bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Obesity, fat distribution, and risk of frailty in two population‐based cohorts of older adults in Spain
Authors: García‐Esquinas Esther , José García‐García Francisco , León‐Muñoz Luz M. , Carnicero José Antonio , Guallar‐Castillón Pilar , Gonzalez‐Colaço Harmand Magali , López‐García Esther , Alonso‐Bouzón Cristina , Rodríguez‐Mañas Leocadio , Rodríguez‐Artalejo Fernando
Published: February 2015

Objective

To evaluate for the first time the longitudinal relationship between abdominal obesity and the onset of frailty.

Methods

Study based on results from two population‐based cohorts, the Seniors‐ENRICA, with 1801 individuals aged ≥60, and the Toledo Study for Healthy Ageing (TSHA), with 1289 participants ≥65 years. Incident frailty was assessed with the Fried criteria.

Results

During 3.5 years of follow‐up, 125 individuals with incident frailty in Seniors‐ENRICA and 162 in TSHA were identified. After adjustment for the main confounders, the pooled odds ratio (pooled OR) for general obesity and risk of frailty was 1.73 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.18‐2.28). Abdominal obesity was also associated with frailty (pooled OR: 1.67; 95% CI: 1.09‐2.25). Compared with individuals with BMI <25 kg/m2 and no abdominal obesity, the risk of frailty was highest among individuals with concurrent general and abdominal obesity (pooled OR: 2.55; 95% CI: 1.23‐3.86). General obesity was associated with increased risk of exhaustion (pooled OR: 1.66; 95% CI: 1.11‐2.21), low physical activity (pooled OR: 1.57; 95% CI: 1.08‐2.05), and weakness (pooled OR: 1.63; 95% CI: 1.12‐2.05). For abdominal obesity, results were in the same direction, although they showed statistical significance only for weakness (OR: 1.46; 95% CI: 1.11‐1.80).

Conclusions

General and abdominal obesity are associated with incident frailty in the elderly.
Development of a Wavelength‐Shifting Fluorescent Module for the Adenosine Aptamer Using Photostable Cyanine Dyes
Authors: Walter Heidi-Kristin , Bohländer Peggy R. , Wagenknecht Hans-Achim
Published: February 2015

DNA‐based aptamers are commonly used recognition elements in biosensors for a range of target molecules. Here, the development of a wavelength‐shifting optical module for a DNA‐based adenosine‐binding aptamer is described. It applies the combination of two photostable cyanine‐styryl dyes as covalent modifications. This energy‐transfer pair is postsynthetically attached to oligonucleotides via a copper(I)‐catalyzed azide–alkyne cycloaddition by two structurally different approaches: 1) as nucleotide modifications at the 2′‐position of uridines and 2) as nucleotide substitutions using (S)‐amino‐1,2‐propanediol as acyclic linker between the phosphodiester bridges. Both dyes exhibit a remarkable photostability. A library of DNA aptamers consisting of different combinations of the two dyes in diagonal orientations were evaluated by their emission color contrast as readout. Further optimization led to aptasensors with improved fluorescent readout as compared with previously reported aptasensors. This approach described is synthetically facile using simple propargylated phosphoramidites as DNA building blocks. As such, this approach could be applied for other dyes and other chemical/biological applications.
ACK1 promotes gastric cancer epithelial–mesenchymal transition and metastasis through AKT–POU2F1–ECD signalling
Authors: Xu Song‐Hui , Huang Jin‐Zhou , Xu Man‐Li , Yu Guangchuang , Yin Xing‐Feng , Chen De , Yan Guang‐Rong
Published: February 2015

Amplification of the activated Cdc42‐associated kinase 1 (ACK1) gene is frequent in gastric cancer (GC). However, little is known about the clinical roles and molecular mechanisms of ACK1 abnormalities in GC. Here, we found that the ACK1 protein level and ACK1 phosphorylation at Tyr 284 were frequently elevated in GC and associated with poor patient survival. Ectopic ACK1 expression in GC cells induced epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) and promoted migration and invasion in vitro, and metastasis in vivo; the depletion of ACK1 induced the opposite effects. We utilized SILAC quantitative proteomics to discover that the level of the cell cycle‐related protein ecdysoneless homologue (ECD) was markedly altered by ACK1. Overexpression of ECD promoted EMT, migration, and invasion in GC, similar to the effects of ACK1 overexpression. Silencing of ECD completely blocked the augmentation of ACK1 overexpression‐induced EMT, migration, and invasion. Mechanistically, ACK1 phosphorylated AKT at Thr 308 and Ser 473 and activated the AKT pathway to up‐regulate the transcription factor POU2F1, which directly bound to the promoter region of its novel target gene ECD and thus regulated ECD expression in GC cells. Furthermore, the phosphorylation levels of AKT at Thr 308 and Ser 473 and POU2F1 and ECD levels were positively associated with ACK1 levels in clinical GC specimens. Collectively, we have demonstrated that ACK1 promotes EMT, migration, and invasion by activating AKT–POU2F1–ECD signalling in GC cells. ACK1 may be employed as a new prognostic factor and therapeutic target for GC. Copyright © 2015 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Dermatologic adverse events in pediatric patients receiving targeted anticancer therapies: A pooled analysis
Authors: Belum Viswanath Reddy , Washington Courtney , Pratilas Christine A. , Sibaud Vincent , Boralevi Franck , Lacouture Mario E.
Published: February 2015

Background

The dermatologic adverse events (AEs) of various molecularly targeted therapies are well‐described in adult cancer patients. Little has been reported on the incidence and clinical presentation of such AEs in pediatric patients with cancer. To address this gap, we analyzed the dermatologic AEs reported across clinical trials of targeted anticancer therapies in pediatric patients.

Procedures

We conducted an electronic literature search (PubMed, American Society of Clinical Oncology annual meetings' abstracts, ClinicalTrials.gov, NCI's Pediatric Oncology Branch webpage) to identify clinical trials involving targeted anticancer therapies that reported dermatologic AEs in their safety data. Studies were limited to the pediatric population, monotherapy trials (oncology), and English language publications.

Results

Pooled data from 19 clinical studies investigating 11 targeted anticancer agents (alemtuzumab, rituximab, imatinib, dasatinib, erlotinib, vandetanib, sorafenib, cabozantinib, pazopanib, everolimus, and temsirolimus) were analyzed. The most frequently encountered dermatologic AEs were rash (127/660; 19%), xerosis (18/100; 18%), mucositis (68/402; 17%), and pruritus (12/169; 7%). Other AEs included pigmentary abnormalities of the skin/hair (13%), hair disorders (trichomegaly, hypertrichosis, alopecia, and madarosis; 14%), urticaria (7%), palmoplantar erythrodysesthesia (7%), erythema, acne, purpura, skin fissures, other ‘unknown skin changes’, exanthem, infection, flushing, telangiectasia, and photosensitivity.

Conclusion

This study describes the dermatologic manifestations of targeted anticancer therapy‐related AEs in the pediatric population. Since these AEs are often associated with significant morbidity, it is imperative that pediatric oncologists be familiar with their recognition and management, to avoid unnecessary dose modifications and/or termination, and to prevent impairments in patients' quality of life. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2015;62:798–806. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Deep venous thrombosis in children with sickle cell disease
Authors: de Oliveira Boechat Tiago , do Nascimento Emilia Matos , de Castro Lobo Clarisse Lopes , Ballas Samir K.
Published: February 2015

Background

Deep venous thrombosis (DVT) is rare in children compared to adults. Its incidence and risk factors in children are not well known. This study determined these aspects of DVT in children with sickle cell disease (SCD).

Procedure

A retrospective, observational and descriptive study was performed. Patients born between October 2000 and October 2012 with SCD and registered in HEMORIO, including those who died in HEMORIO, were included in this study. Patients whose medical records were inaccessible, who died in institutions other than HEMORIO, who died with implanted deep venous catheters, and those who were not monitored in HEMORIO for a period of 1 year or more were excluded from the study. Of a total of 1,519 patients, 456 were excluded and 1,063 patients were included in the study. Data were obtained from the computer system and the medical records at HEMORIO.

Results

Of the 1,063 patients, 2 (0.2%) developed DVT with both cases being related to central venous catheters (CVCs) (P‐value <0.001). Of the patients who required CVCs, the prevalence of DVT was 10%. No other variable was clinically or statistically significant with respect to DVT.

Conclusion

The establishment of CVCs in children with SCD poses a high risk for DVT. If this procedure is necessary, the internal jugular vein should be utilized instead of the subclavian and femoral veins. The identification of associated risk factors may justify antithrombotic prophylaxis. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2015;62:838–841. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Expanded graphite (EG) as a potential filler in the reduction of percolation threshold of multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) in the PMMA/HDPE/EG/MWCNT nanocomposites
Authors: Raulo Avinash , Suin Supratim , Paria Sarbaranjan , Khatua B.B.
Published: February 2015

A facile route for the development of a conducting hybrid polymer nanocomposites composed of poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA)/high density polyethylene (HDPE) filled with multiwall carbon nanotube (MWCNT) and expanded graphite (EG) has been described. The EG used in this study was prepared by simple chemical exfoliation of graphite flakes and characterized by spectroscopic as well as morphological analysis. An industrially feasible melt mixing process was used for the preparation of the nanocomposites through sequential heating protocol. The judicious control of temperature during mixing revealed a highly co‐continuous structure of HDPE throughout the PMMA matrix and thus the percolation of the (75/25, w/w) PMMA/HDPE/bi‐filler nanocomposites was achieved at 0.07 wt% loading of MWCNT. An extensive analysis revealed that the selective dispersion of the conductive bi‐filler in the minor HDPE phase helped in the reduction of the percolation threshold through MWCNT–EG–MWCNT networking. The morphology, electrical conductivity, and their interrelation of the prepared nanocomposites can be found in detail in the manuscript. POLYM. COMPOS., 37:2070–2082, 2016. © 2015 Society of Plastics Engineers
Novel polyamide 12/chromium (III) oxide nanoparticles composites: Melting behavior and complex isothermal crystallization kinetics
Authors: Shapoval Ekaterina S. , Zuev Vjacheslav V.
Published: February 2015

Polymer nanocomposites based on PA12 filled with different loading (0.1−10 wt%) of nanosized (average grain size of about 1−5 nm) chromium(III) oxide were prepared by in situ polymerization, and their mechanical and thermal properties were investigated. A homogeneous dispersion of Cr2O3 nanoparticles in the polyamide matrix was achieved at the level of isolated particles as a result of amphoteric nature of chromium (III) oxide. However, it was found that the tensile modulus and yield stress of the nanocomposites decrease. The reason for this is a change in the crystallization type of PA12due to the Cr2O3 nanoparticles (from α to γ type of crystal phase). The crystallization kinetic of PA12 matrix has been successfully studied and described using a two‐parameter Avrami model for isothermal crystallization. It is shown that nanosized chromium(III) oxide dioes not change the nucleation mechanism. The addition of Cr2O3 nanoparticles also does not have a significant effect on crystallization rate and energetic and kinetic parameters of crystallization. The presence of nanofillers in PA12 matrix decreases their crystallinity from 63 to 51%. Hence, the mechanical properties of nanocomposites can be influenced not only by the type and dispersion of nanofillers but also by their effect on the crystal structure and degree of crystallinity of the polymer matrix. POLYM. COMPOS., 36:999–1005, 2015. © 2015 Society of Plastics Engineers
Liquid polycarbosilanes: synthesis and evaluation as precursors for SiC ceramic
Authors: He Lijuan , Zhang Zongbo , Yang Xiaogan , Jiao Lingling , Li Yongming , Xu Caihong
Published: February 2015

A series of liquid polycarbosilanes were successfully synthesized by a sequential Grignard coupling reaction of (chloromethyl)triethoxysilane and vinylmagnesium bromide, followed by reduction with lithium aluminium hydride. The use of non‐corrosive, easily handleable and storage stable (chloromethyl)triethoxysilane as starting material is an attractive advantage for this route. The as‐synthesized polymers containing Si−CH=CH2 and Si − H groups are storage stable and can be easily cured in an inert atmosphere. The ceramic yield of the cured polycarbosilane and the C:Si ratio of the derived ceramic were varied by adjusting the mole ratio of starting materials in the feed. Among them, the polymer with a mole ratio of Si−CH=CH2 to Si − H of 1:10 has the highest ceramic yield at 89.6% after curing at 220 °C and the C:Si ratio of the derived ceramic is 1.48. This kind of polycarbosilane shows high potential as an SiC ceramic precursor in the fabrication of an SiC matrix by the precursor infiltration pyrolysis process. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry
Proteome profile of the endomembrane of developing coleoptiles from switchgrass (Panicum virgatum)
Authors: Lao Jeemeng , Sharma Manoj K. , Sharma Rita , Fernández‐Niño Susana M. González , Schmutz Jeremy , Ronald Pamela C. , Heazlewood Joshua L. , Schwessinger Benjamin
Published: February 2015

The cost‐effective production of biofuels from lignocellulosic material will likely require manipulation of plant biomass, specifically cell walls. The North American native prairie grass Panicum virgatum (switchgrass) is seen as a potential biofuel crop with an array of genetic resources currently being developed. We have characterized the endomembrane proteome of switchgrass coleoptiles to provide additional information to the switchgrass community. In total, we identified 1750 unique proteins from two biological replicates. These data have been deposited in the ProteomeXchange with the identifier PXD001351 (http://proteomecentral.proteomexchange.org/dataset/PXD001351).
Plasma Parameter Aspects in the Fabrication of Stable Amine Functionalized Plasma Polymer Films
Authors: Daunton Carla , Smith Louise E. , Whittle Jason D. , Short Robert D. , Steele David A. , Michelmore Andrew
Published: February 2015

Amine containing plasma polymer films are of interest due to their ability to bind biomolecules either covalently or electrostatically. One issue with generating such plasma polymers is the need to generate sufficient amine density on the surface to enable binding, while simultaneously maintaining the chemical, physical stability of the surface in aqueous media. Here we investigate the relationship between plasma parameters, film stability for two commonly used monomers, allylamine AA, ethylenediamine EDA. Plasma polymer films from AA, EDA were produced at radio frequency RF powers between 2 and 20 W at a constant monomer flowrate. Deposition rate, ion flux, ion energy, plasma phase mass spectrometry were used to investigate the plasma‐surface interactions. Film stability was assessed by comparing X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy XPS, atomic force microscopy AFM measurements before, after washing in phosphate buffered saline PBS. The results show that films generated from EDA plasmas are generally unstable in aqueous media, while films generated from AA plasmas exhibit higher stability, particularly those deposited at high RF power. The chemical, physical stability of the films is then related to the mechanisms of deposition, the energy density provided to the surface during film growth.
Impact of upfront cellular enrichment by laser capture microdissection on protein and phosphoprotein drug target signaling activation measurements in human lung cancer: Implications for personalized medicine
Authors: Baldelli Elisa , Haura Eric B. , Crinò Lucio , Cress Douglas W. , Ludovini Vienna , Schabath Matthew B. , Liotta Lance A. , Petricoin Emanuel F. , Pierobon Mariaelena
Published: February 2015

Purpose

The aim of this study was to evaluate whether upfront cellular enrichment via laser capture microdissection (LCM) is necessary for accurately quantifying predictive biomarkers in nonsmall cell lung cancer tumors.

Experimental design

Fifteen snap frozen surgical biopsies were analyzed. Whole tissue lysate and matched highly enriched tumor epithelium via LCM were obtained for each patient. The expression and activation/phosphorylation levels of 26 proteins were measured by reverse phase protein microarray. Differences in signaling architecture of dissected and undissected matched pairs were visualized using unsupervised clustering analysis, bar graphs, and scatter plots.

Results

Overall patient matched LCM and undissected material displayed very distinct and differing signaling architectures with 93% of the matched pairs clustering separately. These differences were seen regardless of the amount of starting tumor epithelial content present in the specimen.

Conclusions and clinical relevance

These results indicate that LCM driven upfront cellular enrichment is necessary to accurately determine the expression/activation levels of predictive protein signaling markers although results should be evaluated in larger clinical settings. Upfront cellular enrichment of the target cell appears to be an important part of the workflow needed for the accurate quantification of predictive protein signaling biomarkers. Larger independent studies are warranted.
Characterization of a human pluripotent stem cell‐derived model of neuronal development using multiplexed targeted proteomics
Authors: Dunkley Tom , Costa Veronica , Friedlein Arno , Lugert Sebastian , Aigner Stefan , Ebeling Martin , Miller Meghan T. , Patsch Christoph , Piraino Paolo , Cutler Paul , Jagasia Ravi
Published: February 2015

Purpose

Human pluripotent stem cell (hPSC)‐derived cellular models have great potential to enable drug discovery and improve translation of preclinical insights to the clinic. We have developed a hPSC‐derived neural precursor cell model for studying early events in human brain development. We present protein‐level characterization of this model, using a multiplexed SRM approach, to establish reproducibility and physiological relevance; essential prerequisites for utilization of the neuronal development model in phenotypic screening‐based drug discovery.

Experimental design

Profiles of 246 proteins across three key stages of in vitro neuron differentiation were analyzed by SRM. Three independently hPSC‐derived isogenic neural stem cell (NSC) lines were analyzed across five to nine independent neuronal differentiations.

Results

One hundred seventy‐five proteins were reliably quantified revealing a time‐dependent pattern of protein regulation that reflected protein dynamics during in vivo brain development and that was conserved across replicate differentiations and multiple cell lines.

Conclusions and clinical relevance

SRM‐based protein profiling enabled establishment of the reproducibility and physiological relevance of the hPSC‐derived neuronal model. Combined with the successful quantification of proteins relevant to neurodevelopmental diseases, this validates the platform for use as a model to enable neuroscience drug discovery.
An interdomain boundary in RAG1 facilitates cooperative binding to RAG2 in formation of the V(D)J recombinase complex
Authors: Byrum Jennifer N. , Zhao Shuying , Rahman Negar S. , Gwyn Lori M. , Rodgers William , Rodgers Karla K.
Published: February 2015

V(D)J recombination assembles functional antigen receptor genes during lymphocyte development. Formation of the recombination complex containing the recombination activating proteins, RAG1 and RAG2, is essential for the site‐specific DNA cleavage steps in V(D)J recombination. However, little is known concerning how complex formation leads to a catalytically‐active complex. Here, we combined limited proteolysis and mass spectrometry methods to identify regions of RAG1 that are sequestered upon association with RAG2. These results show that RAG2 bridges an interdomain boundary in the catalytic region of RAG1. In a second approach, mutation of RAG1 residues within the interdomain boundary were tested for disruption of RAG1:RAG2 complex formation using fluorescence‐based pull down assays. The core RAG1 mutants demonstrated varying effects on complex formation with RAG2. Interestingly, two mutants showed opposing results for the ability to interact with core versus full length RAG2, indicating that the non‐core region of RAG2 participates in binding to core RAG1. Significantly, all of the RAG1 interdomain mutants demonstrated altered stoichiometries of the RAG complexes, with an increased number of RAG2 per RAG1 subunit compared to the wild type complex. Based on our results, we propose that interaction of RAG2 with RAG1 induces cooperative interactions of multiple binding sites, induced through conformational changes at the RAG1 interdomain boundary, and resulting in formation of the DNA cleavage active site.
Process safety in the classroom: The current state of chemical engineering programs at US universities
Authors: Dee Sean J. , Cox Brenton L. , Ogle Russell A.
Published: February 2015

The role of process safety in the undergraduate and graduate curriculum is a critical component of preparing chemical engineers for their future careers. In 2011, the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) amended the requirements for Chemical, Biochemical, Biomolecular, and similarly named Engineering Programs. The change added a clause, indicating that the curriculum of said programs should not only include the engineering application of chemistry, physics, and/or biology to the design, analysis and control of processes, but also the hazards associated with those processes. Departments were then compelled to adjust their curricula to meet the new requirement which would go into effect during the 2012–2013 Accreditation evaluations. Herein, we present findings related to the major milestones and challenges associated with updating the chemical engineering curriculum to include process safety components at both the undergraduate and graduate level. First, a survey of publicly available information regarding curriculum requirements, course syllabi, and program developments at US universities will be discussed. Next, insights from evaluating the challenges associated with adding new content to an already overloaded curriculum will be discussed. Lastly, recommendations for continued improvement in the process safety education provided to undergraduate and graduate students will be presented. © 2015 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Process Saf Prog 34: 316–319, 2015
Photonic crystal‐based fluid sensors: Toward practical application
Authors: Amrehn Sabrina , Wu Xia , Schumacher Christian , Wagner Thorsten
Published: February 2015

We present an uncomplicated and inexpensive system for refractive index measurements of fluids based on the optical properties of photonic crystals (PhCs). The photonic band gap of inverse opals depends on the refractive index contrast between the crystal and the pore fluid. A change of refractive index of the pore fluid causes variations in the photonic band gap which can be observed as change in the wavelength of reflected light of the crystal (color change). Based on this principle a measurement cell for continuous fluid measurements was build (see figure) and used for identification of water/ethanol mixtures. Based on photonic band structure simulations general rules/recommendations for the design of this sensor type are given, for example, periodicity of the inverse opal, choice of material (refractive index), or measurement mode. For the proof of concept tungsten oxide (WO3) inverse opal structure was utilized as sensing layer. However, depending on the application other metal oxides or even polymers can be used. With the presented method a limit of detection (LoD) of 0.001 refractive index unit (RIU) was achieved.

The figure shows the cross section of the custom built measurement cell: the reflectivity of the WO3 inverse opal (round image, left) is measured by a spectrometer in dependence of the fluid in contact to the crystal. Different refractive indices of the fluids cause spectral shifts of the reflection peak (right graph).
Exciton‐related optical properties in zinc‐blende GaN/InGaN quantum wells under hydrostatic pressure
Authors: Duque C. M. , Morales A. L. , Mora‐Ramos M. E. , Duque C. A.
Published: February 2015

The exciton‐related optical absorption in zinc‐blende InGaN/GaN single quantum wells (QW) under hydrostatic pressure is studied. The energy states in the system are calculated within the effective mass approximation and a variational scheme, taking into account the effects of applied hydrostatic pressure an static electric field. The optical response is calculated in the framework of the two‐level model and the rotating wave approximation. The results are given as functions of the In molar fraction, the QW width, the hydrostatic pressure, and the electric field strength. It is found that a significant exciton‐related nonlinear absorption can be achieved in the range of photon energies around 100meV, for the kind of structures under study.
Electrical characteristics of low‐Mg‐doped p‐AlGaN and p‐InGaN Schottky contacts
Authors: Aoki Toshichika , Tachibana Sachi , Shiojima Kenji
Published: February 2015

Electrical characteristics of low‐Mg‐doped p‐Al0.02–0.07Ga0.98–0.93N and p‐In0.02Ga0.98N Schottky contacts were investigated. A memory effect was revealed in the current–voltage (I–V) characteristics, which is found also in p‐GaN contacts and may be due to charge and discharge of holes to acceptor‐type interfacial defects. High‐temperature isothermal transient spectroscopy revealed that the defect densities in the Al0.02Ga0.98N and In0.02Ga0.98N samples were nearly half that in the GaN samples. A large reverse current with a memory effect was observed in the In0.02Ga0.98N contacts. It was suggested that current can flow via relatively shallow acceptor‐type interfacial defects. For the AlxGa1−xN with x = 0.04 and 0.07, I–V characteristics became leaky. The Schottky barrier heights estimated from the photoresponse experiment were higher than the values estimated from the bandgap by 0.19, 0.21, 0.20, and 0.21 eV for Al0.02Ga0.98N, Al0.04Ga0.96N, Al0.07Ga0.93N, and In0.02Ga0.98N samples, respectively. A probable explanation for such discrepancies may be due to the total charge amount of the interfacial states, which varied the electric field and the barrier lowering. It was found that even though the Al or In content was only as small as 2%, the electrical characteristics of the contacts changed significantly.
Auxeticity of face‐centered cubic metal (001) nanoplates
Authors: Ho Duc Tam , Kim Hokun , Kwon Soon‐Yong , Kim Sung Youb
Published: February 2015

We present the results of an atomistic study on the Poisson's ratios of face‐centered cubic metal (001) nanoplates under tensile loading. Here, we find that the behavior of the Poisson's ratios of metal nanoplates is strongly dependent on the characteristics of a phase transformation that takes place in their bulk counterparts as well as on the amount of compressive stress induced in the nanoplates. In addition, we discuss the effects of the nanoplate thickness and temperature on the mechanical behavior of the nanoplates. As the thickness decreases, the amount of compressive stress increases. As a result, the metal nanoplates become more auxetic. Higher temperatures cause the phase transformation to occur sooner. Thus, strongly auxetic nanoplates can be obtained by raising the temperature. In addition to investigating the effects of the thickness and temperature, we compare the behaviors of the Poisson's ratios of (001) nanoplates of six different metals. Interestingly, the behaviors of the Poisson's ratios of the metal nanoplates differ, even though their corresponding bulks have similar and positive Poisson's ratios. This is because the six metals exhibit large differences in their surface stresses as well as in the critical strains for the phase transformation.
Evaluation of a combined glycomics and glycoproteomics approach for studying the major glycoproteins present in biofluids: Application to cerebrospinal fluid
Authors: Goyallon Arnaud , Cholet Sophie , Chapelle Manuel , Junot Christophe , Fenaille François
Published: February 2015

Rationale

Glycosylation is one of the most complex types of post‐translational modifications of proteins. The alteration of glycans bound to proteins from cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in relation to disorders of the central nervous system is a highly relevant subject, but only few studies have focused on the glycosylation of CSF proteins.

Methods

Reproducible profiles of CSF N‐glycans were first obtained by matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry after permethylation. Tryptic glycopeptides from CSF proteins were also enriched by hydrophilic interaction, and the resulting extracts divided into two equal aliquots. A first aliquot was enzymatically deglycosylated and analyzed by nano‐liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry while the second one, containing intact enriched glycopeptides, was directly analyzed. Site‐specific data were obtained by combining the data from these three experiments.

Results

We describe the development of a versatile approach for obtaining site‐specific information on the N‐glycosylation of CSF glycoproteins. Under these conditions, 124 N‐glycopeptides representing 55 N‐glycosites from 36 glycoproteins were tentatively identified. Special emphasis was placed on the analysis of glycoproteins/glycopeptides bearing 'brain‐type' N‐glycans, representing potential biologically relevant structures in the field of neurodegenerative disorders. Using our workflow, only a few proteins were shown to carry such particular glycan motifs.

Conclusions

We developed an approach combining N‐glycomics and N‐glycoproteomics and underline its usefulness to study the site‐specific glycosylation of major human CSF proteins. The final rather long‐term objective is to combine these data with those from other omics approaches to delve deeper into the understanding of particular neurological disorders. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Structural Dynamics of Pristine Headwater Streams from Southern Brazilian Amazon
Authors: Bleich M. E. , Mortati A. F. , André T. , Piedade M. T. F.
Published: February 2015

Amazonian headwater streams trail a heterogeneous landscape, with marked natural variation of geomorphological conditions and hydrological periods. Southern Brazilian Amazon is subjected to high degradation pressure, mainly from deforestation. Hence, we characterize pristine headwaters structure (hydromorphology and water physical‐chemical variables) and variation among hydrological periods (dry, beginning of the rainy period and end of the rainy period), to define reference conditions for conservation‐oriented classification, monitoring and rehabilitation of the southern Brazilian Amazon streams. Stretches of 10 pristine streams from the Teles Pires River, a major tributary of the Tapajós River, were analysed for hydromorphology, water physical‐chemical variables and controlled for habitat integrity (forested proportion on buffer zones and habitat integrity index). We found variation among hydrological periods and spatial heterogeneity on pristine stream structure. Most variables showed great variation ranges at the same hydrological period and high variation coefficient values, reflecting the natural environmental heterogeneity among streams protected by a riparian forest. Variation among hydrological periods and spatial heterogeneity between streams in this region, combined with current high levels of deforestation, indicates the need for the conservation of a high proportion of streams and their respective riparian forests. Here, we have presented reference range values for monitoring and rehabilitation programs integrated in the Amazonian aquatic conservation efforts. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Solvothermal synthesis of nickel‐tungsten sulfides for 2‐propanol dehydration
Authors: Gómez‐Gutiérrez Claudia M. , Luque P. A. , Guerra‐Rivas G. , López‐Sánchez J. A. , Armenta M. A. , Quintana J. M. , Olivas A.
Published: February 2015

The bimetallic nickel‐tungsten catalysts were prepared via solvothermal method. The X‐ray Diffractometer (XRD) analysis revealed that the corresponding peaks at 14°, 34°, and 58° were for tungsten disulfide (WS2) hexagonal phase. The catalysts displayed different crystalline phase with nickel addition, and as an effect the WS2 surface area decreased from 74.7 to 2.0 m2g­−1. In this sense, high‐resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) showed the layers set in direction (002) with an onion‐like morphology, and in the center of the particles there is a large amount of nickel contained with 6–8 layers covering it. The catalytic dehydration of 2‐propanol was selective to propene in 100% at 250 °C for the sample with 0.7 of atomic ratio of Ni/Ni + W. SCANNING 37:165–171, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Effect of alloy type on the life‐time of torsion‐preloaded nickel‐titanium endodontic instruments
Authors: Ha Jung‐Hong , Kim Sung Kyo , Cheung Gary Shun‐Pan , Jeong Seong Hwa , Bae Yong Chul , Kim Hyeon‐Cheol
Published: February 2015

This study was aimed to evaluate the effect of torsional preloads on the cyclic fatigue life of nickel‐titanium (NiTi) instruments with different history of heat treatments by manufacturers. WaveOne (Primary) made of M‐wire, K3XF (#30/0.06) of R‐phase, and ProTaper (F2) of conventional NiTi alloy was used. Each file was preloaded at four conditions (nil, 25, 50, and 75% of their mean ultimate torsional strength) before fatigue testing. The torsional preloads 10‐, 30‐, or 50‐times were applied by securing 5 mm of the file tip, rotating it until the preset torque was attained before returning to the origin. Then, the number of cycles to failure (NCF) was evaluated by rotational bending in a simulated canal. Data were analyzed using multiple linear regression analysis and two‐way ANOVA. Fractured instruments were examined under scanning electron microscope (SEM). SEM showed that most WaveOne after 75% preloading, regardless of repetitions, showed some longitudinal cracks parallel to the long axis of the file, which were rare for K3XF. Regression analysis revealed that the brand of instrument was the most critical factor. At up to 75% preloading, ProTaper and K3XF did not show any significant decline in NCF. For 30‐repetition groups of WaveOne, the 50 and 25% torsion preloaded groups showed a significantly higher NCF than the 0 and 75% groups. Within the limitations of this study, the alloy type of NiTi instrument have a significant effect on the phenomenon that a certain amount of torsional preload may improve the cyclic fatigue resistance of NiTi rotary instruments. SCANNING 37:172–178, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Constructing authentication web in cloud computing
Authors: Zhao Gansen , Ba Zhongjie , Wang Xinming , Zhang Feng , Huang Changqin , Tang Yong
Published: February 2015

Cloud computing offers a cheap and efficient solution for the deployment of web applications. It results in a big increase of the number of service provider. Users hold multiple identities for using services from different domains. The openness of public clouds requires the authentication system to accept user identities from various domains and to support hybrid authentication protocols. This work proposes a cross‐domain single sign‐on mechanism to address the preceding issues and makes a formal mathematical model to analyze the security issues of the proposed mechanism's authentication architecture; furthermore, an algorithm is proposed to detect the authentication architecture's weak vertex whose failure would lead to a partial failure in the architecture. The proposed mechanism allows service providers to verify user identities in a decentralized way and allows users to unify their identities from various domains in a safe way. The verification process used in this mechanism is able to support hybrid authentication protocols as well as to accelerate the verification of credentials by eliminating single point of failure and single‐point bottleneck. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A new unpredictability‐based radio frequency identification forward privacy model and a provably secure construction
Authors: Yang Anjia , Liang Kaitai , Zhuang Yunhui , Wong Duncan S. , Jia Xiaohua
Published: February 2015

The privacy model of radio frequency identification (RFID) systems is for formalizing the adversarial capabilities and the security requirements of RFID anonymity and untraceability. Existing unpredictability‐based privacy models such as unp‐privacy, eunp‐privacy, unp*‐privacy, and unpτ‐privacy have captured different kinds of practical attacks, and some of them also have mutual authentication included. However, forward privacy, which allows a tag to remain untraceable even after its corruption, is yet to be well captured in any unpredictability‐based privacy models. In this paper, we describe some forward privacy‐related attacks that can be launched against RFID tags in practice. We then propose a new unpredictability‐based forward privacy model called unpfτ‐privacy. It extends an existing one called unpτ‐privacy, which has been shown to be stronger than ind‐privacy, unp‐privacy, and unp*‐privacy. We also propose an RFID protocol that supports forward privacy and mutual authentication. We show that it can be proven secure in the unpfτ‐privacy model. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Aptamers and Their Applications in Nanomedicine
Authors: Sun Hongguang , Zu Youli
Published: February 2015

Aptamers are composed of short RNA or single‐stranded DNA sequences that, when folded into their unique 3D conformation, can bind to their targets with high specificity and affinity. Although functionally similar to protein antibodies, oligonucleotide aptamers offer several advantages over protein antibodies in biomedical and clinical applications. Through the enhanced permeability and retention effect, nanomedicines can improve the therapeutic index of a treatment and reduce side effects by enhancing accumulation at the disease site. However, this targets tumors passively and, thus, may not be ideal for targeted therapy. To construct ligand‐directed “active targeting” nanobased delivery systems, aptamer‐equipped nanomedicines have been tested for in vitro diagnosis, in vivo imaging, targeted cancer therapy, theranostic approaches, sub‐cellular molecule detection, food safety, and environmental monitoring. This review focuses on the development of aptamer‐conjugated nanomedicines and their application for in vivo imaging, targeted therapy, and theranostics.
Improvement of HAZ Toughness of Steel Plate for High Heat Input Welding by Inclusion Control with Mg Deoxidation
Authors: Yang Jian , Xu Longyun , Zhu Kai , Wang Ruizhi , Zhou Lejun , Wang Wanlin
Published: February 2015

The effect of Mg content on the evolution behavior of inclusions in the steel plates with Mg deoxidation was investigated based on the experimental studies and thermodynamic calculations. Simulating welding process and Charpy impact test were also carried out to evaluate the Heat Affected Zone (HAZ) toughness of steel plates. The typical inclusions found in the steels were the complex inclusions comprising central oxide and peripheral MnS. With the increase of Mg content in the steel samples from 0 to 27, 38 and 99 ppm, the phase of central oxide inclusions changed sequentially from Al2O3 to (Mg‐Ti‐O), and MgO, which is consistent with the thermodynamic calculation results. Furthermore, the size of inclusions decreases and the number density of inclusions increases with the increase of Mg content. The HAZ toughness of steel plates after welding with heat input of 400 kJ cm−1 has been greatly improved by inclusion control with Mg deoxidation.
Complexation behaviors of hyperbranched cationic glycogen derivatives with plasmid DNA revealed by resonance light scattering and circular dichroism spectroscopy
Authors: Liang Xuan , Wu Shuyun , Ren Xianyue , Quan Daping , Zhang Li‐Ming , Deng Yubing , Yang Liqun
Published: February 2015

A series of hyperbranched glycogen derivatives conjugated with different contents of cationic 3‐(dimethylamino)‐1‐propylamine residues, named DMAPA‐Glyp derivatives, were synthesized at room temperature. Resonance light scattering (RLS) spectroscopy was used to investigate the complexation behavior and efficacy of the DMAPA‐Glyp derivatives and plasmid DNA (pDNA). Results indicated that the DMAPA‐Glyp derivatives and pDNA molecules began to aggregate and form complexes at a weight ratio of 2. Following further increases in the DMAPA‐Glyp derivatives (w/w >2), pDNA was condensed to form compact complexes. RLS spectroscopy is thus a useful tool for studying the complexation behavior and efficacy of cationic polymers with nucleic acid molecules. Circular dichroism analysis further revealed that the conformation of pDNA transformed from B‐form to C‐form and A‐form during the complexation process.
Teaching the Sociocultural Norms of an Undergraduate Community of Practice
Authors: Couper Graeme , Denny Heather , Watkins Annette
Published: February 2015

The importance of teaching second language learners the pragmatic norms of relevant communities of practice is widely recognised. Familiarisation with these norms is also an important aspect of socialisation for native speakers entering a new community of practice. This study focuses on pragmatic instruction of English as an additional language and native speaker learners preparing to enter undergraduate study. In particular, the instruction focused on one community of practice which undergraduates typically encounter: groups undertaking joint projects. The instruction was explicit, drawing on semiauthentic and naturalistic scripted samples of discourse relevant to the target community of practice. This report considers six cases of the total 15 participants in order to explore changes in their pragmatic competence and ability to participate effectively in the target community of practice. The data are derived from pre‐ and post group discussions and discourse completion tasks as well as post instruction participant reflections on group negotiations and intercultural communication. Instruction was found to have had a positive impact on the pragmatic competence of these participants as well as raising their awareness of cultural differences as they learned to interact in an intercultural third place. These findings support the value of using relevant naturalistic discourse samples in explicit pragmatic instruction.
Necessary Truths are Just True: A Reply to Rossberg
Authors: Hughes Michael ,   Philosophy Documentation Center
Published: February 2015

One longstanding problem for glut theorists (also known as dialetheists) is the problem of ‘just true.’ On Beall’s conservative version of glut theory advanced in Spandrels of Truth (2009), he addresses the problem in two steps. The first is a rejection of the problem: he claims that the only general notion of ‘just true’ is just truth itself. On that view, the alleged problem of ‘just true’ is reduced to the problem of truth itself, which (according to glut theorists) has a solution—glut theory.The second step is to acknowledge that there is a notion of ‘just true’ which is more limited but nonetheless meets all reasonable criteria demanded by those who advance the longstanding just-true objection. Marcus Rossberg (Thought 2013) disagrees. According to Rossberg, a just-true operator ought to iterate and be non-arbitrary in ways that Beall’s proposed just-true operator is not. My aim in this paper is to construct a new conditional in terms of which a new just-true operator may be defined, a necessity operator, and to show that it meets all of the target desiderata of the debate. I then use that new operator to address the arbitrariness worries raised by Rossberg.
Maternal subclinical vascular changes in fetal growth restriction with and without pre‐eclampsia
Authors: Stergiotou I. , Bijnens B. , Cruz‐Lemini M. , Figueras F. , Gratacos E. , Crispi F.
Published: February 2015

Objective

To assess maternal vascular structure and function in pregnancies complicated by fetal growth restriction (FGR), in women with and without pre‐eclampsia (PE) at the time of FGR diagnosis.

Methods

We evaluated 124 women with a pregnancy complicated by FGR, of whom 60 had PE and 64 did not, and compared these findings to those of 110 normal women (controls). The group of FGR pregnancies without PE was further subdivided according to gestational age at FGR diagnosis into early onset (< 32 weeks) or late onset (≥ 32 weeks). Maternal carotid intima–media thickness (IMT), blood pressure (BP), carotid artery distensibility (CD), circumferential wall stress (CWS) and inferior vena cava (IVC) collapsibility were assessed by ultrasound at the time of FGR diagnosis.

Results

Compared to controls, cases of FGR with PE showed increased maternal carotid IMT (0.425 (interquartile range (IQR), 0.381–0.486) vs 0.409 (IQR, 0.386–0.439) mm; P = 0.021), BP (mean, 109 (IQR, 101–117) vs 82  (IQR, 77–89) mmHg; P  < 0.001) and CWS (19.7 (IQR, 17.0–22.7) vs 12.2 (IQR, 11.1–13.7) kPa; P < 0.001), and reduced CD (25.3 (IQR, 15.7–35.6) vs 31.9 (IQR, 25.4–41.1) kPa−1 × 10−3; P = 0.037) and IVC collapsibility indices (0.07 (IQR, 0.06–1.11) vs 0.10 (IQR, 0.06–0.13); P  =  0.136). Similarly, compared to controls, in cases of FGR without PE maternal carotid IMT (0.436  (IQR, 0.392–0.476) mm; P  = 0.001) and BP (88 (IQR, 81–95) mmHg; P < 0.001) were increased but CD and IVC collapsibility were similar. When analysis was subclassified according to gestational age at diagnosis, IMT and CWS were significantly increased only in early‐onset FGR while BP was increased in both groups.

Conclusion

Normotensive women with pregnancy complicated by FGR share some subclinical vascular features with those of women with PE, which further reinforces the notion that, at least in a proportion of cases, there is a common placental disease that influences maternal cardiovascular features. Copyright © 2015 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.