bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Error distribution modelling of satellite soil moisture measurements for hydrological applications
Authors: Zhuo Lu , Dai Qiang , Islam Tanvir , Han Dawei
Published: January 2016

Satellite‐based soil moisture data accuracies are of important concerns by hydrologists because they could significantly influence hydrological modelling uncertainty. Without proper quantification of their uncertainties, it is difficult to optimize the hydrological modelling system and make robust decisions. Currently, the satellite soil moisture data uncertainty has been limited to summary statistics with the validations mainly from the in situ measurements. This study attempts to build the first error distribution model with additional higher‐order uncertainty modelling for satellite soil moisture observations. The methodology is demonstrated by a case study using the Soil Moisture and Ocean Salinity satellite soil moisture observations. The validation is based on soil moisture estimates from hydrological modelling, which is more relevant to the intended data use than the in situ measurements. Four probability distributions have been explored to find suitable error distribution curves using the statistical tests and bootstrapping resampling technique. General extreme value is identified as the most suitable one among all the curves. The error distribution model is still in its infant stage, which ignores spatial and temporal correlations, and nonstationarity. Further improvements should be carried out by the hydrological community by expanding the methodology to a wide range of satellite soil moisture data using different hydrological models. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Young Deceivers: Executive Functioning and Antisocial Lie‐telling in Preschool Aged Children
Authors: Williams Shanna , Leduc Karissa , Crossman Angela , Talwar Victoria
Published: January 2016

The present study examined the emergence of antisocial lie‐telling in very young children. Lie‐telling was studied in relation to executive functioning skills and children's abilities to identify both truths and lies. A total of 65 children (Mage in months = 31.75, SD = 1.87) participated in a modified temptation resistance paradigm (TRP; designed to elicit spontaneous lies). Executive functioning was measured through an inhibitory control task and a forward search planning task. The Truth/Lie Identification task was administered (Lyon, Carrick, & Quas, ) to measure children's abilities to accurately distinguish truths and lies. During the TRP, a total of 89.23% children peeked at the toy when a research assistant left the room, and of those children, 29.31% lied to the research assistant. Significant differences on executive functioning measures were found between lie‐tellers and confessors, as well as for the Truth/Lie Identification task. Lie‐tellers had higher scores on measures of inhibitory control and forward search planning. Lie‐tellers also had higher accuracy on the Truth/Lie Identification task than confessors. This study provides a unique contribution to the literature by examining 2.5‐year‐old children's emerging lie‐telling abilities, a relatively understudied age during which fledgling lie‐telling emerges. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Evidence of pomegranate methanolic extract in antagonizing the endogenous SERM, 27‐hydroxycholesterol
Authors: Vini Ravindran , Juberiya Azeez M , Sreeja Sreeharshan
Published: January 2016

The direct relationship between obesity and breast cancer has been elucidated recently with the identification of a cholesterol derivative 27‐hydroxycholesterol (27HC), an endogenous SERM that can act through estrogen receptor (ER)‐mediated mechanisms. Our recent research shed light on the possible SERM‐like property of methanol extract of pericarp of pomegranate (PME) by using human breast (MCF‐7, MDA‐MB‐231), endometrial (HEC‐1A), cervical (SiHa, HeLa), ovarian (SKOV3) cancer cell lines, normal breast fibroblasts (MCF‐10A) and also by in vivo models (ovariectomized Swiss albino mice). Our findings demonstrated that PME binds to ER and downregulates the Estrogen response elements (ERE)‐mediated transcription in breast cancer cells without being agonistic in the uterine endometrium and has cardioprotective effects comparable to that of 17‐β‐estradiol. This preliminary work indicates the ability of PME to antagonize the activity of 27HC. We hypothesize that PME can compete with 27HC for ERα and reduce 27HC‐induced proliferation of MCF‐7 cells. Relevant estrogen‐regulated genes such as pS2, PR and ERα were checked to evaluate the ability of PME to abrogate 27HC‐induced genes. This study is significant, being the first report describing that bioactive components of the methanolic extract of pericarp of PME, a proven SERM could plausibly compete for 27HC. © 2016 IUBMB Life, 68(2):116–121, 2016
Improved Mitochondrial and Methylglyoxal‐Related Metabolisms Support Hyperproliferation Induced by 50 Hz Magnetic Field in Neuroblastoma Cells
Authors: Falone Stefano , Santini Silvano , di Loreto Silvia , Cordone Valeria , Grannonico Marta , Cesare Patrizia , Cacchio Marisa , Amicarelli Fernanda
Published: January 2016

Extremely low frequency magnetic fields (ELF‐MF) are common environmental agents that are suspected to promote later stages of tumorigenesis, especially in brain‐derived malignancies. Even though ELF magnetic fields have been previously linked to increased proliferation in neuroblastoma cells, no previous work has studied whether ELF‐MF exposure may change key biomolecular features, such as anti‐glycative defence and energy re‐programming, both of which are currently considered as crucial factors involved in the phenotype and progression of many malignancies. Our study investigated whether the hyperproliferation that is induced in SH‐SY5Y human neuroblastoma cells by a 50 Hz, 1 mT ELF magnetic field is supported by an improved defense towards methylglyoxal (MG), which is an endogenous cancer‐static and glycating α‐oxoaldehyde, and by rewiring of energy metabolism. Our findings show that not only the ELF magnetic field interfered with the biology of neuron‐derived malignant cells, by de‐differentiating further the cellular phenotype and by increasing the proliferative activity, but also triggered cytoprotective mechanisms through the enhancement of the defense against MG, along with a more efficient management of metabolic energy, presumably to support the rapid cell outgrowth. Intriguingly, we also revealed that the MF‐induced bioeffects took place after an initial imbalance of the cellular homeostasis, which most likely created a transient unstable milieu. The biochemical pathways and molecular targets revealed in this research could be exploited for future approaches aimed at limiting or suppressing the deleterious effects of ELF magnetic fields. J. Cell. Physiol. 231: 2014–2025, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Breast cancer molecular subtype classifier that incorporates MRI features
Authors: Sutton Elizabeth J. , Dashevsky Brittany Z. , Oh Jung Hun , Veeraraghavan Harini , Apte Aditya P. , Thakur Sunitha B. , Morris Elizabeth A. , Deasy Joseph O.
Published: January 2016

Purpose

To use features extracted from magnetic resonance (MR) images and a machine‐learning method to assist in differentiating breast cancer molecular subtypes.

Materials and Methods

This retrospective Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)‐compliant study received Institutional Review Board (IRB) approval. We identified 178 breast cancer patients between 2006–2011 with: 1) ERPR + (n = 95, 53.4%), ERPR–/HER2 + (n = 35, 19.6%), or triple negative (TN, n = 48, 27.0%) invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC), and 2) preoperative breast MRI at 1.5T or 3.0T. Shape, texture, and histogram‐based features were extracted from each tumor contoured on pre‐ and three postcontrast MR images using in‐house software. Clinical and pathologic features were also collected. Machine‐learning‐based (support vector machines) models were used to identify significant imaging features and to build models that predict IDC subtype. Leave‐one‐out cross‐validation (LOOCV) was used to avoid model overfitting. Statistical significance was determined using the Kruskal–Wallis test.

Results

Each support vector machine fit in the LOOCV process generated a model with varying features. Eleven out of the top 20 ranked features were significantly different between IDC subtypes with P < 0.05. When the top nine pathologic and imaging features were incorporated, the predictive model distinguished IDC subtypes with an overall accuracy on LOOCV of 83.4%. The combined pathologic and imaging model's accuracy for each subtype was 89.2% (ERPR+), 63.6% (ERPR–/HER2+), and 82.5% (TN). When only the top nine imaging features were incorporated, the predictive model distinguished IDC subtypes with an overall accuracy on LOOCV of 71.2%. The combined pathologic and imaging model's accuracy for each subtype was 69.9% (ERPR+), 62.9% (ERPR–/HER2+), and 81.0% (TN).

Conclusion

We developed a machine‐learning‐based predictive model using features extracted from MRI that can distinguish IDC subtypes with significant predictive power. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2016;44:122–129.
Influence of rotator cuff tears on glenohumeral stability during abduction tasks
Authors: Hölscher Thomas , Weber Tim , Lazarev Igor , Englert Carsten , Dendorfer Sebastian
Published: January 2016

One of the main goals in reconstructing rotator cuff tears is the restoration of glenohumeral joint stability, which is subsequently of utmost importance in order to prevent degenerative damage such as superior labral anterior posterior (SLAP) lesion, arthrosis, and malfunction. The goal of the current study was to facilitate musculoskeletal models in order to estimate glenohumeral instability introduced by muscle weakness due to cuff lesions. Inverse dynamics simulations were used to compute joint reaction forces for several static abduction tasks with different muscle weakness. Results were compared with the existing literature in order to ensure the model validity. Further arm positions taken from activities of daily living, requiring the rotator cuff muscles were modeled and their contribution to joint kinetics computed. Weakness of the superior rotator cuff muscles (supraspinatus; infraspinatus) leads to a deviation of the joint reaction force to the cranial dorsal rim of the glenoid. Massive rotator cuff defects showed higher potential for glenohumeral instability in contrast to single muscle ruptures. The teres minor muscle seems to substitute lost joint torque during several simulated muscle tears to maintain joint stability. Joint instability increases with cuff tear size. Weakness of the upper part of the rotator cuff leads to a joint reaction force closer to the upper glenoid rim. This indicates the comorbidity of cuff tears with SLAP lesions. The teres minor is crucial for maintaining joint stability in case of massive cuff defects and should be uprated in clinical decision‐making. © 2016 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 34:1628–1635, 2016.
Effect of solar radiation on the functional components of mulberry (Morus alba L.) leaves
Authors: Sugiyama Mari , Katsube Takuya , Koyama Akio , Itamura Hiroyuki
Published: January 2016

BACKGROUND

The functional components of mulberry leaves have attracted the attention of the health food industry, and increasing their concentrations is an industry goal. This study investigated the effects of solar radiation, which may influence the production of flavonol and 1‐deoxynojirimycin (DNJ) functional components in mulberry leaves, by comparing a greenhouse (poor solar radiation) and outdoor (rich solar radiation) setting.

RESULTS

The level of flavonol in leaves cultivated in the greenhouse was markedly decreased when compared with those cultivated outdoors. In contrast, the DNJ content in greenhouse‐cultivated plants was increased only slightly when compared with those cultivated outdoors. Interestingly, the flavonol content was markedly increased in the upper leaves of mulberry trees that were transferred from a greenhouse to the outdoors compared with those cultivated only in the outdoors.

CONCLUSION

Solar radiation conditions influence the synthesis of flavonol and DNJ, the functional components of mulberry leaves. Under high solar radiation, the flavonol level becomes very high but the DNJ level becomes slightly lower, suggesting that the impact of solar radiation is great on flavonol but small on DNJ synthesis. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry
Predictive factors of dysphagia after lateral and superior oropharyngeal reconstruction with free flap transfer
Authors: Fujiki Masahide , Sakuraba Minoru , Miyamoto Shimpei , Hayashi Ryuichi
Published: January 2016

Background and Objectives

Lateral and superior oropharyngeal reconstruction is technically challenging and can be complicated by postoperative dysphagia. The aim of this retrospective study was to identify the predictive factors of dysphagia after lateral and superior oropharyngeal reconstruction with free flap transfer and to establish better management for cases with these predictive factors.

Methods

We performed a retrospective chart review of 109 patients who had undergone lateral and superior oropharyngeal reconstruction with free flap transfer for oropharyngeal cancer. Preoperative, operative, and postoperative variables were examined, and possible predicative factors for dysphagia were subjected to univariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression analysis.

Results

Dysphagia occurred in 16 patients (14.7%). Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified extensive tongue base resection, postoperative radiotherapy, and history of radiotherapy to the head and neck region as independent factors contributing to dysphagia after lateral and superior oropharyngeal reconstruction. Of these factors, extensive tongue base resection was the most important.

Conclusions

Early intervention to minimize the risk of dysphagia should be performed for patients identified with these predictive factors. J. Surg. Oncol. 2016;113:240–243. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Molecular targeting of papillary thyroid carcinoma with fluorescently labeled ratiometric activatable cell penetrating peptides in a transgenic murine model
Authors: Orosco Ryan K. , Savariar Elamprakash N. , Weissbrod Philip A. , Diaz‐Perez Julio A. , Bouvet Michael , Tsien Roger Y. , Nguyen Quyen T.
Published: January 2016

Background and Objectives

Molecularly targeted fluorescent molecules may help detect tumors that are unseen by traditional white‐light surgical techniques. We sought to evaluate a fluorescent ratiometric activatable cell penetrating peptide (RACPP) for tumor detection in a transgenic model of PTC.

Methods

Thirteen BRAFV600E mice with PTC were studied—seven injected intravenously with RACPP, four controls with saline. Total thyroidectomy was performed with microscopic white‐light visualization. Fluorescent imaging of post‐thyroidectomy fields was performed, and tissue with increased signal was removed and evaluated for PTC. Final samples were analyzed by a pathologist blinded to conditions. Vocal cord function was evaluated postoperatively with video laryngoscopy.

Results

The average in situ ratiometric (Cy5/Cy7) thyroid tumor‐to‐background contrast ratio was 2.27 +/− 0.91. Fluorescence‐guided clean‐up following thyroidectomy identified additional tumor in 2 of 7 RACPP animals (smallest dimension 1.2 mm), and decreased the number of animals with residual tumor from 4 to 3. All retained tumor foci on final pathology were smaller than 0.76 mm. Intact vocal abduction was present in all of the RACPP animals.

Conclusions

RACPPs successfully targeted PTC in a transgenic thyroidectomy model, and allowed for residual tumor detection that reduced positive margins beyond what was possible with white‐light surgery alone. J. Surg. Oncol. 2016;113:138–143. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Cytoreductive surgery and HIPEC offers similar outcomes in patients with rectal peritoneal metastases compared to colon cancer patients: a matched case control study
Authors: Simkens Geert A. , van Oudheusden Thijs R. , Braam Hidde J. , Wiezer Marinus J. , Nienhuijs Simon W. , Rutten Harm J. , van Ramshorst Bert , de Hingh Ignace H.
Published: January 2016

Background & Objectives

The effect of cytoreduction and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) in patients with rectal peritoneal metastases (PM) is unclear. This case‐control study aims to assess the results of cytoreduction and HIPEC in patients with rectal PM compared to colon PM patients.

Methods

Colorectal PM patients treated with complete macroscopic cytoreduction and HIPEC were included. Two colon cancer patients were case‐matched for each rectal cancer patient, based on prognostic factors (T stage, N stage, histology type, and extent of PM). Short‐ and long‐term outcomes were compared between both groups.

Results

From 317 patients treated with complete macroscopic cytoreduction and HIPEC, 29 patients (9.1%) had rectal PM. Fifty‐eight colon cases were selected as control patients. Baseline characteristics were similar between groups. Major morbidity was 27.6% and 34.5% in the rectal and colon group, respectively (P = 0.516). Median disease‐free survival was 13.5 months in the rectal group and 13.6 months in the colon group (P = 0.621). Two‐ and five‐year overall survival rates were 54%/32% in rectal cancer patients, and 61%/24% in colon cancer patients (P = 0.987).

Conclusions

Cytoreduction and HIPEC in selected patients with rectal PM is feasible and provides similar outcomes as in colon cancer patients. Rectal PM should not be regarded a contra‐indication for cytoreduction and HIPEC in selected patients. J. Surg. Oncol. 2016;113:548–553. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Maleimide‐Functionalized Poly(2‐Oxazoline)s and Their Conjugation to Elastin‐Like Polypeptides
Authors: Nawroth Jonas F. , McDaniel Jonathan R. , Chilkoti Ashutosh , Jordan Rainer , Luxenhofer Robert
Published: January 2016

The design of drug delivery systems capable of efficiently delivering poorly soluble drugs to target sites still remains a major challenge. Such materials require several different functionalities; typically, these materials should be biodegradable and nontoxic, nonimmunogenic, responsive to their environment, and soluble in aqueous solution while retaining the ability to solubilize hydrophobic drugs. Here, a polypeptide‐polymer hybrid of elastin‐like polypeptides (ELPs) and poly(2‐oxazoline)s (POx) is reported. This paper describes the chemical synthesis, physical characteristics, and drug loading potential of these novel hybrid macromolecules. A novel method is introduced for terminal functionalization of POx with protected maleimide moieties. Following recovery of the maleimide group via a retro Diels–Alder reaction, the consecutive Michael addition of thiol‐functionalized ELPs yields the desired protein‐polymer conjugate. These conjugates form nanoparticles in aqueous solution capable of solubilizing the anti‐cancer drug paclitaxel with up to 8 wt% loading.

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CC chemokine ligand 18(CCL18) promotes migration and invasion of lung cancer cells by binding to Nir1 through Nir1‐ELMO1/DOC180 signaling pathway
Authors: Shi Lihong , Zhang Baogang , Sun Xiuning , Zhang Xiurong , Lv Shijun , Li Hongli , Wang Xuejian , Zhao Chunzhen , Zhang Heng , Xie Xinpeng , Wang Ying , Zhang Peng
Published: January 2016

Non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) comprises nearly 80% of lung cancers and the poor prognosis is due to its high invasiveness and metastasis. CC chemokine ligand 18 (CCL18) is predominantly secreted by M2‐tumor associated macrophages (TAMs) and promotes malignant behaviors of various human cancer types. In this study, we report that the high expression of CCL18 in TAMs of NSCLC tissues and increased expression of CCL18 in TAMs is correlated with the lymph node metastasis, distant metastasis, and poor prognosis NSCLC patients. CCL18 can increase the invasive ability of NSCLC cells by binding to its receptor Nir1. In addition, CCL18 is capable of modulating cell migration and invasion by regulating the activation of RAC1 which resulted in cytoskeleton reorganization in an ELMO1 dependent manner. Furthermore, we found that CCL18 could enhance adhesion of NSCLC cells via activating ELMO1‐integrin β1 signaling. Thus, CCL18 and its downstream molecules may be used as targets to develop novel NSCLC therapy. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Integrated analysis of DNA methylation and mutations in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Kishino Takayoshi , Niwa Tohru , Yamashita Satoshi , Takahashi Takamasa , Nakazato Hidetsugu , Nakajima Takeshi , Igaki Hiroyasu , Tachimori Yuji , Suzuki Yasuyuki , Ushijima Toshikazu
Published: January 2016

The recent development of next‐generation sequencing technology for extensive mutation analysis, and beadarray technology for genome‐wide DNA methylation analysis has made it possible to obtain integrated pictures of genetic and epigenetic alterations, using the same cancer samples. In this study, we aimed to characterize such a picture in esophageal squamous cell carcinomas (ESCCs). Base substitutions of 55 cancer‐related genes and copy number alterations (CNAs) of 28 cancer‐related genes were analyzed by targeted sequencing. Forty‐four of 57 ESCCs (77%) had 64 non‐synonymous somatic mutations, and 24 ESCCs (42%) had 35 CNAs. A genome‐wide DNA methylation analysis using an Infinium HumanMethylation450 BeadChip array showed that the CpG island methylator phenotype was unlikely to be present in ESCCs, a different situation from gastric and colon cancers. Regarding individual pathways affected in ESCCs, the WNT pathway was activated potentially by aberrant methylation of its negative regulators, such as SFRP1, SFRP2, SFRP4, SFRP5, SOX17, and WIF1 (33%). The p53 pathway was inactivated by TP53 mutations (70%), and potentially by aberrant methylation of its downstream genes. The cell cycle was deregulated by mutations of CDKN2A (9%), deletions of CDKN2A and RB1 (32%), and by aberrant methylation of CDKN2A and CHFR (9%). In conclusion, ESCCs had unique methylation profiles different from gastric and colon cancers. The genes involved in the WNT pathway were affected mainly by epigenetic alterations, and those involved in the p53 pathway and cell cycle regulation were affected mainly by genetic alterations. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
COX‐2 inhibitor NS‐398 suppresses doxorubicin‐induced p53 accumulation through inhibition of ROS‐mediated Jnk activation
Authors: Kim Joohwee , Shim Minsub
Published: January 2016

Cyclooxygenase‐2 (COX‐2) is one of the isoforms of cyclooxygenase, a rate‐limiting enzyme in the arachidonic acid cascade. COX‐2 protein expression is highly induced by numerous factors and it has been reportedly overexpressed in various human malignancies. Although anti‐tumorigenic effects of COX‐2 inhibitors have been shown, several lines of evidence suggest that COX‐2 inhibitors antagonize the cytotoxicity of chemotherapeutic agents. In this study, we investigated the effect of NS‐398, a COX‐2 inhibitor, on modulation of doxorubicin (DOX)‐induced p53 accumulation. Non‐selective and selective COX‐2 inhibitors attenuated DOX‐induced accumulation of wild type (WT) but not mutant p53. Nutlin‐3α or MG132 abolished the suppressive effect of a COX‐2 inhibitor on DOX‐induced p53 increase. Moreover, the DOX‐induced increase in p53 protein levels was reduced in COX‐2 knockout (KO) mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) compared to those in WT or COX‐1 KO MEFs. DOX‐induced accumulation of p53 was attenuated by a specific inhibitor or knockdown of Jun‐N‐terminal kinase (Jnk). In addition, DOX‐induced Jnk activation was decreased in COX‐2 KO MEFs or by COX‐2 inhibition, suggesting that Jnk stabilizes p53 by a mechanism that involves COX‐2. Pre‐treatment with a reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenger, N‐acetylcysteine, attenuated DOX‐induced Jnk activation and subsequent p53 accumulation. Furthermore, the absence or inhibition of COX‐2 resulted in suppression of DOX‐induced increase in ROS levels. These results suggest that COX‐2 activates Jnk through modulation of ROS levels, leading to accumulation of p53. Our study identifies a putative novel cross‐talk between COX‐2 and p53. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Subjective cognitive impairment of older adults: a comparison between the US and China
Authors: Wu Qiong
Published: January 2016

Subjective assessment may be incomparable across countries due to differences in reporting styles. Based on two nationally representative surveys from the US and China, this study used data from three anchoring vignettes to estimate to what extent the US and Chinese older adults aged 50 and above differed in their reporting styles of subjective cognitive impairment. Cross country differences of subjective cognitive impairment were then estimated, both before and after adjusting for reporting heterogeneity. Directly assessed word recall test scores were analyzed to evaluate whether findings based on subjective cognitive impairment was consistent with objective performance. The results revealed a discrepancy between self‐reported subjective cognitive impairment and directly assessed memory function among older adults: while Chinese respondents reported lower severity levels of subjective cognitive impairment, the US respondents demonstrated better performance in immediate word recall tests. By accounting for differences in reporting styles using anchoring vignettes data, Chinese older adults showed higher levels of subjective cognitive impairment than the US older adults, which was consistent with results from direct assessment of memory function. Non‐negligible differences are present in reporting styles of subjective cognitive impairment. Cross country comparison needs to take into account such reporting heterogeneity. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Von der Konfiguration zu inter‐molekularen Wechselwirkungen
Authors: Merten Christian
Published: January 2016

Die Vibrational‐Circular‐Dichroism‐ oder Schwingungszirkulardichroismus‐Spektroskopie bestimmt absolute Konfigurationen, macht intermolekulare Wechselwirkungen sichtbar und deckt auf, welche Konformation ein chirales Molekül bevorzugt einnimmt.
Zellgewebe aus dem Drucker
Authors: Scheibel Thomas , Groll Jürgen , Boccaccini Aldo R. , Zehnder Tobias , Jungst Tomasz , Schacht Kristin
Published: January 2016

Die Biofabrikation, also die Verarbeitung von Biotinte, baut mit zellfreundlichen 3‐D‐Druckverfahren gewebeartige Strukturen auf. Die Zusammensetzung von Biotinten steht daher im Fokus der Materialentwickler, die Gewebe züchten.
Chinesische Chemiker tagen in Karlsruhe
Authors: Wang Rongbiao , Xue Changguo , Ding Wenjin , Lu Qian
Published: January 2016

Unter dem Motto „Wiedersehen in Karlsruhe, gemeinsam für die Zukunft“ fand Mitte Oktober 2015 in Karlsruhe die 27. Jahrestagung der Gesellschaft Chinesischer Chemiker und Chemieingenieure in der Bundesrepublik Deutschland (GCCCD) statt. An der Tagung nahmen 140 Gäste und GCCCD‐Mitglieder aus Hochschulen und chemischer Industrie teil.
Rohstoffquelle und Ballast
Authors: Groß Michael
Published: January 2016

Das Biopolymer Lignin, das sich wie Beton verhält, ist fester Bestandteil unverdaulicher Pflanzenfasern in Holz, Kernen und Gräsern. Bisher dient es als Brennstoff oder gilt als störender Abfall. Neue Einblicke in seine Biosynthese und in mögliche Verarbeitungswege könnten mehr als einen Energieträger aus ihm machen.
Lärm ums Fracken
Authors: Osterath Brigitte
Published: January 2016

Erbitterter Widerstand bei vielen Bürgern, detaillierte Studien in der Wissenschaft sowie unzählige Stellungnahmen aus Industrie und Verbänden – selten hat eine Technik der Energiekonzerne so viel Aufmerksamkeit auf sich gezogen. Aber kommt Fracking nun nach Deutschland oder nicht?
Open Innovation: Wie Energie lange zu speichern ist
Authors: Bulmahn Maren
Published: January 2016

BASF zeichnet vier Forscherteams für Batteriekonzepte aus.
50 Jahre Mitgliedschaft in der CG/GDCh – Wir gratulieren!
Authors: Anwand Dirk , Lindhorst Thisbe K. , Koch Wolfram
Published: January 2016

Im Jahr 2016 begehen folgende Kolleginnen und Kollegen das goldene Jubiläum ihrer GDCh‐Mitgliedschaft oder blicken in den neuen Bundesländern auf eine 50‐jährige Mitgliedschaft in der Chemischen Gesellschaft der DDR und nach der Wiedervereinigung in der GDCh zurück:
Novel intrusion prediction mechanism based on honeypot log similarity
Authors: Jiang Ci‐Bin , Liu I‐Hsien , Chung Yao‐Nien , Li Jung‐Shian
Published: January 2016

The current network‐based intrusion detection systems have a very high rate of false alarms, and this phenomena results in significant efforts to gauge the threat level of the anomalous traffic. In this paper, we propose an intrusion detection mechanism based on honeypot log similarity analysis and data mining techniques to predict and block suspicious flows before attacks occur. With honeypot logs and association rule mining, our approach can reduce the false alarm problem of intrusion detection because only suspicious traffic would be present in the honeypots. The proposed mechanism can reduce human effort, and the entire system can operate automatically. The results of our experiments indicate that the honeypot prediction system is practical for protecting assets from attacks or misuse.
Effects of surfactant treatment on mechanical and microwave absorbing properties of graphene nanosheets/multiwalled carbon nanotubes/cyanate ester composites
Authors: Ren Fang , Zhu Guangming , Wu Guanglei , Wang Kun , Cui Xiaoping
Published: January 2016

Graphene nanosheets (GNSs) and multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) were treated with a nonionic surfactant polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), and its effects on dispersion state, surface chemistry, structure, and morphology of MWCNTs and GNSs, as well as on the microwave absorbing properties, mechanical properties of GNSs/MWCNTs/cyanate ester nanocomposites were analyzed respectively. Results show that surfactant plays an important role in dispersing the GNSs and MWCNTs in a solvent and polymer. The mechanical properties, such as impact fracture toughness and flexural strength all showed significant improvements after the treatment. The above observations are attributed to the unique amphiphile structures of PVP, which improved the interface characteristic between matrix and the fillers. Besides, PVP can effectively enhance interfacial interactions which gave rise to improved dispersion and wetting of GNSs and MWCNTs in polymer matrix. Unlike chemical functionalization techniques, however, the surfactant treatment exhibited little adverse effect on microwave absorption properties of the nanocomposite. POLYM. COMPOS., 39:110–118, 2018. © 2016 Society of Plastics Engineers
CASP 11 target classification
Authors: Kinch Lisa N. , Li Wenlin , Schaeffer R. Dustin , Dunbrack Roland L. , Monastyrskyy Bohdan , Kryshtafovych Andriy , Grishin Nick V.
Published: January 2016

Protein target structures for the Critical Assessment of Structure Prediction round 11 (CASP11) and CASP ROLL were split into domains and classified into categories suitable for assessment of template‐based modeling (TBM) and free modeling (FM) based on their evolutionary relatedness to existing structures classified by the Evolutionary Classification of Protein Domains (ECOD) database. First, target structures were divided into domain‐based evaluation units. Target splits were based on the domain organization of available templates as well as the performance of servers on whole targets compared to split target domains. Second, evaluation units were classified into TBM and FM categories using a combination of measures that evaluate prediction quality and template detectability. Generally, target domains with sequence‐related templates and good server prediction performance were classified as TBM, whereas targets without sequence‐identifiable templates and low server performance were classified as FM. As in previous CASP experiments, the boundaries for classification were blurred due to the presence of significant insertions and deteriorations in the targets with respect to homologous templates, as well as the presence of templates with partial coverage of new folds. The FM category included 45 target domains, which represents an unprecedented number of difficult CASP targets provided for modeling. Proteins 2016; 84(Suppl 1):20–33. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
New insight into the architecture of oxy‐anion pocket in unliganded conformation of GAT domains: A MD‐simulation study
Authors: Bairagya Hridoy R. , Bansal Manju
Published: January 2016

Human Guanine Monophosphate Synthetase (hGMPS) converts XMP to GMP, and acts as a bifunctional enzyme with N‐terminal “glutaminase” (GAT) and C‐terminal “synthetase” domain. The enzyme is identified as a potential target for anti‐cancer and immunosuppressive therapies. GAT domain of enzyme plays central role in metabolism, and contains conserved catalytic residues Cys104, His190, and Glu192. MD simulation studies on GAT domain suggest that position of oxyanion in unliganded conformation is occupied by one conserved water molecule (W1), which also stabilizes that pocket. This position is occupied by a negatively charged atom of the substrate or ligand in ligand bound crystal structures. In fact, MD simulation study of Ser75 to Val indicates that W1 conserved water molecule is stabilized by Ser75, while Thr152, and His190 also act as anchor residues to maintain appropriate architecture of oxyanion pocket through water mediated H‐bond interactions. Possibly, four conserved water molecules stabilize oxyanion hole in unliganded state, but they vacate these positions when the enzyme (hGMPS)‐substrate complex is formed. Thus this study not only reveals functionally important role of conserved water molecules in GAT domain, but also highlights essential role of other non‐catalytic residues such as Ser75 and Thr152 in this enzymatic domain. The results from this computational study could be of interest to experimental community and provide a testable hypothesis for experimental validation. Conserved sites of water molecules near and at oxyanion hole highlight structural importance of water molecules and suggest a rethink of the conventional definition of chemical geometry of inhibitor binding site. Proteins 2016; 84:360–373. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Redirecting pedicle screws: a revision spinal fusion strategy using three‐dimensional image guidance
Authors: Yoon Jang W. , Nottmeier Eric W. , Rahmathulla Gazanfar , Fenton Douglas S. , Pirris Stephen M.
Published: January 2016

Background

Pedicle screws are a preferred method for spinal fixation because of their three‐column support and rigid posterior stabilization. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the outcome of patients requiring pedicle screw redirection, and to describe a technique using cone‐beam computed tomography (cbCT).

Methods

A retrospective review of 30 patients undergoing revision spinal fusion with redirection of pedicle screws was performed. Fifty pedicle screws were redirected in these patients using cbCT‐based 3D image guidance. They were graded pre‐ and post‐operatively using an established grading system.

Results

No complications occurred in this study as a result of redirection. No pedicle breach was noted in all of the redirected pedicle screws.

Conclusion

Redirection of misplaced pedicle screws using cbCT‐based 3D image guidance seems to be safe and accurate in our experience. Further studies are needed to establish its safety, accuracy, fusion rate, and clinical outcome compared with other methods. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
An Android based new German eID solution for policy making processes
Authors: Rebahi Yacine , Khalil Mateusz , Hohberg Simon , Lorenz Pascal
Published: January 2016

In the current paper, we propose a novel mobile‐based architecture that enforces security and privacy protection in the context of mParticipation. This architecture enables the citizens to cast their opinions anonymously and without limitation in time and space. It also removes the burden of preceding registration before any voting process. As the new electronic identity (eID) Cards are replacing the conventional identity cards in most European countries, we also discussed, in this paper, how the new German eID cards can be utilized for mobile participation. The use of the eID cards offers better flexibility and stronger security. A prototype implementation of this architecture is also described in this document, and the related performance is discussed. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Evidence, eminence and extrapolation
Authors: Hlavin Gerald , Koenig Franz , Male Christoph , Posch Martin , Bauer Peter
Published: January 2016

A full independent drug development programme to demonstrate efficacy may not be ethical and/or feasible in small populations such as paediatric populations or orphan indications. Different levels of extrapolation from a larger population to smaller target populations are widely used for supporting decisions in this situation. There are guidance documents in drug regulation, where a weakening of the statistical rigour for trials in the target population is mentioned to be an option for dealing with this problem. To this end, we propose clinical trials designs, which make use of prior knowledge on efficacy for inference. We formulate a framework based on prior beliefs in order to investigate when the significance level for the test of the primary endpoint in confirmatory trials can be relaxed (and thus the sample size can be reduced) in the target population while controlling a certain posterior belief in effectiveness after rejection of the null hypothesis in the corresponding confirmatory statistical test. We show that point‐priors may be used in the argumentation because under certain constraints, they have favourable limiting properties among other types of priors. The crucial quantity to be elicited is the prior belief in the possibility of extrapolation from a larger population to the target population. We try to illustrate an existing decision tree for extrapolation to paediatric populations within our framework. © 2016 The Authors. Statistics in Medicine Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Hair Follicle Bulge Stem Cells Appear Dispensable for the Acute Phase of Wound Re-epithelialization
Authors: Garcin Clare L. , Ansell David M. , Headon Denis J. , Paus Ralf , Hardman Matthew J.
Published: January 2016

The cutaneous healing response has evolved to occur rapidly, in order to minimize infection and to re-establish epithelial homeostasis. Rapid healing is achieved through complex coordination of multiple cell types, which importantly includes specific cell populations within the hair follicle (HF). Under physiological conditions, the epithelial compartments of HF and interfollicular epidermis remain discrete, with K15+ve bulge stem cells contributing progeny for HF reconstruction during the hair cycle and as a basis for hair shaft production during anagen. Only upon wounding do HF cells migrate from the follicle to contribute to the neo-epidermis. However, the identity of the first-responding cells, and in particular whether this process involves a direct contribution of K15+ve bulge cells to the early stage of epidermal wound repair remains unclear. Here we demonstrate that epidermal injury in murine skin does not induce bulge activation during early epidermal wound repair. Specifically, bulge cells of uninjured HFs neither proliferate nor appear to migrate out of the bulge niche upon epidermal wounding. In support of these observations, Diphtheria toxin-mediated partial ablation of K15+ve bulge cells fails to delay wound healing. Our data suggest that bulge cells only respond to epidermal wounding during later stages of repair. We discuss that this response may have evolved as a protective safeguarding mechanism against bulge stem cell exhaust and tumorigenesis.
To customize or not to customize? Exploring science teacher customization in an online lesson portal
Authors: Littenberg‐Tobias Joshua , Beheshti Elham , Staudt Carolyn
Published: January 2016

New technologies are increasingly giving science teachers the ability to access and customize science lessons. However, there is substantial debate in the literature about whether and under what conditions teacher customization benefit student learning. In this study, we examined teacher customization of inquiry‐based science lessons from an online lesson portal. We found that students who completed teacher‐customized lessons had greater improvements in science content understanding than students who completed non‐customized lessons. To expand upon this finding, we examined four case studies of teachers who made significant numbers of modifications to lessons: three “high performers” (with increases in student achievement ranging from 64th to 97th percentile) and one “low performer” (7th percentile). We found that high performing teachers modified lessons to include opportunities for students to revisit their predictions, engage in different learning modalities, and make deeper connections between scientific concepts. Changes made by the “low performing” teacher reduced the quality of the lesson, for example, asking students to predict results without sufficient context or information. These findings suggest that teacher customization can improve the quality of inquiry‐based science lessons, but that some teachers may require additional training and support to achieve the benefits of customization. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Res Sci Teach 53: 349–367, 2016
Cognitive information delivery in geo‐location database based cognitive radio networks
Authors: Feng Zhiyong , Wei Zhiqing , Zhang Qixun , Li Wei , Wang Xin , Qian Yi
Published: January 2016

For the problem of spectrum scarcity and wastage, cognitive radio (CR) technology provides a solution to utilizing the vacant spectrum more efficiently. As one of the most promising techniques to obtain the cognitive information in TV white spaces, geo‐location database approach has attracted a lot of recent attentions, with its goal of enhancing the efficiency of spectrum usage and avoiding the interference to TV receivers. However, existing works mainly focus on the construction and applications of geo‐location database, and seldom consider how to deliver the cognitive information from the database to TV band devices. In this paper, we investigate the tradeoff between increasing the accuracy of cognitive information delivery and reducing the overhead. We design two mesh fusion algorithms to reduce the redundancy of cognitive information and improve the efficiency of cognitive information delivery. Finally, we verify our analysis and evaluate the efficiency of the proposed mesh fusion algorithms through numerical studies. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The role of puberty in the making and breaking of young ballet dancers: Perspectives of dance teachers
Authors: Mitchell Siobhan B. , Haase Anne M. , Malina Robert M. , Cumming Sean P.
Published: January 2016

Physical changes associated with puberty may conflict with functional and aesthetic ideals for a career in ballet. The dance teacher is in a position to guide young dancers through the pubertal transition, although dancers rather than teachers are often the focus of research. This study explores the social stimulus value of the female body in ballet as perceived by the dance teacher and how value may change during puberty. Ten UK dance teachers were interviewed; interpretative phenomenological analysis was used. Four main themes perceived by dance teachers emerged as central to the social stimulus value of the body among adolescent dancers: the ideal body; teacher approaches to managing puberty in the dance environment; puberty as a ‘make or break’ stage in ballet; and teacher awareness of pubertal onset and the implications of timing. Dance teachers can play an important role in moderating external and individual expectations during the pubertal transition.
Systematic Review: Is Prescription of Pressure-relieving Air Cushions Justified in Acute and Subacute Settings?
Authors: Folan Alyce , Downie Sharon , Bond Annabelle
Published: January 2016

Background/Objective

Pressure injuries are a common yet largely preventable complication of hospitalisation. Whilst occupational therapists commonly prescribe pressure-relieving devices to reduce these risks, evidence to support clinical decision-making is limited. The purpose of this study was thus to examine research literature as to the efficacy of pneumatic cushions for general acute/subacute patient populations.

Methods

A systematic search of various databases was conducted, and the literature was then appraised using standardised inclusion/exclusion parameters.

Results

Three randomised controlled trials were identified that met search criteria.

Conclusion

Whilst there is currently preliminary evidence to support the effectiveness of pneumatic pressure-relieving cushions as compared to standard foam, specific recommendations as to a preferred make/model of cushion for use within general hospital settings are not supported at this time.
The Effect of a Written and Pictorial Home Exercise Prescription on Adherence for People with Stroke
Authors: Kara Sheetal , Ntsiea Mokgobadibe Veronica
Published: January 2016

Background/Objective

Functional recovery for stroke survivors begins with rehabilitation. It may not be feasible for therapists to supervise all rehabilitation, especially in the home environment. Therefore, adherence to prescribed exercise programmes is important. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of a written and pictorial home exercise prescription on adherence to a home exercise programme in patients with stroke.

Methods

This was a randomised controlled trial with a blinded assessor. The control group received a home exercise programme with verbal instructions, while the intervention group received the same home exercise programme with verbal instructions but with additional written and pictorial instructions for the exercises. An exercise logbook was used to monitor adherence. The Modified Rivermead Mobility Index (MRMI) and Barthel Index (BI) were used to establish mobility and activities of daily living.

Results

There were a total of 42 participants, with 21 in each group; mean age was 60.8 ± 15.5 years. Forty (95%) of the participants had suffered a stroke less than 4 months prior to the study. Both control and intervention groups had similar outcomes: there was no significant difference between groups with regard to functional ability (MRMI, p = .40; Bl, p = .65) and adherence (p = .53). The relationship between functional ability (MRMI and Bl) and the level of adherence for both the control and intervention groups was not statistically significant.

Conclusion

The addition of a written and pictorial home exercise prescription does not lead to better adherence to a home exercise programme compared to having no written and pictorial instructions. Possible reasons may be that patients had caregivers as a support system, and the exercise logbook served as a reminder and motivational track record for patients. There also does not appear to be a relationship between functional ability and level of adherence, which may be due to most of the study participants being within the optimal time frame for spontaneous functional recovery. Further study at different time frames in stroke rehabilitation in different contexts is recommended.