bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Compost from poultry hatchery waste as a biosorbent for removal of Cd(II) and Pb(II) from aqueous solutions
Authors: López‐Sotelo Juan B. , Quina Margarida J. , Gando‐Ferreira Licínio , Sánchez‐Báscones Mercedes , Navas‐Gracia Luis M.
Published: December 2016

Compost from poultry hatchery waste (CPHW) was used as an efficient biosorbent for the removal of heavy metals from aqueous solutions. Single and competitive adsorption of Cd(II) and Pb(II) onto CPHW were studied. The optimum pH of the aqueous solution for Cd(II) and Pb(II) adsorption was found to be in the range 3 to 5. The pseudo‐second order model enabled a better description of the adsorption kinetics. Equilibrium data obtained at 25, 35, and 45 °C were better described by the Sips isotherm than by the Freundlich and Langmuir models. The maximum adsorption capacities calculated by applying the Sips isotherm were 32.3 mg/g for Cd(II) and 142.6 mg/g for Pb(II) at 25 °C. In binary metal ion solutions, a decrease in the adsorption capacity for both heavy metals was observed. The single and competitive adsorption tests revealed that the adsorption affinity was higher for Pb(II) than for Cd(II). Thermodynamic parameters such as ΔG0, ΔH0, and ΔS0 indicated that the adsorption was feasible, spontaneous, and endothermic. FTIR spectroscopy characterization showed that carboxyl and hydroxyl groups were involved in the adsorption of the metals. SEM‐EDX analysis confirmed that Cd(II) and Pb(II) may replace Ca(II) from biosorbent surface. Therefore, the results suggest that CPHW can be used as an economical biosorbent for Pb(II) and Cd(II) removal from aqueous solutions.
Effects of Hydrogel on Growth and Visual Damage of Ornamental Salvia Species Exposed to Salinity
Authors: Ljubojević Mirjana , Ognjanov Vladislav , Maksimović Ivana , Čukanović Jelena , Dulić Jovana , Szabò Zita , Szabò Erna
Published: December 2016

A greenhouse study at increasing salt concentrations (0, 25, 50, 75 and 100 mM NaCl) with or without hydrogel amendment was conducted during a 10‐week period in order to examine growth and aesthetic responses of three Salvia species. Subsequent analyses revealed that 25, 50 and 75 mM NaCl concentrations had a positive impact on the plant growth (plant height, plant width, fresh weight, and root system volume), while 100 mM NaCl implied a negative response. The positive effect of the hydrogel was most notable in the plant fresh and dry weight, K+ and Ca2+ content, and root system volume. The results further indicate that the amended hydrogel provided sufficient amount of available water and ions that are usually in competition and are limited by excessive Na+ ion amounts. The hydrogel also mitigated the negative influence of higher salt concentrations (75 and 100 mM NaCl), thereby decreasing leaf damage, defoliation, and petal loss, while also improving vitality and aesthetic value of S. farinacea and S. coccinea. In S. splendens, the hydrogel contributed to better vitality but slightly decreased decorativeness. Both qualitative (visual salt damage) and quantitative (growth) parameters proved to be reliable criteria for assessing salt tolerance of the studied Salvia species, while ion removal contributes to the understanding of salt tolerance mechanisms and possible usages.
Modeling the effects of lattice defects on microtubule breaking and healing
Authors: Jiang Nan , Bailey Megan E. , Burke Jessica , Ross Jennifer L. , Dima Ruxandra I.
Published: December 2016

Microtubule reorganization often results from the loss of polymer induced through breakage or active destruction by energy‐using enzymes. Pre‐existing defects in the microtubule lattice likely lower structural integrity and aid filament destruction. Using large‐scale molecular simulations, we model diverse microtubule fragments under forces generated at specific positions to locally crush the filament. We show that lattices with 2% defects are crushed and severed by forces three times smaller than defect‐free ones. We validate our results with direct comparisons of microtubule kinking angles during severing. We find a high statistical correlation between the angle distributions from experiments and simulations indicating that they sample the same population of structures. Our simulations also indicate that the mechanical environment of the filament affects breaking: local mechanical support inhibits healing after severing, especially in the case of filaments with defects. These results recall reports of microtubule healing after flow‐induced bending and corroborate prior experimental studies that show severing is more likely at locations where microtubules crossover in networks. Our results shed new light on mechanisms underlying the ability of microtubules to be destroyed and healed in the cell, either by external forces or by severing enzymes wedging dimers apart. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Elastic tethers between separating anaphase chromosomes in crane‐fly spermatocytes coordinate chromosome movements to the two poles
Authors: Sheykhani Rozhan , Berns Michael , Forer Arthur
Published: December 2016

Separating anaphase chromosomes in crane‐fly spermatocytes are connected by elastic tethers, as originally described by LaFountain et al. (2002): telomere‐containing arm fragments severed from the arms move backwards to the partner telomeres. We have tested whether the tethers coordinate the movements of separating partner chromosomes. In other cell types anaphase chromosomes move faster, temporarily, when their kinetochore microtubules are severed. However, in crane‐fly spermatocytes the chromosomes move at their usual speed when their kinetochore microtubules are severed. To test whether the absence of increased velocity is because tethers link the separating chromosomes and coordinate their movements, we cut tethers with a laser microbeam and then cut the kinetochore microtubules. After this procedure, the associated chromosome sped up, as in other cells. These results indicate that the movements of partner anaphase chromosomes in crane‐fly spermatocytes are coordinated by elastic tethers connecting the two chromosomes and confirm that chromosomes speed up in anaphase when their kinetochore microtubules are severed. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Kinetic analysis of de novo centriole assembly in heat‐shocked mammalian cells
Authors: Baek In Keol , Jang Yeun Kyu , Lee Tae H. , Lee JooHun
Published: December 2016

Mammalian cells are capable of de novo centriole formation after the removal of existing centrioles. This suggests that de novo centriole assembly is repressed in normally duplicating cells to maintain a constant number of centrioles in the cells. However, neither the mechanism of de novo centriole assembly nor that of its hypothesized repression is understood due to the lack of an experimental system. We found that the heat shock (HS; 42°C, 2 h) of mouse embryonic fibroblasts caused the separation of centriole pairs, a transient increase in polo‐like kinase (Plk) 4 expression, and the formation of a complex containing γ‐tubulin, pericentrin, HS protein (Hsp) 90, and Plk4, in approximately half of the cells. Subsequently, spindle‐assembly abnormal protein (Sas) 6, centrosomal protein (Cep) 135, and centrin localized to the complex, and tubulin consequently became polyglutamylated, indicating de novo centriole assembly in the heat‐shocked cells. These results suggested that HS‐induced de novo centriole assembly could provide an experimental system for further elucidating the regulation of centrosome number in mammalian cells. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Cisplatin Primary Complex with l‐Histidine Target Revealed by IR Multiple Photon Dissociation (IRMPD) Spectroscopy
Authors: Corinti Davide , De Petris Alberto , Coletti Cecilia , Re Nazzareno , Chiavarino Barbara , Crestoni Maria E. , Fornarini Simonetta
Published: December 2016

The primary complex obtained from cisplatin and l‐histidine in water has been detected and isolated by electrospray ionization. The so‐obtained cis‐[PtCl(NH3)2(histidine)]+ complex has been characterized in detail by high‐resolution mass spectrometry (MS), tandem MS, IR multiple photon dissociation (IRMPD) spectroscopy, and by quantum chemical calculations. The structural features revealed by IRMPD spectroscopy indicate that platinum binds to the imidazole group, which presents tautomeric forms. Thus, depending on the position of the amino acid pendant on the imidazole ring, isomeric complexes are formed that are remarkably different with respect to the ease with which they undergo fragmentation when activated either by energetic collisions or by multiple IR photon absorption. It is shown here how IRMPD kinetics can allow their relative proportions to be estimated.
Freezing‐Facilitated Dehydration Allowing Deposition of ZnO from Aqueous Electrolyte
Authors: Tokumasu Kouki , Harada Makoto , Okada Tetsuo
Published: December 2016

When an aqueous NaCl solution with low concentrations of transition metal ions is frozen, most of the solutes are concentrated in the freeze concentrated solutions (FCS). However, Zn2+ is often accumulated at sites where other elements are not detected. X‐ray absorption near‐edge structure spectroscopy at the Zn K‐edge indicates the formation of ZnO. A possible mechanism for the ZnO formation is discussed.
Enhancing the Photoelectrochemical Performance of a Hematite Dendrite/Graphitic Carbon Nitride Nanocomposite through Surface Modification with CoFeOx
Authors: Bhandary Nimai , Singh Aadesh P. , Ingole Pravin P. , Basu Suddhasatwa
Published: December 2016

In this article, we report the surface modification of a hematite dendrite/graphitic carbon nitride composite (HD/g‐CN) with an oxygen evolution catalyst (OER), specifically CoFeOx, to achieve enhanced photoelectrochemical (PEC) water splitting under visible‐light irradiation. Such modified hematite dendrites are studied for the first time for PEC water splitting and demonstrate higher activity compared to unmodified composites. The synthesized composites are characterized by X‐ray diffraction spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and elemental dispersive analysis (EDX). The photoelectrochemical performance was studied by linear sweep voltammetry (LSV) under visible‐light irradiation. The photoelectrochemical characterization reveals that the CoFeOx/HD/g‐CN composite shows a maximum photocurrent density of 0.60 mA cm−2 at 1.23 V versus RHE (reversible hydrogen electrode), which is comparable to the best reported value of hematite. A Mott–Schottky analysis demonstrates the formation of a p–n heterojunction of CoFeOx with the HD/g‐CN composite which is responsible for the enhanced PEC activity as a result of efficient separation of photogenerated electron–hole pairs.
Synthesis of Acetone‐Derived C6, C9, and C12 Carbon Scaffolds for Chemical and Fuel Applications
Authors: Moore Cameron M. , Jenkins Rhodri W. , Janicke Michael T. , Kubic William L. , Polikarpov Evgueni , Semelsberger Troy A. , Sutton Andrew D.
Published: December 2016

A simple, inexpensive catalyst system (Amberlyst 15 and Ni/SiO2–Al2O3) is described for the upgrading of acetone to a range of chemicals and potential fuels. Stepwise hydrodeoxygenation of the produced ketones can yield branched alcohols, alkenes, and alkanes. An analysis of these products is provided, which demonstrates that this approach can provide a product profile of valuable bioproducts and potential biofuels.
Epidemiology of diabetic kidney disease in adult patients with type 1 diabetes in Italy: The AMD‐Annals initiative
Authors: Pacilli Antonio , Viazzi Francesca , Fioretto Paola , Giorda Carlo , Ceriello Antonio , Genovese Stefano , Russo Giuseppina , Guida Pietro , Pontremoli Roberto , De Cosmo Salvatore ,   the AMD‐Annals Study Group
Published: December 2016

Background

Patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus are at increased risk of death. This risk appears to be modulated by kidney dysfunction. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of diabetic kidney disease (DKD), its traits, and clinical correlates in a large sample of patients with type 1 diabetes.

Methods

Clinical data of 20 464 patients with type 1 diabetes were extracted from electronic medical records. Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and increased urinary albumin excretion were considered.

Results

Mean age of the patients was 46 ± 16 years, 55.0% were males, and duration of diabetes 19 ± 13 years. The frequency of diabetic kidney disease, low eGFR, and albuminuria was 23.5%, 8.1%, and 19.5%, respectively. In the multivariate analysis the presence of diabetic kidney disease was associated with age (odds ratio [OR] = 1.14, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.10‐1.18), duration of diabetes (OR = 1.05, 95% CI: 1.03‐1.07), and worse glycemic control (OR = 1.24, 95% CI: 1.21‐1.28, for every 1% glycated hemoglobin increase). Diabetic kidney disease was also independently associated with an atherogenic lipid profile and increased systolic blood pressure. Glucose control, systolic blood pressure, triglycerides, and high density lipoprotein cholesterol were associated with both low eGFR and albuminuria. Male gender, retinopathy and smoke were related to albuminuria, being female was related to low eGFR, while SUA levels were associated with DKD, low eGFR and albuminuria.

Conclusions

In our sample of patients with type 1 diabetes, diabetic kidney disease entails an unsafe cardiovascular risk profile. Hyperglycemia, arterial hypertension, and atherogenic lipid profile affected both low eGFR and albuminuria. Retinopathy and smoking were related only to albuminuria while being female and elevated serum uric acid were associated only with low eGFR.
Influence of cattle on browsing and grazing wildlife varies with rainfall and presence of megaherbivores
Authors: Kimuyu Duncan M. , Veblen Kari E. , Riginos Corinna , Chira Robert M. , Githaiga John M. , Young Truman P.
Published: December 2016

In many savanna ecosystems worldwide, livestock share the landscape and its resources with wildlife. The nature of interactions between livestock and wildlife is a subject of considerable interest and speculation, yet little controlled experimental research has been carried out. Since 1995, we have been manipulating the presence and absence of cattle and large mammalian herbivore wildlife in a Kenyan savanna in order to better understand how different herbivore guilds influence habitat use by specific wildlife species. Using dung counts as a relative assay of herbivore use of the different experimental plots, we found that cattle had a range of effects, mostly negative, on common mesoherbivore species, including both grazers and mixed feeders, but did not have significant effects on megaherbivores. The effect of cattle on most of the mesoherbivore species was contingent on both the presence of megaherbivores and rainfall. In the absence of megaherbivores, wild mesoherbivore dung density was 36% lower in plots that they shared with cattle than in plots they used exclusively, whereas in the presence of megaherbivores, wild mesoherbivore dung density was only 9% lower in plots shared with cattle than plots used exclusively. Cattle appeared to have a positive effect on habitat use by zebra (a grazer) and steinbuck (a browser) during wetter periods of the year but a negative effect during drier periods. Plots to which cattle had access had lower grass and forb cover than plots from which they were excluded, while plots to which megaherbivores had access had more grass cover but less forb cover. Grass cover was positively correlated with zebra and oryx dung density while forb cover was positively correlated with eland dung density. Overall these results suggest that interactions between livestock and wildlife are contingent on rainfall and herbivore assemblage and represent a more richly nuanced set of interactions than the longstanding assertion that cattle simply compete with (grazing) wildlife. Specifically, rainfall and megaherbivores seemed to moderate the negative effects of cattle on some mesoherbivore species. Even if cattle tend to reduce wildlife use of the landscape, managing simultaneously for livestock production (at moderate levels) and biodiversity conservation is possible.
Distinct patterns of natural selection in Na+/H+ antiporter genes in Populus euphratica and Populus pruinosa
Authors: Wu Yuxia , Meng Kuibin , Liang Xiaohui
Published: December 2016

Salt tolerance genes constitute an important class of loci in plant genomes. Little is known about the extent to which natural selection in saline environments has acted upon these loci, and what types of nucleotide diversity such selection has given rise to. Here, we surveyed genetic diversity in three types of Na+/H+ antiporter gene (SOS, NhaD, and NHX, belonging to the cation/proton antiporter 1 family), which have well‐characterized essential roles in plant salt tolerance. Ten Na+/H+ antiporter genes and 16 neutral loci randomly selected as controls were sequenced from 17 accessions of two closely related members of the genus Populus, Populus euphratica and Populus pruinosa, section Turanga, which are native to northwest China. The results show that salt tolerance genes are common targets of natural selection in P. euphratica and P. pruinosa. Moreover, the patterns of nucleotide variation across the three types of Na+/H+ antiporter gene are distinctly different in these two closely related Populus species, and gene flow from P. pruinosa to P. euphratica is highly restricted. Our results suggest that natural selection played an important role in shaping the current distinct patterns of Na+/H+ antiporter genes, resulting in adaptive evolution in P. euphratica and P. pruinosa.
Managing native fish communities during a long‐term drought
Authors: Baumgartner Lee J. , Wooden Ian J. , Conallin John , Robinson Wayne , Thiem Jason D.
Published: December 2016

Ecological communities are adapted to extreme hydrological conditions. River regulation can, at times, exacerbate stressors such as drought and flood that threaten population persistence. Conversely, river infrastructure offers a means to deliver water for environmental benefit. Thus knowledge of the life history requirements of native fish, including location‐specific community structure during drought conditions, is required to inform the management of aquatic ecosystems for native fish in regulated systems. During a severe drought, fish community sampling at 30 sites was undertaken in the Edward–Wakool (E–W) river system, an anabranch system of the Murray River, southeast Australia, to provide recommendations into the current management under drought and for future planning. Fish from the E–W system demonstrated diverse responses to drought conditions. Some species recruited under drought conditions, whilst others were restricted in distribution to a few key refuge habitats. The ability for fish species to persist in the long term depends largely on developing appropriate management strategies that both protect critical habitat and sustain biological function. Both situations require a combination of advance planning and reactionary monitoring, which is adaptively used to minimise impacts. Here, we present a number of practical solutions, based on experience from the E–W system, that are applicable to other regulated river systems. It is essential that agencies responsible for drought management ensure appropriate plans are developed ready for implementation in advance of future drought events.
Predicting afforestation impacts on monthly streamflow using the DWBM model
Authors: Zhang Lu , Hickel Klaus , Shao Quanxi
Published: December 2016

Understanding afforestation impacts on streamflow is important for water resources management. This study presents a predictive method for determining afforestation impacts on streamflow using data from four Australian experimental catchments with considerable forest cover change. Monthly values of rainfall, potential evapotranspiration, and streamflow are available for these catchments, as well as other data including plant available water capacity, minimum and maximum elevations, and index of valley bottom flatness. The proposed method is based on a dynamic water balance model (DWBM) with parameter values estimated from climate and catchment characteristics using projection pursuit regression (PPR). To predict the impacts of afforestation on monthly streamflow, the DWBM model was calibrated for pretreatment conditions and afforestation‐induced changes in the model parameters were determined by adjusting the calibrated model parameter values with PPR predicted model parameter values under pretreatment and posttreatment conditions. Predicted monthly streamflow agreed well with measured streamflow for the period following afforestation. The success of the method indicates that the DWBM model appropriately represents the key catchment processes and characteristics. On the basis of the assessment of model parameter changes, increased storage capacity and evapotranspiration efficiency are the key factors responsible for the reduced monthly streamflow observed. The degree of change in the model parameters due to afforestation is also influenced by other characteristics of the catchments and the local climatic conditions. This study demonstrated the strength of the DWBM model and its ability to predict afforestation impacts on monthly streamflow when combined with the PPR for estimating model parameters.
Selective Liquid‐Phase Sorption of Small Aliphatic Normal Alcohols on a Flexible Assembly Composed of Keggin Polyoxometalate
Authors: Harati Seyed Mohsen , Mahjoub Ali Reza , Hemmati Mahmood
Published: December 2016

Single crystals of Na3[Fe3O(O2CCH2OCH3)6(H2O)3][α‐SiW12O40]·13.5H2O (1a) and their nanoparticles (2a) have been synthesized by self‐assembly of the constituent ions and a one‐pot sonochemical reaction, respectively. Their corresponding activated phases, 1b and 2b, were obtained by desorption of crystallization water through a thermal process. The sorption capacity of 2b for methanol vapor, owing to the lack of well‐defined pores, was significantly less than 1b, which was confirmed by thermogravimetric analysis. Liquid‐phase sorption of small aliphatic alcohols (C1–C4) was applied to characterize the sorption behavior of 1b. The lattice flexibility was revealed by unit‐cell volume calculation for 1b after sorption of each alcohol by using powder X‐ray diffraction data. Also, investigation of the sorption isotherms, fitting experimental kinetic data to the Lagergren and Ho models, and calculation of the activation energies for sorption of each alcohol were carried out. Finally, the sorption selectivity of 1b towards the alcohols was determined.
Lewis Acid Catalyzed [3+3] Annulation of Donor–Acceptor Cyclopropanes with γ‐Hydroxyenones: Access to Highly Functionalized Tetrahydropyrans
Authors: Mondal Keshab , Pan Subhas Chandra
Published: December 2016

Donor–acceptor cyclopropanes were engaged in a [3+3]‐annulation reaction with γ‐hydroxyenones. Sc(OTf)3 was found to be the best catalyst, and 2,4,4,5‐tetrasubstituted tetrahydropyran products were obtained in good yields under mild reaction conditions. The generality of the reaction permitted the synthesis of tetrasubstituted tetrahydropyrans bearing aryl, alkyl, and heteroaromatic groups. A catalytic asymmetric variant of this process was also studied preliminary with a chiral PyBOX ligand.
Streaming potential of superhydrophobic microchannels
Authors: Park Hung Mok , Kim Damoa , Kim Se Young
Published: December 2016

For the purpose of gaining larger streaming potential, it has been suggested to employ superhydrophobic microchannels with a large velocity slip. There are two kinds of superhydrophobic surfaces, one having a smooth wall with a large Navier slip coefficient caused by the hydrophobicity of the wall material, and the other having a periodic array of no‐ shear slots of air pockets embedded in a nonslip wall. The electrokinetic flows over these two superhydrophobic surfaces are modelled using the Navier‐Stokes equation and convection‐diffusion equations of the ionic species. The Navier slip coefficient of the first kind surfaces and the no‐shear slot ratio of the second kind surfaces are similar in the sense that the volumetric flow rate increases as these parameter values increase. However, although the streaming potential increases monotonically with respect to the Navier slip coefficient, it reaches a maximum and afterward decreases as the no‐shear ratio increases. The results of the present investigation imply that the characterization of superhydrophobic surfaces employing only the measurement of volumetric flow rate against pressure drop is not appropriate and the fine structure of the superhydrophobic surfaces must be verified before predicting the streaming potential and electrokinetic flows accurately.
Evaluation of interactions between RAW264.7 macrophages and small molecules by capillary electrophoresis
Authors: Wang Feng‐Qin , Li Qiao‐Qiao , Zhang Qian , Wang Yin‐Zhen , Hu Yuan‐Jia , Li Peng , Wan Jian‐Bo , Yang Feng‐Qing , Xia Zhi‐Ning
Published: December 2016

In this study, the affinity interactions between RAW 264.7 macrophages and three small molecules including naringin, oleuropein and paeoniflorin were evaluated by affinity capillary electrophoresis (ACE), partial filling affinity capillary electrophoresis (PFACE) and frontal analysis capillary electrophoresis (FACE), respectively. The result indicated that ACE (varying concentrations of cell suspension were filled in the capillary as receptor) may not be suitable for the evaluation of interactions between cell and small molecules due to the high viscosity of cell suspension; PFACE can qualitatively evaluate the interaction, but the difference in viscosity between RAW264.7 suspension and buffer effects on the liner relationship between filling length and injection time, which makes the calculation of binding constant difficult. Furthermore, based on the PFACE results, naringin showed stronger interaction with macrophages than the other two molecules; taking advantage of the aggregation phenomenon of cell induced by electric field, FACE was successfully used to determine the stoichiometry (n = 5×109) and binding constant (Kb = 1×104 L/mol) of the interaction between RAW264.7 and naringin.
A multi‐module microfluidic platform for continuous pre‐concentration of water‐soluble ions and separation of oil droplets from oil‐in‐water (O/W) emulsions using a DC‐biased AC electrokinetic technique
Authors: Das Dhiman , Phan Dinh‐Tuan , Zhao Yugang , Kang Yuejun , Chan Vincent , Yang Chun
Published: December 2016

A novel continuous flow microfluidic platform specifically designed for environmental monitoring of O/W emulsions during an aftermath of oil spills is reported herein. Ionized polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons which are toxic are readily released from crude oil to the surrounding water phase through the smaller oil droplets with enhanced surface area. Hence, a multi‐module microfluidic device is fabricated to form ion enrichment zones in the water phase of O/W emulsions for the ease of detection and to separate micron‐sized oil droplets from the O/W emulsions. Fluorescein ions in the water phase are used to simulate the presence of these toxic ions in the O/W emulsion. A DC‐biased AC electric field is employed in both modules. In the first module, a nanoporous Nafion membrane is used for activating the concentration polarization effect on the fluorescein ions, resulting in the formation of stable ion enrichment zones in the water phase of the emulsion. A 35.6% amplification of the fluorescent signal is achieved in the ion enrichment zone; corresponding to 100% enrichment of the fluorescent dye concentration. In this module, the main inlet is split into two channels by using a Y‐junction so that there are two outlets for the oil droplets. The second module located downstream of the first module consists of two oil droplet entrapment zones at two outlets. By switching on the appropriate electrodes, either one of the two oil droplet entrapment zones can be activated and the droplets can be blocked in the corresponding outlet.
Special Issue: Lithium‐Ion Batteries from the GEENI Graduiertenkolleg
Authors: Kwade Arno
Published: December 2016

Lithium‐Ion Batteries: The studies assembled in this Special Issue of Energy Technology highlight the research performed as part of the research training network GEENI set up in Lower Saxony in Germany to understand how the materials used in lithium‐ion batteries operate and how to further improve these materials. We thank all of our contributors and hope that our readership will share our excitement about this Special Issue.
Optimum seismic design of reinforced concrete frames according to Eurocode 8 and fib Model Code 2010
Authors: Mergos Panagiotis E.
Published: December 2016

Traditional seismic design, like the one adopted in Eurocode 8 (EC8), is force‐based and examining a single level of seismic action. In order to provide improved control of structural damage for different levels of seismic action, the new fib Model Code 2010 (MC2010) includes a fully fledged displacement‐based and performance‐based seismic design methodology. However, the level of complexity and computational effort of the MC2010 methodology is significantly increased. Hence, the use of automated optimization techniques for obtaining cost‐effective design solutions becomes appealing if not necessary. This study employs genetic algorithms to derive and compare optimum seismic design solutions of reinforced concrete frames according to EC8 and MC2010. This is important because MC2010 is meant to serve as a basis for future seismic design codes. It is found that MC2010 drives to more cost‐effective solutions than EC8 for regions of low seismicity and better or similar costs for regions of moderate seismicity. For high‐seismicity regions, MC2010 may yield similar or increased structural costs. This depends strongly on the provisions adopted for selecting the set of ground motions. In all cases, MC2010 provides enhanced control of structural damage. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Tolerance of whitefish (Coregonus lavaretus) early life stages to manganese sulfate is affected by the parents
Authors: Arola Hanna E. , Karjalainen Juha , Vehniäinen Eeva-Riikka , Väisänen Ari , Kukkonen Jussi V.K. , Karjalainen Anna K.
Published: December 2016

European whitefish (Coregonus lavaretus) embryos and larvae were exposed to 6 different manganese sulfate (MnSO4) concentrations from fertilization to the 3-d-old larvae. The fertilization success, offspring survival, larval growth, yolk consumption, embryonic and larval Mn tissue concentrations, and transcript levels of detoxification-related genes were measured in the long-term incubation. A full factorial breeding design (4 females × 2 males) allowed examination of the significance of both female and male effects, as well as female–male interactions in conjunction with the MnSO4 exposure in terms of the observed endpoints. The MnSO4 exposure reduced the survival of the whitefish early life stages. The offspring MnSO4 tolerance also was affected by the female parent, and the female-specific mean lethal concentrations (LC50s) varied from 42.0 mg MnSO4/L to 84.6 mg MnSO4/L. The larval yolk consumption seemed slightly inhibited at the exposure concentration of 41.8 mg MnSO4/L. The MnSO4 exposure caused a significant induction of metallothionein-A (mt-a) and metallothionein-B (mt-b) in the 3-d-old larvae, and at the exposure concentration of 41.8 mg MnSO4/L the mean larval mt-a and mt-b expressions were 47.5% and 56.6% higher, respectively, than at the control treatment. These results illustrate that whitefish reproduction can be impaired in waterbodies that receive Mn and SO4 in concentrations substantially above the typical levels in boreal freshwaters, but the offspring tolerance can be significantly affected by the parents and in particular the female parent. Environ Toxicol Chem 2017;36:1343–1353. © 2016 SETAC
Screening of genotoxicity and mutagenicity in extractable organics from oil sands process–affected water
Authors: Zetouni Nikolas C. , Siraki Arno G. , Weinfeld Michael , Pereira Alberto Dos Santos , Martin Jonathan W.
Published: December 2016

Large volumes of oil sands process–affected water (OSPW) are produced by the oil sands surface mining industry during alkaline hot-water extraction of bitumen. It is well documented that the acid extractable organics (AEOs) in OSPW, a highly complex mixture of acidic and polar neutral substances, are acutely toxic; but few studies have examined the genotoxicity or mutagenicity of this mixture. In the present study, the in vitro SOS Chromotest and the Ames test (TA98 and TA100 strains) were used to evaluate genotoxicity and mutagenicity for whole OSPW AEOs in the presence and absence of biotransformation by rat S9 liver enzymes. Two subfractions were also examined in the same assays: neutral extractable fraction (F1-NE), and the subsequent acid extractable fraction (F2-AE). In the SOS assay, whole AEO was cytotoxic when concentrated 2× (i.e., twice as concentrated as the environmental sample) and showed increasing genotoxic response above 6×. Co-exposure with S9 had a protective effect on the cell SOS-inducing factor and survival but did not eliminate genotoxicity above 6× concentrations. Most of the cytotoxicity was attributable to F2-AE, but both F1-NE and F2-AE had similar genotoxic dose–responses above 6×. In the Ames test without S9, whole AEO was mutagenic in both strains above 10× concentrations. Co-incubation with S9 had little effect on the TA100 strain but with TA98 resulted in bioactivation at midlevel doses (1.5–6.3×) and protection at higher doses (10–25×). The 2 subfractions were mutagenic in both strains but with different dose–responses. Further research in vivo or in more relevant cells is warranted to investigate the carcinogenic risks of OSPW. Environ Toxicol Chem 2017;36:1397–1404. © 2016 SETAC
Disruption of rich club organisation in cerebral small vessel disease
Authors: Tuladhar Anil M. , Lawrence Andrew , Norris David. G. , Barrick Thomas R. , Markus Hugh S. , de Leeuw Frank‐Erik
Published: December 2016

Cerebral small vessel disease (SVD) is an important cause of vascular cognitive impairment. Recent studies have demonstrated that structural connectivity of brain networks in SVD is disrupted. However, little is known about the extent and location of the reduced connectivity in SVD. Here they investigate the rich club organisation—a set of highly connected and interconnected regions—and investigate whether there is preferential rich club disruption in SVD. Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) and cognitive assessment were performed in a discovery sample of SVD patients (n = 115) and healthy control subjects (n = 50). Results were replicated in an independent dataset (49 SVD with confluent WMH cases and 108 SVD controls) with SVD patients having a similar SVD phenotype to that of the discovery cases. Rich club organisation was examined in structural networks derived from DTI followed by deterministic tractography. Structural networks in SVD patients were less dense with lower network strength and efficiency. Reduced connectivity was found in SVD, which was preferentially located in the connectivity between the rich club nodes rather than in the feeder and peripheral connections, a finding confirmed in both datasets. In discovery dataset, lower rich club connectivity was associated with lower scores on psychomotor speed (β = 0.29, P < 0.001) and executive functions (β = 0.20, P = 0.009). These results suggest that SVD is characterized by abnormal connectivity between rich club hubs in SVD and provide evidence that abnormal rich club organisation might contribute to the development of cognitive impairment in SVD. Hum Brain Mapp 38:1751–1766, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Single neuron activity and theta modulation in the posterior parietal cortex in a visuospatial attention task
Authors: Yang Fang‐Chi , Jacobson Tara K. , Burwell Rebecca D.
Published: December 2016

The posterior parietal cortex (PPC) is implicated in directing and maintaining visual attention to locations in space. We hypothesized that the PPC also engages other cognitive processes in the transformation of behaviorally relevant visual inputs into appropriate actions, for example, monitoring of multiple locations, selection of responses to locations in space, and monitoring the outcome of response selections. We recorded single cells and local field potentials in the rat PPC during performance on a novel visuospatial attention (VSA) task that requires visually monitoring locations in space in order to make appropriate stimulus‐guided locomotor responses. In each trial, rats attended to four locations on the floor of a maze. A randomly chosen location was briefly illuminated. Approach to the correct target location was followed by food reward. We observed that PPC activity correlated with multiple phases of the VSA task, including monitoring for stimulus onset, detection of a target, spatial location of the target, and target choice. A substantial proportion of cells with behavioral correlates were also modulated by outcome of the trial. Our analyses of local field potentials revealed strong oscillatory rhythms in the theta frequency band, and more than a third of PPC neurons were phase locked to theta oscillations. As in other brain regions, theta power correlated with running speed. Peak theta power was higher in superficial layers than deep layers providing evidence against volume conduction from the hippocampus. In addition, theta power was sensitive to the outcome of a choice. Theta power was significantly higher following incorrect choices compared with correct choices, possibly providing a prediction error signal. Our study provides evidence that the rat PPC has multiple roles in the translation of visual information into appropriate behavioral actions. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The survival impact of delayed surgery and adjuvant chemotherapy on stage II/III rectal cancer with pathological complete response after neoadjuvant chemoradiation
Authors: Kuan Feng‐Che , Lai Chia‐Hsuan , Ku Hsiu‐Ying , Wu Chun‐Feng , Hsieh Meng‐Chiao , Liu Tsang‐Wu , Yeh Chien‐Yuh , Lee Kuan‐Der
Published: December 2016

Neoadjuvant concurrent chemoradiation (CCRT) is standard treatment for clinical stage II/III rectal cancers. However, whether patients with pathological complete response (pT0N0, pCR) should receive adjuvant chemotherapy and whether delayed surgery will influence the pCR rate remains controversial. A nationwide population study was conducted using the Taiwan Cancer Registry Database from January 2007 to December 2013. Kaplan‐Meier survival analysis was performed. Cox proportional hazards models were used to estimate multivariate adjusted hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI). Of the 1,914 patients who received neoadjuvant CCRT, 259 (13.6%) achieved pCR and had better survival (adjusted HR: 0.37, 95% CI: 0.24‐0.58; p < 0.001). The cumulative rate of pCR rose up to 83.4% in the 9th week and slowly reached a plateau after the 11th week. Among the patients with pCR, those who received adjuvant chemotherapy had no survival benefits compared to those without adjuvant chemotherapy (adjusted HR: 0.72, 95 CI: 0.27–1.93; p = 0.52). By subgroup analysis, those younger than 70‐year old and received adjuvant chemotherapy had better survival benefit than those without adjuvant chemotherapy (adjusted HR: 0.19, 95% CI: 0.04–0.97; p = 0.046). Delayed surgery by 9–12 weeks after the end of neoadjuvant CCRT can maximize the pCR rate, which is correlated with better survival. Adjuvant chemotherapy may be considered in patients with pCR and aged <70‐year old, but further prospectively randomized controlled trials are warranted to validate these findings.
Investigation of cell viability and morphology in 3D bio‐printed alginate constructs with tunable stiffness
Authors: Shi Pujiang , Laude Augustinus , Yeong Wai Yee
Published: December 2016

In this article, mouse fibroblast cells (L929) were seeded on 2%, 5%, and 10% alginate hydrogels, and they were also bio‐printed with 2%, 5%, and 10% alginate solutions individually to form constructs. The elastic and viscous moduli of alginate solutions, their interior structure and stiffness, interactions of cells and alginate, cell viability, migration and morphology were investigated by rheometer, MTT assay, scanning electron microscope (SEM), and fluorescent microscopy. The three types of bio‐printed scaffolds of distinctive stiffness were prepared, and the seeded cells showed robust viability either on the alginate hydrogel surfaces or in the 3D bio‐printed constructs. Majority of the proliferated cells in the 3D bio‐printed constructs weakly attached to the surrounding alginate matrix. The concentration of alginate solution and hydrogel stiffness influenced cell migration and morphology, moreover the cells formed spheroids in the bio‐printed 10% alginate hydrogel construct. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 105A: 1009–1018, 2017.
Change in Trabecular Bone Score (TBS) With Antiresorptive Therapy Does Not Predict Fracture in Women: The Manitoba BMD Cohort
Authors: Leslie William D , Majumdar Sumit R , Morin Suzanne N , Hans Didier , Lix Lisa M
Published: December 2016

Bone mineral density (BMD) and trabecular bone score (TBS), along with additional clinical risk factors, can be used to identify individuals at high fracture risk. Whether change in TBS in untreated or treated women independently affects fracture risk is unclear. Using the Manitoba (Canada) DXA Registry containing all BMD results for the population we identified 9044 women age ≥40 years with two consecutive DXA scans and who were not receiving osteoporosis treatment at baseline (baseline mean age 62 ± 10 years). We examined BMD and TBS change, osteoporosis treatment, and incident major osteoporotic fractures (MOFs) for each individual. Over a mean of 7.7 years follow-up, 770 women developed an incident MOF. During the interval between the two DXA scans (mean, 4.1 years), 5083 women initiated osteoporosis treatment (bisphosphonate use 80%) whereas 3961 women did not receive any osteoporosis treatment. Larger gains in both BMD and TBS were seen in women with greater adherence to osteoporosis medication (p for trend <0.001), and the magnitude of the increase was consistently greater for BMD than for TBS. Among treated women there was greater antifracture effect for each SD increase in total hip BMD change (fracture decrease 20%; 95% CI, 13% to 26%; p < 0.001), femoral neck BMD change (19%; 95% CI, 12% to 26%; p < 0.001), and lumbar spine BMD change (9%; 95% CI, 0% to 17%; p = 0.049). In contrast, change in TBS did not predict fractures in women who initiated osteoporosis treatment (p = 0.10). Among untreated women neither change in BMD or TBS predicted fractures. We conclude that, unlike antiresorptive treatment–related changes in BMD, change in lumbar spine TBS is not a useful indicator of fracture risk irrespective of osteoporosis treatment. © 2016 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
A Flap Endonuclease (TcFEN1) Is Involved in Trypanosoma cruzi Cell Proliferation, DNA Repair, and Parasite Survival
Authors: Ponce Ivan , Aldunate Carmen , Valenzuela Lucia , Sepúlveda Sofia , Garrido Gilda , Kemmerling Ulrike , Cabrera Gonzalo , Galanti Norbel
Published: December 2016

FLAP endonucleases (FEN) are involved both in DNA replication and repair by processing DNA intermediaries presenting a nucleotide flap using its phosphodiesterase activity. In spite of these important functions in DNA metabolism, this enzyme was not yet studied in Trypanosomatids. Trypanosoma cruzi, the ethiological agent of Chagas disease, presents two dividing cellular forms (epimastigote and amastigote) and one non‐proliferative, infective form (trypomastigote). The parasite survives DNA damage produced by reactive species generated in its hosts. The activity of a T. cruzi FLAP endonuclease (TcFEN1) was determined in the three cellular forms of the parasite using a DNA substrate generated by annealing three different oligonucleotides to form a double‐stranded DNA with a 5′ flap in the middle. This activity showed optimal pH and temperature similar to other known FENs. The substrate cut by the flap endonuclease activity could be ligated by the parasite generating a repaired DNA product. A DNA flap endonuclease coding sequence found in the T. cruzi genome (TcFEN1) was cloned, inserted in parasite expression vectors and transfected to epimastigotes. The purified native recombinant protein showed DNA flap endonuclease activity. This endonuclease was found located in the parasite nucleus of transfected epimastigotes and its over‐expression increased both parasite proliferation and survival to H2O2. The presence of a flap endonuclease activity in T. cruzi and its nuclear location are indicative of the participation of this enzyme in DNA processing of flap fragments during DNA replication and repair in this parasite of ancient evolutive origin. J. Cell. Biochem. 118: 1722–1732, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Antibacterial activity of glass ionomer cement modified by zinc oxide nanoparticles
Authors: Garcia Patrícia Petromilli Nordi Sasso , Cardia Mariana Florian Bell , Francisconi Renata Serignoli , Dovigo Lívia Nordi , Spolidório Denise Madalena Palomari , de Souza Rastelli Alessandra Nara , Botta Ana Carolina
Published: December 2016

This study evaluated the antibacterial activity of zinc oxide nanoparticles incorporated into self‐cured glass ionomer cement (GIC) and light‐cured resin‐reinforced GIC onStreptococcus mutansbiofilm. The GICs, Fuji II (GC America) and Fuji II LC (GC America), were incorporated with nanoparticles at concentrations of 0%, 1%, and 2% by weight, and the biofilm maturation time was one and seven days. Circular specimens of each GIC type were prepared. The antibacterial activity was evaluated by determining the number of colony forming units ofS. mutansstrain per milliliter. Morphology of the biofilm was analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The data obtained for each GIC were analyzed by two‐way ANOVA (α = 5%). For chemically activated GIC, no significant difference was observed in relation to the time of biofilm maturation (p = 0.744), concentration of nanoparticles (p = 0.966), and their interaction (p = 0.800). The results from analysis of GIC modified by light‐polymerized resin showed that only of the maturing time significantly affected the number of adhered cells on the biofilm (p = 0.034,F = 4.778). The more mature the biofilm, higher the number of cells. SEM analysis showed no change in cell morphology in relation to the type of GIC, maturation time, and nanoparticles concentration. We conclude that the inclusion of zinc oxide nanoparticles at concentrations of 1% and 2% by weight into the GICs evaluated here, did not promote their antimicrobial activity againstS. mutans.