bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Inflammatory potential of the diet and mortality in the Spanish cohort of the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC‐Spain)
Authors: Agudo Antonio , Masegú Raquel , Bonet Catalina , Jakszyn Paula , Quirós J. Ramon , Ardanaz Eva , Moreno‐Iribas Conchi , Barricarte Aurelio , Amiano Pilar , Arriola Larraitz , Chamosa Saioa , Dorronsoro Miren , Larrañaga Nerea , Navarro Carmen , Chirlaque María‐Dolores , Cirera Lluís , Gavrila Diana , Huerta José‐María , Rodríguez‐Barranco Miguel , Molina‐Portillo Elena , Sánchez María‐José
Published: January 2017

Scope

Low‐grade chronic inflammation is associated with several chronic conditions, and diet is known to play a role in chronic inflammation. We aimed to evaluate the association between the inflammatory potential of the diet and mortality in the Spanish population from the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC‐Spain).

Methods and results

The study included 41 199 participants (62% female) aged 29–69 years from five Spanish regions. During 18 years of follow‐up 3316 deaths were identified. The dietary inflammatory potential was assessed by means of an inflammatory score of the diet (ISD), calculated using 30 dietetic components and their corresponding inflammatory scores (weights). The association between the ISD and mortality was analyzed by multivariate Cox regression models. There was a significant association between ISD and mortality: subjects classified in the fifth quintile of the ISD (more proinflammatory diets) had a hazard ratio of 1.42 (95%‐confidence interval 1.25–1.60) as compared with those in the first quintile; the corresponding figures were 1.89 (1.48–2.40) for cardiovascular diseases mortality and 1.44 (1.22–1.69) for death by cancer.

Conclusion

Consuming more proinflammatory diets, expressed by means of the ISD, is associated with higher mortality; this effect seems to be stronger for deaths by cardiovascular diseases.
Variations in dietary intake and plasma concentrations of plant sterols across plant‐based diets among North American adults
Authors: Jaceldo‐Siegl Karen , Lütjohann Dieter , Sirirat Rawiwan , Mashchak Andrew , Fraser Gary E. , Haddad Ella
Published: January 2017

Scope

Phytosterols are bioactive compounds in plants with similar cholesterol‐lowering properties as vegetarian diets. However, information on phytosterol intake and plasma plant sterols among vegetarians is sparse.

Methods and results

We examined dietary intake and plasma concentration of plant sterols and cholesterol across five dietary patterns in the Adventist Health Study‐2 Calibration Sub‐study (n = 861, 66% females, average age 61 years). To measure intake and plasma concentrations of these compounds, we used 24‐h dietary recalls and gas‐liquid chromatography‐flame ionization detection, respectively. Mean (SD) total phytosterol and cholesterol intake were 363 (176) mg/day and 131 (111) mg/day; plasma β‐sitosterol, campesterol, and cholesterol were 3.3 (1.7) μg/mL, 4.2 (2.3) μg/mL, and 1.9 (0.4) mg/mL, respectively. Total phytosterol intake was lowest among non‐vegetarians (263 mg/day) and highest among vegans (428 mg/day) (p < 0.0001). Cholesterol intake was lowest among vegans (15.2 mg/day) and highest among non‐vegetarians (124.6 mg/day) (p < 0.0001). Plasma plant sterols and cholesterol did not differ by diet. Cholesterol‐adjusted plasma β‐sitosterol and campesterol were significantly higher in Blacks than Whites, though no ethnic differences were observed in dietary intake of these plant sterols.

Conclusion

Dietary intake but not plasma concentration of plant sterols and cholesterol varies across distinct plant‐based diets.
Neurocognitive outcomes among children who experienced seizures during treatment for acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Authors: Nassar Stephanie L. , Conklin Heather M. , Zhou Yinmei , Ashford Jason M. , Reddick Wilburn E. , Glass John O. , Laningham Fred H. , Jeha Sima , Cheng Cheng , Pui Ching‐Hon
Published: January 2017

Background

Limited information is available regarding neurocognitive outcomes of children who experience seizures during treatment for acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Accordingly, the main objectives of this study were to determine the incidence and risk factors for treatment‐related seizures among children with ALL, and the neurocognitive outcomes associated with treatment‐related seizures.

Procedure

Prospective neuropsychological assessment and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were planned for all 498 patients with newly diagnosed ALL enrolled on the St. Jude Total Therapy XV (TOTXV) protocol at three time points. The study database was reviewed retrospectively to identify those with treatment‐related seizure. To assess neurocognitive changes associated with seizure, each patient with treatment‐related seizure was matched with two cohort patients without seizure for age at treatment, gender, race, and treatment intensity.

Results

Nineteen patients developed seizure, with a 2‐year cumulative risk of 3.82 ± 0.86% (SE). No risk factors were identified to be associated with the development of seizure, with a possible exception of intensive chemotherapy used on the standard/high‐risk arm as compared to the low‐risk arm. Neuropsychological performance of the seizure group, as compared to normative scores and nonseizure control cohort, indicated problems in attention, working memory, and processing speed. Cognitive deficits persisted 2 years after therapy, with additional declines in intellectual function observed. MRI indicated early neurotoxicity among the seizure group, as evidenced by greater leukoencephalopathy on initial examinations.

Conclusion

Treatment‐related seizures were associated with leukoencephalopathy and decreased neuropsychological performance. Prospective studies are needed to detect changes in neurocognitive status associated with long‐term functional impairment.
Novel recurrent chromosome anomalies in Shwachman–Diamond syndrome
Authors: Valli Roberto , De Paoli Elena , Nacci Lucia , Frattini Annalisa , Pasquali Francesco , Maserati Emanuela
Published: January 2017

Background

Two chromosome anomalies are frequent in the bone marrow (BM) of patients with Shwachman–Diamond syndrome (SDS): an isochromosome of the long arm of chromosome 7, i(7)(q10), and an interstitial deletion of the long arm of chromosome 20, del(20)(q). These anomalies are associated with a lower risk of developing myelodysplasia (MDS) and/or acute myeloid leukemia. The chromosome anomalies may be due to an SDS‐specific karyotype instability, reflected also by anomalies that are not clonal, but found in single cells in the BM or in peripheral blood (PB).

Procedure

Starting in 1999, we have monitored the cytogenetic picture of a cohort of 91 Italian patients with SDS by all suitable cytogenetic and molecular methods.

Results

Here, we report clonal chromosome anomalies that are different from the aforementioned, as well as changes found in single cells in BM/PB of the same patients.

Conclusions

Some of the newly recognized clonal anomalies in BM reported here are recurrent, especially unbalanced structural anomalies of chromosome 7, a further complex rearrangement of the del(20)(q) with duplicated and deleted portions, and an unbalanced translocation t(3;6), with partial trisomy of the long arm of chromosome 3 and partial monosomy of the long arm of chromosome 6. Firm conclusions on the possible prognostic relevance of these anomalies would require further study with larger patient cohorts, but our data are sufficient to suggest that these patients necessitate more frequent cytogenetic monitoring. The results on anomalies found in single cells confirm the presence of an SDS‐specific karyotype instability.
Proteomic analysis of human follicular fluid in poor ovarian responders during in vitro fertilization
Authors: Oh Jae Won , Kim Seul Ki , Cho Kyung‐Cho , Kim Min‐Sik , Suh Chang Suk , Lee Jung Ryeol , Kim Kwang Pyo
Published: January 2017

Poor ovarian response (POR) in controlled ovarian stimulation is often observed during in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer cycles and it is a major problem. A POR has been found to be related to several factors, including advanced age, high body mass index, and history of ovarian or pelvic surgery. However, it is difficult to predict POR, as there are no specific biomarkers known. In this study, we used quantitative proteomic analyses to investigate potential biomarkers that can predict poor response during in vitro fertilization based on follicular fluid samples. A total of 1079 proteins were identified using a high‐resolution orbitrap mass spectrometer coupled online to a nanoflow‐LC system. It is notable that 65 upregulated and 66 downregulated proteins were found to be functionally enriched in poor responders. We also validated these differentially expressed proteins using a triple‐quadrupole mass spectrometer for quantification of targeted proteins. Of the differentially expressed proteins, three proteins (pregnancy zone protein, renin, and sushi repeat‐containing protein SRPX) were regarded as statistically significant (p < 0.05).
DIA is not a new mass spectrometry acquisition method
Authors: Martins‐de‐Souza Daniel , Faça Vitor M. , Gozzo Fábio C.
Published: January 2017

Contrary to what is being said by several colleagues (and even advertised), data‐independent analysis/acquisition (DIA) is not a new mass spectrometry acquisition method. Here we draw a timeline of events showing that DIA has been around since the early 2000s.
Preparation of Polyethylene/Graphene Nanocomposites with Octadecylamine‐Modified Graphene Oxide‐MgCl‐Supported Ziegler–Natta Catalyst
Authors: Zhang He‐Xin , Park Jae‐Hyeong , Moon Young‐Kwon , Eun‐Bin Ko , Zhang Xue‐Quan , Yoon Keun‐Byoung
Published: January 2017

In this work, an octadecylamine‐modified graphene oxide (ODA‐GO)‐MgCl‐supported Ziegler–Natta catalyst was synthesized by reacting ODA‐GO with a Grignard reagent, followed by anchoring TiCl4 to the structure. The effect of the ODA‐GO on the catalyst morphology and ethylene polymerization behavior was examined. The resultant polyethylene (PE)/ODA‐GO nanocomposites directly mirrored the catalyst morphology by forming a layered morphology, and the ODA‐GO fillers were well dispersed in the PE matrix and showed strong interfacial adhesion with it. The resultant PE/ODA‐GO nanocomposites exhibited better thermal stability and mechanical properties than neat PE, even with a small amount of ODA‐GO added. Thus, this work provides a facile approach to the production of high‐performance PE. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2017, 55, 855–860
Synthesis of bifunctional terminal octasilicate‐core dendrimer containing fluorocarbon and hydrocarbon chains
Authors: Irie Yasuyuki , Yuasa Sota , Imoto Hiroaki , Naka Kensuke
Published: January 2017

A bifunctional terminal organic‐inorganic dendrimer with fluorocarbon and hydrocarbon units at its terminal groups was successfully prepared by a hydrosilylation reaction, and a combination of a ring‐opening reaction and condensation reaction of octakis(propenylsuccinicanhydrido)polyhedraloctasilicate (OS‐SA) with 1‐decanol and 1H,1H,2H,2H‐perfluoro‐1‐decanol. The structure of the OS‐core dendrimer bearing the decyl and 1H,1H,2H,2H‐heptadecafluorodecyl groups (OS‐CF) was fully characterized by FT‐IR, NMR spectra, and MALDI TOF MS spectrum. The crystallinity of the fluorinated domains in OS‐CF decreased in comparison with that in I‐CF and the fluorocarbon/hydrocarbon chains form no ordered structure due to suppression of the molecular motion of their branches resulting from the rigid inorganic core. The composite films of PMMA containing OS‐CF were prepared through solution blending of PMMA with various concentrations of OS‐CF (5, 10, and 20 wt %). The refractive index of the neat PMMA film is 1.49, and the refractive indices of the composite films containing OS‐CF decrease linearly with increases in the OS‐CF weight fraction. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2017, 55, 912–918
Reactivity Ratios and Sequence Distribution Characterization by Quantitative 13C NMR for RAFT Synthesis of Styrene‐Acrylonitrile Copolymers
Authors: Alam Md. Mahbub , Peng Hui , Jack Kevin S. , Hill David J. T. , Whittaker Andrew K.
Published: January 2017

The kinetics and reactivity ratios of styrene‐acrylonitrile (SA) copolymerization have been studied extensively in bulk and in a variety of solution media using conventional free radical polymerizations (FRPs). Due to the significant difference in the two reactivity ratios for this monomer pair, at certain feed ratios the copolymers display composition drift with conversion due to monomer depletion. In this study, the kinetics of SA copolymerization using Reversible Addition‐Fragmentation Chain Transfer (RAFT) has been studied in bulk at 80 °C. The reactivity ratios for the terminal model were calculated from the comonomer sequence distributions for the RAFT process at low conversion for nine different compositions and found to be in the same range as those reported for conventional FRP of SA. The changes in the composition and sequence distribution with conversion were studied for three feed compositions. The copolymers show compositional drift with conversion, except at the azeotropic composition, and match the predictions from the reactivity ratios obtained at low conversion. From quantitative 13C NMR the triad distributions of these copolymers were estimated and found to match the predicted triad distributions as conversion increased. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2017, 55, 919–927
Influence of the degree of ionization on the growth mechanism of poly(diallyldimethylammonium)/poly(acrylic acid) multilayers
Authors: Bütergerds Dörte , Kateloe Christian , Cramer Cornelia , Schönhoff Monika
Published: January 2017

pH‐dependent growth laws of the mass coverage Γ(n) of poly(diallyldimethylammonium) chloride and poly(acrylic acid) (PAA) layer‐by‐layer films are analyzed by Quartz Crystal Microbalance‐D. (Attenuated Total Reflection)‐FTIR spectroscopy shows a degree of dissociation of acrylic acid groups in the films identical to that in solution. Apart from pH‐regimes of differently pronounced exponential and linear growth, the corresponding kinetics indicate pH‐dependent adsorption, reorganization, and diffusion processes. As the thickest films form with almost uncharged PAA (low pH), the results can only partly be explained by the dissociation degree of PAA in the film. For intermediate and high pH values chain interdiffusion as a mechanism for nonlinear growth is strongly dependent on the charge density of the PAA chains. However, at low pH other types of interactions, most likely ion–dipole interactions, play a major role in the multilayer growth. Furthermore, a change in the symmetry of growth can be observed in the low to intermediate pH range. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2017, 55, 425–434
Thickness‐dependent swelling of molecular layer‐by‐layer polyamide nanomembranes
Authors: Chan Edwin P. , Lee Stephen C.
Published: January 2017

The thickness‐dependent water vapor swelling of molecular layer‐by‐layer polyamide films is studied via specular X‐ray reflectivity. The maximum swelling ratio of these ultrathin films scale inversely with thickness but more importantly show a dual‐mode sorption behavior characterized by Langmuir‐like sorption at low relative humidity and network swelling at high relative humidity. The thickness‐dependent network parameters are extracted using a proposed model that builds on Painter‐Shenoy network swelling model while taking into account the glass‐like characteristic below a critical swelling ratio, which also scales inversely with thickness. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2017, 55, 412–417
BEFTIGRE: Behaviour‐driven full‐tier green evaluation of mobile cloud applications
Authors: Chinenyeze Samuel J. , Liu Xiaodong , Al‐Dubai Ahmed
Published: January 2017

With the resource‐constrained nature of mobile devices and the resource‐abundant offerings of the cloud, several promising optimisation techniques have been proposed by the green computing research community. Prominent techniques and unique methods have been developed to offload resource intensive tasks from mobile devices to the cloud. Although these schemes address similar questions within the same domain of mobile cloud application (MCA) optimisation, evaluation is tailored to the scheme and also solely mobile focused, thus making it difficult to clearly compare with other existing counterparts. In this work, we first analyse the existing/commonly adopted evaluation technique, then with the aim to fill the above gap, we propose the behaviour‐driven full‐tier green evaluation approach, which adopts the behaviour‐driven concept for evaluating MCA performance and energy usage—ie, green metrics. To automate the evaluation process, we also present and evaluate the effectiveness of a resultant application program interface and tool driven by the behaviour‐driven full‐tier green evaluation approach. The application program interface is based on Android and has been validated with Elastic Compute Cloud instance. Experiments show that Beftigre is capable of providing a more distinctive, comparable, and reliable green test results for MCAs.
Structures of RNA repeats associated with neurological diseases
Authors: Błaszczyk Leszek , Rypniewski Wojciech , Kiliszek Agnieszka
Published: January 2017

All RNA molecules possess a ‘propensity’ to fold into complex secondary and tertiary structures. Although they are composed of only four types of nucleotides, they show an enormous structural richness which reflects their diverse functions in the cell. However, in some cases the folding of RNA can have deleterious consequences. Aberrantly expanded, repeated RNA sequences can exhibit gain‐of‐function abnormalities and become pathogenic, giving rise to many incurable neurological diseases. Most RNA repeats form long hairpin structures whose stem consists of noncanonical base pairs interspersed among Watson–Crick pairs. The expanded hairpins have an ability to sequester important proteins and form insoluble nuclear foci. The RNA pathology, common to many repeat disorders, has drawn attention to the structures of the RNA repeats. In this review, we summarize secondary structure probing and crystallographic studies of disease‐related RNA repeat sequences. We discuss the unique structural features which can contribute to the pathogenic properties of the repeated runs. In addition, we present the newest reports concerning structural data linked to therapeutic approaches. WIREs RNA 2017, 8:e1412. doi: 10.1002/wrna.1412

This article is categorized under:

RNA Structure and Dynamics > RNA Structure, Dynamics, and Chemistry

RNA in Disease and Development > RNA in Disease
RNA in extracellular vesicles
Authors: Kim Kyoung Mi , Abdelmohsen Kotb , Mustapic Maja , Kapogiannis Dimitrios , Gorospe Myriam
Published: January 2017

Cells release a range of membrane‐enclosed extracellular vesicles (EVs) into the environment. Among them, exosomes and microvesicles (collectively measuring 40–1000 nm in diameter) carry proteins, signaling lipids, and nucleic acids from donor cells to recipient cells, and thus have been proposed to serve as intercellular mediators of communication. EVs transport cellular materials in many physiologic processes, including differentiation, stem cell homeostasis, immune responses, and neuronal signaling. EVs are also increasingly recognized as having a direct role in pathologies such as cancer and neurodegeneration. Accordingly, EVs have been the focus of intense investigation as biomarkers of disease, prognostic indicators, and even therapeutic tools. Here, we review the classes of RNAs present in EVs, both coding RNAs (messenger RNAs) and noncoding RNAs (long noncoding RNAs, microRNAs, and circular RNAs). The rising attention to EV‐resident RNAs as biomarkers stems from the fact that RNAs can be detected at extremely low quantities using a number of methods. To illustrate the interest in EV biology, we discuss EV RNAs in cancer and neurodegeneration, two major age‐associated disease processes. WIREs RNA 2017, 8:e1413. doi: 10.1002/wrna.1413

This article is categorized under:

RNA Export and Localization > RNA Localization
microRNA‐binding proteins: specificity and function
Authors: Zealy Richard W. , Wrenn Samuel P. , Davila Sylvia , Min Kyung‐Won , Yoon Je‐Hyun
Published: January 2017

microRNA (miRNA) and RNA‐binding proteins (RBPs) have been studied widely in post‐transcriptional gene regulation. Previous work has focused on defining how miRNA and RBPs modulate target mRNA decay and translation as well as investigating how they interplay each other. Emerging studies indicate that certain RBPs other than the AGO‐family proteins directly interact with mature miRNAs. These findings implicate competitive binding of RBPs to target miRNAs, sequestration of miRNAs from AGO, promotion of AGO binding to miRNAs, and transfer of miRNAs from RBPs to AGO. Recent work also indicates that AGO‐free cytoplasmic miRNAs establish complexes with novel miRNA‐binding proteins (miRBPs). This review covers the recent discovery of novel miRBPs, offering a new perspective on the miRNA‐mediated gene silencing mechanism. WIREs RNA 2017, 8:e1414. doi: 10.1002/wrna.1414

This article is categorized under:

RNA Interactions with Proteins and Other Molecules > Protein–RNA Recognition

RNA Interactions with Proteins and Other Molecules > Protein–RNA Interactions: Functional Implications

Regulatory RNAs/RNAi/Riboswitches > Regulatory RNAs
Spontaneous Imbibition Experiments of Enhanced Oil Recovery with Surfactants and Complex Nano‐Fluids
Authors: Towler Brian F. , Lehr Heidi L. , Austin Scott W. , Bowthorpe Brooks , Feldman Jacob H. , Forbis Sabrina K. , Germack David , Firouzi Mahshid
Published: January 2017

Two types of porous media were analyzed with the intention of exploring alternative enhanced oil recovery methods. Core samples were taken from the Tensleep Formation of the Black Mountain Field in Hot Springs County, WY. The lithology is mainly sandstone and dolomite. The measured effective porosity values ranged from 13.0 to 18.0%, and permeabilities from 19 to 68 md. Production from the Tensleep and Phosphoria formations using conventional methods has resulted in a low secondary recovery factor, possibly due to high capillary forces and an oil‐wet formation. Different surfactants were investigated to determine the viability of a possible enhanced oil recovery process using a spontaneous imbibition process in Amott cells. A very high enhanced recovery factor of more than 89% was achieved using a complex nano‐fluid that consists of a mixture of surfactant, solvent, co‐solvent and water. These recovery factors compared with 13% by brine imbibition and up to 21% using commercial surfactants. At the other end of the scale, very high porosity volcanic pumice was also subjected to the same tests. For this rock the porosity values ranged from 65 to 90% and permeabilities were 2.0–2.7 d. Secondary recovery showed values up to 81% on spontaneous imbibition and up to 91% when surfactants were employed. These experimental results indicate that pumice has favorable reservoir characteristics, but, due to its weak brittle nature, it would not be expected that it could withstand the overburden stress at any significant depth. However, it does represent a useful laboratory specimen.
EPA, DHA, and Lipoic Acid Differentially Modulate the n‐3 Fatty Acid Biosynthetic Pathway in Atlantic Salmon Hepatocytes
Authors: Bou Marta , Østbye Tone‐Kari , Berge Gerd M. , Ruyter Bente
Published: January 2017

The aim of the present study was to investigate how EPA, DHA, and lipoic acid (LA) influence the different metabolic steps in the n‐3 fatty acid (FA) biosynthetic pathway in hepatocytes from Atlantic salmon fed four dietary levels (0, 0.5, 1.0 and 2.0%) of EPA, DHA or a 1:1 mixture of these FA. The hepatocytes were incubated with [1‐14C] 18:3n‐3 in the presence or absence of LA (0.2 mM). Increased endogenous levels of EPA and/or DHA and LA exposure both led to similar responses in cells with reduced desaturation and elongation of [1‐14C] 18:3n‐3 to 18:4n‐3, 20:4n‐3, and EPA, in agreement with reduced expression of the Δ6 desaturase gene involved in the first step of conversion. DHA production, on the other hand, was maintained even in groups with high endogenous levels of DHA, possibly due to a more complex regulation of this last step in the n‐3 metabolic pathway. Inhibition of the Δ6 desaturase pathway led to increased direct elongation to 20:3n‐3 by both DHA and LA. Possibly the route by 20:3n‐3 and then Δ8 desaturation to 20:4n‐3, bypassing the first Δ6 desaturase step, can partly explain the maintained or even increased levels of DHA production. LA increased DHA production in the phospholipid fraction of hepatocytes isolated from fish fed 0 and 0.5% EPA and/or DHA, indicating that LA has the potential to further increase the production of this health‐beneficial FA in fish fed diets with low levels of EPA and/or DHA.
Current and recalled childhood gender identity in community youth in comparison to referred adolescents seeking sex reassignment
Authors: Sumia Maria , Lindberg Nina , Työläjärvi Marja , Kaltiala‐Heino Riittakerttu
Published: January 2017

We studied current (GIDYQ‐A) and recalled (RCGI) childhood gender identity among 719 upper secondary school students 401 girls, mean age 17.0 (SD = 0.88) years old and 318 boys, mean age 17.2 (SD = 0.86 years old in Finland. We also compared these dimensions of identity in community youth to same dimensions among adolescent sex reassignment (SR) applicants. Most community youth scored high on the normative, cis‐gender end of gender experience (median score 4.9 for boys and 4.9 for girls) and recalled fairly gender typical childhood behaviours and experiences. The girls displayed more gender non‐conformity in childhood. Among the boys 2.2% and among the girls 0.5% displayed potentially clinically significant gender dysphoria on the GIDYQ‐A. The community youth differed clearly from adolescent SR applicants on current and recalled childhood gender identity (SR applicants were 47, 6 natal boys and 41 natal girls, average ages were 16.4 years old (SD = 0.93) and girls were on average 16.8 years old (SD = 1.0).
Non-suicidal self-injury within the school context: Multilevel analysis of teachers’ support and peer climate
Authors: Madjar N. , Ben Shabat S. , Elia R. , Fellner N. , Rehavi M. , Rubin S.E. , Segal N. , Shoval G.
Published: January 2017

Background

Recent studies regarding non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) among adolescents have focused primarily on individual characteristics (e.g., depressive symptoms) and background factors (e.g., parental relationship), whereas less emphasis has been given to the role of school-related factors in NSSI. Therefore, the purpose of the current study was to explore the relationships between teachers’ support, peer climate, and NSSI within the school context.

Methods

The sample consisted of 594 high school students nested within 27 regular classes (54.4% boys; mean age 14.96, SD = 1.33 years). The students were evaluated for NSSI behaviors, perception of teacher support, peer climate, relationships with mothers, and depressive symptoms using validated scales.

Results

The primary analysis used hierarchical linear modeling (HLM), controlling for gender and age. The main findings indicated that teacher support was positively associated with NSSI at the classroom-level (OR = 6.15, 95% CI = 2.05–18.5) but negatively associated at the student-level (OR = 0.66, 95% CI = 0.49–0.89). There was a trend toward an association between positive peer climate and NSSI at the classroom-level (OR = 0.43, 95% CI = 0.18–1.05), while negative peer climate was associated with NSSI at the student-level (OR = 1.37, 95% CI = 1.00–1.87).

Conclusions

School-related factors are associated with NSSI behaviors among students. Teachers and educators should focus on both individual-level and classroom-level perceptions of school context. Students who feel supported by their teachers and who are exposed to a positive peer climate are less likely to engage in NSSI.
Small vessel disease is linked to disrupted structural network covariance in Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Nestor Sean M. , Mišić Bratislav , Ramirez Joel , Zhao Jiali , Graham Simon J. , Verhoeff Nicolaas P.L.G. , Stuss Donald T. , Masellis Mario , Black Sandra E.
Published: January 2017

Introduction

Cerebral small vessel disease (SVD) is thought to contribute to Alzheimer's disease (AD) through abnormalities in white matter networks. Gray matter (GM) hub covariance networks share only partial overlap with white matter connectivity, and their relationship with SVD has not been examined in AD.

Methods

We developed a multivariate analytical pipeline to elucidate the cortical GM thickness systems that covary with major network hubs and assessed whether SVD and neurodegenerative pathologic markers were associated with attenuated covariance network integrity in mild AD and normal elderly control subjects.

Results

SVD burden was associated with reduced posterior cingulate corticocortical GM network integrity and subneocorticocortical hub network integrity in AD.

Discussion

These findings provide evidence that SVD is linked to the selective disruption of cortical hub GM networks in AD brains and point to the need to consider GM hub covariance networks when assessing network disruption in mixed disease.
Just do it! Why committed consumers react negatively to assertive ads
Authors: Zemack‐Rugar Yael , Moore Sarah G. , Fitzsimons Gavan J.
Published: January 2017

Research shows that assertive ads, which direct consumers to take specific actions (e.g., Visit us; Just do it!), are ineffective due to reactance. However, such ads remain prevalent. We reexamine assertive ads, showing that their effectiveness depends on consumers' relationship with the advertising brand. Across studies, we compare committed and uncommitted consumers' reactions to assertive ads. We find that because committed (vs. uncommitted) brand relationships involve stronger compliance norms, assertive ads create greater pressure to comply for committed consumers. Specifically, we propose and show that committed consumers anticipate feeling guilty if they ignore an assertive message, creating pressure to comply. Pressure to comply increases reactance, which paradoxically reduces compliance, ultimately leading to decreased ad and brand liking as well as decreased monetary allocations to the brand. Our results show the perils that assertive ads pose for marketers and their most valuable customers.
How goal progress influences regulatory focus in goal pursuit
Authors: Bullard Olya , Manchanda Rajesh V.
Published: January 2017

This research examines the influence of goal progress on the regulatory focus of goals. The results of five experiments demonstrate that in earlier stages of goal pursuit, individuals represent goals as promotion‐focused, while in later stages of goal pursuit, individuals represent goals as prevention‐focused. This effect is driven by the differential reliance on the initial versus the desired state as a reference point throughout goal pursuit. In earlier stages of goal pursuit, reliance on the initial state as a reference point produces a gain‐framed assessment of goal progress and leads to a promotion‐focused view of goals. In later stages of goal pursuit, reliance on the desired state as a reference point produces a loss‐framed assessment of goal progress and leads to a prevention‐focused view of goals. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed.
Percutaneous renal sympathetic denervation in catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia
Authors: Aksu Tolga , Guler Erdem
Published: January 2017

Catheter‐based renal sympathetic denervation may be an alternative after unsuccessful conventional ablation attempts.
The impact of reshoring decisions on shareholder wealth
Authors: Brandon‐Jones Emma , Dutordoir Marie , Frota Neto Joao Quariguasi , Squire Brian
Published: January 2017

Interest in reshoring, defined as the return of manufacturing and service operations from previously offshored locations to the U.S., has gained momentum recently. Yet, there is no academic evidence on the shareholder value implications of reshoring decisions. This paper analyzes the shareholder wealth effects of 37 reshoring decisions announced by U.S. firms during 2006–2015. Our results indicate that reshoring announcements result in positive abnormal stock returns. Mean (median) abnormal stock returns on reshoring announcements are 0.45% (0.29%), corresponding with a mean (median) market value change of $322.57 million ($31.60 million). Our findings imply that the benefits associated with the reshoring tend to outweigh the costs. This finding is relevant for firms faced with the decision of whether to move business activities from offshore to domestic locations. It is also of interest to policy makers who may seek to further stimulate the reshoring phenomenon.
Gingrich Suggests Ways to Guide Trump on Science and Environment
Authors: Showstack Randy
Published: January 2017

Former House Speaker urges thoughtful, aggressive, articulate arguments to influence an administration that he says generally lacks its own plan.
Flexible thermally treated 3D PIM-CD molecular sieve membranes exceeding the upper bound line for propylene/propane separation
Authors: Liu Jiangtao , Xiao Youchang , Chung Tai-Shung
Published: January 2017

The flexible thermally treated 3D PIM-CD cross-linking networks have narrow gates and better molecular sieve effect for propylene/propane separation exceeding the upper bound line.
Dynamic programming approach to visual place recognition in changing environments
Authors: Oh J.H. , Lee B.H.
Published: January 2017

Recognising places under extreme perceptual changes is a challenging problem. A new dynamic programming method to align sequences of image features extracted from a deep convolutional auto‐encoder to efficiently solve this problem is proposed. As this method considers not only environmental variations, but also the motion constraint of the mobile robot, places from changing environment can be successfully recognised by finding the most likely path sequence. Experimental results show improved precision–recall performance compared with other algorithms.
Fault‐tolerant control of uncertain non‐linear networked control systems with time‐varying delay, packet dropout and packet disordering
Authors: Wu Wei
Published: January 2017

In this study, the fault‐tolerant control (FTC) problem is investigated for a class of uncertain non‐linear networked control systems with delay, packet dropout, packet disordering and non‐linear modelling uncertainty. The deterministic and stochastic faults are considered simultaneously, wherein the plant and sensor faults are modelled as unknown non‐linear functions of the state and the health statuses of the actuators are governed by multiple Markovian processes. By considering Markovian delay and packet dropout, a new packet reordering approach is proposed to cope with packet disordering. By utilising adaptive approximation method and adaptive technique, an FTC scheme composed of an FTC component and a fault diagnosis (FD) component is proposed. A theoretical analysis about the stability properties of the FD and FTC components is established. Using information provided by the FD component, the FTC component ensures the boundedness in probability of tracking error. Finally, a simulation example is exploited to show the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Synthesis of shape‐controlled Fe5(PO4)4 (OH)3 ·2H2O microcrystal via one‐step hydrothermal method
Authors: Liu Aihong , Ma Fumin , Chen Yue
Published: January 2017

The aim of this study was to look for a simple and easy method to prepare Fe5(PO4)4 (OH)3 ·2H2O microcrystal with various morphologies. FeCl3 ·6H2O and NH4H2PO4 were employed as raw materials without any surfactant assistance to synthesise Fe5(PO4)4 (OH)3 ·2H2O microcrystal by one‐step hydrothermal method. The effect of reactant concentration on the morphology of the product was systemically studied. The results indicate that with increasing concentration of reactants, morphology of the product could converted from dendrite shape to flower shape and sphere. The corresponding FePO4 with various morphologies was also easily prepared by heating the Fe5(PO4)4 (OH)3 ·2H2O precursor at the optimum temperature. This work provides an effective method to synthesise Fe5(PO4)4 (OH)3 ·2H2O and FePO4 microcrystal with various morphologies which could meet the demands of lithium‐ion battery material and catalyst material.
Fabrication method for annular/shielded copper interconnects
Authors: Adamshick Stephen , Burke John , Liehr Michael
Published: January 2017

This study outlines a method for fabricating annular/shielded on chip copper interconnects. Traditional damascene copper wires only require one diffusion barrier to prevent copper migration into dielectrics for trench style interconnects. However, for annular or shielded interconnects, an additional diffusion/oxidation barrier is required to protect the integrity of the copper especially on the trench sidewalls. Two methods are explored in this study to create the second barrier that includes materials such as tantalum nitride and silicon nitride (SiN). The experimental results are analysed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and high frequency electrical measurements to characterise the effectiveness of each respective technique. The results demonstrate the feasibility of creating annular/shielded copper interconnects using standard damascene processing techniques to maintain lower costs of process development. Furthermore, the results conclude the SiN based barrier effectively prevents oxidation of copper as verified with both SEM and electrical data. The development of this knowledge will aid in advancing back end interconnect technology to help solve the data bottleneck issue currently challenging the semiconductor industry.
Green synthesis of Sulphur Nanoparticles assisted by a herbal surfactant in aqueous solutions
Authors: Javan Kouzegaran Vahid , Farhadi Khalil
Published: January 2017

A novel and green method to synthesise sulphur nanoparticles (SNPs) through precipitation reaction of aqueous sodium thiosulphate catalysed by oxalic acid using a herbal surfactant in aqueous solutions is reported. The herbal surfactant, saponin, was extracted from a native plant called Acanthe Phylum Bracteatum grown in Urmia West Azerbaijan, Iran. The SNPs were characterised by dynamic light scattering, scanning electron microscopy, transmission EM, atomic force microscopy, energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction spectroscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. On the basis of the particle characterisation data, the mean size of SNPs was recorded about 40 nm. The monodispersed SNPs owe their size to micelle formation of saponin around the sulphur particles.
Design and characterisation of cantilevers for multi‐frequency atomic force microscopy
Authors: Ian Moore Steven , Yong Yuen Kuan
Published: January 2017

The experimental characterisation of a set of microcantilevers targeted at use in multi‐frequency atomic force microscope is presented. The aim of this work is to design a cantilever that naturally amplifies its harmonic oscillations which are introduced by nonlinear probe–sample interaction forces. This is performed by placing the modal frequencies of the cantilever at integer multiples of the first modal frequency. The developed routine demonstrates the placement of the frequency of the second to fifth mode. The characterisation shows a trend that lower‐order modes are more accurately placed than higher‐order modes. With two fabricated designs, the error in the second mode is at most 2.26% while the greatest error in the fifth mode is at 10.5%.
Characterisation and evaluation of antibacterial potential of guava extract loaded poly‐3‐hydroxybutyrate‐co‐3‐hydroxyvalerate nanoparticles against multidrug‐resistant bacteria
Authors: Masood Farha , Muhammad Shafi , Bokhari Habib , Yasin Tariq , Hameed Abdul
Published: January 2017

In this work, the antibacterial potential of different plant's leaves, i.e. Psidium guajava (guava), Raphanus sativus (radish), Solanum pseudocapsicum (winter cherry), Mentha royaleana (mint) and Calotropis procera (rubber tree) was evaluated against the multidrug‐resistant (MDR) bacteria. Methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), Vibrio cholerae O1 El Tor (VC O1 ET), V. cholerae Non‐O1/Non‐O139 (VC N‐O1/N‐O139), enteroaggregative Escherichia coli (EAEC) and enteropathogenic Escherichia coli (EPEC) were included among the MDR bacterial strains. The significantly high (P < 0.001) antibacterial activities were observed against the MDR bacteria in case of the methanol extract of the P. guajava (GUV) leaves. The characterisation studies of GUV extract were done by thin layer chromatography, wide angle X‐diffraction and Fourier transform infrared techniques. The GUV extract was encapsulated in poly‐3‐hydroxybutyrate‐co‐3‐hydroxyvalerate (PHBV) nanoparticles using the nanoprecipitation method. Blank PHBV nanoparticles demonstrated no antibacterial activity against the selected MDR strains. The GUV extract loaded PHBV nanoparticles produced significantly large (P < 0.001) zones of inhibition, i.e. MRSA (24 mm), EPEC (23 mm), EAEC (23 mm), VC O1 ET (21 mm) and VC N‐O1/N‐O139 (20 mm) against the MDR bacterial strains as compared with the GUV extract alone. The results have demonstrated a great potential of PHBV nanoparticles to become an efficient carrier for delivery of the potent bioactive molecules.
Synthesis of MnO2@graphene oxide flower‐like nanocomposite as adsorbent for methyl orange decolouration
Authors: Zhang Linfeng , Wu Kun , Zhou Yuxin , Guo Jia , Wu Huadong , Yu Faquan , Wu Yuanxin
Published: January 2017

The flower‐like MnO2@graphene oxide (FMGO) nanocomposite was synthesised in a simple one‐pot reaction process via a chemical method. With the characterisation of X‐ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy and Brunauer Emmett Teller (BET) surface area measurement, the different stages of the nanocomposite were presented, meanwhile the mechanism was proposed. The adsorption behaviour of methyl orange (MO) onto the FMGO was investigated and the experimental results indicated that the nanocomposite showed excellent adsorption capacity toward MO solution with high stability. The superior adsorption performance of the nanocomposite could be attributed to its unique flower‐like porous structure, which provided much active chemisorbed sites, large specific surface area and high stability. It is expected that the FMGO nanocomposite has a potential application in water treatment fields due to its superior adsorption performance and good stability.
3D porous graphene synthesised using different hydrothermal treatment times for the removal of lead ions from an aqueous solution
Authors: Zhou Fang , Yu Jingang , Jiang Xinyu
Published: January 2017

Three‐dimensional porous graphene (3D PG) synthesised using different hydrothermal treatment times was obtained by an environmentally friendly freeze‐drying method. The as‐prepared 3D PG was characterised by Raman spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, thermogravimetric analysis and Brunauer–Emmett–Teller measurement. The results showed that 3D porous graphene synthesised over a shorter hydrothermal treatment time had more graphitic structural defects and oxygen‐containing functional groups. Adsorption experiments were conducted to investigate the influence of hydrothermal treatment time on the removal of lead ions. In addition, it was revealed that shorter hydrothermal treatment times led to higher adsorption capacities for the 3D PG. This study provides the first evidence of the hydrothermal treatment time of 3D PG playing a critical role in the removal of metal ions from an aqueous solution.
Influence of applied voltage on the physical and electrical properties of anodic Sm2O3 thin films on Si in 0.01 M NaOH solution
Authors: Wong Yew Hoong , Lee Chit Ying , Goh Kian Heng
Published: January 2017

Formation of anodic samarium oxide thin film by anodisation of 15 nm thin sputtered samarium metal on silicon substrate was systematically investigated. Sputtered Sm on Si substrate was followed by anodisation in 0.01 M NaOH (pH 11) at various applied voltages (10, 15, 20, and 25 V). All anodisation processes were performed for 10 min at room temperature in the bath with constant stirring. The crystallinity of Sm2O3 film was evaluated by X‐ray diffraction analysis. The crystallite size of Sm2O3 was calculated by Scherrer equation. The cross‐section of 20 V sample was examined by high‐resolution transmission electron microscope. The sample anodised at 20 V demonstrated the highest electrical breakdown field of 9.50 MV/cm at 10−4A/cm2. This is attributed to the lowest effective oxide charge, slow trap charge density, average interface trap density, and total interface trap density.
One‐pot synthesis of chitosan/iron oxide nanocomposite as an eco‐friendly bioadsorbent for water remediation of methylene blue
Authors: Keshvardoostchokami Mina , Piri Farideh , Zamani Abbasali
Published: January 2017

Chitosan/iron oxide nanocomposite was synthesised via a one‐pot method, then its functional groups and morphological structure were characterised by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, Brunner, Emmett, and Teller analysis and energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy. The synthesised nanoparticles had an average particle size of 50 nm with a surface area, total pore volume and mean pore diameter of the nanocomposites calculated at 0.46 m2/g, 0.11 cm3/g and 53.209 nm, respectively. After characterisations, the nanoparticles were applied as the bioadsorbent for aqueous solutions, which were polluted with methylene blue as a model of cationic dyes. The maximum adsorption capacity obtained was 5.12 mg/g. The study parameters influencing the adsorption processes show that 0.2 g of chitosan/iron oxide nanocomposite removed 80% of the pollution (initial concentration 10 mg/l) from 50 ml of water with a pH > 4 after 60 min at 25°C, while unmodified chitosan removed only 20%. The nanoparticles were able to remove over 50% of the dye after five reused cycles. The application of different salts revealed that sodium chloride had a greater restraint effect than sodium sulphate on the adsorbent. The pseudo‐second‐order and the Langmuir model successfully exhibited the adsorption kinetic and isotherm.
Carbon films as perfect electromagnetic wave absorbers and anti‐reflectors
Authors: Batrakov Konstantin , Paddubskaya Alesya , Kuzhir Polina
Published: January 2017

It is shown that thin carbon coating with thicknesses, depending on its structure and porosity, ranging from tens of nanometres to tens of microns can absorb almost all incident microwave radiation without reflection. Special conditions on dielectric properties of substrate and conductivity of carbon material, which are necessary for the realisation of such a perfect absorber, are derived. The conductance of the carbon coating can then be controlled by proper porosity.