bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Protective Effect of α‐Hederin, the Active Constituent of Nigella sativa, on Lung Inflammation and Blood Cytokines in Ovalbumin Sensitized Guinea Pigs
Authors: Keyhanmanesh Rana , Saadat Saeideh , Mohammadi Mostafa , Shahbazfar Amir‐Ali , Fallahi Maryam
Published: August 2015

In the present study, the preventive effect of two different concentrations of α‐hederin, the active constituent of Nigella sativa, on lung inflammation and blood cytokines in ovalbumin sensitized guinea pigs was examined. Forty eight male adult guinea pigs were divided into control (C), sensitized (S) and sensitized pretreated groups; with thymoquinone (S+TQ), low dose (S+LAH) and high dose of α‐hederin (S+HAH) and inhaled fluticasone propionate (S+FP). The lung histopathology and blood levels of IL‐4, IFN‐γ and IL‐17 were assessed. Compared to sensitized animals, all pathological changes improved significantly in pretreated groups (p < 0.001 to p < 0.05). These improvements in α‐hederin pretreated groups were similar to S+TQ and S+FP groups except cellular infiltration in S+LAH and S+HAH groups which was lower than S+TQ group (p < 0.05). The blood IL‐4 and IL‐17 levels in S+HAH groups showed a significant decrease compared to S group (p < 0.05) which were similar to S+TQ and S+FP groups. The level of IFN‐γ in S+LAH and S+HAH groups increased significantly compared to S group (p < 0.05) which was higher than S+FP group (p < 0.05). Blood IL‐4 in S+HAH group was significantly lower than S+LAH group (p < 0.05). In conclusion, α‐hederin could attenuate the lung inflammation and improve the changes of cytokines like thymoquinone and fluticasone in used dosages. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Protein Kinase-A Inhibition Is Sufficient to Support Human Neural Stem Cells Self-Renewal
Authors: Georges Pauline , Boissart Claire , Poulet Aurélie , Peschanski Marc , Benchoua Alexandra
Published: August 2015

Human pluripotent stem cell-derived neural stem cells offer unprecedented opportunities for producing specific types of neurons for several biomedical applications. However, to achieve it, protocols of production and amplification of human neural stem cells need to be standardized, cost effective, and safe. This means that small molecules should progressively replace the use of media containing cocktails of protein-based growth factors. Here we have conducted a phenotypical screening to identify pathways involved in the regulation of hNSC self-renewal. We analyzed 80 small molecules acting as kinase inhibitors and identified compounds of the 5-isoquinolinesulfonamide family, described as protein kinase A (PKA) and protein kinase G inhibitors, as candidates to support hNSC self-renewal. Investigating the mode of action of these compounds, we found that modulation of PKA activity was central in controlling the choice between self-renewal or terminal neuronal differentiation of hNSC. We finally demonstrated that the pharmacological inhibition of PKA using the small molecule HA1004 was sufficient to support the full derivation, propagation, and long-term maintenance of stable hNSC in absence of any other extrinsic signals. Our results indicated that tuning of PKA activity is a core mechanism regulating hNSC self-renewal and differentiation and delineate the minimal culture media requirement to maintain undifferentiated hNSC in vitro. Stem Cells  2015;33:3666–3672
Potassium and Mixed Lithium/Potassium Complexes of Deprotonated 1,2‐Bis(neopentylamino)benzene
Authors: Ziemann Steffen , Krieck Sven , Görls Helmar , Westerhausen Matthias
Published: August 2015

Deprotonation of 1,2‐bis(neopentylamino)benzene (1) with an excess of KH in tetrahydrofuran (thf) yields the singly metalated derivative [(thf)K{C6H4‐1‐(NH‐CH2tBu)‐2‐(N‐CH2tBu)}] (2a). Performance of the metalation reaction in tetrahydropyran (thp) leads to formation of [(thp)2K{C6H4‐1‐(NH‐CH2tBu)‐2‐(N‐CH2tBu)}] (2b). The second amino group of 2a can be lithiated by butyllithium yielding heterobimetallic [(thf)2LiK{C6H4‐1,2‐(N‐CH2tBu)2}] (3). The structures demonstrate that ethers as well as aromatic π systems represent suitable bases for the rather soft potassium ions. Intermolecular potassium π interactions lead to the formation of strands in the crystalline state. For complex 2a, a dynamic exchange process of the N‐bound hydrogen atom with an energy barrier of 45.6 kJ·mol–1 is observed in [D8]THF solution. Heterobimetallic 3 also shows a temperature‐dependent dynamic behavior that gives rise to splitting of the methylene and aromatic resonances suggesting overlying metal exchange and aggregation equilibria.
Are Medical Students Who Want to Become Surgeons Different? An International Cross‐Sectional Study
Authors: Baschera Dominik , O’Donnell Taylor Erin , Masilonyane‐Jones Taolo , Isenegger Patrick , Zellweger René
Published: August 2015

Introduction

Surgery is one of the most demanding and competitive medical specialities. This study aims to identify the characteristics that medical students who aspire to surgical specialisation possess.

Materials and methods

In February 2010, an online survey comprised 36 questions was produced with the aid of the open source survey tool Limesurvey (Version 1.85 RC3). Deans’ offices and student organisations in eight countries were contacted via e‐mail with a link to the online survey for them to disseminate amongst the student population. Respondents were grouped into “Surgically inclined” and “non‐surgically inclined”. To compare the characteristics of these two groups, the Fisher Exact test was used for categorical data and non‐parametric tests were used for continuous data.

Results

Between February and June 2010, we received 2907 responses; the majority from Australia, Austria, Germany, Switzerland and the UK. Of these, 2351 indicated what discipline they would like to pursue after graduation, with 383 (16.3 %) favouring surgery. The percentages of students interested in Surgery were similar across all participating countries. Those favouring Surgery were 1.5 times more likely to be male (*p = 0.01); however, Austria and Germany had significantly higher rates of female students interested in Surgery than all other countries surveyed. Students favouring Surgery were 20 % more likely to be single. Students favouring surgery were more likely to nominate “social prestige” and “remuneration” as their key motivation to become a doctor and were also prepared to work longer hours than respondents that were not surgically inclined.

Conclusion

In this study, Medical students who aspire toward surgical careers were more likely to be male, less lifestyle orientated, and seeking social prestige and financial remuneration compared to other medical students.
Risk of New‐Onset Dyslipidemia After Laparoscopic Adrenalectomy in Patients with Primary Aldosteronism
Authors: Kaga Mayuko , Utsumi Takanobu , Tanaka Tomoaki , Kono Takashi , Nagano Hidekazu , Kawamura Koji , Kamiya Naoto , Imamoto Takashi , Nihei Naoki , Naya Yukio , Suzuki Hiroyoshi , Ichikawa Tomohiko
Published: August 2015

Background

Many patients with primary aldosteronism (PA) show a significant decline in kidney function after adrenalectomy. Thus, PA patients who undergo surgery are at greater risk of both postoperative renal damage and new‐onset metabolic events associated with renal insufficiency. The aim of this study was to explore postoperative changes in serum lipid levels and to identify risk factors associated with postoperative new‐onset dyslipidemia in PA patients.

Methods

The records of 57 Japanese patients who underwent unilateral laparoscopic adrenalectomy for PA were retrospectively surveyed. Clinical and biochemical data were evaluated at baseline and 12 months after surgery. Preoperative and postoperative estimated glomerular filtration (eGFR) and serum lipid profile, including triglycerides, high‐density lipoprotein (HDL)‐cholesterol and low‐density lipoprotein (LDL)‐cholesterol levels, were compared. Furthermore, uni‐ and multivariate analyses were performed to determine the predictors for postoperative new‐onset dyslipidemia.

Results

A significant decrease in eGFR and deterioration of serum lipid levels was identified postoperatively in most patients. Of the 39 patients without pre‐existing dyslipidemia, 18 developed new‐onset dyslipidemia postoperatively. Multivariate analysis identified preoperative lower eGFR and higher body mass index as independent predictors for new‐onset dyslipidemia after surgery. On univariate analyses, additional factors associated with new‐onset dyslipidemia included older age, male sex, higher LDL‐cholesterol, and higher LDL/HDL ratio.

Conclusions

PA patients had a higher risk of postoperative new‐onset or progressive dyslipidemia. Clinicians should pay attention to not only follow‐up of renal impairment but also total management of new‐onset metabolic events associated with renal insufficiency in PA patients.
Documentation of Pregnancy Status, Gynaecological History, Date of Last Menstrual Period and Contraception Use in Emergency Surgical Admissions: Time for a Change in Practice?
Authors: Powell‐Bowns M. , Wilson M. S. J. , Mustafa A.
Published: August 2015

Objective

To determine whether pregnancy status, gynaecological history, date of last menstrual period and contraceptive use are documented in emergency female admissions of reproductive age admitted to general surgery.

Design

This is a retrospective study.

Setting

This study was conducted in the United Kingdom.

Population

Females of reproductive age (12–50 years) admitted as an emergency to general surgery with abdominal pain were considered in this study.

Methods

Retrospective analysis of medical notes of emergency female admissions with abdominal pain between January and September 2012. We recorded whether a pregnancy test result was documented (cycle 1). Results were analysed and a prompt added to the medical clerk‐in document. We re‐audited (cycle 2) between January and June 2013 looking for improvement.

Main outcome measures

Documented pregnancy status within 24 h of admission and prior to any surgical intervention.

Results

100 case notes were reviewed in stage 1. 30 patients (30 %) had a documented pregnancy status. 32 (32 %), 25 (25 %) and 29 (29 %) had a documented gynaecology history, contraceptive use and date of last menstrual period (LMP), respectively. 24 patients underwent emergency surgery, 6 (25 %) had a documented pregnancy status prior to surgery. Of 50 patients reviewed in stage 2, 37 (75.0 %) had a documented pregnancy status (p < 0.001), with 41 (82 %) having both gynaecological history (p < 0.0001) and contraceptive use (p < 0.0001) documented. 40 patients (80 % had a documented LMP (p < 0.0001). 7 patients required surgery, of whom 6 (85.7 %) had a documented pregnancy test prior to surgery (p = 0.001). All pregnancy tests were negative.

Conclusions

A simple prompt in the surgical admission document has significantly improved the documentation of pregnancy status and gynaecological history in our female patients, particularly in those who require surgical intervention. A number of patient safety concerns were addressed locally, but require a coordinated, interdisciplinary discussion and a national guideline. A minimum standard of care, in females of reproductive age, should include mandatory objective documentation of pregnancy status, whether or not they require surgical intervention.
The impact of Sleep Time‐Related Information and Communication Technology (STRICT) on sleep patterns and daytime functioning in American adolescents
Authors: Polos Peter G. , Bhat Sushanth , Gupta Divya , O'Malley Richard J. , DeBari Vincent A. , Upadhyay Hinesh , Chaudhry Saqib , Nimma Anitha , Pinto‐Zipp Genevieve , Chokroverty Sudhansu
Published: August 2015

This cross‐sectional study explored the extent and impact of mobile device‐based Sleep Time‐Related Information and Communication Technology (STRICT) use among American adolescents (N = 3139, 49.3% female, mean age = 13.3 years). Nearly 62% used STRICT after bedtime, 56.7% texted/tweeted/messaged in bed, and 20.8% awoke to texts. STRICT use was associated with insomnia, daytime sleepiness, eveningness, academic underperformance, later bedtimes and shorter sleep duration. Moderation analysis demonstrated that the association between STRICT use and insomnia increased with age, the association between STRICT use and daytime sleepiness decreased with age, and the association between STRICT use and shorter sleep duration decreased with age and was stronger in girls. Insomnia and daytime sleepiness partially mediated the relationship between STRICT use and academic underperformance. Our results illustrate the adverse interactions between adolescent STRICT use and sleep, with deleterious effects on daytime functioning. These worrisome findings suggest that placing reasonable limitations on adolescent STRICT use may be appropriate.
Risk group characteristics and viral transmission clusters in South‐East Asian patients infected with human immunodeficiency virus‐1 (HIV‐1) circulating recombinant form (CRF) 01_AE and subtype B
Authors: Oyomopito Rebecca A. , Chen Yen‐Ju , Sungkanuparph Somnuek , Kantor Rami , Merati Tuti , Yam Wing‐Cheong , Sirisanthana Thira , Li Patrick C.K. , Kantipong Pacharee , Phanuphak Praphan , Lee Chris K.C. , Kamarulzaman Adeeba , Ditangco Rossana , Huang Szu‐Wei , Sohn Annette H. , Law Matthew , Chen Yi Ming A.
Published: August 2015

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)‐1 epidemics in Asian countries are driven by varying exposures. The epidemiology of the regional pandemic has been changing with the spread of HIV‐1 to lower‐risk populations through sexual transmission. Common HIV‐1 genotypes include subtype B and circulating recombinant form (CRF) 01_AE. Our objective was to use HIV‐1 genotypic data to better quantify local epidemics. TASER‐M is a multicenter prospective cohort of HIV‐infected patients. Associations between HIV exposure, patient sex, country of sample origin and HIV‐1 genotype were evaluated by multivariate logistic regression. Phylogenetic methods were used on genotypic data to investigate transmission relationships. A total of 1086 patients from Thailand, Hong Kong, Malaysia and the Philippines were included in analyses. Proportions of male patients within countries varied (Thailand: 55.6%, Hong Kong: 86.1%, Malaysia: 81.4%, Philippines: 93.8%; p < 0.001) as did HIV exposures (heterosexual contact: Thailand: 85.7%, Hong Kong, 46.2%, Malaysia: 47.8%, Philippines: 25.0%; p < 0.001). After adjustment, we found increased subtype B infection among men who have sex with men, relative to heterosexual‐reported exposures (odds ratio = 2.4, p < 0.001). We further describe four transmission clusters of eight to 15 treatment naïve, predominantly symptomatic patients (two each for subtype B and CRF01_AE). Risk‐group subpopulations differed with respect to the infecting HIV‐1 genotype. Homosexual exposure patients had higher odds of being infected with subtype B. Where HIV‐1 genotypes circulate within countries or patient risk‐groups, local monitoring of genotype‐specific transmissions may play a role in focusing public health prevention strategies. Phylogenetic evaluations provide complementary information for surveillance and monitoring of viruses with high mutation rates such as HIV‐1 and Ebola.
Transport equation and evaluating formation parameters based on gamma-gamma log data
Authors: Khisamutdinov A.I. , Pakhotina Yu.A.
Published: August 2015

Computer inversion of measurement data based on the equation of particle transport is a topical component of the modern nuclear-geophysical technologies. In this work we have elaborated an approach and iterative methods for this inversion according to the gamma-gamma method data. In the framework of the “successive approximations according to characteristic interactions” approach, characteristic interactions have been established and iterative methods for the solution of two problems have been developed, namely, the problem of evaluation of the formation density and the problem of evaluation of two parameters—the formation density and the mud cake thickness. The numerical experiments confirm the theoretical concepts on the properties of iterative processes and convergence of methods.
Inertial migration of a spherical particle in laminar square channel flows from low to high Reynolds numbers
Authors: Nakagawa Naoto , Yabu Takuya , Otomo Ryoko , Kase Atsushi , Makino Masato , Itano Tomoaki , Sugihara-Seki Masako
Published: August 2015

The lateral migration properties of a rigid spherical particle suspended in a pressure-driven flow through channels with square cross-sections were investigated numerically, in the range of Reynolds numbers ($Re$) from 20 to 1000. The flow field around the particle was computed by the immersed boundary method to calculate the lateral forces exerted on the particle and its trajectories, starting from various initial positions. The numerical simulation showed that eight equilibrium positions of the particle are present at the centres of the channel faces and near the corners of the channel cross-section. The equilibrium positions at the centres of the channel faces are always stable, whereas the equilibrium positions at the corners are unstable until $Re$ exceeds a certain critical value, $Re_{c}$. At $Re\approx Re_{c}$, additional equilibrium positions appear on a heteroclinic orbit that joins the channel face and corner equilibrium positions, and the lateral forces along the heteroclinic orbit are very small. As $Re$ increases, the channel face equilibrium positions are shifted towards the channel wall at first, and then shifted away from the channel wall. The channel corner equilibrium positions exhibit a monotonic shift towards the channel corner with increasing $Re$. Migration behaviours of the particle in the cross-section are also predicted for various values of $Re$. These numerical results account for the experimental observations of particle distributions in the cross-section of micro and millimetre scale channels, including the characteristic alignment and focusing of the particles, the absence of the corner equilibrium positions at low $Re$ and the progressive shift of the equilibrium positions with $Re$.
Can a Darwinian nomenclature help reconcile alternative perspectives of the dynamic capabilities view?
Authors: Galvin Peter , Rice John , Liao Tung-Shan
Published: August 2015

The confusion concerning the theoretical roots of the dynamic capabilities view and the fact that it was often being positioned as an extension to the resource-based view in strategic management, prompted a paper by Galvin, Rice, and Liao (2014) that suggested that the dynamic capabilities view would benefit from adopting a more explicit Darwinian approach. In response to this paper, Arndt and Bach (2015) highlighted that the seminal papers in the field do indeed take an evolutionary perspective and that in operationalizing the variation–selection–retention cycle in an empirical setting it is necessary to move away from firm performance as a dependent variable and instead use survival, which more closely aligns with the concept of natural selection. In this paper, we respond to this recent critique to articulate the benefits of a Darwinian nomenclature and how this will assist in positioning the dynamic capabilities view as an independent, though complementary, theory to the resource-based view. However, we do clearly recognize that until the key terms of variation, selection and retention can be operationalized at the routine, firm and industry level, such an approach may not in itself bring the field towards a common understanding of how dynamic capabilities operate in different environments.
THE AVAILABILITY OF PROPRIETARY RESTITUTION IN CASES OF MISTAKEN PAYMENTS
Authors: Salmons David
Published: August 2015

This article is concerned with the availability of “proprietary restitution” in cases of mistaken payments. It is argued that the mistake of the claimant is an insufficient justification for proprietary restitution, but a close analysis of the case law demonstrates that the presence of additional factors can justify the availability of proprietary restitution in specific circumstances. The basis of proprietary restitution is to be found in the breach of a duty which arises separately from the claim for unjust enrichment. The significant contribution of this article is the analysis that knowledge merely creates a duty to maintain the fund until restitution is made, and that knowledge cannot establish the breach of this duty. Importantly, breach of this duty is established by a second condition which is demonstrated by the wilful misconduct of the recipient. It is this conduct which justifies the imposition of the constructive trust. By adopting this analysis, the proprietary claim in the context of mistaken transfers can be classified as forming part of the law of wrongs, rather than the law of unjust enrichment.
Differential immune responses in mice infected with the tissue-dwelling nematode Trichinella zimbabwensis
Authors: Onkoba W.N. , Chimbari M.J. , Kamau J.M. , Mukaratirwa S.
Published: August 2015

To improve diagnostic tools, immunotherapies and vaccine development for trichinellosis surveillance and control there is a need to understand the host immune responses induced during infection with Trichinella zimbabwensis, a tissue-dwelling nematode. In this study, we sought to determine immune responses induced in mice during T. zimbabwensis infection. The parasite strain used (Code ISS1209) was derived from a naturally infected crocodile (Crocodylus niloticus) and is the main Trichinella species prevalent in southern Africa. Sixty 6- to 8-week-old female BALB/c mice were randomly assigned to two equal groups: T. zimbabwensis-infected (n= 30) and the non-infected control group (n= 30). Levels of serum tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-10 (IL-10), interleukin-4 (IL-4) as well as parasite-specific IgM, IgG, IgG1, IgG2a, IgG2b and IgG3 antibody responses were determined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The cytokines and antibodies provided information on T-helper 1 (Th1)- and Th2-type, T-regulatory and antibody responses. Results showed that during the intestinal stage of infection, higher levels of parasite-specific IgM, IgG, IgG1 (P <  0.05) and IL-10 and TNF-α (P <  0.001) were observed in the Trichinella-infected group compared with the non-infected control group. In the parasite establishment and tissue migration phases, levels of IgG1 and IgG3 were elevated (P <  0.001), while those of IgM (P <  0.01) declined on days 21 and 35 post infection (pi) compared to the enteric phase. Our findings show that distinct differences in Th1- and Th2-type and T-regulatory responses are induced during the intestinal, tissue migration and larval establishment stages of T. zimbabwensis infection.
Motivation and challenge to capture both large-scale and local transport in next generation accretion theory
Authors: Blackman Eric G. , Nauman Farrukh
Published: August 2015

Accretion disc theory is less developed than stellar evolution theory although a similarly mature phenomenological picture is ultimately desired. While the interplay of theory and numerical simulations has amplified community awareness of the role of magnetic fields in angular momentum transport, there remains a long term challenge to incorporate the insights gained from simulations into improving practical models for comparison with observations. What has been learned from simulations that can lead to improvements beyond SS73 in practical models? Here, we emphasize the need to incorporate the role of non-local transport more precisely. To show where large-scale transport would fit into the theoretical framework and how it is currently missing, we review why the wonderfully practical approach of Shakura & Sunyaev (Astron. Astrophys., vol. 24, 1973, pp. 337–355, SS73) is necessarily a mean field theory, and one which does not include large-scale transport. Observations of coronae and jets, combined with the interpretation of results from shearing box simulations, of the magnetorotational instability (MRI) suggest that a significant fraction of disc transport is indeed non-local. We show that the Maxwell stresses in saturation are dominated by large-scale contributions and that the physics of MRI transport is not fully captured by a viscosity. We also clarify the standard physical interpretation of the MRI as it applies to shearing boxes. Computational limitations have so far focused most attention toward local simulations, but the next generation of global simulations should help to inform improved mean field theories. Mean field accretion theory and mean field dynamo theory should in fact be unified into a single theory that predicts the time evolution of spectra and luminosity from separate disc, corona and outflow contributions. Finally, we note that any mean field theory, including that of SS73, has a finite predictive precision that needs to be quantified when comparing the predictions to observations.
Nonlinear propagation of positron-acoustic waves in a four component space plasma
Authors: Shah M. G. , Hossen M. R. , Mamun A. A.
Published: August 2015

The nonlinear propagation of positron-acoustic waves (PAWs) in an unmagnetized, collisionless, four component, dense plasma system (containing non-relativistic inertial cold positrons, relativistic degenerate electron and hot positron fluids as well as positively charged immobile ions) has been investigated theoretically. The Korteweg–de Vries (K–dV), modified K–dV (mK–dV) and further mK–dV (fmK–dV) equations have been derived by using reductive perturbation technique. Their solitary wave solutions have been numerically analysed in order to understand the localized electrostatic disturbances. It is observed that the relativistic effect plays a pivotal role on the propagation of positron-acoustic solitary waves (PASW). It is also observed that the effects of degenerate pressure and the number density of inertial cold positrons, hot positrons, electrons and positively charged static ions significantly modify the fundamental features of PASW. The basic features and the underlying physics of PASW, which are relevant to some astrophysical compact objects (such as white dwarfs, neutron stars etc.), are concisely discussed.
Exit, voice and indifference – older people as consumers of Swedish home care services
Authors: VAMSTAD JOHAN
Published: August 2015

Sweden has in the last 20 years undergone an extensive process of marketisation of its home care sector. Where the public sector once was the only provider of home care services, there is now a wide array of different, private alternatives for older people to choose from, using their publicly funded voucher. The publicly funded home care services in Sweden are, in other words, to a large extent organised according to the principles of a quasi-market. Older people with care needs are therefore now considered to be consumers of home care since they are expected to make an informed choice of home care provider according to their own preferences. This paper studies the extent to which older people with care needs assume this role and how they do it, using Hirschman's well-known theory on ‘exit, voice and loyalty’ and theory on the difference between care and market logic. The study is based on results from a research project using telephone interviews to ask a large number of older people in three Swedish cities about their experience of making this choice. The results show that they had difficulty understanding how to choose and what the purpose of the choice was. The conclusion of this study suggests some possible reasons why policy makers in Sweden continue to favour the freedom-of-choice model in spite of these poor results.
The parametric continuation monad
Authors: MELLIÈS PAUL-ANDRÉ
Published: August 2015

Every dialogue category comes equipped with a continuation monad defined by applying the negation functor twice. In this paper, we advocate that this double negation monad should be understood as part of a larger parametric monad (or a lax action) with parameter taken in the opposite of the dialogue category. This alternative point of view has one main conceptual benefit: it reveals that the strength of the continuation monad is the fragment of a more fundamental and symmetric structure – provided by a distributivity law between the parametric continuation monad and the canonical action of the dialogue category over itself. The purpose of this work is to describe the formal properties of this parametric continuation monad and of its distributivity law.
‘Better housing conditions are of vital importance to the ordinary man’: slum clearance in post-war Khartoum
Authors: CURLESS GARETH
Published: August 2015

As the population of Khartoum increased during the 1940s, the Sudan government sought to demolish the Deims that surrounded the southern edge of the city and relocate the residents to a new planned site. Here, it was envisaged that improved housing would help to create ‘modern’, model families. However, like many of the post-war housing projects in British Africa, the resettlement of the Deims was undermined by poor planning, inadequate financial support and resistance from residents, who rejected the colonial planners’ vision of how domestic life should be organized.
SENSATION AND SENSIBILITY AT THE KEYBOARD IN THE LATE EIGHTEENTH CENTURY: CELEBRATING THE TERCENTENARY OF C. P. E. BACH CORNELL UNIVERSITY, 2–4 OCTOBER 2014
Authors: HALL MATTHEW J.
Published: August 2015

This conference-festival at Cornell University was a highlight among the many events held worldwide in connection with C. P. E. Bach's tercentenary. In addition to an international line-up of visiting scholars who descended upon Ithaca (only then, it might be added, to ascend the formidable hill atop which Cornell is perched), the occasion drew together from within the university the Department of Music, the Westfield Center for Historical Keyboard Studies, the Division of Rare and Manuscript Collections and the Atkinson Forum in American Studies. The conference was conceived around Christopher Hogwood's appointment at Cornell as A. D. White Professor-at-Large. Hogwood had been expected to attend and preside over the conference as honorary chair, but in the wake of his death on 24 September 2014 the proceedings were instead dedicated to him. Performances of C. P. E. Bach's music were interwoven with paper sessions and other events throughout each day: in all, two keynote lectures, four paper sessions, four solo keyboard recitals, two vocal-instrumental concerts, a standing exhibition, a clavichord masterclass and even a glass harmonica demonstration filled out the whirlwind, three-day schedule.
DER HOFKAPELLMEISTER IN THÜRINGEN UM 1700: INTERNATIONALES SYMPOSIUM ANLÄSSLICH DES 300. TODESTAGES VON PHILIPP HEINRICH ERLEBACH WEIMAR AND RUDOLSTADT, 10–11 OCTOBER 2014
Authors: CRIST STEPHEN A.
Published: August 2015

The larger context of this conference was the annual festival of early music in Thuringia known as Güldener Herbst (Golden Autumn). The series of concerts, church services, guided tours and similar events in late September and early October took note of the three hundredth anniversaries of Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach's birth on 8 March 1714 and Philipp Heinrich Erlebach's death a few weeks later, on 17 April. Since Bach was born in Weimar (central Germany) but worked primarily in the northern cities of Berlin and Hamburg, and Erlebach, conversely, hailed from a small town in the far northwest but spent his career in Rudolstadt (about twenty miles south of Weimar), the 2014 festival focused on cultural interrelationships between the two regions, summed up in the subtitle ‘Norddeutsche Impulse’ (north German impulses).
Design of a compact multi-mode UWB band pass filter with flexible notch band employing interdigital coupled lines
Authors: Sabaghi Fatemeh , Karimi Gholamreza , Ahmadi Arash
Published: August 2015

A novel ultra-wideband Microstrip bandpass filter using Radial Stub Loaded Resonator (RSLR) and interdigital coupled Lines is presented in this paper. The RSLR and decagonal patch form a resonator named M to create tuneable multiple notches in the passband for the suppression of Wireless Local Area Network systems’ interference. To realize sharp roll-off, two adjustable transmission nulls are located at the lower and upper frequencies out of the passband. Even and odd-mode analysis is presented to calculate modal resonance frequencies contributing to create the ultra-wide passband. Bessel function is employed to estimate the input impedance of the radial stub which is used in formulation of even and odd mode admittances. Simulated and measured results show a passband from 3.4 to 12 GHz (135% bandwidth around 6.39 GHz) with a rejection notch at 4.99 GHz is achieved with return losses better than 14 and 12 dB in the first and second passbands, respectively. The insertion loss is lower than 0.9 dB in the 90% of passband and rejection level is greater than 19 dB from 12.25 to 17.45 GHz.
Regional and global forcing of glacier retreat during the last deglaciation
Authors: Shakun Jeremy D. , Clark Peter U. , He Feng , Lifton Nathaniel A. , Liu Zhengyu , Otto-Bliesner Bette L.
Published: August 2015

The ongoing retreat of glaciers globally is one of the clearest manifestations of recent global warming associated with rising greenhouse gas concentrations. By comparison, the importance of greenhouse gases in driving glacier retreat during the most recent deglaciation, the last major interval of global warming, is unclear due to uncertainties in the timing of retreat around the world. Here we use recently improved cosmogenic-nuclide production-rate calibrations to recalculate the ages of 1,116 glacial boulders from 195 moraines that provide broad coverage of retreat in mid-to-low-latitude regions. This revised history, in conjunction with transient climate model simulations, suggests that while several regional-scale forcings, including insolation, ice sheets and ocean circulation, modulated glacier responses regionally, they are unable to account for global-scale retreat, which is most likely related to increasing greenhouse gas concentrations.
Distinct partitioning of ALS associated TDP-43, FUS and SOD1 mutants into cellular inclusions
Authors: Farrawell Natalie E. , Lambert-Smith Isabella A. , Warraich Sadaf T. , Blair Ian P. , Saunders Darren N. , Hatters Danny M. , Yerbury Justin J.
Published: August 2015

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is a rapidly progressing neurodegenerative disease associated with protein misfolding and aggregation. Most cases are characterized by TDP-43 positive inclusions, while a minority of familial ALS cases are instead FUS and SOD1 positive respectively. Cells can generate inclusions of variable type including previously characterized aggresomes, IPOD or JUNQ structures depending on the misfolded protein. SOD1 invariably forms JUNQ inclusions but it remains unclear whether other ALS protein aggregates arise as one of these previously described inclusion types or form unique structures. Here we show that FUS variably partitioned to IPOD, JUNQ or alternate structures, contain a mobile fraction, were not microtubule dependent and initially did not contain ubiquitin. TDP-43 inclusions formed in a microtubule independent manner, did not contain a mobile fraction but variably colocalized to JUNQ inclusions and another alternate structure. We conclude that the RNA binding proteins TDP-43 and FUS do not consistently fit the currently characterised inclusion models suggesting that cells have a larger repertoire for generating inclusions than currently thought and imply that toxicity in ALS does not stem from a particular aggregation process or aggregate structure.
Resolving powers of >7900 using linked scans: how well does resolving power describe the separation capability of differential ion mobility spectrometry
Authors: Santiago Brandon G. , Harris Rachel A. , Isenberg Samantha L. , Glish Gary L.
Published: August 2015

Linked scans of the differential ion mobility spectrometry carrier gas and compensation field yield resolving powers >7900, more than 16 times greater than the best previously reported values.
Determination of hematocrit by voltage-induced hemolysis on a disposable electrochemical sensing strip
Authors: Weng Chih-Wei , Hsieh Bo-Chuan , Hou Yung-Te , Cheng Tzong-Jih
Published: August 2015

A simple and rapid hematocrit determination method was developed. The voltage-induced hemolysis causes the released hemoglobin to react electrochemically with the immobilized ferricyanide on a disposable sensing strip.
Weak intramolecular and intermolecular hydrogen bonding of benzyl alcohol, 2-phenylethanol and 2-phenylethylamine in the adsorption on graphitized thermal carbon black
Authors: Varfolomeeva V. V. , Terentev A. V.
Published: August 2015

The present paper discusses the contemporary state of the studies of the weak hydrogen bond contribution to the adsorption of flexible molecules. We formulated the problems which can be solved today only using the NCI method and quantum chemical calculations.
Neutral thioether and selenoether macrocyclic coordination to Group 1 cations (Li–Cs) – synthesis, spectroscopic and structural properties
Authors: Champion Martin J. D. , Levason William , Pugh David , Reid Gillian
Published: August 2015

Heterocrown complexes of the alkali metal cations provide rare examples of neutral sulfur and selenium coordination to these hard centres.
Preparation of enantiomerically pure open calcocene and strontocene complexes and their application in ring opening polymerizations of rac-lactide
Authors: Fecker Ann Christin , Freytag Matthias , Jones Peter G. , Zhao Ning , Zi Guofu , Walter Marc D.
Published: August 2015

Enantiomerically pure open metallocenes are active catalysts in the ROP of rac-lactide without the necessity to add any activators.
Potent inhibitory effect of silibinin from milk thistle on skin inflammation stimuli by 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate
Authors: Liu Wenfeng , Li Yonglian , Zheng Xi , Zhang Kun , Du Zhiyun
Published: August 2015

Silibinin, a major polyphenol in milk thistle, has been reported to have multiple pharmacological activities; therefore, there is an urgent need to well understand how silibinin works on inflammation-associated skin diseases.
Solvent-free synthesis of pillar[6]arenes
Authors: Santra S. , Kopchuk D. S. , Kovalev I. S. , Zyryanov G. V. , Majee A. , Charushin V. N. , Chupakhin O. N.
Published: August 2015

An efficient solvent-free procedure for the synthesis of pillar[6]arenes has been developed.
Emerging trends in enzyme inhibition by multivalent nanoconstructs
Authors: Kanfar Nasreddine , Bartolami Eline , Zelli Renaud , Marra Alberto , Winum Jean-Yves , Ulrich Sébastien , Dumy Pascal
Published: August 2015

This review highlights the recent implementation of multivalent nanoconstructs in enzyme inhibition and discusses the emerging trends in their design and identification.
Highly chemoselective synthesis of dimeric 2-oxindoles with a C-3/C-5′ linkage via Friedel–Crafts alkylations of 2-oxindoles with 3-hydroxy-2-oxindoles
Authors: Babu K. Naresh , Kinthada Lakshmana K. , Ghosh Santanu , Bisai Alakesh
Published: August 2015

An expeditious approach to a variety of dimeric 2-oxindoles with a C-3/C-5′ linkage sharing an all-carbon quaternary center at the pseudobenzylic position has been developed via Lewis acid-catalyzed F–C alkylations.
A four-component reaction of aryldiazonium tetrafluoroborates, sulfur dioxide, 1,2-dibromoethane, and hydrazines
Authors: Zheng Danqing , Kuang Yunyan , Wu Jie
Published: August 2015

A four-component reaction of aryldiazonium tetrafluoroborates, sulfur dioxide, 1,2-dibromoethane, and hydrazines under metal-free conditions is described, leading to 2-arylsulfonyl hydrazones. This transformation proceeds via insertion of sulfur dioxide with good functional group tolerance.
Citrate/F− assisted phase control synthesis of TiO2 nanostructures and their photocatalytic properties
Authors: Guo Zhiqiang , Li Chao , Lu Shuanglong , Pan Yue , Gu Hongwei
Published: August 2015

A novel and controlled sol-hydrothermal synthesis method of nano-TiO2 assisted by citrate/F− has been developed. The photocatalytic activity of the synthesized TiO2 was superior to the commercially available TiO2.
N-rich porous organic polymer with suitable donor–donor–acceptor functionality for the sensing of nucleic acid bases and CO2storage application
Authors: Bhanja Piyali , Gomes Ruth , Bhaumik Asim
Published: August 2015

A new porous polymer has been synthesizedviaradical polymerization of divinylbenzene and (+)-N,N0-diallyltartardiamide under solvothermal conditions. It showed selective biosensing of cytosine and high CO2uptake.
Carbazole-grafted silicone hydrogel with a high refractive index for intraocular lens
Authors: Xu Jinku , Zhu Weiyue , Jiang Lijuan , Xu Jing , Zhang Yongchun , Cui Yuezhi
Published: August 2015

The refractive index (RI) is an important parameter for intraocular lens biomaterials.
Development of a novel magnetite–chitosan composite for the removal of fluoride from drinking water: adsorption modeling and optimization
Authors: Mohseni-Bandpi Anoushiravan , Kakavandi Babak , Kalantary Roshanak Rezaei , Azari Ali , Keramati Azam
Published: August 2015

Fe3O4–chitosan can be separated both quickly and easily. The magnetization of adsorbents and use of magnetic separation techniques can be an effective way to resolve problems associated with separation and filtration.
AgBr nanoparticles decorated BiPO4 microrod: a novel p–n heterojunction with enhanced photocatalytic activities
Authors: Wang Danjun , Yue Linlin , Guo Li , Fu Feng , He Xiaomei , Shen Huidong
Published: August 2015

AgBr nanoparticles were decorated on the surface of BiPO4 micro-rod to fabricate a novel p–n heterojunction photocatalyst via a facile deposition–precipitation method.
A molecularly imprinted polymer with flash column chromatography for the selective and continuous extraction of diphenyl amine
Authors: Hande Pankaj E. , Samui Asit B. , Kulkarni Prashant S.
Published: August 2015

The aim of this study was to prepare MIP for the selective recognition of DPA and its combination with flash column chromatography for the continuous extraction of DPA from ammunition waste.
Electrodeposition of a 3D hierarchical porous flower-like cobalt–MWCNT nanocomposite electrode for non-enzymatic glucose sensing
Authors: Premlatha S. , Sivasakthi P. , Ramesh Bapu G. N. K.
Published: August 2015

A versatile and cost-effective electrodeposition technique was adopted to synthesize cobalt and cobalt–MWCNT nanocomposite electrodes and the fabricated cobalt–MWCNT material was successfully demonstrated as a non-enzymatic glucose sensor.
PSA modified 3 D flower-like NiCo2O4 nanorod clusters as anode materials for lithium ion batteries
Authors: Chen Junfen , Ru Qiang , Mo Yudi , Hu Shejun
Published: August 2015

3 D flower-like NiCo2O4 nanorod clusters as anode materials for lithium ion batteries exhibit excellent electrochemical performance.
Early stages of ZIF-8 film growth: the enhancement effect of primers exposing sulfonate groups as surface-confined nucleation agents
Authors: Tuninetti Jimena S. , Rafti Matías , Azzaroni Omar
Published: August 2015

We describe the use of sulfonate-terminated self-assembled monolayers as very efficient surface-confined nucleation agents for rapid growth of dense, thick and well-percolated ZIF-8 films.
Piezoresistive behavior of a stretchable carbon nanotube-interlayered poly(dimethylsiloxane) sheet with a wrinkled structure
Authors: Jung Joonhoo , Lee Kyung Min , Baeck Sung-Hyeon , Shim Sang Eun
Published: August 2015

Piezoresistive behavior of a stretchable poly(dimethylsiloxane) sheet with an interlayer of carbon nanotube in it (CNT-interlayered PDMS) was investigated.
Facile fabrication and enhanced gas sensing properties of hierarchical MoO3 nanostructures
Authors: Yan Huihui , Song Peng , Zhang Su , Yang Zhongxi , Wang Qi
Published: August 2015

Hierarchical MoO3 nanostructures, synthesized through oxidization conversion of hydrothermally synthesized MoS2 precursors, show superior gas sensing performance toward ethanol.
A dual-amplification fluorescent sensing platform for ultrasensitive assay of nuclease and ATP based on rolling circle replication and exonuclease III-aided recycling
Authors: Liu Chen-Liwei , Kong Xiang-Juan , Yuan Jing , Yu Ru-Qin , Chu Xia
Published: August 2015

A ultrasensitive, easy operated and robust assay of S1 nuclease in real samples and ATP has been successfully achieved with the dual-amplification strategy based on rolling circle replication and Exo III-aided recycling.
Steroidal and α-tocopherylhydroquinone glycosides from two soft corals Cladiella hirsuta and Sinularia nanolobata
Authors: Chao Chih-Hua , Huang Tzu-Zin , Wu Chia-Yun , Chen Bo-Wei , Huang Chiung-Yao , Hwang Tsong-Long , Dai Chang-Feng , Sheu Jyh-Horng
Published: August 2015

Cytotoxic and anti-inflammatory glycosides were isolated from two soft corals,Cladiella hirsutaandSinularia nanolobata. Compounds3and4represent the first example of tocopheryl xyloside derivatives.
Production of 2-hydroxyacetylfuran from lignocellulosics treated with ionic liquid–water mixtures
Authors: Yoshioka Koichi , Yamada Tatsuhiko , Ohno Hiroyuki , Miyafuji Hisashi
Published: August 2015

2-Hydroxyacetylfuran, which has potential as a new platform, was firstly identified in wood treated with ionic liquid–water mixtures.
Flexible periodical micro- and nano-structuring of a stainless steel surface using dual-wavelength double-pulse picosecond laser irradiation
Authors: Gedvilas Mindaugas , Mikšys Justinas , Račiukaitis Gediminas
Published: August 2015

The picosecond laser-induced ripple formation on a stainless steel surface upon irradiation with linearly-polarized single-pulse and dual-wavelength cross-polarized double-pulse trains in air was studied experimentally.
Rational design of a pyrene based luminescent porous supramolecular framework: excimer emission and energy transfer
Authors: Prasad Komal , Haldar Ritesh , Maji Tapas Kumar
Published: August 2015

Based on rational design and synthesis approach, a pyrene based supramolecular flexible porous framework of Zn(ii) has been synthesized. It shows excimer emission and has been exploited for light harvesting application.
Odd–even effect on the thermal properties of Schiff base functionalized dicyanate esters and thermo-mechanical properties of their blends with epoxy resins
Authors: Sakthidharan C. P. , Sundararajan P. R. , Sarojadevi M.
Published: August 2015

An odd–even effect was observed in the case of dicyanate esters described in this work.
Phenolic oxime based receptors for selective detection of fluoride
Authors: Borah Suchibrata , Das Bhrigu Phukan , Konwar Gayatri , Mahanta Sanjeev Pran , Gogoi Nayanmoni
Published: August 2015

The possibilities to employ phenol and oxime functionalities as fluoride recognition motif are investigated. The recognition involves H-bonding followed by deprotonation.
Voltage-morphology coupling in biomimetic membranes: dynamics of giant vesicles in applied electric fields
Authors: Vlahovska Petia M.
Published: August 2015

Giant vesicles in electric fields display a plethora of intriguing dynamics (formation of edges, pearling, phase separation) that highlight a lack of comprehensive understanding of membrane electromechanics.
Increased ion conduction in dual cation [sodium][tetraalkylammonium] poly[4-styrenesulfonyl(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide-co-ethylacrylate] ionomers
Authors: Li Jiaye , Zhu Haijin , Wang Xiaoen , MacFarlane Douglas R. , Armand Michel , Forsyth Maria
Published: August 2015

Three dual-cation polymeric ionomers that contain tetraalkylammonium ions and sodium ions have been synthesized and exhibited higher conductivity than the analogous single sodium ion polymers.
A novel solid-state electrolyte based on a crown ether lithium salt complex
Authors: Gao Minda , Wang Yun , Yi Qinghua , Su Ying , Sun Pengfei , Wang Xiangguo , Zhao Jie , Zou Guifu
Published: August 2015

A novel solid-state electrolyte based on a crown ether lithium salt complex [Li∈12-C-4][I] has been designed, synthesized and characterized.