bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Brain network dysregulation, emotion, and complaints after mild traumatic brain injury
Authors: van der Horn Harm J. , Liemburg Edith J. , Scheenen Myrthe E. , de Koning Myrthe E. , Marsman Jan‐Bernard C. , Spikman Jacoba M. , van der Naalt Joukje
Published: February 2016

Objectives

To assess the role of brain networks in emotion regulation and post‐traumatic complaints in the sub‐acute phase after non‐complicated mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI).

Experimental design

Fifty‐four patients with mTBI (34 with and 20 without complaints) and 20 healthy controls (group‐matched for age, sex, education, and handedness) were included. Resting‐state fMRI was performed at four weeks post‐injury. Static and dynamic functional connectivity were studied within and between the default mode, executive (frontoparietal and bilateral frontal network), and salience network. The hospital anxiety and depression scale (HADS) was used to measure anxiety (HADS‐A) and depression (HADS‐D).

Principal Observations

Regarding within‐network functional connectivity, none of the selected brain networks were different between groups. Regarding between‐network interactions, patients with complaints exhibited lower functional connectivity between the bilateral frontal and salience network compared to patients without complaints. In the total patient group, higher HADS‐D scores were related to lower functional connectivity between the bilateral frontal network and both the right frontoparietal and salience network, and to higher connectivity between the right frontoparietal and salience network. Furthermore, whereas higher HADS‐D scores were associated with lower connectivity within the parietal midline areas of the bilateral frontal network, higher HADS‐A scores were related to lower connectivity within medial prefrontal areas of the bilateral frontal network.

Conclusions

Functional interactions of the executive and salience networks were related to emotion regulation and complaints after mTBI, with a key role for the bilateral frontal network. These findings may have implications for future studies on the effect of psychological interventions.Hum Brain Mapp 37:1645‐1654, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Vitamin E neuroprotection against cisplatin ototoxicity: Preliminary results from a randomized, placebo‐controlled trial
Authors: Villani Veronica , Zucchella Chiara , Cristalli Giovanni , Galiè Edvina , Bianco Francesco , Giannarelli Diana , Carpano Silvia , Spriano Giuseppe , Pace Andrea
Published: February 2016

Background

Few studies have investigated the effect of vitamin E in reducing the cisplatin (CDDP)‐induced ototoxicity. This study evaluated vitamin E supplementation as a protecting agent against CDDP‐induced ototoxicity.

Methods

Patients who started CDDP were randomly assigned to receive vitamin E supplementation at 400 mg per day (group 1) or placebo (group 2). Audiograms and evoked brainstem responses were obtained at baseline, and after 1, 2, and 3 months.

Results

Twenty‐three patients affected by solid malignancies were enrolled (13 in group 1 and 10 in group 2). At 1 month, a significant hearing loss in group 2 at both 2000 HZ (right ear: p = .05; left ear: p = .04) and 8000 HZ (right ear: p = .04; left ear: p = .03) was detected when compared to baseline values. Audiograms did not show significant changes. At 1 month, evoked brainstem responses remained unchanged in both arms without significant differences between groups.

Conclusion

These preliminary findings confirm the neuroprotective properties of vitamin E against the CDDP‐induced ototoxicity. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 38: E2118–E2121, 2016
Intravital microscopy of the lung: minimizing invasiveness
Authors: Fiole Daniel , Tournier Jean‐Nicolas
Published: February 2016

In vivo microscopy has recently become a gold standard in lung immunology studies involving small animals, largely benefiting from the democratization of multiphoton microscopy allowing for deep tissue imaging. This technology represents currently our only way of exploring the lungs and inferring what happens in human respiratory medicine. The interest of lung in vivo microscopy essentially relies upon its relevance as a study model, fulfilling physiological requirements in comparison with in vitro and ex vivo experiments. However, strategies developed in order to overcome movements of the thorax caused by breathing and heartbeats remain the chief drawback of the technique and a major source of invasiveness. In this context, minimizing invasiveness is an unavoidable prerequisite for any improvement of lung in vivo microscopy. This review puts into perspective the main techniques enabling lung in vivo microscopy, providing pros and cons regarding invasiveness.

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Photostimulation by femtosecond laser triggers restorable fragmentation in single mitochondrion
Authors: Wang Yintao , He Hao , Wang Shaoyang , Liu Yaohui , Hu Minglie , Cao Youjia , Kong Siukai , Wei Xunbin , Wang Chingyue
Published: February 2016

Mitochondrial research is important to the study of ageing, apoptosis, and metabolic diseases. Over the years, mitochondria have been studied with stimulation by chemical agents in a global manner for basic and applied research. This approach lacks of precision and accuracy in terms of spatial and temporal resolution. Here we demonstrate a direct and well‐defined photostimulation targeting on single mitochondrial tubular structure using a tightly‐focused femtosecond (fs) laser that could precisely activate mitochondria at single tubule level to show restorable fragmentation and subsequent recovery after tens of seconds. In these two processes, a series of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (mROS) flashes was observed and found critical to the mitochondrial fragmentation. Meanwhile, transient openings of mitochondrial permeability transition pores (mPTP) were seen with oscillations of mitochondrial membrane potential. These activities were crucial for the recovery through scavenging the mROS. Without the feedback mechanisms, the fragmented mitochondria could not return back to their original tubular structure. These interesting observations show that photostimulation by fs laser is an active, precise, clean and well‐defined approach to dissect the role of mitochondria in normal physiology and different kinds of diseases.

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Effect of etching with distinct hydrofluoric acid concentrations on the flexural strength of a lithium disilicate‐based glass ceramic
Authors: Prochnow Catina , Venturini Andressa B. , Grasel Rafaella , Bottino Marco C. , Valandro Luiz Felipe
Published: February 2016

This study examined the effects of distinct hydrofluoric acid concentrations on the mechanical behavior of a lithium disilicate‐based glass ceramic. Bar‐shaped specimens were produced from ceramic blocks (e.max CAD, Ivoclar Vivadent). The specimens were polished, chamfered, and sonically cleaned in distilled water. The specimens were randomly divided into five groups (n = 23). The HF1, HF3, HF5, and HF10 specimens were etched for 20 s with acid concentrations of 1%, 3%, 5%, and 10%, respectively, while the SC (control) sample was untreated. The etched surfaces were evaluated using a scanning electron microscope and an atomic force microscope. Finally, the roughness was measured, and 3‐point bending flexural tests were performed. The data were analyzed using one‐way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey's test (α = 0.05). The Weibull modulus and characteristic strength were also determined. No statistical difference in the roughness and flexural strength was determined among the groups. The structural reliabilities (Weilbull moduli) were similar for the tested groups; however, the characteristic strength of the HF1 specimen was greater than that of the HF10 specimen. Compared with the untreated ceramic, the surface roughness and flexural strength of the ceramic were unaffected upon etching, regardless of the acid concentration. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 105B: 885–891, 2017.
Transformation of raw feather waste into digestible peptides and amino acids
Authors: Stiborova Hana , Branska Barbora , Vesela Tereza , Lovecka Petra , Stranska Milena , Hajslova Jana , Jiru Monika , Patakova Petra , Demnerova Katerina
Published: February 2016

BACKGROUND

Millions of tons of feather waste from the poultry industry are disposed of annually despite containing a high level of keratin. The aim of this study was to compare the hydrolysis of non‐treated feather waste using three different approaches (whole cell microbial digestion, enzymatic and chemical cleavage) and to test the use of hydrolysates as peptone substitutes in a culture medium.

RESULTS

Among bacterial isolates, Pseudomonas sp. P5 exhibited the highest keratinolytic activity and efficiency to hydrolyse raw feather material. The hydrolysates contained up to 301 mg L−1 of free amino acids and 6.2 g L−1 of peptides. Hydrolysates obtained by digestion using semi‐purified keratinase from Pseudomonas sp. P5 were richer in amino acids (1191 mg L−1, 56% essential ones) but peptides were present in lower amounts (up to 3.3 g L−1). The third approach was feather treatment under mild alkaline conditions. This provided the highest amount of peptides (17.2 g L−1) but a significantly lower level of amino acids, especially the essential ones.

CONCLUSIONS

All approaches tested could convert raw feather waste into products of commercial value with proven use in a cultivation medium. The level of peptides, their molecular size and amino acid composition was dependent on the method used. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry
Downscaling regional climate model outputs for the Caribbean using a weather generator
Authors: Jones P. D. , Harpham C. , Burton A. , Goodess C. M.
Published: February 2016

Locally relevant scenarios of daily weather variables that represent the best knowledge of the present climate and projections of future climate change are needed by planners and managers to inform management and adaptation to climate change decisions. Information of this kind for the future is only readily available for a few developed country regions of the world. For many less‐developed regions, it is often difficult to find series of observed daily weather data to assist in planning decisions. This study applies a previously developed single‐site weather generator (WG) to the Caribbean, using examples from Belize in the west to Barbados in the east. The purpose of this development is to provide users in the region with generated sequences of possible future daily weather that they can use in a number of impact sectors. The WG is first calibrated for a number of sites across the region and the goodness of fit of the WG against the daily station observations assessed. Particular attention is focussed on the ability of the precipitation component of the WG to generate realistic extreme values for the calibration or control period. The WG is then modified using change factors (CFs) derived from regional climate model projections (control and future) to simulate future 30‐year scenarios centred on the 2020s, 2050s and 2080s. Changes between the control period and the three futures are illustrated not just by changes in average temperatures and precipitation amounts but also by a number of well‐used measures of extremes (very warm days/nights, the heaviest 5‐day precipitation total in a month, counts of the number of precipitation events above specific thresholds and the number of consecutive dry days).
Has the use of talc an effect on yield and extra virgin olive oil quality?
Authors: Caponio Francesco , Squeo Giacomo , Difonzo Graziana , Pasqualone Antonella , Summo Carmine , Paradiso Vito Michele
Published: February 2016

The maximization of both extraction yield and extra virgin olive oil quality during olive processing are the main objectives of the olive oil industry. As regards extraction yield, it can be improved by both acting on time/temperature of malaxation and using physical coadjuvants. It is well known that, generally, increasing temperature of malaxation gives an increase in oil extraction yield due to a reduction in oily phase viscosity; however, high malaxation temperature can compromise the nutritional and health values of extra virgin olive oil, leading to undesirable effects such as accelerated oxidative process and loss of volatile compounds responsible for oil flavor and fragrance. The addition of physical coadjuvants in olive oil processing during the malaxation phase, not excluded by EC regulations owing to its exclusively physical action, is well known to promote the breakdown of oil/water emulsions and consequently make oil extraction easier, thus increasing the yield. Among physical coadjuvants, micronized natural talc is used for olive oil processing above all for Spanish and Italian olive cultivars. The quality of extra virgin olive oil depends on numerous variables such as olive cultivar, ripeness degree and quality, machines utilized for processing, oil storage conditions, etc. However, the coadjuvants utilized in olive processing can also influence virgin olive oil characteristics. The literature highlights an increase in oil yield by micronized natural talc addition during olive processing, whereas no clear trend was observed as regards the chemical, nutritional and sensory characteristics of extra virgin olive oil. Although an increase in oil stability was reported, no effect of talc was found on the evolution of virgin olive oil quality indices during storage. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry
Effect of Nd:YAG laser‐assisted non‐surgical periodontal therapy on clinical periodontal and serum biomarkers in patients with and without coronary artery disease: A short‐term pilot study
Authors: Javed Fawad , Kellesarian Sergio V. , Al‐Kheraif Abdulaziz A. , Ranna Vinisha , Qadri Talat , Yunker Michael , Malmstrom Hans , Romanos Georgios E.
Published: February 2016

Background/Objective

We hypothesized that nonsurgical‐periodontal‐therapy (NSPT) with adjunct Nd:YAG laser therapy is more effective in reducing periodontal inflammatory parameters (plaque index [PI], bleeding‐on‐probing [BOP], and probing‐pocket‐depth [PPD]) and serum interleukin‐1beta (IL‐1β) and matrix metalloproteinase‐9 (MMP‐9) levels in patients with and without coronary artery disease (CAD) than NSPT alone. The aim of this short‐term pilot study was to assess the effect of NSPT + Nd:YAG laser therapy on periodontal parameters and serum IL‐1β and MMP‐9 levels in patients with and without CAD.

Study Design

A prospective randomized clinical study was conducted on 87 patients who were divided into two groups: Group‐1: 44 patients with CAD and periodontal disease (PD) and Group‐2: 43 patients with PD alone. Treatment‐wise, these individuals were randomly divided into two subgroups: (i) NSPT alone and (ii) NSPT + Nd:YAG laser therapy. Demographic information was collected using a self‐completed questionnaire. Periodontal parameters (PI, BOP, and PPD) and serum IL‐1β and MMP‐9 levels were measured at baseline and after 3 months of treatment. P‐values <0.05 were considered statistically significant.

Results

At 3 months follow‐up, PI (P < 0.01), BOP (P < 0.01), PPD ≥ 4 mm (P < 0.01), and serum IL‐1β (P < 0.01) and MMP‐9 (P < 0.01) levels were significantly higher in patients treated with NSPT alone than those treated with NSPT + Nd:YAG laser therapy. Among patients that underwent NSPT + laser therapy in both groups, periodontal parameters and serum IL‐1β, and MMP‐9 levels were comparable at 3‐months follow‐up.

Conclusion

NSPT + Nd:YAG laser therapy may be more effective in reducing periodontal inflammation and serum IL‐1β and MMP‐9 levels in patients with and without CAD than NSPT alone. Lasers Surg. Med. 48:929–935, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Cost‐utility analysis of deep brain stimulation surgery plus best medical therapy versus best medical therapy in patients with Parkinson's: Economic evaluation alongside the PD SURG trial
Authors: McIntosh Emma , Gray Alastair , Daniels Jane , Gill Steven , Ives Natalie , Jenkinson Crispin , Mitchell Rosalind , Pall Hardev , Patel Smitaa , Quinn Niall , Rick Caroline , Wheatley Keith , Williams Adrian ,   on behalf of The PD SURG Collaborators Group
Published: February 2016

Introduction

Williams and colleagues reported that DBS surgery for patients with advanced PD improves motor function and quality of life compared to best medical therapy alone at 1 year, but with surgery‐related side effects in a minority. This article reports on the economic evaluation alongside this trial.

Methods

Detailed resource use and quality of life over 12 months after randomization was obtained from the trial reported by Williams and colleagues. Outcomes were measured using the EQ‐5D and quality‐adjusted life years calculated.

Results

Year 1 costs for surgery were significantly higher than in best medical therapy, at £19,069 compared to £9,813, a difference of £9,256 (95% confidence interval [CI]: £7,625, £10,887). There was a small, significant gain in utility at 1 year but a statistically insignificant gain of 0.02 quality‐adjusted life years (95% CI: −0.015, 0.05) in the surgical arm. The incremental cost per quality‐adjusted life year of surgery at 1 year was £468,528. Extrapolation reveals that after 5 years, this ratio is likely to reduce to £45,180, but subsequently rise to £70,537 at 10 years owing to the increased probability of battery replacements (and re‐replacements) beyond 5 years.

Conclusion

In this patient group, DBS is not cost‐effective at 1 year. Extrapolation, however, reveals an increasing likelihood of cost‐effectiveness up to 5 years and reducing cost‐effectiveness between 5 and 10 years. These models are sensitive to assumptions about future costs and quality‐adjusted life years gained. © 2016 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
High dietary cholesterol intake during lactation promotes development of fatty liver in offspring of mice
Authors: Tsuduki Tsuyoshi , Yamamoto Kazushi , Hatakeyama Yu , Sakamoto Yu
Published: February 2016

Scope

We have previously demonstrated in mice that a maternal high fat diet during lactation enhances the susceptibility of offspring to obesity and fatty liver. A causative molecule, however, is yet to be identified. Therefore, we examined the role of cholesterol, the dietary intake of which increases with consumption of a high fat diet. Excessive cholesterol intake is involved in the development of fatty liver, which in turn becomes a risk factor for metabolic syndrome, which includes obesity, insulin resistance, and dyslipidemia. However, our knowledge of the influences on offspring of excessive maternal cholesterol intake alone during pregnancy and lactation is limited. We examined how excessive maternal cholesterol intake during lactation influences susceptibility of the offspring to metabolic syndrome in mice.

Results

High cholesterol intake promoted triacylglycerol accumulation in the liver of offspring (p < 0.05), and elevated expression of molecules involved in hepatic lipoprotein influx was identified as the underlying mechanism.

Conclusion

These findings demonstrate that excessive maternal cholesterol intake during lactation enhances the susceptibility of the offspring to development of fatty liver.
Reprogramming of defended body weight after Roux‐En‐Y gastric bypass surgery in diet‐induced obese mice
Authors: Hao Zheng , Mumphrey Michael B. , Townsend R. Leigh , Morrison Christopher D. , Münzberg Heike , Ye Jianping , Berthoud Hans‐Rudolf
Published: February 2016

Objective

Roux‐en‐Y gastric bypass surgery (RYGB) results in sustained lowering of body weight in most patients, but the mechanisms involved are poorly understood. The aim of this study was to obtain support for the notion that reprogramming of defended body weight, rather than passive restriction of energy intake, is a fundamental mechanism of RYGB.

Methods

Male C57BL6J mice reaching different degrees of obesity on a high‐fat diet either with ad libitum access or with caloric restriction (weight‐reduced) were subjected to RYGB.

Results

RYGB‐induced weight loss and fat mass loss were proportional to pre‐surgical levels, with moderately obese mice losing less body weight and fat compared with very obese mice. Remarkably, mice that were weight‐reduced to the level of chow controls before surgery immediately gained weight after surgery, exclusively accounted for by lean mass gain.

Conclusions

The results provide additional evidence for reprogramming of a new defended body weight as an important principle by which RYGB lastingly suppresses body weight. RYGB appears to selectively abolish defense of a higher fat mass level, while remaining sensitive to the defense of lean mass. The molecular and physiological mechanisms underlying this reprogramming remain to be elucidated.
Fulfilling an Unmet Need: Roles for Clinical Pharmacists in Preconception Care
Authors: DiPietro Mager Natalie A.
Published: February 2016

Preconception care refers to a set of interventions that identify and address biomedical, behavioral, and social risks to a woman's health that may negatively impact a future pregnancy. A great need for preconception care currently exists in the United States, and women's attitudes about discussions with health care providers about healthy and safe pregnancies are positive. Clinical pharmacists are well positioned to work with other health care and public health professionals to ensure that all women of childbearing potential have access to preconception care. As part of the collaborative health care team, clinical pharmacists can directly provide services or support and referrals to other members of the health care team or to community resources through clinical‐community linkages. Specifically, clinical pharmacists can provide education, counseling, and/or services to women to address family planning, medication and disease state management, immunizations, screenings, health promotion, and substance use. Clinical pharmacists can also impact preconception care through drug information services, advocacy, and research. Preconception care services can be incorporated into daily pharmacy practice, and there are potential means for reimbursement. Multiple roles exist for clinical pharmacists to fulfill unmet needs in preconception care.
Reaction mechanisms of methanol oxidation by FeIVO biomimetic complex
Authors: Zhao Junfeng , Sun Xiaoli , Huang Xuri , Li Jilai
Published: February 2016

Density functional theory calculations were carried out to investigate the reaction mechanism of methanol oxidation mediated by [(bpg)FeIVO]+ (A). Two models (CH3CN‐bound ferryl model B and CH3OH‐bound ferryl model C) were also studied in this work to probe ligand effect. Mechanistically, both direct and concerted hydrogen transfer (DHT and CHT) pathways were explored. It is found that the initial step of methanol oxidation by A is CH bond activation via a DHT pathway. Addition of different equatorial ligands has considerable influence on the reaction mechanisms. Methanol oxidation mediated by B commences via OH bond activation; in sharp contrast, the oxidation mediated by C stems from CH bond activation. Frontier molecular orbital analysis showed that the initial CH bond activation by all these model complexes follows a hydrogen atom transfer (HAT) mechanism, whereas OH bond activation proceeds via an HAT or proton transfer. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Context and Implications Document for: Do some schools narrow the gap? Differential school effectiveness revisited
Authors: Strand Steve
Published: February 2016

This guide accompanies the following article: Steve Strand. Do some schools narrow the gap? Differential school effectiveness revisited. Review of Education, DOI:10.1002/rev3.3054
Robust receding horizon parameterized control for multi‐class freeway networks: A tractable scenario‐based approach
Authors: Liu Shuai , Sadowska Anna , Frejo José Ramón D. , Núñez Alfredo , Camacho Eduardo F. , Hellendoorn Hans , De Schutter Bart
Published: February 2016

In this paper, we propose a tractable scenario‐based receding horizon parameterized control (RHPC) approach for freeway networks. In this approach, a scenario‐based min–max scheme is used to handle uncertainties. This scheme optimizes the worst case among a limited number of scenarios that are considered. The use of parameterized control laws allows us to reduce the computational burden of the robust control problem based on the multi‐class METANET model w.r.t. conventional model predictive control. To assess the performance of the proposed approach, a simulation experiment is implemented, in which scenario‐based RHPC is compared with nominal RHPC, standard control ignoring uncertainties, and standard control including uncertainties. Here, the standard control approaches refer to state feedback controllers (such as PI‐ALINEA for ramp metering). A queue override scheme is included for extra comparison. The results show that nominal RHPC approaches and standard control ignoring uncertainties may lead to high queue length constraint violations, and including a queue override scheme in standard control may not reduce queue length constraint violations to a low level. Including uncertainties in standard control approaches can obviously reduce queue length constraint violations, but the performance improvements are minor. For the given case study, scenario‐based RHPC performs best as it is capable of improving control performance without high queue length constraint violations. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A secure image encryption algorithm based on chaotic maps and SHA‐3
Authors: Ye Guodong , Huang Xiaoling
Published: February 2016

In this paper, a chaotic image encryption algorithm is suggested combining with double chaotic maps, SHA‐3 (Secure Hash Algorithm‐3), and auto‐updating system. To shuffle pixel positions, a matrix having same size of the plain‐image is generated dependent on the plain‐image in stage of permutation. Then, SHA‐3 is taken to calculate its hash values used to produce control parameter and initial condition of Logistic map. After that, total permutation is implemented for row and column to exchange pixels, where auto‐updating systems are established by different images acting like one‐time pad. Furthermore, 3D chaotic cat map is employed to enlarge key space in diffusion process. Permuted image is firstly divided into four sub‐blocks, which are queued randomly according to the key of Logistic map. The last sub‐block is picked out to calculate the hash values using SHA‐3, of which are assigned into three groups to update the initial conditions of 3D chaotic cat map performing like one‐time pad again. Current sub‐block is designed to influence next sub‐block in diffusion process. As a result, the proposed algorithm can resist efficiently the chosen‐plaintext and known‐plaintext attacks. Experimental results are also given to explain the high security of the proposed method. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Pathogen‐Mimicking Polymeric Nanoparticles based on Dopamine Polymerization as Vaccines Adjuvants Induce Robust Humoral and Cellular Immune Responses
Authors: Liu Qi , Jia Jilei , Yang Tingyuan , Fan Qingze , Wang Lianyan , Ma Guanghui
Published: February 2016

Aiming to enhance the immunogenicity of subunit vaccines, a novel antigen delivery and adjuvant system based on dopamine polymerization on the surface of poly(d,l‐lactic‐glycolic‐acid) nanoparticles (NPs) with multiple mechanisms of immunity enhancement is developed. The mussel‐inspired biomimetic polydopamine (pD) not only serves as a coating to NPs but also functionalizes NP surfaces. The method is facile and mild including simple incubation of the preformed NPs in the weak alkaline dopamine solution, and incorporation of hepatitis B surface antigen and TLR9 agonist unmethylated cytosine‐guanine (CpG) motif with the pD surface. The as‐constructed NPs possess pathogen‐mimicking manners owing to their size, shape, and surface molecular immune‐activating properties given by CpG. The biocompatibility and biosafety of these pathogen‐mimicking NPs are confirmed using bone marrow‐derived dendritic cells. Pathogen‐mimicking NPs hold great potential as vaccine delivery and adjuvant system due to their ability to: 1) enhance cytokine secretion and immune cell recruitment at the injection site; 2) significantly activate and maturate dendritic cells; 3) induce stronger humoral and cellular immune responses in vivo. Furthermore, this simple and versatile dopamine polymerization method can be applicable to endow NPs with characteristics to mimic pathogen structure and function, and manipulate NPs for the generation of efficacious vaccine adjuvants.
Quasi‐Continuous Wave Near‐Infrared Excitation of Upconversion Nanoparticles for Optogenetic Manipulation of C. elegans
Authors: Bansal Akshaya , Liu Haichun , Jayakumar Muthu Kumara Gnanasammandhan , Andersson‐Engels Stefan , Zhang Yong
Published: February 2016

Optogenetics is an emerging powerful tool to investigate workings of the nervous system. However, the use of low tissue penetrating visible light limits its therapeutic potential. Employing deep penetrating near‐infrared (NIR) light for optogenetics would be beneficial but it cannot be used directly. This issue can be tackled with upconversion nanoparticles (UCNs) acting as nanotransducers emitting at shorter wavelengths extending to the UV range upon NIR light excitation. Although attractive, implementation of such NIR‐optogenetics is hindered by the low UCN emission intensity that necessitates high NIR excitation intensities, resulting in overheating issues. A novel quasi‐continuous wave (quasi‐CW) excitation approach is developed that significantly enhances multiphoton emissions from UCNs, and for the first time NIR light‐triggered optogenetic manipulations are implemented in vitro and in C. elegans. The approach developed here enables the activation of channelrhodopsin‐2 with a significantly lower excitation power and UCN concentration along with negligible phototoxicity as seen with CW excitation, paving the way for therapeutic optogenetics.
Elementary teachers' science knowledge and instructional practices: Impact of an intervention focused on english language learners
Authors: Lee Okhee , Llosa Lorena , Jiang Feng , Haas Alison , O'Connor Corey , Van Booven Christopher D.
Published: February 2016

As part of a three‐year curricular and professional development intervention focused on English language learners (ELLs), this study examined the intervention's effect on teachers' science knowledge and instructional practices after one year of implementation. The P‐SELL (Promoting Science Among English Language Learners) intervention comprised curriculum materials for students and teachers and teacher professional development workshops during the summer and throughout the school year. Using a cluster randomized controlled trial design, the study involved 103 fifth grade teachers from 33 treatment schools and 116 fifth grade teachers from 33 control schools across three school districts in one state. The teachers completed a researcher‐developed science test and a questionnaire about their instructional practices at the beginning and end of the year. Results indicated a positive effect of the P‐SELL intervention on teachers' science knowledge and all four measures of instructional practices: teaching for understanding, teaching for inquiry, language development strategies, and home language use. This positive effect could be attributed to consistent implementation of the key features of the intervention (i.e., standards‐based, inquiry‐oriented, and language‐focused) for all students and ELLs in particular through educative curriculum materials and professional development. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Res Sci Teach 53: 579–597, 2016
The Need for Maintaining CLT in Indonesia
Authors:   Ariatna
Published: February 2016

Recent decades have shown growing interest among outer circle language researchers and practitioners in the discussion of communicative language teaching (CLT), as both a leading teaching model and a frequently disputed dimension of language pedagogy. Repeatedly, the debate returns to the question of how to best implement CLT as a Western product in English as a foreign language (EFL) countries where contextual constraints such as low competence of teachers, student resistance, class size, and structure‐oriented books have become common issues in the local language classrooms. Drawing upon the major works on CLT implementation in EFL countries and Indonesia, this article provides a number of explanations for CLT as an advantageous approach for Indonesia's English language education and specifically argues that the challenges of CLT implementation in Indonesia can be solved and therefore should not lead teachers to abandon CLT in their EFL classrooms. Addressing the definition of CLT as a point of departure, the article reviews the literature on CLT implementation and presents an overview of CLT in Indonesia before finally suggesting possible solutions to some major CLT challenges in Indonesia's English language teaching.
State‐specific multireference perturbation theory: development and present status
Authors: Chattopadhyay Sudip , Chaudhuri Rajat K , Mahapatra Uttam Sinha , Ghosh Anirban , Ray Suvonil Sinha
Published: February 2016

The state‐specific multireference perturbation theory (SSMRPT), which provides one state at a time may now gradually become a new useful ab initio tool for studying electronic states with strong configurational quasidegeneracy owing primarily to its suitability toward numerical implementation in the presence of intruders and also to a great extent for its firm theoretical construct and the scope of a systematic and hierarchical improvement. The method works with a complete active space, and treats each of the model space functions on the same footing by exploiting Jeziorski–Monkhorst parametrization of the wavefunction. The SSMRPT is size‐extensive and size‐consistent (with the orbitals localized). The real challenge remains in developing MRPT methods capable of maintaining explicit size‐extensivity and avoiding intruders over a vast range of molecular geometries. Recently developed relativistic SSMRPT for the four‐component spinors is very promising to describe the near‐degenerate states of molecules containing heavy atoms. The analysis of the formal aspects and practical utility of the SSMRPT method vis‐à‐vis the other MRPT formalisms that bear kinship with the SSMRPT formulation is also presented. Illustrative results show high accuracy of the SSMRPT method in describing quasidegenerate situations such as those appearing when one or more covalent bonds in the molecule become stretched or broken. While actively pursuing SSMRPT method, it became apparent to us that this method encounters two major limitations: (1) the scaling of the computational cost with respect to the number of active orbitals and (2) the lack of invariance of the energy with respect to a unitary transformation of the active orbitals. The future will tell whether the SSMRPT method will be able to acquire the same faith as other widely used single‐root MRPT methods. WIREs Comput Mol Sci 2016, 6:266–291. doi: 10.1002/wcms.1248

This article is categorized under:

Electronic Structure Theory > Ab Initio Electronic Structure Methods
Nanoparticle formulations of cisplatin for cancer therapy
Authors: Duan Xiaopin , He Chunbai , Kron Stephen J. , Lin Wenbin
Published: February 2016

The genotoxic agent cisplatin, used alone or in combination with radiation and/or other chemotherapeutic agents, is an important first‐line chemotherapy for a broad range of cancers. The clinical utility of cisplatin is limited both by intrinsic and acquired resistance and dose‐limiting normal tissue toxicity. That cisplatin shows little selectivity for tumor versus normal tissue may be a critical factor limiting its value. To overcome the low therapeutic ratio of the free drug, macromolecular, liposomal, and nanoparticle drug delivery systems have been explored toward leveraging the enhanced permeability and retention effect and promoting delivery of cisplatin to tumors. Here, we survey recent advances in nanoparticle formulations of cisplatin, focusing on agents that show promise in preclinical or clinical settings. WIREs Nanomed Nanobiotechnol 2016, 8:776–791. doi: 10.1002/wnan.1390

This article is categorized under:

Therapeutic Approaches and Drug Discovery > Nanomedicine for Oncologic Disease

Nanotechnology Approaches to Biology > Nanoscale Systems in Biology
Coaxial electrospun fibers: applications in drug delivery and tissue engineering
Authors: Lu Yang , Huang Jiangnan , Yu Guoqiang , Cardenas Romel , Wei Suying , Wujcik Evan K. , Guo Zhanhu
Published: February 2016

Coelectrospinning and emulsion electrospinning are two main methods for preparing core–sheath electrospun nanofibers in a cost‐effective and efficient manner. Here, physical phenomena and the effects of solution and processing parameters on the coaxial fibers are introduced. Coaxial fibers with specific drugs encapsulated in the core can exhibit a sustained and controlled release. Their exhibited high surface area and three‐dimensional nanofibrous network allows the electrospun fibers to resemble native extracellular matrices. These features of the nanofibers show that they have great potential in drug delivery and tissue engineering applications. Proteins, growth factors, antibiotics, and many other agents have been successfully encapsulated into coaxial fibers for drug delivery. A main advantage of the core–sheath design is that after the process of electrospinning and release, these drugs remain bioactive due to the protection of the sheath. Applications of coaxial fibers as scaffolds for tissue engineering include bone, cartilage, cardiac tissue, skin, blood vessels and nervous tissue, among others. A synopsis of novel coaxial electrospun fibers, discussing their applications in drug delivery and tissue engineering, is covered pertaining to proteins, growth factors, antibiotics, and other drugs and applications in the fields of bone, cartilage, cardiac, skin, blood vessel, and nervous tissue engineering, respectively.WIREs Nanomed Nanobiotechnol2016, 8:654–677. doi: 10.1002/wnan.1391

This article is categorized under:

Implantable Materials and Surgical Technologies > Nanomaterials and Implants

Implantable Materials and Surgical Technologies > Nanotechnology in Tissue Repair and Replacement

Implantable Materials and Surgical Technologies > Nanoscale Tools and Techniques in Surgery
RNA recognition by Roquin in posttranscriptional gene regulation
Authors: Schlundt Andreas , Niessing Dierk , Heissmeyer Vigo , Sattler Michael
Published: February 2016

Posttranscriptional regulation of gene expression plays a central role in the initiation of innate and adaptive immune responses. This is exemplified by the protein Roquin, which has attracted great interest during the past decade owing to its ability to prevent autoimmunity. Roquin controls T‐cell activation and T helper cell differentiation by limiting the induced expression of costimulatory receptors on the surface of T cells. It does so by recognizing cis regulatory RNA‐hairpin elements in the 3′ UTR of target transcripts via its ROQ domain—a novel RNA‐binding fold—and triggering their degradation through recruitment of factors that mediate deadenylation and decapping. Recent structural studies have revealed molecular details of the recognition of RNA hairpin structures by the ROQ domain. Surprisingly, it was found that Roquin mainly relies on shape‐specific recognition of the RNA. This observation implies that a much broader range of RNA motifs could interact with the protein, but it also complicates systematic searches for novel mRNA targets of Roquin. Thus, large‐scale approaches, such as crosslinking and immunoprecipitation or systematic evolution of ligands by exponential enrichment experiments coupled with next‐generation sequencing, will be required to identify the complete spectrum of its target RNAs. Together with structural analyses of their binding modes, this will enable us to unravel the intricate complexity of 3′ UTR regulation by Roquin and other trans‐acting factors. Here, we review our current understanding of Roquin–RNA interactions and their role for Roquin function. WIREs RNA 2016, 7:455–469. doi: 10.1002/wrna.1333

This article is categorized under:

RNA Interactions with Proteins and Other Molecules > Protein–RNA Recognition

RNA Interactions with Proteins and Other Molecules > RNA–Protein Complexes

RNA Turnover and Surveillance > Regulation of RNA Stability
Gene expression profiling and DNA methylation analyses of CTCs
Authors: Lianidou Evi S.
Published: February 2016

A variety of molecular assays have been developed for CTCs detection and molecular characterization. Molecular assays are based on the nucleic acid analysis in CTCs and are based on total RNA isolation and subsequent mRNA quantification of specific genes, or isolation of genomic DNA that can be for DNA methylation studies and mutation analysis. This review is mainly focused on gene expression and methylation studies in CTCs in various types of cancer.
CONSISTENT YIELD CURVE PREDICTION
Authors: Teichmann Josef , Wüthrich Mario V.
Published: February 2016

We present an arbitrage-free non-parametric yield curve prediction model which takes the full discretized yield curve data as input state variable. Absence of arbitrage is a particularly important model feature for prediction models in case of highly correlated data as, for instance, interest rates. Furthermore, the model structure allows to separate constructing the daily yield curve from estimating its volatility structure and from calibrating the market prices of risk. The empirical part includes tests on modeling assumptions, out-of-sample back-testing and a comparison with the Vasiček (1977) short-rate model.
Robotic in-orbit servicers — the need for control moment gyroscopes for attitude control
Authors: Ellery A.
Published: February 2016

Robotic in-orbit servicing has yet to be realised due to a number of technical difficulties. One such difficulty is analysed here. The requirement for force control in robotic manipulation imposes significant design requirements on space robots by virtue of the lack of a mounting platform to react against external forces and torques. The spacecraft attitude control system must effectively serve the same role as the ground in terrestrial manipulators. The reaction torques imposed on the spacecraft due to the manipulators is high when force control is used in grappling targets in space, limiting the choice of attititude actuator to control moment gyroscopes.
Control of trailing-edge separation by tangential blowing inside the bubble
Authors: Viswanath P. R. , Madhavan K. T.
Published: February 2016

Experiments have been performed investigating the effectiveness of steady tangential blowing, with the blowing slot located downstream of separation (but inside the separation bubble) to control a trailing-edge separated flow at low speeds. Trailing-edge separation was induced on a two-dimensional aerofoil-like body and the shear layer closure occurred in the near-wake. Measurements made consisted of model surface pressures and mean velocity, turbulent shear stress and kinetic energy profiles in the separated zone using a two-component LDV system. It is explicitly demonstrated that the novel concept of tangential blowing inside the bubble can be an effective means of control for trailing-edge separated flows as well. Blowing mass and momentum requirements for the suppression of wall and wake flow reversals have been estimated.
Investigation of active control of swept shock wave/turbulent boundary-layer interactions – PSP results
Authors: Couldrick J. S. , Gai S. L. , Milthorpe J. F. , Shankar K.
Published: February 2016

An investigation of active control of the swept shock wave/boundary-layer interaction using ‘smart’ flap actuators is presented. The actuators are manufactured by bonding piezoelectric material to an inert substrate to control the bLeed/suction rate through a plenum chamber. The cavity provides communication of signals across the shock, allowing rapid thickening of the boundary layer approaching the shock. This splits the shock foot into a series of weaker shocks forming a lambda structure, thus reducing wave drag. Active control allows optimisation of the unimorph deflection, hence rate of mass transfer.

In this paper, results of the interaction using pressure sensitive paint (PSP) are emphasised. It is shown that the use of PSP, in conjunction with discrete pressure data, enables the main features of the interaction to be observed when the actuators are subject to different deflections.
Wind-tunnel interference effects on a 70° delta wing
Authors: Allan M. R. , Badcock K. J. , Barakos G. N. , Richards B. E.
Published: February 2016

This paper considers the effects of both wind-tunnel walls and a downstream support structure, on the aerodynamics of a 70° delta wing. A RANS model of the flow was used with the wind-tunnel walls and supports being modelled with inviscid wall boundary conditions. A consistent discretisation of the domain was employed such that grid dependence effects were consistent in all solutions, thus any differences occurring were due to varying boundary conditions (wall and support locations). Comparing solutions from wind-tunnel simulations and simulations with farfield conditions, it has been shown that the presence of tunnel walls moves the vortex breakdown location upstream. It has also been seen that vortex strength, helix angle, and mean incidence also increase, leading to a more upstream breakdown location in wind-tunnels. The secondary separation line was also observed to move outboards. It was observed that for high Reynolds numbers, with a support downstream of the wing, vortex breakdown can be delayed due to blockage effects providing the vortices do not impinge on the support This was observed to be the case for smaller supports also.
Induced-drag reduction of wing–wings and wings–ground configurations
Authors: Marino L.
Published: February 2016

The problem of induced drag reduction during formation flight is revisited by means of a simple aerodynamic model based on lifting line theory. The optimum configuration for minimum induced drag is analysed both in and out of the ground effect and the influence of the main geometrical and aerodynamic parameters is considered. The results are discussed and compared with existing numerical and experimental data.
Impact on composite structures
Authors: Davies G. A. O. , Olsson R.
Published: February 2016

The problem of impact damage in laminated composite structures, and the consequent reduction in residual strength, has been a topic of continual research for over two decades. The number of journal papers on the subject now runs into four figures and most have been conscientiously reviewed by Abrate(1991, 1994, 1998). This review is not intended to be in the academic tradition, with emphasis on acknowledging the authorship of all the various research initiatives. Instead we present our opinions so that the reader can appreciate our current understanding of the problem, our capability of predicting by analysis, and the scope of the design tools for avoiding structural damage, or at least designing damage tolerant aerospace structures.