bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Aumento da fadiga e redução da qualidade de vida após tratamento de câncer do colo do útero
Authors: Pessôa Glauciane Augusto , Fernandes Janaina Almeida , Matheus João Paulo Chieregato , Matheus Liana Barbaresco Gomide
Published: May 2017

Introdução: o câncer do colo do útero (CCU) acarreta prejuízos físicos e emocionais, sendo um grande problema de saúde pública. Objetivo: avaliar fadiga, capacidade funcional e qualidade de vida antes e após o tratamento com quimiorradioterapia para o CCU. Métodos: a avaliação de fadiga e qualidade de vida foi realizada por meio dos questionários: Inventário Breve de Fadiga (BFI) e Functional Assessment of Chronic Therapy – Cervix Cancer (FACT-Cx), respectivamente, já a capacidade funcional por mensuração direta pelo Teste do degrau (TD6). Participaram 11 mulheres com CCU. O Graphpad Prism® foi utilizado para estatística. Resultados: após a quimiorradioterapia houve aumento significativo da fadiga (de 2,80 para 4,83), redução significativa da qualidade de vida (de 107,8 para 88,1) e redução da capacidade funcional (de 91 degraus para 82 degraus). Conclusão: aumento da fadiga e redução da qualidade de vida foram observados uma semana após a realização de quimiorradioterapia para o CCU.
Jak kino czechosłowackie detonowało bombę atomową, czyli o czym opowiada film Jindřicha Poláka Jutro wstanę rano i oparzę się herbatą (1977)
Authors: Guzek Mariusz
Published: May 2017

Jindřich Polák’s film Tomorrow I’ll Wake Up and Scald Myself with Tea (Zítra vstanu
a opařím se Cajeme) of 1977 is neither the first nor the last attempt to “detonate” an atomic
bomb by the Czech filmmakers. However, this science fiction comedy uses the Wells’s
concept of time travel to entertain a viewer with what the contemporary discourse calls the
counterfactual history or simply considerations on “what if...”. The film was made in
the peak period of normalization, thus all the historiosophical, ideological or political
allusions are deeply hidden. Despite the futuristic context, diegesis is recognizable and
contemporary at the same time, and thus full of ambiguous motivations of characters.
The atomic bomb, therefore, is not merely a decorative artifact around which the main
characters move.
Occurrence of Gardiner’s Butterfly Fish, Chaetodon gardineri (Norman, 1939), (Chaetodontidae) in Coastal Waters of Pakistan
Authors: Sumera Farooq  , Asadullah Ali Muhammad  , Abdul Hameed  , Mahnaz Rabbaniha
Published: May 2017

This study is the first report on the occurrence of Chaetodon gardineri in the coastal waters of Pakistan. The detail description of morphometric and meristiccharacters of C. gardineri was presented in this paper.
SENP8 limits aberrant neddylation of NEDD8 pathway components to promote cullin-RING ubiquitin ligase function
Authors: Coleman Kate E , Békés Miklós , Chapman Jessica R , Crist Sarah B , Jones Mathew JK , Ueberheide Beatrix M , Huang Tony T
Published: May 2017

NEDD8 is a ubiquitin-like modifier most well-studied for its role in activating the largest family of ubiquitin E3 ligases, the cullin-RING ligases (CRLs). While many non-cullin neddylation substrates have been proposed over the years, validation of true NEDD8 targets has been challenging, as overexpression of exogenous NEDD8 can trigger NEDD8 conjugation through the ubiquitylation machinery. Here, we developed a deconjugation-resistant form of NEDD8 to stabilize the neddylated form of cullins and other non-cullin substrates. Using this strategy, we identified Ubc12, a NEDD8-specific E2 conjugating enzyme, as a substrate for auto-neddylation. Furthermore, we characterized SENP8/DEN1 as the protease that counteracts Ubc12 auto-neddylation, and observed aberrant neddylation of Ubc12 and other NEDD8 conjugation pathway components in SENP8-deficient cells. Importantly, loss of SENP8 function contributes to accumulation of CRL substrates and defective cell cycle progression. Thus, our study highlights the importance of SENP8 in maintaining proper neddylation levels for CRL-dependent proteostasis.
Equations of state of iron nitrides ε‐Fe3Nx and γ‐Fe4Ny to 30 GPa and 1200 K and implication for nitrogen in the Earth's core
Authors: Litasov K. D. , Shatskiy A. , Ponomarev D. S. , Gavryushkin P. N.
Published: May 2017

Nitrogen abundance is one of the most uncertain among all elements in the Earth's interior. Recent data indicate an affinity between Fe‐nitrides and Fe‐carbides in the Earth's mantle and inner core. In this work P‐V‐T equations of state of ε‐Fe3N0.8 and ε‐Fe3N1.26 (which is close to Fe7N3) have been determined using a combination of multianvil and synchrotron radiation techniques at pressures up to 30 GPa and temperatures up to 1473 K. A fit of the P‐V‐T data to the Vinet‐Rydberg and Mie‐Grüneisen‐Debye equations of state yields the following thermoelastic parameters for the ε‐Fe3N0.8: V0 = 81.44(2) Å3, KT0 = 157(3) GPa, KT′ = 5.3 (fixed), θ0 = 555 K (fixed), γ0 = 1.83(1), and q = 1.34(18). For ε‐Fe3N1.26 we obtained V0 = 86.18(2) Å3, KT0 = 163(2) GPa, KT′ = 5.3(2), θ0 = 562(90) K, γ0 = 1.85(2), and q = 0.55(24). It is likely that all presumably paramagnetic ε‐Fe3Nx with x = 0.75–1.5 have similar thermoelastic properties with a minor increase of the bulk modulus with increasing N content. The melting temperature of ε‐Fe3Nx increases from approximately 1473 to 1573 K in the pressure range from 5 to 30 GPa. We also determined a preliminary equation of state for γ‐Fe4Ny and calculated y = 0.35(2) from the data at 20–30 GPa. Combining the results with a recent experimental study on the stability of β‐Fe7N3, isostructural with Fe7C3, and a theoretical study of the magnetic transitions in ε‐Fe3Nx, we estimate the density of Fe‐nitrides at the Earth's inner core conditions. Our results indicate that at 5000–6000 K, 2.0–3.2 wt % N can explain the density deficit in Earth's inner core.
Role of convective mixing and evaporative cooling in shallow convection
Authors: Park Seung‐Bu , Heus Thijs , Gentine Pierre
Published: May 2017

Large‐eddy simulations of shallow convection are used to evaluate the role of convective mixing and evaporative cooling in the vertical transport of mass, heat, and moisture in nonprecipitating shallow convection. Evaporative cooling is found to increase mass flux and the magnitude of heat and moisture fluxes, comparing twin large‐eddy simulations with either suppressed or active evaporative cooling. Nonetheless, subsiding shells transport mass downward even when evaporative cooling is suppressed, emphasizing that evaporative cooling is not the primary cause of existence of subsiding shells and accompanied buoyancy reversal. Instead, vertical convective mixing is found to be the primary reason of buoyancy reversal. Evaporative cooling yet accelerates downdrafts (updrafts) in the shell (cloudy) regions as well as increases the cloud cover in the lower cloud layer. The cloudy regions are more humid, and the liquid water potential temperature is lower compared to the evaporative‐cooling‐suppressed experiment. The primary effect of evaporative cooling is thus to increase the updraft core anomalies, thus enhancing vertical turbulent fluxes.
Scalable Production of Mechanically Robust Antireflection Film for Omnidirectional Enhanced Flexible Thin Film Solar Cells
Authors: Wang Min , Ma Pengsha , Yin Min , Lu Linfeng , Lin Yinyue , Chen Xiaoyuan , Jia Wei , Cao Xinmin , Chang Paichun , Li Dongdong
Published: May 2017

Antireflection (AR) at the interface between the air and incident window material is paramount to boost the performance of photovoltaic devices. 3D nanostructures have attracted tremendous interest to reduce reflection, while the structure is vulnerable to the harsh outdoor environment. Thus the AR film with improved mechanical property is desirable in an industrial application. Herein, a scalable production of flexible AR films is proposed with microsized structures by roll‐to‐roll imprinting process, which possesses hydrophobic property and much improved robustness. The AR films can be potentially used for a wide range of photovoltaic devices whether based on rigid or flexible substrates. As a demonstration, the AR films are integrated with commercial Si‐based triple‐junction thin film solar cells. The AR film works as an effective tool to control the light travel path and utilize the light inward more efficiently by exciting hybrid optical modes, which results in a broadband and omnidirectional enhanced performance.
Dual responsive polymeric bionanocomposite gel beads for controlled drug release systems
Authors: Nikjoo Dariush , Aroguz Ayse Z.
Published: May 2017

Scientists are searching potential solutions for cancer treatments as well as ways to avoid the side effects of anti‐cancer agents, via targeted drug delivery. The aim of this research is to propose dual responsive beads based on sodium alginate (SA), methylcellulose (MC), and magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (MIONs) for controlled release of 5‐Fluorouracil (5‐FU) as model drug. The beads were prepared by the dual crosslinking of SA and MC in the presence of MIONs. The structural, thermal, morphological, magnetic characteristics as well as the release profile of 5‐FU were studied. The characterization results showed that the drug molecules and MIONs were well dispersed in the polymeric matrix. The cumulative release percentage was ca. 80% at pH = 4.2 and 40% at pH = 7.2 after 6 h. Thus, the sensitivity of beads on the pH value was verified. Moreover, the release profile exhibited reduction with an increase in the concentration of MIONs under an external magnetic field. The obtained results confirmed the dual sensitive release of 5‐FU (i.e., PH/magnetic) that can be used for the targeted and controlled drug delivery systems. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017, 134, 45143.
“A greatly unexplored area”: Digital curation and innovation in digital humanities
Authors: Poole Alex H.
Published: May 2017

New types of digital data, tools, and methods, for instance those that cross academic disciplines and domains, those that feature teams instead of single scholars, and those that involve individuals from outside the academy, enables new forms of scholarship and teaching in digital humanities. Such scholarship promotes reuse of digital data, provokes new research questions, and cultivates new audiences. Digital curation, the process of managing a trusted body of information for current and future use, helps maximize the value of research in digital humanities. Predicated on semistructured interviews, this naturalistic case study explores the creation, use, storage, and planned reuse of data by 45 interviewees involved with 19 Office of Digital Humanities Start‐Up Grant (SUG) projects. Interviewees grappled with challenges surrounding data, collaboration and communication, planning and project management, awareness and outreach, resources, and technology. Overall this study explores the existing digital curation practices and needs of scholars engaged in innovative digital humanities work and to discern how closely these practices and needs align with the digital curation literature.
Asymmetric Total Syntheses of (−)‐α‐Lycorane, (−)‐Zephyranthine, and Formal Synthesis of (+)‐Clivonine
Authors: Chen Yong‐Jian , Cai Sen‐Lin , Wang Chuan‐Chuan , Cheng Jin‐Duo , Kramer Søren , Sun Xing‐Wen
Published: May 2017

An asymmetric route to (−)‐α‐lycorane and (−)‐zephyranthine, and a formal total synthesis of (+)‐clivonine were achieved. A pivotal intermediate, which serves as a potent precursor for the divergent syntheses of these natural products, was accessed by a diastereoselective Pd‐catalyzed cinnamylation of an N‐tert‐butanesulfinyl imine.
Developmental functioning and medical Co‐morbidity profile of children with complex and essential autism
Authors: Flor Jaimie , Bellando Jayne , Lopez Maya , Shui Amy
Published: May 2017

Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) may be characterized as “complex” (those with microcephaly and/or dysmorphology) or “essential” (those with neither of these two). Previous studies found subjects in the complex group exhibited lower IQ scores, poorer response to behavioral intervention, more seizures and more abnormal EEGs and brain MRIs compared to the essential group. The objective of this study was to determine if there are differences in complex versus essential subjects based on several developmental/psychological measures as well as certain medical comorbidities. This study utilized data from 1,347 individuals (2–17 years old) well‐characterized subjects enrolled in Autism Treatment Network (ATN) Registry. Head circumference measurement and the Autism Dysmorphology Measure (ADM) were used by trained physicians to classify subjects as complex or essential. Significantly lower scores were seen for complex subjects in cognitive level, adaptive behavior and quality of life. Complex subjects showed significantly increased physician‐documented GI symptoms and were on a higher number of medications. No significant differences in autism severity scores, behavioral ratings and parent‐reported sleep problems were found. After adjusting for multiple comparisons made, adaptive scores remained significantly lower for the complex group, and the complex group used a significantly higher number of medications and had increased GI symptoms. Complex and essential autism subtypes may have distinct developmental and medical correlates and thus underlines the importance of looking for microcephaly and dysmorphology, when evaluating a child with autism. Determining this distinction in autism may have implications in prognosis, identifying medical co‐morbidities, directing diagnostic evaluations and treatment interventions. Autism Res 2017, 10: 1344–1352. © 2017 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Recent developments in Agave performance as a drought‐tolerant biofuel feedstock: agronomics, characterization, and biorefining
Authors: Pérez‐Pimienta José A. , López‐Ortega Mónica G. , Sanchez Arturo
Published: May 2017

In recent years, Agave has shown its potential as a bioenergy feedstock with a higher land productivity (up to 42 ton/ha year) than traditional feedstocks. Other features are its adaptation mechanism to high temperatures and its resistance to drought. The agronomics of Agave in Mexico are discussed, including total land planted, inputs required, and the harvesting and transport costs. Heating values, mineral concentration, and carbohydrate and lignin content show the potential of the Agave species to compete with current bioenergy crops. Currently, the pre‐treatment of Agave is the most widely studied stage in biofuels and value‐added products, which include technologies capable of reducing its recalcitrance while removing xylan and/or lignin and reducing cellulose crystallinity, among other effects, to increase the overall yield in saccharification and fermentation, which will be discussed as well. In addition to spirits and fibers from industrial interests, different liquid (ethanol and n‐butanol) and gaseous (methane and hydrogen) biofuels, including certain value‐added products (enzymes, lactic acid, and succinic acid), can be obtained from Agave in high yields. The main objective of this review is to address the recent advances in the utilization of Agave as a bioenergy feedstock for biofuels and value‐added products within a sustainable biorefinery scheme. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
DFT Analysis of the Adsorption of Methyl Nitrate on Al2O3 Surfaces
Authors: Wang Yan‐qun , Yan Xiu‐fen , Xiao Wei , Shao You‐xiang
Published: May 2017

The adsorption of the energetic molecule methyl nitrate (CH3ONO2) on α‐Al2O3(0001) and γ‐Al2O3(110) surfaces was investigated using first‐principles calculations based on density functional theory and the generalized gradient approximation. We found that CH3ONO2 approaches the two surfaces by either the oxygen connected with carbon atom or an oxygen atom of the nitro group; however, the former interaction is more stable. If CH3ONO2 approaches the surface through the oxygen atom of the nitro group, the adsorption is non‐dissociative; while it is nearly dissociative if CH3ONO2 adsorbs on the surface via the oxygen connected with carbon atom and a surface tri‐coordinated Al atom. Moreover, the dissociation trend on the γ‐Al2O3(110) surface is more pronounced. In addition, the adsorption of CH3ONO2 on the γ‐Al2O3(110) surface is more favorable. Finally, although strong interactions exist between CH3ONO2 and the surfaces, the structures of the alumina films are not affected by the adsorption of CH3ONO2.
A simple LC–MS/MS method facilitated by salting‐out assisted liquid–liquid extraction to simultaneously determine trans‐resveratrol and its glucuronide and sulfate conjugates in rat plasma and its application to pharmacokinetic assay
Authors: Qiu Zhixia , Yu Jiaojiao , Dai Yu , Yang Yue , Lu Xiaoyu , Xu Jiaqiu , Qin Zhiying , Huang Fang , Li Ning
Published: May 2017

A simple LC–MS/MS method facilitated by salting‐out assisted liquid–liquid extraction (SALLE) was applied to simultaneously investigate the pharmacokinetics of trans‐resveratrol (Res) and its major glucuronide and sulfate conjugates in rat plasma. Acetonitrile–methanol (80:20, v/v) and ammonium acetate (10 mol L−1) were used as extractant and salting‐out reagent to locate the target analytes in the supernatant after the aqueous and organic phase stratification, then the analytes were determined via gradient elution by LC–MS/MS in negative mode in a single run. The analytical method was validated with good selectivity, acceptable accuracy (>85%) and low variation of precision (<15%). SALLE showed better extraction efficiency of target glucuronide and sulfate conjugates (>80%). The method was successfully applied to determine Res and its four conjugated metabolites in rat after Res administration (intragastric, 50 mg kg−1; intravenous, 10 mg kg−1). The systemic exposures to Res conjugates were much higher than those to Res (AUC0–t, i.v., 7.43 μm h; p.o., 8.31 μm h); Res‐3‐O‐β‐d‐glucuronide was the major metabolite (AUC0–t, i.v., 66.1 μm h; p.o., 333.4 μm h). The bioavailability of Res was estimated to be ~22.4%. The reproducible SALLE method simplified the sample preparation, drastically improved the accuracy of the concomitant assay and gave full consideration of extraction recovery to each target analyte in bio‐samples.
In Vitro Biochemical Assays for O‐GlcNAc‐Processing Enzymes
Authors: Kim Eun Ju
Published: May 2017

O‐GlcNAc transferase (OGT) and O‐GlcNAcase (OGA) are the only enzymes that regulate the dynamics of protein O‐GlcNAcylation. Protein O‐GlcNAcylation is an important post‐translational modification (PTM) of nuclear and cytoplasmic proteins with O‐linked β‐N‐acetyl‐glucosamine (O‐GlcNAc). O‐GlcNAc and its enzymes are involved in a wide variety of cellular processes and are linked to the pathological progression of chronic diseases. Considering their emerging biological significance, systematic and rapid methods to determine the activities of OGT and OGA have become essential, and several chemical/biochemical methods for measuring the activities of these enzymes have been developed. This minireview mainly focuses on the various biochemical assay methods developed to date, while also providing a description of the fundamental principles underlying the monitoring of O‐GlcNAc enzyme activities.
Halogen Bonds in Novel Polyhalogen Monoanions
Authors: Wang Changwei , Danovich David , Shaik Sason , Mo Yirong
Published: May 2017

Polyhalogen monoanions [X2n+1]−(X=Cl and Br;n=1, 2, 3, 4, and 5) have been systematically studied using the block‐localized wave function (BLW) method, which offers a valence bond (VB) analysis. For each species, the most stable isomer can be described as a central halide anion X−non‐classically bonded to a number of dihalogen molecules X2via “halogen bonds”. VB analyses confirm the dominant role of the charge‐transfer interaction between the lone pair on X−and the σ‐anti‐bonding orbital of X2molecule (n→σ*) in X3−and higher analogues. Thus, our study demonstrates that these halogen bonds are essentially dative covalent interactions. Importantly, the charge‐transfer interaction between [X2n−1]−and X2decreases with the increasingn, in accord with the weakening of the Lewis basicity as characterized by the corresponding HOMO energy. The reduction of the charge transfer interaction underscores the reduction of covalence in halogen bonds in [X2n+1]−. This tendency highlights the anti‐cooperative effect in polyhalogen monoanions. All in all, the halogen bond between X−andnX2molecules exhibits the same trends as in X−with a single X2molecule. In other words, halogen bonding in the larger clusters derives from the same bonding mechanism as the [X3]−anion. As such, the X−⋅⋅⋅X2halogen bond at different bond lengths forms a gauge of covalence for the entire [X2n+1]−family.
A Highly Selective Fluorescent Probe for Detection of Hydrogen Sulfide in Living Systems: In Vitro and in Vivo Applications
Authors: Reja Shahi Imam , Sharma Neetu , Gupta Muskan , Bajaj Payal , Bhalla Vandana , Parihar Ripu D. , Ohri Puja , Kaur Gurcharan , Kumar Manoj
Published: May 2017

A fluorescein‐based fluorescent probe has been designed and synthesised that selectively detects H2S in aqueous medium, among various analytes tested. This fluorescein‐based fluorescent probe has also been successfully utilised for real‐time imaging of exo‐ and endogenously produced H2S in cancer cells and normal cells. Moreover, the probe can also detect H2S in the rat brain hippocampus at variable depths and in living nematodes.
Interleukin‐1 blockade in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction: rationale and design of the Diastolic Heart Failure Anakinra Response Trial 2 (D‐HART2)
Authors: Van Tassell Benjamin W. , Buckley Leo F. , Carbone Salvatore , Trankle Cory R. , Canada Justin M. , Dixon Dave L. , Abouzaki Nayef , Oddi‐Erdle Claudia , Biondi‐Zoccai Giuseppe , Arena Ross , Abbate Antonio
Published: May 2017

Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) now accounts for the majority of confirmed HF cases in the United States. However, there are no highly effective evidence‐based treatments currently available for these patients. Inflammation correlates positively with adverse outcomes in HF patients. Interleukin (IL)‐1, a prototypical inflammatory cytokine, has been implicated as a driver of diastolic dysfunction in preclinical animal models and a pilot clinical trial. The Diastolic Heart Failure Anakinra Response Trial 2 (D‐HART2) is a phase 2, 2:1 randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled clinical trial that will test the hypothesis that IL‐1 blockade with anakinra (recombinant human IL‐1 receptor antagonist) improves (1) cardiorespiratory fitness, (2) objective evidence of diastolic dysfunction, and (3) elevated inflammation in patients with HFpEF (http://www.ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02173548). The co–primary endpoints will be placebo‐corrected interval changes in peak oxygen consumption and ventilatory efficiency at week 12. In addition, secondary and exploratory analyses will investigate the effects of IL‐1 blockade on cardiac structure and function, systemic inflammation, endothelial function, quality of life, body composition, nutritional status, and clinical outcomes. The D‐HART2 clinical trial will add to the growing body of evidence on the role of inflammation in cardiovascular disease, specifically focusing on patients with HFpEF.
Eating disorder‐related social comparison in college women's everyday lives
Authors: Fitzsimmons‐Craft Ellen E.
Published: May 2017

Objective

This study examined: frequency of upward and downward body, eating, and exercise comparisons; context in which these comparisons occur; and body, eating, and exercise comparison direction as predictors of concurrent body dissatisfaction and disordered eating thoughts, urges, and behaviors in college women's everyday lives using ecological momentary assessment (EMA).

Method

Participants were 232 college women who completed a two‐week EMA protocol, using their personal electronic devices to answer questions three times per day.

Results

First, body, eating, and exercise comparisons were common. Second, when these comparisons were made, they were typically upward. Third, body comparisons were most oftentimes made about weight and shape and eating comparisons about healthiness and amount of food. Exercise comparisons were made on a wider variety of dimensions. Fourth, most body and eating comparisons were made with strangers and close friends, respectively, while exercise comparisons were made with a variety of individuals. Upward comparisons were usually made with acquaintances and strangers. Fifth, results shed light on where college women compare themselves. Sixth, upward comparisons were found to have negative consequences, and downward comparisons were generally not found to have a buffering effect on eating pathology.

Discussion

Results suggest targeting not only body but also eating and exercise comparisons in intervention. Also, prevention/intervention approaches should not promote engagement in downward comparisons, as they were not found to be protective and were even harmful at times. Clinicians should be attuned to the categories on which, with whom, and where college women are most likely to compare.
Affinity monolith chromatography: A review of general principles and applications
Authors: Li Zhao , Rodriguez Elliott , Azaria Shiden , Pekarek Allegra , Hage David S.
Published: May 2017

Affinity monolith chromatography, or AMC, is a liquid chromatographic method in which the support is a monolith and the stationary phase is a biological‐binding agent or related mimic. AMC has become popular for the isolation of biochemicals, for the measurement of various analytes, and for studying biological interactions. This review will examine the principles and applications of AMC. The materials that have been used to prepare AMC columns will be discussed, which have included various organic polymers, silica, agarose, and cryogels. Immobilization schemes that have been used in AMC will also be considered. Various binding agents and applications that have been reported for AMC will then be described. These applications will include the use of AMC for bioaffinity chromatography, immunoaffinity chromatography, dye‐ligand affinity chromatography, and immobilized metal‐ion affinity chromatography. The use of AMC with chiral stationary phases and as a tool to characterize biological interactions will also be examined.
Synthesis of zero valent iron nanoparticle and its application as a dephenolization agent for coke oven plant wastewater situated in West Bengal: India
Authors: De Avik , De Asim K. , Panda Gouri Sankar , Haldar Sandip
Published: May 2017

In present work, nano zero valent iron (nZVI) particles were synthesized by reduction of FeSO4 by NaBH4 in presence of chelating ligand EDTA (nZVI) in N2 environment. It was then Ball milled to reduce particle size. Particle characterization was performed byX ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier Transformed Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), dynamic light scattering (DLS) and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), Brunauer‐Emmett‐Teller (BET) surface area measurement, high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), and energy dispersive X ray spectroscopy (EDX).Catalysts so prepared were applied to degrade coke oven plant wastewater containing Phenol. Optimum condition of dephenolization process was: catalyst concentration: 0.05 g L−1, pH = 3, Phenol: hydrogen peroxide (50%) concentration =1:14 (Stoichiometric ratio), temp = 30–35°C. Reaction volume = 100 mL. It has been found that phenol containing coke oven plant can be effectively degraded up to 70–75% in presence of newly developed catalyst. COD (Chemical Oxygen demand) reduction was found to be nearly 33%. Both are within 1‐h duration. © 2017 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 36: 1700–1708, 2017
Sublethal effects of the pyrethroid insecticide deltamethrin on oxidative stress parameters in green toad (Bufotes viridis L.)
Authors: Radovanović Tijana B. , Nasia Mohammed , Krizmanić Imre I. , Prokić Marko D. , Gavrić Jelena P. , Despotović Svetlana G. , Gavrilović Branka R. , Borković-Mitić Slavica S. , Pavlović Slađan Z. , Saičić Zorica S.
Published: May 2017

Pyrethroids are synthetic insecticides widely used in agriculture, public health, and veterinary medicine. Deltamethrin, a type II pyrethroid insecticide, has attracted particular attention because of its frequent use. The mechanisms of the toxicity of most pesticides (including pyrethroids) in nontarget organisms is linked to the production of free radicals, oxidative stress induction, increased lipid peroxidation, and disruption of the total antioxidant potential. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of acute toxicity of 3 different concentrations (8, 16, and 32 mg/kg body wt) of orally applied deltamethrin after 96 h of treatment. Some of the front-line oxidative stress parameters as well as cholinesterase (ChE) activity and cytochrome P4501A (CYP1A) expression in the liver, muscle, skin, and gastrointestinal tissue of the adult green toad Bufotes viridis were determined. Compared with the control group, the activity of catalase and glutathione reductase was increased in the liver and skin, while the concentration of sulfhydryl groups was reduced. In the liver and muscle, concentrations of thiobarbituric reactive substances were increased, as well as liver CYP1A expression. In the muscle and skin, glutathione-S-transferase activity was higher in treated toads. The oxidative stress parameters examined were affected by different deltamethrin concentrations. We conclude that the assessed parameters represent good biomarkers of pesticide-induced oxidative stress. Environ Toxicol Chem 2017;36:2814–2822. © 2017 SETAC
The impact of provider consolidation on physician prices
Authors: Carlin Caroline S. , Feldman Roger , Dowd Bryan
Published: May 2017

When a clinic system is acquired by an integrated delivery system (IDS), the ownership change includes both vertical integration with the hospital(s), and horizontal integration with the IDS's previously owned or “legacy” clinics, causing increased market concentration in physician services. Although there is a robust literature on the impact of hospital market concentration, the literature on physician market concentration is sparse. The objective of this study is to determine the impact on physician prices when two IDSs acquired three multispecialty clinic systems in Minneapolis–St Paul, Minnesota at the end of 2007, using commercial claims data from a large health plan (2006–2011).

Using a difference‐in‐differences model and nonacquired clinics as controls, we found that four years after the acquisitions (2011), average physician price indices in the acquired clinic systems were 32–47% higher than expected in absence of the acquisitions. Average physician prices in the IDS legacy clinics were 14–20% higher in 2011 than expected. Procedure‐specific prices for common office visit and inpatient procedures also increased following the acquisitions.
Emotional display rules in Palestine: Ingroup/outgroup membership, status of interaction partner and gender
Authors: Flicker Sharon M. , Ayoub Haneen J. S. , Guynn Melissa J.
Published: May 2017

This study investigates emotional display rules within the Palestinian context, focusing on the seven basic emotions in a sample of 150 college students from the Gaza Strip and the West Bank. Overall, participants felt that it was more appropriate to express positive emotions (happiness and surprise) than negative powerful (anger, contempt and disgust) or negative powerless (fear and sadness) emotions. They also perceived it to be more appropriate to express positive and negative powerless emotions to ingroup than outgroup members and to express negative powerful emotions to lower status compared to higher status individuals. Gender differences were also found: men endorsed greater expression of both powerful and, surprisingly, powerless emotions than women, but only when interacting with outgroup members. Results are interpreted in terms of the cultural values of individualism–collectivism and power distance as well as cultural differences in emotional expressiveness between collectivistic societies. This study is one of the first to examine emotional display rules in an Arab population, thus expanding our current knowledge base.
A putative association of interleukin‐10 promoter polymorphisms with cardiovascular disease
Authors: Tabrez Shams , Ali Murtaza , Jabir Nasimudeen R. , Firoz Chelapram K. , Ashraf Ghulam Md. , Hindawi Salwa , Damanhouri Ghazi A. , Nabil Alama Mohammed
Published: May 2017

Interleukin‐10 (IL‐10) is an anti inflammatory cytokine involved in the ongoing coronary inflammation and related patho‐physiological processes. The piece of work presented herein is aimed at investigating possible association of polymorphisms in IL‐10 promoter with Saudi cardiovascular disease (CVD) patients. The study included 80 confirmed CVD patients with diabetes and 75 healthy control individuals both men and women. Concentration of IL‐10 in the serum samples were measured by ELISA method. For single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) analysis, Sanger method of DNA sequencing was followed. The IL‐10 level was found to be significantly elevated in CVD patients (P < 0.001) and its associated complications viz. ST‐elevation myocardial infarction [STEMI] (P <0.01), non ST‐elevation myocardial infarction [NSTEMI] (P < 0.05), and unstable angina [UA] (P < 0.001). We also observed a significant association between polymorphisms in IL‐10 promoter at −1082 and −819 locus with Saudi CVD patients. Moreover, at −1082 A/G locus, AA haplotype was found to be less frequent in the CVD patients compared with control individuals. On the other hand, highly significant rise in heterozygous (A/G genotype) condition was observed in patient samples compared with control ones (P < 0.001). Similarly, the genotypic frequencies at −819 C/T locus were also found to be significantly associated (P < 0.001) with CVD patients compared with control individuals. Our study provides the status of polymorphism in IL‐10 promoter and its association with CVD risk in Saudi population. As per our information, ours is the first article that shows the genetic diversity in IL‐10 promoters and its level in the Saudi CVD patients. © 2017 IUBMB Life, 69(7):522–527, 2017
The Effect of Abaloparatide-SC on Fracture Risk Is Independent of Baseline FRAX Fracture Probability: A Post Hoc Analysis of the ACTIVE Study
Authors: McCloskey Eugene V , Johansson Helena , Oden Anders , Harvey Nicholas C , Jiang Hai , Modin Sara , Fitzpatrick Lorraine , Kanis John A
Published: May 2017

Daily subcutaneous (SC) injections of the investigational drug abaloparatide-SC (80 mcg) for 18 months significantly decrease the risk of vertebral and nonvertebral fracture compared with placebo in postmenopausal women. We examined the efficacy of abaloparatide-SC as a function of baseline fracture risk, assessed using the FRAX tool. Baseline clinical risk factors (age, body mass index [BMI], prior fracture, glucocorticoid use, rheumatoid arthritis, and smoking) were entered into country-specific FRAX models to calculate the 10-year probability of major osteoporotic fractures, with or without femoral neck bone mineral density (BMD). The interaction between probability of a major osteoporotic fracture and treatment efficacy was examined by a Poisson regression. A total of 821 women randomized to placebo and 824 women to abaloparatide-SC, mean age 69 years in both groups, were followed for up to 2 years. At baseline, the 10-year probability of major osteoporotic fractures (with BMD) ranged from 2.3% to 57.5% (mean 13.2%). Treatment with abaloparatide-SC was associated with a 69% (95% confidence interval [CI] 38–85%) decrease in major osteoporotic fracture (MOF) and a 43% (95% CI 9–64%) decrease in any clinical fracture compared with placebo. For all outcomes, hazard ratios tended to decrease (ie, greater efficacy) with increasing fracture probability. Whereas the interaction approached significance for the outcome of any fracture (p = 0.11), there was no statistically significant interaction for any of the fracture outcomes. Similar results were noted when FRAX probability was computed without BMD. Efficacy of abaloparatide-SC to decrease the risk of major osteoporotic fracture or any clinical fracture in postmenopausal women with low BMD and/or prior fracture appears independent of baseline fracture probability. © 2017 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Direct Delivery of Recombinant Pin1 Protein Rescued Osteoblast Differentiation of Pin1‐Deficient Cells
Authors: Kim Woo‐Jin , Islam Rabia , Kim Bong‐Soo , Cho Young‐Dan , Yoon Won‐Joon , Baek Jeong‐Hwa , Woo Kyung‐Mi , Ryoo Hyun‐Mo
Published: May 2017

Pin1 is a peptidyl prolyl cis‐trans isomerase that specifically binds to the phosphoserine‐proline or phosphothreonine‐proline motifs of several proteins. We reported that Pin1 plays a critical role in the fate determination of Smad1/5, Runx2, and β‐catenin that are indispensable nuclear proteins for osteoblast differentiation. Though several chemical inhibitors has been discovered for Pin1, no activator has been reported as of yet. In this study, we directly introduced recombinant Pin1 protein successfully into the cytoplasm via fibroin nanoparticle encapsulated in cationic lipid. This nanoparticle‐lipid complex delivered its cargo with a high efficiency and a low cytotoxicity. Direct delivery of Pin1 leads to increased Runx2 and Smad signaling and resulted in recovery of the osteogenic marker genes expression and the deposition of mineral in Pin1‐deficient cells. These result indicated that a direct Pin1 protein delivery method could be a potential therapeutics for the osteopenic diseases. J. Cell. Physiol. 232: 2798–2805, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Translating the 2‐dimensional mammogram into a 3‐dimensional breast: Identifying factors that influence the movement of pre‐operatively placed wire
Authors: Park Ko Un , Nathanson David
Published: May 2017

Background: Pre‐operative measurements from the skin to a wire‐localized breast lesion can differ from operating room measurements. This study was designed to measure the discrepancies and study factors that may contribute to wire movement.

Methods: Prospective data were collected on patients who underwent wire localization lumpectomy. Clip and hook location, breast size, density, and direction of wire placement were the main focus of the analysis.

Results: Wire movement was more likely with longer distance from skin to hook or clip, larger breast size (especially if “fatty”), longer time between wire placement and surgery start time, and medial wire placement in larger breast. Age, body mass index, presence of mass, malignant diagnosis, tumor grade, and clip distance to the chest wall were not associated with wire movement. A longer distance from skin to hook correlated with larger specimen volume.

Conclusions: Translation of the lesion location from a 2‐dimensional mammogram into 3‐dimensional breasts is sometimes discrepant because of movement of the localizing wire. Breast size, distance of skin to clip or hook, and wire exit site in larger breasts have a significant impact on wire movement. This information may guide the surgeon's skin incision and extent of excision.
Ultrasound‐assisted emulsification microextraction based on a solidified floating organic droplet for the rapid determination of 19 antibiotics as environmental pollutants in hospital drainage and Gomti river water
Authors: Jha Rakesh Roshan , Singh Nivedita , Kumari Rupender , Patel Devendra Kumar
Published: May 2017

Antibiotics that are used excessively and disposed of improperly are categorized as emerging pollutants. The determination of micropollutants in water with an accurate and precise method is always a big challenge. Hence, a simple, rapid, sensitive, economical and almost eco‐friendly method is proposed for the quantitative determination of 19 antibiotics. The proposed method, ultrasound‐assisted emulsification microextraction and solidified floating organic droplet coupled with liquid chromatography and triple quadrupole mass spectrometry, has only a 3 min chromatographic run time for the determination of the 19 antibiotics. We report for the first time the use of the developed method for the quantitative determination of the antibiotics in waste water samples with better results in terms of higher sensitivity, cost‐effectiveness, better detection limits and a greener approach compared to the earlier reported methods. The limits of detection and quantification were in the range of 0.003–0.236 and 0.013–0.834 μg/L, respectively, with good linearity in the concentration range of 0.01–64.0 μg/L. The correlation coefficient was ≥0.987–0.99 for each analyte. The developed method has been successfully applied for the determination of antibiotics in water samples.
Open tubular capillary column of 50 μm internal diameter with a very high separation efficiency for the separation of peptides in CEC and LC
Authors: Ali Ashraf , Cheong Won Jo
Published: May 2017

A specially designed long open tubular capillary column (50 μm internal diameter and 112 cm effective length) was prepared by fabrication of a thin three‐component co‐polymer layer on the inner surface of silica capillary. A pretreated silica capillary was reacted with 4‐(chloromethyl)phenyl isocyanate in the presence of dibutyltin dichloride as catalyst followed by sodium diethyl dithiocarbamate. Then a thin polymer layer was made on the inner surface of capillary by reversible addition‐fragmentation transfer polymerization of styrene, N‐phenylacrylamide, and methacrylic acid. A carefully adjusted formulation of reaction mixture and elaborated procedures were adopted to secure formation of the co‐polymer layer of enhanced separation performance. The co‐polymer immobilized open tubular capillary column was used for the separation of a synthetic mixture of five peptides and excellent separation efficiency (over 1.7 million per column) was obtained in the capillary electrochromatography mode. Such excellent separation efficiencies of ca. 1 m column have not been obtained in the isocratic elution mode so far. The column was also used for separation of the peptides in the liquid chromatography mode to show very good separation efficiency (average 286 700 per column).
Well‐posedness of initial boundary value problems on longitudinal impact on a composite linear viscoelastic bar
Authors: Aliev Akbar B. , Mammadhasanov Elkhan H.
Published: May 2017

We investigate the correctness of the initial boundary value problem of longitudinal impact on a piecewise‐homogeneous semi‐infinite bar consisting of a semi‐infinite elastic part and finite length visco‐elastic part whose hereditary properties are described by linear integral relations with an arbitrary difference kernel. Introducing nonstationary regularization in boundary conditions and in the contact conditions, the well‐posedness of the considered problem is proved. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Angiopoietin‐2 and soluble Tie‐2 receptor plasma levels in children with obstructive sleep apnea and obesity
Authors: Gozal David , Khalyfa Abdelnaby , Qiao Zhuanghong , Smith Dale L. , Philby Mona F. , Koren Dorit , Kheirandish‐Gozal Leila
Published: May 2017

Objective

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a prevalent condition, especially in children with obesity, and is associated with increased risk for metabolic syndrome (MetS). Angiopoietins have been identified as potential biomarkers of endothelial dysfunction and MetS. In adults, angiopoietin‐2 (Ang‐2) and its soluble receptor (sTie‐2) are associated with diabetes, hypertension, and obesity and could be increased in children with OSA and obesity, particularly those with evidence of cardiometabolic alterations.

Methods

One hundred twenty‐six children (7.4 ± 2.0 years) were consecutively recruited and underwent overnight polysomnography, as well as endothelial function and BMI z score assessments and a fasting blood draw the morning after the sleep study. In addition to lipid profile, glucose and insulin levels, and homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA‐IR), Ang‐2 and sTie‐2 concentrations were determined.

Results

Children with obesity and OSA had significantly elevated plasma Ang‐2 and sTie‐2 levels compared to corresponding controls with and without obesity. Furthermore, endothelial function (Tmax) and HOMA‐IR were linearly and independently associated with Ang‐2 and sTie‐2 levels. In a small subset of children (n = 14), treatment of OSA by adenotonsillectomy resulted in reductions of Ang‐2 and sTie‐2 (P < 0.01).

Conclusions

Ang‐2 and sTie‐2 plasma levels are increased in pediatric OSA and obesity, particularly when endothelial dysfunction or insulin resistance is detectable, and appear to decrease upon OSA treatment.
Synonymous mutation in TP53 results in a cryptic splice site affecting its DNA‐binding site in an adolescent with two primary sarcomas
Authors: Austin Frances , Oyarbide Usua , Massey Gita , Grimes Margaret , Corey Seth J.
Published: May 2017

Pathologic variants in TP53 are known risk factors for the development of cancer. We report a 17‐year‐old male who presented with two primary sarcomas. Germline sequencing revealed a novel TP53 c.672 G>A mutation. Sequencing revealed wild‐type TP53 in the parents, and there was no history of cancer in first‐degree relatives. This de novo synonymous germline mutation results in a 5′ cryptic splice site that is bound by U1, resulting in a shift of the splice site by 5 base pairs. The frame shift results in a truncated protein at residue 246, which disrupts the DNA‐binding domain of p53.
Development of SECheM Concept for Isolation and Chemical Modification of Gossypol Directly from Cienfuegosia digitata
Authors: Sidi Boune Mohamed Vall , Ould Elemine Brahim , Lepitre Thomas , Ould Hadou Abderrahmane , Aliyenne Ahmed , Boumediana Ahmed Ismaïl , Daïch Adam , Othman Mohamed , Lawson Ata Martin
Published: May 2017

Introduction

Gossypol is an axially chiral natural polyphenol classically extracted from the Malavaceae family. Nevertheless, its extraction and isolation from a plant can be quite complicated and extremely time‐consuming since gossypol is known to be sensitive to degradation under solvents, high temperature and light action. Moreover, its purification over column chromatography is a challenging problem due to its ability to oxidise and the existence of various tautomer forms.

Objective

To develop an efficient “one‐step” strategy for simultaneous extraction and semi‐synthesis by short‐circuiting critical gossypol isolation and purification steps.

Methodology

Gossypol was first isolated from Cienfuegosia digitata roots, characterised (by 1D and 2D NMR) and quantified (by UV spectrophotometry). Thus, aniline was selected to test the “one‐step” in situ trapping of freshly extracted gossypol leading to a Schiff base analogue. After screening solvents and extraction times on this model reaction, the “SECheM” (simultaneous extraction and chemical modification) concept was successfully extended to other amines, underlining the efficiency and the robustness of the strategy.

Results

After having shown that gossypol occurred as a major compound in C. digitata roots, different experimental procedures using Soxhlet extraction in the presence of aniline pointed out the best conditions for the SECheM concept (7 h of reaction and extraction time in ether as solvent). Ultimately, the concept has been generalised to 17 other amines.

Conclusion

This is a report of the first semi‐synthesis that allows: (1) “in situ” preparation of more stable gossypol Schiff base derivatives directly from ground plant material and (2) circumvention of gossypol extraction and purification problems. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.