bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Xuefu Zhuyu decoction, a traditional Chinese medicine, provides neuroprotection in a rat model of traumatic brain injury via an anti-inflammatory pathway
Authors: Xing Zhihua , Xia Zian , Peng Weijun , Li Jun , Zhang Chunhu , Fu Chunyan , Tang Tao , Luo Jiekun , Zou Yong , Fan Rong , Liu Weiping , Xiong Xingui , Huang Wei , Sheng Chenxia , Gan Pingping , Wang Yang
Published: January 2016

Neuroinflammation is central to the pathology of traumatic brain injury (TBI). Xuefu Zhuyu decoction (XFZY) is an effective traditional Chinese medicine to treat TBI. To elucidate its potential molecular mechanism, this study aimed to demonstrate that XFZY functions as an anti-inflammatory agent by inhibiting the PI3K-AKT-mTOR pathway. Sprague-Dawley rats were exposed to controlled cortical impact to produce a neuroinflammatory response. The treatment groups received XFZY (9 g/kg and 18 g/kg), Vehicle group and Sham group were gavaged with equal volumes of saline. The modified neurologic severity score (mNSS) and the Morris water maze test were used to assess neurological deficits. Arachidonic acid (AA) levels in brain tissue were measured using tandem gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. TNF-α and IL-1β levels in injured ipsilateral brain tissue were detected by ELISA. AKT and mTOR expression were measured by western blot analysis. The results indicated that XFZY significantly enhanced spatial memory acquisition. XFZY (especially at a dose of 9 g/kg) markedly reduced the mNSS and levels of AA, TNF-α and IL-1β. Significant downregulation of AKT/mTOR/p70S6K proteins in brain tissues was observed after the administration of XFZY (especially at a dose of 9 g/kg). XFZY may be a promising therapeutic strategy for reducing inflammation in TBI.
Divergent variations in concentrations of chemical elements among shrub organs in a temperate desert
Authors: He Mingzhu , Song Xin , Tian Fuping , Zhang Ke , Zhang Zhishan , Chen Ning , Li Xinrong
Published: January 2016

Desert shrubs, a dominant component of desert ecosystems, need to maintain sufficient levels of nutrients in their different organs to ensure operation of various physiological functions for the purpose of survival and reproduction. In the present study, we analyzed 10 elements in leaves, stems and roots of 24 dominant shrub species from 52 sites across a temperate desert ecosystem in northwestern China. We found that concentrations of all 10 elements were higher in leaves than in stems and roots, that non-legumes had higher levels of leaf Na and Mg than did legumes and that Na was more concentrated in C4 leaves than in C3 leaves. Scaling relationships of elements between the photosynthetic organ (leaf) and non-photosynthetic organs (stem and root) were allometric. Results of principal components analysis (PCA) highlighted the important role of the elements responsible for osmoregulation (K and Na) in water utilization of desert shrubs. Soil properties and taxonomy explained most variation of element concentrations in desert shrubs. Desert shrubs may not be particularly susceptible to future change in climate factors, because most elements (including N, P, K, Ca, Mn, Zn and Cu) associated with photosynthesis, osmoregulation, enzyme activity and water use efficiency primarily depend on soil conditions.
A depth-dependent profile of the lipid conformation and lateral packing order of the stratum corneum in vivo measured using Raman microscopy
Authors: Choe ChunSik , Lademann Jürgen , Darvin Maxim E.
Published: January 2016

The intercellular lipid structure of the stratum corneum (SC) plays a key role in skin barrier function.
Direct stability characterization of aconite alkaloids in different media by autosampler-mediated incubation-online solid phase extraction-LC-MS/MS
Authors: Zhang Na , Li Jun , Song Qingqing , Shi Shepo , Li Chun , Zhao Yunfang , Song Yuelin , Tu Pengfei
Published: January 2016

An automated procedure for direct monitoring of the stability of drug candidates in different media was developed by integrating autosampler-mediated incubation, online solid phase extraction, and high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (AMI-SPE-LC-MS/MS).
Copper ion-selective fluorescent sensor using salicyl fluorone immobilized on a glutaraldehyde-coated eggshell membrane
Authors: Wang Anyi , Li Ying , Wang Taikun , Wang Shiping
Published: January 2016

Immobilizing salicyl fluorone and hexadecyl pyridine bromide as chemosensors on a glutaraldehyde-coated eggshell membrane to design a “turn-off” fluorescent sensor for copper detection.
A novel strategy of an electrochemically treated ZrOCl2and β-cyclodextrin doped carbon paste electrode for sensitive determination of ligustrazine
Authors: Li Ying , Li Yinfeng , Wang Lu , Zou Lina , Ye Baoxian
Published: January 2016

A novel sensor for ligustrazine was fabricated by directly incorporating ZrOCl2and β-cyclodextrin into graphite powder followed with an electrochemical treatment process.
Ammonium–crown ether supramolecular cation-templated assembly of an unprecedented heterobicluster–metal coordination polymer with enhanced NLO properties
Authors: Zhang Jinfang , Jia Ding , Humphrey Mark G. , Meng Suci , Zaworotko Michael J. , Cifuentes Marie P. , Zhang Chi
Published: January 2016

An unprecedented heterobicluster-metal coordination polymer has been synthesized by a supramolecular template approach and shown to exhibit enhanced NLO properties.
Spectral assignments in the infrared absorption region and anomalous thermal hysteresis in the interband electronic transition of vanadium dioxide films
Authors: Zhang Peng , Li Mengjiao , Deng Qinglin , Zhang Jinzhong , Wu Jiada , Hu Zhigao , Chu Junhao
Published: January 2016

The spectral slopes of transmittance and reflectance in the infrared absorption region and the interband electronic transition for VO2 have been investigated.
Identification and characterization of the intermediate phase in hybrid organic–inorganic MAPbI3perovskite
Authors: Guo Xin , McCleese Christopher , Kolodziej Charles , Samia Anna C. S. , Zhao Yixin , Burda Clemens
Published: January 2016

The intermediate phase bridges a reversible cycle between PbI2and high quality perovskite.
Iron cyclopentadienone complexes derived from C2-symmetric bis-propargylic alcohols; preparation and applications to catalysis
Authors: Hodgkinson Roy , Del Grosso Alessandro , Clarkson Guy , Wills Martin
Published: January 2016

The following complexes were prepared through cyclisation of a bis-propargylic alcohol and were tested as redox catalysts for hydrogen transfer reactions of alcohols and ketones.
Kinetically “locked” metallomacrocycle
Authors: Nishino Toshio , Yamada Yasuyuki , Akine Shigehisa , Sugimoto Kunihisa , Tanaka Kentaro
Published: January 2016

A square-shaped metallomacrocycle with a kinetically “locked” structure was synthesized via complexation of Co(ii) ions with a metal ligand bearing two β-diketones, followed by oxidation of the Co(ii) centers into Co(iii).
The reactivity of 1,1-dichloro-2,2-di-tert-butyldiphosphane towards lithiated metal carbonyls: a new entry to phosphanylphosphinidene dimers
Authors: Grubba Rafał , Zauliczny Mateusz , Ponikiewski Łukasz , Pikies Jerzy
Published: January 2016

Reactions of [Cp*(OC)3M]Li (Cp* = C5Me5, M = Mo, W) towards t-Bu2P–PCl2 lead to the formation of phosphanylphosphinidene dimers [Cp*(OC)3M(η2-t-Bu2P–P)]2 in fairly good yields.
Covalent tethering of fragments for covalent probe discovery
Authors: Kathman Stefan G. , Statsyuk Alexander V.
Published: January 2016

Design rules for covalent fragment libraries are outlined.
Voltammetric deposition of BiCdTe composite films with improved functional properties for photo-electrochemical cells
Authors: Hazra Prasenjit , Jana Atanu , Datta Jayati
Published: January 2016

n-Type BiCdTe nanostructured films produced by periodic voltammetry exhibit high photo-conversion efficiency and significantly promote charge transport across the electrode/electrolyte interface.
Thermodynamic approach to boron nitride nanotube solubility and dispersion
Authors: Tiano A. L. , Gibbons L. , Tsui M. , Applin S. I. , Silva R. , Park C. , Fay C. C.
Published: January 2016

Inadequate dispersion of nanomaterials is a critical issue that significantly limits the potential properties of nanocomposites and when overcome, will enable further enhancement of material properties.
A fluorescent graphitic carbon nitride nanosheet biosensor for highly sensitive, label-free detection of alkaline phosphatase
Authors: Xiang Mei-Hao , Liu Jin-Wen , Li Na , Tang Hao , Yu Ru-Qin , Jiang Jian-Hui
Published: January 2016

A highly sensitive, selective and label-free biosensor for ALP was developed using synthetic fluorescent graphitic carbon nitride nanosheets.
Tuning and predicting the wetting of nanoengineered material surface
Authors: Ramiasa-MacGregor M. , Mierczynska A. , Sedev R. , Vasilev K.
Published: January 2016

A model predicting the wettability of nanorough substrates with re-entrant geometry is developed using substrata with controlled nanotopography and chemistry.
Pushing the limits of catalytic C–H amination in polyoxygenated cyclobutanes
Authors: Nocquet Pierre-Antoine , Hensienne Raphaël , Wencel-Delord Joanna , Laigre Eugénie , Sidelarbi Khadidja , Becq Frédéric , Norez Caroline , Hazelard Damien , Compain Philippe
Published: January 2016

The limits of catalytic C–H amination were explored in polyoxygenated cyclobutanes to access original spiranic iminosugars of biological interest.
Lead-free BaTiO3–Bi(Zn2/3Nb1/3)O3 weakly coupled relaxor ferroelectric materials for energy storage
Authors: Wu Longwen , Wang Xiaohui , Li Longtu
Published: January 2016

High energy density BaTiO3–Bi(Zn2/3Nb1/3)O3 materials with concurrently high energy efficiency.
Assessment of iron ore mineral wastes for sulfate removal from groundwater wells: a case study
Authors: Sadeghalvad B. , Azadmehr A. , Hezarkhani A.
Published: January 2016

This study describes the efficiency of iron ore mineral wastes (quartz-albitophire and metasomatite) as efficient adsorbents of sulphate in contaminated groundwater.
A chemosensor for Al3+ ions in aqueous ethanol media: photophysical and live cell imaging studies
Authors: Chatterjee Nabanita , Maity Shubhra Bikash , Samadder Asmita , Mukherjee Puspal , Khuda-Bukhsh Anisur Rahman , Bharadwaj Parimal K.
Published: January 2016

A new rhodamine based highly sensitive “Turn-ON” fluorescent chemosensor L for the selective detection of Al3+ ion over other biologically competing metal ions in aqueous ethanol media.
Lactobacillus plantarum ZS2058 produces CLA to ameliorate DSS-induced acute colitis in mice
Authors: Wang Juntong , Chen Haiqin , Yang Bo , Gu Zhennan , Zhang Hao , Chen Wei , Chen Yong Q.
Published: January 2016

Lactobacillus plantarumZS2058 is an efficient producer of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA)in vitro.
CuO nanothorn arrays on three-dimensional copper foam as an ultra-highly sensitive and efficient nonenzymatic glucose sensor
Authors: Lu Wangdong , Sun Yujing , Dai Haichao , Ni Pengjuan , Jiang Shu , Wang Yilin , Li Zhen , Li Zhuang
Published: January 2016

A novel glucose sensor based on a CuO nanothorns/Cu foam was prepared using a low-cost and facile method.
Highly diastereo-/enantioselective Cu-catalyzed propargylic alkylations of propargyl acetates with cyclic enamines
Authors: Zhang Cheng , Hui Yun-Ze , Zhang De-Yang , Hu Xiang-Ping
Published: January 2016

Highly diastereo- and enantioselective copper-catalyzed propargylic alkylations of morpholine-derived cyclic enamines have been developed by the employment of a less sterically hindered chiral tridentate P,N,N-ligand.
Synthesis of a Ni0.8Zn0.2Fe2O4–RGO nanocomposite: an excellent magnetically separable catalyst for dye degradation and microwave absorber
Authors: Moitra D. , Ghosh B. K. , Chandel M. , Jani R. K. , Patra M. K. , Vadera S. R. , Ghosh N. N.
Published: January 2016

A Ni0.8Zn0.2Fe2O4 reduced graphene oxide nanocomposite has been synthesized by a simple ‘in situ co-precipitation’ technique.
High thermal and electrochemical stability of a SiO2 nanoparticle hybird–polyether cross-linked membrane for safety reinforced lithium-ion batteries
Authors: Hsu Chun-Han , Chien Li-Hsuan , Kuo Ping-Lin
Published: January 2016

SiO2 nanoparticle hybrid-polyether crosslinked membrane for safety reinforced lithium-ion batteries.
Sealing of tartaric sulfuric (TSA) anodized AA2024 with nanostructured LDH layers
Authors: Kuznetsov B. , Serdechnova M. , Tedim J. , Starykevich M. , Kallip S. , Oliveira M. P. , Hack T. , Nixon S. , Ferreira M. G. S. , Zheludkevich M. L.
Published: January 2016

Zn–Al LDH-NO3 was grown on TSA anodized surface of AA2024 aluminum alloy LDH-VOx was obtained from LDH-NO3via anionic exchange reaction The LDH-VOx layer confers remarkable active corrosion protection.
Synthesis, characterization and biological evaluation of a new photoactive hydrogel against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria
Authors: Spagnul Cinzia , Greenman John , Wainwright Mark , Kamil Zeeniya , Boyle Ross W.
Published: January 2016

Development of a cheap material active against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria to be used as a novel water-sterilizing device.
Construction of coumarin-based cross-linked micelles with pH responsive hydrazone bond and tumor targeting moiety
Authors: Long Yu-Bo , Gu Wen-Xing , Pang Chengcai , Ma Jianbiao , Gao Hui
Published: January 2016

Responsive cross-linked micelles (x-micelles) based on polyurethane with photo-responsive coumarin derivatives and pH-responsive hydrazone groups were synthesized.
Selectivity of CO2via pore space partition in zeolitic boron imidazolate frameworks
Authors: Zhang Hai-Xia , Liu Min , Xu Guilan , Liu Liyang , Zhang Jian
Published: January 2016

Co-assembly between boron imidazolate ligands and bridging dicarboxylate ligands with metal centers leads to pore space partitioning in two distinct BIFs with zeotype GIS (BIF-41) and ABW (BIF-42) topologies, respectively. BIF-41 shows high selectivity sorption of CO2 over N2.
A facile method of synthesizing size-controlled hollow cyanoacrylate nanoparticles for transparent superhydrophobic/oleophobic surfaces
Authors: Matsubayashi Takeshi , Tenjimbayashi Mizuki , Manabe Kengo , Kyung Kyu-Hong , Ding Bin , Shiratori Seimei
Published: January 2016

A novel method to synthesize size-controllable hollow polymeric nanoparticles is reported. The synthesis process completes in a moment with tunable particle diameters. Coated surfaces show superhydrophobicity/oleophobicity with high transparency.
Distributed consensus tracking for non‐linear multi‐agent systems with input saturation: a command filtered backstepping approach
Authors: Cui Guozeng , Xu Shengyuan , L. Lewis Frank , Zhang Baoyong , Ma Qian
Published: January 2016

This study deals with the distributed consensus tracking problem for non‐linear multi‐agent systems under a fixed directed graph. The dynamics of the followers are taken as strict‐feedback structures with unknown non‐linearities and input saturation. Neural networks are utilised to identify a certain scalar related to the unknown non‐linear functions, and an auxiliary system is introduced into the control design to compensate the effect of input saturation. By incorporating the command filtered technique into the backstepping design framework, a distributed consensus control scheme is constructed recursively. Using the Lyapunov stability theory, it is proved that all signals in the closed‐loop systems are cooperatively semi‐globally uniformly ultimately bounded and the consensus tracking errors converge to a small neighbourhood of origin by tuning the design parameters. Finally, simulation result demonstrates the effectiveness of the proposed control approach.
Hydrodynamic model for expansion and collisional relaxation of x-ray laser-excited multi-component nanoplasma
Authors: Saxena Vikrant , Ziaja Beata
Published: January 2016

The irradiation of an atomic cluster with a femtosecond x-ray free-electron laser pulse results in a nanoplasma formation. This typically occurs within a few hundred femtoseconds. By this time the x-ray pulse is over, and the direct photoinduced processes no longer contributing. All created electrons within the nanoplasma are thermalized. The nanoplasma thus formed is a mixture of atoms, electrons, and ions of various charges. While expanding, it is undergoing electron impact ionization and three-body recombination. Below we present a hydrodynamic model to describe the dynamics of such multi-component nanoplasmas. The model equations are derived by taking the moments of the corresponding Boltzmann kinetic equations. We include the equations obtained, together with the source terms due to electron impact ionization and three-body recombination, in our hydrodynamic solver. Model predictions for a test case, expanding spherical Ar nanoplasma, are obtained. With this model, we complete the two-step approach to simulate x-ray created nanoplasmas, enabling computationally efficient simulations of their picosecond dynamics. Moreover, the hydrodynamic framework including collisional processes can be easily extended for other source terms and then applied to follow relaxation of any finite non-isothermal multi-component nanoplasma with its components relaxed into local thermodynamic equilibrium.
Identification of the Fluvirucin B2 (Sch 38518) Biosynthetic Gene Cluster from Actinomadura fulva subsp. indica ATCC 53714: substrate Specificity of the β-Amino Acid Selective Adenylating Enzyme FlvN
Authors: Miyanaga Akimasa , Hayakawa Yuki , Numakura Mario , Hashimoto Junko , Teruya Kuniko , Hirano Takashi , Shin-ya Kazuo , Kudo Fumitaka , Eguchi Tadashi
Published: January 2016

Fluvirucins are 14-membered macrolactam polyketides that show antifungal and antivirus activities. Fluvirucins have the β-alanine starter unit at their polyketide skeletons. To understand the construction mechanism of the β-alanine moiety in fluvirucin biosyntheses, we have identified the biosynthetic cluster of fluvirucin B2 produced from Actinomadura fulva subsp. indica ATCC 53714. The identified gene cluster contains three polyketide synthases, four characteristic β-amino acid-carrying enzymes, one decarboxylase, and one amidohydrolase. We next investigated the activity of the adenylation enzyme FlvN, which is a key enzyme for the selective incorporation of a β-amino acid substrate. FlvN showed strong preference for l-aspartate over other amino acids such as β-alanine. Based on these results, we propose a biosynthetic pathway for fluvirucin B2.
Fracture faces of frozen membranes: 50th anniversary
Authors: Branton Daniel
Published: January 2016

In 1961, the development of an improved freeze-etching (FE) procedure to prepare rapidly frozen biological cells or tissues for electron microscopy raised two important questions. How does a frozen cell membrane fracture? What do the extensive face views of the cell’s membranes exposed by the fracture process of FE tell us about the overall structure of biological membranes? I discovered that all frozen membranes tend to split along weakly bonded lipid bilayers. Consequently, the fracture process exposes internal membrane faces rather than either of the membrane’s two external surfaces. During etching, when ice is allowed to sublime after fracturing, limited regions of the actual membrane surfaces are revealed. Examination of the fractured faces and etched surfaces provided strong evidence that biological membranes are organized as lipid bilayers with some proteins on the surface and other proteins extending through the bilayer. Membrane splitting made it possible for electron microscopy to show the relative proportion of a membrane’s area that exists in either of these two organizational modes.
Biomechanics and functional morphology of a climbing monocot
Authors: Hesse Linnea , Wagner Sarah T. , Neinhuis Christoph
Published: January 2016

Plants with a climbing growth habit possess unique biomechanical properties arising from adaptations to changing loading conditions connected with close attachment to mechanical supports. In monocot climbers, mechanical adaptation is restricted by the absence of a bifacial vascular cambium. Flagellaria indica was used to investigate the mechanical properties and adaptations of a monocot climber that, uniquely, attaches to the surrounding vegetation via leaf tendrils. Biomechanical methods such as three-point bending and torsion tests were used together with anatomical studies on tissue development, modification and distribution. In general, the torsional modulus was lower than the bending modulus; hence, torsional stiffness was less than flexural stiffness. Basal parts of mature stems showed the greatest stiffness while that of more apical stem segments levelled off. Mechanical properties were modulated via tissue maturation processes mainly affecting the peripheral region of the stem. Peripheral vascular bundles showed a reduction in the amount of conducting tissue while the proportion and density of the bundle sheath increased. Furthermore, adjacent bundle sheaths merged resulting in a dense ring of fibrous tissue. Although F. indica lacks secondary cambial growth, the climbing habit is facilitated by a complex interaction of tissue maturation and attachment.
Predicting Peer Nominations Among Medical Students: A Social Network Approach
Authors: Michalec Barret , Grbic Douglas , Veloski J. Jon , Cuddy Monica M. , Hafferty Frederic W.
Published: January 2016

Purpose

Minimal attention has been paid to what factors may predict peer nomination or how peer nominations might exhibit a clustering effect. Focusing on the homophily principle that “birds of a feather flock together,” and using a social network analysis approach, the authors investigated how certain student- and/or school-based factors might predict the likelihood of peer nomination, and the clusters, if any, that occur among those nominations.

Method

In 2013, the Jefferson Longitudinal Study of Medical Education included a special instrument to evaluate peer nominations. A total of 211 (81%) of 260 graduating medical students from the Sidney Kimmel Medical College responded to the peer nomination question. Data were analyzed using a relational contingency table and an ANOVA density model.

Results

Although peer nominations did not cluster around gender, age, or class rank, those students within an accelerated program, as well as those entering certain specialties, were more likely to nominate each other. The authors suggest that clerkships in certain specialties, as well as the accelerated program, may provide structured opportunities for students to connect and integrate, and that these opportunities may have an impact on peer nomination. The findings suggest that social network analysis is a useful approach to examine various aspects of peer nomination processes.

Conclusions

The authors discuss implications regarding harnessing social cohesion within clinical clerkships, the possible development of siloed departmental identity and in-group favoritism, and future research possibilities.
Does Time Pressure Have a Negative Effect on Diagnostic Accuracy?
Authors: ALQahtani Dalal A. , Rotgans Jerome I. , Mamede Silvia , ALAlwan Ibrahim , Magzoub Mohi Eldin M. , Altayeb Fatheya M. , Mohamedani Manahil A. , Schmidt Henk G.
Published: January 2016

Purpose

Studies suggest time pressure has negative effects on physicians’ working conditions and may lead to suboptimal patient care and medical errors. Experimental evidence supporting this is lacking, however. This study investigated the effect of time pressure on diagnostic accuracy.

Method

In 2013, senior internal medicine residents at three hospitals in Saudi Arabia were divided randomly into two groups: a time-pressure condition and a control condition without time pressure. Both groups diagnosed eight written clinical cases presented on computers. In the time-pressure condition, after completing each case, participants received information that they were behind schedule. Response time was recorded, and diagnostic accuracy was scored.

Results

The 23 participants in the time-pressure condition spent significantly less time diagnosing the cases (mean = 96.00 seconds) than the 19 control participants (mean = 151.97 seconds) (P < .001). Participants under time pressure had a significantly lower diagnostic accuracy score (mean = 0.33; 95% CI, 0.23–0.43) than participants without time pressure (mean = 0.51; 95% CI, 0.42–0.60) (F[1, 41] = 6.90, P = .012, η2 = 0.15). This suggests participants in the time-pressure condition made on average 37% more errors than control participants.

Conclusions

Time pressure has a negative impact on diagnostic performance. The authors propose that the effect of time pressure on diagnostic accuracy is moderated by both the case difficulty level and the physician’s level of experience. Post hoc analyses demonstrated that time pressure affects diagnostic accuracy only if cases are not too difficult and physicians’ expertise level is intermediate.
Is Hearing Loss Associated with Poorer Health in Older Adults Who Might Benefit from Hearing Screening?
Authors: Mick Paul , Pichora-Fuller M. Kathleen
Published: January 2016

Objectives:

Hearing screening programs may benefit adults with unacknowledged or unaddressed hearing loss, but there is limited evidence regarding whether such programs are effective at improving health outcomes. The objective was to determine if poorer audiometric hearing thresholds are associated with poorer cognition, social isolation, burden of physical or mental health, inactivity due to poor physical or mental health, depression, and overnight hospitalizations among older American adults with unacknowledged or unaddressed hearing loss.

Design:

The authors performed a cross-sectional population-based analysis of older American adults with normal hearing or unacknowledged or unaddressed hearing loss. Data was obtained from the 1999 to 2010 cycles of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Participants with a pure-tone average (PTA in the better hearing ear of thresholds at 0.5, 1, 2, and 4 kHz) > 25 dB HL who self-reported their hearing ability to be “good” or “excellent” were categorized as having “unacknowledged” hearing loss. Those who had a PTA > 25 dB HL and who self-reported hearing problems but had never had a hearing test or worn a hearing aid were categorized as having “unaddressed” hearing loss. Multivariate regression was performed to account for confounding due to demographic and health variables.

Results:

A 10 dB increase in PTA was associated with a 52% increased odds of social isolation among 60- to 69-year-olds in multivariate analyses (p = 0.001). The average Digit Symbol Substitution Test score dropped by 2.14 points per 10 dB increase in PTA (p = 0.03), a magnitude equivalent to the drop expected for 3.9 years of chronological aging. PTA was not associated significantly with falls, hospitalizations, burden of physical or mental health, or depression, or social isolation among those ages 70 years or older in these samples.

Conclusion:

Unacknowledged or unaddressed hearing loss was associated with a significantly increased risk of social isolation among 60- to 69-year-olds but not those 70 years or older. It was also associated with lower cognitive scores on the Digit Symbol Substitution Test among 60- to 69-year-olds. This study differs from prior studies by focusing specifically on older adults who have unacknowledged or unaddressed hearing loss because they are the most likely to benefit from pure-tone hearing screening. The finding of associations between hearing loss and measures of social isolation and cognition in these specific samples extends previous findings on unrestricted samples of older adults including those who had already acknowledged hearing problems. Future randomized controlled trials measuring the effectiveness of adult hearing screening programs should measure whether interventions have an effect on these measures in those who have unacknowledged or unaddressed pure-tone hearing loss.
Obesity Increases Complexity of Distal Radius Fracture in Fall From Standing Height
Authors: Ebinger Thomas , Koehler Daniel M. , Dolan Lori A. , McDonald Katelyn , Shah Apurva S.
Published: January 2016

Objectives:

To investigate the relationship between obesity and distal radius fracture severity after low-energy trauma and to identify patient-specific risk factors predictive of increasing fracture severity.

Design:

Retrospective review.

Setting:

Level 1 Trauma Center.

Patients/Participants:

Four hundred twenty-three adult subjects with a history of fracture of the distal radius resulting from a fall from standing height.

Intervention:

Demographic data and injury characteristics were obtained. Preoperative wrist radiographs were reviewed and classified by the OTA classification system. Distal radius fractures were categorized as simple [closed and extra-articular (OTA 23-A)] and complex [intra-articular (OTA 23-B or 23-C) or open fracture or concomitant ipsilateral upper extremity fracture]. Multivariate logistic regression was completed to model the probability of incurring a complex fracture.

Main Outcome Measurements:

Simple versus complex fracture pattern.

Results:

Average age at the time of injury was 53.8 years (range, 18.9–98.4). Seventy-nine percent of subjects were female. The average body-mass index was 28.1 (range, 13.6–59.5). Two hundred forty-four patients (58%) suffered complex distal radius fractures per study criteria. Obese patients (body-mass index > 30) demonstrated increased fracture severity as per the OTA classification (P = 0.039) and were more likely to suffer a complex injury (P = 0.032). Multivariate regression identified male gender, obesity, and age ≥50 as independent risk factors for sustaining a complex fracture pattern.

Conclusions:

Obesity is associated with more complex fractures of the distal radius after low-energy trauma, particularly in elderly patients. This relationship may have important epidemiologic implications predictive of future societal fracture burden and severity in an obese, aging population.

Level of Evidence:

Prognostic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Peginterferon Therapy in Children With Chronic Hepatitis C
Authors: Suzuki Mitsuyoshi , Tajiri Hitoshi , Tanaka Yasuhito , Takano Tomoko , Miyoshi Yoko , Murakami Jun , Shimizu Toshiaki , Brooks Stephen
Published: January 2016

Objectives:

The aim of the present study was to review the medical treatment of Japanese children and adolescents with chronic hepatitis C in the past 10 years.

Methods:

This nationwide, multicenter study evaluated patients who were younger than 18 years of age when diagnosed with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection and were treated with pegylated interferon (PEG‐IFN) monotherapy or PEG‐IFN/ribavirin (RBV) combination therapy between 2004 and 2013. The subjects’ median age was 10 (3–18) years, with a male to female ratio of 52:50 and a genotype‐1 to genotype‐2 ratio of 45:57. Among the 102 patients, 18 received PEG‐IFN monotherapy and 84 received PEG‐IFN/RBV combination therapy. The IL28B genotype polymorphism was analyzed in patients infected with genotype‐1.

Results:

In patients with HCV genotype‐1 infections, sustained virological response (SVR) rates obtained by PEG‐IFN monotherapy and by PEG‐IFN/RBV combination therapy were 100% (2/2) and 72% (31/43), respectively. In patients with HCV genotype‐2 infections, SVRs were 75% (12/16) and 100% (41/41), respectively. In 32 genotype‐1 patients available for the IL28B genotype (rs8099917), SVR was achieved in more patients in the IL28B major allele group than in the minor allele group (15/17 vs 7/15, P = 0.021) after PEG‐IFN/RBV combination therapy. The frequencies of adverse events were similar between the treatment regimens.

Conclusions:

Overall, both therapies showed encouraging results, and were reasonably safe in children and adolescents with chronic hepatitis C. The IL28B genotype was useful for predicting the treatment response to PEG‐IFN/RBV combination therapy in this cohort.
Expression of p53 and HER2/Neu in Kenyan Women With Primary Ovarian Carcinoma
Authors: Mutuiri Anderson P. , Nzioka Ancent , Busarla Satya V. P. , Sayed Shahin , Moloo Zahir
Published: January 2016

Ovarian carcinomas are a leading cause of cancer mortality among women. Two of the more commonly described markers of prognostic significance in primary ovarian carcinomas are p53 and HER2/neu. Overexpression of both markers is associated with poor prognosis. This study aimed to determine the frequency and pattern of p53 and HER2/neu expression in primary ovarian carcinomas in Kenyan women and to describe the clinical and pathologic features of ovarian carcinomas diagnosed at 3 different hospitals in Kenya. Primary ovarian carcinomas diagnosed at the Departments of Pathology at Aga Khan University Hospital, Nairobi; the Aga Khan Hospital, Kisumu; and the AIC Kijabe Hospital in Kenya over a period of 3 years from January 2009 to December 2011 were recorded. Sixty-seven ovarian carcinomas were identified and blocks retrieved from archives. Hematoxylin-eosin-stained slides of these were reviewed and appropriate sections were stained for p53 and HER2/neu using standard immunohistochemical techniques. The primary outcome was presence and intensity of staining for p53 and HER2/neu. The most frequent malignancy was serous carcinoma. A total of 43.3% (95% confidence interval, 32.1%–55.2%) of carcinomas were positive for p53, and 13.4% (95% confidence interval, 7.2%–23.6%) were positive for HER2/neu. Serous carcinoma and adenocarcinoma, not otherwise specified were more likely to be positive for p53. There was no association noted between the histologic grade or pathologic stage and positivity for either p53 or HER2/neu. The expression of p53 and HER2/neu in primary ovarian carcinomas in Kenyan women is not different from that described in the literature.
Droplets Bumpers as Mechanical Sensors for Cell Migration Under Confinement
Authors: Molino D. , Quignard S. , Gruget C. , Pincet F. , Chen Y. , Piel M. , Fattaccioli J.
Published: January 2016

Mechanical cell forces play determinant roles in cell growth and tissue development. Cell migration is a relevant context to explore single cell forces, since mechanotransduction and cell morphology are dynamically and biochemically co-regulated in order to modulate cell shape changes minute to minute. In this work we present the design of a hybrid microdevice made from a set of parallel PDMS microchannels in which oil emulsion droplets are introduced to be used as biocompatible and deformable cell forces transducers upon HL-60 human leukemia cell line migration. We show that the mechanical stress exerted by the cells can be measured from the analysis of the droplets deformations at the single cell level. Finally we show that acto-myosin contraction plays a role in the cell ability to cross obstacles in confinement conditions.
Precision Medicine in the Clinic: Personalizing a Model of Glioblastoma Through Parameterization
Authors: Hawkins-Daarud Andrea , Swanson Kristin
Published: January 2016

In this article, we present an example of how to parameterize a partial differential equation model of glioblastoma growth for individual patients. The parameters allow for a deeper understanding of individual patients which have all been labeled with the same disease based on the tumor growth kinetics.
Exploring genes of rectal cancer for new treatments based on protein interaction network
Authors: Teng Wenjing , Zhou Chao , Li Yan
Published: January 2016

Objective

To develop a protein-protein interaction network of rectal cancer, which is based on genetic genes as well as to predict biological pathways underlying the molecular complexes in the network. In order to analyze and summarize genetic markers related to diagnosis and prognosis of rectal cancer.

Methods

the genes expression profile was downloaded from OMIM (Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man)database; the protein-protein interaction network of rectal cancer was established by Cytoscape; the molecular complexes in the network were detected by Clusterviz plugin and the pathways enrichment of molecular complexes were performed by DAVID online and Bingo (The Biological Networks Gene Ontology tool).

Results and Discussion

A total of 127 rectal cancer genes wereidentified to differentially expressin OMIM Database. The protein-protein interaction network of rectal cancer was contained 966 nodes (proteins), 3377 edges (interactive relationships) and 7 molecular complexes (score>7.0).Regulatory effects of genes and proteins were focused on cell cycle, transcription regulation and cellular protein metabolic process. Genes ofDDK1, sparcl1, wisp2, cux1, pabpc1, ptk2andhtralwere significant nodes in PPI network. The discovery of featured genes which were probably related to rectal cancer, has a great significance on studying mechanism, distinguishing normal and cancer tissues, and exploring new treatments for rectal cancer.
Sensitive whole mountin situlocalization of small RNAs in plants
Authors: Ghosh Dastidar Mouli , Mosiolek Magdalena , Nodine Michael D. , Maizel Alexis
Published: January 2016

Small regulatory RNAs are pivotal regulators of gene expression and play important roles in many plant processes. Although our knowledge of their biogenesis and mode of action has significantly progressed, we comparatively still know little about their biological functions. In particular, knowledge about their spatiotemporal patterns of expression rely on either indirect detection by use of reporter constructs or labor-intensive direct detection byin situhybridization on sectioned material. None of the current approaches allows for a systematic investigation of small RNAs expression patterns.Here, we present a method for the sensitive in situ detection of micro-and siRNAs in intact plant tissues that utilizes both double-labelled probes and a specific cross linker. We determined the expression patterns of several small RNAs in plant roots and embryos.
Anion order in perovskites: a group-theoretical analysis
Authors: Talanov M. V. , Shirokov V. B. , Talanov V. M.
Published: January 2016

Anion ordering in the structure of cubic perovskite has been investigated by the group-theoretical method. The possibility of the existence of 261 ordered low-symmetry structures, each with a unique space-group symmetry, is established. These results include five binary and 14 ternary anion superstructures. The 261 idealized anion-ordered perovskite structures are considered as aristotypes, giving rise to different derivatives. The structures of these derivatives are formed by tilting ofBO6octahedra, distortions caused by the cooperative Jahn–Teller effect and other physical effects. Some derivatives of aristotypes exist as real substances, and some as virtual ones. A classification of aristotypes of anion superstructures in perovskite is proposed: theAXclass (the simultaneous ordering ofAcations and anions in cubic perovskite structure), theBXclass (the simultaneous ordering ofBcations and anions) and theXclass (the ordering of anions only in cubic perovskite structure). In most perovskites anion ordering is accompanied by cation ordering. Therefore, the main classes of anion order in perovskites are theAXandBXclasses. The calculated structures of some anion superstructures are reported. Comparison of predictions and experimentally investigated anion superstructures shows coherency of theoretical and experimental results.
Structural elucidation of the NADP(H) phosphatase activity of staphylococcal dual-specific IMPase/NADP(H) phosphatase
Authors: Bhattacharyya Sudipta , Dutta Anirudha , Dutta Debajyoti , Ghosh Ananta Kumar , Das Amit Kumar
Published: January 2016

NADP(H)/NAD(H) homeostasis has long been identified to play a pivotal role in the mitigation of reactive oxygen stress (ROS) in the intracellular milieu and is therefore critical for the progression and pathogenesis of many diseases. NAD(H) kinases and NADP(H) phosphatases are two key players in this pathway. Despite structural evidence demonstrating the existence and mode of action of NAD(H) kinases, the specific annotation and the mode of action of NADP(H) phosphatases remains obscure. Here, structural evidence supporting the alternative role of inositol monophosphatase (IMPase) as an NADP(H) phosphatase is reported. Crystal structures of staphylococcal dual-specific IMPase/NADP(H) phosphatase (SaIMPase-I) in complex with the substrates D-myo-inositol-1-phosphate and NADP+have been solved. The structure of the SaIMPase-I–Ca2+–NADP+ternary complex reveals the catalytic mode of action of NADP(H) phosphatase. Moreover, structures of SaIMPase-I–Ca2+–substrate complexes have reinforced the earlier proposal that the length of the active-site-distant helix α4 and its preceding loop are the predisposing factors for the promiscuous substrate specificity of SaIMPase-I. Altogether, the evidence presented suggests that IMPase-family enzymes with a shorter α4 helix could be potential candidates for previously unreported NADP(H) phosphatase activity.
N,N,N-Triethylethanaminium 5,11,17,23-tetra-tert-butyl-25-cyanomethoxy-26,28-dihydroxy-27-oxido-2,8,14,20-tetrathiacalix[4]arene: a molecular salt
Authors: Omran Omran A. , Mague Joel T. , Mohamed Shaaban K. , Akkurt Mehmet , Mohamed Alaa F.
Published: January 2016

In the title molecular salt, C8H20N+·C42H48NO4S4−, the conformation of the anionic tetrathiacalix[4]arene, which is cone-shaped, is primarily determined by intramolecular O—H...O hydrogen bonds. There are also intramolecular C—H...O short contacts present. In the crystal, the anions (A) and cations (C) are linked by C—H...O and C—H...S hydrogen bonds, forming –A–C–A–C– chains along [001]. The chains are linkedviaC—H...Ncyanohydrogen bonds, forming ribbons along [001].
Diethyl 4-(3-chlorophenyl)-2-methyl-6-phenyl-1,4-dihydropyridine-3,5-dicarboxylate
Authors: Ahamed F. M. Mashood , Padusha M. Syed Ali , Gunasekaran B.
Published: January 2016

In the title compound, C24H24ClNO4, the dihydropyridine ring adopts a flattened boat conformation. The plane of the pyridine ring subtends dihedral angles of 74.54 (6) and 85.69 (5)° with those of the phenyl and chlorophenyl rings, respectively. The dihedral angle between the planes of the chlorophenyl and phenyl rings is 72.20 (7)°. In the crystal, molecules are linked into [100]C(6) chains by N—H...O hydrogen bonds. The chains are cross-linked by weak C—H...O interactions to generate a three-dimensional network.
Children's comprehension of an unfamiliar speaker accent: a review
Authors: Harte Jennifer , Oliveira Ana , Frizelle Pauline , Gibbon Fiona
Published: January 2016

Background

The effect of speaker accent on listeners’ comprehension has become a key focus of research given the increasing cultural diversity of society and the increased likelihood of an individual encountering a clinician with an unfamiliar accent.

Aims

To review the studies exploring the effect of an unfamiliar accent on language comprehension in typically developing (TD) children and in children with speech and language difficulties. This review provides a methodological analysis of the relevant studies by exploring the challenges facing this field of research and highlighting the current gaps in the literature.

Methods & Procedures

A total of nine studies were identified using a systematic search and organized under studies investigating the effect of speaker accent on language comprehension in (1) TD children and (2) children with speech and/or language difficulties.

Main Contribution

This review synthesizes the evidence that an unfamiliar speaker accent may lead to a breakdown in language comprehension in TD children and in children with speech difficulties. Moreover, it exposes the inconsistencies found in this field of research and highlights the lack of studies investigating the effect of speaker accent in children with language deficits.

Conclusions & Implications

Overall, research points towards a developmental trend in children's ability to comprehend accent‐related variations in speech. Vocabulary size, language exposure, exposure to different accents and adequate processing resources (e.g. attention) seem to play a key role in children's ability to understand unfamiliar accents. This review uncovered some inconsistencies in the literature that highlight the methodological issues that must be considered when conducting research in this field. It explores how such issues may be controlled in order to increase the validity and reliability of future research. Key clinical implications are also discussed.
Optimal Sharing of Interest‐Rate Risk in Mortgage Contracts: The Effects of Potential Prepayment and Default
Authors: Brueckner Jan K. , Lee Kangoh
Published: January 2016

Much of the literature on the economics of mortgage markets has studied the fixed vs. adjustable‐rate mortgage choice made by individual borrowers. However, to decide if the outcome of such a choice is efficient or approximately so, it is necessary to explore the question of optimal risk‐sharing in mortgage contracts. But because only a small literature has studied this question, more research is clearly warranted. The present article helps fill this gap by developing a simplified version of Arvan and Brueckner's model, using it to characterize optimal contracts in the absence of mortgage termination, and then exploring how termination via prepayment or default affects optimal risk‐sharing. The broad conclusion of the analysis is that potential mortgage termination makes higher risk exposure for borrowers optimal.
Legal geography and coastal climate change adaptation: the Vaughan litigation
Authors: O'Donnell Tayanah
Published: January 2016

The impacts on the Australian coast of a changing climate include environmental and property damage arising from increased frequency and severity of coastal weather events, storm surge, coastal erosion, and coastal flooding. Coastal management policies and planning laws are often relied upon to manage both the impacts and competing interests in the coast. The existence of these policies and laws, and their interpretation by the courts, bears a weight of expectation upon them to deliver in the face of climate change which merits further consideration. Indeed, a rich field is open from which to consider the constitution and construction of law in and across different places, in the context of climate change adaptation. The Australian coast is a unique and locally specific context from which to explore the relationship between law and place as performed in theVaughanlitigation, and this paper considers such important potential as it gains expression in theVaughanlitigation. © 2016 Institute of Australian Geographers