bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Implications of Australia's Population Policy for Future Greenhouse Gas Emissions Targets
Authors: Bradshaw Corey J. A. , Brook Barry W.
Published: June 2016

Australia's high per capita emissions rates makes it is a major emitter of anthropogenic greenhouse gases, but its low intrinsic growth rate means that future increases in population size will be dictated by net overseas immigration. We constructed matrix models and projected the population to 2100 under six different immigration scenarios. A constant 1 per cent proportional immigration scenario would result in 53 million people by 2100, producing 30.7 Gt CO2‐e over that interval. Zero net immigration would achieve approximate population stability by mid‐century and produce 24.1 Gt CO2‐e. Achieving a 27 per cent reduction in annual emissions by 2030 would require a 1.5‐ to 2.0‐fold reduction in per‐capita emissions; an 80 per cent reduction by 2050 would require a 5.8‐ to 10.2‐fold reduction. Australia's capacity to limit its future emissions will therefore depend primarily on a massive technological transformation of its energy sector, but business‐as‐usual immigration rates will make achieving meaningful mid‐century targets more difficult.
Evaluating the impacts of small impoundments on stream salamanders
Authors: Kirchberg Jeffery , Cecala kristen K. , Price Steven J. , White Emily M. , Haskell David G.
Published: June 2016

Large dams have been repeatedly implicated in declines of riverine species, but the impacts of small dams are largely understudied. The placement of small dams (< 5 m high) on headwater streams, their density, and lack of regulation suggests that these dams may also have significant adverse impacts on headwater biota.

The objective of this study was to determine whether small impoundments affect downstream salamander abundance and water quality. Salamanders were identified and counted from 10 paired catchments draining either a small impoundment (< 0.8 ha) or a free‐flowing stream. A binomial mixture model was used to estimate abundance after accounting for incomplete detection.

Estimated abundance of larval Desmognathus conanti, Eurycea wilderae, and Pseudotriton ruber was 3.9, 19.6, and 9.8 times greater downstream of small impoundments than in unaltered streams. Iron concentrations and pH had positive effects on salamander abundance while conductivity was negatively associated with salamander abundance.

Increases in abundance may be due to increased hydrologic stability below dams, different geomorphology, and altered water quality. Despite their small size, small impoundments can have localized, downstream effects on water chemistry and species abundance and may create high quality habitat for some stream species in a heterogeneous landscape.

Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Stability and Control of Fractional Chaotic Complex Networks with Mixed Interval Uncertainties
Authors: Zhang Hao , Wang Xing‐yuan , Lin Xiao‐hui
Published: June 2016

This paper investigates the stability and control in fractional complex networks with inner and outer interval uncertainties. Each node is defined as a chaotic system. Stability theorems for fractional order 0 < α < 1 and 1 ≤ α < 2 are derived in the chaotic complex network. Instead of removing the nonlinear part directly, for a class of nonlinear function, we use an interval matrix to deal with this problem. By using the Kronecker product and LMI toolbox, stability conditions are provided in terms of linear matrix inequalities, and feasible feedback controllers are solved. In numerical simulations, two examples (real‐valued complex network and complex‐valued complex network) are provided to demonstrate the robustness and effectiveness of our methods.
Downregulation of miR‐133b predict progression and poor prognosis in patients with urothelial carcinoma of bladder
Authors: Chen Xiaonan , Wu Bin , Xu Zhenqun , Li Shijie , Tan Shutao , Liu Xuefeng , Wang Kefeng
Published: June 2016

We found microRNA‐133b (miR‐133b) was downregulated in urothelial carcinoma of the bladder (UCB) tissues, and it could inhibit the proliferation and induce apoptosis in UCB cells. Consequently, we intend to explore the clinical significance of miR‐133b in UCB patients. Expression of miR‐133b in 146 UCB specimens and matched adjacent non‐neoplastic bladder tissues were measured by quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction. The overall survival (OS) curve and progression‐free survival (PFS) curve were plotted using the Kaplan–Meier method. Prognostic factors for OS and PFS were identified by univariate and multivariate analyses using the Cox proportional hazards regression model. The expression of miR‐133b was significantly downregulated in UCB tissues compared with those in adjacent non‐neoplastic bladder tissues (P < 0.001). Among UCB patients, low expression of miR‐133b significantly correlated with aggressive clinicopathological features. Multivariate analysis indicated that the expression of miR‐133b was the independent prognostic factors for predicting PFS (RR: 2.97; 95% CI: 1.78–6.44; P = 0.009) and OS (RR: 4.23; 95% CI: 1.51–11.8; P = 0.011) in patients with UCB. Our study demonstrated that downregulation of miR‐133b associated with aggressive clinicopathological features and predicted unfavorable prognosis in patients with UCB, might serve as feasible biomarker for clinical outcome of UCB patients after surgery and potential therapeutic target in the future.
Phosphorescent Platinum(II) Complexes with Mesoionic 1H‐1,2,3‐Triazolylidene Ligands
Authors: Soellner Johannes , Tenne Mario , Wagenblast Gerhard , Strassner Thomas
Published: June 2016

The synthesis and characterization of eight unprecedented phosphorescent C^C* cyclometalated mesoionic aryl‐1,2,3‐triazolylidene platinum(II) complexes with different β‐diketonate ligands are reported. All compounds proved to be strongly emissive at room temperature in poly(methyl methacrylate) films with an emitter concentration of 2 wt %. The observed photoluminescence properties were strongly dependent on the substitution on the aryl system and the β‐diketonate ligand. Compared to acetylacetonate, the β‐diketonates with aromatic substituents (mesityl and duryl) were found to significantly enhance the quantum yield while simultaneously reducing the emission lifetimes. Characterization was carried out by standard techniques, as well as solid‐state structure determination, which confirmed the binding mode of the carbene ligand. DFT calculations, carried out to predict the emission wavelength with maximum intensity, were in excellent agreement with the (later) obtained experimental data.
Sex Hormones and Cognition: Neuroendocrine Influences on Memory and Learning
Authors: Hamson Dwayne K. , Roes Meighen M. , Galea Liisa A. M.
Published: June 2016

Sex differences in neurological disease exist in incidence, severity, progression, and symptoms and may ultimately influence treatment. Cognitive disturbances are frequent in neuropsychiatric disease with men showing greater cognitive impairment in schizophrenia, but women showing more severe dementia and cognitive decline with Alzheimer's disease. Although there are no overall differences in intelligence between the sexes, men, and women demonstrate slight but consistent differences in a number of cognitive domains. These include a male advantage, on average, in some types of spatial abilities and a female advantage on some measures of verbal fluency and memory. Sex differences in traits or behaviors generally indicate the involvement of sex hormones, such as androgens and estrogens. We review the literature on whether adult levels of testosterone and estradiol influence spatial ability in both males and females from rodent models to humans. We also include information on estrogens and their ability to modulate verbal memory in men and women. Estrone and progestins are common components of hormone therapies, and we also review the existing literature concerning their effects on cognition. We also review the sex differences in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex as they relate to cognitive performance in both rodents and humans. There has been greater recognition in the scientific literature that it is important to study both sexes and also to analyze study findings with sex as a variable. Only by examining these sex differences can we progress to finding treatments that will improve the cognitive health of both men and women. © 2016 American Physiological Society.Compr Physiol6:1295‐1337, 2016.
Neurophysiology of Skin Thermal Sensations
Authors: Filingeri Davide
Published: June 2016

Undoubtedly, adjusting our thermoregulatory behavior represents the most effective mechanism to maintain thermal homeostasis and ensure survival in the diverse thermal environments that we face on this planet. Remarkably, our thermal behavior is entirely dependent on the ability to detect variations in our internal (i.e., body) and external environment, via sensing changes in skin temperature and wetness. In the past 30 years, we have seen a significant expansion of our understanding of the molecular, neuroanatomical, and neurophysiological mechanisms that allow humans to sense temperature and humidity. The discovery of temperature‐activated ion channels which gate the generation of action potentials in thermosensitive neurons, along with the characterization of the spino‐thalamo‐cortical thermosensory pathway, and the development of neural models for the perception of skin wetness, are only some of the recent advances which have provided incredible insights on how biophysical changes in skin temperature and wetness are transduced into those neural signals which constitute the physiological substrate of skin thermal and wetness sensations. Understanding how afferent thermal inputs are integrated and how these contribute to behavioral and autonomic thermoregulatory responses under normal brain function is critical to determine how these mechanisms are disrupted in those neurological conditions, which see the concurrent presence of afferent thermosensory abnormalities and efferent thermoregulatory dysfunctions. Furthermore, advancing the knowledge on skin thermal and wetness sensations is crucial to support the development of neuroprosthetics. In light of the aforementioned text, this review will focus on the peripheral and central neurophysiological mechanisms underpinning skin thermal and wetness sensations in humans. © 2016 American Physiological Society.Compr Physiol6:1279‐1294, 2016.
Multispectral flow cytometry: The consequences of increased light collection
Authors: Feher Kristen , von Volkmann Konrad , Kirsch Jenny , Radbruch Andreas , Popien Jan , Kaiser Toralf
Published: June 2016

In recent years, multispectral flow cytometry systems have come to attention. They differ from conventional flow cytometers in two key ways: a multispectral flow cytometer collects the full spectral information at the single cell level and the detector configuration is fixed and not explicitly tuned to a particular staining panel. This brings about clear hardware advantages, as a closed system should be highly stable, and ease‐of‐use should be improved if used in conjunction with custom unmixing software. An open question remains: what are the benefits of multispectral over conventional flow cytometry in terms of sensitivity and resolution? To probe this, we use Q (detection efficiency) and B (background) values and develop a novel “multivariate population overlap factor” to characterize the cytometer performance. To verify the usefulness of our factor, we perform representative experiments and compare our overlap factor to Q and B. Finally, we conclude that the increased light collection of multispectral flow cytometry does indeed lead to increased sensitivity, an improved detection limit, and a higher resolution. © 2016 International Society for Advancement of Cytometry
Can molecular DNA‐based techniques unravel the truth about diabetic foot infections?
Authors: Malone M. , Gosbell I. B. , Dickson H. G. , Vickery K. , Espedido B. A. , Jensen S. O.
Published: June 2016

Diabetes foot infections are a common condition and a major causal pathway to lower extremity amputation. Identification of causative pathogens is vital in directing antimicrobial therapy. Historically, clinicians have relied upon culture‐dependent techniques that are now acknowledged as both being selective for microorganisms that thrive under the physiological and nutritional constraints of the microbiology laboratory and that grossly underestimate the microbial diversity of a sample. The amplification and sequence analysis of the 16S rRNA gene has revealed a diversity of microorganisms in diabetes foot infections, extending the view of the diabetic foot microbiome. The interpretation of these findings and their relevance to clinical care remains largely unexplored. The advent of molecular methods that are culture‐independent and employ massively parallel DNA sequencing technology represents a potential ‘game changer’. Metagenomics and its shotgun approach to surveying all DNA within a sample (whole genome sequencing) affords the possibility to characterize not only the microbial diversity within a diabetes foot infection (i.e. ‘which microorganisms are present’) but the biological functions of the community such as virulence and pathogenicity (i.e. ‘what are the microorganisms capable of doing’), moving the focus from single species as pathogens to groups of species. This review will examine the new molecular techniques for exploration of the microbiome of infected and uninfected diabetic foot ulcers, exploring the potential of these new technologies and postulating how they could translate to improved clinical care. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Thermal reaction norms can surmount evolutionary constraints: comparative evidence across leaf beetle species
Authors: Kutcherov Dmitry
Published: June 2016

One of the leitmotifs of the ecophysiological research on ectotherms is the variation and evolution of thermal reaction norms for biological rates. This long‐standing issue is crucial both for our understanding of life‐history diversification and for predicting the phenology of economically important species. A number of properties of the organism's thermal phenotype have been identified as potential constraints on the evolution of the rate–temperature relationship. This comparative study addresses several such constraints by testing whether the actual interspecific variation of thermal reaction norms across nearly hundred leaf beetle species agrees with the expected patterns. The results show that developmental rate and its temperature‐dependent parameters are similar in closely related species and that the variation pattern depends on the taxonomic scale, the thermal reaction norms being mostly parallel for the representatives of distant subclades but intersecting more often farther down the phylogenetic tree. The parallel shift disagrees with the putative ubiquity of a positive slope–threshold relationship, whereby thermal reaction norms should normally intersect, and even more contradicts with the common‐intersection hypothesis. The ability to develop in cooler conditions is not traded off at higher temperatures, which is an exception to the “warmer is better” principle. A comparison of high‐ and low‐quality data indicates that some of these discrepancies with earlier findings may stem from a likely presence of noise in previous analyses, which may have affected the variation patterns observed. Overall, the failure to support the universality of the predicted patterns suggests that the evolution of thermal reaction norms in leaf beetles has largely overcome the hypothesized constraints.
Molecular tracking of individual host use in the Shiny Cowbird – a generalist brood parasite
Authors: de la Colina Ma Alicia , Hauber Mark E. , Strausberger Bill M. , Reboreda Juan Carlos , Mahler Bettina
Published: June 2016

Generalist parasites exploit multiple host species at the population level, but the individual parasite's strategy may be either itself a generalist or a specialist pattern of host species use. Here, we studied the relationship between host availability and host use in the individual parasitism patterns of the Shiny CowbirdMolothrus bonariensis, a generalist avian obligate brood parasite that parasitizes an extreme range of hosts. Using five microsatellite markers and an 1120‐bp fragment of the mtDNAcontrol region, we reconstructed full‐sibling groups from 359 cowbird eggs and chicks found in nests of the two most frequent hosts in our study area, the Chalk‐browed MockingbirdMimus saturninusand the House WrenTroglodytes aedon. We were able to infer the laying behavior of 17 different females a posteriori and found that they were mostly faithful to a particular laying area and host species along the entire reproductive season and did not avoid using previously parasitized nests (multiple parasitism) even when other nests were available for parasitism. Moreover, we found females using the same host nest more than once (repeated parasitism), which had not been previously reported for this species. We also found few females parasitizing more than one host species. The use of an alternative host was not related to the main hosts' nest availability. Overall, female shiny cowbirds use a spatially structured and host species specific approach for parasitism, but they do so nonexclusively, resulting in both detectable levels of multiple parasitism and generalism at the level of individual parasites.
Endomyocardial miR‐133a levels correlate with myocardial inflammation, improved left ventricular function, and clinical outcome in patients with inflammatory cardiomyopathy
Authors: Besler Christian , Urban Daniel , Watzka Stefan , Lang David , Rommel Karl‐Philipp , Kandolf Reinhard , Klingel Karin , Thiele Holger , Linke Axel , Schuler Gerhard , Adams Volker , Lurz Philipp
Published: June 2016

Aims

Inflammatory heart disease represents an important cause of chronic dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). Predicting the clinical course of patients with inflammatory cardiomyopathy (iCMP) is difficult, and the prognostic value of current biological markers remains controversial. We tested whether expression of selected microRNAs in endomyocardial biopsies (EMBs) is related to LV functional recovery and clinical events in iCMP patients.

Methods and results

EMBs were obtained from patients with iCMP (n = 76) and non‐inflammatory DCM (n = 22). A set of six microRNAs implicated in inflammation (miR‐155 and miR‐146b), heart failure (miR‐21 and miR‐133a), and endothelial cell (miR‐126) and skeletal muscle function (miR‐206) was pre‐defined. Endomyocardial expression of miR‐155 and miR‐133a, as quantified by reverse transcription–PCR (RT–PCR), was up‐regulated in patients with iCMP as compared with patients with DCM. Levels of miR‐133a (R = 0.73, P < 0.01) and miR‐155 (R = 0.63, P < 0.01) correlated with inflammatory cell count on EMBs from patients with iCMP. Patients with iCMP and preserved LV function at study entry demonstrated higher expression of miR‐133a than patients with reduced LV function. Also, increased expression of miR‐133a was associated with less fibrosis and myocyte necrosis on EMB, and LV functional recovery during a mean follow‐up of 3.1 years. Importantly, patients with iCMP and miR‐133a levels in the upper tertile showed longer survival free of death, malignant arrhythmias, and hospitalizations for heart failure.

Conclusion

The present study demonstrates that miR‐133a levels correlate with macrophage infiltration, cardiac injury, improved LV function, and clinical outcome in patients with iCMP. miR‐133a may serve as a potential novel biomarker and therapeutic target in human iCMP.
Changes in chemical and sensory characteristics of Chemlali extra‐virgin olive oil as depending on filtration
Authors: Jabeur Hazem , Zribi Akram , Bouaziz Mohamed
Published: June 2016

The oil extracted from olive paste is a turbid and opalescent juice which contains impurities that can affect its quality. Before olive oil packaging, filtration has recently become a standard processing procedure in order to obtain more brilliant extra‐virgin olive oil (EVOO), maintain its quality, and extend its shelf life. In this research work, changes occurring in the concentrations of some minor compounds during industrial filtration of Chemlali EVOO were studied. The chemical parameters with sensorial quality were also determined. After the filtration of oil, a slight increase in quality parameters was noticed, along with a slight influence on the sensory scores. The adopted filtration system reduces the moisture contents. However, non‐filtered olive oil might be more stable. Nevertheless, the behavior of phenolic compounds during filtration differed for each family. Indeed, the secoiridoids are the most affected phenolic compounds during EVOO filtration. Their concentrations increase significantly (p < 0.05) except the decarboxylated ligstroside aglycon decreases during this process.

Practical applications: This work clearly demonstrates the usefulness of filtration process in the Chemlali EVOO treatment. After industrial‐scale filtration process, the analysis of individual concentration of phenolic compounds indicated that the concentrations of secoiridoids increased significantly (p < 0.05) mainly 3,4‐DHPEA‐EA. Besides, olive oil brilliance is achieved by eliminating vegetable water and suspended particles; thus extending final product shelf life.

Extra‐virgin olive oil is a turbid colloidal dispersion. The most common technique used to clear the oil is filtration. During this process, quantitative and qualitative changes take place, especially on minor components.
Synthesis of Isomerically Pure Multi‐aniline C60 Adducts with Cyclopentadienyl Addition Pattern
Authors: Liang Sisi , Xu Liang , Gan Liangbing
Published: June 2016

Unlike aliphatic amines, anilines cannot react directly with fullerenes to form isomerically pure fullerene multi‐adducts. In the present work several anilino C60 derivatives are prepared through BiCl3‐mediated replacement reactions of C60 derivatives that contain secondary amino addends. All new anilino C60 derivatives have a cyclopentadienyl addition pattern and contain multiple anilino addends up to 5.
Characterization of the protein corona of gold nanoparticles by an advanced treatment of CE‐ICP‐MS data
Authors: Matczuk Magdalena , Legat Joanna , Shtykov Sergei N. , Jarosz Maciej , Timerbaev Andrei R.
Published: June 2016

CE is well known not only as an efficient separation method, but also as a viable tool for studying chemical reactions, including kinetic assaying and analysis of chemical equilibria. In this communication, the latter feature of CE interfaced with ICP‐MS was exploited to determine the stoichiometric composition of the protein corona of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) at equilibrium conditions. For both individual albumin and human serum involved in binding, the number of protein molecules bound per AuNP (n) was calculated. Since the time scale of the corona formation was previously found to be dependent on the particle size, two calculation algorithms were adopted here. In the case of 5‐nm AuNPs, rather slowly associating with the protein, the peak areas measured for the conjugated and free particles were taken in computation (the 34S signal due to bound protein was also monitored simultaneously to confirm that equilibrium is reached). In binding labile systems (10–50 nm AuNPs), the particles are converted into the protein‐bound form relatively fast due mostly to the favor of a much greater excess of the protein so that no peak of the free particles interacting with serum being recorded. Therefore, the n value was estimated by relating the sulfur peak area of each of these conjugates to that of 5‐nm AuNPs to calculate the number of bound albumin molecules that was then divided by the number of AuNPs. The AuNPs were found to react with from 13 to 292 albumin molecules that is in good agreement with the literature data.
Application of isotachophoresis in commercial capillary electrophoresis instrument using C4D and UV detection
Authors: Koczka Péter I. , Bodor Róbert , Masár Marián , Gáspár Attila
Published: June 2016

In this work, we tested the applicability of a commercial CE instrument (Agilent) for capillary ITP (CITP). The fused silica capillaries were flushed with PVP solution before each sample injection to suppress the EOF. As a dual‐detection mode, commercial capacitively coupled contactless conductivity detection and ultraviolet detectors were applied. The experiments showed that the detection gap of the capacitively coupled contactless conductivity detection limits the achievable LOD and the separation resolution when the analyte CITP zones are very narrow, therefore long (120 cm) CE capillary was used and it was largely filled with the sample solution. CITP analyses of several real samples (leather extract, red wine, juice, and fizzy drink) have been demonstrated. In peak mode of CITP when the zone of a chromophore analyte is positioned between nonchromophore zones, excellent sensitivity (in submicromolar concentration range) could be achieved by ultraviolet detection. The hazardous chromate in low concentration was determined in the aqueous extract of tanned leather.
Population and life-stage–specific effects of two herbicide formulations on the aquatic development of European common frogs (Rana temporaria)
Authors: Wagner Norman , Veith Michael , Lötters Stefan , Viertel Bruno
Published: June 2016

Environmental contamination is suggested to contribute to amphibian population declines. However, the effects of a contaminant on a particular amphibian species can differ among populations. The authors investigated the toxic effects of 2 herbicide formulations on different populations and on representative developmental stages of the European common frog (Rana temporaria). Larvae from forest populations were more sensitive to a commonly used glyphosate-based herbicide compared with individuals from agrarian land. Median lethal concentrations correlated with measured glyphosate levels in the breeding ponds, which may be a sign of evolved tolerances. The reverse result was observed for a less commonly used cycloxydim-based herbicide. Effects of the glyphosate-based herbicide were stronger for earlier larval stages compared with later larval stages. Hence, applications in early spring (when early larvae are present in breeding ponds) pose greater risk concerning acute toxic effects on R. temporaria. With regard to late larval stages, short exposure (96 h) of prometamorphic larvae prolonged time to metamorphosis, but only at the highest test concentration that did not significantly induce mortality. This could be due to impairment of the thyroid axis. Notably, nearly all test concentrations of the 2 herbicides provoked growth retardation. Further research on how evolved or induced tolerances are acquired, actual contamination levels of amphibian habitats, and potential endocrine effects of glyphosate-based herbicides is necessary. Environ Toxicol Chem 2017;36:190–200. © 2016 SETAC
Analysis of alternative lengthening of telomere markers in BRCA1 defective cells
Authors: Kargaran Parisa K. , Yasaei Hemad , Anjomani‐Virmouni Sara , Mangiapane Giovanna , Slijepcevic Predrag
Published: June 2016

Telomeres are specialized structures responsible for the chromosome end protection. Previous studies have revealed that defective BRCA1 may lead to elevated telomere fusions and accelerated telomere shortening. In addition, BRCA1 associates with promyelocytic leukemia (PML) bodies in alternative lengthening of telomeres (ALTs) positive cells. We report here elevated recombination rates at telomeres in cells from human BRCA1 mutation carriers and in mouse embryonic stem cells lacking both copies of functional Brca1. An increased recombination rate at telomeres is one of the signs of ALT. To investigate this possibility further we employed the C‐circle assay that identifies ALT unequivocally. Our results revealed elevated levels of ALT activity in Brca1 defective mouse cells. Similar results were obtained when the same cells were assayed for the presence of another ALT marker, namely the frequency of PML bodies. These results suggest that BRCA1 may act as a repressor of ALT. © 2016 The Authors Genes, Chromosomes & Cancer Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Molecular bases of aberrant miR‐182 expression in ovarian cancer
Authors: Marzec‐Kotarska Barbara , Cybulski Marek , Kotarski Józef Czesław , Ronowicz Anna , Tarkowski Rafał , Polak Grzegorz , Antosz Halina , Piotrowski Arkadiusz , Kotarski Jan
Published: June 2016

The molecular bases of miR‐182 deregulation in epithelial ovarian cancers (EOCs) remain unknown and its diagnostic or prognostic role in EOCs is still unclear. We performed miR‐182 expression analysis using a microarray approach and real‐time PCR (qPCR). We also used array comparative genomic hybridization and methylated DNA immunoprecipitation to study copy number changes and methylation aberrations within coding locus/promoter sequences of miR‐182 in EOC tissues, respectively. We have found that miR‐182 expression is significantly increased in EOC (P < 0.00001) and that higher miR‐182 expression in EOC is linked with significantly shorter overall survival (P = 0.026). The methylation of miR‐182 promoter was significantly associated with lower miR‐182 expression in EOC tissues (P = 0.045). miR‐182 over‐expression is connected with copy number (CN) gains of this miRNA coding sequences in EOC (P = 0.002), and the number of PRDM5 copies is significantly and inversely correlated with miR‐182 expression evaluated by qPCR (R = −0.615, P = 0.009). We conclude that the aberrant miR‐182 expression in EOC may be due to CN gains within its coding locus. The miR‐182 promoter is rarely methylated in EOC, and its methylation status is associated with lower miR‐182 expression. Deletion of the PRDM5 locus may play a supportive role in miR‐182 overexpression in EOC. miR‐182 is an unfavorable prognostic factor in EOC. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Will the Need‐Based Planning of Health Human Resources Currently Undertaken in Several Countries Lead to Excess Supply and Inefficiency? A Comment on Basu and Pak
Authors: Birch Stephen , Tomblin Murphy Gail , MacKenzie Adrian , Whittaker William , Mason Thomas
Published: June 2016

Basu and Pak (2014) argue that need‐based workforce planning models would not maximize social welfare, and use of need‐based models would result in inefficiency. They propose that planning be based on service utilization to incorporate preferences or other socioeconomic factors. We show that the analysis is based on inappropriate considerations of the nature of healthcare demand, a misrepresentation of need‐based approaches and misunderstanding publicly funded healthcare system objectives. We explain how current levels of utilization emerge from workload and income interests of providers that underlie utilization‐based models and are incompatible with public goals of maximizing health gains. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Excretion of infectious hepatitis E virus into milk in cows imposes high risks of zoonosis
Authors: Huang Fen , Li Yunlong , Yu Wenhai , Jing Shenrong , Wang Jue , Long Feiyan , He Zhanlong , Yang Chenchen , Bi Yanhong , Cao Wentao , Liu Chengbo , Hua Xiuguo , Pan Qiuwei
Published: June 2016

Hepatitis E virus (HEV) represents the main cause of acute hepatitis worldwide. HEV infection in immunocompromised patients involves a high risk for the development of chronic hepatitis. Because HEV is recognized as a zoonotic pathogen, it is currently believed that swine is the primary reservoir. However, this is not sufficient to justify the strikingly high seroprevalence of HEV in both developing and Western countries. Thus, this study aimed to identify new zoonotic sources that bear a high risk of transmission to humans. We collected fecal, blood, and milk samples of cows in a typical rural region of Yunnan Province in southwest China, where mixed farming of domestic animals is a common practice. HEV RNA was quantified by quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction, and the whole genome was sequenced. HEV infectivity was assessed in rhesus macaques. We found a high prevalence of active HEV infection in cows as determined by viral RNA positivity in fecal samples. Surprisingly, we discovered that HEV is excreted into milk that is produced by infected cows. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that all HEV isolates from cow/milk belong to genotype 4 and subtype 4h. Gavage with HEV‐contaminated raw and even pasteurized milk resulted in active infection in rhesus macaques. Importantly, a short period of boiling, but not pasteurization, could completely inactivate HEV. Conclusion: Infectious HEV‐contaminated cow milk is recognized as a new zoonotic source that bears a high risk of transmission to humans; these results call attention to understanding and establishing proper measurement and control of HEV zoonotic transmission, particularly in the setting of mixed farming of domestic animals. (Hepatology 2016;64:350‐359)
Grignard 1,4‐Additions to para‐Substituted (2R)‐N‐Cinnamoylbornane‐10,2‐sultam Derivatives: Revised Configuration for the N,OAc‐Keteneacetal Formation in the Presence of Cu(I)
Authors: Piątek Anna , Chapuis Christian
Published: June 2016

Using a 19F‐NMR analytical method, we have corrected and improved the linear correlation initially found between the diastereoselectivity observed during the EtMgBr conjugated addition to Michael acceptors of type 1, as a function of their σpara Hammett electronic parameters. Based on 1H‐NMR analyses, we have also discovered that the original configuration of the acetylated intermediate, obtained by either hydride, Grignard, or cuprate conjugate additions to α‐substituted N‐enoyl bornane‐10,2‐sultams was initially erroneously attributed by Oppolzer et al. A new, much simpler rationalization for these 1,4‐additions has now been proposed.
Making the Connections Across Institutional Types and Academic Programs: Recommendations for Institutional Research Practice and Future Research
Authors: King Beverly Rae
Published: June 2016

This chapter sheds light on the ways in which institutional research (IR) professionals can be involved in the development and/or modification of high‐quality academic programs. Suggestions from authors within this volume for how IR can assist in accomplishing these goals will be integrated and organized in alignment with Terenzini's (1993) three tiers of organizational intelligence.
Potent Inhibitory Effects of Some Phenolic Acids on Lactoperoxidase
Authors: Koksal Zeynep , Alim Zuhal , Beydemir Sukru , Ozdemir Hasan
Published: June 2016

Lactoperoxidase (LPO) plays a key role in immune response against pathogens. In this study, we examined the effects of some phenolic acids on LPO. For this purpose, bovine milk LPO was purified 380.85‐fold with a specific activity of 26.66 EU/mg and overall yield of 73.33% by using Amberlite CG‐50 H+ resin and CNBr‐activated Sepharose‐4B‐l‐tyrosine‐sulfanilamide affinity chromatography. After purification, the in vitro effects of phenolic acids (tannic acid, 3,4‐dihydroxybenzoic acid, 3,5‐ dihydroxybenzoic acid, chlorogenic acid, sinapic acid, 4‐hydroxybenzoic acid, vanillic acid, salicylic acid, and 3‐hydroxybenzoic acid) were investigated on LPO. These phenolic acids showed potent inhibitory effect on LPO. Ki values for these phenolic acids were found as 0.0129 nM, 0.132 μM, 0.225 μM, 0.286 μM, 0.333 μM, 2.33 μM, 10.82 μM, 0.076 mM, and 0.405 mM, respectively. Sinapic acid and 4‐hydroxybenzoic acid exhibited noncompetitive inhibition; 3,4‐dihydroxybenzoic acid showed uncompetitive inhibition, and other phenolic acids showed competitive inhibition.
Ten Years of Mandatory Use of IFRS in the European Union: A Status Report
Authors: Forst Arno , Salerno David F.
Published: June 2016

This article reports on the result, 10 years later, of the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) adoption choices allowed under the EU's Regulation No. 1606/2002 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 19 July 2002 on the Application of International Accounting Standards. The regulation, which took effect in 2005, allowed country‐level variations in the completeness, timing, and scope of implementation. We provide a background of the implementation choices that the regulation allowed, and report the choices made by individual EU member states. Next, because significant differences in the extent of IFRS implementation exist, we use the European Commission's most recent IFRS implementation data to provide an up‐to‐date analysis of which countries actually can be considered similar with respect to their accounting practice. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Aging and Oxidative Stress Decrease Pineal Elongation Factor 2: In Vivo Protective Effect of Melatonin in Young Rats Treated With Cumene Hydroperoxide
Authors: Muñoz Mario F. , Argüelles Sandro , Cano Mercedes , Marotta Francesco , Ayala Antonio
Published: June 2016

We studied the alterations of Elongation Factor 2 (eEF2) in the pineal gland of aged rats as well as the possible protective role of exogenous melatonin on these changes in young rats treated with cumene hydroperoxide (CH), a compound that promotes lipid peroxidation and inhibits protein synthesis. The study was performed using male Wistar rats of 3 (control), 12, and 24 months and 3‐month‐old rats treated with CH, melatonin, and CH plus melatonin. We found that pineal eEF‐2 is affected by aging and CH, these changes being prevented by exogenous melatonin in the case of CH‐treated rats. The proteomic studies show that many other proteins are affected by aging and oxidative stress in the pineal gland. The results suggest that one of the possible mechanisms underlying pineal gland dysfunction during aging is the effect of lipid peroxidation on eEF‐2, which is a key component of protein synthesis machinery. J. Cell. Biochem. 118: 182–190, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
BMP‐TAK1 (MAP3K7) Induces Adipocyte Differentiation Through PPARγ Signaling
Authors: Zhang Yongchun , O'Keefe Regis J. , Jonason Jennifer H.
Published: June 2016

BMPs have been shown to promote adipocyte differentiation through SMAD‐dependent signaling. However, the role of TGF‐β‐activated kinase 1 (TAK1) in non‐canonical BMP signaling in adipocyte differentiation remains unclear. Here, we show that TAK1 inhibition decreases lipid accumulation in C3H10T1/2 mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) induced to differentiate into adipocytes. TAK1 knockdown by siRNA further confirms that TAK1 is required for adipocyte commitment of MSCs. Additionally, TAK1 knockdown inhibits adipogenesis of 3T3‐L1 preadipocytes, indicating that TAK1 is not only needed for adipocyte commitment, but also required for adipocyte terminal differentiation. Furthermore, TAK1 ablation specifically in adipocytes reduced high fat diet‐induced weight gain and improved glucose tolerance. Mechanistically, we demonstrate that TAK1 is required for PPARγ transactivation and promotes PPARγ transcriptional activity synergistically with TAK1 binding protein 1 (TAB1). Collectively, our results demonstrate that TAK1 plays a critical role in BMP‐mediated adipocyte differentiation. J. Cell. Biochem. 118: 204–210, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Hepatitis C Virus Genotype Analyses in Chronic Hepatitis C Patients and Individuals With Spontaneous Virus Clearance Using a Newly Developed Serotyping Assay
Authors: Yang Ruifeng , Yang Xiqin , Xiu Bingshui , Rao Huiying , Fei Ran , Guan Wenli , Liu Yan , Wang Qian , Feng Xiaoyan , Zhang Heqiu , Wei Lai
Published: June 2016

Background

We developed a novel HCV serotyping assay and detected the genotypes in chronic hepatitis C (CHC) patients and individuals with spontaneous viral clearance (SVC).

Methods

Nine hundred and ninety‐seven patients were enrolled in a previous study; their samples were genotyped originally using the molecular assays. Among them, 190 patients achieved sustained virological response; the post‐treatment samples were also serotyped. Moreover, 326 samples from follow‐up cohorts were serotyped, among whom 66 were from SVC individuals, and 260 from CHC patients.

Results

Nine hundred and fifty‐eight out of 997 samples were available for serotyping, among which 29 samples generated indeterminate serotyping results. The consistency between the genotyping and serotyping assays was 91.50% (850/929). The specificity and sensitivity were 98.45% and 88.77% for genotype 1, 96.42% and 93.97% for genotype 2, and 94.15% and 80.52% for non‐genotype 1 or 2. However, only 41 of 60 genotype‐6 samples were correctly serotyped. Little difference was found in the 190 paired serotyping results. No difference existed in the genotype distribution between the SVC and CHC groups (P = 0.08).

Conclusions

The assay provides an accurate alternative for determining HCV genotypes, whereas it is not recommended for detecting genotype 6. Furthermore, it facilitates identifying the genotypes in SVC individuals. HCV genotype has little impact on SVC.
Effectiveness of the South African expanded program of immunization against hepatitis B in children infected with human immunodeficiency virus‐1 living in a resource‐limited setting of Kwazulu‐Natal
Authors: Beghin Jean‐Christophe , Ruelle Jean , Sokal Etienne , Bachy Antoine , Krishna Malini , Hall Leslie , Goubau Patrick , Van der Linden Dimitri
Published: June 2016

Prevalence of Human‐Immunodeficiency‐Virus/Hepatitis‐B‐virus (HIV/HBV) coinfection and HBV vaccination response in children are unknown in Kwazulu‐Natal. This study included 183 HIV‐infected and 108 HIV‐uninfected children aged between 5 and 15 years screened for HBV infection and vaccination. HBV infection occurred in 2.1% and 0% of HIV‐infected and uninfected children respectively. Serological response to immunization was shown in 15.8% and 61.1% of HIV‐infected and uninfected children, respectively (P < 0.001). Even if prevalence of HBV infection was low in these cohorts, HIV‐infected children will stay at risk of infection if the vaccine schedule is not adapted. J. Med. Virol. 89:182–185, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Effect of degeneration on the six degree of freedom mechanical properties of human lumbar spine segments
Authors: Amin Dhara B. , Sommerfeld Dana , Lawless Isaac M. , Stanley Richard M. , Ding Boyin , Costi John J.
Published: June 2016

While the effects of disc degeneration on compression and rotation motions have been studied, there is no data for shear loading. Clinical research has shown that those with low back pain (a potential consequence of degeneration) experience a 75% greater lateral shear force than those without it. Therefore, the aim was to compare the effect of degeneration on spine segment stiffness and phase angle in each of six degree of freedom (6DOF) loading directions. Fourteen intact functional spinal units (FSU) were dissected from human lumbar spines (mean (SD) age 76.2 (11) years, Thompson grades 3 (N = 5, mild), 4 (N = 6, moderate), 5 (N = 3, severe)). Each FSU was tested in ±6DOFs while subjected to a physiological preload, hydration, and temperature (37°C) conditions in a hexapod robot. A one‐way ANOVA between degenerated groups was performed on stiffness and phase angle for each DOF. Significant differences in stiffness were found between mild and moderate degenerative groups in lateral shear (p = 0.001), and axial rotation (p = 0.001), where moderate degeneration had decreased stiffness. For phase angle, significant differences were seen in anterior shear (p = 0.017), and axial rotation (p = 0.026), where phase angle for mild degeneration was less than moderate. Trends of stiffness and phase angle changes between degenerative groups were similar within each DOF. Clinically, the identification of the DOFs that are most affected by degeneration could be used in rehabilitation to improve supplemental stabilization of core muscle groups. © 2016 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 34:1399–1409, 2016.
A proactive quality strategy to decrease the risk of error associated with medication procurement
Authors: Graudins Linda V. , Treseder Rowena , Hui Colin , Samuel Tania L. , Dooley Michael J.
Published: June 2016

Aim

To describe a two‐stage system of medication product review prior to dispensing or distribution, to decrease risk of error resulting from product changes.

Methods

Initial development of a safety strategy occurred during the 2010 state‐wide tender of pharmaceutical products. Samples of new medication products were obtained and risk assessed by consensus. Detailed criteria were subsequently developed for: (i) centralised state‐based review; and (ii) hospital pharmacy review in‐between tenders. Results were fed back to improve evaluation during state‐wide tender.

Results

In 2010, 14 of 300 (4.6%) new brands of tendered products were assessed as having some risk. Shelf tags or alerts were produced for low or moderate risk products (n = 11, 3.6%). For three products (1.0%), alternative brands were purchased. Subsequently, detailed criteria were developed for both state tender and routine hospital pharmacy product review. In 2014 the hospital's medication safety pharmacists reviewed 242 products in between tender periods. Fifty‐two (21.4%) were assessed as having some risk. For seven products (2.8%) an alternative brand was sought. The state tender group now includes a medication safety review during each tender process.

Conclusion

Evaluation of new brands during pharmaceutical tender highlighted the importance of having a system to decrease the risk of selection error. The two stages of the medication safety product review strategy are described. First, the centralised review at tender; second, the hospital pharmacy review at procurement and in between tenders, which has further decreased risks associated with new brands and new products.
The sweet spot for pharmacy
Authors: Luetsch Karen , Rowett Debra , Punchard Howard
Published: June 2016

Health care in Australia is of a high standard but often complex and fragmented, creating difficulties in negotiating the healthcare system for consumers in need of care. Pharmacists have many opportunities to leverage their easy accessibility and skills in medication management to optimise health outcomes for consumers in a changing healthcare landscape. The profession can support shared decision making between patients and their health professionals by tailoring evidence‐based pharmacotherapeutic advice to individual patients’ needs; pharmacists can also facilitate patients' safe transitions between care settings by early adoption of information systems. Pharmacists will need to extend their interprofessional collaboration and align their services to national health care priorities. For pharmacists to maximise their contribution to health care and patient outcomes that matter their skills may need to include the ability to analyse epidemiological and health data, translating data into knowledge and person‐centred performance indicators.
Parameter accuracy in meta‐analyses of factor structures
Authors: Gnambs Timo , Staufenbiel Thomas
Published: June 2016

Two new methods for the meta‐analysis of factor loadings are introduced and evaluated by Monte Carlo simulations. The direct method pools each factor loading individually, whereas the indirect method synthesizes correlation matrices reproduced from factor loadings. The results of the two simulations demonstrated that the accuracy of meta‐analytical derived factor loadings is primarily affected by characteristics of the pooled factor structures (e.g., model error, communality) and to a lesser degree by the sample size of the primary studies and the number of included samples. The choice of the meta‐analytical method had a minor impact. In general, the indirect method produced somewhat less biased estimates, particularly for small‐sample studies. Thus, the indirect method presents a viable alternative for the meta‐analysis of factor structures that could also address moderator hypotheses. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.