bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
New York Heart Association functional class, QRS duration, and survival in heart failure with reduced ejection fraction: implications for cardiac resychronization therapy
Authors: Braunschweig Frieder , Linde Cecilia , Benson Lina , Ståhlberg Marcus , Dahlström Ulf , Lund Lars H.
Published: June 2016

Aims

Symptom severity assessed by NYHA functional class and QRS duration are essential criteria for selection of heart failure (HF) patients for CRT. This study assessed the relationship between NYHA class, QRS duration, and survival in a nationwide HF registry.

Methods and results

We studied 13 423 patients with HF in NYHA class II–IV and LVEF <40% in the Swedish Heart Failure Registry. Survival was followed via the Swedish Population Registry. Of 12 534 patients without CRT (age 71 ± 12 years, 29% women), 51% and 49% were in NYHA class II and III–IV, respectively. Patients in NYHA class II compared with class III–IV were younger (69 vs. 73 years), and had a better systolic function (49% vs. 58% with LVEF <30%), P <0.001 for all, and a favourable co‐morbidity profile. QRS duration was 116 ± 29 ms in NYHA class II and 119 ± 29 ms in NYHA class III–IV with QRS ≥120 ms found in 37% vs. 44%, and an LBBB in 23% vs. 28% (P < 0.001 for all). Upon multivariable Cox regression adjusting for 40 clinically relevant variables, mortality risk was higher in NYHA class III–IV vs. class II, with a hazard ratio (HR) of 1.31, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.23–1.40. Mortality was also higher with QRS prolongation ≥120 ms vs. narrow QRS. The HR in NYHA class II patients with non‐LBBB was 1.19 (95% CI 1.05 − 1.36) and in those with LBBB it was 1.16 (95% CI 1.03–1.41). The corresponding HRs in NYHA class III–IV were 1.33 (95% CI 1.21–1.47) and 1.12 (95% CI 1.02–1.22). There was no significant interaction between the effects of NYHA class and QRS duration or morphology on mortality. Applying different scenarios to estimate guideline adherence, fewer patients with NYHA class II (range 14.4–42.6%) compared with NYHA class III–IV (18.0–45.4%) had received a CRT device when indicated.

Conclusions

In HF with reduced LVEF, QRS prolongation is common and independently linked to worse survival. The increase in mortality risk associated with QRS prolongation of both LBBB and non‐LBBB morphology is similar in NYHA class II and III–IV.
γH2AX formation kinetics in PBMCs of rabbits exposed to acute and fractionated radiation and attenuation of focus frequency through preadministration of a combination of podophyllotoxin and rutin hydrate
Authors: Yashavarddhan M.H. , Shukla Sandeep K. , Srivastava Nitya N. , Suar Mrutyunjay , Dutta Sangeeta , Kalita Bhargab , Ranjan Rajiv , Singh Abhinav , Bajaj Sania , Gupta Manju L.
Published: June 2016

DNA damage can be assessed by the quantitation of γH2AX foci that form at DSB sites. This study examines the generation and persistence of γH2AX foci, variability in foci size after acute and fractionated radiation exposure, and the effect of pretreatment with a safe radioprotective formulation termed G‐003M on foci generation and persistence. G‐003M contains a combination of podophyllotoxin and rutin hydrate, and was administered intramuscularly to rabbits 1 hr prior to Co60gamma irradiation. Rabbits were assigned to one of the following treatment groups: untreated, G‐003M alone, irradiated (single dose 8 Gy, fractionated 2 Gy/day for 4 days or single dose 2 Gy) or G‐003M preadministration followed by radiation exposure. Foci continuously persisted for a week in peripheral blood mononuclear cells of rabbits exposed to a single 8 Gy dose. However, the number of foci gradually decreased after reaching a maximum at 1 h. In rabbits exposed to fractionated radiation, foci detected 1 hr after the final exposure were significantly larger (P < 0.001) than in rabbits exposed to a single 8 Gy dose, but disappeared completely after 24 h. In both groups, foci reappeared on days 11‐15 in terminally ill animals. G‐003M pretreatment significantly (P < 0.05) attenuated the formation of γH2AX foci in all irradiated rabbits. This study reveals that γH2AX focus assessment could be used to confirm radiation exposure, that focus size reflects the type of radiation exposure (acute or fractionated), that the re‐appearance of foci is a strong indicator of imminent death in animals, and that G‐003M provides protection against radiation. Environ. Mol. Mutagen. 57:455–468, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Fast Pyrolysis Oil Fuel Blend for Marine Vessels
Authors: Chong K.J. , Bridgwater A.V.
Published: June 2016

The main driver for the investigation of fast pyrolysis oil marine fuel blends is EU directive 2012/33/EU which aims to cut the sulphur content of marine fuel and thereby reduce air pollution caused by marine vessels.

The aim of this study was to investigate the miscibility of three‐ and four‐ component blends containing pyrolysis oil, 1‐butanol, biodiesel (RME) and/or marine gas oil (MGO). The ideal blend would be a stable homogenous product with a minimum amount of butanol, whilst maximising the amount of pyrolysis oil. A successful blend would have properties suitable for use in marine engines. In order to successfully utilise a marine fuel blend in commercial vessels it should meet minimum specification requirements such as a flash point ≥60°C.

Blends of pyrolysis oil, RME, MGO and 1‐butanol were evaluated and characterised. The mixed blends were inspected after 48 hours for homogeneity and the results plotted on a tri‐plot phase diagram. Homogenous samples were tested for water content, pH, acid number, viscosity and flash point as these indicate a blend's suitability for engine testing.

The work forms part of the ReShip Project which is funded by Norwegian industry partners and the Research Council of Norway (The ENERGIX programme). © 2016 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 36: 677–684, 2017
Encoding odorant mixtures by human olfactory receptors
Authors: El Mountassir Fouzia , Belloir Christine , Briand Loïc , Thomas‐Danguin Thierry , Le Bon Anne‐Marie
Published: June 2016

Perceptual properties of odorant mixtures are assumed to result from interactions occurring at different stages of odour processing. Peripheral mechanisms have been proposed to play an important role in the processing of mixture information. To test this hypothesis, we investigated the responses of several human olfactory receptors (ORs) to aldehyde binary mixtures containing various ratios of either octanal and citronellal or octanal and methional. Receptor responses were measured by calcium imaging using HEK293 cells transfected with ORs. Responses to octanal + citronellal mixtures were almost always found to be lower than the sum of single compound responses (hypo‐addition). For one OR (OR1A1), octanal was even found to extinguish the receptor response altogether, suggesting strong competition mechanisms. In contrast, OR activation by octanal + methional mixtures was hyper‐additive. Interestingly, the results revealed that (i) the interaction pattern was largely influenced by the nature and ratio of the mixed odorants whatever the OR and (ii) the interaction pattern depended on the OR response patterns to single odorants. These findings provide some insight into the phenomena that may occur at the periphery of the olfactory system. Moreover, since OR responses are partially reconcilable with human integrated odour responses, this highlights the critical role of peripheral events in the encoding of natural odours. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Solvent effect on the debromination/dehydrobromination of bromo‐damascone
Authors: Cheng Ying‐Ying , Ren Tian‐Lu , Xu Bao‐Hua , Tao Hai‐Sheng , Zhang Suo‐Jiang
Published: June 2016

The dehydrogenative synthesis of β‐damascenone from β‐damascone via the related allyl bromide intermediate was studied in depth. The requisite dehydrobromination thereof was found strongly solvent system dependent. Under respective conditions, the product was identified as dehydrogenation‐derived a, 4‐alkoxy‐derived b and 4‐oxo‐derived c, accordingly. In addition, the conversion from b to a was successfully accomplished, thereby offering an alternative access (with one step more) to reach β‐damascenone. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synthesis, Anticancer, and QSAR Studies of 2‐Alkyl(aryl,hetaryl)quinazolin‐4(3H)‐thione's and [1,2,4]Triazolo[1,5‐c]quinazoline‐2‐thione's Thioderivatives
Authors: Antypenko Oleksii M. , Kovalenko Sergiy I. , Karpenko Oleksandr V. , Nikitin Vladyslav O. , Antypenko Lyudmyla M.
Published: June 2016

Considering the frightening high level of mortality from cancer, studies of anticancer agents are vital nowadays. The 24 thioderivatives of 2‐alkyl(aryl)‐quinazolin‐4(3H)‐thiones and 20 thioderivatives of [1,2,4]triazolo[1,5‐c]quinazoline‐2‐thiones were synthesized and evaluated for preliminary in vitro anticancer activity with subsequent in silico QSAR analysis. The substance 18 had the best results inhibiting growth of eight cancer cell lines: CCRF‐CEM of leukemia; SF‐539, SNB‐75, and U251 of CNS cancer; 786, RXF393, and UO‐31 of renal cancer; and MDA‐MB‐231/ATCC of breast cancer (−31.50 – 47.41% of cell growth) with low procancer effect. Calculated QSAR‐models for CCRF‐CEM of leukemia, T‐47D and HS 578T of breast cancer, and mean cell growth demonstrated good rate of anticancer activity prediction (r2 = 0.7 – 0.8,  = 0.5 – 0.7).
Serum concentrations of l‐kynurenine predict clinical outcomes of patients with peripheral T‐cell lymphoma, not otherwise specified
Authors: Shibata Yuhei , Hara Takeshi , Matsumoto Takuro , Nakamura Nobuhiko , Nakamura Hiroshi , Ninomiya Soranobu , Kitagawa Junichi , Goto Naoe , Nannya Yasuhito , Ito Hiroyasu , Kito Yusuke , Miyazaki Tatsuhiko , Takeuchi Tamotsu , Saito Kuniaki , Seishima Mitsuru , Takami Tsuyoshi , Moriwaki Hisataka , Shimizu Masahito , Tsurumi Hisashi
Published: June 2016

Indoleamine 2,3‐dioxygenase exerts intense immunomodulatory effects due to enzymatic activities that catalyze the breakdown of the essential amino acid l‐tryptophan. The activity of indoleamine 2,3‐dioxygenase can be estimated by measuring serum l‐kynurenine concentrations. Here, we aimed to determine the role of l‐kynurenine as a prognostic factor for peripheral T‐cell lymphoma, not otherwise specified (PTCL‐NOS) in a retrospective analysis of data derived from 31 consecutive patients between June 2000 and March 2013 who were histologically diagnosed with PTCL‐NOS according to the World Health Organization classification and treated with 6−8 cycles of cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin or pirarubicin, vincristine, and prednisolone. l‐kynurenine concentrations in serum samples collected at admission were measured using high‐performance liquid chromatography. The median serum concentration of l‐kynurenine was 3.28 (range 0.92–8.16) μM. The l‐kynurenine cutoff was set at 3.07 μM using receiver operating characteristics curves. The complete remission rates of patients with l‐kynurenine <3.07 and ≥3.07 μM were 69% and 51%, respectively. The 5‐year overall survival (OS) rates for patients with l‐kynurenine <3.07 and ≥3.07 μM were 80.2% and 23.4%, respectively (p < 0.001). More advanced age, poor performance status, elevated lactate dehydrogenase, an unfavorable International Prognostic Index, and a poor prognostic index for T‐cell lymphoma were significantly worse factors for OS. Multivariate analyses revealed only l‐kynurenine as an independent prognostic factor for OS. In conclusion, serum concentrations of l‐kynurenine might comprise a novel prognostic factor with which to determine the outcomes of treatment for PTCL‐NOS. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Genomic characterization of viral integration sites in HPV‐related cancers
Authors: Bodelon Clara , Untereiner Michael E. , Machiela Mitchell J. , Vinokurova Svetlana , Wentzensen Nicolas
Published: June 2016

Persistent infection with carcinogenic human papillomaviruses (HPV) causes the majority of anogenital cancers and a subset of head and neck cancers. The HPV genome is frequently found integrated into the host genome of invasive cancers. The mechanisms of how it may promote disease progression are not well understood. Thoroughly characterizing integration events can provide insights into HPV carcinogenesis. Individual studies have reported limited number of integration sites in cell lines and human samples. We performed a systematic review of published integration sites in HPV‐related cancers and conducted a pooled analysis to formally test for integration hotspots and genomic features enriched in integration events using data from the Encyclopedia of DNA Elements (ENCODE). Over 1,500 integration sites were reported in the literature, of which 90.8% (N = 1,407) were in human tissues. We found 10 cytobands enriched for integration events, three previously reported ones (3q28, 8q24.21 and 13q22.1) and seven additional ones (2q22.3, 3p14.2, 8q24.22, 14q24.1, 17p11.1, 17q23.1 and 17q23.2). Cervical infections with HPV18 were more likely to have breakpoints in 8q24.21 (p = 7.68 × 10−4) than those with HPV16. Overall, integration sites were more likely to be in gene regions than expected by chance (p = 6.93 × 10−9). They were also significantly closer to CpG regions, fragile sites, transcriptionally active regions and enhancers. Few integration events occurred within 50 Kb of known cervical cancer driver genes. This suggests that HPV integrates in accessible regions of the genome, preferentially genes and enhancers, which may affect the expression of target genes.
SUBSTANCE‐ABUSING PREGNANT WOMEN: PRENATAL INTERVENTION USING ULTRASOUND CONSULTATION AND MENTALIZATION TO ENHANCE THE MOTHER–CHILD RELATIONSHIP AND REDUCE SUBSTANCE USE
Authors: Pajulo Helena , Pajulo Marjukka , Jussila Heidi , Ekholm Eeva
Published: June 2016

Substance‐abusing pregnant and parenting women are considered one of the most challenging, but important, target groups for developing early parenting interventions. Some valuable efforts to develop such interventions have been made in the organizational sector in Finland. However, there is a great need for new ways of work that would simultaneously concentrate in substance‐abuse treatment and enhance parenting in public healthcare settings. The present article describes the background, content, and protocol of a new prenatal intervention developed for substance‐abusing pregnant women in a hospital setting in public healthcare. The intervention includes two new elements and pathways aimed to enhance the mothers’ curiosity toward her developing child and provide motivation to stay abstinent from substance use. The pathways are interactive ultrasound consultation and a new pregnancy diary, both using a parental mentalization focus. The intervention elements, experiences from running the intervention, evaluation protocol, and general characteristics of the study sample gained (n = 90) are described and discussed. Two case vignettes from the study sample are presented, and the applicability of this prenatal work with other groups and settings is considered.
Effect of ultrasonic processing on the changes in activity, aggregation and the secondary and tertiary structure of polyphenol oxidase in oriental sweet melon (Cucumis melo var. makuwa Makino)
Authors: Liu Siyu , Liu Yan , Huang Xingjian , Yang Wenjin , Hu Wanfeng , Pan Siyi
Published: June 2016

BACKGROUND

Polyphenol oxidase (PPO) mainly contributes to the browning reaction of fruits and vegetables and causes serious damage to the quality of sweet melon products. However, traditional methods to inactivate browning may induce more unexpected risks than ultrasonic processing. Meanwhile, there are no reports on the effect of ultrasound on PPO directly purified from sweet melon.

RESULTS

The PPO in the original juice was less inactivated than the purified form when treated with ultrasound. As for purified PPO, superior to thermal treatment, less heat was needed to inactivate the PPO with ultrasonic treatment. At intensity lower than 200 W, ultrasound did not significantly affect the structure and activity of PPO (P > 0.05), and latent PPO was activated. At intensity higher than 200 W, ultrasound inactivated PPO, induced aggregation and dissociation of PPO particles and significantly decreased the α‐helix structure content.

CONCLUSION

Low‐frequency high‐intensity ultrasound caused an inactivation effect and conformational changes of purified PPO from oriental sweet melons. Changes in the PPO structure induced by ultrasound eventually inactivated the enzyme. Ultrasound may be a potential method to inactivate PPO in oriental sweet melons. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry
Influence of lactose hydrolysis on galacto‐oligosaccharides, lactose, volatile profile and physicochemical parameters of different yogurt varieties
Authors: Vénica Claudia I , Wolf Irma V , Bergamini Carina V , Perotti María C
Published: June 2016

BACKGROUND

Different types of reduced‐lactose yogurt, obtained by lactose hydrolysis using β‐galactosidase enzyme, are commercially available. The breakdown of lactose modifies the carbohydrate profile, including the production of prebiotic galacto‐oligosaccharides (GOS), which could affect the survival and activity of starter and probiotic cultures and the parameters of yogurt quality. The extension of these changes is dependent on the yogurt matrix composition. This study aimed to evaluate the influence of lactose hydrolysis on GOS, lactose, volatile profile and physicochemical parameters of different yogurt varieties during storage.

RESULTS

The presence of β‐galactosidase enzyme did not affect either the global composition or the survival of cultures. Overall, the hydrolyzed products had lower acidity than traditional ones. GOS were found at similar levels in fresh hydrolyzed yogurts, whereas in traditional yogurts they were not detected. The proportion of ketones, acids and aldehydes seems to be more dependent on yogurt variety than on addition of the enzyme. Likewise, the storage period affected the volatile fraction to different degree; the increase in acid compounds was more pronounced in hydrolyzed than in traditional yogurts.

CONCLUSION

This work shows that it is possible to obtain different varieties of reduced‐lactose yogurt, some of them with additional benefits to health such as reduced fat, reduced calories, added with probiotic/inulin and enriched in GOS, with similar characteristics to traditional products. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry
Characterization of self‐assembled layers made with stearic acid, benzotriazole, or 2‐mercaptobenzimidazole on surface of copper for corrosion protection in simulated urban rain
Authors: Žerjav G. , Lanzutti A. , Andreatta F. , Fedrizzi L. , Milošev I.
Published: June 2016

Two procedures (one‐step and two‐steps) of combining stearic acid and corrosion inhibitor (1H‐benzotriazole or 2‐mercaptobenzimidazole) to produce self‐assembled layers on surface of copper to protect it against corrosion in simulated urban rain were studied. The contact angle measurements showed that surfaces of layers made with combination of stearic acid and 2‐mercaptobenzimidazole or 1H‐benzotriazole and layers only made with stearic acid were hydrophobic. Energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy and glow discharge optical emission spectroscopy analyses clearly highlighted that both stearic acid and organic inhibitors are involved in the protective film formation. Potentiodynamic curves confirm that one‐step combinations (self‐assembling in a mixture of stearic acid and inhibitor) exhibit better protection compared to layers made with individual inhibitors only and compared to two‐steps procedure (self‐assembling by successive immersion in inhibitor and stearic acid), regardless the type of inhibitor employed. Fast process of self‐assembling under optimal conditions produces thin, hydrophobic protective layers on copper suitable for use under conditions of atmospheric corrosion. The tests in spray chamber show that the corrosion protection of Cu is provided after long‐term exposure to simulated urban rain.
Perinatal maternal high‐fat diet promotes alterations in hepatic lipid metabolism and resistance to the hypolipidemic effect of fish oil in adolescent rat offspring
Authors: Oliveira Lorraine S. , Souza Luana L. , Souza Aline F. P. , Cordeiro Aline , Kluck George E. G. , Atella Georgia C. , Trevenzoli Isis H. , Pazos‐Moura Carmen C.
Published: June 2016

Scope

Maternal high‐fat diet (HFD) promotes obesity and metabolic disturbances in offspring at weaning and adult life. We investigated metabolic consequences of maternal HFD in adolescent rat offspring and the potential benefic effects of fish oil (FO) (n‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acid source).

Methods and results

Female rats received isocaloric, standard diet (STD: 9% fat) or HFD (28.6%) before mating, and throughout pregnancy and lactation. After weaning, male offspring received standard diet and, from 25th to 45th day, received oral administration of soybean oil (SO) or FO. HFD offspring showed higher body weight and adiposity, which was not attenuated by FO. In STD offspring, FO reduced serum triglyceride and cholesterol, as expected, but not in HFD offspring. Liver of HFD offspring groups showed increased free cholesterol and FO‐treated HFD group showed lower expression of Abcg8, suggesting decreased cholesterol biliary excretion. HFD offspring presented higher hepatic expression of lipogenic markers, Srebf1 mRNA and acetyl CoA carboxylase (ACC). Serum n‐3 PUFA were decreased in FO‐treated HFD compared to FO‐treated STD offspring, which may explain the reduced hypolipidemic FO effect.

Conclusion

Maternal HFD impaired the ability of FO to reduce adiposity and serum lipids in adolescent offspring, suggesting a potential predisposition to future development of metabolic disorders
Rheological, Mechanical, and thermal properties of polylactide/cellulose nanofiber biocomposites
Authors: Safdari Fatemeh , Bagheriasl Davood , Carreau Pierre J. , Heuzey Marie C. , Kamal Musa R.
Published: June 2016

Biocomposites based on polylactide (PLA) and cellulose nanofibers (CNFs) were prepared via a solution method. The effects of CNFs on rheological, mechanical, thermal, and optical properties of PLA were investigated. Scanning electron microscopy showed that the CNFs were fairly dispersed/distributed in the PLA. Significant increases in the rheological properties of PLA/CNF composites and a remarkable shear‐thinning behavior were observed. Also, apparent yield stress and a transition from liquid‐ to solid‐like behavior indicated a strong 3D network of CNFs. At room temperature, the storage and Young moduli were increased by 50% for the composite containing 5 wt% CNFs as compared to the neat PLA, whereas the tensile strength was increased up to 31%. The Krenchel model was shown to predict well the Young modulus for lower concentrations of CNFs. Moreover, relative to the neat PLA the storage modulus in flexion at 70°C increased by 264% for PLA containing 5 wt% CNFs. Increased crystalline content and a positive shift of the crystallization temperature by incorporating the CNFs in PLA were observed. Also, good light transparency was retained for these PLA/CNF biocomposites. These results show that the preparation method employed in this work leads to PLA/CNF composites with considerably enhanced properties. POLYM. COMPOS., 39:1752–1762, 2018. © 2016 Society of Plastics Engineers
Effect of Dietary Omega‐3 Fatty Acids on Tumor‐Associated Macrophages and Prostate Cancer Progression
Authors: Liang Pei , Henning Susanne M. , Schokrpur Shiruyeh , Wu Lily , Doan Ngan , Said Jonathan , Grogan Tristan , Elashoff David , Cohen Pinchas , Aronson William J.
Published: June 2016

BACKGROUND

Preclinical and clinical studies suggest that a fish oil‐based diet may play a role in delaying the progression of prostate cancer through a number of different mechanisms involving inflammatory pathways. Given the importance of tumor‐associated macrophages (TAMs) in carcinogenesis, we hypothesized that a fish oil‐based diet will inhibit TAM infiltration and delay the growth of prostate cancer.

METHODS

Androgen sensitive mouse prostate cancer (MycCaP) allograft tumors were grown in fully immunocompetent FVB mice fed a high‐ fat fish oil (omega‐3) or corn oil (omega‐6) diet. Gene expression of markers for immune cell populations, cytokines, chemokines, and signaling pathways were determined by real‐time PCR and western blot in tumor tissue. Cell proliferation and apoptosis in vitro were measured by MTS assay and flow cytometry.

RESULTS

Tumor volumes were significantly smaller in mice in ω‐3 versus the ω‐6 group (P = 0.048). Gene expression of markers for M1 and M2 macrophages (F4/80, iNOS, ARG1), associated cytokines (IL‐6, TNF alpha, IL‐10), and the chemokine CCL‐2 were also lower in the omega‐3 group. Correlative in vitro studies were performed in M1 and M2 polarized macrophages and mirrored the in vivo findings. Dietary fish oil and in vitro omega‐3 fatty acid administration reduced protein expression of transcription factors in the nuclear factor kappa B pathway leading to a significant decrease in gene expression of downstream targets (Bcl‐2, BCL‐XL, XIAP, survivin) in MycCap cells.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings underscore the potential of fish oil in modulating the clinical course of human prostate cancer through the immune system. Further preclinical and clinical studies are warranted evaluating fish oil‐based therapies for inhibiting the recruitment and function of M1 and M2 tumor infiltrating macrophages.Prostate 76:1293–1302, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The Effects of Extensive Reading on Reading Comprehension, Reading Rate, and Vocabulary Acquisition
Authors: Suk Namhee
Published: June 2016

Several empirical studies and syntheses of extensive reading have concluded that extensive reading has positive impacts on language learning in second‐ and foreign‐language settings. However, many of the studies contained methodological or curricular limitations, raising questions about the asserted positive effects of extensive reading. The present research adds to the limited set of well‐controlled studies by investigating the impact of an extensive reading approach over a 15‐week semester on the reading comprehension, reading rate, and vocabulary acquisition of Korean university students studying English as a foreign language. A quasi‐experimental research design was employed using four intact classes: two control (n = 88) and two experimental (n = 83). The control classes received 100‐minute intensive reading instruction per week, whereas the experimental classes received equivalent 70‐minute intensive reading instruction and 30‐minute extensive reading instruction per week. A repeated‐measures multivariate analysis of variance revealed that the experimental classes significantly outperformed the control classes on the combination of the three dependent variables (i.e., reading comprehension, reading rate, vocabulary acquisition). Subsequent analyses of variance confirmed the positive impacts of extensive reading on all three areas. Instructional implications for extensive reading in second‐language curricula are discussed.
Estimating the effect of endogenous dopamine on baseline [11C]‐(+)‐PHNO binding in the human brain
Authors: Caravaggio Fernando , Kegeles Lawrence S. , Wilson Alan A. , Remington Gary , Borlido Carol , Mamo David C. , Graff‐Guerrero Ariel
Published: June 2016

Endogenous dopamine (DA) levels at dopamine D2/3 receptors (D2/3R) have been quantified in the living human brain using the agonist radiotracer [11C]‐(+)‐PHNO. As an agonist radiotracer, [11C]‐(+)‐PHNO is more sensitive to endogenous DA levels than antagonist radiotracers. We sought to determine the proportion of the variance in baseline [11C]‐(+)‐PHNO binding to D2/3Rs which can be accounted for by variation in endogenous DA levels. This was done by computing the Pearson's coefficient for the correlation between baseline binding potential (BPND) and the change in BPND after acute DA depletion, using previously published data. All correlations were inverse, and the proportion of the variance in baseline [11C]‐(+)‐PHNO BPND that can be accounted for by variation in endogenous DA levels across the striatal subregions ranged from 42‐59%. These results indicate that lower baseline values of [11C]‐(+)‐PHNO BPND reflect greater stimulation by endogenous DA. To further validate this interpretation, we sought to examine whether these data could be used to estimate the dissociation constant (Kd) of DA at D2/3R. In line with previous in vitro work, we estimated the in vivo Kd of DA to be around 20 nM. In summary, the agonist radiotracer [11C]‐(+)‐PHNO can detect the impact of endogenous DA levels at D2/3R in the living human brain from a single baseline scan, and may be more sensitive to this impact than other commonly employed radiotracers.
Back to Basics: Sharps Safety
Authors: Spruce Lisa
Published: June 2016

Perioperative team members who handle sharp devices or equipment are at risk for sharps injuries. Because sharps injuries can expose individuals to potentially infectious diseases, safety practices should be followed at all times. Health care workers and patients are at risk when a sharps injury occurs, so protocols, including work practice and engineering controls, should be in place at every facility. This article provides guidance on the steps that can be followed to minimize risk of a sharps injury.
An Overview of Perioperative Care for Pediatric Patients
Authors: Derieg Sarah
Published: June 2016

Care of pediatric surgical patients is not limited to pediatric facilities, and all perioperative RNs should have a basic understanding of the specialized care that children require. This knowledge set includes an understanding of the basic terminology used to describe this patient population as well as the developmental stages of pediatric patients. Preoperatively, the nurse should conduct a thorough assessment and evaluation and address the anxieties and questions of the patient and his or her parent or guardian. Intraoperatively, the nurse should be prepared to help manage difficult intubation, laryngospasm during induction and extubation, difficult IV access, positioning, skin care, surgical site preparation, and thermoregulation. Postoperative care considerations include addressing airway differences, vital signs, pain assessment and management, fluid management, and preparation for discharge. Awareness of the anatomic and physiologic differences, developmental stages, and surgical needs of children will allow the perioperative RN to provide high‐quality, safe care to the pediatric surgical patient.
Preoperative Care of Children: Strategies From a Child Life Perspective
Authors: Panella Judy J.
Published: June 2016

The experience of surgery can be extremely stressful for children and their family members. Many children's hospitals offer a formal surgical preparation program to patients and their families, usually led by a child life specialist. However, smaller hospitals or ambulatory surgery centers may not be able to use this approach to preparing children for surgery. In this scenario, the perioperative nurse is in the ideal position to provide developmentally appropriate surgical preparation and education at the bedside. Knowledge of normal child development and age‐appropriate diversional activities are necessary to implement an effective surgical preparation program. This age‐appropriate preparation can help facilitate a positive medical experience that can reduce anxiety and affect the child's and his or her family's view of future medical encounters.
Guideline Implementation: Prevention of Retained Surgical Items
Authors: Fencl Jennifer L.
Published: June 2016

A surgical item unintentionally retained in a patient after an operative or other invasive procedure is a serious, preventable medical error with the potential to cause the patient great harm. Perioperative RNs play a key role in preventing retained surgical items (RSIs). The updated AORN “Guideline for prevention of retained surgical items” provides guidance for implementing a consistent, multidisciplinary approach to RSI prevention; accounting for surgical items; preventing retention of device fragments; reconciling count discrepancies; and using adjunct technologies to supplement manual count procedures. This article focuses on key points of the guideline to help perioperative personnel provide optimal care during a procedure. Key points addressed include taking responsibility for RSI prevention as a team; minimizing distractions, noise, and interruptions during counts; using consistent counting methods; reconciling discrepancies; and participating in performance‐improvement activities. Perioperative RNs should review the complete guideline for additional information and for guidance in writing and updating policies and procedures.
A blood screening test for Alzheimer's disease
Authors: O'Bryant Sid E. , Edwards Melissa , Johnson Leigh , Hall James , Villarreal Alcibiades E. , Britton Gabrielle B. , Quiceno Mary , Cullum C. Munro , Graff‐Radford Neill R.
Published: June 2016

Introduction

This study combined data across four independent cohorts to examine the positive and negative predictive values of an Alzheimer's disease (AD) blood test if implemented in primary care.

Methods

Blood samples from 1329 subjects from multiple independent, multiethnic, community‐based, and clinic‐based cohorts were analyzed. A “locked‐down” referent group of 1128 samples was generated with 201 samples randomly selected for validation purposes. Random forest analyses were used to create the AD blood screen. Positive (PPV) and negative (NPV) predictive values were calculated.

Results

In detecting AD, PPV was 0.81, and NPV was 0.95 while using the full AD blood test. When detecting mild cognitive impairment, PPV and NPV were 0.74 and 0.93, respectively. Preliminary analyses were conducted to detect any “neurodegenerative disease”. The full 21‐protein AD blood test yielded a PPV of 0.85 and NPV of 0.94.

Discussion

The present study creates the first‐ever multiethnic referent sample that spans community‐based and clinic‐based populations for implementation of an AD blood screen.
SNHG16 is regulated by the Wnt pathway in colorectal cancer and affects genes involved in lipid metabolism
Authors: Christensen Lise Lotte , True Kirsten , Hamilton Mark P. , Nielsen Morten M. , Damas Nkerorema D. , Damgaard Christian K. , Ongen Halit , Dermitzakis Emmanouil , Bramsen Jesper B. , Pedersen Jakob S. , Lund Anders H. , Vang Søren , Stribolt Katrine , Madsen Mogens R. , Laurberg Søren , McGuire Sean E. , Ørntoft Torben F. , Andersen Claus L.
Published: June 2016

It is well established that lncRNAs are aberrantly expressed in cancer where they have been shown to act as oncogenes or tumor suppressors. RNA profiling of 314 colorectal adenomas/adenocarcinomas and 292 adjacent normal colon mucosa samples using RNA‐sequencing demonstrated that the snoRNA host gene 16 (SNHG16) is significantly up‐regulated in adenomas and all stages of CRC. SNHG16 expression was positively correlated to the expression of Wnt‐regulated transcription factors, including ASCL2, ETS2, and c‐Myc. In vitro abrogation of Wnt signaling in CRC cells reduced the expression of SNHG16 indicating that SNHG16 is regulated by the Wnt pathway. Silencing of SNHG16 resulted in reduced viability, increased apoptotic cell death and impaired cell migration. The SNHG16 silencing particularly affected expression of genes involved in lipid metabolism. A connection between SNHG16 and genes involved in lipid metabolism was also observed in clinical tumors. Argonaute CrossLinking and ImmunoPrecipitation (AGO‐CLIP) demonstrated that SNHG16 heavily binds AGO and has 27 AGO/miRNA target sites along its length, indicating that SNHG16 may act as a competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) “sponging” miRNAs off their cognate targets. Most interestingly, half of the miRNA families with high confidence targets on SNHG16 also target the 3′UTR of Stearoyl‐CoA Desaturase (SCD). SCD is involved in lipid metabolism and is down‐regulated upon SNHG16 silencing. In conclusion, up‐regulation of SNHG16 is a frequent event in CRC, likely caused by deregulated Wnt signaling. In vitro analyses demonstrate that SNHG16 may play an oncogenic role in CRC and that it affects genes involved in lipid metabolism, possible through ceRNA related mechanisms.
Geochronology and tectonic settings of Late Jurassic – Early Cretaceous intrusive rocks in the Ulanhot region, central and southern Da Xingan Range
Authors: LIU CHANGFENG , ZHOU ZHIGUANG , TANG YONGJU , WU CHEN , LI HONGYING , ZHU YAN , JIANG TIAN , LIU WENCAN , YE BAOYING
Published: June 2016

Zircon U–Pb dating and whole-rock geochemical analysis have been performed on Late Jurassic – Early Cretaceous intrusive rocks of the Ulanhot area, NE China, with the aim of constraining the tectonic evolution of the central and southern Da Xingan Range. Zircon U–Pb dating indicates that Late Jurassic – Early Cretaceous magmatic events experienced four stages at:c.155 Ma;c.144 Ma; 135–130 Ma; andc.126 Ma. Thec.155 Ma magmatic event consists of quartz diorite and granite-porphyryp with the geochemical characteristic of high Sr and Sr/Y or high A/CNK (1.38), implying the primary magma was derived from partial melting of a thickened lower crust which induced the closure of the Mongol–Okhotsk Ocean. Thec.144 Ma magmatic event consists of quartz monzodiorite with the geochemical characteristics of alkaline series, and indicates the delamination of a thickened crust. The 135–130 Ma magmatic event consists of syenogranite and granite-porphyry with characteristics of both I-type and A-type granites, which induced both the subduction of the Palaeo-Pacific oceanic plate and the post-orogenic extension of the Mongol–Okhotsk Orogenic Belt. Thec.126 Ma magmatic event consisted of highly fractionated I-type biotite granite and alkaline series gabbro, marking the end of the Mongol–Okhotsk Orogen, and implying that the study area was controlled by the circum-Pacific tectonic system during this stage.
Shift in Pacific Sea Level Trends Will Affect the West Coast
Authors: Cook Terri
Published: June 2016

The first study on the shift toward higher sea levels in the eastern Pacific Ocean over the past 5 years indicates it will continue, leading to much higher seas on the western coasts of the Americas.
Measuring Progress Toward Sustainable Goals
Authors: Yan Wudan
Published: June 2016

Grouping targets that need to be hit into composite goals may help countries evaluate their progress toward sustainable development targets laid out by the United Nations.
Japan's Volcanic History, Hidden Under the Sea
Authors: Yan Wudan
Published: June 2016

Scientists investigate marine tephra layers for clues to Japan's volcanic past.
Covalent organic frameworks based on Schiff-base chemistry: synthesis, properties and potential applications
Authors: Segura José L. , Mancheño María J. , Zamora Félix
Published: June 2016

Covalent organic-frameworks (COFs) are an emerging class of porous and ordered materials formed by condensation reactions of organic molecules.
Invited Article: Plasmonic growth of patterned metamaterials with fractal geometry
Authors: Takeyasu Nobuyuki , Taguchi Natsuo , Nishimura Naoki , Cheng Bo Han , Kawata Satoshi
Published: June 2016

Large-scale metallic three-dimensional (3D) structures composed of sub-wavelength fine details, called metamaterials, have attracted optical scientists and materials scientists because of their unconventional and extraordinary optical properties that are not seen in nature. However, existing nano-fabrication technologies including two-photon fabrication, e-beam, focused ion-beam, and probe microscopy are not necessarily suitable for fabricating such large-scale 3D metallic nanostructures. In this article, we propose a different method of fabricating metamaterials, which is based on a bottom-up approach. We mimicked the generation of wood forest under the sunlight and rain in nature. In our method, a silver nano-forest is grown from the silver seeds (nanoparticles) placed on the glass substrate in silver-ion solution. The metallic nano-forest is formed only in the area where ultraviolet light is illuminated. The local temperature increases at nano-seeds and tips of nano-trees and their branches due to the plasmonic heating as a result of UV light excitation of localized mode of surface plasmon polaritons. We have made experiments of growth of metallic nano-forest patterned by the light distribution. The experimental results show a beautiful nano-forest made of silver with self-similarity. Fractal dimension and spectral response of the grown structure are discussed. The structures exhibit a broad spectral response from ultraviolet to infrared, which was used for surface-enhanced Raman detection of molecules.
Experimental observation of chimera and cluster states in a minimal globally coupled network
Authors: Hart Joseph D. , Bansal Kanika , Murphy Thomas E. , Roy Rajarshi
Published: June 2016

A “chimera state” is a dynamical pattern that occurs in a network of coupled identical oscillators when the symmetry of the oscillator population is broken into synchronous and asynchronous parts. We report the experimental observation of chimera and cluster states in a network of four globally coupled chaotic opto-electronic oscillators. This is the minimal network that can support chimera states, and our study provides new insight into the fundamental mechanisms underlying their formation. We use a unified approach to determine the stability of all the observed partially synchronous patterns, highlighting the close relationship between chimera and cluster states as belonging to the broader phenomenon of partial synchronization. Our approach is general in terms of network size and connectivity. We also find that chimera states often appear in regions of multistability between global, cluster, and desynchronized states.
Introduction to thermoelectrics
Authors: Mahan G. D.
Published: June 2016

The main ideas in the theory of thermoelectrics are discussed. We discuss power generation, thermoelectric cooling, transport theory, the Seebeck coefficient, and phonon drag.
Is there an impact of small phase lags in the Kuramoto model?
Authors: Omel'chenko Oleh E. , Wolfrum Matthias
Published: June 2016

We discuss the influence of small phase lags on the synchronization transitions in the Kuramoto model for a large inhomogeneous population of globally coupled phase oscillators. Without a phase lag, all unimodal distributions of the natural frequencies give rise to a classical synchronization scenario, where above the onset of synchrony at the Kuramoto threshold, there is an increasing synchrony for increasing coupling strength. We show that already for arbitrarily small phase lags, there are certain unimodal distributions of natural frequencies such that for increasing coupling strength synchrony may decrease and even complete incoherence may regain stability. Moreover, our example allows a qualitative understanding of the mechanism for such non-universal synchronization transitions.
Analysis of cooperative effects between uniaxial and torsional strains in carbon nanotubes
Authors: Najafi Z. , Ahmadkhan Kordbacheh A. , Afshar M.
Published: June 2016

The analyses of the electronic properties of a Single-Wall Carbon Nanotube (SWCN) under both uniaxial and torsional strains are presented with the main intrinsic curvature taken into account. Within tight-binding mechanism, Heyd and Charlier method is extended to cover chiral types of SWCNs using a single π−orbital model for the nanotubes. The variations of the bond lengths and the band gap as functions of chirality and the strain parameters of carbon nanotube are discussed. An improved analytical expression for the deformed geometrical structure of a SWCN with arbitrary chiral indices has been derived, and a numerical band gap analysis of a chiral type is conducted. The existence of an interference or cooperative effect between uniaxial and torsional strains on band gap of a SWCN is found. The results of our calculations show that the cooperative effects depend strongly on the chirality of SWCNs and the strain parameters, so that, in contrast to the other works, there exists some strain parameters for which the cooperative effects are not found in the armchair SWCNs. In addition, it was found that the strain parameters can be chosen to correspond to the cooperative effects in zigzag SWCNs.
A broadband, circular-polarization selective surface
Authors: Momeni Hasan Abadi Seyed Mohamad Amin , Behdad Nader
Published: June 2016

We introduce a new technique for designing wideband circular-polarization selective surfaces (CPSSs) based on anisotropic miniaturized element frequency selective surfaces. The proposed structure is a combination of two linear-to-circular polarization converters sandwiching a linear polarizer. This CPSS consists of a number of metallic layers separated from each other by thin dielectric substrates. The metallic layers are in the form of two-dimensional arrays of subwavelength capacitive patches and inductive wire grids with asymmetric dimensions and a wire grid polarizer with sub-wavelength period. The proposed device is designed to offer a wideband circular-polarization selection capability allowing waves with left-hand circular polarization to pass through while rejecting those having right-hand circular polarization. A synthesis procedure is developed that can be used to design the proposed CPSS based on its desired band of operation. Using this procedure, a prototype of the proposed CPSS operating in the 12–18 GHz is designed. Full-wave electromagnetic simulations are used to predict the response of this structure. These simulation results confirm the validity of the proposed design concept and synthesis procedure and show that proposed CPSS operates within a fractional bandwidth of 40% with a co-polarization transmission discrimination of more than 15 dB. Furthermore, the proposed design is shown to be capable of providing an extremely wide field of view of ±60°.
A bright attosecond x-ray pulse train generation in a double-laser-driven cone target
Authors: Hu Li-Xiang , Yu Tong-Pu , Shao Fu-Qiu , Luo Wen , Yin Yan
Published: June 2016

By using full three-dimensional particle-in-cell and Monte Carlo simulations, we investigate the generation of a high-brightness attosecond x-ray pulse train in a double-laser-driven cone target. The scheme makes use of two lasers: the first high-intensity laser with a laser peak intensity 1.37 × 1020 W/cm2 irradiates the cone and produces overdense attosecond electron bunches; the second counterpropagating weakly relativistic laser with a laser peak intensity 4.932 × 1017 W/cm2 interacts with the produced electron bunches and a bright x-ray pulse train is generated by Thomson backscattering of the second laser off the attosecond electron bunches. It is shown that the photon flux rises by 5 times using the cone target as compared with a normal channel. Meanwhile, the x-ray peak brightness increases significantly from 1.4 × 1021/(s mm2 mrad2 0.1 keV) to 6.0 × 1021/(s mm2 mrad2 0.1 keV), which is much higher than that of the Thomson x-ray source generated from traditional accelerators. We also discuss the influence of the laser and target parameters on the x-ray pulse properties. This compact bright x-ray source may have diverse applications, e.g., the study of electric dynamics and harmonics emission in the atomic scale.