bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Degradation of Cyanoacrylic Acid‐Based Organic Sensitizers in Dye‐Sensitized Solar Cells
Authors: Chen Cheng , Yang Xichuan , Cheng Ming , Zhang Fuguo , Sun Licheng
Published: June 2013

Organic dyes have become widely used in dye‐sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) because of their good performance, flexible structural modifications, and low costs. To increase the photostability of organic dye‐based DSSCs, we conducted a full study on the degradation mechanism of cyanoacrylic acid‐based organic sensitizers in DSSCs. The results showed that with the synergy between water and UV light, the sensitizer could desorb from the TiO2 surface and the cyanoacrylic acid unit of the sensitizer was transformed into the aldehyde group. It was also observed that the water content had a great effect on the degradation process. Our experiments conducted using 18O‐labeled water demonstrated that the oxygen atom of the aldehyde group identified in the degraded dye came from the solvent water in the DSSCs. Therefore, controlling the water content during DSSC fabrication, good sealing of cells, and filtering the UV light are crucial to produce DSSCs that are more durable and robust.
Troponin T3 expression in skeletal and smooth muscle is required for growth and postnatal survival: Characterization of Tnnt3tm2a(KOMP)Wtsi mice
Authors: Ju Yawen , Li Jie , Xie Chao , Ritchlin Christopher T. , Xing Lianping , Hilton Matthew J. , Schwarz Edward M.
Published: June 2013

The troponin complex, which consists of three regulatory proteins (troponin C, troponin I, and troponin T), is known to regulate muscle contraction in skeletal and cardiac muscle, but its role in smooth muscle remains controversial. Troponin T3 (TnnT3) is a fast skeletal muscle troponin believed to be expressed only in skeletal muscle cells. To determine the in vivo function and tissue‐specific expression of Tnnt3, we obtained the heterozygous Tnnt3+/flox/lacZ mice from Knockout Mouse Project (KOMP) Repository. Tnnt3lacZ/+ mice are smaller than their WT littermates throughout development but do not display any gross phenotypes. Tnnt3lacZ/lacZ embryos are smaller than heterozygotes and die shortly after birth. Histology revealed hemorrhagic tissue in Tnnt3lacZ/lacZ liver and kidney, which was not present in Tnnt3lacZ/+ or WT, but no other gross tissue abnormalities. X‐gal staining for Tnnt3 promoter‐driven lacZ transgene expression revealed positive staining in skeletal muscle and diaphragm and smooth muscle cells located in the aorta, bladder, and bronchus. Collectively, these findings suggest that troponins are expressed in smooth muscle and are required for normal growth and breathing for postnatal survival. Moreover, future studies with this mouse model can explore TnnT3 function in adult muscle function using the conditional‐inducible gene deletion approach genesis 51:667–675. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Amplitude statistics of ground clutter from town and hill observed by an S‐band radar
Authors: Sayama Shuji , Ishii Seishiro
Published: June 2013

We have observed ground clutter from a town and hills using an S‐band radar with a frequency of 3.05 GHz, a beamwidth of 1.8°, and a pulse width of 1.0 µs, located on the campus of the National Defense Academy in Yokosuka City. To investigate such ground clutter amplitude statistics, we introduce a compound distribution and the Akaike Information Criterion (AIC). We have found that the ground clutter amplitude obeys the compound lognormal distribution with shape parameters of σ1 = 0.424, σ2 = 0.232 for the entire data and the compound lognormal and compound log‐Weibull distributions with shape parameters of σ1 = 0.217 to 0.429, σ2 = 0.028 to 0.410, and c1 = 9.36 to 11.20 and c2 = 17.00 to 23.81, respectively, for data within the beamwidth of an antenna. The numbers for the minimum AIC (MAIC) of the compound lognormal and log‐Weibull distributions are 8 and 4, respectively. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electron Comm Jpn, 96(7): 42–51, 2013; Published online in Wiley Online Library (wileyonlinelibrary.com). DOI 10.1002/ecj.11407
A rationally oriented forgettable profit sharing
Authors: Koujaku Sadamori , Watanabe Kota , Igarashi Hajima
Published: June 2013

In this paper, the Rationally Oriented Forgettable Profit Sharing method (RFPS) for reinforcement learning is proposed. Although profit sharing (PS) provides good performances in real environments, its learning is often slow in long‐term tasks because it is difficult to determine the appropriate discount rate which satisfies the Miyazaki rational theorem. There are several rationality‐relaxed PS methods which work well for such tasks. However, these PS methods may result in many irrational loops. The proposed method fulfills rationality by forgetting the reinforced irrational loops. This method can be easily combined with ordinary PS methods and performs well in long‐term tasks. Simulation results show that the proposed method can learn more efficiently than conventional PS methods. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electron Comm Jpn, 96(7): 11–18, 2013; Published online in Wiley Online Library (wileyonlinelibrary.com). DOI 10.1002/ecj.11461
Direct cloning and tetramer staining to measure the frequency of intestinal gluten‐reactive T cells in celiac disease
Authors: Bodd Michael , Ráki Melinda , Bergseng Elin , Jahnsen Jørgen , Lundin Knut E. A. , Sollid Ludvig M.
Published: June 2013

Knowledge of the frequency of disease‐driving CD4+ T cells in lesions of chronic human inflammatory diseases is limited. In celiac disease (CD), intestinal gluten‐reactive CD4+ T cells, which recognize gluten peptides only in the context of the disease‐associated HLA‐DQ molecules, are key pathogenic players. By cloning CD4+ T cells directly from intestinal biopsies of CD patients, we found that 0.5–1.8% of CD4+ T cells were gluten reactive. About half of the gluten‐reactive T cells were specific for either the immuno‐dominant DQ2.5‐glia‐α1a or DQ2.5‐glia‐α2 epitopes, suggesting that direct visualization of gluten‐specific T cells could be possible. Assessed by flow cytometry, tetramer‐positive T cells were present in 10/10 untreated CD patients with a frequency of 0.1–1.2% of CD4+ T cells. Gluten‐specific T cells were also detectable in most treated CD patients (7/10). Moreover, the frequency of gluten‐specific T cells correlated with the degree of histological damage in the gut mucosa as scored by Marsh‐grading, and also with serum IgA anti‐transglutaminase 2 antibody levels. Tetramer staining of gluten‐reactive T cells in biopsy material is a useful tool for future studies of such cells in CD and could also potentially serve as a diagnostic supplement in selected cases.
Real Time In Vivo Measurement of Ascorbate in the Brain Using Carbon Nanotube‐Modified Microelectrodes
Authors: Ferreira Nuno R. , Santos Ricardo M. , Laranjinha João , Barbosa Rui M.
Published: June 2013

A carbon fiber microelectrode modified with a composite film of carbon nanotubes and Nafion was developed for in vivo ascorbate (AA) measurements in brain tissue. The modified‐microelectrodes exhibit an electrocatalytic activity for AA oxidation by shifting the peak potential negatively to −0.040 V, showing a sensitivity of 37 pA/µM, a detection limit of 2.5 µM, a response time of 0.3 s and don’t respond to several electroactive compounds found in the brain extracellular space. In the rat hippocampus, the basal concentration of AA was 290 µM, and glutamate‐evoked changes in AA were biphasic comprising fast and slow components.
Electrochemical RNase A Detection Using an Electrode with Immobilized Ferrocenyl Deoxyribooligonucleotide Containing Cytidine Residue
Authors: Sato Shinobu , Takenaka Shigeori
Published: June 2013

A ferrocenyl deoxyribooligonucleotide (FcODN(rC)) with contiguous cytosine bases and a single ribonucleotide, cytidine, was immobilized on a gold electrode, and this electrode was used to detect RNase A. RNase A activity in a solution was assessed using cyclic voltammetry, and it was found that the current response of the sensor electrode decreased with increasing enzyme concentration. An extremely low detection limit of 1.0×10−11 g mL−1 RNase A was observed, with 15–90 % changes in the current signal. RNase activity can be an indicator of a number of diseases; therefore, this probe has great potential for applications in medical diagnostics.
Carbonaceous Impurities Contained in Graphene Oxide/Reduced Graphene Oxide Dominate Their Electrochemical Capacitances
Authors: Yang Xiaoyang , Li Xiaomeng , Ma Xiao , Jia Li , Zhu Liande
Published: June 2013

In this article, we report on carbonaceous impurities that residing in graphene oxide prepared from the chemical exfoliation of graphite significantly impact on the electrochemical capacitive qualities of graphene oxide and in situ electrochemically reduced graphene oxide as well. The results demonstrate that the carbonaceous impurities cause totally opposite effects on the electrochemical capacitive properties of graphene oxide and electrochemically reduced graphene oxide. After removal of the impurities, the specific capacitance of graphene oxide is greatly improved while the value for electrochemically reduced graphene is diminished. This finding is particularly favorable to reveal the inherent electrochemical capacitive qualities of graphene and contributes to further exploration of graphene as an electrode material in supercapacitiors.
Electrochemical Detection of NADH, Cysteine, or Glutathione Using a Caffeic Acid Modified Glassy Carbon Electrode
Authors: Lee P. T. , Compton R. G.
Published: June 2013

A modified electrode was prepared using electrodeposition methods to immobilize caffeic acid (CAF) onto the surface of a glassy carbon electrode (GCE) to create a polymer suitable for biosensor development. The polymer film coverage of the surface bound species was further optimized using electrodeposition methods, thus increasing the surface coverage to ca. 10−9 mol cm−2. Using cyclic voltammetry, the modified carbon electrode was used to facilitate and observe the electrocatalytic oxidation of coenzymes such as NADH, cysteine, and glutathione at different concentrations. A calibration curve was determined in each case within the concentration range; 300 nM to 10 mM, with the limits of detection (LOD) of 246 µM, 99 µM, 2.2 µM for NADH, cysteine, and glutathione respectively.
Discrimination of glycoproteins via two‐color laser‐induced fluorescence detection coupled with postcolumn derivatization in capillary electrophoresis
Authors: Tabara Ayumi , Kaneta Takashi
Published: June 2013

Here, we report a novel method consisting of capillary electrophoretic separation followed by two‐color LIF detection with postcolumn derivatization. The method can be used to discriminate glycoproteins in a protein mixture containing both glycosylated and unglycosylated proteins. The detector permitted simultaneous measurements of two electropherograms obtained by 450 nm (diode laser) and 532 nm (Nd:YAG laser) lasers excited native proteins following postcolumn derivatization with naphthalene‐2,3‐dicarboxaldehyde and concanavalin A (Con A) labeled with tetramethylrhodamine (rhodamine‐labeled Con A), respectively. So, a protein can be assigned as glycosylated if it shows a peak at the same migration time in both electropherograms. According to the proposed principle, in a single run we discriminated a glycosylated protein (thyroglobulin) from an unglycosylated protein (albumin) in the presence of rhodamine‐labeled Con A. Because the methodology permits the simultaneous detection of native proteins and their complexes with a fluorescently labeled probe, it should have broad applicability to binding assays.
H2S removal: Correlation between performance and loading species of Zn‐Fe/attapulgite
Authors: Zhang Zhihong , Liang Huijun , Du Xiaogang , Zuo Xiaoliang
Published: June 2013

Three kinds of sorbents, Zn/attapulgite (ATP), Fe/attapulgite, and Zn‐Fe/attapulgite with different amounts of Fe and Zn were prepared and used for H2S removal at room temperature. The stirring time and final pH were selected. According to the breakthrough time, desulfurization efficiency and sulfur capacity, the order of desulfurization performance was Zn‐Fe/ATP > Zn/ATP > Fe/ATP. The results of X‐ray diffraction (XRD), Ultraviolet–visible diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (UV–vis‐DRS), ammonia‐dissolving tests and transmission electron microscope (TEM) indicated that for the Fe sorbents, a stronger interaction between the loadings and supports (ILS) led to a poorer desulfurizing capability, even with increasing loading amounts. The oligomeric Fe species which were the main active substance for H2S removal among the three kinds of Fe species in the sorbents, affected the desulfurization performance. The performance of Zn sorbents depended on the loading amount and ILS rather than dispersity. Due to the interaction between Zn and Fe, Zn‐Fe/ATP has the best ILS and the greatest amount of oligomeric Fe species, and hence has the best performance. However, an increase in loading amount leads to a decline in the proportion of the oligomeric Fe species and an increase in large particle Fe species, and hence the reaction rate of loading was reduced. © 2013 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 33: 378–384, 2014
Response of global soil consumption of atmospheric methane to changes in atmospheric climate and nitrogen deposition
Authors: Zhuang Qianlai , Chen Min , Xu Kai , Tang Jinyun , Saikawa Eri , Lu Yanyu , Melillo Jerry M. , Prinn Ronald G. , McGuire A. David
Published: June 2013

Soil consumption of atmospheric methane plays an important secondary role in regulating the atmospheric CH4 budget, next to the dominant loss mechanism involving reaction with the hydroxyl radical (OH). Here we used a process‐based biogeochemistry model to quantify soil consumption during the 20th and 21st centuries. We estimated that global soils consumed 32–36 Tg CH4 yr−1 during the 1990s. Natural ecosystems accounted for 84% of the total consumption, and agricultural ecosystems only consumed 5 Tg CH4 yr−1 in our estimations. During the twentieth century, the consumption rates increased at 0.03–0.20 Tg CH4 yr−2 with seasonal amplitudes increasing from 1.44 to 3.13 Tg CH4 month−1. Deserts, shrublands, and xeric woodlands were the largest sinks. Atmospheric CH4 concentrations and soil moisture exerted significant effects on the soil consumption while nitrogen deposition had a moderate effect. During the 21st century, the consumption is predicted to increase at 0.05‐1.0 Tg CH4 yr−2, and total consumption will reach 45–140 Tg CH4 yr−1 at the end of the 2090s, varying under different future climate scenarios. Dry areas will persist as sinks, boreal ecosystems will become stronger sinks, mainly due to increasing soil temperatures. Nitrogen deposition will modestly reduce the future sink strength at the global scale. When we incorporated the estimated global soil consumption into our chemical transport model simulations, we found that nitrogen deposition suppressed the total methane sink by 26 Tg during the period 1998–2004, resulting in 6.6 ppb higher atmospheric CH4 mixing ratios compared to without considering nitrogen deposition effects. On average, a cumulative increase of every 1 Tg soil CH4 consumption decreased atmospheric CH4 mixing ratios by 0.26 ppb during the period 1998–2004.
Impact of city size on precipitation‐modifying potential
Authors: Schmid Paul E. , Niyogi Dev
Published: June 2013

This study investigates how increasing city size affects local weather modification potential using an innovative new method: the real atmosphere, idealized land‐surface (RAIL) method. The RAIL method simplifies the land surface by making a flat, homogeneous land surface for a control simulation. Using the Regional Atmospheric Modeling System, an instance of weak linear convection was simulated over three nested grids with a minimum grid spacing of 0.75 km. Using the RAIL method, cities of radius 5 to 40 km were placed in the path of the simulated precipitation to study the impact. For the weak‐convection case, the urban area effects showed urban heat island and urban moisture depression effects and produced regions of both precipitation suppression and invigoration downwind of the city. Modification increased up to a radius of 20 km and more slowly after indicating a threshold city size for urban modification on thunderstorms.
Combined transoral robotic tongue base surgery and palate surgery in obstructive sleep apnea‐hypopnea syndrome: Expansion sphincter pharyngoplasty versus uvulopalatopharyngoplasty
Authors: Vicini Claudio , Montevecchi Filippo , Pang Kenny , Bahgat Ahmed , Dallan Iacopo , Frassineti Sabrina , Campanini Aldo
Published: June 2013

Background

Transoral robotic surgery (TORS) for obstructive sleep apnea‐hypopnea syndrome is a relatively young technique principally devised for managing apneas in the tongue base (TB) area and supraglottic larynx. This procedure is included in the so‐called “multilevel surgery” often including a palatal and nasal surgery.

Methods

We carried out a retrospective analysis in order to understand in detail the relative impact on apneas of the 2 different procedures carried out in the palate area (expansion sphincter pharyngoplasty and uvulopalatopharyngoplasty). We evaluated 2 groups, each of 12 cases, which were sorted according to the primary selection criteria of statistically comparable preoperative apnea‐hypopnea index (AHI), sex, age, body mass index (BMI), and volume of removed TB tissue.

Results

Postoperative AHI registered was of 9.9 ± 8.6 SD for the expansion sphincter pharyngoplasty group and 19.8 ± 14.1 SD for the uvulopalatopharyngoplasty group.

Conclusion

As the palate component of our multilevel procedure, expansion sphincter pharyngoplasty, including conventional nose surgery and robotic surgery, seems to be superior to uvulopalatopharyngoplasty. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 36: 77–83, 2014
Detection of anti-isoniazid and anti–cytochrome P450 antibodies in patients with isoniazid-induced liver failure
Authors: Metushi Imir G. , Sanders Corron , Lee William M. , Uetrecht Jack
Published: June 2013

Isoniazid (INH)-induced hepatotoxicity remains one of the most common causes of drug-induced idiosyncratic liver injury and liver failure. This form of liver injury is not believed to be immune-mediated because it is not usually associated with fever or rash, does not recur more rapidly on rechallenge, and previous studies have failed to identify anti-INH antibodies (Abs). In this study, we found Abs present in sera of 15 of 19 cases of INH-induced liver failure. Anti-INH Abs were present in 8 sera; 11 had anti–cytochrome P450 (CYP)2E1 Abs, 14 had Abs against CYP2E1 modified by INH, 14 had anti-CYP3A4 antibodies, and 10 had anti-CYP2C9 Abs. INH was found to form covalent adducts with CYP2E1, CYP3A4, and CYP2C9. None of these Abs were detected in sera from INH-treated controls without significant liver injury. The presence of a range of antidrug and autoAbs has been observed in other drug-induced liver injury that is presumed to be immune mediated. Conclusion: These data provide strong evidence that INH induces an immune response that causes INH-induced liver injury. (HEPATOLOGY 2014;59:1084–1093)
Isolate-dependent use of claudins for cell entry by hepatitis C virus
Authors: Haid Sibylle , Grethe Christina , Dill Michael T. , Heim Markus , Kaderali Lars , Pietschmann Thomas
Published: June 2013

Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) entry involves at least four cellular factors, including CD81, the scavenger receptor class B type I (SCARB-1), occludin (OCLN), and claudin-1 (CLDN1). In addition, CLDN6 and CLDN9 have been shown to substitute for CLDN1 as HCV entry factors in human nonliver cells. We examined the role of different CLDN proteins during HCV entry by using cell lines expressing either predominantly CLDN1 (Huh-7.5) or CLDN6 (HuH6). Huh-7.5 cells were susceptible to all tested HCV isolates, whereas HuH6 cells were only permissive to some viral strains. Silencing of CLDN6 in HuH6 cells revealed that these cells are infected in a CLDN6-dependent fashion, and ectopic expression of CLDN1 or CLDN6 in 293T cells lacking endogenous CLDN expression confirmed that only some HCV strains efficiently use CLDN6 for infection. CLDN1-specific neutralizing antibodies (Abs) fully abrogated infection of Huh-7.5 cells by isolates that use CLDN1 only, whereas viruses with broad CLDN tropism were only partially inhibited by these Abs. Importantly, infection by these latter strains in the presence of anti-CLDN1 Ab was further reduced by silencing CLDN6, suggesting that viruses with broad CLDN usage escape CLDN1-specific Abs by utilization of CLDN6. Messenger RNA (mRNA) levels of HCV entry factors in liver biopsies of HCV patients infected with different genotype and with variable degree of liver fibrosis were determined. Uniformly high levels of CD81, SCARB-1, OCLN, and CLDN1 mRNA were detected. In contrast, abundance of CLDN6 mRNA was highly variable between patients.

Conclusion :

These findings highlight differential CLDN usage by HCV isolates, which may evolve based on variable expression of CLDN proteins in human liver cells. Broad CLDN tropism may facilitate viral escape from CLDN1-specific therapeutic strategies.
Liver transplantation normalizes serum hepcidin level and cures iron metabolism alterations in HFE hemochromatosis
Authors: Bardou-Jacquet Edouard , Philip Julie , Lorho Richard , Ropert Martine , Latournerie Marianne , Houssel-Debry Pauline , Guyader Dominique , Loréal Olivier , Boudjema Karim , Brissot Pierre
Published: June 2013

Defects in human hemochromatosis protein (HFE) cause iron overload due to reduced hepatic hepcidin secretion. Liver transplantation (LT) is a key treatment for potential complications from HFE-related hereditary hemochromatosis (HH). This study evaluated hepcidin secretion and iron burden after LT to elucidate HH pathophysiology. Patients (n = 18) homozygous for the p.Cys282Tyr mutation in the HFE gene underwent LT between 1999 and 2008. Serum iron, serum hepcidin, and hepatic iron concentrations were determined before LT and at the end of follow-up (median 57 months). Mortality and causes of death were determined. Survival was compared to that of the overall patient population that received LT. Before LT, serum hepcidin levels were low (0.54 ± 2.5 nmol/L; normal range: 4-30 nmol/L). After LT, 11 patients had iron evaluations; none received iron depletion therapy; all had normal transferrin saturation. The mean serum ferritin was 185 (±99) μg/L. Magnetic resonance imaging showed that iron overload was absent in nine patients, mild in one patient with metabolic syndrome, and high (180 μmol/g) in one patient with hereditary spherocytosis discovered after LT. At the end of follow-up, serum hepcidin was normal in 10 patients (11.12 ± 7.6 nmol/L; P < 0.05) and low in one patient with iron deficiency anemia. Survival was 83% and 67% at 1 and 5 years, respectively. Survival was similar for patients with HH and patients that received LT for other causes. Conclusion: In HH, LT normalized hepcidin secretion and prevented recurrence of hepatic iron overload. Survival was similar to that of patients who received LTs for other liver diseases. (HEPATOLOGY 2014;59:839–847)
Induction of autophagy, a promising approach for treating liver injury
Authors: Ding Wen-Xing
Published: June 2013

Abstract

Recent investigations have demonstrated a complex interrelationship between autophagy and cell death. A common mechanism of cell death in liver injury is tumor necrosis factor (TNF) cytotoxicity. To better delineate the in vivo function of autophagy in cell death, we examined the role of autophagy in TNF-induced hepatic injury. Atg7Δhep mice with a hepatocyte-specific knockout of the autophagy gene

atg7

were generated and cotreated with D-galactosamine (GalN) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS). GalN/LPS-treated Atg7Δhep mice had increased serum alanine aminotransferase levels, histological injury, numbers of TUNEL (terminal deoxynucleotide transferase-mediated deoxyuridine triphosphate nick end-labeling)-positive cells and mortality as compared with littermate controls. Loss of hepatocyte autophagy similarly sensitized to GalN/TNF liver injury. GalN/LPS injury in knockout animals did not result from altered production of TNF or other cytokines. Atg7Δhep mice had accelerated activation of the mitochondrial death pathway and caspase-3 and −7 cleavage. Increased cell death did not occur from direct mitochondrial toxicity or a lack of mitophagy, but rather from increased activation of initiator caspase-8 causing Bid cleavage. GalN blocked LPS induction of hepatic autophagy, and increased autophagy from beclin 1 overexpression prevented GalN/LPS injury. Autophagy, therefore, mediates cellular resistance to TNF toxicity in vivo by blocking activation of caspase-8 and the mitochondrial death pathway, suggesting that autophagy is a therapeutic target in TNF-dependent tissue injury.
River discharge, land use change, and surface water quality in the Xiangjiang River, China
Authors: Zhang Zhao , Chen Yi , Wang Pin , Shuai Jiabing , Tao Fulu , Shi Peijun
Published: June 2013

To compare the impacts of river discharge on the surface water quality of the Xiangjiang River in China, 12 surface water quality parameters recorded at 31 sampling sites from January 1998 to December 2008 along the river and its main tributaries were analyzed. Significantly higher concentrations of total nitrogen, ammoniacal nitrogen, and total phosphorus, and biochemical oxygen demand were observed during low‐flow periods than during high‐flow periods, implying a higher risk to local residents drinking untreated water during low‐flow periods. Pollution indexes, including the inorganic pollution index and integrated pollution index (IPI), were negatively related to impervious surface area (ISA) and cropland area (CLA) when ISA (CLA) was less than 160 (3000) km2. However, the relationship was positive when ISA (CLA) was larger than 160 (3000) km2, which provided a reasonable explanation for the observed spatial patterns of water quality. Distinct increasing temporal trends for two kinds of pollution indexes were also found. The annual ISA was significantly related to the rapid degradation of water quality from 1998 to 2008, with correlation coefficient (r) values of 0.816 (p = 0.002) and 0.711 (p = 0.014) for the organic pollution index (OPI) and IPI, respectively. However, annual rainfall was negatively correlated with the two indexes with r values of 0.785 (p = 0.002) and 0.448 (p = 0.093) for OPI and IPI, respectively. Our study highlights that decision makers should be more aware of recent increases in the pollution of the Xiangjiang River, especially at downriver sites and during low‐flow periods. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Collagen‐gelatin‐genipin‐hydroxyapatite composite scaffolds colonized by human primary osteoblasts are suitable for bone tissue engineering applications: In vitro evidences
Authors: Vozzi G. , Corallo C. , Carta S. , Fortina M. , Gattazzo F. , Galletti M. , Giordano N.
Published: June 2013

The application of porous hydroxyapatite (HAp)‐collagen as a bone tissue engineering scaffold represents a new trend of mimicking the specific bone extracellular matrix (ECM). The use of HAp in reconstructive surgery has shown that it is slowly invaded by host tissue. Therefore, implant compatibility may be augmented by seeding cells before implantation. Human primary osteoblasts were seeded onto innovative collagen‐gelatin‐genipin (GP)‐HAp scaffolds containing respectively 10%, 20%, and 30% HAp. Cellular adhesion, proliferation, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, osteopontin (OPN), and osteocalcin (OC) expressions were evaluated after 3, 7, 15, and 21 days. The three types of scaffolds showed increased cellular proliferation over time in culture (maximum at 21 days) but the highest was recorded in 10% HAp scaffolds. ALP activity was the highest in 10% HAp scaffolds in all the times of evaluation. OC and OPN resulted in higher concentration in 10% HAp scaffolds compared to 20% and 30% HAp (maximum at 21 days). Finally, scanning electron microscopy analysis showed progressive scaffolds adhesion and colonization from the surface to the inside from day 3 to day 21. In vitro attachment, proliferation, and colonization of human primary osteoblasts on collagen‐GP‐HAp scaffolds with different percentages of HAp (10%, 20%, and 30%) all increased over time in culture, but comparing different percentages of HAp, they seem to increase with decreasing of HAp component. Therefore, the mechanical properties (such as the stiffness due to the HAp%) coupled with a good biomimetic component (collagen) are the parameters to set up in composite scaffolds design for bone tissue engineering. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 102A: 1415–1421, 2014.
Accelerating the early angiogenesis of tissue engineering constructs in vivo by the use of stem cells cultured in matrigel
Authors: Schumann Paul , Lindhorst Daniel , von See Constantin , Menzel Nadine , Kampmann Andreas , Tavassol Frank , Kokemüller Horst , Rana Majeed , Gellrich Nils‐Claudius , Rücker Martin
Published: June 2013

In tissue engineering research, generating constructs with an adequate extent of clinical applications remains a major challenge. In this context, rapid blood vessel ingrowth in the transplanted tissue engineering constructs is the key factor for successful incorporation. To accelerate the microvascular development in engineered tissues, we preincubated osteoblast‐like cells as well as mesenchymal stem cells or a combination of both cell types in Matrigel‐filled PLGA scaffolds before transplantation into the dorsal skinfold chambers of balb/c mice. By the use of preincubated mesenchymal stem cells, a significantly accelerated angiogenesis was achieved. Compared with previous studies that showed a decisive increase of vascularization on day 6 after the implantation, we were able to halve this period and achieve explicitly denser microvascular networks 3 days after transplantation of the tissue engineering constructs. Thereby, the inflammatory host tissue response was acceptable and low, comparable with former investigations. A co‐ incubation of osteoblast‐like cells and stem cells showed no additive effect on the density of the newly formed microvascular network. Preincubation of mesenchymal stem cells in Matrigel is a promising approach to develop rapid microvascular growth into tissue engineering constructs. After the implantation into the host organism, scaffolds comprising stem cells generate microvascular capillary‐like structures exceptionally fast. Thereby, transplanted stem cells likely differentiate into vessel‐associated cells. For this reason, preincubation of mesenchymal stem cells in nutrient solutions supporting different steps of angiogenesis provides a technique to promote the routine use of tissue engineering in the clinic. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 102A: 1652–1662, 2014.
Niobium oxide–polydimethylsiloxane hybrid composite coatings for tuning primary fibroblast functions
Authors: Young Matthew D. , Tran Nhiem , Tran Phong A. , Jarrell John D. , Hayda Roman A. , Born Chistopher T.
Published: June 2013

This study evaluates the potential of niobium oxide–polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) composites for tuning cellular response of fibroblasts, a key cell type of soft tissue/implant interfaces. In this study, various hybrid coatings of niobium oxide and PDMS with different niobium oxide concentrations were synthesized and characterized using scanning electron microscopy, X‐ray photoelectron spectrometry (XPS), and contact angle goniometry. The coatings were then applied to 96‐well plates, on which primary fibroblasts were seeded. Fibroblast viability, proliferation, and morphology were assessed after 1, 2, and 3 days of incubation using WST‐1 and calcein AM assays along with fluorescent microscopy. The results showed that the prepared coatings had distinct surface features with submicron spherical composites covered in a polymeric layer. The water contact angle measurement demonstrated that the hybrid surfaces were much more hydrophobic than the original pure niobium oxide and PDMS. The combination of surface roughness and chemistry resulted in a biphasic cellular response with maximum fibroblast density on substrate with 40 wt % of niobium oxide. The results of the current study indicate that by adjusting the concentration of niobium oxide in the coating, a desirable cell response can be achieved to improve tissue/implant interfaces. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 102A: 1478–1485, 2014.
Peripheral blood stem cell mobilization in multiple myeloma patients treat in the novel therapy‐era with plerixafor and G‐CSF has superior efficacy but significantly higher costs compared to mobilization with low‐dose cyclophosphamide and G‐CSF
Authors: Chaudhary Lubna , Awan Farrukh , Cumpston Aaron , Leadmon Sonia , Watkins Kathy , Tse William , Craig Michael , Hamadani Mehdi
Published: June 2013

Studies comparing the efficacy and cost of peripheral blood stem and progenitor cells mobilization with low‐dose cyclophosphamide (LD‐CY) and granulocyte‐colony stimulating factor (G‐CSF) against plerixafor and G‐CSF, in multiple myeloma (MM) patients treated in the novel therapy‐era are not available. Herein, we report mobilization outcomes of 107 patients who underwent transplantation within 1‐year of starting induction chemotherapy with novel agents. Patients undergoing mobilization with LD‐CY (1.5 gm/m2) and G‐CSF (n = 74) were compared against patients receiving plerixafor and G‐CSF (n = 33). Compared to plerixafor, LD‐CY was associated with a significantly lower median peak peripheral blood CD34+ cell count (68/µL vs. 36/µL, P = 0.048), and lower CD34+ cell yield on day 1 of collection (6.9 × 106/kg vs. 2.4 × 106/kg, P = 0.001). Six patients (8.1%) in the LD‐CY group experienced mobilization failure, compared to none in the plerixafor group. The total CD34+ cell yield was significantly higher in the plerixafor group (median 11.6 × 106/kg vs. 7 × 106/kg; P‐value = 0.001). Mobilization with LD‐CY was associated with increased (albeit statistically non‐significant) episodes of febrile neutropenia (5.4% vs. 0%; P = 0.24), higher use of intravenous antibiotics (6.7% vs. 3%; P = 0.45), and need for hospitalizations (9.4% vs. 3%; P = 0.24). The average total cost of mobilization in the plerixafor group was significantly higher compared to the LD‐CY group ($28,980 vs. $19,626.5 P‐value < 0.0001). In conclusion, in MM plerixafor‐based mobilization has superior efficacy, but significantly higher mobilization costs compared to LD‐CY mobilization. Our data caution against the use of LD‐CY in MM patients for mobilization, especially after induction with lenalidomide‐containing regimens. J. Clin. Apheresis 28:359–367, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Computational gibberellin‐binding channel discovery unraveling the unexpected perception mechanism of hormone signal by gibberellin receptor
Authors: Hao Ge‐Fei , Yang Sheng‐Gang , Yang Guang‐Fu , Zhan Chang‐Guo
Published: June 2013

Gibberellins (GAs) are phytohormones essential for many developmental processes in plants. In this work, fundamental mechanism of hormone perception by receptor GID1 has been studied by performing computational simulations, revealing a new GA‐binding channel of GID1 and a novel hormone perception mechanism involving only one conformational state of GID1. The novel hormone perception mechanism demonstrated here is remarkably different from the previously proposed/speculated mechanism [Murase et al., Nature 2008, 456, 459] involving two conformational states (“OPEN” and “CLOSED”) of GID1. According to the new perception mechanism, GA acts as a “conformational stabilizer,” rather than the previously speculated “allosteric inducer,” to induce the recognition of protein DELLA by GID1. The novel mechanistic insights obtained in this study provide a new starting point for further studies on the detailed molecular mechanisms of GID1 interacting with DELLA and various hormones and for mechanism‐based rational design of novel, potent growth regulators that target crops and ornamental plants. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Microscopic analysis of recycled paper effect on print quality parameters
Authors: Kibirkštis Edmundas , Kabelkaitė Asta , Markowski Leszek , Miliūnas Valdas
Published: June 2013

To determine whether the geometrical accuracy of small printed elements does not worsen on recycled paper, microscopic analysis of the dot area and the graphic elements raggedness printed on different types of recycled and coated papers at different screen ruling was carried out. Experimental tests have shown that geometrical accuracy of small elements printed on recycled paper/cardboard, in comparison to pictures printed on primary production paper is almost the same. Microsc. Res. Tech. 76:890–892, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Microstructural characterization of Ti‐6Al‐4V alloy subjected to the duplex SMAT/plasma nitriding
Authors: Pi Y. , Faure J. , Agoda‐Tandjawa G. , Andreazza C. , Potiron S. , Levesque A. , Demangel C. , Retraint D. , Benhayoune H.
Published: June 2013

In this study, microstructural characterization of Ti‐6Al‐4V alloy, subjected to the duplex surface mechanical attrition treatment (SMAT)/nitriding treatment, leading to improve its mechanical properties, was carried out through novel and original samples preparation methods. Instead of acid etching which is limited for morphological characterization by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), an original ion polishing method was developed. Moreover, for structural characterization by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), an ion milling method based with the use of two ions guns was also carried out for cross‐section preparation. To demonstrate the efficiency of the two developed methods, morphological investigations were done by traditional SEM and field emission gun SEM. This was followed by structural investigations through selected area electron diffraction (SAED) coupled with TEM and X‐ray diffraction techniques. The results demonstrated that ionic polishing allowed to reveal a variation of the microstructure according to the surface treatment that could not be observed by acid etching preparation. TEM associated to SAED and X‐ray diffraction provided information regarding the nanostructure compositional changes induced by the duplex SMAT/nitriding process. Microsc. Res. Tech. 76:897–903, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Comparison of high‐altitude production and ionospheric outflow contributions to O+ loss at Mars
Authors: Liemohn Michael W. , Curry Shannon M. , Fang Xiaohua , Ma Yingjuan
Published: June 2013

The Mars Test Particle model is used (with background parameters from a magnetohydrodynamic code) to simulate the transport of O+ ions in the near‐Mars space environment to study the source processes responsible for ion escape. The MHD values at this altitude are used to inject an ionospheric outflow source of ions for the Mars Test Particle (MTP). The resulting loss distributions (in both real and velocity space) from this ionospheric source term are compared against those from high‐altitude ionization mechanisms, in particular photoionization, charge exchange, and electron impact ionization, each of which has its own source regions, albeit overlapping. For the nominal MHD settings, this ionospheric outflow source contributes only 10% to the total O+ loss rate at solar maximum, predominantly via the central tail region. This percentage has very little dependence on the initial temperature, but a change in the initial ion density or bulk velocity directly alters this loss through the central tail. A density or bulk velocity increase of a factor of 10 makes the ionospheric outflow loss comparable in magnitude to the loss from the combined high‐altitude sources. The spatial and velocity space distributions of escaping O+ are examined and compared for the various source terms to identify features specific to each ion source mechanism. For solar minimum conditions, the nominal MHD ionospheric outflow settings yield a 27% contribution to the total O+ loss rate, i.e., roughly equal to any one of the three high‐altitude source terms with respect to escape.
Antisunward structure of thin current sheets in the Earth's magnetotail: Implications of quasi‐adiabatic theory
Authors: Malova H. V. , Popov V. Yu. , Delcourt D. C. , Petrukovich A. A. , Zelenyi L. M.
Published: June 2013

We developed a self‐consistent kinetic model of thin current sheets (TCS), taking into account the inhomogeneity of TCS parameters in the antisunward direction. We show that the charged particle dynamics depending on the magnetic field distribution in the downtail direction completely determines the magnetotail equilibrium structure. We demonstrate that transient ions as well as electrons are the main current carriers in this system, but the first ones support mostly the background (1‐D) structure of the current sheet. The influence of electrons and quasi‐trapped ions is found to vary depending upon downtail distance along the sheet. Assuming the conservation of the so‐called quasi‐adiabatic invariant, we show that quasi‐trapped particles are distributed along the current sheet in such a way that they concentrate in the region with large values of normal magnetic field component. As a result quasi‐trapped ions can dominate near the earthward edge of TCS. In contrast, the electron current becomes stronger in the TCS tailward region where the normal magnetic field component becomes weaker, and field line curvature drifts are enhanced. Our quasi‐adiabatic model predicts that thin current sheets in the Earth's magnetotail should have weakly 2‐D configuration which, similar to its 1‐D analog considered earlier, conserves the multiscale “matreshka” structure with multiple embedded layers.
Climate change projection of the Tasman Sea from an Eddy‐resolving Ocean Model
Authors: Matear R. J. , Chamberlain M. A. , Sun C. , Feng M.
Published: June 2013

The ocean's western boundary current regions display the greatest rate of twentieth century warming and global climate models project that the accelerated rate of warming will continue with climate change. All existing global climate change projections come from simulations that do not fully resolve either these boundary currents or their eddies. Using an Ocean Eddy‐resolving Model (OEM) that captures the dynamics of the East Australian Current (EAC) and its eddies we show the response of the Tasman Sea to climate change differs from what is projected with a coarse resolution Global Climate Model (GCM). With climate change, the OEM projects increased EAC transport with increased eddy activity and an approximately 1° southward latitudinal shift in the point where the EAC separates from the shelf and flows eastward. The OEM increased eddy activity in the Tasman Sea with climate change increases the nutrient supply to the upper ocean and causes an increase in the phytoplankton concentrations and primary productivity by 10% in the oligotrophic waters of the Tasman Sea. The increase in primary productivity is absent in the GCM climate change projection, which projects the region will have a decrease in primary productivity with climate change. Applying the OEM climate change projection for the Tasman Sea to other western boundary current regions suggests the projected intensification of all western boundary currents with climate change should increase eddy activity and provide an important nutrient supply mechanism to counter the increased stratification projected with global warming.
Estimation of the permittivity and porosity of the lunar uppermost basalt layer based on observations of impact craters by SELENE
Authors: Ishiyama Ken , Kumamoto Atsushi , Ono Takayuki , Yamaguchi Yasushi , Haruyama Junichi , Ohtake Makiko , Katoh Yuto , Terada Naoki , Oshigami Shoko
Published: June 2013

We have investigated the geological conditions below two lava flow units through determining the bulk permittivity and porosity in the uppermost basalt layer to depths of a few hundred meters. We use a newly developed method based on three data sets obtained by the Lunar Radar Sounder (LRS), Multiband Imager (MI), and Terrain Camera (TC) onboard the Selenological and Engineering Explorer (SELENE; Kaguya) spacecraft. The bulk permittivity of the uppermost basalt layer is calculated as the ratio of the apparent radar depth to the thickness of the uppermost basalt layer. Its thickness can be constrained from the excavation depths of two types of craters (haloed and nonhaloed craters). These craters are identified on the basis of FeO and/or TiO2 maps created from the MI data. These excavation depths are determined based on the measurement of the crater diameter using the TC data. The apparent radar depth is derived from the time delay between the surface echo and subsurface echo measured by LRS near the craters. The bulk permittivities are estimated to be 2.8–5.5 in a lava flow unit of Mare Humorum and 4.2–18.0 in a lava flow unit of Mare Serenitatis. These bulk permittivities are indicative of porous basalt layers with the porosities of 19%–51% in the unit of Humorum and 0%–33% in the unit of Serenitatis. The estimated porosities would be mainly explained by two different sources: intrinsic voids of lava and impact‐induced cracks.
Managing iatrogenic pneumothorax and chest tubes
Authors: Loiselle Andrea , Parish James M. , Wilkens James A. , Jaroszewski Dawn E.
Published: June 2013

Iatrogenic pneumothorax has become an increasingly recognized complication of routine outpatient procedures, such as transthoracic needle biopsies of the lung and transbronchial lung biopsies. Patients with clinically significant pneumothorax are typically managed with evacuation via a percutaneously placed catheter or chest tube. Tube thoracotomy and chest tube management have traditionally been performed by cardiothoracic surgeons; however, with the increasing number of interventional radiologists and interventional pulmonologists, more chest tubes are being placed by specialists who do not admit and manage patients in the hospital setting. The responsibility for the admission of these patients to the hospital service has fallen to the internist. Hospitalists caring for such patients are often expected to manage the chest tube. General internal medicine training and the existing medical literature provide few guidelines to assist with this issue. We present a discussion of the current published literature and our management algorithms for hospitalists caring for patients admitted with iatrogenic pneumothorax. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2013;8:402–408. © 2013 Society of Hospital Medicine
Rapid synthesis and characterization of ultra‐thin shell Au@SiO2 nanorods with tunable SPR for shell‐isolated nanoparticle‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SHINERS)
Authors: Zhang Bi‐Qi , Li Song‐Bo , Xiao Qing , Li Ju , Sun Jian‐Jun
Published: June 2013

The recently reported shell‐isolated nanoparticle‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SHINERS) is considered as the next generation of advanced spectroscopy for its surface and molecular generality. With the aim to utilize the virtues of shell‐isolated strategy and advance the SHINERS technique, we introduce a silane‐based rapid synthesis method of silica‐coating Au nanorods (Au@SiO2 NRs) with manoeuvrable ultra‐thin shell and tunable SPR. The results demonstrate that the SPR of Au NRs could be optimized to obtain large Raman enhancement using either 633 nm or 785 nm laser. Differing from previously reported Au@SiO2 NRs synthesis method, we can tune the silica shell thickness within several nanometers to maximize the Raman signal while effectively eliminating the exterior interference. And this advanced synthesis method has also significantly reduced the silica‐coating time from one day to ca. 1 h. This method as a new development of SHINERS technique has successfully got enhanced signal in solution Raman tests of malachite green, giving a great potential to be extended to in‐situ measurement for daily life detection. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.