bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Quantitative Online NMR Spectroscopy in a Nutshell
Authors: Zientek Nicolai , Meyer Klas , Kern Simon , Maiwald Michael
Published: March 2016

Online NMR spectroscopy is an excellent tool to study complex reacting multicomponent mixtures and gain process insight and understanding. For online studies under process conditions, flow NMR probes can be used in a wide range of temperature and pressure. This paper compiles the most important aspects towards quantitative process NMR spectroscopy in complex multicomponent mixtures and provides examples. After NMR spectroscopy is introduced as an online method and for technical samples without sample preparation in deuterated solvents, influences of the residence time distribution, pre‐magnetization, and cell design are discussed. NMR acquisition and processing parameters as well as data preparation methods are presented and the most practical data analysis strategies are introduced.
Dispergierung und Eigenschaften von Carbon Nanotubes
Authors: Dresel Alexander , Teipel Ulrich
Published: March 2016

Carbon Nanotubes (CNTs) müssen für viele Anwendungen in Fluiden dispergiert werden, wofür das CNT‐Wechselwirkungsverhalten wesentlich ist. Um CNT/Fluid‐Wechselwirkungen zu beschreiben wurde das Benetzungsverhalten durch Kontaktwinkelmessungen mittels Sorptionsverfahren charakterisiert. Daraus wurde die Oberflächenenergie nach Owens und Wendt abgeleitet. Mithilfe der Oberflächenenergie konnte die CNT‐Dispergierbarkeit beschrieben werden, wobei eine gute Dispergierung erreicht wurde, wenn der disperse und polare Anteil der Oberflächenenergie von Feststoff und Flüssigkeit ähnlich waren.
Supply management for major sport events: The case of the 2010 Vancouver Olympic Games
Authors: Tchokogué André , Nollet Jean , Beaulieu Laurence
Published: March 2016

In examining the 2010 Vancouver Olympic Games (OG), we show that supply management in major sports events (MSEs) has interesting characteristics both in terms of operationalization and resources required. We show that while supply managers must consider local development, they cannot lose sight of efficiency in delivering on other objectives. The multifaceted nature of supply, which includes sponsorship, value in kind, and so forth, requires specific supply management approaches for each stage of the OG management lifecycle. Specifically, supply management differs from other business contexts in three main areas: (a) supplier identification and selection; (b) contract negotiation and the process of acquiring goods; (c) supplier relationship management. Copyright © 2016 ASAC. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Transcriptome of the inner circular smooth muscle of the developing mouse intestine: Evidence for regulation of visceral smooth muscle genes by the hedgehog target gene, cJun
Authors: Gurdziel Katherine , Vogt Kyle R. , Walton Katherine D. , Schneider Gary K. , Gumucio Deborah L.
Published: March 2016

Background: Digestion is facilitated by coordinated contractions of the intestinal muscularis externa, a bilayered smooth muscle structure that is composed of inner circular muscles (ICM) and outer longitudinal muscles (OLM). We performed transcriptome analysis of intestinal mesenchyme tissue at E14.5, when the ICM, but not the OLM, is present, to investigate the transcriptional program of the ICM. Results: We identified 3967 genes enriched in E14.5 intestinal mesenchyme. The gene expression profiles were clustered and annotated to known muscle genes, identifying a muscle‐enriched subcluster. Using publically available in situ data, 127 genes were verified as expressed in ICM. Examination of the promoter and regulatory regions for these co‐expressed genes revealed enrichment for cJUN transcription factor binding sites, and cJUN protein was enriched in ICM. cJUN ChIP‐seq, performed at E14.5, revealed that cJUN regulatory regions contain characteristics of muscle enhancers. Finally, we show that cJun is a target of Hedgehog (Hh), a signaling pathway known to be important in smooth muscle development, and identify a cJun genomic enhancer that is responsive to Hh. Conclusions: This work provides the first transcriptional catalog for the developing ICM and suggests that cJun regulates gene expression in the ICM downstream of Hh signaling. Developmental Dynamics 245:614–626, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The application of somatic CRISPR‐Cas9 to conditional genome editing in Caenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Li Wei , Ou Guangshuo
Published: March 2016

Forward and reverse genetic approaches have been well developed in the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans; however, efficient genetic tools to generate conditional gene mutations are still in high demand. Recently, the Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats/CRISPR‐associated protein 9 (CRISPR‐Cas9) system for genome modification has provided an additional tool for C. elegans researchers to achieve simple and efficient conditional targeted mutagenesis. Here, we review recent advances in the somatic expression of Cas9 endonuclease for conditional gene editing. We present some practical considerations for improving the efficiency and reducing the off‐target effects of somatic CRISPR‐Cas9 and highlight a strategy to analyze somatic mutation at single‐cell resolution. Finally, we outline future applications and consider challenges for this emerging genome editing platform that will need to be addressed in the future. genesis, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. genesis 54:170–181, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The effect of causal parameter bounds in PSHA‐based ground motion selection
Authors: Tarbali Karim , Bradley Brendon A.
Published: March 2016

In this paper the effect of causal parameter bounds (e.g. magnitude, source‐to‐site distance, and site condition) on ground motion selection, based on probabilistic seismic hazard analysis (PSHA) results, is investigated. Despite the prevalent application of causal parameter bounds in ground motion selection, present literature on the topic is cast in the context of a scenario earthquake of interest, and thus specific bounds for use in ground motion selection based on PSHA, and the implications of such bounds, is yet to be examined. Thirty‐six PSHA cases, which cover a wide range of causal rupture deaggregation distributions and site conditions, are considered to empirically investigate the effects of various causal parameter bounds on the characteristics of selected ground motions based on the generalized conditional intensity measure (GCIM) approach. It is demonstrated that the application of relatively ‘wide’ bounds on causal parameters effectively removes ground motions with drastically different characteristics with respect to the target seismic hazard and results in an improved representation of the target causal parameters. In contrast, the use of excessively ‘narrow’ bounds can lead to ground motion ensembles with a poor representation of the target intensity measure distributions, typically as a result of an insufficient number of prospective ground motions. Quantitative criteria for specifying bounds for general PSHA cases are provided, which are expected to be sufficient in the majority of problems encountered in ground motion selection for seismic demand analyses. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Using an interlaboratory study to revise methods for conducting 10-d to 42-d water or sediment toxicity tests with Hyalella azteca
Authors: Ivey Chris D. , Ingersoll Chris G. , Brumbaugh William G. , Hammer Edward J. , Mount Dave R. , Hockett J. Russell , Norberg-King Teresa J. , Soucek Dave , Taylor Lisa
Published: March 2016

Studies have been conducted to refine US Environmental Protection Agency, ASTM International, and Environment Canada standard methods for conducting 42-d reproduction tests with Hyalella azteca in water or in sediment. Modifications to the H. azteca method include better-defined ionic composition requirements for exposure water (i.e., >15 mg/L of chloride and >0.02 mg/L of bromide) and improved survival, growth, and reproduction with alternate diets provided as increased rations over time in water-only or whole-sediment toxicity tests. A total of 24 laboratories volunteered to participate in the present interlaboratory study evaluating the performance of H. azteca in 42-d studies in control sand or control sediment using the refined methods. Improved growth and reproduction of H. azteca was observed with 2 alternate diets of 1) ramped diatoms (Thalassiosira weissflogii) + ramped Tetramin or 2) yeast–cerophyll–trout chow (YCT) + ramped Tetramin, especially when compared with results from the traditional diet of 1.8 mg YCT/d. Laboratories were able to meet proposed test acceptability criteria and in most cases had lower variation in growth or reproduction compared with previous interlaboratory studies using the traditional YCT diet. Laboratory success in conducting 42-d H. azteca exposures benefited from adherence to several key requirements of the detailed testing, culturing, and handling methods. Results from the present interlaboratory study are being used to help revise standard methods for conducting 10-d to 42-d water or sediment toxicity exposures with H. azteca. Environ Toxicol Chem 2016;35:2439–2447. © 2016 SETAC
Orientation of joints and arrangement of solid inclusions in fibrous veins in the Shatsky Rise, NW Pacific: implications for crack‐seal mechanisms and stress fields
Authors: Li Sanzhong , Suo Yanhui , Yu Shan , Wu Tingting , Somerville Ian , Sager William , Li Xiyao , Hui Gege , Zhang Yong , Zang Yibo , Zheng Qiliang
Published: March 2016

The ocean floor is leaky because it has numerous faults, cracks and joints upon formation and during the process of seafloor spreading. In time, these fractures are often closed after ocean floor cooling, hydrothermal circulation, and vein filling. The crack‐seal mechanism of fractures of the oceanic crust is thus important for understanding its kinematics, kinetics and evolution. Coring and log data from IODP Expedition 324 reveal that the Shatsky Rise, an oceanic plateau in the NW Pacific Ocean, developed abundant joints and veins, and some veins formed along previous joints. We use log data from the Formation Micro‐scanner Scanner (FMS) to reconstruct the original dip and dip direction of these structural elements. Using FMS microstructural analyses, the dip directions of joints and arrangement of solid inclusions in fibrous veins were examined for Holes U1347A, U1348A and U1349A. We found two types of veins, non‐fibrous and fibrous, based on their physical appearance and mineralogical composition. Common to all samples is a straight fibrous inclusion fabric, associated with bands oriented parallel to the vein wall and trails typically at high angles to the vein wall. Cross‐cutting relationships between the bands and the straight fibrous inclusions imply that inclusion bands reflect simple crack‐seal increments. In the veins, inclusion bands are a sufficient criterion to infer the crack‐seal mechanism. Further evidence for solid inclusions formed by the classic crack‐seal mechanism is given by inclusion bands in carbon crystals grown in basalts. During incorporation, solid inclusions can remain undeformed, depending on their orientation with respect to the opening and spreading direction of mid‐oceanic ridges. Simple displacement fields within the veins are recorded by straight crystal fibres, which track the opening direction. Based on the arrangement of solid inclusions within the veins, we suggest that the veins grew continuously during post‐tectonic vein formation. Solid inclusions formed by steady adhesion at the vein wall interface during crack sealing and growth of a few veins were driven by the force of crystallization and extension of mid‐oceanic ridges. Based on these two lines of evidence, we conclude that the formation of the Tamu Massif is consistent with the seafloor spreading history revealed by magnetic lineations, possibly accompanied with an interaction to the mantle plume head. In contrast, the formation of the Ori Massif, off the mid‐ocean ridge, has no obvious preferred stress field, deduced to be related to a mantle plume tail with interaction to the mid‐oceanic ridge. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Age‐related changes in amygdala–frontal connectivity during emotional face processing from childhood into young adulthood
Authors: Wu Minjie , Kujawa Autumn , Lu Lisa H. , Fitzgerald Daniel A. , Klumpp Heide , Fitzgerald Kate D. , Monk Christopher S. , Phan K. Luan
Published: March 2016

The ability to process and respond to emotional facial expressions is a critical skill for healthy social and emotional development. There has been growing interest in understanding the neural circuitry underlying development of emotional processing, with previous research implicating functional connectivity between amygdala and frontal regions. However, existing work has focused on threatening emotional faces, raising questions regarding the extent to which these developmental patterns are specific to threat or to emotional face processing more broadly. In the current study, we examined age‐related changes in brain activity and amygdala functional connectivity during an fMRI emotional face matching task (including angry, fearful, and happy faces) in 61 healthy subjects aged 7–25 years. We found age‐related decreases in ventral medial prefrontal cortex activity in response to happy faces but not to angry or fearful faces, and an age‐related change (shifting from positive to negative correlation) in amygdala–anterior cingulate cortex/medial prefrontal cortex (ACC/mPFC) functional connectivity to all emotional faces. Specifically, positive correlations between amygdala and ACC/mPFC in children changed to negative correlations in adults, which may suggest early emergence of bottom‐up amygdala excitatory signaling to ACC/mPFC in children and later development of top‐down inhibitory control of ACC/mPFC over amygdala in adults. Age‐related changes in amygdala–ACC/mPFC connectivity did not vary for processing of different facial emotions, suggesting changes in amygdala–ACC/mPFC connectivity may underlie development of broad emotional processing, rather than threat‐specific processing. Hum Brain Mapp 37:1684–1695, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Prognostic impact of pathological response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by definitive surgery in sinonasal squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Hirakawa Hitoshi , Hanai Nobuhiro , Ozawa Taijiro , Suzuki Hidenori , Nishikawa Daisuke , Matayoshi Sen , Suzuki Mikio , Hasegawa Yasuhisa
Published: March 2016

Background

The significance of neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by definitive surgery for sinonasal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) was investigated using surgical specimens.

Methods

Surgery was performed in 58 patients, including 43 patients who had received neoadjuvant chemotherapy. The pathological response was classified as grades 0 (no effect), 1 (slight effect), 2 (moderate effect), and 3 (marked effect), and its correlation with prognosis was investigated.

Results

Grade 2 or 3 response was observed in 34.9% of cases that received neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Overall survival (OS), disease‐free survival (DFS), locoregional control, and freedom from distant metastasis were significantly better in the effective neoadjuvant chemotherapy group (grades 2 and 3) than in the less effective neoadjuvant chemotherapy group (grades 0 and 1) and the non‐neoadjuvant chemotherapy group combined.

Conclusion

Pathological response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy in sinonasal SCC was related to disease prognosis. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 38: E1305–E1311, 2016
Hyperthermia adds to trabectedin effectiveness and thermal enhancement is associated with BRCA2 degradation and impairment of DNA homologous recombination repair
Authors: Harnicek Dominique , Kampmann Eric , Lauber Kirsten , Hennel Roman , Cardoso Martins Ana Sofia , Guo Yang , Belka Claus , Mörtl Simone , Gallmeier Eike , Kanaar Roland , Mansmann Ulrich , Hucl Tomas , Lindner Lars H. , Hiddemann Wolfgang , Issels Rolf D.
Published: March 2016

The tetrahydroisoquinoline trabectedin is a marine compound with approved activity against human soft‐tissue sarcoma. It exerts antiproliferative activity mainly by specific binding to the DNA and inducing DNA double‐strand breaks (DSB). As homologous recombination repair (HRR)‐deficient tumors are more susceptible to trabectedin, hyperthermia‐mediated on‐demand induction of HRR deficiency represents a novel and promising strategy to boost trabectedin treatment. For the first time, we demonstrate enhancement of trabectedin effectiveness in human sarcoma cell lines by heat and characterize cellular events and molecular mechanisms related to heat‐induced effects. Hyperthermic temperatures (41.8 or 43°C) enhanced significantly trabectedin‐related clonogenic cell death and G2/M cell cycle arrest followed by cell type‐dependent induction of apoptosis or senescence. Heat combination increased accumulation of γH2AX foci as key marker of DSBs. Expression of BRCA2 protein, an integral protein of the HRR machinery, was significantly decreased by heat. Consequently, recruitment of downstream RAD51 to γH2AX‐positive repair foci was almost abolished indicating relevant impairment of HRR by heat. Accordingly, enhancement of trabectedin effectiveness was significantly augmented in BRCA2‐proficient cells by hyperthermia and alleviated in BRCA2 knockout or siRNA‐transfected BRCA2 knockdown cells. In peripheral blood mononuclear cells isolated from sarcoma patients, increased numbers of nuclear γH2AX foci were detected after systemic treatment with trabectedin and hyperthermia of the tumor region. The findings establish BRCA2 degradation by heat as a key factor for a novel treatment strategy that allows targeted chemosensitization to trabectedin and other DNA damaging antitumor drugs by on‐demand induction of HRR deficiency.
Complexes of adamantane‐based group 13 Lewis acids and superacids: Bonding analysis and thermodynamics of hydrogen splitting
Authors: El‐Hamdi Majid , Solà Miquel , Poater Jordi , Timoshkin Alexey Y.
Published: March 2016

The electronic structure and chemical bonding in donor–acceptor complexes formed by group 13 element adamantane and perfluorinated adamantane derivatives EC9R′15 (E = B, Al; R′ = H, F) with Lewis bases XR3 and XC9H15 (X = N, P; R= H, CH3) have been studied using energy decomposition analysis at the BP86/TZ2P level of theory. Larger stability of complexes with perfluorinated adamantane derivatives is mainly due to better electrostatic and orbital interactions. Deformation energies of the fragments and Pauli repulsion are of less importance, with exception for the boron‐phosphorus complexes. The MO analysis reveals that LUMO energies of EC9R′15 significantly decrease upon fluorination (by 4.7 and 3.6 eV for E = B and Al, respectively) which results in an increase of orbital interaction energies by 27–38 (B) and 15–26 (Al) kcal mol−1. HOMO energies of XR3 increase in order PH3 < NH3 < PMe3 < PC9H15 < NMe3 < NC9H15. For the studied complexes, there is a linear correlation between the dissociation energy of the complex and the energy difference between HOMO of the donor and LUMO of the acceptor. The fluorination of the Lewis acid significantly reduces standard enthalpies of the heterolytic hydrogen splitting H2 + D + A = [HD]+ + [HA]−. Analysis of several types of the [HD]+···[HA]− ion pair formation in the gas phase reveals that structures with additional H···F interactions are energetically favorable. Taking into account the ion pair formation, hydrogen splitting is predicted to be highly exothermic in case of the perfluorinated derivatives both in the gas phase and in solution. Thus, fluorinated adamantane‐based Lewis superacids are attractive synthetic targets for the construction of the donor–acceptor cryptands. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
First example of the correlated calculation of the one‐bond tellurium–carbon spin–spin coupling constants: Relativistic effects, vibrational corrections, and solvent effects
Authors: Rusakova Irina L. , Rusakov Yury Yu. , Krivdin Leonid B.
Published: March 2016

This work reports on the comprehensive calculation of the NMR one‐bond spin–spin coupling constants (SSCCs) involving carbon and tellurium, 1J(125Te,13C), in four representative compounds: Te(CH3)2, Te(CF3)2, Te(CCH)2, and tellurophene. A high‐level computational treatment of 1J(125Te,13C) included calculations at the SOPPA level taking into account relativistic effects evaluated at the 4‐component RPA and DFT levels of theory, vibrational corrections, and solvent effects. The consistency of different computational approaches including the level of theory of the geometry optimization of tellurium‐containing compounds, basis sets, and methods used for obtainig spin–spin coupling values have also been discussed in view of reproducing the experimental values of the tellurium–carbon SSCCs. Relativistic corrections were found to play a major role in the calculation of 1J(125Te,13C) reaching as much as almost 50% of the total value of 1J(125Te,13C) while relativistic geometrical effects are of minor importance. The vibrational and solvent corrections account for accordingly about 3–6% and 0–4% of the total value. It is shown that taking into account relativistic corrections, vibrational corrections and solvent effects at the DFT level essentially improves the agreement of the non‐relativistic theoretical SOPPA results with experiment. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Planar Digraphs of Digirth Five Are 2‐Colorable
Authors: Harutyunyan Ararat , Mohar Bojan
Published: March 2016

Neumann‐Lara (1985) and Škrekovski conjectured that every planar digraph with digirth at least three is 2‐colorable, meaning that the vertices can be 2‐colored without creating any monochromatic directed cycles. We prove a relaxed version of this conjecture: every planar digraph of digirth at least five is 2‐colorable. The result also holds in the setting of list colorings.
Diffusion‐weighted MRI and in‐phase/opposed‐phase sequences in the assessment of bone tumors
Authors: Amin Wessam M. , Kotb Hesham T. , Abdel‐kerim Ali A. , Barakat Mohamed S. , El‐malky Awad A. , Fadel Shady H.
Published: March 2016

Purpose

To evaluate the role of diffusion‐weighted apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) and in‐phase/opposed‐phase sequences in the differentiation of benign and malignant osseous tumors.

Materials and Methods

At 1.5T, routine sequences were compared to diffusion‐weighted and in‐phase/opposed‐phase in 63 patients. Routine sequence magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scoring, mean ADC value, and in‐phase/opposed‐phase signal intensity ratio (SIR) was obtained. Statistical analysis included significance, receiver operating characteristic (ROC), and linear correlation between the three parameters.

Results

In all, 38 patients had malignant tumors and 25 patients had benign tumors. Benign and malignant tumors showed different routine sequence scores (P < 0.001). Mean ADC of the benign lesions ranged 0.9–3.2 × 10−3mm2/sec of mean ± SD (1.9 ± 0.6). In malignant tumors, the mean ADC ranged 0.6–1.9 × 10−3mm2/sec of mean ± SD (1.1 ± 0.4) (P < 0.0001). There was a possible differentiation between malignant and benign tumors at a threshold of 1.1 × 10−3mm2/sec of sensitivity and specificity of 94.1% and 70.3%, respectively. SIR for benign tumors ranged 0.2–1.0 of mean ± SD (0.6 ± 0.3). For malignant lesions SIR ranged 0.4–1.2 of mean ± SD (0.8 ± 0.3). Benign and malignant tumors show statistically significant SIR at P < 0.022 with possible differentiation at a threshold of 0.75 of sensitivity and specificity of 70.3% and 76.5%, respectively. Simple linear correlation between both ADC and SIR was significant at P < 0.01 with correlation coefficient (r) = 0.45.

Conclusion

Diffusion‐weighted and in‐phase/opposed‐phase imaging might be used in addition to conventional MRI as a routine tool for differentiation of benign and malignant tumors. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2016;44:565–572.
Influence of solar irradiance on underwater temperature recorded by temperature loggers on coral reefs
Authors: Bahr Keisha D. , Jokiel Paul L. , Rodgers Ku‘ulei S.
Published: March 2016

The use of miniaturized digital temperature logging devices on coral reefs is increasing dramatically due to the threat of global warming. Shallow coral reef environments are characterized by extremely high solar radiation and highly transparent seawater, raising the possibility of solar heating of devices deployed in these settings. In this study, we compared temperature measurements under a variety of shading treatments to investigate the potential error associated with high irradiance levels in shallow, clear waters. Results of this experiment showed that mid‐day water temperature readings by unshaded loggers were significantly higher by 2.2°C on average compared with shaded loggers. Loggers shielded with reflective tape showed less error but still reported significant heating, with water temperatures that were on average 0.15°C higher than shaded loggers. There were no significant differences among shade treatments during nighttime hours, indicating that irradiance is the source of the errors documented here. Care must be taken to shield temperature loggers from irradiance while providing good circulation of water around the sensors. One option is to place the loggers in a naturally occurring, cryptic or shaded habitat on the reef. When deployed in open reef areas, in mesocosms, or in experimental aquaria, loggers can be shielded in protective, opaque plastic tubes that are open at both ends.
Creatine supplementation does not alter neuromuscular recovery after eccentric exercise
Authors: Boychuk Kellie E. , Lanovaz Joel L. , Krentz Joel R. , Lishchynsky Justin T. , Candow Darren G. , Farthing Jonathan P.
Published: March 2016

Introduction: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of creatine (CR) supplementation on recovery after eccentric exercise (ECC). Methods: Fourteen men were assigned randomly to ingest 0.3 g/kg of CR or placebo (PL) before and during recovery (48 hours) from 6 sets of 8 repetitions of ECC. Maximal voluntary contraction (MVC), voluntary activation (VA), muscle thickness (MT), electromyography (EMG), contractile properties, and soreness were assessed. Results: MVC, evoked twitch torque, and rate of torque development decreased for both groups immediately after ECC and recovered at 48 hours. MT increased and remained elevated at 48 hours for both groups. Soreness increased similarly for both groups. EMG activation was higher for CR versus PL only at 48 hours. There were no group differences for torque, total work, or fatigue index during ECC. Conclusions: CR supplementation before and during recovery from ECC had no effect on strength, voluntary activation, or indicators of muscle damage. Muscle Nerve 54: 487–495, 2016
Drug use among men with unfulfilled wish to father children: a retrospective analysis and discussion of specific drug classes
Authors: Pompe Sina V. , Strobach Dorothea , Stief Christian G. , Becker Armin J. , Trottmann Matthias
Published: March 2016

Purpose

Male infertility is a multifactorial state. Among other risk factors, drugs can adversely affect male fertility and male sexual function. In a retrospective study we aimed to analyse how many involuntarily childless men seeking fertility evaluation consume drugs, which drugs and if these are potentially affecting male reproductive function.

Methods

We retrospectively identified involuntarily childless men presenting for fertility evaluation at an andrologic outpatient department from 2011 to 2014. Medical records were searched for current drug use, age, diseases affecting male fertility, and number and kind of drugs. Drugs were classified according to their Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical code. Adverse drug reactions on male sexual function and fertility were searched in two independent literature sources.

Results

Drug use was documented for 244 of 522 patients (46.7%). The patients' mean age was 37.7 ± 8.7; the total number of drug intakes was 554 (mean 2.3 ± 1.9), corresponding to 201 different drugs. The most often involved Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical groups were nervous system (N), alimentary tract/metabolism (A), cardiovascular (C), and respiratory system (R) (n = 277; 50.0%). Fertility impairment was reported for 15.9%, and adverse drug reactions on male sexual function were found for 51.2% of all identified drugs. Underreporting of consumed drugs was likely, especially for non‐prescription drugs.

Conclusions

A high percentage of involuntarily childless men is taking drugs that can potentially influence male reproductive function. As drug intake represents a modifiable risk factor, fertility evaluation requires a comprehensive medication review including prescription and non‐prescription drugs. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Deposition of Poly(Ethylene Oxide)‐Like Plasma Polymers on Inner Surfaces of Cavities by Means of Atmospheric‐Pressure SDBD‐Based Jet
Authors: Gordeev Ivan , Šimek Milan , Prukner Václav , Artemenko Anna , Kousal Jaroslav , Nikitin Daniil , Choukourov Andrei , Biederman Hynek
Published: March 2016

The jet of reactive effluents produced by surface dielectric barrier discharge was used to deposit PEO‐like plasma polymers from di(ethylene) glycol vinyl ether. The jet was confined within the hollow space of either circular cross‐section with substrate placed perpendicular to the jet, or rectangular cross‐section with the walls used as substrates. The best 67% retention of the ethers was obtained for the circular channel, whereas it was only 50% for the rectangular channel. In the latter case, deposition at longer distances was possible. In both cases, the deposition started with the formation of islands that grew, coalesced and eventually built up a continuous coating.
In Situ Solidification (ISS) of River Sediments: Pilot Demonstration and Discussion of ISS as a Remedial Alternative to Dredging and Capping
Authors: Jansen Paul , Sabulis Michael , Clock Jeff
Published: March 2016

In situ solidification (ISS) is a proven technology for remediation of upland site soils, but has not been thoroughly demonstrated for use in impacted underwater sediments. This article describes the first successful use of ISS techniques to solidify underwater sediments containing manufactured gas plant non‐aqueous‐phase liquid (NAPL). The techniques consisted of mixing cementitious grout with the sediments in situ to create a monolith that immobilized the contaminants, significantly decreased the hydraulic conductivity, and also vastly decreased contaminant leaching potential of the sediments. The success of this pilot demonstration project suggests that ISS may be a viable alternative for: sites requiring deep dredging; large volume projects on urban waterways where staging and amending areas are limited; sites with NAPL impacts that cannot be controlled during dredging; and sites where eventual NAPL breakthrough is anticipated if reactive caps are employed. The potential economic, environmental, and operational benefits of this technology will be discussed. This article focuses on the primary objectives of the pilot demonstration: to meet quantitative performance criteria for strength and hydraulic conductivity; to assess the leach performance of the solidified sediments; and to satisfy water quality parameters for turbidity, pH, and sheen. Approach/activities: The pilot study utilized a customized marine platform (modular floats, tug boats, etc.) and full‐scale ISS equipment (auger rig, silos, etc.) and varied operational parameters to provide a range of data to assist in evaluating the feasibility and efficacy of the technology for use in similar environments and in planning future ISS projects on the water. Water quality controls and monitoring were implemented during the operation, and the study documented and evaluated the environmental disruption (short‐term impacts) and costs of the application of the ISS process to contaminated aquatic sediments. ©2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Complete Degradation of Hexahydro‐1,3,5‐Trinitro‐1,3,5‐Triazine (RDX) by a Co‐Culture of Gordonia sp. KTR9 and Methylobacterium sp. JS178
Authors: Crocker Fiona H. , Blakeney G. Alon , Jung Carina M.
Published: March 2016

The presence of hexahydro‐1,3,5‐trinitro‐1,3,5‐triazine (RDX) in soil and groundwater is a major contamination issue at many military facilities around the world. Gordonia sp. KTR9 metabolizes RDX as a nitrogen source for growth producing 4‐nitro‐2,4‐diazabutanal (NDAB) as a dead‐end product. Methylobacterium sp. strain JS178 degrades NDAB as a sole source of nitrogen for growth. A mixed culture of strains KTR9 and JS178 was able to completely degrade RDX. There was no difference in rate of RDX degradation by KTR9 alone or in co‐culture with JS178. The first‐order degradation coefficients of RDX and NDAB in the co‐culture were 0.08 hr−1 and 0.002 hr−1, respectively. In the co‐culture that initially contained RDX plus NDAB, strain JS178 degraded the NDAB that was produced by KTR9 as shown by a decrease in the molar yield of NDAB (from RDX) from 1.0 to –0.11. Co‐cultures of strains KTR9 and JS178 could be used to promote complete degradation of RDX in soils or groundwater. ©2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Numerical Simulation of Substrate‐Limited Degradation
Authors: Mohsen Mohammad F. , Lacko Peter , Ayyaswami Arul
Published: March 2016

This is the fourth in a series of papers through which the authors demonstrate how numerical transport modeling can assist the remediation design engineer in predicting the progress of enhanced reductive dechlorination remediation expected in the field. The first two papers dealt with the hydraulics of delivery and preliminary understanding of substrate‐limited degradation. The third paper compared a simulated substrate‐limited degradation progress to some early results measured at a site. Based on that comparison, conclusions were drawn regarding the differences in degradation rates between a field situation and laboratory studies, and inferences were made about the modeling steps needed to aid in designing enhanced reductive dechlorination systems. Since the presentation of those results, additional rounds of data have been obtained from the field, encompassing a more substantial range of degradation history. In this paper, the authors compare those results with the simulated predictions and present an illustrative example of design modification using the model. ©2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
ERD of Residual TCE DNAPL Achieving Nondetect from a Single Injection of Food‐Grade Waste
Authors: Schaffner I. Richard , Leavey Crystal L. , Davis Kevin J. , Takoushian Daniel V. , Ewing Kaleigh
Published: March 2016

Residual dense nonaqueous phase liquid (DNAPL) composed of trichloroethene (TCE) was identified in a deeper interval of an overburden groundwater system at a manufacturing facility located in northern New England. Site hydrostratigraphy is characterized by two laterally continuous and transmissive zones consisting of fully‐saturated fine sand with silt and clay. The primary DNAPL source was identified as a former dry well with secondary contributions from a proximal aboveground TCE storage tank. A single additive‐injection mobilization in 2001 utilizing a food‐grade injectate formulated with waste dairy product and inactive yeast enhanced residual TCE DNAPL destruction in situ by stimulating biotic reductive dechlorination. The baseline TCE concentration was detected up to 97,400 μg/L in the deeper interval of the overburden groundwater system, and enhanced reductive dechlorination (ERD) achieved >99 percent reduction in TCE concentrations in groundwater over nine years with no evidence of sustained rebound. TCE concentrations have remained nondetect below 2.0 μg/L for the last five consecutive sampling rounds between 2013 and 2015. ERD utilizing a food‐grade injectate is a green remediation technology that has destroyed residual DNAPL at the site and achieved similar results at other residual DNAPL sites during both pilot‐ and full‐scale applications. ©2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Surfactant‐Oxidant Co‐Application for Soil and Groundwater Remediation
Authors: Dahal Geeta , Holcomb Jen , Socci Dan
Published: March 2016

In situ chemical oxidation (ISCO) typically delivers oxidant solutions into the subsurface for contaminant destruction. Contaminants available to the oxidants, however, are limited by the mass transfer of hydrophobic contaminants into the aqueous phase. ISCO treatments therefore often leave sites with temporarily clean groundwater which is subject to contaminant rebound when sorbed and free phase contaminants leach back into the aqueous phase. Surfactant Enhanced In situ Chemical Oxidation (S‐ISCO®) uses a combined oxidant‐surfactant solution to provide optimized contaminant delivery to the oxidants for destruction via desorption and emulsification of the contaminants by the surfactants. This article provides an overview of S‐ISCO technology, followed by an implementation case study at a coal tar contaminated site in Queens, New York. Included are data points from the site which demonstrate how S‐ISCO delivers desorbed contaminants without uncontrolled contaminant mobilization, as desorbed and emulsified contaminants are immediately available to the simultaneously injected oxidant for reaction. ©2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Untersuchungen zur statischen Schubtragfähigkeit kleinskaliger Pin‐Verbundmittel
Authors: Kopp Maik , Feldmann Markus , Claßen Martin , Hegger Josef , Schäfer Johannes , Reisgen Uwe
Published: March 2016

Die Entwicklung von hochfesten Stählen sowie hoch‐ (HSC) und ultrahochfesten Betonen (UHPC) und ihr günstiges Verhältnis von Festigkeit zu Eigengewicht ermöglicht eine deutliche Reduzierung der Querschnittsabmessungen gegenüber normalfesten Werkstoffen. Hierdurch können im Stahl‐Beton‐Verbundbau schlanke, weitspannende und hochtragfähige Verbundkonstruktionen realisiert werden. Für einige Anwendungsgebiete im Verbundbau können sich hierdurch die theoretisch erforderlichen Bauteildicken der Betondeckschichten auf wenige Zentimeter reduzieren. In solch schlanken Verbundkonstruktionen mit dünnen Betongurten ist der Einsatz von zum Beispiel Kopfbolzendübeln oder Verbunddübelleisten als Verbundmittel zur Übertragung der Schubkräfte nicht mehr möglich. Zur Verbindung der Teilquerschnitte aus Beton und Stahl und zur Sicherstellung der Verbundtragwirkung sind neue, kleinskalige Verbundmittel erforderlich. Durch die Weiterentwicklung des Metall‐Schutzgasschweißverfahrens auf Basis des Kurzlichtbogenprozesses ist das so genannte Pin‐Schweißen möglich. Die Pins mit einer Höhe von wenigen Millimetern werden während des Schweißprozesses aus dem Schweißdraht geformt. Die so entstehenden Pin‐Strukturen können als Verbundmittel zwischen Stahl und Beton eingesetzt werden. In diesem Artikel werden die Untersuchungen zur Anwendbarkeit der Pin‐Strukturen im Verbundbau anhand von Versuchen zum Trag‐ und Verformungsverhalten unter statischer Schubbelastung vorgestellt.

Investigations in the static shear capacity of small‐scaled pin shear connectors. The development of high‐strength steel as well as high‐strength (HSC) and ultra‐height strength (UHPC) concrete with a favorable ratio of strength to weight enables an essential reduction of the cross‐sectional dimensions compared to normal strength materials. Hereby, slender and wide spanning steel‐concrete composite construction with high load capacity can be realized. In some application area, the theoretical required concrete depth can be reduced to a few centimeter. In such composite constructions with thin concrete slabs, the use of e.g. headed studs or composite dowels as shear connector is not possible. To connect the partial sections of concrete and steel as well as to realize the composite load effect new small‐scaled shear connectors are required. Through the further development of gas‐shielded metal‐arc welding based on the short arc effect the pin welding is possible. The pins with a height of only few millimeters can be molded directly from the welding wire. The pin structures can be used as shear connectors in steel‐concrete composite constructions. This article presents the investigations in the applicability of the pin structures by means of static shear tests for the load and slip capacity.
Autophagy Proteins ATG5 and ATG7 Are Essential for the Maintenance of Human CD34+ Hematopoietic Stem-Progenitor Cells
Authors: Gomez-Puerto Maria Catalina , Folkerts Hendrik , Wierenga Albertus T.J. , Schepers Koen , Schuringa Jan Jacob , Coffer Paul J. , Vellenga Edo
Published: March 2016

Autophagy is a highly regulated catabolic process that involves sequestration and lysosomal degradation of cytosolic components such as damaged organelles and misfolded proteins. While autophagy can be considered to be a general cellular housekeeping process, it has become clear that it may also play cell type-dependent functional roles. In this study, we analyzed the functional importance of autophagy in human hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells (HSPCs), and how this is regulated during differentiation. Western blot-based analysis of LC3-II and p62 levels, as well as flow cytometry-based autophagic vesicle quantification, demonstrated that umbilical cord blood-derived CD34+/CD38− immature hematopoietic progenitors show a higher autophagic flux than CD34+/CD38+ progenitors and more differentiated myeloid and erythroid cells. This high autophagic flux was critical for maintaining stem and progenitor function since knockdown of autophagy genes ATG5 or ATG7 resulted in reduced HSPC frequencies in vitro as well as in vivo. The reduction in HSPCs was not due to impaired differentiation, but at least in part due to reduced cell cycle progression and increased apoptosis. This is accompanied by increased expression of p53, proapoptotic genes BAX and PUMA, and the cell cycle inhibitor p21, as well as increased levels of cleaved caspase-3 and reactive oxygen species. Taken together, our data demonstrate that autophagy is an important regulatory mechanism for human HSCs and their progeny, reducing cellular stress and promoting survival.
Silencing of Antichondrogenic MicroRNA-221 in Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells Promotes Cartilage Repair In Vivo
Authors: Lolli Andrea , Narcisi Roberto , Lambertini Elisabetta , Penolazzi Letizia , Angelozzi Marco , Kops Nicole , Gasparini Simona , van Osch Gerjo J.V.M. , Piva Roberta
Published: March 2016

There is a growing demand for the development of experimental strategies for efficient articular cartilage repair. Current tissue engineering-based regenerative strategies make use of human mesenchymal stromal cells (hMSCs). However, when implanted in a cartilage defect, control of hMSCs differentiation toward the chondrogenic lineage remains a significant challenge. We have recently demonstrated that silencing the antichondrogenic regulator microRNA-221 (miR-221) was highly effective in promoting in vitro chondrogenesis of monolayered hMSCs in the absence of the chondrogenic induction factor TGF-β. Here we investigated the feasibility of this approach first in conventional 3D pellet culture and then in an in vivo model. In pellet cultures, we observed that miR-221 silencing was sufficient to drive hMSCs toward chondrogenic differentiation in the absence of TGF-β. In vivo, the potential of miR-221 silenced hMSCs was investigated by first encapsulating the cells in alginate and then by filling a cartilage defect in an osteochondral biopsy. After implanting the biopsy subcutaneously in nude mice, we found that silencing of miR-221 strongly enhanced in vivo cartilage repair compared to the control conditions (untreated hMSCs or alginate-only). Notably, miR-221 silenced hMSCs generated in vivo a cartilaginous tissue with no sign of collagen type X deposition, a marker of undesired hypertrophic maturation. Altogether our data indicate that silencing miR-221 has a prochondrogenic role in vivo, opening new possibilities for the use of hMSCs in cartilage tissue engineering.
Genetic Tagging During Human Mesoderm Differentiation Reveals Tripotent Lateral Plate Mesodermal Progenitors
Authors: Chin Chee Jia , Cooper Aaron R. , Lill Georgia R. , Evseenko Denis , Zhu Yuhua , He Chong Bin , Casero David , Pellegrini Matteo , Kohn Donald B. , Crooks Gay M.
Published: March 2016

Although clonal studies of lineage potential have been extensively applied to organ specific stem and progenitor cells, much less is known about the clonal origins of lineages formed from the germ layers in early embryogenesis. We applied lentiviral tagging followed by vector integration site analysis (VISA) with high-throughput sequencing to investigate the ontogeny of the hematopoietic, endothelial and mesenchymal lineages as they emerge from human embryonic mesoderm. In contrast to studies that have used VISA to track differentiation of self-renewing stem cell clones that amplify significantly over time, we focused on a population of progenitor clones with limited self-renewal capability. Our analyses uncovered the critical influence of sampling on the interpretation of lentiviral tag sharing, particularly among complex populations with minimal clonal duplication. By applying a quantitative framework to estimate the degree of undersampling we revealed the existence of tripotent mesodermal progenitors derived from pluripotent stem cells, and the subsequent bifurcation of their differentiation into bipotent endothelial/hematopoietic or endothelial/mesenchymal progenitors.
Deontic Justice and Organizational Neuroscience
Authors: Cropanzano Russell S. , Massaro Sebastiano , Becker William J.
Published: March 2016

According to deontic justice theory, individuals often feel principled moral obligations to uphold norms of justice. That is, standards of justice can be valued for their own sake, even apart from serving self-interested goals. While a growing body of evidence in business ethics supports the notion of deontic justice, skepticism remains. This hesitation results, at least in part, from the absence of a coherent framework for explaining how individuals produce and experience deontic justice. To address this need, we argue that a compelling, yet still missing, step is to gain further understanding into the underlying neural and psychological mechanisms of deontic justice. Here, we advance a theoretical model that disentangles three key processes of deontic justice: The use of justice rules to assess events, cognitive empathy, and affective empathy. Together with reviewing neural systems supporting these processes, broader implications of our model for business ethics scholarship are discussed.
Interaction of Cetrimide with Nonionic Surfactants—Triton X‐100 and Brij‐35: A Conductometric and Tensiometric Study
Authors: Ali Anwar , Malik Nisar Ahmad , Farooq Ummer , Tasneem Shadma , Nabi Firdosa
Published: March 2016

Conductometric and surface tension techniques were employed to study the different mole fractions of nonionic surfactants (TX‐100 and Brij‐35) with cetrimide. The standard Gibbs energies of micellization () and the Gibbs energies of transfer () in the mixture of surfactants were also calculated; the micellization becomes more spontaneous on increasing the amount of nonionic surfactants in the mixture. It was observed that the values of excess surface concentration (Γmax) in surfactant mixtures decrease in comparison to the pure surfactants but the values of minimum area per surfactant molecule (Amin) increase in surfactant mixtures than in the pure ones. It was also observed that the values of the interaction parameter (β) are negative at all mole fractions. A gradual decrease in β with temperature is observed indicating the synergism between the two components and is attributed to the decrease in the electrostatic repulsion between the charged heads of the cationic surfactant as the nonionic surfactant is being intercalated into the micelle. The activity coefficients were found out to be less than unity confirming nonideality of the system and the negative values of excess free energy of mixing confirm that the mixed micelles formed were stable.