bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reproductive History and Risk of Cognitive Impairment in Elderly Women: A Cross-Sectional Study in Eastern China
Authors: Li Fu-Dong , He Fan , Chen Ting-Rui , Xiao Yuan-Yuan , Lin Shang-Tong , Shen Wei , Wang Xin-Yi , Zhai Yu-Jia , Shang Xiao-Peng , Lin Jun-Fen
Published: November 2015

Background: Epidemiological studies suggest that proxies of higher lifetime estrogen exposure are associated with better cognitive function in postmenopausal women, but this has not been found consistently. Objective: To determine whether reproductive history, an important modifier of estrogen exposure across the lifetime, is associated with risk of cognitive impairment in postmenopausal women. Methods: We analyzed the baseline data from Zhejiang Major Public Health Surveillance Program (ZPHS) including 4,796 postmenopausal women. Cognitive impairment was assessed through the application of Mini-Mental State Examination questionnaire. Logistic regression models, controlled for an extensive range of potential confounders, were generated to examine the associations between women’s reproductive history and risk of cognitive impairment in their later life. Results: The length of reproductive period was inversely associated with risk of cognitive impairment (p = 0.001). Odds ratio (OR) of cognitive impairment were 1.316 (95% CI 1.095∼1.582) for women with 5 or more times of full-term pregnancies, compared with those with 1∼4 times of full-term pregnancies. Women without incomplete pregnancy had a significant higher risk of cognitive impairment (OR = 1.194, 95% CI 1.000∼1.429), compared with the reference (1∼2 times of incomplete pregnancies). Oral contraceptive use (OR = 0.489, 95% CI 0.263∼0.910) and intrauterine device (IUD) use (OR = 0.684, 95% CI 0.575∼0.815) were associated with significantly reduced risk of cognitive impairment. Conclusion: Our results indicated that shorter reproductive period, higher number of full-term pregnancies and no incomplete pregnancy history were associated with an increased risk of cognitive impairment. In contrast, oral contraceptive and IUD use corresponded to reduced risk of cognitive impairment.
Lack of Evidence for a Role of HHV-6 in the Pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Agostini Simone , Mancuso Roberta , Baglio Francesca , Cabinio Monia , Hernis Ambra , Guerini Franca Rosa , Calabrese Elena , Nemni Raffaello , Clerici Mario
Published: November 2015

Background: Alzheimer’s disease (AD), the most common form of dementia worldwide, is associated with impairment in the mechanisms of the clearing of amyloid-β within a scenario of neuroinflammation. The etiopathogenesis of the AD is unclear, but a role for viral infection is suspected to play a role in initiating the disease. We recently described a positive correlation between high titers of HSV-1-specific antibodies (Ab) and the volumes of brain regions typically affected in disease. Objective: The exploration of a possible role for Herpesviridae in AD was extended by analyzing HHV-6-specific humoral immunity in individuals with AD or a diagnosis of amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI), a condition that is often prodromic of the development of AD. Methods: 59 AD, 60 aMCI, and 61 age-matched healthy controls were enrolled in the study. Serum HHV-6 IgG antibody titers and avidity index were tested by ELISA. Two randomly selected subgroups of AD and aMCI in whom HHV-6 serum antibodies were detected underwent brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) by 1.5 T scanner. Results: HHV-6 seroprevalence, antibody titers, and avidity were similar in the three groups. No correlation was found between Ab titers or avidity and brain volumes, either overall or in the regions typically affected by disease. Conclusions: The lack of any relation between humoral immune response against HHV-6 and AD and aMCI seems to rule out a role for this virus in the pathogenesis of AD.
Transferring Cut-off Values between Assays for Cerebrospinal Fluid Alzheimer’s Disease Biomarkers
Authors: García Barrado Leandro , Coart Els , Vanderstichele Hugo M.J. , Burzykowski Tomasz
Published: November 2015

Current technologies quantifying cerebrospinal fluid biomarkers to identify subjects with Alzheimer’s disease pathology report different concentrations in function of technology and suffer from between-laboratory variability. Hence, lab- and technology-specific cut-off values are required. It is common practice to establish cut-off values on small datasets and, in the absence of well-characterized samples, to transfer the cut-offs to another assay format using ‘side-by-side’ testing of samples with both assays. We evaluated the uncertainty in cut-off estimation and the performance of two methods of cut-off transfer by using two clinical datasets and simulated data. The cut-off for the new assay was transferred by applying the commonly-used linear regression approach and a new Bayesian method, which consists of using prior information about the current assay for estimation of the biomarker’s distributions for the new assay. Simulations show that cut-offs established with current sample sizes are insufficiently precise and also show the effect of increasing sample sizes on the cut-offs’ precision. The Bayesian method results in unbiased and less variable cut-offs with substantially narrower 95% confidence intervals compared to the linear-regression transfer. For the BIODEM datasets, the transferred cut-offs for INNO-BIA Aβ1-42 are 167.5 pg/mL (95% credible interval [156.1, 178.0] and 172.8 pg/mL (95% CI [147.6, 179.6]) with Bayesian and linear regression methods, respectively. For the EUROIMMUN assay, the estimated cut-offs are 402.8 pg/mL (95% credible interval [348.0, 473.9]) and 364.4 pg/mL (95% CI [269.7, 426.8]). Sample sizes and statistical methods used to establish and transfer cut-off values have to be carefully considered to guarantee optimal diagnostic performance of biomarkers.
Modeling and analysis of E-Core permanent magnet biased radial magnetic bearing
Authors: Wang Huijun , Xue Bingkun , Tang Shaofei
Published: November 2015

In this paper, a new type of E-Core permanent magnet biased radial magnetic bearing with low coupling and high utilization of the stator space is proposed. In the structure, eight permanent magnets are used to provide the bias magnetic field. Two pairs of coils are used to provide control flux. The stator pole of one direction consists of one main pole and two secondary poles, which is called E-Core magnetic poles. Firstly, basic structure and operation principle of the novel magnetic bearing are introduced. Moreover, based on simplified equivalent magnetic circuits, the mathematic magnetic circuit models, which are for biased flux from permanent magnet and control flux from control coils, are established. In the meanwhile, the basic characteristics such as force with respect to the eccentric displacement and current, coupling between X- and Y-channel are deeply analyzed. Finally, according to the analysis results it can be shown that proposed E-Core magnetic bearing has some advantages such as high stiffness and low coupling between two channels, which is good for realizing the high precision control.
Comparison of three formulations for eddy-current and skin and proximity problems in a meander coil electromagnetic acoustic transducer
Authors: Shi Wenze , Wu Yunxin , Gong Hai , Zhao Zhiran , Fan Jizhi , Tan Liangchen
Published: November 2015

Three differential equations based on different definitions of current density are compared. Formulation I is based on an incomplete equation for total current density (TCD). Formulations II and III are based on incomplete and complete equations for source current density(SCD), respectively. Using the weak form of Finite Element Method (FEM), the three formulations were applied in a meander coil Electromagnetic Acoustic Transducer (EMAT) example to solve magnetic vector potential (MVP). The FEM results from frequency domain and time domain models are in excellent agreement with previously published works. Results show that the errors for Formulations I and II vary with coil dimensions, coil spacing, lift-off distance and external excitation frequency, for the existence of eddy-current and skin and proximity effects. And the current distribution across the coil conductors also follows the same trend. It is better to choose Formulation I instead of Formulation III to solve MVP when the coil height or width are less than twice the skin depth, due to the low cost and high efficiency of Formulation I.
Design of high gain slotted patch antenna with defected ground for WLAN/WiMAX applications
Authors: Ahsan M.R. , Islam M.T. , Habib Ullah M. , Aldhaheri R.W. , Sheikh M.M.
Published: November 2015

A new defected ground plane planar antenna feed by microstrip line is proposed for triple-band wireless communications. The proposed design of the antenna contains a radiating patch embedded with pair of open square-loop slot and pair of arc slot, and full length ground plane with defect on it. The final optimized design of the antenna is printed on ceramic filled polytetrafluoroethylene based dielectric substrate with size of 50 mm × 55 mm and 1.905 mm thick. The measured data reveal that the antenna offers bandwidths of 630, 600 and 690 MHz at 2.49, 3.54 and 5.6 center resonant frequency respectively which can cover the bandwidth requirements for WLAN/WiMAX standards. The antenna offers good radiation pattern and reflection coefficient characteristics in the frequency band of interest. Moreover, the experimental results well agreed with the simulated results of the proposed antenna and it can be a good candidate for multiband operations in wireless applications.
Research of an improved interruption model coupling air blast for the low voltage circuit breaker
Authors: Liu Yingyi , Chen Degui , Yuan Haiwen , Ji Liang , Wang Qiusheng , Zhao Ma
Published: November 2015

Aimed to provide a more close-to-reality and rapid calculation method for optimization design of low voltage circuit breaker with complex mechanism, an interruption model is constructed, which can describe the coupling of air blast process with arc model, complex mechanical movement, magnetic field, and electric circuit. The model is based on the non-stationary gas conservation equations, and considers the influence of the chamber structure on the gas dynamics. To realize the interaction between the arc movement and the gas flow simply, on the one hand, the moving electric arc is deemed an energy input source of the chamber gas. On the other hand, the movement equation of the arc considering action of the gas flow is built. With this model, the general principle of the chamber gas flow, arc voltage and current during the interruption process of an actual breaker are calculated and compared with the experiment results. As an application, the influence of the chamber vent size on the arc movement is studied with the model as well.
Local Management of National Cluster Policies: Comparative Case Studies of Japanese, German, and French Biotechnology Clusters
Authors: Okamuro Hiroyuki , Nishimura Junichi
Published: November 2015

Cluster policies have attracted increasing attention worldwide, but only a few studies have focused on their management by local cluster organizations. We investigate the relationship between national cluster policies and their management by local cluster organizations from a comparative perspective. For this purpose, we provide a detailed comparison of national cluster policies in Japan, Germany, and France as well as six prominent biotechnology clusters in these countries. Information on the focal clusters and on the management of cluster policies was obtained using semi-structured interviews with cluster managers. We find that national cluster policies considerably differ among these countries according to basic conditions of clusters and that the patterns of national cluster policy are closely related to those of local cluster management, despite some differences between clusters in the same country caused by various regional characteristics.
Core Steps of Membrane-Bound Peptidoglycan Biosynthesis: Recent Advances, Insight and Opportunities
Authors: Teo Alvin , Roper David
Published: November 2015

We are entering an era where the efficacy of current antibiotics is declining, due to the development and widespread dispersion of antibiotic resistance mechanisms. These factors highlight the need for novel antimicrobial discovery. A large number of antimicrobial natural products elicit their effect by directly targeting discrete areas of peptidoglycan metabolism. Many such natural products bind directly to the essential cell wall precursor Lipid II and its metabolites, i.e., preventing the utlisation of vital substrates by direct binding rather than inhibiting the metabolising enzymes themselves. Concurrently, there has been an increase in the knowledge surrounding the proteins essential to the metabolism of Lipid II at and across the cytoplasmic membrane. In this review, we draw these elements together and look to future antimicrobial opportunities in this area.
New Min-Max Approach to Optimal Choice of the Weights in Multi-Criteria Group Decision-Making Problems
Authors: Chen Ming , Wan Zhong , Chen Xiaohong
Published: November 2015

In multi-criteria group decision-making (MCGDM), one of the most important problems is to determine the weights of criteria and experts. This paper intends to present two Min-Max models to optimize the point estimates of the weights. Since each expert generally possesses a uniform viewpoint on the importance (weighted value) of each criterion when he/she needs to rank the alternatives, the objective function in the first model is to minimize the maximum variation between the actual score vector and the ideal one for all the alternatives such that the optimal weights of criteria are consistent in ranking all the alternatives for the same expert. The second model is designed to optimize the weights of experts such that the obtained overall evaluation for each alternative can collect the perspectives of the experts as many as possible. Thus, the objective function in the second model is to minimize the maximum variation between the actual vector of evaluations and the ideal one for all the experts, such that the optimal weights can reduce the difference among the experts in evaluating the same alternative. For the constructed Min-Max models, another focus in this paper is on the development of an efficient algorithm for the optimal weights. Some applications are employed to show the significance of the models and algorithm. From the numerical results, it is clear that the developed Min-Max models more effectively solve the MCGDM problems including the ones with incomplete score matrices, compared with the methods available in the literature. Specifically, by the proposed method, (1) the evaluation uniformity of each expert on the same criteria is guaranteed; (2) The overall evaluation for each alternative can collect the judgements of the experts as many as possible; (3) The highest discrimination degree of the alternatives is obtained.
The Effects of Cu-doped TiO2 Thin Films on Hyperplasia, Inflammation and Bacteria Infection
Authors: Li Linhua , Xu Ying , Zhou Zhi , Chen Jiang , Yang Ping , Yang Youhe , Li Jing’an , Huang Nan
Published: November 2015

In the present work, different concentrations of Cu ion (1, 2, 5 and 10 wt %) were doped in the TiO2 film by a sol-gel method and dip coating process. The morphology of the Cu-doped TiO2 films were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and the results showed that the doped Cu made no change to the TiO2 films. The nitric oxide (NO) release experiment showed that these Cu-doped surfaces showed the ability of catalytic decomposition of exogenous donor S-nitroso-N-acetyl-penicillamine (SNAP) to generate (NO). Based on fluorescence analysis and CCK-8 quantitative results, such films had the ability to inhibit smooth muscle cells adhesion, proliferation and migration with SNAP in vitro. The macrophage adhesion assay and anti-bacterial test proved that such Cu-doped TiO2 films also possessed anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial abilities. All the abilities above showed positive correlation with the amounts of the doped Cu. This study suggested that the Cu-doped TiO2 films were capable of generating physiological levels of NO in the presence of endogenous donor S-nitrosothiols (RSNO), endowing the TiO2 films with anti-hyperplasia, anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial abilities.
Form, Fabric, and Function of a Flagellum-Associated Cytoskeletal Structure
Authors: Morriswood Brooke
Published: November 2015

Trypanosoma brucei is a uniflagellated protist and the causative agent of African trypanosomiasis, a neglected tropical disease. The single flagellum of T. brucei is essential to a number of cellular processes such as motility, and has been a longstanding focus of scientific enquiry. A number of cytoskeletal structures are associated with the flagellum in T. brucei, and one such structure—a multiprotein complex containing the repeat motif protein TbMORN1—is the focus of this review. The TbMORN1-containing complex, which was discovered less than ten years ago, is essential for the viability of the mammalian-infective form of T. brucei. The complex has an unusual asymmetric morphology, and is coiled around the flagellum to form a hook shape. Proteomic analysis using the proximity-dependent biotin identification (BioID) technique has elucidated a number of its components. Recent work has uncovered a role for TbMORN1 in facilitating protein entry into the cell, thus providing a link between the cytoskeleton and the endomembrane system. This review summarises the extant data on the complex, highlights the outstanding questions for future enquiry, and provides speculation as to its possible role in a size-exclusion mechanism for regulating protein entry. The review additionally clarifies the nomenclature associated with this topic, and proposes the adoption of the term “hook complex” to replace the former name “bilobe” to describe the complex.
A Multi Time Scale Wind Power Forecasting Model of a Chaotic Echo State Network Based on a Hybrid Algorithm of Particle Swarm Optimization and Tabu Search
Authors: Xu Xiaomin , Niu Dongxiao , Fu Ming , Xia Huicong , Wu Han
Published: November 2015

The uncertainty and regularity of wind power generation are caused by wind resources’ intermittent and randomness. Such volatility brings severe challenges to the wind power grid. The requirements for ultrashort-term and short-term wind power forecasting with high prediction accuracy of the model used, have great significance for reducing the phenomenon of abandoned wind power , optimizing the conventional power generation plan, adjusting the maintenance schedule and developing real-time monitoring systems. Therefore, accurate forecasting of wind power generation is important in electric load forecasting. The echo state network (ESN) is a new recurrent neural network composed of input, hidden layer and output layers. It can approximate well the nonlinear system and achieves great results in nonlinear chaotic time series forecasting. Besides, the ESN is simpler and less computationally demanding than the traditional neural network training, which provides more accurate training results. Aiming at addressing the disadvantages of standard ESN, this paper has made some improvements. Combined with the complementary advantages of particle swarm optimization and tabu search, the generalization of ESN is improved. To verify the validity and applicability of this method, case studies of multitime scale forecasting of wind power output are carried out to reconstruct the chaotic time series of the actual wind power generation data in a certain region to predict wind power generation. Meanwhile, the influence of seasonal factors on wind power is taken into consideration. Compared with the classical ESN and the conventional Back Propagation (BP) neural network, the results verify the superiority of the proposed method.
Commitment to Cooperation and Peer Punishment: Its Evolution
Authors: Sasaki Tatsuya , Okada Isamu , Uchida Satoshi , Chen Xiaojie
Published: November 2015

Theoretical and empirical studies have generally weighed the effect of peer punishment and pool punishment for sanctioning free riders separately. However, these sanctioning mechanisms often pose a puzzling tradeoff between efficiency and stability in detecting and punishing free riders. Here, we combine the key aspects of these qualitatively different mechanisms in terms of evolutionary game theory. Based on the dilemmatic donation game, we introduce a strategy of commitment to both cooperation and peer punishment. To make the commitment credible, we assume that those willing to commit have to make a certain deposit. The deposit will be refunded as long as the committers faithfully cooperate in the donation game and punish free riders and non-committers. It turns out that the deposit-based commitment offers both the efficiency of peer punishment and the stability of pool punishment and that the replicator dynamics lead to transitions of different systems: pool punishment to commitment to peer punishment.
Human Genotoxic Study Carried Out Two Years after Oil Exposure during the Clean-up Activities Using Two Different Biomarkers
Authors: Biern Gloria , Giraldo Jesús , Zock Jan-Paul , Monyarch Gemma , Espinosa Ana , Rodríguez-Trigo Gema , Gómez Federico , Pozo-Rodríguez Francisco , Barberà Joan-Albert , Fuster Carme
Published: November 2015

Micronuclei, comet and chromosome alterations assays are the most widely used biomarkers for determining the genotoxic damage in a population exposed to genotoxic chemicals. While chromosome alterations are an excellent biomarker to detect short- and long-term genotoxic effects, the comet assay only measures early biological effects, and furthermore it is unknown whether nuclear abnormalies, such as those measured in the micronucleus test, remain detectable long-term after an acute exposure. In our previous study, an increase in structural chromosome alterations in fishermen involved in the clean-up of the Prestige oil spill, two years after acute exposure, was detected. The aim of this study is to investigate whether, in lymphocytes from peripheral blood, the nuclear abnormalies (micronucleus, nucleoplasmic bridges and nuclear buds) have a similar sensitivity to the chromosome damage analysis for genotoxic detection two years after oil exposure in the same non-smoker individuals and in the same peripheral blood extraction. No significant differences in nuclear abnormalies frequencies between exposed and non-exposed individuals were found (p > 0.05). However, chromosome damage, in the same individuals, was higher in exposed vs. non-exposed individuals, especially for chromosome lesions (p < 0.05). These findings, despite the small sample size, suggest that nuclear abnormalities are probably less-successful biomarkers than are chromosome alterations to evaluate genotoxic effects two or more years after an exposure to oil. Due to the great advantage of micronucleus automatic determination, which allows for a rapid study of hundreds of individuals exposed to genotoxic chemical exposure, further studies are needed to confirm whether this assay is or is not useful in long-term genotoxic studies after the toxic agent is no longer present.
4-Chloro-2,3,5-trifluorobenzoic Acid
Authors: Yu Shuitao , Feng Xiaohu , Zhou Weiyou , Xia Zhengjun , Zhang Mingguang , Chen Yang , Chen Zaixin
Published: November 2015

A new tetrahalogenated benzoic acid 4-chloro-2,3,5-trifluorobenzoic acid was synthesized from methyl 2,3,4,5-tetrafluorobenzoate via three steps. The structure of the newly synthesized compound was established by FTIR, NMR, MS and elemental analysis.
Light Steel-Timber Frame with Composite and Plaster Bracing Panels
Authors: Scotta Roberto , Trutalli Davide , Fiorin Laura , Pozza Luca , Marchi Luca ,  De Stefani Lorenzo
Published: November 2015

The proposed light-frame structure comprises steel columns for vertical loads and an innovative bracing system to efficiently resist seismic actions. This seismic force resisting system consists of a light timber frame braced with an Oriented Strand Board (OSB) sheet and an external technoprene plaster-infilled slab. Steel brackets are used as foundation and floor connections. Experimental cyclic-loading tests were conduced to study the seismic response of two shear-wall specimens. A numerical model was calibrated on experimental results and the dynamic non-linear behavior of a case-study building was assessed. Numerical results were then used to estimate the proper behavior factor value, according to European seismic codes. Obtained results demonstrate that this innovative system is suitable for the use in seismic-prone areas thanks to the high ductility and dissipative capacity achieved by the bracing system. This favorable behavior is mainly due to the fasteners and materials used and to the correct application of the capacity design approach.
Fabrication of Solid State Nanopore in Thin Silicon Membrane Using Low Cost Multistep Chemical Etching
Authors: Khan Muhammad , Williams John
Published: November 2015

Nanopore-based analysis is currently an area of great interest in many disciplines with the potential for exceptionally versatile applications in medicine. This work presents a novel step towards fabrication of a single solid-state nanopore (SSSN) in a thin silicon membrane. Silicon nanopores are realized using multistep processes on both sides of n-type silicon-on-insulator (SOI) <100> wafer with resistivity 1–4 Ω·cm. An electrochemical HF etch with low current density (0.47 mA/cm2) is employed to produce SSSN. Blue LED is considered to emit light in a narrow band region which facilitates the etching procedure in a unilateral direction. This helps in production of straight nanopores in n-type Si. Additionally, a variety of pore diameters are demonstrated using different HF concentrations. Atomic force microscopy is used to demonstrate the surface morphology of the fabricated pores in non-contact mode. Pore edges exhibit a pronounced rounded shape and can offer high stability to fluidic artificial lipid bilayer to study membrane proteins. Electrochemically-fabricated SSSN has excellent smoothness and potential applications in diagnostics and pharmaceutical research on transmembrane proteins and label free detection.
Analysis of Reverse Phase Protein Array Data: From Experimental Design towards Targeted Biomarker Discovery
Authors: Wachter Astrid , Bernhardt Stephan , Beissbarth Tim , Korf Ulrike
Published: November 2015

Mastering the systematic analysis of tumor tissues on a large scale has long been a technical challenge for proteomics. In 2001, reverse phase protein arrays (RPPA) were added to the repertoire of existing immunoassays, which, for the first time, allowed a profiling of minute amounts of tumor lysates even after microdissection. A characteristic feature of RPPA is its outstanding sample capacity permitting the analysis of thousands of samples in parallel as a routine task. Until today, the RPPA approach has matured to a robust and highly sensitive high-throughput platform, which is ideally suited for biomarker discovery. Concomitant with technical advancements, new bioinformatic tools were developed for data normalization and data analysis as outlined in detail in this review. Furthermore, biomarker signatures obtained by different RPPA screens were compared with another or with that obtained by other proteomic formats, if possible. Options for overcoming the downside of RPPA, which is the need to steadily validate new antibody batches, will be discussed. Finally, a debate on using RPPA to advance personalized medicine will conclude this article.
The Phe-Phe Motif for Peptide Self-Assembly in Nanomedicine
Authors: Marchesan Silvia , Vargiu Attilio , Styan Katie
Published: November 2015

Since its discovery, the Phe-Phe motif has gained in popularity as a minimalist building block to drive the self-assembly of short peptides and their analogues into nanostructures and hydrogels. Molecules based on the Phe-Phe motif have found a range of applications in nanomedicine, from drug delivery and biomaterials to new therapeutic paradigms. Here we discuss the various production methods for this class of compounds, and the characterization, nanomorphologies, and application of their self-assembled nanostructures. We include the most recent findings on their remarkable properties, which hold substantial promise for the creation of the next generation nanomedicines.
Anti-Inflammatory Activity Comparison among Scropoliosides—Catalpol Derivatives with 6-O-Substituted Cinnamyl Moieties
Authors: Zhu Tiantian , Zhang Liuqiang , Ling Shuang , Qian Fei , Li Yiming , Xu Jin-Wen
Published: November 2015

We have previously shown that scropolioside B has higher anti-inflammatory activity than catalpol does after the inhibition of nuclear factor (NF)-κB activity and IL-1β expression, maturation, and secretion. Various scropoliosides were extracted, isolated, and purified from Scrophularia dentata Royle ex Benth. We then compared their anti-inflammatory activities against LPS-induced NF-κB activity, cytokines mRNA expression, IL-1β secretion, and cyclooxygenase-2 activity. The inhibitory effects of the scropoliosides varied depending on whether the 6-O-substituted cinnamyl moiety was linked to C′′ 2-OH, C′′3-OH, or C′′4-OH, and on the number of moieties linked, which is closely related to the enhancement of antiinflammatory activity. Among these compounds, scropolioside B had the strongest antiinflammatory effects.
Gold Nanotheranostics: Proof-of-Concept or Clinical Tool?
Authors: Pedrosa Pedro , Vinhas Raquel , Fernandes Alexandra , Baptista Pedro
Published: November 2015

Nanoparticles have been making their way in biomedical applications and personalized medicine, allowing for the coupling of diagnostics and therapeutics into a single nanomaterial—nanotheranostics. Gold nanoparticles, in particular, have unique features that make them excellent nanomaterials for theranostics, enabling the integration of targeting, imaging and therapeutics in a single platform, with proven applicability in the management of heterogeneous diseases, such as cancer. In this review, we focus on gold nanoparticle-based theranostics at the lab bench, through pre-clinical and clinical stages. With few products facing clinical trials, much remains to be done to effectively assess the real benefits of nanotheranostics at the clinical level. Hence, we also discuss the efforts currently being made to translate nanotheranostics into the market, as well as their commercial impact.
Synergistic Effects of Human Milk Nutrients in the Support of Infant Recognition Memory: An Observational Study
Authors: Cheatham Carol , Sheppard Kelly
Published: November 2015

The aim was to explore the relation of human milk lutein; choline; and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) with recognition memory abilities of six-month-olds. Milk samples obtained three to four months postpartum were analyzed for fatty acids, lutein, and choline. At six months, participants were invited to an electrophysiology session. Recognition memory was tested with a 70–30 oddball paradigm in a high-density 128-lead event-related potential (ERP) paradigm. Complete data were available for 55 participants. Data were averaged at six groupings (Frontal Right; Frontal Central; Frontal Left; Central; Midline; and Parietal) for latency to peak, peak amplitude, and mean amplitude. Difference scores were calculated as familiar minus novel. Final regression models revealed the lutein X free choline interaction was significant for the difference in latency scores at frontal and central areas (p < 0.05 and p < 0.001; respectively). Higher choline levels with higher lutein levels were related to better recognition memory. The DHA X free choline interaction was also significant for the difference in latency scores at frontal, central, and midline areas (p < 0.01; p < 0.001; p < 0.05 respectively). Higher choline with higher DHA was related to better recognition memory. Interactions between human milk nutrients appear important in predicting infant cognition, and there may be a benefit to specific nutrient combinations.
Model-Based Reactor Design in Free-Radical Polymerization with Simultaneous Long-Chain Branching and Scission
Authors: Tobita Hidetaka
Published: November 2015

Polymers are the products of processes and their microstructure can be changed significantly by the reactor systems employed, especially for nonlinear polymers. The Monte Carlo simulation technique, based on the random sampling technique, is used to explore the effect of reactor types on the branched polymer structure, formed through free-radical polymerization with simultaneous long-chain branching and scission, as in the case of low-density polyethylene synthesis. As a simplified model for a tower-type multi-zone reactor, a series of continuous stirred-tank reactors, consisting of one big tank and the same N-1 small tanks is considered theoretically. By simply changing the tank arrangement, various types of branched polymers, from star-like globular structure to a more randomly branched structure, can be obtained, while keeping the following properties of the final products, the monomer conversion to polymer, the average branching and scission densities, and the relationship between the mean-square radius of gyration and molecular weight.
Surface Plasmon Resonance Sensor Based on Ethylene Tetra-Fluoro-Ethylene Hollow Fiber
Authors: Chen Pan , He Yu-Jing , Zhu Xiao-Song , Shi Yi-Wei
Published: November 2015

A new kind of hollow fiber surface plasmon resonance sensor (HF-SPRS) based on the silver-coated ethylene tetra-fluoro-ethylene (ETFE) hollow fiber (HF) is presented. The ETFE HF-SPRS is fabricated, and its performance is investigated experimentally by measuring the transmission spectra of the sensor when filled by liquid sensed media with different refractive indices (RIs). Theoretical analysis based on the ray transmission model is also taken to evaluate the sensor. Because the RI of ETFE is much lower than that of fused silica (FSG), the ETFE HF-SPRS can extend the lower limit of the detection range of the early reported FSG HF-SPRS from 1.5 to 1.42 approximately. This could greatly enhance the application potential of HF-SPRS. Moreover, the joint use of both ETFE and FSG HF-SPRSs can cover a wide detection range from 1.42 to 1.69 approximately with high sensitivities larger than 1000 nm/RIU.
Centrally Extended Conformal Galilei Algebras and Invariant Nonlinear PDEs
Authors: Aizawa Naruhiko , Kato Tadanori
Published: November 2015

We construct, for any given \( \ell = \frac{1}{2} + {\mathbb N}_0, \) second-order \textit{nonlinear} partial differential equations (PDEs) which are invariant under the transformations generated by the centrally extended conformal Galilei algebras. This is done for a particular realization of the algebras obtained by coset construction and we employ the standard Lie point symmetry technique for the construction of PDEs. It is observed that the invariant PDEs have significant difference for \( \ell > \frac{1}{3}. \)
An Advanced Method to Apply Multiple Rainfall Thresholds for Urban Flood Warnings
Authors: Jang Jiun-Huei
Published: November 2015

Issuing warning information to the public when rainfall exceeds given thresholds is a simple and widely-used method to minimize flood risk; however, this method lacks sophistication when compared with hydrodynamic simulation. In this study, an advanced methodology is proposed to improve the warning effectiveness of the rainfall threshold method for urban areas through deterministic-stochastic modeling, without sacrificing simplicity and efficiency. With regards to flooding mechanisms, rainfall thresholds of different durations are divided into two groups accounting for flooding caused by drainage overload and disastrous runoff, which help in grading the warning level in terms of emergency and severity when the two are observed together. A flood warning is then classified into four levels distinguished by green, yellow, orange, and red lights in ascending order of priority that indicate the required measures, from standby, flood defense, evacuation to rescue, respectively. The proposed methodology is tested according to 22 historical events in the last 10 years for 252 urbanized townships in Taiwan. The results show satisfactory accuracy in predicting the occurrence and timing of flooding, with a logical warning time series for taking progressive measures. For systems with multiple rainfall thresholds already in place, the methodology can be used to ensure better application of rainfall thresholds in urban flood warnings.
La construction conjugale dans les familles homoparentales. Une organisation financière communautaire ou indépendante ?
Authors: Gross Martine , Courduriès Jérôme
Published: November 2015

En 2012, une enquête sur le fonctionnement des couples de même sexe élevant un ou plusieurs enfants ou en attente de l’arrivée d’un enfant était lancée, incluant des questions sur leurs comportements économiques. Bien qu’il soit impossible de déterminer si l’échantillon est représentatif de l’ensemble des couples de même sexe, il est toutefois plus diversifié que lors d’autres enquêtes menées sur cette population dans la mesure où près de la moitié des répondants de cette nouvelle enquête n’ont jamais adhéré à aucune association regroupant des homosexuels ou des familles homoparentales. L’objectif de cet article est d’analyser quelques aspects des relations économiques au sein des couples de même sexe, notamment du point de vue de l’organisation matérielle et financière. Quatre indicateurs ont été choisis pour approcher le type d’organisation adopté, mutualisation ou autonomie : l’existence d’un compte joint, l’acquisition ensemble du logement, l''acquisition ensemble d''un bien immobilier en dehors du logement, et l’intervention dans les comptes de son ou sa partenaire. Mises en perspective avec les résultats d’études sur les comportements des couples de sexe différent, les données recueillies mettent en évidence des différences importantes : contrairement aux couples hétérosexuels, les couples de même sexe joignent leurs finances partiellement plutôt que totalement, et ils le font lorsqu’ils accèdent à des niveaux de diplôme et de revenus élevés. Par ailleurs, les différentes manières de constituer une famille homoparentale et la nature du projet parental semblent influer sur la gestion financière.
La Société par Actions Simplifiée : un outil de droit commun ?
Authors: Le Cozler-Le Rudulier Karine
Published: November 2015

La société par actions simplifiée est présentée par nombre d'auteurs comme l'outil juridique idéal de l'entreprise quelque qu'en soit la taille. Cette recherche tend à remettre cette vision en cause pour la petite entreprise. Elle se base sur une analyse de la littérature et sur une enquête terrain réalisée auprès de dirigeants d'entreprises et de professionnels.
Chloroplasts in anther endothecium of Zea mays (Poaceae)
Authors: Murphy Katherine M. , Egger Rachel L. , Walbot Virginia
Published: November 2015

PREMISE OF THE STUDY:

Although anthers of Zea mays, Oryza sativa, and Arabidopsis thaliana have been studied intensively using genetic and biochemical analyses in the past 20 years, few updates to anther anatomical and ultrastructural descriptions have been reported. For example, no transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images of the premeiotic maize anther have been published. Here we report the presence of chloroplasts in maize anthers.

METHODS:

TEM imaging, electron acceptor photosynthesis assay, in planta photon detection, microarray analysis, and light and fluorescence microscopy were used to investigate the presence of chloroplasts in the maize anther.

KEY RESULTS:

Most cells of the maize subepidermal endothecium have starch‐containing chloroplasts that do not conduct measurable photosynthesis in vitro.

CONCLUSIONS:

The maize anther contains chloroplasts in most subepidermal, endothecial cells. Although maize anthers receive sufficient light to photosynthesize in vivo and the maize anther transcribes >96% of photosynthesis‐associated genes found in the maize leaf, no photosynthetic light reaction activity was detected in vitro. The endothecial cell layer should no longer be defined as a complete circle viewed transversely in anther lobes, because chloroplasts are observed only in cells directly beneath the epidermis and not those adjacent to the connective tissue. We propose that chloroplasts be a defining characteristic of differentiated endothecial cells and that nonsubepidermal endothecial cells that lack chloroplasts be defined as a separate cell type, the interendothecium.
Measurement and Correlation of Indices of Insulin Resistance in Patients on Peritoneal Dialysis
Authors: King-Morris Kelli R. , Deger Serpil Muge , Hung Adriana M. , Egbert Phyllis Ann , Ellis Charles D. , Graves Amy , Shintani Ayumi , Ikizler T. Alp
Published: November 2015

Background

Insulin resistance (IR) is common in maintenance dialysis patients and is associated with excess mortality. Hyperinsulinemic euglycemic glucose clamp (HEGC) is the gold standard for measuring IR. There are limited studies using HEGC for comparison to other indirect indices of IR in peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients, nor have there been direct comparisons between patients receiving PD and those on maintenance hemodialysis (MHD) with regard to severity of IR, methods of measurement, or factors associated with the development of IR.

Methods

This is a cross-sectional, single-center study performed in 10 prevalent PD patients of median age 48 years (range 41 – 54); 50% were female and 60% were African American. Insulin resistance was assessed by HEGC (glucose disposal rate [GDR]), homeostatic model assessment of IR (HOMA-IR), HOMA-IR corrected by adiponectin (HOMA-AD), leptin adiponectin ratio (LAR), quantitative insulin sensitivity check index (QUICKI), McAuley's index, and oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) at each time point for a total of 18 studies. Retrospective analysis compared this cohort to 12 hemodialysis patients who had previously undergone similar testing.

Results

The median GDR was 6.4 mg/kg/min (interquartile range [IQR] 6.0, 7.8) in the PD cohort compared with the MHD group, which was 5.7 mg/kg/min (IQR 4.3, 6.6). For both the PD and MHD cohorts, the best predictors of GDR by HEGC after adjusting for age, gender, and body mass index (BMI), were HOMA-AD (PD: r = -0.69, p = 0.01; MHD: r = -0.78, p = 0.03) and LAR (PD: r = -0.68, p < 0.001; MHD: r = -0.65, p = 0.04). In both groups, HOMA-IR and QUICKI failed to have strong predictive value. Eight of 10 PD patients had at least 1 abnormal OGTT, demonstrating impaired glucose tolerance.

Conclusions

Insulin resistance is highly prevalent in PD patients. The adipokine based formulas, HOMA-AD and LAR, correlated well in both the PD and MHD populations in predicting GDR by HEGC, outperforming HOMA-IR. The use of these novel markers could be considered for large-scale, epidemiological outcome studies.
The Natural Time Course of Membrane Alterations during Peritoneal Dialysis is Partly Altered by Peritonitis
Authors: van Esch Sadie , Struijk Dirk G. , Krediet Raymond T.
Published: November 2015

Background

The quality of the peritoneal membrane can deteriorate over time. Exposure to glucose-based dialysis solutions is the most likely culprit. Because peritonitis is a common complication of peritoneal dialysis (PD), distinguishing between the effect of glucose exposure and a possible additive effect of peritonitis is difficult. The aim of the present study was to compare the time-course of peritoneal transport characteristics in patients without a single episode of peritonitis—representing the natural course—and in patients who experienced 1 or more episodes of peritonitis during long-term follow-up.

Methods

This prospective, single-center cohort study enrolled incident adult PD patients who started PD during 1990–2010. A standard peritoneal permeability analysis was performed in the first year of PD treatment and was repeated every year. The results in patients without a single episode of peritonitis (“no-peritonitis group”) were compared with the results obtained in patients who experienced 1 or more peritonitis episodes (“peritonitis group”) during a follow-up of 4 years.

Results

The 124 patients analyzed included 54 in the no-peritonitis group and 70 in the peritonitis group. The time-course of small-solute transport was different in the groups, with the peritonitis group showing an earlier and more pronounced increase in the mass transfer area coefficient for creatinine ( p = 0.07) and in glucose absorption ( p = 0.048). In the no-peritonitis group, the net ultrafiltration rate (NUFR) and the transcapillary ultrafiltration rate (TCUFR) both showed a steep increase from the 1st to the 2nd year of PD that was absent in the peritonitis group. Both groups showed a decrease in the NUFR after year 3. A decrease in the TCUFR occurred only in the peritonitis group. That decrease was already present after the year 1 in patients with severe peritonitis. The time-course of free water transport showed a continuous increase in the patients without peritonitis, but a decrease in the patients who experienced peritonitis ( p < 0.01). No difference was observed in the time-course of the effective lymphatic absorption rate. The time-courses of immunoglobulin G and α2-macroglobulin clearances showed a decrease in both patient groups, with a concomitant increase of the restriction coefficient. Those changes were not evidently influenced by peritonitis. The two groups showed a similar decrease in the mesothelial cell mass marker cancer antigen 125 during follow-up.

Conclusions

On top of the natural course of peritoneal function, peritonitis episodes to some extent influence the time-course of small-solute and fluid transport—especially the transport of solute-free water. Those modifications increase the risk for overhydration.