bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Biosorption of mercury(II) from aqueous solution by fungal biomass Pleurotus eryngii: Isotherm, kinetic, and thermodynamic studies
Authors: Amin Farah , Talpur Farah N. , Balouch Aamna , Chandio Zaheer A. , Surhio Muhammad Ali , Afridi Hassan Imran
Published: March 2016

In present study, biosorption of mercury(II) ions from aqueous solution on Pleurotus eryngii fungal biomass was investigated. Different experimental parameters such as the effects of pH, sorbent dose, initial Hg(II) ion concentration, contact time, and temperature were evaluated systematically. The sorption process was relatively fast and > 98% removal of Hg(II) was achieved within 5 min at pH 7.0. To analyze the suitability of the process and maximum amount of metal uptake, Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm models were applied. The biosorption capacity of P. eryngii fungal biomass was found to be 34.01 mg g−1. Among kinetic models studied, the pseudo‐second order was the best applicable model to describe the sorption process. Thermodynamic parameters of Hg(II) sorption were evaluated by applying the Van't Hoff equation which indicates that the sorption process was exothermic and spontaneous by increased randomness at the solid‐solution interface. The adsorbed Hg(II) ions were easily desorbed from the fungal biomass using 5 M HCl solution with higher effectiveness and can be reused up to five cycles. The possible nature of cell‐metal ion interactions were evaluated by FTIR, SEM, EDX and pHpzc analysis. These examinations indicates the involvement of different electronegative functionalities in the binding of Hg(II) metal ions on the surface. © 2016 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 35: 1274–1282, 2016
Flood and drought tolerance in rice: opposite but may coexist
Authors: Bin Rahman A. N. M. Rubaiyath , Zhang Jianhua
Published: March 2016

Flood and drought are the two most prevalent abiotic stresses causing major yield reduction globally. In the last decade, molecular mechanisms of flood tolerance in rice have been revealed with successful release of flash flood‐tolerant varieties to farmers. However, despite extensive research, the breakthrough of drought tolerance is still to come. In this review, we have examined the distribution and population types of drought‐ and flood‐tolerant rice accessions, synthesized recent progresses of flood and drought tolerance research, and proposed a hypothesis that the molecular mechanisms of both drought and flood tolerance may be regulated by cross‐talked pathways and coexist in aus subpopulation. We conclude that it is the time to mine the key regulator(s) of drought tolerance through de novo assembly of drought‐tolerant aus landrace(s) with other molecular approaches and develop drought‐tolerant rice using genome manipulation weaponry.
Design, Synthesis, and Thrombin Inhibitory Activity Evaluation of Some Novel Benzimidazole Derivatives
Authors: Ren Weixin , Ren Yujie , Dong Minghui , Gao Yonghong
Published: March 2016

Some benzimidazole derivatives were designed and screened via molecular docking. Six compounds which obtained high scores were selected for synthesis and all compounds were characterized by 1H‐ and 13C‐NMR, and HR‐ESI‐MS. Subsequently, these compounds were evaluated for their inhibitory activities on thrombin. Compound 5a (IC50 3.11 nm) showed a better activity than the reference argatroban (IC50 9.88 nm). These results, along with related molecular model studies, indicated that 5a could be a potential thrombin inhibitor for further research.
Characterization of functionally active gene fusions in human papillomavirus related oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Guo Theresa , Gaykalova Daria A. , Considine Michael , Wheelan Sarah , Pallavajjala Aparna , Bishop Justin A , Westra William H. , Ideker Trey , Koch Wayne M , Khan Zubair , Fertig Elana J. , Califano Joseph A.
Published: March 2016

The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) sequencing analysis of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) recently reported on gene fusions, however, few human papillomavirus (HPV) positive samples were included, and the functional relevance of identified fusions was not explored. We therefore performed an independent analysis of gene fusions in HPV‐positive oropharyngeal SCC (OPSCC). RNA sequencing was performed on 47 HPV‐positive OPSCC primary tumors and 25 normal mucosal samples from cancer unaffected controls on an Illumina TruSeq platform. MapSplice2 was used for alignment and identification of fusion candidates. Putative fusions with less than five spanning reads, detected in normal tissues, or that mapped to the same gene were filtered out. Selected fusions were validated by RT‐PCR and Sanger sequencing. Within 47 HPV‐positive OPSCC tumors, 282 gene fusions were identified. Most fusions (85.1%) occurred in a single tumor, and the remaining fusions recurred in 2–16 tumors. Gene fusions were associated with significant up regulation of 16 genes (including EGFR and ERBB4) and down regulation of four genes (PTPRT, ZNF750, DLG2, SLCO5A1). Expression of these genes followed similar patterns of up regulation and down regulation in tumors without these fusions compared to normal tissue. Five of six gene fusions selected for validation were confirmed through RT‐PCR and sequencing. This integrative analysis provides a method of prioritizing functionally relevant gene fusions that may be expanded to other tumor types. These results demonstrate that gene fusions may be one mechanism by which functionally relevant genes are altered in HPV‐positive OPSCC.
The Roles of Family, Friends, and Romantic/Sexual Partners in the Body Image of Sexual Minority Men
Authors: Bozard R. Lewis , Young J. Scott
Published: March 2016

The purpose of this study was to explore the roles of family, friends, and romantic/sexual partners in the body image development of sexual minority men. Data were analyzed using consensual qualitative research methodology. Romantic/sexual partners, family, and friends were all found to play influential roles in body development, with romantic/sexual partners being the most significant and friends being the least significant. Implications for counselors and counselor educators, as well as suggestions for future research, are provided.
Counselors Within the Chronic Care Model: Supporting Weight Management
Authors: Sheesley Alison Phillips
Published: March 2016

The Chronic Care Model developed for the multidisciplinary management of chronic diseases provides a blueprint for the integrated role of mental health counselors supporting clients with obesity seeking weight management treatment. Counselors can support clients and the team of health care professionals treating obesity within each of the 6 components of the model: (a) health care organization, (b) delivery‐system design, (c) clinical information systems, (d) decision support, (e) client self‐management support, and (f) community resources.
Biological treatment of groundwater with a high hexavalent chromium content under anaerobic and anoxic conditions
Authors: Panousi Eleni , Mamais Daniel , Noutsopoulos Constantinos , Antoniou Korina , Koutoula Kiriaki , Mastrantoni Sevasti , Koutsogiannis Constantinos , Gkioni Alexandra
Published: March 2016

BACKGROUND

Microbial reduction of Cr(VI) to the much less toxic Cr(III), although practiced for the treatment of liquid wastes has not been implemented for the treatment of groundwater due to the absence of electron donors (organic substrates) and the lack of data on inhibition of biological Cr(VI) removal. The objective of this work is to evaluate biological groundwater treatment systems that will achieve high Cr(VI) removal with addition of a low dose of organic substrate and to estimate inhibition of microbial Cr(VI) reduction under anaerobic and anoxic conditions.

RESULTS

Biomass acclimatized to Cr(VI) under anaerobic conditions exhibited a higher sensitivity to Cr(VI) compared with biomass acclimatized to Cr(VI) under anoxic conditions. No significant inhibition of microbial growth was observed under anaerobic conditions for initial groundwater Cr(VI) concentrations up to 2000 µg L−1, whereas no significant inhibition was obtained under anoxic conditions at Cr(VI) concentrations as high as 10 000 µg L−1.

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrates that anoxic biological systems treating groundwater can provide complete hexavalent chromium removal at initial hexavalent chromium concentrations as high as 10 000 µg L−1. In addition anaerobic conditions can support complete hexavalent chromium removal at initial hexavalent chromium concentrations as high as 2000 µg L−1. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry
On String Graph Limits and the Structure of a Typical String Graph
Authors: Janson Svante , Uzzell Andrew J.
Published: March 2016

We study limits of convergent sequences of string graphs, that is graphs with an intersection representation consisting of curves in the plane. We use these results to study the limiting behavior of a sequence of random string graphs. We also prove similar results for several related graph classes.
Genetic characteristics of mumps viruses isolated in Korea from 2007 to 2012
Authors: Kim Seung Tae , Kim You‐Jin , Yang Jeong‐Sun , Nam Jeong‐Gu , Kim Kisoon , Kim Sung Soon , Kang Hae Ji
Published: March 2016

Mumps is a vaccine‐preventable viral disease. Despite vaccine coverage of >95%, the incidence of mumps has increased in Korea since 2007. This study aimed to genetically characterize mumps virus (MuV) strains that circulated in Korea between 2007 and 2012 to determine the factors underlying mumps outbreaks. MuV was isolated from 175 clinical specimens between 2007 and 2012 in Korea. Upon analysis of the SH gene in Korean mumps virus isolates, three different genotypes were identified: I, H, and F. The MuV genotypes I and H co‐circulated in Korea, and eight isolates of Korean genotype F were found within the same time period in 2008. An analysis of HN amino‐acid sequence data showed that Korean isolates had no changes in their glycosylation sites. At putative neutralizing epitope sites, the Jeryl‐Lynn strain showed 4–5 different amino acid sequences from those observed in Korean isolates. Korean isolates of genotypes I and H shared distinctive point mutations on putative neutralizing epitope positions in each genotype. This report describes the genetic characteristics of MuV strains circulating in Korea and provides information on endemic mumps infections. This information may be important to help prevent mumps and control outbreaks of mumps in Korea. J. Med. Virol. 88:1479–1486, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
High conservation level of CD8+ T cell immunogenic regions within an unusual H1N2 human influenza variant
Authors: Komadina Naomi , Quiñones‐Parra Sergio M. , Kedzierska Katherine , McCaw James M. , Kelso Anne , Leder Karin , McVernon Jodie
Published: March 2016

Current seasonal influenza vaccines require regular updates due to antigenic drift causing loss of effectiveness and therefore providing little or no protection against novel influenza A subtypes. Next generation vaccines capable of eliciting CD8+ T cell (CTL) mediated cross‐protective immunity may offer a long‐term alternative strategy. However, measuring pre‐ and existing levels of CTL cross‐protection in humans is confounded by differences in infection histories across individuals. During 2000–2003, H1N2 viruses circulated persistently in the human population for the first time and we hypothesized that the viral nucleoprotein (NP) contained novel CTL epitopes that may have contributed to the survival of the viruses. This study describes the immunogenic NP peptides of H1N1, H2N2, and H3N2 influenza viruses isolated from humans over the past century, 1918–2003, by comparing this historical dataset to reference NP peptides from H1N2 that circulated in humans during 2000–2003. Observed peptides sequences ranged from highly conserved (15%) to highly variable (12%), with variation unrelated to reported immunodominance. No unique NP peptides which were exclusive to the H1N2 viruses were noted. However, the virus had inherited the NP from a recently emerged H3N2 variant containing novel peptides, which may have assisted its persistence. Any advantage due to this novelty was subsequently lost with emergence of a newer H3N2 variant in 2003. Our approach has potential to provide insight into the population context in which influenza viruses emerge, and may help to inform immunogenic peptide selection for CTL‐inducing influenza vaccines. J. Med. Virol. 88:1725–1732, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Traumatic axonal injury: Relationships between lesions in the early phase and diffusion tensor imaging parameters in the chronic phase of traumatic brain injury
Authors: Moen Kent Gøran , Vik Anne , Olsen Alexander , Skandsen Toril , Håberg Asta Kristine , Evensen Kari Anne I. , Eikenes Live
Published: March 2016

This prospective study of traumatic brain injury (TBI) patients investigates fractional anisotropy (FA) from chronic diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) in areas corresponding to persistent and transient traumatic axonal injury (TAI) lesions detected in clinical MRI from the early phase. Thirty‐eight patients (mean 24.7 [range 13–63] years of age) with moderate‐to‐severe TBI and 42 age‐ and sex‐matched healthy controls were included. Patients underwent 1.5‐T clinical MRI in the early phase (median 7 days), including fluid‐attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) and T2* gradient echo (T2*GRE) sequences. TAI lesions from the early phase were characterized as nonhemorrhagic or microhemorrhagic. In the chronic phase (median 3 years), patients and controls were imaged at 3 T with FLAIR, T2*GRE, T1, and DTI sequences. TAI lesions were classified as transient or persistent. The FLAIR/T2*GRE images from the early phase were linearly registered to the FA images from the chronic phase and lesions manually segmented on the FA‐registered FLAIR/T2*GRE images. For regions of interest (ROIs) from both nonhemorrhagic and microhemorrhagic lesion, we found a significant linear trend of lower mean FA from ROIs in healthy controls to ROIs in patients without either nonhemorrhagic or microhemorrhagic lesions and further to transient and finally persistent lesion ROIs (P < 0.001). Histogram analyses showed lower FA in persistent compared with transient nonhemorrhagic lesion ROIs (P < 0.001), but this was not found in microhemorrhagic lesion ROIs (P = 0.08–0.55). The demonstrated linear trend of lower FA values from healthy controls to persistent lesion ROIs was found in both nonhemorrhagic and microhemorrhagic lesions and indicates a gradual increasing disruption of the microstructure. Lower FA values in persistent compared with transient lesions were found only in nonhemorrhagic lesions. Thus, clinical MRI techniques are able to depict important aspects of white matter pathology across the stages of TBI. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Sensory symptoms in Parkinson's disease: Clinical features, pathophysiology, and treatment
Authors: Zhu Mingxin , Li Man , Ye Dawei , Jiang Wei , Lei Ting , Shu Kai
Published: March 2016

Parkinson's disease (PD) is one of the most common forms of neurodegenerative disease in the elderly population and is typically manifested by motor symptoms and nonmotor symptoms and signs. Nonmotor symptoms, such as sensory symptoms, have been regarded as the significant features of this disease. These symptoms often occur in early stages of PD and influence quality of life. However, researchers suggest that the sensory symptoms of PD are frequently unrecognized by clinicians and remain untreated. The disorders include pain, olfactory disturbance, and visual dysfunction input on the underlying sensory abnormality. This Review focuses on the clinical features, pathophysiological mechanisms, and treatment strategies for sensory symptoms of PD from both clinical studies and basic research, providing a comprehensive overview of the sensory symptoms in PD. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Increased body mass of ducks wintering in California's Central Valley
Authors: Fleskes Joseph P. , Yee Julie L. , Yarris Gregory S. , Loughman Daniel L.
Published: March 2016

Waterfowl managers lack the information needed to fully evaluate the biological effects of their habitat conservation programs. We studied body condition of dabbling ducks shot by hunters at public hunting areas throughout the Central Valley of California during 2006–2008 compared with condition of ducks from 1979 to 1993. These time periods coincide with habitat increases due to Central Valley Joint Venture conservation programs and changing agricultural practices; we modeled to ascertain whether body condition differed among waterfowl during these periods. Three dataset comparisons indicate that dabbling duck body mass was greater in 2006–2008 than earlier years and the increase was greater in the Sacramento Valley and Suisun Marsh than in the San Joaquin Valley, differed among species (mallard [Anas platyrhynchos], northern pintail [Anas acuta], America wigeon [Anas americana], green‐winged teal [Anas crecca], and northern shoveler [Anas clypeata]), and was greater in ducks harvested late in the season. Change in body mass also varied by age–sex cohort and month for all 5 species and by September–January rainfall for all except green‐winged teal. The random effect of year nested in period, and sometimes interacting with other factors, improved models in many cases. Results indicate that improved habitat conditions in the Central Valley have resulted in increased winter body mass of dabbling ducks, especially those that feed primarily on seeds, and this increase was greater in regions where area of post‐harvest flooding of rice and other crops, and wetland area, has increased. Conservation programs that continue to promote post‐harvest flooding and other agricultural practices that benefit wintering waterfowl and continue to restore and conserve wetlands would likely help maintain body condition of wintering dabbling ducks in the Central Valley of California. Published 2016. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.
The Coupling Effects of Using Coal Fly‐Ash and Bio‐Inoculant for Rehabilitation of Disturbed Biocrusts in Active Sand Dunes
Authors: Zaady Eli , Katra Itzhak , Barkai Daniel , Knoll Yaakov , Sarig Shlomo
Published: March 2016

Active wind‐borne sand dunes, which lead to covering of fertile soils and agricultural fields, are one of the main problems in desertified lands worldwide, and stabilizing them poses a significant challenge. Such sand dunes may be naturally stabilized by biocrusts (biological soil crusts). One of the main restraints of biocrust development is the typical lack of fine particles in sand dunes. A possible artificial source of fine particles is coal fly‐ash, which is the by‐product of power stations and comprises of particles having a diameter of less than 100 µm. This study tested the influence of the coupling effects of coal fly‐ash and bio‐inoculant of filamentous cyanobacteria, isolated from natural stabilized sand dunes nearby, on the soil surface of active sands for increasing resistance to wind erosion. Boundary‐layer wind tunnel experiments were conducted in experimental plots within a greenhouse for examining the effects of adding coal fly‐ash and bio‐inoculant to active sands. The biocrust development was evaluated via several physical and bio‐physiological variables. In all the physical measurements and the bio‐physiological variables, the treatment of “sand + inoculum + coal fly‐ash” showed significant differences from the “sand‐control”. The combination led to the best results of surface stabilization in boundary‐layer wind tunnel experiments, with the lowest sand fluxes. The filamentous cyanobacteria use the fine particles of the coal fly‐ash as bridges for growing toward and adhering to the large sand particles. The cumulative effects of biocrusts and coal fly‐ash enhance soil surface stabilization and may allow long‐term sustainability. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Sustainability in open access publishing: The ecancer case study
Authors: Foxall Katie , Nailor Audrey
Published: March 2016

Key points

Innovative business models to complement or replace traditional models of funding academic publishing are currently proliferating.

Not relying solely on one source of funding is a key factor in sustainability.

Pay what you can afford (PWYCA) is a new model for article processing charges (APCs) providing both a revenue stream and an opportunity to raise awareness of the cost of publishing amongst authors.

Treating a journal as part of an overall enterprise rather than as a stand‐alone business contributes significantly to its sustainability.
Drug Delivery Vehicles Based on Albumin–Polymer Conjugates
Authors: Jiang Yanyan , Stenzel Martina
Published: March 2016

Albumin has been a popular building block to create nanoparticles for drug delivery purposes. The performance of albumin as a drug carrier can be enhanced by combining protein with polymers, which allows the design of carriers to encompass a broader spectrum of drugs while features unique to synthetic polymers such as stimuli‐responsiveness are introduced. Nanoparticles based on polymer–albumin hybrids can be divided into two classes: one that carries album as a bioactive surface coating and the other that uses albumin as biocompatible, although nonbioactive, building block. Nanoparticles with bioactive albumin surface coating can either be prepared by self‐assembly of albumin–polymer conjugates or by postcoating of existing nanoparticles with albumin. Albumin has also been used as building block, either in its native or denatured form. Existing albumin nanoparticles are coated with polymers, which can influence the degradation of albumin or impact on the drug release. Finally, an alternative way of using albumin by denaturing the protein to generate a highly functional chain, which can be modified with polymer, has been presented. These albumin nanoparticles are designed to be extremely versatile so that they can deliver a wide variety of drugs, including traditional hydrophobic drugs, metal‐based drugs and even therapeutic proteins and siRNA.

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Synthesis and Conjugation of Alkyne‐Functional Hyperbranched Polyglycerols
Authors: Moore Eli , Zill Andrew T. , Anderson Cyrus A. , Jochem Aljosha R. , Zimmerman Steven C. , Bonder Claudine S. , Kraus Tobias , Thissen Helmut , Voelcker Nicolas H.
Published: March 2016

This study outlines the synthetic and purification process used to obtain hyperbranched polyglycerol (HPG) within a molecular weight range not previously obtainable. Purified fractions with low polydispersity are achieved via successive precipitations from acetone. Furthermore, the use of the initiator molecule 5‐hexyne‐1‐ol introduces alkyne functionality at the core of each HPG molecule. Alkyne‐azide cycloaddition chemistry in combination with NMR and field flow fractionation analysis is used to verify the availability of the alkyne core for bioconjugation across the range of molecular weights.

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Approximation by bicomplex beta operators in compact ‐disks
Authors: Mursaleen M. , Nasiruzzaman Md. , Srivastava H. M.
Published: March 2016

The main object of this paper is to extend some known approximation results for the complex beta operators of the first kind attached to analytic functions in strips of compact disks. The extensions of these approximation properties, which are presented here, involve bicomplex beta operators in compact
‐disk. Several other related results are also considered. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Multi‐parametric analysis of strongly inhomogeneous periodic waveguideswith internal cutoff frequencies
Authors: Kaplunov J. , Nobili A.
Published: March 2016

In this paper, we consider periodic waveguides in the shape of a inhomogeneous string or beam partially supported by a uniform elastic Winkler foundation. A multi‐parametric analysis is developed to take into account the presence of internal cutoff frequencies and strong contrast of the problem parameters. This leads to asymptotic conditions supporting non‐typical quasi‐static uniform or, possibly, linear microscale displacement variations over the high‐frequency domain. Macroscale governing equations are derived within the framework of the Floquet–Bloch theory as well as using a high‐frequency‐type homogenization procedure adjusted to a string with variable parameters. It is found that, for the string problem, the associated macroscale equation is the same as that applying to a string resting on a Winkler foundation. Remarkably, for the beam problem, the macroscale behavior is governed by the same equation as for a beam supported by a two‐parameter Pasternak foundation. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Relative approximate controllability of abstract functional systems with infinite delay and delayed control
Authors: Shen Lijuan
Published: March 2016

This paper is concerned with the relative approximate controllability of functional systems with infinite delay and delayed control in Hilbert spaces. In particular, we begin with studying some criteria of the controllability of linear systems. Based on those results, sufficient conditions are derived for the relative approximate controllability of nonlinear functional systems. Finally, an example is included to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed methods. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Electrical conductivity and permittivity maps of brain tissues derived from water content based on T1‐weighted acquisition
Authors: Michel Eric , Hernandez Daniel , Lee Soo Yeol
Published: March 2016

Purpose

To develop an electrical properties tomography (EPT) technique that can provide in vivo electrical conductivity and permittivity images of biological tissue without performing complex‐valued radiofrequency field measurements.

Theory and Methods

Electrical conductivity and permittivity images are modeled as a monotonic function of tissues' water content (W) under the principle of Maxwell's mixture theory. Water content maps are estimated from two spin‐echo images having different repetition times (TRs). For the modeling functions, physically measured parameters (electrical properties, water content, and T1) of brain cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), gray matter, and white matter are used as landmark literature references. The formulations are validated by a developed electrolyte‐protein phantom and by human brain studies at 3 Tesla (T).

Results

The electrical properties (EPs) of the phantom estimated by the proposed method match well with the values measured on the bench. The conductivity and permittivity maps from all experiments show uncompromised spatial resolution without boundary artifacts and higher contrast when compared with water content maps.

Conclusions

Human brain and phantom EP images suggest that water content is a dominating factor in determining the electrical properties of tissues. Despite possible literature inaccuracies, the proposed method offers EP maps that can provide complementary information to current approaches, to facilitate EPT scans in clinical applications. Magn Reson Med 77:1094–1103, 2017. © 2016 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine
Nerve growth factor does not seem to be a biomarker for neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction after spinal cord injury
Authors: Krebs Jörg , Pavlicek David , Stoyanov Jivko , Pannek Jürgen , Wöllner Jens
Published: March 2016

Aim

To prospectively investigate the association of bladder function with the nerve growth factor (NGF) concentration in the urine of individuals with neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction (NLUTD) after spinal cord injury (SCI).

Methods

Individuals with chronic SCI and NLUTD presenting for a routine urologic examination at a tertiary urologic referral center were recruited for the study. Patient characteristics, the current bladder evacuation method and urodynamic parameters were collected. As controls, individuals with normal bladder function were recruited from the staff of a SCI rehabilitation center. The urinary NGF concentration was measured in triplicates by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay with a minimal sensitivity of 10 pg/ml.

Results

The data of 10 and 37 individuals with normal bladder function and NLUTD, respectively, were analyzed. The urinary NGF concentration was below 10 pg/ml in all investigated samples.

Conclusions

The urinary NGF concentration did not differentiate between individuals with normal bladder function and those with NLUTD. At least in patients with SCI, the urinary NGF concentration does not seem to be a clinically relevant biomarker for NLUTD. Neurourol. Urodynam. 36:659–662, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Modification of acrylic bone cements by poly(ethylene glycol) with different molecular weight
Authors: Król Klaudia , Pielichowska Kinga
Published: March 2016

The high polymerization temperature of acrylic bone cements can cause arthroplasty failure because of the thermal necrosis of surrounding bone tissue. To reduce this undesired effect we have developed novel acrylic bone cement composites containing a phase change material (PCM). As PCM poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) of different molecular weight was applied and the effect of its incorporation on curing parameters, mechanical and morphological properties of acrylic bone cement was investigated. A significant decrease in maximum temperature from 65.8°C to 47.4°C and slight increase of setting time were observed. PEG introduction also contributed to the thermal stability of acrylic bone cement increase. SEM investigation of modified bone cement confirmed that the microstructure does not alter considerably because of PEG content. It was found that both PEG addition and incubation test contribute to an inconsiderable decrease in mechanical strength of bone cement. However, the mechanical strength increase can be caused by the fresh bone tissue incorporation into the pores appearing in bone cement. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Development and material properties of reinforced plywood using carbon fiber and waste rubber powder
Authors: Ashori Alireza , Ghofrani Mohammad , Rezvani Mohammad Hadi , Ayrilmis Nadir
Published: March 2016

This article reports on the use of carbon fiber (CF) and waste rubber (WR) as reinforcing agents for plywood. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of three variable parameters: CF content, WR content, and CF length, on the mechanical and physical properties of the plywood. The properties evaluated were mechanical properties in terms of modulus of rupture (MOR), modulus of elasticity (MOE), and impact strength (IS), and physical properties including water absorption (WA) and thickness swelling (TS). Beech (Fagus orientalis) veneers having 1.8‐mm thickness were used in the production of 7‐ply plywoods. The CF and WR layers were used in the middle (core) layer of plywood samples. Bonding of the wood layers was done using urea‐formaldehyde resin (160 g/m2), and to form the CF and WR layers and bond them to wood veneers, methylene diphenyl isocyanate resin (150 g/m2) were used. Based on the results, the CF was found to have significant effect on the mechanical properties at 99% confidence level. In addition, both the mechanical and physical performances of plywoods improved with increase in the CF content and length. At a certain amount of the CF, the panels with longer (18 cm) CF showed superior mechanical properties. As it expected, the MOR values considerably reduced with the addition of WR, while the MOE, IS, WA, and TS of the specimens improved when compared with the control. The IS of the samples increased as much as 32.5% with the addition of 30 wt% of the WR. POLYM. COMPOS., 39:675–680, 2018. © 2016 Society of Plastics Engineers
The Evil Queen's Dilemma: Linking Narcissistic Admiration and Rivalry to Benign and Malicious Envy
Authors: Lange Jens , Crusius Jan , Hagemeyer Birk
Published: March 2016

It is widely assumed that narcissists are envious. Nevertheless, evidence supporting this claim has remained elusive. In five studies (N = 1,225), we disentangle how grandiose narcissism predicts divergent envious inclinations. Specific facets of narcissism and forms of envy shared the same underlying motivational orientations (Study 1) and distinctively related to each other (Studies 1 to 5) via differences in emotional appraisal (Study 4). Moreover, envy was linked to opposing social consequences of different narcissism facets (Study 5). Specifically, hope for success related to narcissistic admiration, predicting benign envy, which entails the motivation to improve performance, translating into the ascription of social potency by the self and others. In contrast, fear of failure related to narcissistic rivalry, predicting malicious envy, which entails hostility, translating into the ascription of a proneness for social conflict by others. These results converged with envy measured as a trait (Studies 1 and 5) or state in recall tasks (Studies 2 and 4) and as response to an upward standard in the situation (Study 3). The findings provide important insights into narcissists‘ emotional complexities, integrate prior isolated and conflicting evidence, and open up new avenues for research on narcissism and envy. Copyright © 2016 European Association of Personality Psychology
Structural characterization of NRAS isoform 5
Authors: Markowitz Joseph , Mal Tapas K. , Yuan Chunhua , Courtney Nicholas B. , Patel Mitra , Stiff Andrew R. , Blachly James , Walker Christopher , Eisfeld Ann‐Kathrin , de la Chapelle Albert , Carson William E.
Published: March 2016

It was recently discovered that the NRAS isoform 5 (20 amino acids) is expressed in melanoma and results in a more aggressive cell phenotype. This novel isoform is responsible for increased phosphorylation of downstream targets such as AKT, MEK, and ERK as well as increased cellular proliferation. This structure report describes the NMR solution structure of NRAS isoform 5 to be used as a starting point to understand its biophysical interactions. The isoform is highly flexible in aqueous solution, but forms a helix‐turn‐coil structure in the presence of trifluoroethanol as determined by NMR and CD spectroscopy.
A study on the thermal sintering process of silver nanoparticle inkjet inks to achieve smooth and highly conducting silver layers
Authors: Vandevenne Glen , Marchal Wouter , Verboven Inge , Drijkoningen Jeroen , D'Haen Jan , Van Bael Marlies K. , Hardy An , Deferme Wim
Published: March 2016

Silver nanoparticle inkjet inks are commonly used to print electrically conductive patterns, such as sensors or electrodes in organic light emitting diodes (OLEDs) or organic photovoltaic devices (OPVs). After printing, a sintering step is required to transform the printed layer into an electrically conductive one. Gaining more insight into the occurring phenomena during this post‐treatment step is necessary when applying different kinds of inkjet ink. Therefore, in this work the commercially available silver nanoparticle inkjet ink Metalon JS‐B30G from Novacentrix is characterised during the different stages in the printing and thermal sintering sequence. The pre‐printing and post‐sintering characterisation proves that the inkjet ink used has got the right material parameters, such as viscosity and particle size. Silver layers with sheet resistances of 40 mΩ/sq were obtained with an average roughness lower than 10 nm. The experiments performed show the different stages during the thermal sintering procedure. Based on this, suitable thermal sintering parameters are defined leading to application of these conductive silver layers in OLEDs.
Identification of hydroxy‐ and keto‐dicarboxylic acids in remote marine aerosols using gas chromatography/quadruple and time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry
Authors: Gowda Divyavani , Kawamura Kimitaka , Tachibana Eri
Published: March 2016

Rationale

The identification of hydroxy‐ and keto‐dicarboxylic acids (diacids) in remote marine aerosol samples is important for a better understanding of the composition of organic particulate matter, as this chemical composition is essential for predicting the effects on climate, air quality, and human health. Molecular characterization of these compounds provides insights into sources and formation pathways of organic aerosols.

Methods

The method of chemical derivatization followed by gas chromatography–flame ionization detection (GC‐FID), gas chromatography/quadruple mass spectrometry (GC/QMS) and gas chromatography/time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (GC/TOFMS) was used to identify hydroxy‐ and keto‐diacids in remote marine aerosols. Atmospheric samples were collected at Chichijima Island in the western North Pacific and the diacids and related compounds were extracted with organic‐free ultrapure water. A two‐step derivatization technique was employed, using 14% BF3/n‐butanol for the butylation of carboxyl groups and acidic ketones followed by N,O‐bis(trimethylsilyl)trifluoroacetamide (BSTFA) for the trimethylsilylation of hydroxyl groups.

Results

Several new peaks were detected in the gas chromatogram after trimethylsilylation of the dibutyl ester fraction. Based on mass spectral interpretation with authentic standards, we successfully identified and quantified a homologous series of hydroxydiacids, including tartaric and oxaloacetic acids. In addition, transformation of oxaloacetic acid into its enol form was elucidated.

Conclusions

Utilizing GC‐FID, GC/QMS and GC/TOFMS, hydroxy‐ and keto‐diacids were identified in the remote marine aerosols. A complete structural characterization was achieved with extensive mass spectral analysis. Molecular distributions of hydroxydiacids generally showed the predominance of malic acid followed by tartronic acid. We consider that these hydroxydiacids are important intermediates in the atmospheric oxidation of organic aerosols to result in smaller diacids. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Nickel in equine sports drug testing – pilot study results on urinary nickel concentrations
Authors: Thevis M. , Machnik M. , Schenk I. , Krug O. , Piper T. , Schänzer W. , Düe M. , Bondesson U. , Hedeland M.
Published: March 2016

Rationale

The issue of illicit performance enhancement spans human and animal sport in presumably equal measure, with prohibited substances and methods of doping conveying both ways. Due to the proven capability of unbound ionic cobalt (Co2+) to stimulate erythropoiesis in humans, both human and equine anti‐doping regulations have listed cobalt as a banned substance, and in particular in horse drug testing, thresholds for cobalt concentrations applying to plasma and urine have been suggested or established. Recent reports about the finding of substantial amounts of undeclared nickel in arguably licit performance‐ and recovery‐supporting products raised the question whether the ionic species of this transition metal (Ni2+), which exhibits similar prolyl hydroxylase inhibiting properties to Co2+, has been considered as a substitute for cobalt in doping regimens.

Methods

Therefore, a pilot study with 200 routine post‐competition doping control horse urine samples collected from animals participating in equestrian, gallop, and trotting in Europe was conducted to provide a first dataset on equine urinary Ni2+ concentrations. All specimens were analyzed by conventional inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP‐MS) to yield quantitative data for soluble nickel.

Results

Concentrations ranging from below the assay's limit of quantification (LOQ, 0.5 ng/mL) up to 33.4 ng/mL with a mean value (± standard deviation) of 6.1 (±5.1) ng/mL were determined for the total nickel content.

Conclusions

In horses, nickel is considered a micronutrient and feed supplements containing nickel are available; hence, follow‐up studies are deemed warranted to consolidate potential future threshold levels concerning urine and blood nickel concentrations in horses using larger sets of samples for both matrices and to provide in‐depth insights by conducting elimination studies with soluble Ni2+‐salt species. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Characterizing flash events and distributed denial‐of‐service attacks: an empirical investigation
Authors: Bhandari Abhinav , Sangal Amrit Lal , Kumar Krishan
Published: March 2016

In the information age where Internet is the most important means of delivery of plethora of services, distributed denial‐of‐service (DDoS) attacks have emerged as one of the most serious threat. Strategic, security, social, and financial implications of these attacks have ceaselessly alarmed the entire cyber community. To obviate a DDoS attack and mitigate its impact, there is an irrevocable prerequisite to accurately detect them promptly. An inherent challenge in addressing this issue is to efficiently distinguish these attacks from characteristically analogous flash events (FEs) which are bona fide occurrences generated by legitimate users. Most of the studies have focused on finding out the unique characteristics of DDoS attacks in isolation, with the peril of false alarms heuristically. To preclude this, it is pertinent to fundamentally focus on identifying the unique characteristics of FE vis‐a‐vis DDoS attacks ab initio which has been the basis of this work. The aim of this paper is to formulate the taxonomy of FEs and compare the characteristics of FEs and DDoS attacks to segregate these using several empirical metrics. Real and emulation datasets have been used to validate the characteristics of both. The extensive analysis in this study establishes that there are numerous technical dissimilarities that can be exploited to separate these similar looking events. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
An ORP‐EIS approach to study the gas incorporation into aluminum etch films
Authors: Tzedaki M. , Verguts S. , Van Ingelgem Y. , Hammons J. A. , De Graeve I. , Terryn H.
Published: March 2016

Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy was used as a novel technique to study gas diffusion through a surface gel. The system under study underwent an alternating current electrograining process that is used in lithography and in capacitor foils. During this process H2 bubbles are trapped inside a gel like structure consisting of 90% water. It is presented that through in situ impedance, the gas diffusion mechanism through the gel can be explained and correlated to the pitting morphology. It is demonstrated that fast gas diffusion leads to a desired uniform aluminum pitting after alternating current processing and that the structure of the gel plays an important role in this process. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Nanoparticle Cookies Derived from Metal‐Organic Frameworks: Controlled Synthesis and Application in Anode Materials for Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Wang Shuhai , Chen Minqi , Xie Yanyu , Fan Yanan , Wang Dawei , Jiang Ji‐Jun , Li Yongguang , Grützmacher Hansjörg , Su Cheng‐Yong
Published: March 2016

The capacity of anode materials plays a critical role in the performance of lithium‐ion batteries. Using the nanocrystals of oxygen‐free metal‐organic framework ZIF‐67 as precursor, a one‐step calcination approach toward the controlled synthesis of CoO nanoparticle cookies with excellent anodic performances is developed in this work. The CoO nanoparticle cookies feature highly porous structure composed of small CoO nanoparticles (≈12 nm in diameter) and nitrogen‐rich graphitic carbon matrix (≈18 at% in nitrogen content). Benefiting from such unique structure, the CoO nanoparticle cookies are capable of delivering superior specific capacity and cycling stability (1383 mA h g−1 after 200 runs at 100 mA g−1) over those of CoO and graphite.
Influence of reinforcement type on macrocrack propagation under sustained loading in steel fibre‐reinforced concrete
Authors: Daviau‐Desnoyers Dominic , Charron Jean‐Philippe , Massicotte Bruno , Rossi Pierre , Tailhan Jean‐Louis
Published: March 2016

To meet the growing challenges of sustainability, it is necessary to control and anticipate the cracking problems of structures under sustained loadings. At the structural level, very little information is available regarding the combined effect of SFRC and reinforcement under sustained flexural loading. This paper presents the results of four flexural creep tests on large steel fibre‐reinforced concrete beams reinforced with fibres only or in combination with unbonded/bonded prestressing strands or traditional reinforcing bars. The main objective was to assess the influence of the reinforcement type on crack propagation, crack openings and compliance evolution in SFRC under sustained loading. The results show that the driving mechanism behind crack propagation is the same for all beams, regardless of reinforcement type, and is therefore governed by type of fibre concrete.
Reliability‐based and life‐cycle cost‐oriented design recommendations for prestressed concrete bridge girders
Authors: Yanaka Makoto , Hooman Ghasemi Seyed , Nowak Andrzej S.
Published: March 2016

There are several methods available to decide appropriate design recommendations to prevent corrosion of reinforcing steel in prestressed concrete bridge girders. With respect to chloride‐induced corrosion, in the present study two methods are considered. The first one is based on the target probability of corrosion initiation and the initial cost. The other method is based on the life‐cycle cost that includes the initial cost, maintenance cost, and expected failure cost. This paper deals with the development of recommendations for durability design of structures in marine environments from the reliability point of view, taking into consideration the life‐cycle cost of a structure. In order to address the problem, the chloride diffusion coefficient of a cracked area under service load is obtained considering opening and closing motion of cracks. Utilizing the diffusion coefficient of a cracked area, the development over time of the chloride concentration at the surface of reinforcement can be predicted. This information is used to quantify the probability of initiation of corrosion of prestressing steel as well as the distribution of life‐cycle cost. Based on the findings, recommendations for durability design in various exposure environments are developed.
Downregulation of human paraoxonase 1 (PON1) by organophosphate pesticides in HepG2 cells
Authors: Medina‐Díaz Irma Martha , Ponce‐Ruiz Néstor , Ramírez‐Chávez Bryana , Rojas‐García Aurora Elizabeth , Barrón‐Vivanco Briscia S. , Elizondo Guillermo , Bernal‐Hernández Yael Y.
Published: March 2016

Paraoxonase 1 (PON1) is a calcium‐dependent esterase synthesized primarily in the liver and secreted into the plasma where it is associated with high‐density lipoproteins (HDL). PON1 hydrolyzes and detoxifies some toxic metabolites of organophosphorus compounds (OPs) such as methyl parathion and chlorpyrifos. Thus, PON1 activity and expression levels are important for determining susceptibility against OPs poisoning. Some studies have demonstrated that OPs can modulate gene expression through interactions with nuclear receptors. In this study, we evaluated the effects of methyl parathion and chlorpyrifos on the modulation of PON1 in Human Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HepG2) cells by real‐time PCR, PON1 activity assay, and western blot. The results showed that the treatments with methyl parathion and chlorpyrifos decreased PON1 mRNA and immunoreactive protein and increased inflammatory cytokines in HepG2 cells. The effects of methyl parathion and chlorpyrifos on the downregulation of PON1 gene expression in HepG2 cells may provide evidence of OPs cytotoxicity related to oxidative stress and an inflammatory response. A decrease in the expression of the PON1 gene may increase the susceptibility to OPs intoxication and the risk of diseases related to inflammation and oxidative stress. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol 32: 490–500, 2017.