bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sisymbrium Officinale (L.) Scop. and its Polyphenolic Fractions Inhibit the Mutagenicity of Tert‐Butylhydroperoxide in Escherichia Coli WP2uvrAR Strain
Authors: Di Sotto Antonella , Di Giacomo Silvia , Toniolo Chiara , Nicoletti Marcello , Mazzanti Gabriela
Published: February 2016

One Sisymbrium officinale (L.) Scop. aqueous dry extract (SOE) and its polyphenolic fractions (Fb, Fc, Fd and Fe) were evaluated for their ability to inhibit the oxidative mutagenicity of tert‐butylhydroperoxide in the Ames test. The possible involvement of desmutagenic and/or bioantimutagenic mechanisms was evaluated by applying a three‐time based protocol (pre‐treatment, co‐treatment and post‐treatment). Furthermore, some protective antioxidant mechanisms were investigated. The total polyphenol and flavonol amount was also determined, and the fingerprint was outlined by high‐performance thin‐layer chromatography and densitometry. SOE, Fb and Fe exhibited strong antimutagenicity against tert‐butylhydroperoxide in all treatment protocols, this suggesting the involvement of both desmutagenic and bioantimutagenic mechanisms. These samples also showed antioxidant properties, including neutralization of the superoxide anion, lipid peroxidation inhibition and chelation and reduction of iron. Fb and Fe were rich in polyphenols and flavonols, so suggesting a possible role of these compounds in the antimutagenicity. Taking into account that oxidative stress is responsible for the damage of various environmental toxicants, particularly tobacco smoke, present results can support the traditional use of hedge mustard by smokers to restore the vocal cord function affected by the oxidative damage and suggest a possible application of SOE and its fractions as food supplements. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A Critical Approach to Evaluating Clinical Efficacy, Adverse Events and Drug Interactions of Herbal Remedies
Authors: Izzo Angelo A. , Hoon‐Kim Sung , Radhakrishnan Rajan , Williamson Elizabeth M.
Published: February 2016

Systematic reviews and meta‐analyses represent the uppermost ladders in the hierarchy of evidence. Systematic reviews/meta‐analyses suggest preliminary or satisfactory clinical evidence for agnus castus (Vitex agnus castus) for premenstrual complaints, flaxseed (Linum usitatissimum) for hypertension, feverfew (Tanacetum partenium) for migraine prevention, ginger (Zingiber officinalis) for pregnancy‐induced nausea, ginseng (Panax ginseng) for improving fasting glucose levels as well as phytoestrogens and St John's wort (Hypericum perforatum) for the relief of some symptoms in menopause. However, firm conclusions of efficacy cannot be generally drawn. On the other hand, inconclusive evidence of efficacy or contradictory results have been reported for Aloe vera in the treatment of psoriasis, cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon) in cystitis prevention, ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba) for tinnitus and intermittent claudication, echinacea (Echinacea spp.) for the prevention of common cold and pomegranate (Punica granatum) for the prevention/treatment of cardiovascular diseases. A critical evaluation of the clinical data regarding the adverse effects has shown that herbal remedies are generally better tolerated than synthetic medications. Nevertheless, potentially serious adverse events, including herb–drug interactions, have been described. This suggests the need to be vigilant when using herbal remedies, particularly in specific conditions, such as during pregnancy and in the paediatric population. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The role of the southern African easterly jet in modifying the southeast Atlantic aerosol and cloud environments
Authors: Adebiyi Adeyemi A. , Zuidema Paquita
Published: February 2016

The westward transport of biomass‐burning (BB) aerosols by mid‐tropospheric winds over the southeast Atlantic stratocumulus deck has long been recognized, but the coupling to the large‐scale circulation has yet to be investigated fully. This goal is furthered here using satellite observations and reanalysis datasets spanning 2001–2012, as well as 10 day forward trajectory calculations of satellite‐detected smoke emissions. The results highlight the important role of a mid‐tropospheric zonal wind maximum, the Southern African Easterly Jet (AEJ‐S), in transporting BB aerosol west off the African continent. The AEJ‐S, defined through daily‐mean 600 hPa easterly wind speeds exceeding 6 m s−1 between 5°S and 15°S and centred zonally on the coastline, is most pronounced during September–October. The AEJ‐S is part of a meridional circulation that is diabatically forced by the temperature–moisture gradient between the southern hot–dry and northern cool–moist convective structures over land. 45% of 24 264 total identified smoke trajectories exit the continent to its west between 5°S and 15°S. These thereafter follow three major pathways: northwestward (8%), directly westward (55%) and anticyclonically recirculated (37%). The AEJ‐S induces an upward motion directly below the jet that enhances prevailing updraughts over land, lifting emissions and transporting aerosols more efficiently over the southeast Atlantic. Offshore, the prevailing large‐scale mean subsidence is reduced, with an associated increase in the nearby cloud‐top heights and reduction in the nearby marine low‐level cloud fraction. Further from the jet, increased warm continental temperature advection at 800 hPa associated with the strengthened land‐based anticyclone decreases mean low‐level cloud heights.
On mesoscale analysis and ASCAT ambiguity removal
Authors: Lin Wenming , Portabella Marcos , Stoffelen Ad , Vogelzang Jur , Verhoef Anton
Published: February 2016

The two‐dimensional variational ambiguity removal (2DVAR) method provides a spatial analysis of the sampled ocean vector winds to resolve the local Advanced Scatterometer (ASCAT) dual wind vector ambiguity. Like other variational meteorological data assimilation systems in numerical weather prediction (NWP), 2DVAR combines ASCAT observations with prior NWP background information, in this case from the European Centre for Medium‐range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF). Although 2DVAR is generally effective, it may select the wrong ambiguity under certain conditions, e.g. when the background mislocates frontal areas or low‐pressure centres, or when it misses convective systems. The relative influence of the ASCAT and ECMWF wind fields in the resulting 2DVAR analysis field can be controlled by adjusting the background error spatial correlation structure, and the background and/or observation error variances. In this article an adaptive 2DVAR approach is proposed to improve ASCAT ambiguity removal, using background error spatial correlations estimated from the autocorrelation of observed scatterometer wind components minus ECMWF forecasts, and using observation and background errors estimated from triple collocation analysis on collocated buoy, ASCAT and ECMWF data. The triple collocations are segregated into several categories according to the ASCAT‐derived parameters that have proven to be effective in detecting the correct position of frontal lines and low‐pressure centres. Verification using a typical cyclone case and collocated ASCAT and buoy winds shows that the 2DVAR analysis as well as the ASCAT ambiguity removal is improved significantly by putting more weight on the ASCAT observations using empirically determined spatial background error structure functions and situation‐dependent observation/background error variances.
A Control Chart for COM–Poisson Distribution Using Multiple Dependent State Sampling
Authors: Aslam Muhammad , Ahmad Liaquat , Jun Chi‐Hyuck , Arif Osama H.
Published: February 2016

In this article, an attribute control chart has been proposed for the COM–Poisson distributed non‐conformities using multiple dependent states sampling based on the exponentially weighted moving average statistic. Average run lengths of the out‐of‐control process with different shift levels of the COM–Poisson distribution have been calculated through simulation. From comparison, it has been observed that the proposed control chart is better in detecting the out‐of‐control process quickly as compared with the existing control chart. A simulated example has been given for the practical use of the proposed control chart. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A Generally Weighted Moving Average Signed‐rank Control Chart
Authors: Chakraborty N. , Chakraborti S. , Human S.W. , Balakrishnan N.
Published: February 2016

The idea of process monitoring emerged so as to preserve and improve the quality of a manufacturing process. In this regard, control charts are widely accepted tools in the manufacturing sector for monitoring the quality of a process. However, a specific distributional assumption for any process is restrictive and often criticised. Distribution‐free control charts are efficient alternatives when information on the process distribution is partially or completely unavailable. In this article, we propose a distribution‐free generally weighted moving average (GWMA) control chart based on the Wilcoxon signed‐rank statistic. Extensive simulation is performed to study the performance of the proposed chart. The performance of the proposed chart is then compared with a number of existing control charts including the parametric GWMA chart for subgroup averages, a recently proposed GWMA chart based on the sign statistic and an exponentially weighted moving average chart based on the signed‐rank statistic. The simulation results reveal that the proposed chart performs just as well as and in many cases better than the existing charts and therefore can serve as a useful alternative in practice. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Computational method for the retarded potential in the real‐time simulation of quantum electrodynamics
Authors: Fukuda Masahiro , Naito Kento , Ichikawa Kazuhide , Tachibana Akitomo
Published: February 2016

We discuss the method to compute the integrals, which appear in the retarded potential term for a real‐time simulation based on quantum electrodynamics. We show that the oscillatory integrals over the infinite interval involved in them can be efficiently performed by the method developed by Ooura and Mori based on the double exponential formula. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The mechanism of kaempferol induced apoptosis and inhibited proliferation in human cervical cancer SiHa cell: From macro to nano
Authors: Tu Lv‐Ying , Bai Hai‐Hua , Cai Ji‐Ye , Deng Sui‐Ping
Published: February 2016

Kaempferol has been identified as a potential cancer therapeutic agent by an increasing amount of evidences. However, the changes in the topography of cell membrane induced by kaempferol at subcellular‐ or nanometer‐level were still unclear. In this work, the topographical changes of cytomembrane in human cervical cancer cell (SiHa) induced by kaempferol, as well as the role of kaempferol in apoptosis induction and its possible mechanisms, were investigated. At the macro level, MTT assays showed that kaempferol inhibited the proliferation of SiHa cells in a time‐ and dose‐dependent manner. Flow cytometry analysis demonstrated that kaempferol could induce SiHa cell apoptosis, mitochondrial membrane potential disruption, and intracellular free calcium elevation. At the micro level, fluorescence imaging by laser scanning confocal microscopy (LSCM) indicated that kaempferol could also destroy the networks of microtubules. Using high resolution atomic force microscopy (AFM), we determined the precise changes of cellular membrane induced by kaempferol at subcellular or nanometer level. The spindle‐shaped SiHa cells shrank after kaempferol treatment, with significantly increased cell surface roughness. These data showed structural characterizations of cellular topography in kaempferol‐induced SiHa cell apoptosis and might provide novel integrated information from macro to nano level to assess the impact of kaempferol on cancer cells, which might be important for the understanding of the anti‐cancer mechanisms of drugs. SCANNING 38:644–653, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
An energy efficient encryption method for secure dynamic WSN
Authors: Elhoseny Mohamed , Yuan Xiaohui , El‐Minir Hamdy K. , Riad Alaa Mohamed
Published: February 2016

Clustering methods have been developed to improve network life of wireless sensor network (WSN), yet the dynamic nature of sensor clusters and limited memory and processing power make security a much more challenging problem, and most conventional cryptography methods are ill suited to WSNs. In this paper, we propose a novel encryption method to secure data transmission in WSN with dynamic sensor clusters. Our method leverages elliptic curve cryptography algorithm to generate binary strings for each sensor and combines with node ID, distance to the cluster head, and the index of transmission round to form unique 176‐bit encryption keys. Using exclusive OR, substitution, and permutation operations, encryption and decryption are achieved efficiently. Compared with the state‐of‐the‐art methods, our simulation results demonstrated that the proposed method exhibited much improved network lifetime and reduced the energy consumption most evenly among all sensor nodes. More importantly, it overcame many security attacks including brute‐force attack, HELLO flood attack, selective forwarding attack, and compromised cluster head attack. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A latent process model for forecasting multiple time series in environmental public health surveillance
Authors: Morrison Kathryn T. , Shaddick Gavin , Henderson Sarah B. , Buckeridge David L.
Published: February 2016

This paper outlines a latent process model for forecasting multiple health outcomes arising from a common environmental exposure. Traditionally, surveillance models in environmental health do not link health outcome measures, such as morbidity or mortality counts, to measures of exposure, such as air pollution. Moreover, different measures of health outcomes are treated as independent, while it is known that they are correlated with one another over time as they arise in part from a common underlying exposure. We propose modelling an environmental exposure as a latent process, and we describe the implementation of such a model within a hierarchical Bayesian framework and its efficient computation using integrated nested Laplace approximations. Through a simulation study, we compare distinct univariate models for each health outcome with a bivariate approach. The bivariate model outperforms the univariate models in bias and coverage of parameter estimation, in forecast accuracy and in computational efficiency. The methods are illustrated with a case study using healthcare utilization and air pollution data from British Columbia, Canada, 2003–2011, where seasonal wildfires produce high levels of air pollution, significantly impacting population health. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Score test for association between recurrent events and a terminal event
Authors: Balan Theodor‐Adrian , Boonk Stephanie E. , Vermeer Maarten H. , Putter Hein
Published: February 2016

The statistical analysis of recurrent events relies on the assumption of independent censoring. When random effects are used, this means, in addition, that the censoring cannot depend on the random effect. Whenever the recurrent event process is terminated by death, this assumption might not be satisfied. Because joint models arising from such situations are more difficult to fit and interpret, clinicians rarely check whether joint modeling is preferred. In this paper, we propose and compare simple, yet efficient methods for testing whether the terminal event and the recurrent events are associated or not. The performance of the proposed methods is evaluated in a simulation study, and the sensitivity to misspecification of the model is assessed. Finally, the methods are illustrated on a data set comprising repeated observations of skin tumors on T‐cell lymphoma patients. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
An Early‐Stage Atherosclerosis Research Model Based on Microfluidics
Authors: Zheng Wenfu , Huang Rong , Jiang Bo , Zhao Yuyun , Zhang Wei , Jiang Xingyu
Published: February 2016

The arterial microenvironment plays a vital role in the pathology of atherosclerosis (AS). However, the interplay between the arterial microenvironment and atherogenesis remains unclear, partially due to the gap between cell culture and animal experiments. Addressing this problem, the present study reports a microfluidic AS model reconstituting early‐stage AS. Physiological or AS‐prone hemodynamic conditions are recapitulated on the model. The on‐chip model recaptures the atherogenic responses of endothelial cells (ECs) in ways that the Petri dish could not. Significant cytotoxicity of a clinical anti‐atherosclerotic drug probucol is discovered on the model, which does not appear on Petri dish but is supported by previous clinical evidence. Moreover, the anti‐AS efficiency of platinum‐nanoparticles (Pt‐NPs) on the model shows excellent consistency with animal experiments. The early‐stage AS model shows an excellent connection between Petri dish and animal experiments and highlights its promising role in bridging fundamental AS research, drug screening, and clinical trials.
Ultrafast Killing and Self‐Gelling Antimicrobial Imidazolium Oligomers
Authors: Riduan Siti Nurhanna , Yuan Yuan , Zhou Feng , Leong Jiayu , Su Haibin , Zhang Yugen
Published: February 2016

Infectious diseases and the increasing threat of worldwide pandemics have underscored the importance of antibiotics and hygiene. Intensive efforts have been devoted to developing new antibiotics to meet the rapidly growing demand. In particular, advancing the knowledge of the structure–property–activity relationship is critical to expedite the design and development of novel antimicrobial with the needed potential and efficacy. Herein, a series of new antimicrobial imidazolium oligomers are developed with the rational manipulation of terminal group's hydrophobicity. These materials exhibit superior activity, excellent selectivity, ultrafast killing (>99.7% killing within 30 s), and desirable self‐gelling properties. Molecular dynamic simulations reveal the delicate effect of structural changes on the translocation motion across the microbial cell membrane. The energy barrier of the translocation process analyzed by free energy calculations provides clear kinetic information to suggest that the spontaneous penetration requires a very short timescale of seconds to minutes for the new imidazolium oligomers.
Human Salivary Gland Stem Cells Functionally Restore Radiation Damaged Salivary Glands
Authors: Pringle Sarah , Maimets Martti , van der Zwaag Marianne , Stokman Monique A. , van Gosliga Djoke , Zwart Erik , Witjes Max J.H. , de Haan Gerald , van Os Ronald , Coppes Rob P.
Published: February 2016

Adult stem cells are often touted as therapeutic agents in the regenerative medicine field, however data detailing both the engraftment and functional capabilities of solid tissue derived human adult epithelial stem cells is scarce. Here we show the isolation of adult human salivary gland (SG) stem/progenitor cells and demonstrate at the single cell level in vitro self-renewal and differentiation into multilineage organoids. We also show in vivo functionality, long-term engraftment, and functional restoration in a xenotransplantation model. Indeed, transplanted human salisphere-derived cells restored saliva production and greatly improved the regenerative potential of irradiated SGs. Further selection for c-Kit expression enriched for cells with enhanced regenerative potencies. Interestingly, interaction of transplanted cells with the recipient SG may also be involved in functional recovery. Thus, we show for the first time that salispheres cultured from human SGs contain stem/progenitor cells capable of self-renewal and differentiation and rescue of saliva production. Our study underpins the therapeutic promise of salisphere cell therapy for the treatment of xerostomia.
BVES Regulates Intestinal Stem Cell Programs and Intestinal Crypt Viability after Radiation
Authors: Reddy Vishruth K. , Short Sarah P. , Barrett Caitlyn W. , Mittal Mukul K. , Keating Cody E. , Thompson Joshua J. , Harris Elizabeth I. , Revetta Frank , Bader David M. , Brand Thomas , Washington M. Kay , Williams Christopher S.
Published: February 2016

Blood vessel epicardial substance (BVES/Popdc1) is a junctional-associated transmembrane protein that is underexpressed in a number of malignancies and regulates epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition. We previously identified a role for BVES in regulation of the Wnt pathway, a modulator of intestinal stem cell programs, but its role in small intestinal (SI) biology remains unexplored. We hypothesized that BVES influences intestinal stem cell programs and is critical to SI homeostasis after radiation injury. At baseline, Bves–/– mice demonstrated increased crypt height, as well as elevated proliferation and expression of the stem cell marker Lgr5 compared to wild-type (WT) mice. Intercross with Lgr5-EGFP reporter mice confirmed expansion of the stem cell compartment in Bves–/– mice. To examine stem cell function after BVES deletion, we used ex vivo 3D-enteroid cultures. Bves–/– enteroids demonstrated increased stemness compared to WT, when examining parameters such as plating efficiency, stem spheroid formation, and retention of peripheral cystic structures. Furthermore, we observed increased proliferation, expression of crypt-base columnar “CBC” and “+4” stem cell markers, amplified Wnt signaling, and responsiveness to Wnt activation in the Bves–/– enteroids. Bves expression was downregulated after radiation in WT mice. Moreover, after radiation, Bves–/– mice demonstrated significantly greater SI crypt viability, proliferation, and amplified Wnt signaling in comparison to WT mice. Bves–/– mice also demonstrated elevations in Lgr5 and Ascl2 expression, and putative damage-responsive stem cell populations marked by Bmi1 and TERT. Therefore, BVES is a key regulator of intestinal stem cell programs and mucosal homeostasis.
Experimental evaluation of optimized strut‐and‐tie models for a dapped beam
Authors: Oviedo Rodrigo , Gutiérrez Sergio , Santa María Hernán
Published: February 2016

Strut‐and‐tie modelling constitutes a powerful tool for the design of complex structural reinforced concrete elements. It has been proved numerically that strut‐and‐tie (ST) models obtained using structural optimization methods produce designs that are more efficient. However, to the best of the authors' knowledge, no experimental evidence of such results has been published. This paper presents experimental results for nine test specimens; five of them were designed using optimal models derived from a full homogenization structural optimization algorithm, and the remaining four using conventional ST models for comparison purposes. Although all specimens carry loads higher than the factored design load, specimens based on ST models derived using full homogenization with reinforcement parallel to the ties exhibit better structural performance regarding crack growth control, more ductile modes of failure and a greater increase in load capacity.
NMDA receptors amplify mossy fiber synaptic inputs at frequencies up to at least 750 Hz in cerebellar granule cells
Authors: Baade Carolin , Byczkowicz Niklas , Hallermann Stefan
Published: February 2016

Neuronal integration of high‐frequency signals is important for rapid information processing. Cerebellar mossy fiber axons (MFs) can fire action potentials (APs) at frequencies of more than one kilohertz. However, it is unclear whether and how the postsynaptic cerebellar granule cells (GCs) are able to process these high‐frequency MF inputs. Here, we measured AP firing in GCs during high‐frequency MF stimulation and show that GC firing frequency increased non‐linearly when MF stimulation frequency was increased from 100 to 750 Hz. To investigate the mechanisms enabling such high‐frequency signaling, we analyzed the role of N‐methyl‐d‐aspartate receptors (NMDARs), which have been implicated in synaptic signaling at lower frequencies. Application of D‐2‐amino‐5‐phosphonopentanoic acid (APV), a potent inhibitor of NMDARs, strongly impaired the GC firing frequency during high‐frequency MF stimulation. APV had no significant effect on single excitatory postsynaptic potentials (EPSPs) or currents (EPSCs) evoked at 1 Hz at resting membrane potentials. However, the time course of EPSCs evoked at 1 Hz at depolarized potentials or following high‐frequency MF stimulation was accelerated by APV. Thus, our results show that NMDAR‐mediated currents amplify high‐frequency MF inputs by prolonging the time courses of synaptic inputs, thereby causing greater synaptic summation of inputs. Hence, NMDARs support the integration of MF synaptic input at frequencies up to at least 750 Hz. Synapse 70:269–276, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Partially linear model for harmonic contribution determination
Authors: Hua Huichun , Liu Zhe , Jia Xiufang
Published: February 2016

Harmonic contribution determination is the premise on which the improvement of power system harmonic management is based. Calculating the harmonic impedance accurately is the key issue in harmonic contribution determination. The fluctuation method is a mature method for calculating the harmonic impedance in engineering applications. However, this method is ineffective when the background harmonic fluctuation is dominant. To make up the deficiency of the fluctuation method, the partial linear regression model for the harmonic impedance calculation is proposed in this paper, and then a two‐stage method is derived for the unbiased estimation of the model. The method proposed in the paper can calculate the harmonic impedance whether or not the background harmonic fluctuation is dominant, and then the harmonic contribution can be determined. The effectiveness of the proposed method is verified by the IEEE14‐bus system simulation and field test. © 2016 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Design of a qualitative classification model through fuzzy support vector machine with type‐2 fuzzy expected regression classifier preset
Authors: Wei Yicheng , Watada Junzo , Pedrycz Witold
Published: February 2016

Methods of qualitative analysis, such as qualitative classification, have gained importance as an essential complement of existing quantitative analysis in numerous fields. Only a few models have been developed to deal with qualitative inputs in the form of type‐2 fuzzy(T2F) sets properly, given that traditional defuzzification method like the Karnik–Mendel algorithm performs dimensionality reduction at the cost of loss of information. To improve the situation, we define the expected value and variance of T2F set in this paper. By using a combination of them, we transfer the vertical three‐dimensional uncertainty of T2F set to horizontal range uncertainty without much distortion of information. Additionally, current classification models are unsuitable to the partial classification problem if an output is not fully assigned to a single class. We build a comprehensive qualitative classification model based on fuzzy support vector machine (FSVM) combined with type‐2 fuzzy expected regression (FER) to solve the partial classification problem as mentioned. This classifier (i.e. FER‐FSVM) makes it possible to achieve the discrimination of output while characterizing membership for each class in terms of multidimensional qualitative inputs (attributes) in the form of T2F sets. FER‐FSVM also can self‐learn the data structure and shift between FER or FSVM for classification automatically, thus largely improving the efficiency of the classification process. The new model is almost 7 times more efficient than FSVM, as shown by our empirical experiments. © 2016 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Leeway Compatibilism and Frankfurt-Style Cases
Authors: Cohen Yishai ,   Philosophy Documentation Center
Published: February 2016

The new dispositionalists defend the position that an agent in a deterministic Frankfurt-style case (FSC) has the ability to do otherwise, where that ability is the one at issue in the principle of alternative possibilities. Focusing specifically on Kadri Vihvelin’s proposal, I argue against this position by showing that it is incompatible with the existence of structurally similar cases to FSCs in which a preemptive intervener bestows an agent with an ability.
Picture Books in the Digital Age
Authors: Serafini Frank , Kachorsky Danielle , Aguilera Earl
Published: February 2016

The design, publication, and features of contemporary narrative picturebooks have been impacted by the digital revolution and the emerging popularity of digital reading devices. Considering both the affordances and the limitations of digital picturebook apps can help readers, teachers, parents, and other educators make better decisions about the value and use of such apps for different purposes.
Evaluating recyclability of fly ash reinforced polyvinyl chloride foams
Authors: Khoshnoud Parisa , Wolgamott Jon Carl , Abu‐Zahra Nidal
Published: February 2016

Using fly ash as a reinforcing filler can be very cost effective; however, the recycling of postconsumer products containing fly ash is of a considerable concern. In this study, the recycling of processed polyvinyl chloride (PVC) foam reinforced with fly ash was investigated by evaluating the effect of regrind content (up to 40 wt%) and fly ash content (up to 20 wt%) on the physical, mechanical, microstructural, and processing properties of the composites. Experimental results show an increase in the foam density with increasing regrind and fly ash contents. The melt viscosity increased with increasing the regrind concentration; however, it dropped with increasing the fly ash content. The tensile strength increased with increasing the regrind content, indicating a good degree of gelation in the composites. Meanwhile, the charpy impact strength of the composites decreased due to the high rigidity of fly ash particles. Dynamic mechanical analysis show that the storage modulus improved with both the addition and increasing the amount of regrind, which confirmed good stress transformation between the polymer foam matrix and the fly ash particles. The polymer matrix morphology, as was determined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), confirmed uniform foam structure even with the addition of 40 wt% regrind in the virgin PVC. J. VINYL ADDIT. TECHNOL., 24:154–161, 2018. © 2016 Society of Plastics Engineers
Synthesis and Characterization of the Rubidium Thiophosphate Rb6(PS5)(P2S10) and the Rubidium Silver Thiophosphates Rb2AgPS4, RbAg5(PS4)2 and Rb3Ag9(PS4)4
Authors: Alahmari Fatimah , Davaasuren Bambar , Khanderi Jayaprakash , Rothenberger Alexander
Published: February 2016

The metal thiophosphates Rb2AgPS4 (2), RbAg5(PS4)2 (3), and Rb3Ag9(PS4)4 (4) were synthesized by stoichiometric reactions, whereas Rb6(PS5)(P2S10) (1) was prepared with excess amount of sulfur. The compounds crystallize as follows: 1 monoclinic, P21/c (no. 14), a = 17.0123(7) Å, b = 6.9102(2) Å, c = 23.179(1) Å, β = 94.399(4)°; 2 triclinic, P (no. 2), a = 6.600(1) Å, b = 6.856(1) Å, c = 10.943(3) Å, α = 95.150(2)°, β = 107.338(2)°, γ = 111.383(2)°; 3 orthorhombic, Pbca (no. 61), a = 12.607(1) Å, b = 12.612(1) Å, c = 17.759(2) Å; 4 orthorhombic, Pbcm (no. 57), a = 6.3481(2) Å, b = 12.5782(4) Å, c = 35.975(1) Å. The crystal structures contain discrete units, chains, and 3D polyanionic frameworks composed of PS4 tetrahedral units arranged and connected in different manner. Compounds 1–3 melt congruently, whereas incongruent melting behavior was observed for compound 4. 1–4 are semiconductors with bandgaps between 2.3 and 2.6 eV and thermally stable up to 450 °C in an inert atmosphere.
“I Feel Lucky” – Gratitude Among Young Adults with Phenylketonuria (PKU)
Authors: Diesen Plata Sofie
Published: February 2016

If persons with phenylketonuria (PKU) do not start a protein restricted diet in early infancy, they will suffer severe brain damage. Previous qualitative research on adults and adolescents with PKU has identified stigmatization, uncertain risk perceptions, considerable time spent on preparing food, and incongruence between the PKU diet and certain lifestyle demands. The aim of this study was to explore young and early treated Norwegian adults’ experiences, by conducting in‐depth interviews in 2011 with 11 adults with PKU, aged 20–30. Being the first qualitative study on people with PKU in Norway, the process was inspired by grounded theory. All participants reflected on their own health and existence by expressing positive counterfactual thoughts. They considered themselves lucky to have had parents who had managed the diet, they were grateful for the time and place they were born, and for information and treatment availability, although the results also show some ambiguous attitudes towards the hospital which provided the treatment. The expression of gratitude in association with having PKU suggests a major positive coping strategy. It contributes to a more holistic understanding of the experiences and attitudes of young, Norwegian adults with PKU, as it provides a counterweight to the negative experiences.
Vascular and Chronological Age in Men with Erectile Dysfunction: A Longitudinal Study
Authors: Rastrelli Giulia , Corona Giovanni , Mannucci Edoardo , Maggi Mario
Published: February 2016

Introduction

Impaired penile color Doppler ultrasound predicts major adverse cardiovascular (CV) events (MACE), particularly in men at low-risk. However, penile color Doppler ultrasound is not recommended in routine clinical checkups.

Aim

To evaluate whether the difference between vascular and chronological age (Δage), as derived from the SCORE algorithm, is a predictor of MACE in subjects consulting for erectile dysfunction (ED) independently from other CV risk factors, including penile color Doppler ultrasound parameters.

Methods

A consecutive series of 1687 male patients attending the Outpatient Clinic for ED for the first time was retrospectively studied. Among them, the SCORE was applicable in 49.9% (n = 841) men, of whom 87.9% (n = 739) were free from previous MACE and were analyzed.

Main Outcome Measures

Vascular age was derived from the SCORE algorithm and the Δage was considered. Information on MACE was obtained through the City of Florence Registry Office.

MACE were identified using the International Classification of Diseases, and fatal and nonfatal MACE were coded as 410–414 (ischemic heart disease), 420–429 (other heart diseases), or 798–799 (sudden death from cardiac diseases), 430–434 or 436–438 (cerebrovascular disease), and 440 (peripheral arterial disease).

Results

Δage was associated with incident MACE. When dividing the population according to the median age (56 years), family history of CV diseases, and the presence of metabolic syndrome, the association between Δage and MACE was maintained only in low-risk subjects, even after adjusting for confounders [HR = 1.09(1.03–1.16), 1.05(1.01–1.10) and 1.08(1.01–1.16) for younger men, without CV family history or metabolic syndrome, respectively, all P < .05], including penile color Doppler ultrasound parameters.

Conclusion

In subjects consulting for ED, Δage is associated with incident MACE, in particular in low-risk men. The prediction of MACE by Δage is independent from other risk factors including penile color Doppler ultrasound parameters, so it can be used as a costless and safe surrogate marker of penile vascular damage.
Partial Plaque Excision and Grafting with Collagen Fleece in Peyronie Disease
Authors: Hatzichristodoulou Georgios
Published: February 2016

The Surgical Techniques Section is sponsored in part by Coloplast
Androgens and Female Sexual Function and Dysfunction—Findings From the Fourth International Consultation of Sexual Medicine
Authors: Davis Susan R. , Worsley Roisin , Miller Karen K. , Parish Sharon J. , Santoro Nanette
Published: February 2016

Introduction

Androgens have been implicated as important for female sexual function and dysfunction.

Aim

To review the role of androgens in the physiology and pathophysiology of female sexual functioning and the evidence for efficacy of androgen therapy for female sexual dysfunction (FSD).

Methods

We searched the literature using online databases for studies pertaining to androgens and female sexual function. Major reviews were included and their findings were summarized to avoid replicating their content.

Main Outcome Measures

Quality of data published in the literature and recommendations were based on the GRADES system.

Results

The literature supports an important role for androgens in female sexual function. There is no blood androgen level below which women can be classified as having androgen deficiency. Clinical trials have consistently demonstrated that transdermal testosterone (T) therapy improves sexual function and sexual satisfaction in women who have been assessed as having hypoactive sexual desire disorder. The use of T therapy is limited by the lack of approved formulations for women and long-term safety data. Most studies do not support the use of systemic dehydroepiandrosterone therapy for the treatment of FSD in women with normally functioning adrenals or adrenal insufficiency. Studies evaluating the efficacy and safety of vaginal testosterone and dehydroepiandrosterone for the treatment of vulvovaginal atrophy are ongoing.

Conclusion

Available data support an important role of androgens in female sexual function and dysfunction and efficacy of transdermal T therapy for the treatment of some women with FSD. Approved T formulations for women are generally unavailable. In consequence, the prescribing of T mostly involves off-label use of T products formulated for men and individually compounded T formulations. Long-term studies to determine the safety of T therapy for women and possible benefits beyond that of sexual function are greatly needed.
Incidence and Prevalence of Sexual Dysfunction in Women and Men: A Consensus Statement from the Fourth International Consultation on Sexual Medicine 2015
Authors: McCabe Marita P. , Sharlip Ira D. , Lewis Ron , Atalla Elham , Balon Richard , Fisher Alessandra D. , Laumann Edward , Lee Sun Won , Segraves Robert T.
Published: February 2016

Introduction

The incidence and prevalence of various sexual dysfunctions in women and men are important to understand to designate priorities for epidemiologic and clinical research.

Aim

This manuscript was designed to conduct a review of the literature to determine the incidence and prevalence of sexual dysfunction in women and men.

Methods

Members of Committee 1 of the Fourth International Consultation on Sexual Medicine (2015) searched and reviewed epidemiologic literature on the incidence and prevalence of sexual dysfunctions. Key older studies and most studies published after 2009 were included in the text of this article.

Main Outcome Measures

The outcome measures were the reports in the various studies of the incidence and prevalence of sexual dysfunction among women and men.

Results

There are more studies on incidence and prevalence for men than for women and many more studies on prevalence than incidence for women and men. The data indicate that the most frequent sexual dysfunctions for women are desire and arousal dysfunctions. In addition, there is a large proportion of women who experience multiple sexual dysfunctions. For men, premature ejaculation and erectile dysfunction are the most common sexual dysfunctions, with less comorbidity across sexual dysfunctions for men compared with women.

Conclusion

These data need to be treated with caution, because there is a high level of variability across studies caused by methodologic differences in the instruments used to assess presence of sexual dysfunction, ages of samples, nature of samples, methodology used to gather the data, and cultural differences. Future research needs to use well-validated tools to gather data and ensure that the data collection strategy is clearly described.
COUNTING POINTS ON DWORK HYPERSURFACES AND -ADIC HYPERGEOMETRIC FUNCTIONS
Authors: BARMAN RUPAM , RAHMAN HASANUR , SAIKIA NEELAM
Published: February 2016

We express the number of points on the Dwork hypersurface $X_{\unicode[STIX]{x1D706}}^{d}:x_{1}^{d}+x_{2}^{d}+\cdots +x_{d}^{d}=d\unicode[STIX]{x1D706}x_{1}x_{2}\cdots x_{d}$ over a finite field of order $q\not \equiv 1\,(\text{mod}\,d)$ in terms of McCarthy’s $p$-adic hypergeometric function for any odd prime $d$.
DEFINING THE INTERNATIONAL RULE OF LAW: DEFYING GRAVITY?
Authors: McCorquodale Robert
Published: February 2016

This article aims to offer a definition of the international rule of law. It does this through clarifying the core objectives of a rule of law and examining whether the international system could include them. It demonstrates that there can be a definition of the international rule of law that can be applied to the international system. This definition of the international rule of law is not dependent on a simplistic application of a national rule of law, as it takes into account the significant differences between national and international legal systems. It seeks to show that the international rule of law is relative, rather than absolute, in its application, is not tied to the operation of the substance of international law itself, and it can apply to states, international organizations and non-state actors. It goes further to show that the international rule of law does exist and can be applied internationally, even if it is not yet fully actualized.
Nasal function and dysfunction in exercise
Authors: Walker A , Surda P , Rossiter M , Little S
Published: February 2016

Background:

There have been recent advances in our appreciation of the functional complementarity of the upper and lower airways. The unified airway begins at the nose: rather than acting merely as a conduit for air to the lungs, the nose and nasal cavity perform an important role in filtering, humidification and immune surveillance.

Methods:

The physiological and pathological responses of the nasal cavity to exercise and regular training are examined in this narrative review, with specific reference to the relation of nasal health to quality of life, lower airway health and upper respiratory tract infections. Relevant literature is examined and placed in clinical context.

Results:

There is considerable published evidence to support nasal dysfunction associated with exercise, and a link to lower airway dysfunction. Evidence also supports the role of upper and lower airway dysfunction in the development of upper respiratory tract infection symptoms.

Conclusion:

Nasal dysfunction in exercise may be a source of considerable morbidity to the regular exerciser, and further research into exercise-induced rhinitis is recommended.
Digenean parasites of deep-sea teleosts: a review and case studies of intrageneric phylogenies
Authors: Bray R. A. , Littlewood D. T. J. , Herniou E. A. , Williams B. , Henderson R. E.
Published: February 2016

Studies on the digenean parasites of deep-sea (> 200 m depth) teleosts are reviewed and two case study generic phylogenies are presented based on LSU rDNA and ND1 mtDNA sequences. The phylogeny of the lepocreadiid genusLepidapedon, the most common deep-sea digenean genus, is not clearly resolved as the two gene trees are not compatible. It can be inferred, however, that the genus has radiated in the deeper waters off the continental shelf, mainly in fishes of the gadiform family Macrouridae.Steringophorus, a fellodistomid genus, is better resolved. In this case a deep-sea radiation is also indicated, but the pattern of host-specificity is not clear, with evidence of much host-switching. Results of studies of the parasites of the macrourid fishCoryphaenoides (Nematomirus) armatusfrom various depths have reinforced recent views on the lack of zoned depth-related communities in the deep-sea. The diversity of deep-sea digeneans is relatively low with only 18 families (of about 60) reported. Little, or nothing, is known from most deep-sea areas and nothing from trenches and mid-ocean ridge systems.
Effects of salinity and temperature on in vitro cell cycle and proliferation of Perkinsus marinus from Brazil
Authors: QUEIROGA FERNANDO RAMOS , MARQUES-SANTOS LUIS FERNANDO , DE MEDEIROS ISAC ALMEIDA , DA SILVA PATRÍCIA MIRELLA
Published: February 2016

Field and in vitro studies have shown that high salinities and temperatures promote the proliferation and dissemination of Perkinsus marinus in several environments. In Brazil, the parasite infects native oysters Crassostrea gasar and Crassostrea rhizophorae in the Northeast (NE), where the temperature is high throughout the year. Despite the high prevalence of Perkinsus spp. infection in oysters from the NE of Brazil, no mortality events were reported by oyster farmers to date. The present study evaluated the effects of salinity (5, 20 and 35 psu) and temperature (15, 25 and 35 °C) on in vitro proliferation of P. marinus isolated from a host (C. rhizophorae) in Brazil, for a period of up to 15 days and after the return to the control conditions (22 days; recovery). Different cellular parameters (changes of cell phase's composition, cell density, viability and production of reactive oxygen species) were analysed using flow cytometry. The results indicate that the P. marinus isolate was sensitive to the extreme salinities and temperatures analysed. Only the highest temperature caused lasting cell damage under prolonged exposure, impairing P. marinus recovery, which is likely to be associated with oxidative stress. These findings will contribute to the understanding of the dynamics of perkinsiosis in tropical regions.
Toxocara canis: anthelmintic activity of quinone derivatives in murine toxocarosis
Authors: MATA-SANTOS T. , MATA-SANTOS H. A. , CARNEIRO P. F. , DE MOURA K. C. G. , FENALTI J. M. , KLAFKE G. B. , CRUZ L. A. X. , MARTINS L. H. R. , PINTO N. F. , PINTO M. C. F. R. , BERNE M. E. A. , DA SILVA P. E. A. , SCAINI C. J.
Published: February 2016

Human toxocarosis is a chronic tissue parasitosis most often caused byToxocara canis.The seroprevalence can reach up to 50%, especially among children and adolescents. The anthelmintics used in the treatment have moderate efficacy. The aim of this study was to evaluate thein vitroandin vivoanthelmintic activity of quinones and their derivatives againstT. canislarvae and the cytotoxicity of the larvicidal compounds. The compounds were evaluated at 1 mg mL−1concentration in microculture plates containing third stage larvae in an Roswell Park Memorial Institute (RPMI) 1640 environment, incubated at 37 °C in 5% CO2tension for 48 h. Five naphthoxiranes were selected for the cytotoxicity analysis. The cell viability evaluated by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide and lactate dehydrogenase assays using murine peritoneal macrophages isolated from C57BL/6 mice revealed that the naphthoxiranes (1and3) were less cytotoxic at a concentration of 0·05 mg mL−1. The efficacy of naphthoxiranes (1and3) was examined in murine toxocarosis also. The anthelmintic activity was examined by evaluating the number of larvae in the brain, carcass, liver, lungs, heart, kidneys and eyes. Compound (3) demonstrated anthelmintic activity similar to that of albendazole by decreasing the number of larvae in the organs of mice and thus could form the basis of the development of a new anthelmintic drug.