bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Platinum Nanoparticle Loading of Boron Nitride Aerogel and Its Use as a Novel Material for Low‐Power Catalytic Gas Sensing
Authors: Harley‐Trochimczyk Anna , Pham Thang , Chang Jiyoung , Chen Ernest , Worsley Marcus A. , Zettl Alex , Mickelson William , Maboudian Roya
Published: December 2015

A high‐surface‐area, highly crystalline boron nitride aerogel synthesized with nonhazardous reactants has been loaded with crystalline platinum nanoparticles to form a novel nanomaterial that exhibits many advantages for use in a catalytic gas sensing application. The platinum nanoparticle‐loaded boron nitride aerogel integrated onto a microheater platform allows for calorimetric propane detection. The boron nitride aerogel exhibits thermal stability up to 900 °C and supports disperse platinum nanoparticles, with no sintering observed after 24 h of high‐temperature testing. The high thermal conductivity and low density of the boron nitride aerogel result in an order of magnitude faster response and recovery times (<2 s) than reported on alumina support and allow for 10% duty cycling of the microheater with no loss in sensitivity. The resulting 1.5 mW sensor power consumption is two orders of magnitude less than commercially available catalytic gas sensors and unlocks the potential for wireless, battery‐powered catalytic gas sensing.
Water‐Soluble Gold–N‐Heterocyclic Carbene Complexes for the Catalytic Homogeneous Acid‐ and Silver‐Free Hydration of Hydrophilic Alkynes
Authors: Ibrahim Houssein , de Frémont Pierre , Braunstein Pierre , Théry Vincent , Nauton Lionel , Cisnetti Federico , Gautier Arnaud
Published: December 2015

Water‐soluble gold(III/I) N‐heterocylic carbene complexes behave as efficient catalysts for the hydration of terminal alkynes in neat water. The transformation proceeds in the absence of Brønsted acids or halide scavengers and is suitable for sensitive substrates. Kinetic profiles and DFT studies provide a clear picture of intermediates present during catalysis.

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Risk Preferences, Transaction Costs, and Choice of Marketing Contracts: Evidence from a Choice Experiment with Fresh Vegetable Producers
Authors: Vassalos Michael , Hu Wuyang , Woods Timothy , Schieffer Jack , Dillon Carl
Published: December 2015

Growers’ preferences for a number of marketing contract attributes, as well as the effect of growers’ risk aversion levels on the choice of marketing contracts, were examined with the use of a choice experiment. The main data source for the study is a mail survey administrated to wholesale tomato growers. The findings validate the transaction cost hypothesis and indicate heterogeneity in preferences. On the other hand, risk preferences had limited impact on contract choice.
LNK mutations and myeloproliferative disorders
Authors: McMullin Mary Frances , Cario Holger
Published: December 2015

The lymphocyte adaptor protein (LNK) is one of a family of adaptor proteins involved cell signaling and control of B cell populations. It has a critical role in regulation of signaling in hematopoiesis. Lnk negatively regulates cytokine initiated cell signaling and it functions as a negative regulator of the mutant protein in myeloproliferative neoplasms JAK2V617F. A number of mutations in LNK have been described in a variety of myeloproliferative neoplasms some of which have been demonstrated to cause increased cellular proliferation. The majority of mutations occur in exon 2. In a small number of cases idiopathic erythrocytosis with subnormal erythropoietin levels LNK mutations have been found which may account for the clinical phenotype. Thus investigation for LNK mutations should be considered in the investigation of idiopathic erythrocytosis and perhaps other myeloproliferative neoplasms. Am. J. Hematol. 91:248–251, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A Robust, Recyclable Resin for Decagram Scale Resolution of (±)‐Mefloquine and Other Chiral N‐Heterocycles
Authors: Kreituss Imants , Chen Kuang‐Yen , Eitel Simon H. , Adam Jean‐Michel , Wuitschik Georg , Fettes Alec , Bode Jeffrey W.
Published: December 2015

Decagram quantities of enantiopure (+)‐mefloquine have been produced via kinetic resolution of racemic mefloquine using a ROMP‐gel supported chiral acyl hydroxamic acid resolving agent. The requisite monomer was prepared in a few synthetic steps without chromatography and polymerization was safely performed on a >30 gram scale under ambient conditions. The reagent was readily regenerated and reused multiple times for the resolution of 150 grams of (±)‐mefloquine and other chiral N‐heterocylces.
Statistical analysis of electromagnetic radiation measurements in the vicinity of indoor microcell GSM/UMTS base stations in Serbia
Authors: Koprivica Mladen , Petrić Majda , Nešković Nataša , Nešković Aleksandar
Published: December 2015

To determine the level of radiofrequency radiation generated by base stations of Global System for Mobile Communications and Universal Mobile Telecommunication System, extensive electromagnetic field strength measurements were carried out in the vicinity of 664 base station locations. These were classified into three categories: indoor, masts, and locations with installations on buildings. Although microcell base stations with antennas installed indoors typically emit less power than outdoor macrocell base stations, the fact that people can be found close to antennas requires exposure originating from these base stations to be carefully considered. Measurement results showed that maximum recorded value of electric field strength exceeded International Commission on Non‐Ionizing Radiation Protection reference levels at 7% of indoor base station locations. At the same time, this percentage was much lower in the case of masts and installations on buildings (0% and 2.5%, respectively). Bioelectromagnetics. 37:69–76, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Review implications, best practices for student‐athletes' social‐media use
Authors: Lewis Melvin , Hugg Carla
Published: December 2015

More than 2 billion people use Facebook, Instagram and Twitter combined. Considering that astonishing figure, it's safe to assume that many college student‐athletes use social media.
Can a coach successfully challenge demotion at a public university?
Authors: Gelpi Aileen
Published: December 2015

Michelle Sharp began working for Kean University, a public university in New Jersey, as the head coach of the women's basketball team in 1998.
First generation versus second generation drug‐eluting stents for the treatment of bifurcations: 5‐year follow‐up of the LEADERS all‐comers randomized trial
Authors: Grundeken Maik J. , Wykrzykowska Joanna J. , Ishibashi Yuki , Garg Scot , de Vries Ton , Garcia‐Garcia Hector M. , Onuma Yoshinobu , de Winter Robbert J. , Buszman Pawel , Linke Axel , Ischinger Thomas , Klauss Volker , Eberli Franz , Corti Roberto , Wijns William , Morice Marie‐Claude , di Mario Carlo , Meier Bernhard , Jüni Peter , Yazdani Ashkan , Copt Samuel , Windecker Stephan , Serruys Patrick W.
Published: December 2015

Background

Historically, percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) of bifurcation lesions was associated with worse procedural and clinical outcomes when compared with PCI of non‐bifurcation lesions. Newer generation drug‐eluting stents (DES) might improve long‐term clinical outcomes after bifurcation PCI.

Methods and Results

The LEADERS trial was a 10‐center, assessor‐blind, non‐inferiority, all‐comers trial, randomizing 1,707 patients to treatment with a biolimus A9TM‐eluting stent (BES) with an abluminal biodegradable polymer or a sirolimus‐eluting stent (SES) with a durable polymer (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT00389220). Five‐year clinical outcomes were compared between patients with and without bifurcation lesions and between BES and SES in the bifurcation lesion subgroup.

There were 497 (29%) patients with at least 1 bifurcation lesion (BES = 258; SES = 239). At 5‐year follow‐up, the composite endpoint of cardiac death, myocardial infarction (MI) and clinically‐indicated (CI) target vessel revascularization (TVR) was observed more frequently in the bifurcation group (26.6% vs. 22.4%, P = 0.049). Within the bifurcation lesion subgroup, no differences were observed in (cardiac) death or MI rates between BES and SES. However, CI target lesion revascularization (TLR) (10.1% vs. 15.9%, P = 0.0495), and CI TVR (12.0% vs. 19.2%, P = 0.023) rates were significantly lower in the BES group. Definite/probable stent thrombosis (ST) rate was numerically lower in the BES group (3.1% vs. 5.9%, P = 0.15). Very late (>1 year) definite/probable ST rates trended to be lower with BES (0.4% vs. 3.1%, P = 0.057).

Conclusions

In the treatment of bifurcation lesions, use of BES led to superior long‐term efficacy compared with SES. Safety outcomes were comparable between BES and SES, with an observed trend toward a lower rate of very late definite/probable ST between 1 and 5 years with the BES. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Distinctive MS/MS Fragmentation Pathways of Glycopeptide‐Generated Oxonium Ions Provide Evidence of the Glycan Structure
Authors: Yu Jin , Schorlemer Manuel , Gomez Toledo Alejandro , Pett Christian , Sihlbom Carina , Larson Göran , Westerlind Ulrika , Nilsson Jonas
Published: December 2015

Post‐translational glycosylation of proteins play key roles in cellular processes and the site‐specific characterisation of glycan structures is critical to understanding these events. Given the challenges regarding identification of glycan isomers, glycoproteomic studies generally rely on the assumption of conserved biosynthetic pathways. However, in a recent study, we found characteristically different HexNAc oxonium ion fragmentation patterns that depend on glycan structure. Such patterns could be used to distinguish between glycopeptide structural isomers. To acquire a mechanistic insight, deuterium‐labelled glycopeptides were prepared and analysed. We found that the HexNAc‐derived m/z 126 and 144 oxonium ions, differing in mass by H2O, had completely different structures and that high‐mannose N‐glycopeptides generated abundant Hex‐derived oxonium ions. We describe the oxonium ion decomposition mechanisms and the relative abundance of oxonium ions as a function of collision energy for a number of well‐defined glycan structures, which provide important information for future glycoproteomic studies.
Vom Granatapfelbaum zum Cyclooctatetraen
Authors: Heß Georg , Haiss Peter , Wistuba Dorothee , Siehl Hans‐Ullrich , Berger Stefan , Sicker Dieter , Zeller Klaus‐Peter
Published: December 2015

Das Alkaloid Pseudopelletierin ist zusammen mit Pelletierin und N‐Methylpelletierin in der Rinde des Granatapfelbaums abgelagert. Während Pelletierin und N‐Methylpelletierin für lange Zeit therapeutische Bedeutung als Entwurmungsmittel hatten, ist das Pseudopelletierin als Ausgangssubstanz für die erste Cyclooctatetraen‐Synthese von historischem Interesse. Wir beschreiben seine Isolierung aus der Wurzelrinde von punica granatum und den vollständigen Satz seiner analytischen Spektren. Die NMR‐Spektren und das EI‐Massenspektrum werden ausführlich diskutiert und die 13C‐chemischen Verschiebungen mit theoretisch ermittelten Werten verglichen.
A METHOD FOR DETECTING THE CHANGE OF AURORAL ACTIVITIES BASED ON THE ALL‐SKY IMAGE SEQUENCE
Authors: Qian WANG , Hong‐Qiao HU , Ze‐Jun HU , Qi QIU
Published: December 2015

Faced with the annually increasing amount of auroral data, we need to quickly browse the auroral activities and exactly find similar auroral events as more as possible. Traditional method of browsing auroral activities is Keogram. The Keogram loses two‐dimensional information about appearance and motion, which result in missing several auroral events, such as aurora images including curl structure or luminance structure not appearing on the magnetic meridian. In this paper, considering the fact that the solar winds have magnetic fluid nature, we model the auroral motion using the continuous equation. And thereby relative motion in neighborhood is represented by the local vector difference (LVD) based on motion field. Spatiotemporally statistics of the LVDs is used as the representation of auroral sequences. By computing the difference between two successive auroral sequences using metric‐square histogram distance, the change of auroral activities can be quantitatively measured. The local peaks of the curve indicate the changes of auroral activities. Because motion field provides the information about two‐dimensional appearance and motion, the proposed method can detect auroral change and thereby the change curve makes it feasible to fast browse auroral activities and to study auroral activity period.
A STUDY OF DEEP SEISMOGENIC ENVIRONMENT IN LUSHAN MS7.0 EARTHQUAKE ZONE BY WIDE‐ANGLE SEISMIC REFLECTION/REFRACTION PROFILE
Authors: Shuai‐Jun WANG , Fu‐Yun WANG , Jian‐Shi ZHANG , Bao‐Feng LIU , Cheng‐Ke ZHANG , Jin‐Ren ZHAO , Yu‐Ling DUAN , Xiang‐Hui SONG , Xiao‐Guo DENG , Ce‐Jun MA , Yi‐Nan SUN , Yi‐Ran ZANG , Yi‐Qing LI
Published: December 2015

After the Lushan earthquake in April, 2013, the Lushan earthquake scientific investigations headquarter was quickly established by China Earthquake Administration to investigate the deep structure and seismogenic environment of the earthquake. Therefore, an about 410‐km‐long artificial seismic high‐resolution wide‐angle reflection/refraction profile was carried out from September to November in the source area of Lushan earthquake by Geophysical Exploration Center of China Earthquake Administration, and the artificial seismic detection data with high signal‐to‐noise ratio was obtained by means of seismic ray tracing and travel time forward fitting solution. The crustal and upper mantle two‐dimensional P wave velocity structure model in the area was set up. The results show that the features of velocity structure in the Yangtze and the Songpan‐Garzê blocks are greatly different. The crust thickens gradually from south to north. The thickness of the sedimentary cover in the Sichuan Basin is up to 7.8 km, while in the Songpan‐Garzê block the thinnest thickness is only hundreds of meters. In the mid‐upper crust, the average velocity of the Yangtze block is 0.2 km·s−1 faster than that of the Songpan‐Garzê block. To the north of the coupling area between the basin and the plateau, about 20 km deep, there exists a weak layer/low‐velocity layer whose thickness is 8.0 km. The velocity is 5.80 km·s−1, apparently lower than the average velocity of the surrounding media, which is 6.00∼6.10 km·s−1. In the tectonic transfer zone, the seismic phase is unclear, disordered and cannot be compared sequentially. The crustal interface is discontinuous from the earth surface to the top of the upper mantle. The velocity structure is in an anomalous disorder and characterized by low velocity anomaly. In the mid‐lower crust, the velocity along the profile varies with a positive gradient and increases vertically. The fluctuation of the crustal interface is not great and the interface tends to deepen abruptly to the north of the transfer zone. The fluctuation of the Moho is especially clear. Within the scope of 50 km, the depth of the interface varies from 36.2 km in the Yangtze block to 45.8 km beneath the Songpan‐Garzê block, forming an abrupt change belt. The seismic source of Lushan Ms7.0 earthquake is located in a region in which the two‐dimension velocity structure is in an anomalous disorder and the fluctuation of the interface is obvious. The study shows that the differences of the interface and the velocity structure and the features of fluctuation have a close relation to the seismic activity in this region.
ON INELASTIC RESPONSE SPECTRA OF PULSE‐TYPE GROUND MOTION BASED ON DECOMPOSITION METHOD
Authors: Guo‐Chen ZHAO , Long‐Jun XU , Li‐Li XIE
Published: December 2015

This article aims to investigate the influence of different frequency components on the amplitude parameters and inelastic response spectral characterizations of pulse‐type ground motions. 53 pulse‐type ground motions selected from 12 large earthquakes are utilized in this study. First, the high frequency components (HFC) and low frequency components (LFC) of these ground motions are obtained based on multi‐scale decomposed method. To compare with the results obtained by traditional methods, the predominant component (PC) which can be used as the representation of the dominant velocity pulse and the residual component (RC) which is obtained by removing the PC from original ground motion are analyzed. Second, the comparison of the amplitude parameters and the inelastic response spectra between original ground motions and four kinds of ground motion components (HFC, LFC, PC, and RC) is performed in order to investigate the influence of ground motion components on the amplitude parameters and inelastic response spectral characterizations of the corresponding original ground motions. Finally, a harmonic ground motion model is used to explore the reasons for the special inelastic response spectral characterizations for pulse‐type ground motions. Analysis results show that low‐frequency component is not only the major factor that influences the velocity and displacement amplitude of pulse‐type ground motion but also can cause considerable influence on the acceleration amplitude of original ground motion. It is also the immediate causes of the larger inelastic displacement ratio and the smaller inelastic strength reduction factor for pulse‐type ground motions. That will result in higher displacement and strength demands for building structure when the structure is subjected to pulse‐type ground motions.
Comprehensive genomic profiling of 295 cases of clinically advanced urothelial carcinoma of the urinary bladder reveals a high frequency of clinically relevant genomic alterations
Authors: Ross Jeffrey S. , Wang Kai , Khaira Depinder , Ali Siraj M. , Fisher Huge A.G. , Mian Badar , Nazeer Tipu , Elvin Julia A. , Palma Norma , Yelensky Roman , Lipson Doron , Miller Vincent A. , Stephens Philip J. , Subbiah Vivek , Pal Sumanta K.
Published: December 2015

BACKGROUND

In the current study, the authors present a comprehensive genomic profile (CGP)‐based study of advanced urothelial carcinoma (UC) designed to detect clinically relevant genomic alterations (CRGAs).

METHODS

DNA was extracted from 40 µm of formalin‐fixed, paraffin‐embedded sections from 295 consecutive cases of recurrent/metastatic UC. CGP was performed on hybridization‐captured, adaptor ligation‐based libraries to a mean coverage depth of 688X for all coding exons of 236 cancer‐related genes plus 47 introns from 19 genes frequently rearranged in cancer, using process‐matched normal control samples as a reference. CRGAs were defined as GAs linked to drugs on the market or currently under evaluation in mechanism‐driven clinical trials.

RESULTS

All 295 patients assessed were classified with high‐grade (International Society of Urological Pathology classification) and advanced stage (stage III/IV American Joint Committee on Cancer) disease, and 294 of 295 patients (99.7%) had at least 1 GA on CGP with a mean of 6.4 GAs per UC (61% substitutions/insertions/deletions, 37% copy number alterations, and 2% fusions). Furthermore, 275 patients (93%) had at least 1 CRGA involving 75 individual genes with a mean of 2.6 CRGAs per UC. The most common CRGAs involved cyclin‐dependent kinase inhibitor 2A (CDKN2A) (34%), fibroblast growth factor receptor 3 (FGFR3) (21%), phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase catalytic subunit alpha (PIK3CA) (20%), and ERBB2 (17%). FGFR3 GAs were diverse types and included 10% fusions. ERBB2 GAs were equally divided between amplifications and substitutions. ERBB2 substitutions were predominantly within the extracellular domain and were highly enriched in patients with micropapillary UC (38% of 32 cases vs 5% of 263 nonmicropapillary UC cases; P<.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

Using a CGP assay capable of detecting all classes of GA simultaneously, an extraordinarily high frequency of CRGA was identified in a large series of patients with advanced UC. Cancer 2016;122:702–711. © 2015 American Cancer Society.
Type 2 diabetes mellitus and the risk of falling into poverty: an observational study
Authors: Callander Emily J. , Schofield Deborah J.
Published: December 2015

Background

Diabetes is known to be associated with low income; however, no longitudinal studies have documented whether developing type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a risk factor for later falling into poverty. This paper aims to determine whether Australians who are diagnosed with type 2 diabetes have an elevated risk of falling into income poverty or multidimensional poverty.

Methods

Data from a nationally representative, longitudinal survey conducted annually since 2001 are utilized. It identifies adults aged 21 years and over who were diagnosed with type 2 diabetes between 2007 and 2009 and compares their risk of falling into income poverty and multidimensional poverty between 2007 and 2012 relative to those who had never been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes using survival analysis with Cox regression models.

Results

After adjusting for confounding factors, for men who were diagnosed with T2DM, the hazard ratio for falling into income poverty was 1.89 (95% CI: 1.03–3.44) and 2.52 (95% CI: 1.24–5.12) for falling into multidimensional poverty, relative men who had never been diagnosed with T2DM. There was no significant difference in the hazard ratio for falling into income poverty (p = 0.6554) or multidimensional poverty (p = 0.9382) for women who were diagnosed with T2DM compared with women who had never been diagnosed with T2DM.

Conclusion

Being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes increases the risk of men falling into poverty. The risk is higher for multidimensional poverty than income poverty. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
How does forest structure affect root reinforcement and susceptibility to shallow landslides?
Authors: Moos Christine , Bebi Peter , Graf Frank , Mattli Josias , Rickli Christian , Schwarz Massimiliano
Published: December 2015

Forests can decrease the risk of shallow landslides by mechanically reinforcing the soil and positively influencing its water balance. However, little is known about the effect of different forest structures on slope stability. In the study area in St Antönien, Switzerland, we applied statistical prediction models and a physically‐based model for spatial distribution of root reinforcement in order to quantify the influence of forest structure on slope stability. We designed a generalized linear regression model and a random forest model including variables describing forest structure along with terrain parameters for a set of landslide and control points facing similar slope angle and tree coverage. The root distribution measured at regular distances from seven trees in the same study area was used to calibrate a root distribution model. The root reinforcement was calculated as a function of tree dimension and distance from tree with the root bundle model (RBMw). Based on the modelled values of root reinforcement, we introduced a proxy‐variable for root reinforcement of the nearest tree using a gamma distribution. The results of the statistical analysis show that variables related to forest structure significantly influence landslide susceptibility along with terrain parameters. Significant effects were found for gap length, the distance to the nearest trees and the proxy‐variable for root reinforcement of the nearest tree. Gaps longer than 20 m critically increased the susceptibility to landslides. Root reinforcement decreased with increasing distance from trees and is smaller in landslide plots compared to control plots. Furthermore, the influence of forest structure strongly depends on geomorphological and hydrological conditions. Our results enhance the quantitative knowledge about the influence of forest structure on root reinforcement and landslide susceptibility and support existing management recommendations for protection against gravitational natural hazards. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Criteria for deviation from predictions by the concentration addition model
Authors: Takeshita Jun-ichi , Seki Masanori , Kamo Masashi
Published: December 2015

Loewe's additivity (concentration addition) is a well-known model for predicting the toxic effects of chemical mixtures under the additivity assumption of toxicity. However, from the perspective of chemical risk assessment and/or management, it is important to identify chemicals whose toxicities are additive when present concurrently, that is, it should be established whether there are chemical mixtures to which the concentration addition predictive model can be applied. The objective of the present study was to develop criteria for judging test results that deviated from the predictions by the concentration addition chemical mixture model. These criteria were based on the confidence interval of the concentration addition model's prediction and on estimation of errors of the predicted concentration–effect curves by toxicity tests after exposure to single chemicals. A log–logit model with 2 parameters was assumed for the concentration–effect curve of each individual chemical. These parameters were determined by the maximum-likelihood method, and the criteria were defined using the variances and the covariance of the parameters. In addition, the criteria were applied to a toxicity test of a binary mixture of p-n-nonylphenol and p-n-octylphenol using the Japanese killifish, medaka (Oryzias latipes). Consequently, the concentration addition model using confidence interval was capable of predicting the test results at any level, and no reason for rejecting the concentration addition was found. Environ Toxicol Chem 2016;35:1806–1814. © 2015 SETAC
Modeling photodegradation kinetics of three systemic neonicotinoids—dinotefuran, imidacloprid, and thiamethoxam—in aqueous and soil environment
Authors: Kurwadkar Sudarshan , Evans Amanda , DeWinne Dustan , White Peter , Mitchell Forrest
Published: December 2015

Environmental presence and retention of commonly used neonicotinoid insecticides such as dinotefuran (DNT), imidacloprid (IMD), and thiamethoxam (THM) are a cause for concern and prevention because of their potential toxicity to nontarget species. In the present study the kinetics of the photodegradation of these insecticides were investigated in water and soil compartments under natural light conditions. The results suggest that these insecticides are fairly unstable in both aqueous and soil environments when exposed to natural sunlight. All 3 insecticides exhibit strong first-order degradation rate kinetics in the aqueous phase, with rate constants kDNT, kIMD, and kTHM of 0.20 h−1, 0.30 h−1, and 0.18 h−1, respectively. However, in the soil phase, the modeled photodegradation kinetics appear to be biphasic, with optimal rate constants k1DNT and k2DNT of 0.0198 h−1 and 0.0022 h−1 and k1THM and k2THM of 0.0053 h−1 and 0.0014 h−1, respectively. Differentially, in the soil phase, imidacloprid appears to follow the first-order rate kinetics with a kIMD of 0.0013 h−1. These results indicate that all 3 neonicotinoids are photodegradable, with higher degradation rates in aqueous environments relative to soil environments. In addition, soil-encapsulated imidacloprid appears to degrade slowly compared with dinotefuran and thiamethoxam and does not emulate the faster degradation rates observed in the aqueous phase. Environ Toxicol Chem 2016;35:1718–1726. © 2015 SETAC
Apolipoprotein E genotyping in Egyptian diabetic nephropathy patients
Authors: Atta Mohamed I. , Abo Gabal Khadiga , El‐Hadidi Khalid , Swellam Menha , Genina Ashraf , Zaher Nabil F.
Published: December 2015

Research for the causes of diabetic nephropathy has focused on the study of the affected familial disease clusters. The polymorphism in apolipoprotein E (ApoE) has been linked to the development of diabetic nephropathy (DN) in association with hyperlipidemia. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association of this condition with ApoE gene polymorphism connected with DN in diabetic Egyptian subjects. One hundred and thirty‐five patients were enrolled in the study, they were divided into three groups: 45 diabetic patients; 45 DN patients and 45 healthy control group. Clinical examination and routine laboratory investigations with serum lipids and urinary microalbumin were done. Peripheral blood leukocytes from all were examined by the polymerase chain reaction for polymorphisms in ApoE gene. Our results revealed significant difference between Apo E genotype frequencies among all studied groups. Genotypes ε2ε3 and ε2ε4 were reported to be significantly higher in diabetes as compared to control individuals while genotype ε3ε3 was higher in control as compared to diabetes. Among the entire diabetic group ε2ε3 was highly detected in DN. Regarding allelic frequency ε2 allele was significantly detected in DN patients as compared to diabetic patients and it was the lowest in control individuals. In conclusion Apo ε2 mutations may have a role in increasing the development of DN among the Egyptian individuals. © 2015 IUBMB Life, 68(1):58–64, 2016
Inverting Instruction in Literacy Methods Courses
Authors: Zawilinski Lisa M. , Richard Kimberly A. , Henry Laurie A.
Published: December 2015

Three teacher educators who inverted/flipped instruction in their literacy courses describe their experience in this article. Inverted, or flipped, instruction is a blended learning approach that increases opportunities for active engagement in class by moving basic instructor demonstration and presentation outside of class. The authors provide a rationale for inverting instruction and include relevant research that supports it. They also include a sample literacy module before and after inverting it. In addition, both student and instructor benefits to and challenges of inverted instruction are shared. Inverted instruction seemed to allow students to personalize their learning outside of class and affords them greater opportunities to apply and synthesize information during class.
A Question of Legitimacy
Authors: Moeller Robin A.
Published: December 2015

Although the implementation of multimodalities in education is much lauded by education research, the educational value of such formats is uncertain for education stakeholders. This study relied on the use of focus group interviews and field notes to better understand how a group of middle school students felt about their graphic novel reading experience and the legitimacy of this format in an educational context. The researcher's findings suggest that the students enjoyed their graphic novel reading experience greatly; however, the participants did not consider graphic novel reading to be a valuable educational practice.
Development and application of a human PBPK model for bromodichloromethane to investigate the impacts of multi‐route exposure
Authors: Kenyon Elaina M. , Eklund Christopher , Leavens Teresa , Pegram Rex A.
Published: December 2015

As a result of its presence in water as a volatile disinfection byproduct, bromodichloromethane (BDCM), which is mutagenic, poses a potential health risk from exposure via oral, dermal and inhalation routes. We developed a refined human physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) model for BDCM (including new chemical‐specific human parameters) to evaluate the impact of BDCM exposure during showering and bathing on important measures of internal dose compared with oral exposure. The refined model adequately predicted data from the published literature for oral, dermal and bathing/showering exposures. A liter equivalency approach (L‐eq) was used to estimate BDCM concentration in a liter of water consumed by the oral route that would be required to produce the same internal dose of BDCM resulting from a 20‐min bath or a 10‐min shower in water containing 10 µg l–1 BDCM. The oral liter equivalent concentrations for the bathing scenario were 605, 803 and 5 µg l–1 BDCM for maximum venous blood concentration (Cmax), the area under the curve (AUCv) and the amount metabolized in the liver per hour (MBDCM), respectively. For a 10‐min showering exposure, the oral L‐eq concentrations were 282, 312 and 2.1 µg l–1 for Cmax, AUC and MBDCM, respectively. These results demonstrate large contributions of dermal and inhalation exposure routes to the internal dose of parent chemical reaching the systemic circulation, which could be transformed to mutagenic metabolites in extrahepatic target tissues. Thus, consideration of the contribution of multiple routes of exposure when evaluating risks from water‐borne BDCM is needed, and this refined human model will facilitate improved assessment of internal doses from real‐world exposures. Published 2015. This article has been contributed to by US Government employees and their work is in the public domain in the USA.
Specific variability of total ozone over Central Europe during spring and summer in the period 1979–2014
Authors: Krzyścin Janusz W. , Rajewska‐Więch Bonawentura
Published: December 2015

The differences between monthly means of total ozone averaged over the Northern Hemisphere (NH) midlatitudes (30°–60°N) and over nested regions including Europe (15.75°W–45.75°E, 34.5°–60.5°N), Central Europe (9.75°–30.75°E, 44.5°–55.5°N), Poland (14.25°–24.75°E, 47.5°–55.5°N), and Central Poland (20.25°–21.75°E, 50.5°–52.5°N) are calculated using the multi‐sensor reanalysis (MSR: 1979–2008) data and results of 6 years of observations (2009–2014) by SCanning Imaging Absorption SpectrophotoMeter for Atmospheric CHartographY (SCIAMACHY). Total ozone averaged over Central Poland started to decline from that averaged over the NH midlatitudes during the summer and spring months since 1979 and 2005, respectively. The same pattern is found for total ozone averaged over the whole of Poland and Central Europe. The pattern of total ozone changes over the whole of Europe is similar to that found for the NH midlatitudes. The differences between the total ozone values for Central Europe and NH midlatitudes are ∼15 DU ( in spring) and ∼7 DU (in summer) lower at the end of the time series compared with the values calculated at the beginning of these time series. The same pattern of the regional differences is reproduced using reconstructed total ozone data from output of a multiple regression model which uses standard explanatory variables related to the solar cycle, Brewer–Dobson circulation, stratospheric aerosols, quasi‐biennial oscillation, El Nino–Southern Oscillation (ENSO), and stratospheric halogen changes (piecewise linear function with the turning point in 1997). The long‐term changes in the differences between regional total ozone patterns suggest substantial spatial–temporal variations in the ozone response to its driving factors. A specific noise (the model's residuals) configuration in spring over the 10‐year period (2005–2014) increased noticeably the regional total ozone differences.
Multi‐parametric MRI characterization of enzymatically degraded articular cartilage
Authors: Nissi Mikko J. , Salo Elli‐Noora , Tiitu Virpi , Liimatainen Timo , Michaeli Shalom , Mangia Silvia , Ellermann Jutta , Nieminen Miika T.
Published: December 2015

Several laboratory and rotating frame quantitative MRI parameters were evaluated and compared for detection of changes in articular cartilage following selective enzymatic digestion. Bovine osteochondral specimens were subjected to 44 h incubation in control medium or in collagenase or chondroitinase ABC to induce superficial collagen or proteoglycan (glycosaminoglycan) alterations. The samples were scanned at 9.4 T for T1, T1 Gd (dGEMRIC), T2, adiabatic T1 ρ, adiabatic T2 ρ, continuous‐wave T1 ρ, TRAFF2, and T1 sat relaxation times and for magnetization transfer ratio (MTR). For reference, glycosaminoglycan content, collagen fibril orientation and biomechanical properties were determined. Changes primarily in the superficial cartilage were noted after enzymatic degradation. Most of the studied parameters were sensitive to the destruction of collagen network, whereas glycosaminoglycan depletion was detected only by native T1 and T1 Gd relaxation time constants throughout the tissue and by MTR superficially. T1, adiabatic T1 ρ, adiabatic T2 ρ, continuous‐wave T1 ρ, and T1 sat correlated significantly with the biomechanical properties while T1 Gd correlated with glycosaminoglycan staining. The findings indicated that most of the studied MRI parameters were sensitive to both glycosaminoglycan content and collagen network integrity, with changes due to enzymatic treatment detected primarily in the superficial tissue. Strong correlation of T1, adiabatic T1ρ, adiabatic T2 ρ, continuous‐wave T1 ρ, and T1 sat with the altered biomechanical properties, reflects that these parameters were sensitive to critical functional properties of cartilage. © 2015 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 34:1111–1120, 2016.
Unique plasma metabolomic signature of osteonecrosis of the femoral head
Authors: Liu Xiaolin , Li Qing , Sheng Jiagen , Hu Bin , Zhu Zhenzhong , Zhou Shumin , Yin Junhui , Gong Qiang , Wang Yang , Zhang Changqing
Published: December 2015

Metabolomic analysis was performed to determine the metabolomic signature of osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH), and to investigate the underlying relationship between the metabolomic signature and the pathogenesis of ONFH. Plasma samples were collected from 30 ONFH patients and 30 normal subjects. The global metabolomic profile was obtained through a combination of high‐throughput liquid‐ and gas‐chromatography‐based mass spectrometry analyses. All statistical analyses were conducted using the R software. The results showed clear differences in the metabolomic signature between the plasma of ONFH patients compared with normal subjects. Among the 354 identified metabolites, the expression of 123 metabolites were significantly changed in ONFH patients compared with normal subjects (p < 0.05, q < 0.10). Bioinformatics analysis revealed that these abnormal metabolites were mainly involved in lipid‐, glutathione‐, nucleotide‐, and energy‐associated pathways, which might be related to enhanced inflammation, oxidative stress, and energy deficiency due to ONFH. This study provides the first metabolomic analysis of ONFH, and identifies a previously unrecognized metabolic signature in ONFH plasma. The results offer new insights into the pathological mechanisms of ONFH through its influence on metabolic pathways, providing the requisite framework for identifying biomarkers or novel targets for therapeutic intervention. © 2015 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 34:1158–1167, 2016.
Electrochemical and Spectroscopic Characteristics of Artemisinin Antimalarial Drug: Charge Transfer Redox Process
Authors: Mugweru Amos M. , Shore Andrew , Kahi Helen K. , Kamau Geoffrey N.
Published: December 2015

Artemisinin is a plant extract and popular in treating many diseases including malaria. It is a sesquiterpene lactone with several binding modes to several molecules. Oxidation and reduction of this molecule at different electrode materials was studied in tetrabutyl ammonium bromide in acetonitrile solution. The apparent standard heterogeneous rate constant for electron transfer (kh) was found to be 23 cm s−1. The value of the electron transfer coefficient (αna) was found to be 0.496. The diffusion coefficient (D) was found to be 3.34 × 10−6 cm s−1. Gold (Au), glassy carbon, and pyrolytic graphite electrodes exhibited distinguishable current densities. A value of E1/2 = –0.81 V versus Ag/AgCl was obtained, and a value of n = 1.52 (2) was estimated.
Transient absorption microscopy: advances in chemical imaging of photoinduced dynamics
Authors: Davydova Dar'ya , de la Cadena Alejandro , Akimov Denis , Dietzek Benjamin
Published: December 2015

This article reviews the state of the art of ultrafast transient absorption microscopy, discusses current experimental concepts and highlights future challenges. The advantages of transient absorption microscopy over other micro‐spectroscopic techniques are its high optical resolution combined with high temporal resolution as well as its ability to study non‐fluorescent and weakly fluorescent molecular species and to probe excited‐state processes. In conventional transient absorption spectroscopy the spectroscopic information usually presents a spatial average over the focal spot of the typically weakly focused probe beam. Transient absorption microscopy, however, enables investigations of the excited state dynamics in individual microscopic areas of a sample. Hence, the technique does not only yield detailed morphological information based on a label‐free molecular contrast, but also gives insight into the ultrafast morphology‐dependent photoinduced processes in heterogeneous samples. Different variations of transient absorption microscopy have found a number of applications ranging from material sciences to biology, which are discussed in this review together with different setup modifications and approaches towards transient absorption spectroscopy with spatial resolution below the diffraction limit.

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Brief Timelapse on Dendrimer Chemistry: Advances, Limitations, and Expectations
Authors: Ornelas Catia
Published: December 2015

Dendrimers are well‐defined branched macromolecules that have been studied for a wide variety of applications. Possibility to add multiple functionalities in precise locations of the dendritic structure generated great expectations for the application of dendrimers in nanomedicine, however, the number of dendrimer‐based formulations that advance to clinical studies has been somewhat deceiving. This is partially due to the nonreproducible pharmokinetic behavior observed for multifunctional dendrimers synthesized through the random‐statistical approach that leads to mixtures of products. Therefore, it is crucial to develop multifunctional dendrimers with well‐defined structures in order to increase the chances of meeting the clinical expectations placed on dendrimers. This talent article will give an overview of the dendrimer field, discussing the application of dendrimers in nanomedicine, light‐harvesting systems, sensing and catalysis, with a critical analysis on the expectations, limitations, advances, current challenges and future directions.

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Epigenetic imprinting during assisted reproductive technologies: The effect of temporal and cumulative fluctuations in methionine cycling on the DNA methylation state
Authors: Hoeijmakers Lianne , Kempe Hermannus , Verschure Pernette J.
Published: December 2015

Assisted reproductive technology (ART) exposes gametes and embryos to an artificial environment that does not resemble the conditions of natural conception, and therefore might change epigenetic regulation of genes that are imprinted during development. In the present review, we discuss the relationship between susceptibility of specific genes to receive an altered epigenetic composition during ART processes, possibly via alterations in the biochemical folate and methionine cycle. We provide a comprehensive view of the current state of epigenetic patterning in ART‐conceived healthy children and in Angelman syndrome (AS) and Beckwith–Wiedemann syndrome (BWS) patients. We illustrate that similar genes—that is, MEST, KCNQ1OT1, and IGF2—possess an altered DNA methylation profile in animal models, ART‐conceived healthy children, and AS and BWS patients. The developmental stage at which these genes receive their epigenetic imprint appears to coincide with the specific moment that ART takes place. We highlight that ART procedures affect physiological levels of enzymes and substrates involved in the folate and methionine cycle thereby altering the DNA methylation state. Moreover, although the DNA methylation rate appears to be robust: (i) temporal imbalances coinciding with defined moments of epigenetic imprinting of specific genes affect the eventual DNA methylation state of those genes and (ii) cumulative ART effects on methionine and folate cycling can alter DNA methylation rates. These observations underscore the necessity to further investigate consequences of ART treatments on the epigenetic profile. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 83: 94–107, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Nanostructuring of Ba8Ga16Ge30 clathrates by sol–gel‐calcination/chemical‐reduction route
Authors: Pacheco V. , Görlitz H. , Wagner‐Reetz M. , Kasinathan D. , Cardoso‐Gil R. , Carrillo‐Cabrera W. , Meier‐Kirchner K. , Rosner H. , Grin Yu.
Published: December 2015

Nanoparticles (NPs) of Ba8Ga16Ge30 clathrate‐I were synthetized via sol–gel‐calcination/chemical‐reduction route. A solution of the metallic cations was used to prepare an acryl‐amid‐based gel. The gel is dried and calcined to obtain nanocrystalline powders of precursor oxides. The oxides are reduced by reacting with CaH2 to produce the clathrate, which is embedded in a CaO matrix. CaO is removed by a washing step to obtain the clathrate NPs. The shape and size of the precursor oxide NPs can be modified by addition of complexing agents, surfactants or by varying the pH or the metal and surfactant concentration in the gel. Powder X‐ray diffraction and SAED patterns confirm the clathrate‐I‐type crystal structure of the products. SEM/TEM investigations show that the size and morphology of the oxides are retained in the clathrate NPs after the reduction. The clathrate NPs exhibit morphology of thin plates ∼300 × ∼300 nm2 and thickness of ∼50 nm, or sphere‐like morphology with ∼200 nm diameter, depending on the sol–gel synthesis conditions. The clathrate NPs were compacted via spark plasma sintering (SPS) to pellets with 53–93 % of crystallographic density. The total thermal conductivity (κ) of the pellet with 93 % density shows a reduction of 25 % in comparison to the reported κ in bulk clathrate. Preliminary characterization of the Seebeck (S) and electrical resistivity (R) of the low density sample (53 %) indicates n‐type conduction and semiconductor behavior of the Ba8Ga16Ge30 clathrate‐I. The transport properties of Ba8Ga16Ge30 clathrate‐I with 3‐, 4‐ or 5‐layer slabs and [100] surface termination as well as of the bulk material were calculated by using the semi‐classical Boltzmann transport theory within the constant scattering approximation. Our results show an increase in S for the geometries with reduced dimensions in agreement with the experimental observations.
Neue maßgeschneiderte Vakuumlösungen
Authors: Engert Tobias , Surowiec Alicja , Krause Jörg , Mosel Günter , Günther Niklas
Published: December 2015

Das Arbeiten unter (Hoch‐)Vakuumbedingungen spielt in den verschiedensten Anwendungen und Technologiebereichen eine immer wichtigere Rolle. Auch das GSI Helmholtzzentrum für Schwerionenforschung in Darmstadt arbeitet in diesem Bereich seit Jahrzehnten an immer neuen optimierten maßgeschneiderten Lösungen. So hat Hessens größte Forschungseinrichtung auch aktuell einige wichtige Erfindungen für den Bereich Vakuumtechnik hervorgebracht. Diese umfassen hochvakuumdicht verkapselte Gehäuse und deren Herstellung, eine neuartige Laserschweißtechnik zur partikelfreien Verkapselung und ein verbessertes Verfahren zum Aufbringen von Getterschichten, insbesondere von NEG‐ (non‐evaporating getter) Schichten.
25 Jahre Fraunhofer IST
Authors: Kondruweit Simone , Viehmeier Daniela
Published: December 2015

Das Fraunhofer‐Institut für Schicht‐ und Oberflächentechnik IST wurde vor 25 Jahren in Hamburg gegründet und zog 1994 nach Braunschweig. Aus einer kleinen Forschergruppe um Dr. Heinz Dimigen entstand ein Dienstleistungszentrum für Problemlösungen rund um die Oberfläche. Wesentliche Forschungsergebnisse erzielte das Institut im Bereich diamantähnlicher Kohlenstoffschichten für die Tribologie, bei der großflächigen Abscheidung von polykristallinem Diamant, bei der Prozess‐ und Materialentwicklung für die Herstellung transparenter leitfähiger Schichten, der Metallisierung von CFK‐Bauteilen sowie in der Präzisionsoptik. In der jüngeren Vergangenheit spielten Oberflächen für die Bio‐ und Medizintechnik sowie die Plasmamedizin eine Rolle von wachsender Bedeutung.