bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Block Copolymer Packing Limits and Interfacial Reconfigurability in the Assembly of Periodic Mesoporous Organosilicas
Authors: Wills Andrew W. , Michalak David J. , Ercius Peter , Rosenberg Ethan R. , Perciano Talita , Ushizima Daniela , Runser Rory , Helms Brett A.
Published: May 2015

Here poly(N,N‐dimethylacrylamide)‐block‐poly(styrene) block copolymer micelles (BCPs) are advanced and applied to assemble periodic mesoporous organosilicas (PMOs) with noncylindrical pores. Using these BCP micelles, it is found that pore dimensions (11–23 nm), wall thicknesses (5–9 nm), and overall porosities (26%–78%) are independently programable, depending only on relative inputs for BCP and matrix former. Notably, the degree of order in all films improves as BCP loading approaches a packing limit of 63 vol%. Beyond this limit and regardless of pore dimensions, both porogen packing in the film and pore structure after thermal processing show significant deviations away from spherical close‐packed lattices. The surprising absence of film collapse in this regime allows here to quantify the evolution of pore structure through the thermally driven interfacial reconfigurability of BCP micelles in the hybrid films when porogen loading exceeds the packing limit by using both scattering techniques and scanning transmission electron microscopy tomography. Finally, the PMOs here give dielectric constants of 1.2 and 1.5 above and below the BCP packing limit, respectively—the lowest ever reported for this matrix material.
Superhydrophobic “Pump”: Continuous and Spontaneous Antigravity Water Delivery
Authors: Cao Moyuan , Li Kan , Dong Zhichao , Yu Cunming , Yang Shuai , Song Cheng , Liu Kesong , Jiang Lei
Published: May 2015

Antigravity transportation of water, which is often observed in nature, is becoming a vital demand for advanced devices and new technology. Many studies have been devoted to the motion of a single droplet on a horizontal or inclined substrate under specific assistance. However, the self‐propelled water motion, especially continuous antigravity water delivery, still remains a considerable challenge. Here, a novel self‐ascending phenomenon driven only by the surface energy release of water droplets is found, and a superhydrophobic mesh to pump water up to a height of centimeter scale is designed. An integrated antigravity transportation system is also demonstrated to continuously and spontaneously pump water droplets without additional driving forces. The present novel finding and integrated devices should serve as a source of inspiration for the design of advanced materials and for the development of new technology with exciting applications in microfluidics, microdetectors, and intelligent systems.
In Operando Strain Measurement of Bicontinuous Silicon‐Coated Nickel Inverse Opal Anodes for Li‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Glazer Matthew P. B. , Cho Jiung , Almer Jonathan , Okasinski John , Braun Paul V. , Dunand David C.
Published: May 2015

Elastic strains are measured in operando in a nanostructured silicon‐coated nickel inverse opal scaffold anode, using X‐ray diffraction to study the Si (de)lithiation‐induced Ni strains. The volume expansion upon lithiation of the Si in the anode is constrained by the surrounding Ni scaffold, causing mismatch stresses and strains in the Si and Ni phases during cycling. The Ni strains are measured in operando during (dis)charge cycles, using diffraction peak position and peak broadness to describe the distribution of strain in the Ni. During lithiation, compressive strains in the Ni first increase linearly with charge, after which a gradually decreasing strain rate is observed as the maximum lithiation state is approached; upon delithiation a similar process occurs. In‐plane average compressive strains on the order of 990 ± 40 με are measured in the Ni scaffold during lithiation, corresponding to compressive stresses of 215 ± 9 MPa. The decreasing strain rates and decreasing maximum and recovered strains suggest that plasticity in Ni and/or Si, as well as delamination between Ni and Si, may occur during cycling. Rate sensitivity in capacity is correlated with strain and a maximum Ni compressive stress of 230 ± 40 MPa is measured at the maximum state of lithiation.
Eosinophilic airway disease in a patient with a negative skin prick test, but a positive patch test with platinum salts ‐ implications for medical surveillance
Authors: Merget Rolf , Fartasch Manigé , Sander Ingrid , Van Kampen Vera , Raulf Monika , Brüning Thomas
Published: May 2015

We present the case of a 52‐year‐old woman with a topic dermatitis since adolescence who developed work‐related hand eczema, cough and runny nose 12 years after she had started working as a laboratory technician at a precious metals refinery. While skin prick test with sodium hexachloroplatinate (SPTPt) was negative, patch testing with ammonium tetrachloroplatinate was positive after 24, 48, 72, and 96 hr. Inhalation challenge with sodium hexachloroplatinate yielded cough, mild shortness of breath, and a maximal decrease of FEV1 of 8% from baseline 24 hr after the challenge. Significant increases of bronchial hyperresponsiveness, exhaled nitric monoxide and sputum eosinophils were documented after the challenge. We conclude that eosinophilic airway disease due to platinum salts may occur in SPTPt negative subjects. Both, patch testing and inhalation challenge with platinum salts should be considered in SPT negative subjects with occupational exposure to precious metal salts and work‐related allergic symptoms. Am. J. Ind. Med. 58:1008–1011, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Volumetric computed tomography analysis of the olfactory cleft in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis
Authors: Soler Zachary M. , Pallanch John F. , Sansoni Eugene Ritter , Jones Cameron S. , Lawrence Lauren A. , Schlosser Rodney J. , Mace Jess C. , Smith Timothy L.
Published: May 2015

Background

Commonly used computed tomography (CT) staging systems for chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) focus on the sinuses and do not quantify disease in the olfactory cleft. The goal of the current study was to determine whether precise measurements of olfactory cleft opacification better correlate with olfaction in patients with CRS.

Methods

Olfaction was assessed using the 40‐item Smell Identification Test (SIT‐40) before and after sinus surgery in adult patients. Olfactory cleft opacification was quantified precisely using three‐dimensional (3D), computerized volumetric analysis, as well as via semiquantitative Likert scale estimations at predetermined anatomic sites. Sinus opacification was also quantified using the Lund‐Mackay staging system.

Results

The overall cohort (n = 199) included 89 (44.7%) patients with CRS with nasal polyposis (CRSwNP) and 110 (55.3%) with CRS without nasal polyposis (CRSsNP). The olfactory cleft opacified volume correlated with objective olfaction as determined by the SIT‐40 (Spearman's rank correlation coefficient [Rs] = −0.461; p < 0.001). The correlation was significantly stronger in the CRSwNP subgroup (Rs = −0.573; p < 0.001), whereas no appreciable correlation was found in the CRSsNP group (Rs = −0.141; p = 0.141). Correlations between sinus‐specific Lund‐Mackay CT scoring and SIT‐40 scores were weaker in the CRSwNP (Rs = −0.377; p < 0.001) subgroup but stronger in the CRSsNP (Rs = −0.225; p = 0.018) group when compared to olfactory cleft correlations. Greater intraclass correlations (ICCs) were found between quantitative volumetric measures of olfactory cleft opacification (ICC = 0.844; p < 0.001) as compared with semiquantitative Likert grading (ICC = 0.627; p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Quantitative measures of olfactory cleft opacification correlate with objective olfaction, with the strongest correlations seen in patients with nasal polyps.
Blending to Treat Expulsion in a Child with Food Refusal
Authors: Sharp William G. , Trumbull Ashley , Lesack Roseanne
Published: May 2015

The current study examined the effect of blending established foods and non‐preferred foods to treat expulsions in a three‐year‐old girl with food refusal and gastrostomy‐tube dependence. Treatment involving differential reinforcement of acceptance, non‐removal of the spoon, and re‐presentation increased consumption of 12 out of the 16 pureed foods; however, high levels of expulsion of four foods continued to disrupt meals. Results showed reduced rates of expulsion and increased mouth clean during blending, evaluated empirically using an ABAB design. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A versatile, non genetically modified organism (GMO)‐based strategy for controlling low‐producer mutants in Bordetella pertussis cultures using antigenic modulation
Authors: Goffin Philippe , Slock Thomas , Smessaert Vincent , De Rop Philippe , Dehottay Philippe
Published: May 2015

The uncontrolled presence of non‐producer mutants negatively affects bioprocesses. In Bordetella pertussis cultures, avirulent mutants emerge spontaneously and accumulate. We characterized the dynamics of accumulation using high‐throughput growth assays and competition experiments between virulent and avirulent (bvg–) isolates. A fitness advantage of bvg– cells was identified as the main driver for bvg– accumulation under conditions of high virulence factor production. Conversely, under conditions that reduce their expression (antigenic modulation), bvg– takeover could be avoided. A control strategy was derived, which consists in applying modulating conditions whenever virulence factor production is not required. It has a wide range of applications, from routine laboratory operations to vaccine manufacturing, where pertussis toxin yields were increased 1.4‐fold by performing early pre‐culture steps in modulating conditions. Because it only requires subtle modifications of the culture medium and does not involve genetic modifications, this strategy is applicable to any B. pertussis isolate, and should facilitate regulatory acceptance of process changes for vaccine production. Strategies based on the same concept, could be derived for other industrially relevant micro‐organisms. This study illustrates how a sound scientific understanding of physiological principles can be turned into a practical application for the bioprocess industry, in alignment with Quality by Design principles.
Quantification of myo‐inositol, 1,5‐anhydro‐ D‐sorbitol, and D‐chiro‐inositol using high‐performance liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection in very small volume clinical samples
Authors: Schimpf Karen J. , Meek Claudia C. , Leff Richard D. , Phelps Dale L. , Schmitz Daniel J. , Cordle Christopher T.
Published: May 2015

Inositol is a six‐carbon sugar alcohol and is one of nine biologically significant isomers of hexahydroxycyclohexane. Myo‐inositol is the primary biologically active form and is present in higher concentrations in the fetus and newborn than in adults. It is currently being examined for the prevention of retinopathy of prematurity in newborn preterm infants. A robust method for quantifying myo‐inositol (MI), D‐chiro‐inositol (DCI) and 1,5‐anhydro‐ D‐sorbitol (ADS) in very small‐volume (25 μL) urine, blood serum and/or plasma samples was developed. Using a multiple‐column, multiple mobile phase liquid chromatographic system with electrochemical detection, the method was validated with respect to (a) selectivity, (b) accuracy/recovery, (c) precision/reproducibility, (d) sensitivity, (e) stability and (f) ruggedness. The standard curve was linear and ranged from 0.5 to 30 mg/L for each of the three analytes. Above‐mentioned performance measures were within acceptable limits described in the Food and Drug Administration's Guidance for Industry: Bioanalytical Method Validation. The method was validated using blood serum and plasma collected using four common anticoagulants, and also by quantifying the accuracy and sensitivity of MI measured in simulated urine samples recovered from preterm infant diaper systems. The method performs satisfactorily measuring the three most common inositol isomers on 25 μL clinical samples of serum, plasma, milk, and/or urine. Similar performance is seen testing larger volume samples of infant formulas and infant formula ingredients. MI, ADS and DCI may be accurately tested in urine samples collected from five different preterm infant diapers if the urine volume is greater than 2–5 mL. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synthesis and in Vitro Antiviral Activities of [(Dihydrofuran‐2‐yl)oxy]methyl‐phosphonate Nucleosides with 2‐Substituted Adenine as Base
Authors: Liu Fei , Liu Yingju , Xu Rui‐Gang , Dai Guifu , Zhao Liu‐Xi , Wang Yafeng , Liu Hong‐Min , Liu Feng‐Wu , Pannecouque Christophe , Herdewijn Piet
Published: May 2015

The synthesis of [(2′,5′‐dihydrofuran‐2‐yl)oxy]methyl‐phosphonate nucleosides with a 2‐substituted adenine base moiety starting from 2‐deoxy‐3,5‐bis‐O‐(4‐methylbenzoyl)‐α‐L‐ribofuranosyl chloride and 2,6‐dichloropurine is described. The key step is the regiospecific and stereoselective introduction of a phosphonate synthon at C(2) of the furan ring. None of the synthesized compounds showed significant in vitro activity against HIV, BVDV, and HBV.
Interaction of β3/β2‐Peptides, Consisting of Val‐Ala‐Leu Segments, with POPC Giant Unilamellar Vesicles (GUVs) and White Blood Cancer Cells (U937) – A New Type of Cell‐Penetrating Peptides, and a Surprising Chain‐Length Dependence of Their Vesicle‐ and Cell‐Lysing Activity
Authors: Kolesinska Beata , Eyer Klaus , Robinson Tom , Dittrich Petra S. , Beck Albert K. , Seebach Dieter , Walde Peter
Published: May 2015

Many years ago, β2/β3‐peptides, consisting of alternatively arranged β2‐ and β3h‐amino‐acid residues, have been found to undergo folding to a unique type of helix, the 10/12‐helix, and to exhibit non‐polar, lipophilic properties (Helv. Chim. Acta 1997, 80, 2033). We have now synthesized such ‘mixed’ hexa‐, nona‐, dodeca‐, and octadecapeptides, consisting of Val‐Ala‐Leu triads, with N‐terminal fluorescein (FAM) labels, i.e., 1–4, and studied their interactions with POPC (=1‐palmitoyl‐2‐oleoyl‐sn‐glycero‐3‐phosphocholine) giant unilamellar vesicles (GUVs) and with human white blood cancer cells U937. The methods used were microfluidic technology, fluorescence correlation spectroscopy (FCS), a flow‐cytometry assay, a membrane‐toxicity assay with the dehydrogenase G6PDH as enzymatic reporter, and visual microscopy observations. All β3/β2‐peptide derivatives penetrate the GUVs and/or the cells. As shown with the isomeric β3/β2‐, β3‐, and β2‐nonamers, 2, 5, and 6, respectively, the derivatives 5 and 6 consisting exclusively of β3‐ or β2‐amino‐acid residues, respectively, interact neither with the vesicles nor with the cells. Depending on the method of investigation and on the pretreatment of the cells, the β3/β2‐nonamer and/or the β3/β2‐dodecamer derivative, 2 and/or 3, respectively, cause a surprising disintegration or lysis of the GUVs and cells, comparable with the action of tensides, viral fusion peptides, and host‐defense antimicrobial peptides. Possible sources of the chain‐length‐dependent destructive potential of the β3/β2‐nona‐ and β3/β2‐dodecapeptide derivatives, and a possible relationship with the phosphate‐to‐phosphate and hydrocarbon thicknesses of GUVs, and eukaryotic cells are discussed. Further investigations with other types of GUVs and of eukaryotic or prokaryotic cells will be necessary to elucidate the mechanism(s) of interaction of ‘mixed’ β3/β2‐peptides with membranes and to evaluate possible biomedical applications.
A 12–month angiographic and optical coherence tomography follow‐up after bioresorbable vascular scaffold implantation in patients with ST‐segment elevation myocardial infarction
Authors: Kochman Janusz , Tomaniak Mariusz , Kołtowski Łukasz , Jąkała Jacek , Proniewska Klaudia , Legutko Jacek , Roleder Tomasz , Pietrasik Arkadiusz , Rdzanek Adam , Kochman Wacław , Brugaletta Salvatore , Kaluza Grzegorz L.
Published: May 2015

Objectives

The aim of the study was to evaluate the healing process at 12 months after ABSORB™ bioresorbable vascular scaffold (BVS) implantation in patients with ST‐segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI).

Background

There is currently no data on long‐term BVS performance in the acute thrombotic setting. The underlying altered plaque pathomorphology may impact the neointima healing pattern, potentially making it different to that observed in stable coronary artery disease (CAD).

Methods

We have performed an angiographic and optical coherence tomography (OCT) 12‐month follow‐up of 19 STEMI patients who were treated with a BVS implantation (23 scaffolds). An independent core laboratory performed a paired analysis of the corresponding frames at baseline and follow‐up.

Results

At 12 months, the OCT follow‐up showed a decrease in the mean lumen area (8.29 ± 1.53 mm2 vs. 6.82 ± 1.57 mm2, P < 0.001), but no significant change in the mean scaffold area (8.49 ± 1.53 mm2 vs. 8.90 ± 1.51 mm2). Significant decreases in malapposed strut ratio (4.9 ± 8.65% vs. 0.4 ± 1.55%, P < 0.001) and malapposition area (0.29 ± 0.60 mm2 0.08 ± 0.32 mm2, P = 0.002) were observed. A nonhomogenous proliferation of neointima was revealed with a symmetry index of 0.15 (0.08–0.27), a mean neointima thickness of 203 μm (183–249) and mean neointima area of 2.07 ± 0.51 mm2. The quantitative coronary angiography showed late lumen loss of 0.08 ± 0.23 mm and no significant change in the minimal lumen diameter (P = 0.11). There were no major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), except for one nontarget vessel revascularization.

Conclusions

The OCT revealed a favorable healing pattern after BVS implantation in a STEMI population. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Bilateral femur metastases in low‐grade endometrial carcinoma
Authors: Lunardi Pierre , Vidal Fabien , Accadbled Franck , Leguevaque Pierre , Soule‐Tholy Marc , Beauval Jean Baptiste , Motton Stéphanie
Published: May 2015

Key Clinical Message

Lower‐limb bone metastases are uncommon in low‐grade endometrial carcinoma, and are mostly located on the axial skeleton. Here, we present a rare case of bilateral femur metastases in low‐grade endometrial carcinoma and performed a review of the current literature.
Nonsyndromic X‐linked intellectual deficiency in three brothers with a novel MED12 missense mutation [c.5922G>T (p.Glu1974His)]
Authors: Bouazzi Habib , Lesca Gaetan , Trujillo Carlos , Alwasiyah Mohammad Khalid , Munnich Arnold
Published: May 2015

Key Clinical Message

X‐linked intellectual deficiency (XLID) is a large group of genetic disorders. MED12 gene causes syndromic and nonsyndromic forms of XLID. Only seven pathological mutations have been identified in this gene. Here, we report a novel mutation segregating with XLID phenotype. This mutation could be in favor of genotype–phenotype correlations.
In silico evaluation of logD7.4 and comparison with other prediction methods
Authors: Wang Jian‐Bing , Cao Dong‐Sheng , Zhu Min‐Feng , Yun Yong‐Huan , Xiao Nan , Liang Yi‐Zeng
Published: May 2015

Lipophilicity, evaluated by either n‐octanol/water partition coefficient or n‐octanol/buffer solution distribution coefficient, is of high importance in pharmacology, toxicology, and medicinal chemistry. A quantitative structure–property relationship study was carried out to predict distribution coefficients at pH 7.4 (logD7.4) of a large data set consisting of 1130 organic compounds. Partial least squares and support vector machine (SVM) regressions were employed to build prediction models with 30 molecular descriptors selected by genetic algorithm. The obtained results demonstrated that the SVM model is more reliable and has a better prediction performance than the partial least squares model. The square correlation coefficients of fitting, cross validation, and prediction are 0.92, 0.90, and 0.89, respectively. The corresponding root mean square errors are 0.52, 0.59, and 0.56, respectively. The robustness, reliability, and generalization ability of the model were assessed by Y‐randomization test and applicability domain. When compared with logD7.4 values calculated by five existing methods from Discovery Studio and ChemAxon, our SVM model shows superiority over them. The results indicated that our model could give a reliable and robust prediction of logD7.4. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Quantum Chemical Study of Water Adsorption on the Surfaces of SrTiO3 Nanotubes
Authors: Bandura Andrei V. , Kuruch Dmitry D. , Evarestov Robert A.
Published: May 2015

We have studied the adsorption of water molecules on the inner and outer surfaces of nanotubes generated by rolling (001) layers of SrTiO3 cubic crystals. The stability and the atomic and electronic structures of the adsorbed layers are determined by using hybrid density functional theory. The absorption energy and the preferred adsorbate structure are essentially governed by the nature of the surface of the nanotube. Dissociative adsorption prevails on the outer nanotube surfaces. The stability of the adsorbed layers on the inner surfaces is related to the possibility of the formation of hydrogen bonds between water molecules and surface oxygen atoms, and depends on the surface curvature. The presence of water molecules on the inner surface of the nanotubes leads to an increase of the electronic band gap. Externally TiO2‐terminated nanotubes could be used for the photocatalytic decomposition of water by ultraviolet radiation.
Growth and downconversion luminescence of Ho3+/Yb3+ codoped α‐NaYF4 single crystals by the Bridgman method using a KF flux
Authors: Zhang Jiazhong , Xia Haiping , Jiang Yongzhang , Yang Shuo , Gu Xuemei , Zhang Jianli , Jiang Haochuan , Chen Baojiu
Published: May 2015

Downconversion (DC) luminescence with emission at about 1000 nm under excitation of 448‐nm light in Ho3+/Yb3+ codoped α‐NaYF4 single crystal is realized. The crystal was grown by the Bridgman method using KF as an assisting flux in a NaF‐YF3 system. The energy‐transfer process and quantum cutting (QC) mechanisms are presented through the analysis of the spectra. The energy‐transfer processes of first‐ and second‐order cooperative DC are responsible for the increase of the emission intensity at 1000 nm, and it is the first‐order cooperative DC that is dominant for the DC process. When the Ho3+ concentration is fixed at about 0.8 mol%, the optimal concentration for ∼1000 nm emission is 3.02 mol% Yb3+ in the current research. The energy‐transfer efficiency and the total quantum efficiency are analyzed through the luminescence decay curves. The maximum quantum cutting efficiency approaches to 184.4% in α‐NaYF4 single crystals of 0.799 mol% Ho3+ and 15.15 mol% Yb3+. However, the emission intensity at 1000 nm decreases while the energy‐transfer efficiency from Ho3+ to Yb3+ increases, which may result from the fluorescence quenching between Ho3+ and Yb3+ ions, Yb3+ and Yb3+ ions.
Apply business world techniques to academic leadership
Authors: Hope Joan
Published: May 2015

Higher education administrators often talk about how much time they spend in meetings. They understand how important it is for everyone to have a voice. But making decisions is a challenge at many institutions, said Thomas W. Meyer, dean of academic affairs at the Willis Holcombe Downtown Center of Broward College in Florida.
An environmental problem hidden in plain sight? Small Human-made ponds, emergent insects, and mercury contamination of biota in the Great Plains
Authors: Chumchal Matthew M. , Drenner Ray W.
Published: May 2015

Mercury (Hg) contamination of small human-made ponds and surrounding terrestrial communities may be 1 of the largest unstudied Hg-pollution problems in the United States. Humans have built millions of small ponds in the Great Plains of the United States, and these ponds have become contaminated with atmospherically deposited mercury. In aquatic ecosystems, less toxic forms of Hg deposited from the atmosphere are converted to highly toxic methylmercury (MeHg). Methylmercury is incorporated into the aquatic food web and then can be transferred to terrestrial food webs via emergent aquatic insects. The authors present a conceptual model that describes the movement of MeHg produced in aquatic ecosystems to terrestrial consumers via insects emerging from small human-made ponds. The authors hypothesize that pond permanence and the level of Hg contamination of the food web control this emergent insect-mediated flux of MeHg. The highest insect-mediated flux of MeHg is predicted to be from fishless semipermanent ponds with food webs that are highly contaminated with MeHg. Further development and testing of the conceptual model presented in the present column, particularly in the context of a changing climate, will require research at the regional, watershed, and pond scales. Environ Toxicol Chem 2015;34:1197–1205. © 2015 SETAC
A field test of the effect of spiked ivermectin concentrations on the biodiversity of coprophagous dung insects in Switzerland
Authors: Jochmann Ralf , Lipkow Erhard , Blanckenhorn Wolf U.
Published: May 2015

Veterinary medical product residues can cause severe damage in the dung ecosystem. Depending on the manner of application and the time after treatment, the excreted concentration of a given pharmaceutical varies. The popular anthelmintic drug ivermectin can be applied to livestock in several different ways and is fecally excreted over a period of days to months after application. In a field experiment replicated in summer and autumn, the authors mixed 6 ivermectin concentrations plus a null control into fresh cow dung to assess the reaction of the dung insect community. Taxon richness of the insect dung fauna emerging from the dung, but not Hill diversity (1D) or the total number of individuals (abundance), decreased as ivermectin concentration increased. Corresponding declines in the number of emerging insects were found for most larger brachyceran flies and hymenopteran parasitoids, but not for most smaller nematoceran flies or beetles (except Hydrophilidae). Parallel pitfall traps recovered all major dung organism groups that emerged from the experimental dung, although at times in vastly different numbers. Ivermectin generally did not change the attractiveness of dung: differences in emergence therefore reflect differences in survival of coprophagous offspring of colonizing insects. Because sample size was limited to 6 replicates, the authors generally recommend more than 10 (seasonal) replicates and also testing higher concentrations than used in the present study as positive controls in future studies. Results accord with parallel experiments in which the substance was applied and passed through the cow's digestive system. In principle, therefore, the authors' experimental design is suitable for such higher-tier field tests of the response of the entire dung community to pharmaceutical residues, at least for ivermectin. Environ Toxicol Chem 2016;35:1947–1952. © 2015 SETAC
Cubic spline extrapolation for uplink channel quality prediction in LTE‐A with carrier aggregation
Authors: Lema Maria A. , García‐Lozano Mario , Ruiz Silvia
Published: May 2015

In the context of wireless communications, an accurate channel state information is the key to a correct radio resource management. In the uplink of long‐term evolution advanced, obtaining up‐to‐date channel state information relies on user equipments that send sounding signals throughout the available bandwidth. This procedure is quite challenging when considering the ever increasing bandwidth demands and the introduction of carrier aggregation. Information from many radio resource blocks becomes outdated and unreliable for scheduling operations. Besides, interference values are much more variant than in the downlink due to changes in the position of interferers and their transmission power. This work proposes the introduction of a cubic spline extrapolation method to obtain a prediction horizon that allows extending the reliability of the channel quality evaluation along time. Although very high interference levels and variations thereof imply no gains, the mechanism succeeds with moderate interference, situation that can be provided by interference cancellation strategies. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
New Limonoids from the Seeds of Xylocarpus granatum
Authors: Wu Yi‐Bing , Liu Dan , Liu Pei‐Yu , Yang Xue‐Mei , Liao Man , Lu Nan‐Nan , Sauriol Françoise , Gu Yu‐Cheng , Shi Qing‐Wen , Kiyota Hiromasa , Dong Mei
Published: May 2015

Three novel limonoids, 2,3‐dideacetylxyloccensin S (1), 30‐deacetylxyloccensin W (2), and 7‐hydroxy‐21β‐methoxy‐3‐oxo‐24,25,26,27‐tetranortirucalla‐1,14‐diene‐23(21)‐lactone (3), were isolated from the seeds of the Chinese mangrove, Xylocarpus granatum. The structures were elucidated on the basis of 1D‐ and 2D‐NMR (including 1H‐ and 13C‐NMR, DEPT, 1H,1H‐COSY, HSQC, HMBC, and NOESY) data and confirmed by HR‐MS.
Three New Xanthones from the Fungus Penicillium sp. NH‐7‐1
Authors: Zhuang Yi‐Bin , Yin Hua , Zhang Xue‐Wen , Zhou Wei , Liu Tao
Published: May 2015

Three new xanthones, drimiopsins G–I (1–3, resp.), and two known congeners, griseoxanthone C (4) and norlichexanthone (5), were isolated from a fungal isolate, Penicillium sp. NH‐7‐1. The structures of all compounds were determined on the basis of extensive spectroscopic analyses, as well as by comparison with literature reports, and the structure of compound 1 was further confirmed by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction.
Facile Synthesis of the Pentasaccharide Repeating Unit of the Exopolysaccharide from Cryptococcus neoformans Serotype D
Authors: Zhuo Xiao‐Bin , Zou Yan , Huang Sheng‐Jun , Liao Jun , Hu Hong‐Gang , Zhao Qing‐Jie , Wu Qiu‐Ye
Published: May 2015

β‐D‐GlcpA‐(1→2)‐[β‐D‐Xylp‐(1→2)‐α‐D‐Manp‐(1→3)]‐α‐D‐Manp‐(1→3)‐α‐D‐Manp, the repeating unit of the exopolysaccharide from Cryptococcus neoformans serotype D, was synthesized as its 4‐methoxyphenyl glycoside. The approach presented here also provides a route to the synthesis of more complex repeating units of glucuconoxylomannan (GXM) of C. neoformans serotypes A–C.
New Calix[4]arene‐Cored Peripherally Functionalized Dendrimers: Synthesis and Conformational Characteristics
Authors: Paraskevopoulos Georgios , Alivertis Dimitrios , Theodorou Vassiliki , Skobridis Konstantinos
Published: May 2015

New calixarene‐based dendrimers, containing calix[4]arene as the core and different generations of Fréchet‐type poly(benzyl ether) dendrons as building blocks, which possess either Br‐atoms or COOtBu groups at their surface were synthesized and presented herein for the first time. The new calix[4]arene‐cored dendritic macromolecules were fully characterized and found to prefer strictly the cone conformation.
A New Indole Alkaloid from Cleome droserifolia
Authors: Hussain Javid , Khan Hidayatullah , Ali Liaqat , Latif Khan Abdul , Ur Rehman Najeeb , Jahangir Sajid , Al‐Harrasi Ahmed
Published: May 2015

The phytochemical investigations on Cleome droserifolia resulted in the isolation and characterization of a new indole alkaloid, 5‐hydroxy‐2‐methoxy‐1‐methyl‐1H‐indole‐3‐carbaldehyde (1). The structure elucidation was carried out on the basis of 1D‐ and 2D‐NMR techniques. In addition to 1, two known aromatic derivatives, veratrol (2) and 2‐methoxy‐4‐methylacetophenone (3), were also obtained. All these compounds were purified by repeated column chromatography of the CH2Cl2 fraction obtained from MeOH extract of Cleome droserifolia. The structure of the new compound 1 was finally confirmed by the combined 1D (1H‐ and 13C‐) and 2D (HC correlations; HMBC and HSQC) NMR and IR spectroscopy, mass spectrometry (MS), and UV absorption spectroscopy techniques. The comparison of the physical and spectroscopic data with those in the literature provided evidence for the structure confirmation of known compounds. All the purified compounds were subjected to urease and α‐glucosidase enzymes inhibition. The results showed that compound 1 was more potent with an IC50 value 11.97±2.067 μg/ml towards urease inhibition, while the activity of α‐glucosidase enzyme was marginal.
Explaining pharmacophobia and pharmacophilia in psychiatric patients: relationship with treatment adherence
Authors: De las Cuevas Carlos , Peñate Wenceslao
Published: May 2015

Objective

The objective of this study is to assess psychiatric patient attitudes towards psychotropic medication and their association with adherence, as well as to identify the factors that influence these attitudes.

Methods

Nine hundred and forty nine consecutive psychiatric outpatients categorized as “pharmacophobic” or “pharmacophilic” according to the Drug Attitude Inventory were compared with regard to adherence to prescribed treatment, socio‐demographic variables, clinical characteristics, health locus of control, self‐efficacy, and psychological reactance.

Results

Seventy three per cent of psychiatric outpatients showed a “pharmacophilic” attitude and 15.5% “pharmacophobic” one. Patients' attitudes toward prescribed drug treatment were clearly related to self‐reported treatment adherence. The pharmacophobic group registered significant worse adherence than the pharmacophilic patients. Psychiatric patients’ attitudes to drugs were mediated by external health locus of control, cognitive psychological reactance, and self‐efficacy.

Conclusion

The encouragement of psychiatric patients’ treatment adherence needs to include lack of coercion during prescription, a positive relationship with the prescriber, verbal persuasion, information containing vicarious experience, and the involvement of the patient in treatment decisions. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A functional perspective on personality
Authors: Perugini Marco , Costantini Giulio , Hughes Sean , De Houwer Jan
Published: May 2015

Personality psychology has made enormous progresses over the years by accumulating empirical evidence on how patterns of stable individual differences in behaviours can be clustered systematically at different levels of abstraction (i.e. traits and facets) and how they can predict important consequential outcomes. At the same time, functionally orientated researchers have accumulated a vast body of knowledge on environment‐behaviour relations and the underlying behavioural principles, that is, abstract descriptions of the way in which behaviour is a function of elements in the past and present environment. We explore a functional perspective on personality that attempts to bridge the two domains and to exploit the best of both worlds. From this functional perspective, personality refers to the impact of the individual on different types of environment‐behaviour relations as well as on the way other factors moderate those relations. We discuss the potential of this functional perspective on personality to organise existing scientific knowledge and inspire future research.
Effects of iron oxide nanoparticles on biological responses and MR imaging properties in human mammary healthy and breast cancer epithelial cells
Authors: Zhang Qin , Rajan Sunder S. , Tyner Katherine M. , Casey Brendan J. , Dugard Christopher K. , Jones Yvonne , Paredes Angel M. , Clingman Chekesha S. , Howard Paul C. , Goering Peter L.
Published: May 2015

Superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs, diameters >50 nm) have received great attention due to their promising use as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast agents. In this study, we evaluated the cellular uptake and biological responses in vitro of ultrasmall SPIONs (USPIONs, diameters < 50 nm). We compared the cellular responses between breast epithelia isolated from healthy and breast cancer donors after exposure to carboxy‐terminated USPIONs (10 and 30 nm PEG‐coated, 10 and 30 nm non‐PEG‐coated). The particles were characterized using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), dynamic light scattering (DLS) and gel electrophoresis. Cellular interactions with USPIONs were assessed by confocal microscopy and TEM. Cellular uptake of USPIONs was quantified using ICP‐MS. Cell viability was measured by MTT and neutral red uptake assays. T2* weighted MRI scans were performed using a 7T scanner. Results demonstrated that cell association/internalization of USPIONs was size‐ and surface coating‐dependent (PEG vs. non‐PEG), and higher cellular uptake of 10 and 30 nm non‐coated particles was observed in both cell types compared with PEG‐coated particles. Cell uptake for 10 and 30 nm non‐coated particles was higher in cancer cells from two of three tested donors compared to healthy cells from three donors. There was no significant cytotoxicity observed for all tested particles. Significantly enhanced MRI contrast was observed following exposure to 10 and 30 nm non‐coated particles compared to PEG‐coated particles in both cell types. In comparison, cancer cells showed more enhanced MRI signals when compared to normal cells. The data indicate that cell responses following exposure to USPIONs are dependent on particle properties. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 104B: 1032–1042, 2016.
Apparent diffusion coefficient is highly reproducible on preclinical imaging systems: Evidence from a seven‐center multivendor study
Authors: Doblas Sabrina , Almeida Gilberto S. , Blé François‐Xavier , Garteiser Philippe , Hoff Benjamin A. , McIntyre Dominick J.O. , Wachsmuth Lydia , Chenevert Thomas L. , Faber Cornelius , Griffiths John R. , Jacobs Andreas H. , Morris David M. , O'Connor James P.B. , Robinson Simon P. , Van Beers Bernard E. , Waterton John C.
Published: May 2015

Purpose

To evaluate between‐site agreement of apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) measurements in preclinical magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) systems.

Materials and Methods

A miniaturized thermally stable ice‐water phantom was devised. ADC (mean and interquartile range) was measured over several days, on 4.7T, 7T, and 9.4T Bruker, Agilent, and Magnex small‐animal MRI systems using a common protocol across seven sites. Day‐to‐day repeatability was expressed as percent variation of mean ADC between acquisitions. Cross‐site reproducibility was expressed as 1.96 × standard deviation of percent deviation of ADC values.

Results

ADC measurements were equivalent across all seven sites with a cross‐site ADC reproducibility of 6.3%. Mean day‐to‐day repeatability of ADC measurements was 2.3%, and no site was identified as presenting different measurements than others (analysis of variance [ANOVA] P = 0.02, post‐hoc test n.s.). Between‐slice ADC variability was negligible and similar between sites (P = 0.15). Mean within‐region‐of‐interest ADC variability was 5.5%, with one site presenting a significantly greater variation than the others (P = 0.0013).

Conclusion

Absolute ADC values in preclinical studies are comparable between sites and equipment, provided standardized protocols are employed. J. MAGN. RESON. IMAGING 2015;42:1759–1764.
Darwin impact glass study by Raman spectroscopy in combination with other spectroscopic techniques
Authors: Gomez‐Nubla L. , Aramendia J. , Alonso‐Olazabal A. , Fdez‐Ortiz de Vallejuelo S. , Castro K. , Ortega L. A. , Zuluaga M. C. , Murelaga X. , Madariaga J. M.
Published: May 2015

Darwin impact glass appeared in Tasmania (Australia) around 800 000 years ago by meteorite impact. To further study the formation process, several specimens of Darwin glass from the meteorites collection of the University of the Basque Country were analysed. Raman spectroscopy was considered the most suitable technique to determine the differences in composition between the surface layer and the inner matrix. These analyses were complemented by other techniques such as Scanning Electron Microscopy Energy Dispersive X‐Ray Spectroscopy, Electron Micro Probe Analysis and Energy Dispersive X‐Ray Fluorescence. The major elements found were Si, Al, Fe, K and Ca, together with a range of minor elements Ti, Cl, Zr, Ba, S, Cr, Mn, Ni and Sr. On the micrometre scale, highly heterogeneous elemental composition was found in the glassy matrixes, in particular a gradient in the concentration of iron and aluminium. Raman spectroscopy identified the characteristic silica vitreous matrix of impacted glasses with small inclusions of α‐cristobalite (a mineral phase that indicates high temperature formation) and vesicles with iron or iron and nickel oxides filling the pores. Finally, malachite [Cu2CO3(OH)2], ponsjankite [Cu4SO4(OH)6 · H2O] and covellite (CuS) were identified by Raman spectroscopy formed after impact as secondary minerals due to the weathering of copper ore deposits incorporated to the matrix. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Posttraumatic Growth in Breast Cancer Survivors: Constructive and Illusory Aspects
Authors: Pat‐Horenczyk Ruth , Perry Shlomit , Hamama‐Raz Yaira , Ziv Yuval , Schramm‐Yavin Sarit , Stemmer Salomon M.
Published: May 2015

This study investigated the impact of a building‐resilience intervention on coping and posttraumatic growth (PTG) in a convenience sample of 94 breast cancer survivors. PTG was divided into constructive and illusory components, based on the two‐sided Janus face model (Maercker & Zoellner, 2004). We operationalized constructive PTG as an improvement in both PTG and coping, and illusory PTG as an improvement in PTG only. An 8‐session group intervention was delivered to 49 women (mean age = 51.5 years, SD = 10.7) who completed self‐report questionnaires at baseline and at 6 months follow‐up; a control group of 45 women only completed questionnaires. More than half the participants (n = 53; 56.38%) reported increased PTG at 6 months (mean change = 0.56, SD = 0.48, η2 = .58). The increase in both PTG and positive coping was significantly greater in the intervention group than the control group (B = 0.23 for PTG, and B = 0.35 for positive coping). Further, a higher proportion of constructive PTG (vs. illusory PTG) was reported by the participants in the intervention group (89.3%), as compared to the control group (56.3%; z = 2.57). The distinction between constructive and illusory PTG has clinical implications for interventions promoting coping and growth among cancer survivors.
Characterization of the peak at 2.06 ppm in 31P magnetic resonance spectroscopy of human liver: phosphoenolpyruvate or phosphatidylcholine?
Authors: Bierwagen Alessandra , Begovatz Paul , Nowotny Peter , Markgraf Daniel , Nowotny Bettina , Koliaki Chrysi , Giani Guido , Klüppelholz Birgit , Lundbom Jesper , Roden Michael
Published: May 2015

High field MR scanners can resolve a metabolite resonating at 2.06 ppm in the in vivo proton‐decoupled liver 31P MR spectrum. Traditionally this peak has been assigned to phosphoenolpyruvate (PEP), the key metabolite for gluconeogenesis. However, recent evidence supported the assignment to biliary phosphatidylcholine (PtdCh), which is produced in the liver and stored in the gall bladder.

To elucidate the respective contributions of PtdCh and PEP to the in vivo resonance at 2.06 ppm (PEP–PtdCh), we made phantom measurements that confirmed that both biliary PtdCh and PEP resonate approximately at 2 ppm. The absolute quantification of PEP–PtdCh yielded concentrations ranging from 0.6 to 2.0 mmol/l, with mean coefficients of variation of 4.8% for intraday and 7.2% for interday reproducibility in healthy volunteers. The T1 relaxation time of PEP–PtdCh was 0.97 ± 0.30 s in the liver and 0.44 ± 0.11 s in the gallbladder. Ingestion of a mixed meal decreased the concentration of PtdCh‐PEP by approximately 12%.

In the retrospective analysis, PEP–PtdCh was 68% higher in the liver of subjects with gallbladder infiltration of the volume of interest (VOI) compared with those without gallbladder infiltration. PEP–PtdCh was also significantly higher in the liver of cholecystectomy patients compared with volunteers without gallbladder infiltration, which suggests increased intrahepatic bile fluid as a compensation for gall bladder removal.

These results show that liver PtdCh is the major component of the resonance at 2.06 ppm and that careful VOI positioning is mandatory to avoid interference from the gallbladder. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Glass‐based Manufacturing and Prototyping Platform PhotPack
Authors: Böttger Gunnar , Seifert Stefan , Schröder Henning
Published: May 2015

There has been considerable progress in utilizing fully automated machines for the assembly of micro‐optical systems in recent years. Such systems integrate laser sources, passive optical elements, electro‐optical components and detectors into tight packages, and efficiently couple light to waveguides in photonic integrated circuits (PIC), optical backplanes, free space or optical fibers. The required electro‐optical and optical components are placed and aligned passively and actively, depending on optical and mechanical component tolerances. For one, the relative placing of all components is controlled actively by camera systems, and, more importantly, some or all active components are actually operated, and actively aligned with live feedback from internal and external power and beam image detectors. High precision (and also fast) active optical alignment machines nowadays exist, with more than adequate degrees of freedom and accuracies, so that best optical beam qualities and coupling efficiencies can be achieved.
Causing a Q‐Motion
Authors: Dreissigacker Oliver
Published: May 2015

Optik & Photonik was given a behind the scenes insight in the developers wing of PI's (Physik Instrumente) headquarters in Karlsruhe, south‐west Germany. PI is a global market and technology leader in the field of precision positioning technology and we had the opportunity to record a video interview with engineer Mark Freyer, Product Division Head for Piezoelectric Inertia Drives at PI.
Epigenetic down‐regulation of integrin α7 increases migratory potential and confers poor prognosis in malignant pleural mesothelioma
Authors: Laszlo Viktoria , Hoda Mir Alireza , Garay Tamas , Pirker Christine , Ghanim Bahil , Klikovits Thomas , Dong Yawen W , Rozsas Anita , Kenessey Istvan , Szirtes Ildiko , Grusch Michael , Jakopovic Marko , Samarzija Miroslav , Brcic Luka , Kern Izidor , Rozman Ales , Popper Helmut , Zöchbauer‐Müller Sabine , Heller Gerwin , Altenberger Corinna , Ziegler Barbara , Klepetko Walter , Berger Walter , Dome Balazs , Hegedus Balazs
Published: May 2015

Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is a devastating malignancy characterized by invasive growth and rapid recurrence. The identification and inhibition of molecular components leading to this migratory and invasive phenotype are thus essential. Accordingly, a genome‐wide expression array analysis was performed on MPM cell lines and a set of 139 genes was identified as differentially expressed in cells with high versus low migratory activity. Reduced expression of the novel tumour suppressor integrin α7 (ITGA7) was found in highly motile cells. A significant negative correlation was observed between ITGA7 transcript levels and average displacement of cells. Forced overexpression of ITGA7 in MPM cells with low endogenous ITGA7 expression inhibited cell motility, providing direct evidence for the regulatory role of ITGA7 in MPM cell migration. MPM cells showed decreased ITGA7 expressions at both transcription and protein levels when compared to non‐malignant mesothelial cells. The majority of MPM cell cultures displayed hypermethylation of the ITGA7 promoter when compared to mesothelial cultures. A statistically significant negative correlation between ITGA7 methylation and ITGA7 expression was also observed in MPM cells. While normal human pleura samples unambiguously expressed ITGA7, a varying level of expression was found in a panel of 200 human MPM samples. In multivariate analysis, ITGA7 expression was found to be an independent prognostic factor. Although there was no correlation between histological subtypes and ITGA7 expression, importantly, patients with high tumour cell ITGA7 expression had an increased median overall survival compared to the low‐ or no‐expression groups (463 versus 278 days). In conclusion, our data suggest that ITGA7 is an epigenetically regulated tumour suppressor gene and a prognostic factor in human MPM. Copyright © 2015 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.