonic absorption are observed to operate in this photonic nanostructure. Within the scaffold of an inverse opal photonic crystal, the surface plasmon resonance is significantly enhanced by the photonic Bragg resonance. Nanophotonic photoanodes show AM 1.5 photocurrent densities of 3.1 ± 0.1 mA cm−2 at 1.23 V versus RHE, which is among the highest for oxide‐based photoanodes and over 4 times higher than the unstructured planar photoanode.
Mononuclear Cells from Dedifferentiation of Mouse Myotubes Display Remarkable Regenerative Capability
Authors: Yang Zhong , Liu Qiang , Mannix Robert J. , Xu Xiaoyin , Li Hongli , Ma Zhiyuan , Ingber Donald E. , Allen Paul D. , Wang Yaming
Published: June 2014

Certain lower organisms achieve organ regeneration by reverting differentiated cells into tissue-specific progenitors that re-enter embryonic programs. During muscle regeneration in the urodele amphibian, postmitotic multinucleated skeletal myofibers transform into mononucleated proliferating cells upon injury, and a transcription factor-msx1 plays a role in their reprograming. Whether this powerful regeneration strategy can be leveraged in mammals remains unknown, as it has not been demonstrated that the dedifferentiated progenitor cells arising from muscle cells overexpressing Msx1 are lineage-specific and possess the same potent regenerative capability as their amphibian counterparts. Here, we show that ectopic expression of Msx1 reprograms postmitotic, multinucleated, primary mouse myotubes to become proliferating mononuclear cells. These dedifferentiated cells reactivate genes expressed by embryonic muscle progenitor cells and generate only muscle tissue in vivo both in an ectopic location and inside existing muscle. More importantly, distinct from adult muscle satellite cells, these cells appear both to fuse with existing fibers and to regenerate myofibers in a robust and time-dependent manner. Upon transplantation into a degenerating muscle, these dedifferentiated cells generated a large number of myofibers that increased over time and replenished almost half of the cross-sectional area of the muscle in only 12 weeks. Our study demonstrates that mammals can harness a muscle regeneration strategy used by lower organisms when the same molecular pathway is activated. Stem Cells  2014;32:2492–2501
Restoring Akt1 Activity in Outgrowth Endothelial Cells From South Asian Men Rescues Vascular Reparative Potential
Authors: Cubbon Richard M. , Yuldasheva Nadira Y. , Viswambharan Hema , Mercer Ben N. , Baliga Vivek , Stephen Sam L. , Askham Jonathan , Sukumar Piruthivi , Skromna Anna , Mughal Romana S. , Walker Andrew M.N. , Bruns Alexander , Bailey Marc A. , Galloway Stacey , Imrie Helen , Gage Matthew C. , Rakobowchuk Mark , Li Jing , Porter Karen E. , Ponnambalam Sreenivasan , Wheatcroft Stephen B. , Beech David J. , Kearney Mark T.
Published: June 2014

Recent data suggest reduced indices of vascular repair in South Asian men, a group at increased risk of cardiovascular events. Outgrowth endothelial cells (OEC) represent an attractive tool to study vascular repair in humans and may offer potential in cell-based repair therapies. We aimed to define and manipulate potential mechanisms of impaired vascular repair in South Asian (SA) men. In vitro and in vivo assays of vascular repair and angiogenesis were performed using OEC derived from SA men and matched European controls, prior defining potentially causal molecular mechanisms. SA OEC exhibited impaired colony formation, migration, and in vitro angiogenesis, associated with decreased expression of the proangiogenic molecules Akt1 and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS). Transfusion of European OEC into immunodeficient mice after wire-induced femoral artery injury augmented re-endothelialization, in contrast with SA OEC and vehicle; SA OEC also failed to promote angiogenesis after induction of hind limb ischemia. Expression of constitutively active Akt1 (E17KAkt), but not green fluorescent protein control, in SA OEC increased in vitro angiogenesis, which was abrogated by a NOS antagonist. Moreover, E17KAkt expressing SA OEC promoted re-endothelialization of wire-injured femoral arteries, and perfusion recovery of ischemic limbs, to a magnitude comparable with nonmanipulated European OEC. Silencing Akt1 in European OEC recapitulated the functional deficits noted in SA OEC. Reduced signaling via the Akt/eNOS axis is causally linked with impaired OEC-mediated vascular repair in South Asian men. These data prove the principle of rescuing marked reparative dysfunction in OEC derived from these men. Stem Cells  2014;32:2714–2723
Seröse Tumoren des Ovars
Authors: Diebold J.
Published: June 2014

Aufgrund verschiedener Muster molekularer Veränderungen wird heute von einem dualistischen Modell der serösen Tumoren ausgegangen, wobei seröse Borderlinetumoren (SBT) und seröse Low-grade-Karzinome (LGSC) auf der einen Seite von serösen High-grade-Karzinomen (HGSC) auf der anderen Seite unterschieden werden. Der klinische Verlauf und die Art der Therapie von SBT und LGSC hängen entscheidend davon, ob sie mit extraovariellen Manifestationen einhergehen. Sogenannte invasive Implants von SBT entsprechen morphologisch dem Bild eines LGSC. Für die Unterscheidung von LGSC und HGSC hat sich das M.D.-Anderson-Gradingsystem etabliert. HGSC weisen ein breites Spektrum an Wachstumsmustern auf, zu dem auch ein transitionalepithelähnlicher Typ gehört. Karzinosarkome sind ebenfalls als HGSC-Variante zu interpretieren. Die neue Theorie, nach der sich alle serösen Neoplasien des Ovars, Peritoneums und der Tube von den Tubenfimbrien ableiten, lässt die Bezeichnung „Ovarialkarzinom“ als nicht mehr angemessen erscheinen.
Direct genotyping of single pollen grains of a self-compatible mutant of Japanese pear (Pyrus pyrifolia) revealed inheritance of a duplicated chromosomal segment containing a second S-haplotype
Authors: Mase Nobuko , Sawamura Yutaka , Yamamoto Toshiya , Takada Norio , Nishio Sogo , Saito Toshihiro , Iketani Hiroyuki
Published: June 2014

Radiation mutant 415-1, which is the first known diploid pollen-part self-compatible mutant of pears (Pyrus spp.), has a decreased ability to produce pollen. To determine whether the self-compatibility trait is associated with this defect, we directly analyzed the genotypes of individual pollen grains by using polymerase chain reaction amplification of DNA from single pollen grains. We isolated single pollen grains from 415-1 and succeeded in genotyping the S-RNase gene and three simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers in linkage group 17. Out of 173 individual pollen grains, 28 (16 %) were S-heteroallelic. These pollen grains had two alleles each of the S-RNase gene and of two linked SSR loci, all on a duplicated chromosomal segment, but only one allele of a non-duplicated locus farther away on the same chromosome. The segregation ratio of each marker in the pollen from 415-1 was approximately the same as that observed in outcross progeny. This suggests that the decrease in frequency of pollen with the duplicated S-haplotype occurred during meiosis or pollen formation, but that the probability of fertilization by S-heteroallelic pollen is equal to that of single-allelic pollen. However, the partial sterility in 415-1 can also be attributed to one or more unidentified lethal mutations unlinked to the duplicated segment encompassing the S-haplotype. Single-pollen genotyping can be used in a variety of applications in genetic research because in cases where all pollen genotypes are proportionately represented in the progeny, segregation ratios can be obtained without producing the next generation.
Bayesian Checks on Cheating on Tests
Authors: van der Linden Wim J. , Lewis Charles
Published: June 2014

Posterior odds of cheating on achievement tests are presented as an alternative to <mml:math xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" xmlns:mnf="http://cambridge.org/core/manifest" xmlns:cup="http://contentservices.cambridge.org" xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:m="http://cambridge.org/core/metadata" xmlns:core="http://cambridge.org/core" xmlns:c="http://cambridge.org/core/content">p\documentclass[12pt]{minimal}
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Effect of Bis‐(2‐ethylhexyl)Phosphoric Acid on Sodium Bis‐(2‐ethylhexyl)Phosphate Microemulsion for Selective Extraction of Non‐Ferrous Metals
Authors: Murashova N. M. , Levchishin S. Yu. , Yurtov E. V.
Published: June 2014

The effect of bis‐(2‐ethylhexyl)phosphoric acid (DEHPA) on the region of existence, conductivity and structure of sodium bis‐(2‐ethylhexyl)phosphate (NaDEHP) microemulsion has a dual nature and depends on DEHPA concentration. In the system NaDEHP–DEHPA–kerosene–water, the narrowing of the microemulsion region is observed with DEHPA concentration in the organic phase growth from 0.1 to 0.5 mol/L. The increase of DEHPA concentration in the organic phase from 0.1 to 0.4 mol/L leads to the reduction of electrical conductivity of the microemulsions. Based on the conductivity and viscosity measurements, we suppose the transition from reverse microemulsion with isolated droplets to percolate microemulsion at volume fraction of water 0.18 (
= 8). Droplet size of the microemulsions increases linearly with W growth. The rise of DEHPA concentration in the organic phase from 0.1 to 0.3 mol/L causes the growth of the coefficient at W in the equation d = kW + b from 0.038 to 0.249, i.e., it increases the slope of the lines. In contrast, DEHPA introduction at the concentration 0.1 mol/L (in the organic phase) leads to the expansion of the microemulsion region, does not affect the conductivity and decreases the coefficient at W. The rate of copper recovery into the microemulsion increases considerably with the rise of DEHPA concentration from 0.0 to 0.3 mol/L; no dual effect is observed. The following composition of the microemulsion for non‐ferrous metals leaching is recommended: CNaDEHP = 1.6 mol/L, CDEHPA = 0.3 mol/L (in the organic phase); W = 8–32.
Multiparameter-Genomanalyse und informationelle Selbstbestimmung
Authors: Henn W.
Published: June 2014

Die durch das Next Generation Sequencing real gewordene Möglichkeit kompletter Genomanalysen zu moderaten Kosten führt zu einem Paradigmenwechsel in der genetischen Labordiagnostik. Ihre Aussagekraft wird nicht mehr durch die Anzahl technisch gewinnbarer Sequenzdaten zu einer vorliegenden Fragestellung limitiert, sondern durch die Auswahl geeigneter Evaluationsparameter zur Analyse umfangreicher genomischer Sequenzdaten und deren Interpretation.

Dieser Wandel bringt neue praktische Herausforderungen für die Kommunikation mit Ratsuchenden mit sich, aber auch Regelungsbedarf zum Datenschutz angesichts einer globalisierten Medizin. Vor diesem Hintergrund muss auch das Berufsbild des Humangenetikers im Gesundheitssystem neu positioniert werden.
Hispanic Self-identification and Birth Weight Outcomes among U.S.- and Foreign-born Blacks
Authors: Green Tiffany
Published: June 2014

Black infants are more likely to suffer from poor health at birth compared to non-blacks. However, most existing infant health research focuses solely on non-Hispanic blacks and fails to consider the role of ethnic self-identification on infant health disparities. Using 2002 Vital Statistics Natality Data, this paper investigates whether Hispanic ethnicity is related to birth weight among U.S.- and foreign-born black mothers. The results from regression analyses suggest that Hispanic blacks give birth to heavier infants than non-Hispanic blacks. Maternal behaviors such as prenatal care and smoking fail to explain these birth weight differences. However, the observed within-group birth weight differences among blacks are far more modest compared to the black-white birth weight disparities identified in the extant literature. Thus, while it is important to pay attention to within-group differences among blacks, it is still critical to address the needs of black Hispanics with respect to racial disparities in infant health outcomes.
The Korteweg–de Vries equation at
\( H^{- 1} \) regularity
Authors: Koch Herbert , Buckmaster Tristan
Published: June 2014

In this paper we will prove the existence of weak solutions to the Korteweg–de Vries initial value problem on the real line with

H^{−1}

initial data; moreover, we will study the problem of orbital and asymptotic

H^{s}

stability of solitons for integers

s \geq −1

; finally, we will also prove new a priori

H^{−1}

bound for solutions to the Korteweg–de Vries equation. The paper will utilise the Miura transformation to link the Korteweg–de Vries equation to the modified Korteweg–de Vries equation.