bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Post-Flood Rapid Needs Assessment in Srinagar City, Jammu and Kashmir State, India, September, 2014
Authors: Yadav Rajesh , Somashekar Dundaiah , Sodha Samir V. , Laserson Kayla F. , Venkatesh Srinivasa , Chauhan Himanshu
Published: March 2018

Objectives

Torrential rainfall and flooding from September 2-6, 2014 submerged >350 villages in Jammu and Kashmir state. We conducted rapid needs assessment in capital Srinagar from 27 September to 1 October to assess population health and safety needs.

Methods

Based on Community Assessment for Public Health Emergency Response (CASPER) methodology, we selected 7 households each from 30 census blocks using 2-stage cluster sampling. We collected information on demographics, needs, and illnesses using structured questionnaire.

Results

Of the 210 households surveyed, an estimated 57% (CI: 41%-73%) reported significant damage, 50% (CI: 36%-63%) were evacuated, and 16% (CI: 10%-22%) reported injuries. Households lacked electricity (22%; CI: 8.8%-36%), tap water (13%; CI: 5%-21%), working toilets (11%; CI: 4%-19%), and adequate food supply (14%; CI: 8%-20%). Moreover, 55% (CI: 45%-64%) of households reported cough, cold, fever, rashes, or diarrhea; 68% (CI: 59%-77%) experienced agitation, anxiety, depression, or nightmares since the flooding. Of the households with a member on medicines for non-communicable diseases, 40% did not have a week’s supply. Restoring basic essentials (30%; CI: 22%-37%) and repairing houses (30%; CI: 19%-40%) were the most urgent needs expressed.

Conclusions

Floods damaged >1/2 of households in Srinagar, disrupting basic essentials, and causing mental trauma. These findings helped authorities prioritize assistance with psychological symptoms and availability of prescription medicines. (Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2019;13:133–137)
Understanding liquid-jet atomization cascades via vortex dynamics
Authors: Zandian A. , Sirignano W. A. , Hussain F.
Published: March 2018

Temporal instabilities of a planar liquid jet are studied using direct numerical simulation (DNS) of the incompressible Navier–Stokes equations with level-set (LS) and volume-of-fluid (VoF) surface tracking methods. $\unicode[STIX]{x1D706}_{2}$ contours are used to relate the vortex dynamics to the surface dynamics at different stages of the jet breakup – namely, lobe formation, lobe perforation, ligament formation, stretching and tearing. Three distinct breakup mechanisms are identified in the primary breakup, which are well categorized on the parameter space of gas Weber number ($We_{g}$) versus liquid Reynolds number ($Re_{l}$). These mechanisms are analysed here from a vortex dynamics perspective. Vortex dynamics explains the hairpin formation, and the interaction between the hairpins and the Kelvin–Helmholtz (KH) roller explains the perforation of the lobes, which is attributed to the streamwise overlapping of two oppositely oriented hairpin vortices on top and bottom of the lobe. The formation of corrugations on the lobe front edge at high $Re_{l}$ is also related to the location and structure of the hairpins with respect to the KH vortex. The lobe perforation and corrugation formation are inhibited at low $Re_{l}$ and low $We_{g}$ due to the high surface tension and viscous forces, which damp the small-scale corrugations and resist hole formation. Streamwise vorticity generation – resulting in three-dimensional instabilities – is mainly caused by vortex stretching and baroclinic torque at high and low density ratios, respectively. Generation of streamwise vortices and their interaction with spanwise vortices produce the liquid structures seen at various flow conditions. Understanding the liquid sheet breakup and the related vortex dynamics are crucial for controlling the droplet-size distribution in primary atomization.
The scaling of the turbulent/non-turbulent interface at high Reynolds numbers
Authors: Silva Tiago S. , Zecchetto Marco , da Silva Carlos B.
Published: March 2018

The scaling of the turbulent/non-turbulent interface (TNTI) at high Reynolds numbers is investigated by using direct numerical simulations (DNS) of temporal turbulent planar jets (PJET) and shear free turbulence (SFT), with Reynolds numbers in the range $142\leqslant Re_{\unicode[STIX]{x1D706}}\leqslant 400$. For $Re_{\unicode[STIX]{x1D706}}\gtrsim 200$ the thickness of the TNTI ($\unicode[STIX]{x1D6FF}_{\unicode[STIX]{x1D714}}$), like that of its two sublayers – the viscous superlayer (VSL, $\unicode[STIX]{x1D6FF}_{\unicode[STIX]{x1D708}}$) and the turbulent sublayer (TSL, $\unicode[STIX]{x1D6FF}_{\unicode[STIX]{x1D70E}}$) – all scale with the Kolmogorov micro-scale $\unicode[STIX]{x1D702}$, while the particular scaling constant depends on the sublayer. Specifically, for $Re_{\unicode[STIX]{x1D706}}\gtrsim 200$ while the VSL is always of the order of $\unicode[STIX]{x1D702}$, with $4\leqslant \langle \unicode[STIX]{x1D6FF}_{\unicode[STIX]{x1D708}}\rangle /\unicode[STIX]{x1D702}\leqslant 5$, the TSL and the TNTI are typically equal to $10\unicode[STIX]{x1D702}$, with $10.4\leqslant \langle \unicode[STIX]{x1D6FF}_{\unicode[STIX]{x1D70E}}\rangle /\unicode[STIX]{x1D702}\leqslant 12.5$, and $15.4\leqslant \langle \unicode[STIX]{x1D6FF}_{\unicode[STIX]{x1D714}}\rangle /\unicode[STIX]{x1D702}\leqslant 16.8$, respectively.
Experimental study of the convection in a rotating tangent cylinder
Authors: Aujogue Kélig , Pothérat Alban , Sreenivasan Binod , Debray François
Published: March 2018

This paper experimentally investigates the convection in a rapidly rotating tangent cylinder (TC), for Ekman numbers down to $E=3.36\times 10^{-6}$. The apparatus consists of a hemispherical fluid vessel heated in its centre by a protruding heating element of cylindrical shape. The resulting convection that develops above the heater, i.e. within the TC, is shown to set in for critical Rayleigh numbers and wavenumbers respectively scaling as $Ra_{c}\sim E^{-4/3}$ and $a_{c}\sim E^{-1/3}$ with the Ekman number $E$. Although exhibiting the same exponents as for plane rotating convection, these laws reflect much larger convective plumes at onset. The structure and dynamics of supercritical plumes are in fact closer to those found in solid rotating cylinders heated from below, suggesting that the confinement within the TC induced by the Taylor–Proudman constraint influences convection in a similar way as solid walls would do. There is a further similarity in that the critical modes in the TC all exhibit a slow retrograde precession at onset. In supercritical regimes, the precession evolves into a thermal wind with a complex structure featuring retrograde rotation at high latitude and either prograde or retrograde rotation at low latitude (close to the heater), depending on the criticality and the Ekman number. The intensity of the thermal wind measured by the Rossby number $Ro$ scales as $Ro\simeq 5.33(Ra_{q}^{\ast })^{0.51}$ with the Rayleigh number based on the heat flux $Ra_{q}^{\ast }\in [10^{-9},10^{-6}]$. This scaling is in agreement with heuristic predictions and previous experiments where the thermal wind is determined by the azimuthal curl of the balance between the Coriolis force and buoyancy. Within the range $Ra\in [2\times 10^{7},10^{9}]$ which we explored, we also observe a transition in the heat transfer through the TC from a diffusivity-free regime where $Nu\simeq 0.38E^{2}Ra^{1.58}$ to a rotation-independent regime where $Nu\simeq 0.2Ra^{0.33}$.
Where should Captain Scott's support parties have turned back?
Authors: Lantz Björn
Published: March 2018

Captain Robert Falcon Scott's plan for the attempt to reach the South Pole during the Terra Nova Expedition was to use horses, motorised sledges and dog teams to lay depots on the Ross Ice Shelf to advance the effective starting point for the three man-hauling groups to the foot of the Beardmore Glacier. His idea was that two of the groups would turn back after two and four weeks, after depositing supplies for the final polar party to rely on during the return journey. In this paper, the logic of the mathematical ‘jeep problem’ is applied to derive the theoretically optimal points at which the support parties should have turned back in order to optimise the relationship between distance and consumption of supplies. The results show that, according to this model, Scott took both his support parties along too far, especially the last support party under Lieutenant E.R.G.R. ‘Teddy’ Evans.
Care-giving dynamics and futures planning among ageing parents of adult offspring with intellectual disability
Authors: WALKER RUTH , HUTCHINSON CLAIRE
Published: March 2018

The number of older parents ageing in tandem with their adult children with intellectual disability (ID) is increasing. This unique situation calls for greater research that investigates how older parents experience this extended care-giving role, including the extent to which they are engaging in futures planning. Participants were recruited via disability service providers in South Australia. Using the theoretical perspective of hermeneutic phenomenology to understand lived experiences, semi-structured in-depth interviews were carried out with older parents (N = 17, mean age 70 years). Six offspring were living in the family home while the remainder were in supported accommodation. Main themes to emerge from the data were: (a) perpetual parenting, (b) costs and rewards and (c) planning to plan. Parents were providing care across a range of areas, regardless of whether their offspring lived at home or in supported accommodation. While aware of the need to plan for the future, most did not have a firm plan in place. Parents are providing a high level of support to their adult children with ID regardless of whether they live in supported accommodation or the family home. While some have started to think about future care arrangements, most appear unclear over what the future holds.
Varieties of English in Cameroon audio-visual materials: Cameroon audio-lects
Authors: Ketcha Raphael Tegha
Published: March 2018

This paper identifies and describes five major varieties of Cameroon English (hereafter CamE) in Cameroon audio-visual materials. These five ‘audio-lects’ are Pidginized, Mainstream, Near-RP, Americanized and Frenchized CamE. The paper argues that these audio-lects mostly tie with real-life CamE, but differ from the latter phonostylistically. The utterances of 80 Cameroonian actors, actresses and musicians excerpted from 100 audio-visual materials constituted data for the paper. The audio-visual materials and artists were randomly selected to represent, as much as possible, CamE speakers from different socio-cultural spheres within Cameroon. The findings indicate that these audio-lects largely resemble real-life CamE varieties, which reflect the socio-ethnic, academic and professional diversity of CamE speakers.
Risk of bias and limits of reporting in diagnostic accuracy studies for commercial point-of-care tests for respiratory pathogens
Authors: Hughes J.M. , Penney C. , Boyd S. , Daley P.
Published: March 2018

Commercial point-of-care (POC) diagnostic tests for Group A Streptococcus, Streptococcus pneumoniae, and influenza virus have large potential diagnostic and financial impact. Many published reports on test performance, often funded by diagnostics companies, are prone to bias. The Standards for Reporting of Diagnostic Accuracy (STARD 2015) are a protocol to encourage accurate, transparent reporting. The Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies (QUADAS-2) tool evaluates risk of bias and transportability of results. We used these tools to evaluate diagnostic test accuracy studies of POC studies for three respiratory pathogens. For the 96 studies analysed, compliance was <25% for 14/34 STARD 2015 standards, and 3/7 QUADAS-2 domains showed a high risk of bias. All reports lacked reporting of at least one criterion. These biases should be considered in the interpretation of study results.
Evaluating X-Ray Microanalysis Phase Maps Using Principal Component Analysis
Authors: Buse Ben , Kearns Stuart
Published: March 2018

Automated phase maps are an important tool for characterizing samples but the data quality must be evaluated. Common options include the overlay of phases on backscattered electron (BSE) images and phase composition averages and standard deviations. Both these methods have major limitations. We propose two methods of evaluation involving principal component analysis. First, a red–green–blue composite image of the first three principal components, which comprise the majority of the chemical variation, which provides a good reference against which phase maps can be compared. Advantages over a BSE image include discriminating between similar mean atomic number phases and sensitivity across the entire range of mean atomic numbers present in a sample. Second, principal component maps for identified phases, to examine for chemical variation within phases. This ensures the identification of unclassified phases and provides the analyst with information regarding the chemical heterogeneity of phases (e.g., chemical zoning within a mineral or mineral chemistry changing across an alteration zone). Spatial information permits a good understanding of heterogeneity within a phase and allows analytical artifacts to be easily identified. These methods of evaluation were tested on a complex geological sample. K-means clustering and K-nearest neighbor algorithms were used for phase classification, with the evaluation methods demonstrating their limitations.
Ultrastructural Alterations of Midgut Epithelium, But Not Greater Wing Fluctuating Asymmetry, in Paper Wasps (Polistes dominula) from Urban Environments
Authors: Polidori Carlo , Pastor Agustín , Jorge Alberto , Pertusa José
Published: March 2018

Polistespaper wasps can be used to monitor trace metal contaminants, but the effects of pollution on the health of these insects are still unknown. We evaluated, in a south-eastern area of Spain, whether workers ofPolistes dominulacollected at urban and rural sites differ in health of midgut tissue and in fluctuating asymmetry, an estimate of developmental noise. We found that wasps collected at the urban sites had abundant lead (Pb)-containing spherites, which were less visible in wasps from the rural sites. Evident ultrastructural alterations in the epithelium of the midgut of the wasps collected at the urban sites included broken and disorganized microvilli, a high amount and density of heterochromatin in the nucleus of epithelial cells, cytoplasmic vacuolization and mitochondrial disruptions. Altogether, these findings suggest a negative effect on the transmembrane transport and a less efficient transcription. On the contrary, a healthy epithelium was observed in wasps from the rural sites. These differences may be preliminarily linked with levels of lead pollution, given that wasps from urban sites had double the Pb concentrations of wasps from rural sites. Level of fluctuating asymmetry was unrelated to wasp origin, thus suggesting no link between developmental noise and Pb-driven pollution.
‘OF THE TEMPERAMENT OF THOSE MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS’: CONSIDERING TIBERIUS CAVALLO AND THE SCIENTIFIC OBSERVATION OF MUSICAL SOUNDS IN LATE EIGHTEENTH-CENTURY LONDON
Authors: CLARK KATELYN
Published: March 2018

The connection of music to scientific exploration in late Enlightenment London can be considered from various perspectives, perhaps most evidently through the binary of amateur–professional. These two realms intersected within natural philosophical observation, a practice that often served concurrently as entertainment and as study. The development of scientific instruments for the observation of various phenomena appeared in both professional and amateur contexts, contributing to technological growth and research. Natural philosopher Tiberius Cavallo (1749–1809) and his 1788 article on musical temperament (‘Of the Temperament of Those Musical Instruments, in Which the Tones, Keys, or Frets, are Fixed, as in the Harpsichord, Organ, Guitar, &c’) provide a captivating example of amateur interest overlapping effectively with the professional domain; as an amateur musician and professional scientist, Cavallo observed equal temperament in both mathematical and aesthetic terms. Consideration of his work promotes a more nuanced view of London as a place where scientific and musical ideas could meet and be ‘instrumentalized’, emphasizing the city's status as a vibrant arena for the interaction of scientific exploration, artistic endeavour and professional identities. In this sense, Cavallo's work on temperament was not merely a scientific activity; it reflected technological change during a stimulating period of scientific and musical progress in late eighteenth-century London. For example, instrument builders were actively developing ways to improve pitch control and tuning stability, as witnessed by numerous British patents for harp mechanisms, the addition of flute keys and keyboard construction.
Same same but different: Das Potential der Operationalisierten Psychodynamischen Diagnostik für ein differenziertes Verständnis von Persönlichkeitsstörungen
Authors: Henkel Miriam , Zimmermann Johannes , Künecke Janina , Remmers Carina , Benecke Cord
Published: March 2018

Zusammenfassung. Als Ergänzung zu deskriptiven Klassifikationssystemen für psychische Störungen hat sich im psychodynamischen Bereich die Operationalisierte Psychodynamische Diagnostik (OPD) etabliert. Neben einer Achse zu Krankheitserleben und Behandlungsvoraussetzungen werden auf den Achsen Beziehung, Konflikt und Struktur verschiedene psychodynamische Erklärungsansätze für die Störung eines Patienten1erfasst. In diesem Artikel soll gezeigt werden, wie die OPD die deskriptive Diagnose einer Persönlichkeitsstörung anreichern und vertiefen kann. Hierzu werden die OPD-Achsen vorgestellt und Zusammenhänge mit Persönlichkeitsstörungen erläutert. Zudem werden zwei Fallbeispiele beschrieben, die mit denselben drei Persönlichkeitsstörungen nach DSM-IV diagnostiziert wurden, aber unterschiedliche Beziehungsmuster, intrapsychische Konflikte und strukturelle Beeinträchtigungen aufweisen. Auf diese Weise wird der praktische Mehrwert der OPD-Diagnostik für das Verständnis der Störungen sowie für die Indikationsstellung und Behandlungsplanung deutlich.
Veränderung von Bindungsmerkmalen im Verlauf einer Dialektisch Behavioralen Therapie für Borderline-Patientinnen
Authors: Bernheim Dorothee , Gander Manuela , Kriegel Susanne , Becker Mathias , Lischke Alexander , Mentel Renate , Freyberger Harald J. , Buchheim Anna
Published: March 2018

Zusammenfassung.Hintergrund: Die Bindungsorganisation ist ein zentrales Merkmal, um die Psychopathologie der Borderline-Persönlichkeitsstörung (BPS) im Kontext affektiver und interpersonaler Probleme zu verstehen. In dieser Pilotstudie wurden anhand verschiedener Methoden bindungsbezogene Merkmale von 26 BPS-Patientinnen und 26 alters- und bildungsgleich gemachten gesunden Kontrollprobandinnen vor, während und nach einer einjährigen ambulanten DBT-Intervention erhoben. Methode: Die Bindungsrepräsentationen wurden mittels Adult Attachment Projective Picture System (AAP) erfasst. Mittels parametrischer- und non-parametrischer Tests wurden Veränderungen des Bindungsstils (ASQ) und subjektive Einschätzungen zu Affektivität, autobiografischer Relevanz und emotionaler Valenz personalisierter Sätze aus den eigenen AAP-Interviews vor, während und nach der einjährigen DBT-Intervention erhoben. Ergebnis: Wie erwartet wiesen die BPS-Patientinnen im AAP signifikant häufiger unverarbeitete Traumata (desorganisierte Bindungsrepräsentation), einen höheren Anteil an traumatisch-dysregulierenden Markern in Narrativen zu AAP Bildern, die potentiell Alleinsein und Verlassenwerden induzieren (monadische Bilder), eine stärkere Bindungsangst und -vermeidung (ASQ) sowie mehr BPS-assoziierte Emotionen bei stärkerer autobiografischer Relevanz und emotionaler Valenz in der Konfrontation mit personalisierten Sätzen des eigenen AAP-Interviews auf. Nach einjähriger DBT wurden Bindungsangst und -vermeidung in der BPS-Gruppe signifikant reduziert, Bindungssicherheit wurde signifikant gestärkt (ASQ). Bei erhalten gebliebener autobiografischer Relevanz gaben die Patientinnen nach DBT in der Konfrontation mit personalisierten Sätzen des eigenen AAP-Interviews weniger BPS-assoziierte Emotionen, sowie mehr Akzeptanz und eine reduzierte emotionale Valenz an und glichen sich damit den Kontrollprobanden an. Schlussfolgerung: Es ergaben sich Hinweise, dass Veränderungen in Richtung einer stärkeren Bindungssicherheit und intrapsychischen Integration bindungsbezogener autobiografischer Aspekte im Rahmen der ambulanten DBT für BPS-Patienten zu erzielen sind. Zum Aufbau einer sicheren therapeutischen Allianz mit positiven Bindungserfahrungen ist ein ausreichender, hier einjähriger, Interventionszeitraum vorauszusetzen.
Centralization and Effectiveness of Reward Management in Multinational Enterprises
Authors: Tekieli Michael , Festing Marion , Baeten Xavier
Published: March 2018

Abstract. Based on responses from 158 reward managers located at the headquarters or subsidiaries of multinational enterprises, the present study examines the relationship between the centralization of reward management decision making and its perceived effectiveness in multinational enterprises. Our results show that headquarters managers perceive a centralized approach as being more effective, while for subsidiary managers this relationship is moderated by the manager’s role identity. Referring to social identity theory, the present study enriches the standardization versus localization debate through a new perspective focusing on psychological processes, thereby indicating the importance of in-group favoritism in headquarters and the influence of subsidiary managers’ role identities on reward management decision making.
The Influences of Work and Home Interference and Facilitation on Job Satisfaction
Authors: Chong Alexandra , Gordo Myla , Gere Judith
Published: March 2018

Abstract. Domain interference predicts lower job satisfaction, whereas domain facilitation predicts higher job satisfaction. However, prior research has examined the effects of interference and facilitation separately. In the current study, we investigated the simultaneous and interactive effects of domain interference and facilitation on job satisfaction, and explored attachment styles as moderators of the associations between the domain linkages and job satisfaction in a sample of 159 employed individuals. Results indicated that work-home interference and facilitation interacted to predict job satisfaction, such that high work-home facilitation buffered the negative effects of work-home interference on job satisfaction. Furthermore, anxious attachment predicted a stronger positive link between work-home facilitation and job satisfaction, whereas avoidant attachment predicted weaker associations between home-work interference and job satisfaction.
Discrimination of cultivars and determination of luteolin content ofChrysanthemum morifoliumRamat. using multispectral imaging system
Authors: Shui Shanshan , Liu Wei , Liu Changhong , Yan Ling , Hao Guang , Zhang Yan , Zheng Lei
Published: March 2018

Chrysanthemum morifoliumRamat. (Chr) is a notable medicinal and edible crop that stimulates health owing to its radical-scavenging and antioxidant properties due to its main active flavonoid luteolin.
DFT insights into oxygen vacancy formation and CH4 activation over CeO2 surfaces modified by transition metals (Fe, Co and Ni)
Authors: Tian Dong , Li Kongzhai , Wei Yonggang , Zhu Xing , Zeng Chunhua , Cheng Xianming , Zheng Yane , Wang Hua
Published: March 2018

The effects of transition metal (Fe, Co and Ni) modification (adsorption, insertion and substitution) of CeO2 surfaces on oxygen vacancy formation and CH4 activation are studied on the basis of first principles calculations.
Molecular dynamics study on calcium silicate hydrate subjected to tension loading and water attack: structural evolution, dynamics degradation and reactivity mechanism
Authors: Hou Dongshuai , Yu Jiao , Jin Zuquan , Hanif Asad
Published: March 2018

The water invasion and hydrolytic reaction further weakens the tensioned C–S–H structure.
Li2CO3-free Li–O2/CO2 battery with peroxide discharge product
Authors: Qiao Yu , Yi Jin , Guo Shaohua , Sun Yang , Wu Shichao , Liu Xizheng , Yang Sixie , He Ping , Zhou Haoshen
Published: March 2018

We demonstrate that a Li–O2/CO2 battery cycles via formation of peroxodicarbonate (C2O62−) but not Li2CO3, and operates with a low charge potential of 3.5 V.
Fluorinated Aryl Sulfonimide Tagged (FAST) salts: modular synthesis and structure–property relationships for battery applications
Authors: Huang Mingjun , Feng Shuting , Zhang Wenxu , Giordano Livia , Chen Mao , Amanchukwu Chibueze V. , Anandakathir Robinson , Shao-Horn Yang , Johnson Jeremiah A.
Published: March 2018

Fluorinated Aryl Sulfonimide Tag (FAST) anions provide a new class of modular salts with tunable properties for potential battery applications.
Paeoniflorin prevents endoplasmic reticulum stress-associated inflammation in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated human umbilical vein endothelial cells via the IRE1α/NF-κB signaling pathway
Authors: Chen Juan , Zhang Minghua , Zhu Maomao , Gu Junfei , Song Jie , Cui Li , Liu Dan , Ning Qing , Jia Xiaobin , Feng Liang
Published: March 2018

Paeoniflorin has inhibitory effect on ER stress-associated vascular inflammation.
High internal phase emulsion (HIPE)-templated biopolymeric oleofilms containing an ultra-high concentration of edible liquid oil
Authors: Wijaya Wahyu , Van der Meeren Paul , Dewettinck Koen , Patel Ashok R.
Published: March 2018

Oleofilms are produced via casting and drying of HIPEs stabilized using sodium caseinate (SC): alginate (ALG) complexes.
Coordination ability determined transition metal ions substitution of Tb in Tb-Asp fluorescent nanocrystals and a facile ions-detection approach
Authors: Duan Jiazhi , Ma Baojin , Liu Feng , Zhang Shan , Wang Shicai , Kong Ying , Du Min , Han Lin , Wang Jianjun , Sang Yuanhua , Liu Hong
Published: March 2018

Tb-Asp fluorescent nanocrystals have been applied in metal ions detection due to the different coordination ability of different transition metal ions with Asp molecules in Tb-Asp nanocrystals.
Investigation of HSA as a biocompatible coating material for arsenic trioxide nanoparticles
Authors: Hoonjan Maneka , Sachdeva Geetanjali , Chandra Sudeshna , Kharkar Prashant S. , Sahu Niteshkumar , Bhatt Purvi
Published: March 2018

The synthesis of human serum albumin coated As2O3 NPs with improved biocompatibility.
Synthesis of 1,3-dicarbonyl-functionalized reduced graphene oxide/MnO2 composites and their electrochemical properties as supercapacitors
Authors: Xing Ruiguang , Li Ruihong , Ge Xin , Zhang Qiwei , Zhang Bangwen , Bulin Chaoke , Sun He , Li Yanan
Published: March 2018

A novel functionalized reduced graphene oxide and MnO2 composite was prepared as a supercapacitor electrode material.
Label-free and sensitive detection of Ochratoxin A based on dsDNA-templated copper nanoparticles and exonuclease-catalyzed target recycling amplification
Authors: Song Chunxia , Hong Wenwen , Zhang Xiaoyu , Lu Ying
Published: March 2018

A sensitive method for Ochratoxin A detection was developed which combines the advantages of label-free dsDNA-templated copper nanoparticles and exonuclease-catalyzed recycling amplification.
Diagnosis of thymic epithelial tumor subtypes by a quantitative proteomic approach
Authors: Zhao Ting , Wu Jie , Liu Xiaohui , Zhang Lei , Chen Gang , Lu Haojie
Published: March 2018

This study shows the first depth proteomic profiling of all TET subtypes and six candidate biomarkers were identified and validated.
A missing member of conjugated N-heterocycles: realizing pyrido[1,2-α]azepine by reacting ruthenium alkenylcarbene complex with alkyne
Authors: Zhou Xiaoxi , Huang Fanping , Tang Chun , Zhuo Qingde , Chen Zhixin , Zhang Hong , Xia Haiping
Published: March 2018

The first successful chemical synthesis and characterization of a bicyclic pyrido[1,2-α]azepine ring system.
Molecular dynamics study of the LCST transition in aqueous poly(N-n-propylacrylamide)
Authors: de Oliveira Tiago E. , Marques Carlos M. , Netz Paulo A.
Published: March 2018

Using molecular dynamics simulations we investigate why the LCST of PNnPAm is lower than that of PNIPAm.
Constrained stoichiometric network analysis
Authors: Radojković Vuk , Schreiber Igor
Published: March 2018

BZ reaction network – rate coefficients of reactions 11–14 were found by convex linear optimization at Hopf bifurcation.
Silicene and germanene on InSe substrates: structures and tunable electronic properties
Authors: Fan Yingcai , Liu Xiaobiao , Wang Junru , Ai Haoqiang , Zhao Mingwen
Published: March 2018

The tunable electronic properties of Si/InSe and Ge/InSe HLs by applying an external electric field or strain.
Preparation of carbon-based AuAg alloy nanoparticles by using the heterometallic [Au4Ag4] cluster for efficient oxidative coupling of anilines
Authors: Gao Bin-Bin , Zhang Min , Chen Xu-Ran , Zhu Da-Liang , Yu Hong , Zhang Wen-Hua , Lang Jian-Ping
Published: March 2018

A unique carbon-based AuAg alloy nanocomposite catalyst was prepared from the heterometallic [Au4Ag4] cluster for efficient oxidative coupling of anilines.
Benign catalysis with iron: facile assembly of cyclobutanes and cyclohexenes via intermolecular radical cation cycloadditions
Authors: Yu Yushuang , Fu Yu , Zhong Fangrui
Published: March 2018

We describe novel and facile iron-catalyzed crossed intermolecular radical cation cycloadditions of styrenes.
Design and synthesis of a novel azobenzene-containing polymer both in the main- and side-chain toward unique photocontrolled isomerization properties
Authors: Wang Kai , Yin Lu , Miu Tengfei , Liu Meng , Zhao Yin , Chen Yang , Zhou Nianchen , Zhang Wei , Zhu Xiulin
Published: March 2018

Three structural changes of a novel Azo copolymer were successfully achieved upon alternating photoirradiation in the order of 365 nm, 435 nm and 546 nm light.
Tea regimen, a comprehensive assessment of antioxidant and antitumor activities of tea extract produced by Tie Guanyin hybridization
Authors: Zhang Xiaobin , Dai Chengli , You Yuanyuan , He Lizhen , Chen Tianfeng
Published: March 2018

Herein we demonstrate that Jin Guanyin extracts shows antioxidative activity, thus inhibiting ROS generation, promoting mitochondrial fragmentations and caspase activations in cancer cells, finally leading cell apoptosis and cycle arrest.
Authentication of pork in meat mixtures using PRM mass spectrometry of myosin peptides
Authors: Pan Xiao-Dong , Chen Jiang , Chen Qing , Huang Bai-Fen , Han Jian-Long
Published: March 2018

Adulteration of meat products is a major concern not only for economic fraud, but also for ethical reasons.
A bi-terminal protein ligation strategy to probe chromatin structure during DNA damage
Authors: Kilic Sinan , Boichenko Iuliia , Lechner Carolin C. , Fierz Beat
Published: March 2018

A convenient method to bi-terminally modify proteins using recombinant masking groups reveals that H2A.X ubiquitylation opens chromatin during DNA repair.
Towards the colloidal Laves phase from binary hard-sphere mixtures via sedimentation
Authors: Dasgupta Tonnishtha , Dijkstra Marjolein
Published: March 2018

Self-assembly route for the photonic colloidal Laves phase via templated sedimentation.
A Cyclic Pentapeptide Derived from the Second EGF-Like Domain of Factor VII Is an Inhibitor of Tissue Factor Dependent Coagulation and Thrombus Formation
Authors: Fischer Peter , Hu Chih-Kao , Agner Erik , Engebretsen May , Husbyn Mette , Petersen Lizette , Ørvim Una , Llinas Miguel , Sakariassen Kjell , Örning Lars
Published: March 2018

We have previously reported the finding of a cyclic dodecapeptide representing loop I of the second EGF-like domain of FVII, which inhibited TF-dependent FX activation (Örning et al. 1997). The biological activity was localized to the tripeptide motif, Glu-Gln-Tyr. We have now synthesized a cyclic analog of this motif, Cys-Glu-Gln-Tyr-Cys (PN7051), evaluated its anticoagulant and antithrombotic properties and performed a detailed structural characterization of the peptide.

PN7051 is a dose-dependent inhibitor of TF-dependent FX activation and coagulation of plasma with IC50 values of 10 ± 2 µM and 1.3 ± 0.2 mM, respectively. It shows inhibitory efficacy on acute thrombus formation in an ex vivo model of human thrombosis using native blood. Fibrin deposition, platelet-fibrin adhesion, platelet-thrombus formation, and thrombin-antithrombin complex formation were all inhibited by PN7051 at IC50 values between 0.3 and 0.7 mM. The cyclic peptide is a non-competitive inhibitor of FX activation with no significant activesite effects on FXa or FVIIa, indicating it affects FVII/TF/FX complex formation and function. Studies on the structure activity relationship revealed that Gln3-Tyr4, but not Glu2 were of importance for inhibition. In line with biological results, NMR measurements of PN7051 suggested that the Gln and Tyr residues configure a structural feature that contributes to the anticoagulant activity. Modeling of the Glu99Gln100Tyr101 motif in FVII and comparison with the solution structure of PN7051 suggest that the cyclic pentapeptide exerts its antithrombotic effect by interfering with the docking of Tyr101 into a hydrophobic pocket in the catalytic domain thereby disrupting an essential interaction between the second EGF-like and the catalytic domains of FVII.
The Role of Cytokines in Activation of Coagulation and Fibrinolysis in Dengue Shock Syndrome
Authors: Suharti Catharina , van Gorp Eric , Setiati Tatty , Djokomoeljanto Robert , Hack C. , ten Cate Hugo , van der Meer Jos , Dolmans Wil
Published: March 2018

In a prospective clinical study of 50 patients with Dengue Shock Syndrome (DSS), we investigated the association of tumor necrosis factor-a (TNF-a), interleukin-1f3 (IL-1f3), IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1Ra), and IL-6 with activation markers of coagulation (F1+2 and TATc) and fibrinolysis (t-PA, PAPc, and D-dimer). We found that TNF-a, IL-1f3 and Il-1Ra, but not IL-6, concentrations were elevated in the circulation during the early stage of infection and at discharge from hospital. TNF-a was significantly associated with D-dimer, an activation marker of fibrinolysis (p < 0.003), but not with activation markers of coagulation. IL-1f3 was significantly associated with t-PA (p < 0.03). IL-1Ra was significantly associated with F1+2, TATc (p < 0.04 and p < 0.02, respectively), whereas IL-6 was significantly associated with both, activation markers of coagulation (F1+2; p < 0.03) and fibrinolysis (PAPc; p = 0.002). Our data are in line with studies in bacterial sepsis. In severe dengue virus infection the same cytokines are involved in the onset and regulation of hemostasis.
Thromboplastin-thrombomodulin-mediated Time and Serum Folate Levels Are Genetically Correlated with the Risk of Thromboembolic Disease: Results from the GAIT Project
Authors: Almasy Laura , Borrell Montserrat , Stone William , Blanco-Vaca Francisco , Soria José , Blangero John , Fontcuberta Jordi , Souto Juan
Published: March 2018

The GAIT (Genetic Analysis of Idiopathic Thrombophilia) Project is a family-based study dedicated to elucidating the genetic basis of hemostasis-related phenotypes and thrombosis risk. In this paper, we have examined several lesser-studied hemostasis-related phenotypes in the 21 GAIT families: levels of vitamin B12, serum folate, whole blood folate, α 2-antiplasmin, prekallikrein, β2-glycoprotein I, soluble P-selectin, factor XIII A and B subunits and a new coagulation measurement based on thromboplastin time in the presence or absence of thrombomodulin. Using the variance component method, we estimated the relative contributions of genetic and environmental influences on these phenotypes. In addition, we calculated the genetic correlations between thrombosis risk and each of these phenotypes.

All 12 phenotypes showed significant genetic contributions with genes accounting for 22% to 78% of the variance after correction for covariate effects. Four phenotypes (three traits involving thromboplastin-thrombomodulin mediated coagulation time and serum folate) exhibited significant genetic correlations with thrombosis. Thus, some of the genes that influence quantitative variation in these physiological phenotypes also influence the risk of thrombosis.

The high heritabilities and significant genetic correlations between thrombosis and some risk factors suggest that joint consideration of correlated quantitative phenotypes will aid in identifying susceptibility genes.
The APTT Response of Pregnant Plasma to Unfractionated Heparin
Authors: Young E. , Johnston M.A. , Robertson C. , Naguit I. , Stevens P. , Galashan D. , Oskamp M.L. , Brennan B. , Ginsberg J.S. , Chunilal S.D.
Published: March 2018

Pregnancy is associated with a physiological increase in coagulation factors and heparin binding proteins; both can affect the activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) in response to unfractionated heparin (UFH) invalidating the use of a non-pregnant APTT therapeutic range. We compared the anticoagulant response of UFH added in vitro to the plasma of 13 pregnant (third trimester) and 15 nonpregnant women to determine whether the measured APTT and antifactor Xa activities are lower in pregnancy. Increasing concentrations of UFH were added to platelet-poor plasma from each subject and the APTT and anti-factor Xa activity were measured. The amount of UFH which was reversibly bound and neutralised by plasma heparin binding proteins was assessed by comparing the anti-factor Xa activity before and after addition of low affinity heparin (LAH). Fibrinogen, von Willebrand factor antigen (vWF Ag) and factor VIII levels, were also measured. The APTT response, assessed by the slope of the regression line of log APTT versus added heparin concentration, was attenuated in pregnant plasma (0.76 s/U/mL versus 1.2 s/U/mL, p = 0.005) and was highly correlated to increased non-specific plasma protein binding (47% versus 35% p <0.01) and increased fibrinogen (5.1g/L versus 2.8 g/L, p <0.01) and factor VIII activity (2.7 U/mL versus 1.2 U/mL, p <0.01). Thus, to achieve the same heparin level, pregnant women require higher daily doses of UFH than non-pregnant women. However, if UFH dose adjustments during the third trimester are based upon a non-pregnant APTT therapeutic range, systematic overdosing of pregnant women will result, possibly increasing the risk of bleeding and osteoporosis.
Plasmin Generation Plays different Roles in the Formation and Removal of Arterial and Venous Thrombus in Mice
Authors: Kozawa Osamu , Okada Kiyotaka , Ueshima Shigeru , Matsuo Osamu , Uematsu Toshihiko , Matsuno Hiroyuki
Published: March 2018

The role of plasminogen (Plg) and α2-antiplasmin (α2-AP) in vascular thrombolysis in vivo was investigated in mice deficient in plasminogen (Plg−/−) or α2-AP (α2-AP−/−) or their wild type (PAI-1+/+, α2AP+/+). A thrombus was induced in the murine carotid artery or the internal jugular vein by endothelial injury. Blood flow was continuously monitored for 90 min and for 6 h 30 min after the initiation of endothelial injury. The times to occlusion by the developing thrombus in the carotid artery and the jugular vein of wild type mice were 12 ± 1.8 and 7.2 ± 1.9 min, respectively. The arterial thrombus formation in α2AP−/− mice was indistinguishable from the one in wild type mice, whereas the time to occlusion in Plg−/− was significantly shortened to 5.9 ± 1.7 min. Vascular patency after spontaneous reperfusion was markedly improved in α2-AP−/− mice. On the contrary, arterial patency in Plg−/− mice was aggravated. In venous thrombus formation, the time to occlusion in α2-AP−/− mice was significantly prolonged (27.1 ± 5.2 min), whereas in Plg−/− it was slightly shortened to 6.5 ± 2.5 min. Vascular patency after spontaneous reperfusion was also improved in α2-AP−/− mice, but not in Plg−/− mice. Histological observations using SEM indicated that fibrin nets were firmly fixed on the injured area in Plg−/− mice, but not in α2-AP−/− mice. The tail bleeding time was not different in any type of mice. However, re-bleeding time using a template bleeding device was significantly prolonged in α2-AP−/− as compared with that of wild type mice. In conclusion, lack of plasminogen markedly reduces the antithrombotic activities in vivo, whereas α2-AP plays a more important role in the formation and removal of venous thrombus in mice. Consequently, the inhibition of α2-AP could be a useful tool for the therapy of venous thrombosis and the prevention of re-thrombus formation.
Enhancement of Endogenous Plasminogen Activator-induced Thrombolysis by Argatroban and APC and Its Control by TAFI, Measured in An Arterial Thrombolysis Model In Vivo Using Rat Mesenteric Arterioles
Authors: Hashimoto Masaru , Yamashita Tsutomu , Oiwa Kazuhiro , Watanabe Sadahiro , Giddings John , Yamamoto Junichiro
Published: March 2018

Recent in vitro studies have demonstrated that thrombin inhibits fibrinolysis through thrombin-activatable fibrinolysis inhibitor (TAFI, plasma procarboxypeptidase B). We have recently shown that endogenous fibrinolysis in vivo is enhanced by activated protein C (APC) and the selective thrombin inhibitor, argatroban. The aim of the present study was to examine the role of TAFI in these fibrinolytic mechanisms in vivo using purified porcine pancreatic carboxypeptidase B (PPCPB) and a specific TAFIa inhibitor, potato tuber carboxypeptidase B inhibitor (PTCI) in a newly established arterial thrombolysis model. Non-occlusive, mural, platelet-rich thrombi were formed by helium-neon laser irradiation in rat mesenteric arterioles and thrombus size was measured by computerised image analysis. We confirmed that endogenous thrombolysis was enhanced by argatroban (2.0 mg/4 ml/kg/h) or APC (1.62 mg/2.31 ml/kg). PTCI (5.0 mg/2 ml/kg) also accelerated endogenous thrombolysis. PPCPB (3.5 mg/2 ml/kg) inhibited thrombolysis in the absence and presence of argatroban or APC. PTCI tended to further promote APC-induced thrombolysis but the differences did not reach statistical significance. The present findings were in keeping with the results of earlier studies and demonstrated that arterial, platelet-rich thrombi in vivo are degraded by naturally generated plasminogen activators. TAFI may play a significant role in the control of these mechanisms.
Cytokines in the Pathogenesis of Atherosclerosis
Authors: Young James , Libby Peter , Schönbeck Uwe
Published: March 2018

Research during the last two decades established atheromatous lesions as active sites of inflammation and immune responses, contrasting to the traditional view of atherosclerosis as an acellular lesion composed of lipid deposits. In particular, cytokines appear to orchestrate the chronic development of atherosclerosis, eventually leading to the formation of complex atherosclerotic plaques, which can trigger acute thromboembolic complications, such as myocardial infarction or stroke. Indeed the rupture-prone plaque, characterized by a thin fibrous cap overlaying a voluminous lipid core, exhibits accumulation of various pro-inflammatory cytokines. These cytokines may control the clinical consequences of plaques by mediating infiltration and accumulation of immunocompetent cells, directing the turnover of fibrillar collagens (governing the fragility of the fibrous cap), or enhancing foam cell formation and thrombogenicity of the lipid core, among other processes outlined in this review. Thus, understanding the role of cytokines in the pathophysiology of the atherosclerotic plaque might provide a promising therapeutic avenue for this prevalent human disease. This review will focus on members of the interleukin, tumor necrosis factor, and interferon families of cytokines in modulating key processes of atherogenesis.
High Prevalence of Asymptomatic Deep Vein Thrombosis on Admission in a Medical Unit among Elderly Patients
Authors: Bressollette Luc , Nonent Michel , Lacut Karine , Guias Bruno , Couturaud Francis , Leroyer Christophe , Mottier Dominique , Oger Emmanuel
Published: March 2018

The prevention of venous thromboembolism in medical patients remains questioned. All consecutive outpatients admitted in our medical unit were considered for inclusion in this study which aimed to estimate the prevalence of asymptomatic venous thrombosis on admission and the incidence during hospital stay. Exclusion criteria were: age <18 years, suspicion of venous thromboembolism, stay <4 days, ongoing anticoagulant therapy. Venous compression ultrasonography of the lower limbs was performed within 48 h. 234 patients were included. The prevalence of asymptomatic deep vein thrombosis on admission and the incidence during hospital follow-up were respectively 5.5% (95% confidence interval, 3.1 to 9.5%) and 2.6 per 1000 person-days (95% confidence interval, 0.0 to 5.2). The prevalence and the incidence reached respectively 17.8% (95% confidence interval, 8.5 to 32.6%) and 6.0 per 1000 person-days (95% confidence interval, 0.0 to 12.7) among patients over 80 years. A high prevalence of asymptomatic deep vein thrombosis on admission was suggested particularly among elderly medical patients.
Pseutarin C, a Prothrombin Activator from Pseudonaja textilis Venom: Its Structural and Functional Similarity to Mammalian Coagulation Factor Xa-Va Complex
Authors: Rao Veena , Kini R.
Published: March 2018

Several snake venoms contain procoagulant proteins that can activate prothrombin. We have purified pseutarin C, a prothrombin activator from the venom of the Australian brown snake (Pseudonaja textilis). It converts prothrombin to thrombin by cleaving both the peptide bonds Arg274 – Thr275 and Arg323 – Ile324, similar to mammalian factor Xa. It is a protein complex (∼250 Kd) consisting of an enzymatic and a nonenzymatic subunit. These subunits were separated by reverse phase HPLC and their interactions with bovine factor Xa and factor Va were studied. The enzymatic subunit of pseutarin C has a ∼13 fold higher affinity for bovine factor Va (K
d of 11.4 nM for pseutarin C enzymatic subunit – bovine factor Va interaction as compared to a K
d of 147.4 nM for the bovine factor Xa-Va interaction). The non-enzymatic component, however, was unable to activate bovine factor Xa. N-terminal sequence analysis of the catalytic subunit of pseutarin C showed ∼ 60% homology to mammalian factor Xa and ∼78% homology to trocarin, a group D prothrombin activator from Tropidechis carinatus venom. Structural information for the non-enzymatic subunit of pseutarin C was obtained by amino terminal sequencing of several internal peptides. The sequence data obtained indicates that the non-enzymatic subunit of pseutarin C has similar domain architecture like the mammalian factor Va and the overall homology is ∼55%. Thus pseutarin C is the first venom procoagulant protein that is structurally and functionally similar to mammalian factor Xa-Va complex.
Anti-β2-glycoprotein I Antibody-mediated Inhibition of Activated Protein C Requires Binding of β2-glycoprotein I to Phospholipids
Authors: Izumi Tomonori , Pound Mary , Su Zuowei , Iverson G. , Ortel Thomas
Published: March 2018

To clarify the role(s) of anti-β2GPI antibodies on thrombosis in antiphospholipid antibody syndromes (APS), the effect of IgG from three patients on activated protein C (APC) was investigated using phospholipid vesicles and purified proteins. Two of the total IgG inhibited APC activity in the presence of β2GPI, whereas the third IgG did not. In addition, one IgG inhibited APC activity without β2GPI. Anti-β2GPI IgG from the two inhibitory IgG preparations inhibited APC activity only in the presence of β2GPI. Inhibition was suppressed partially by excess APC and almost completely by excess phospholipid vesicles. Cleaved β2GPI, a non-phospholipid-binding form, did not support inhibitory activity, even though the anti-β2GPI IgG bound to the cleaved molecule. This study confirms that anti-β2GPI antibodies from APS patients inhibit APC activity, and demonstrates the requirement of phospholipid binding of β2GPI for expression of the inhibitory activity of these antibodies.