bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
1,4‐Dihydropyridine derivatives without Ca2+‐antagonist activity up‐regulate Psma6 mRNA expression in kidneys of intact and diabetic rats
Authors: Ošiņa Kristīne , Rostoka Evita , Sokolovska Jelizaveta , Paramonova Natalia , Bisenieks Egils , Duburs Gunars , Sjakste Nikolajs , Sjakste Tatjana
Published: December 2015

Impaired degradation of proteins by the ubiquitin–proteasome system (UPS) is observed in numerous pathologies including diabetes mellitus (DM) and its complications. Dysregulation of proteasomal degradation might be because of altered expression of genes and proteins involved in the UPS. The search for novel compounds able to normalize expression of the UPS appears to be a topical problem. A novel group of 1,4‐dihydropyridine (1,4‐DHP) derivatives lacking Ca2+‐antagonists activities, but capable to produce antidiabetic, antioxidant and DNA repair enhancing effects, were tested for ability to modify Psma6 mRNA expression levels in rat kidneys and blood in healthy animals and in rats with streptozotocin (STZ) induced DM. Psma6 gene was chosen for the study, as polymorphisms of its human analogue are associated with DM and cardiovascular diseases. 1,4‐DHP derivatives (metcarbatone, etcarbatone, glutapyrone, J‐9‐125 and AV‐153‐Na) were administered per os for three days (0.05 mg/kg and/or 0.5 mg/kg). Psma6 gene expression levels were evaluated by quantitative PCR.

Psma6 expression was higher in kidneys compared to blood. Induction of diabetes caused increase of Psma6 expression in kidneys, although it was not changed in blood. Several 1,4‐DHP derivatives increased expression of the gene both in kidneys and blood of control and model animals, but greater impact was observed in kidneys. The observed effect might reflect coupling of antioxidant and proteolysis‐promoting activities of the compounds. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Experimental and Theoretical Studies on Corvol Ether Biosynthesis
Authors: Rabe Patrick , Janusko Aron , Goldfuss Bernd , Dickschat Jeroen S.
Published: December 2015

The biosynthesis of corvol ethers A and B, two sesquiterpenes from Kitasatospora setae, proceeds with involvement of either one 1,3‐ or two sequential 1,2‐hydride shifts. Quantum chemical calculations revealed that the sequence of two 1,2‐hydride shifts is energetically favoured. Labelling experiments were in agreement with this finding. In addition, the stereochemical course of a reprotonation step was investigated by incubation of 13C‐labelled isotopomers of farnesyl diphosphate in water and in deuterium oxide.
Electrodeposition of Inorganic Oxide/Nanocarbon Composites: Opportunities and Challenges
Authors: Janáky Csaba , Kecsenovity Egon , Rajeshwar Krishnan
Published: December 2015

Carbon nanomaterials, especially carbon nanotubes and graphene (either alone, or as building blocks of organized 3D superstructures), are attracting significant attention as large‐surface‐area electrode support materials. Their composites with inorganic oxides represent an interesting class of new functional materials. This Minireview critically focuses on the use of electrosynthetic (and photoelectrosynthetic) methods for preparing oxide nanoparticles on nanocarbon‐modified electrode surfaces. We focus on how electrodeposition can be used to tune composition, crystal structure, and morphology of the nanocomposites for targeted applications. Finally, selected examples will be given for how these electrosynthesized hybrid assemblies can be deployed in various application avenues.
Installation of a Rigid EDTA‐Like Motif into a Protein α‐Helix for Paramagnetic NMR Spectroscopy with Cobalt(II) Ions
Authors: Swarbrick James D. , Ung Phuc , Dennis Matthew L. , Lee Michael D. , Chhabra Sandeep , Graham Bim
Published: December 2015

Coupling two copies of an iminodiacetic acid–cysteine hybrid ligand to a pair of cysteine residues positioned in an i, i+4 arrangement within a protein α‐helix leads to generation of an EDTA‐like metal ion‐binding motif. Rigid binding of a CoII ion by this motif produces pseudo‐contact shifts suitable for paramagnetic NMR structural studies.
Solid‐Phase Enrichment and Analysis of Azide‐Labeled Natural Products: Fishing Downstream of Biochemical Pathways
Authors: Pérez Alexander J. , Wesche Frank , Adihou Hélène , Bode Helge B.
Published: December 2015

Many methods have been devised over the decades to trace precursors of specific molecules in cellular environments as, for example, in biosynthesis studies. The advent of click chemistry has facilitated the powerful combination of tracing and at the same time sieving the highly complex metabolome for compounds derived from simple or complex starting materials, especially when the click reaction takes place on a solid support. While the principle of solid‐phase click reactions has already been successfully applied for selective protein and peptide enrichment, the successful enrichment of much smaller primary and secondary metabolites, showing great structural diversity and undergoing many different biosynthetic steps, has seen only little development. For bacterial secondary metabolism, a far broader tolerance for “clickable” precursors was observed than in ribosomal proteinogenesis, thus making this method a surprisingly valuable tool for the tracking and discovery of compounds within the cellular biochemical network. The implementation of this method has led to the identification of several new compounds from the bacterial genera Photorhabdus and Xenorhabdus, clearly proving its power.
Comparison of the Single Bubble Ascent in a Newtonian and a Non‐Newtonian Liquid: A Phenomenological PIV Study
Authors: Böhm Lutz , Brehmer Manuel , Kraume Matthias
Published: December 2015

This fundamental study of single bubbles rising in confined geometries was motivated by the aeration in membrane bioreactors. The parameters channel depth, bubble size, superimposed liquid velocity and rheology of the liquid (Newtonian, non‐Newtonian) were varied. The flow field close to the bubble with a negative wake in the non‐Newtonian liquid is discussed and a data presentation is introduced allowing a statistical analysis. Cumulative distribution functions for the velocity magnitude, vorticity, strain and shear stress are extracted from the flow fields for each parameter combination. Except for channel depth, almost all analyzed properties increased with increasing bubble size and superimposed liquid velocity. An influence of the rheology on the results is visible especially for the shear stress.
Color association research on red‐green dichromats in the color ergonomics of user interface interaction
Authors: Li Xia , Wu Tong , Li Shuangyan , Yang Lu
Published: December 2015

With the development of our modern information society, digital products have become integrated into daily life. Research on the color ergonomics of user interfaces is a pressing issue. However, color‐vision‐deficient individuals (CVDIs), who account for 4.25% of the population, must use interfaces designed for individuals with normal color vision; the demands of CVDIs have not been sufficiently addressed. In this article, we investigate color associations in the color ergonomics of user interface interaction in a manner that aims both to improve interaction efficiency and to meet the psychological needs of CVDIs. First, we study color physiological cognitions in the color interactions of user interfaces for red‐green dichromats (RGDs) to determine the single‐color, two‐color, and three‐color combinations with high discrimination for a later experiment. Second, we explore the psychological–cognition relationships of colors in user‐interface interactions for RGDs. In an experiment involving 10 pairs of association semantemes and corresponding colors, the experimental results show that RGDs have different color cognitions caused by specific visual color expressions and unconscious environmental influences. Therefore, this article argues that RGD design should consider not only the habitual colors of solidified cognitions but also instinctive color associations. Finally, based on the results of previous experiments, we apply association color to the new interface design of computer security software (360 Total Security) for RGDs. Experimental results indicate that the application of color association in our new design can improve both interaction efficiency and CVDI user experience. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Col Res Appl, 41, 547–563, 2016
A Pharmacokinetic Study Comparing Eslicarbazepine Acetate Administered Orally as a Crushed or Intact Tablet in Healthy Volunteers
Authors: Sunkaraneni Soujanya , Kharidia Jahnavi , Schutz Ralph , Blum David , Cheng Hailong
Published: December 2015

The relative bioequivalence of crushed versus intact eslicarbazepine acetate (ESL) tablets (800 mg) administered orally in healthy adults was evaluated in an open‐label, randomized, 2‐period crossover study with a 5‐day washout between treatments. Sample blood levels of eslicarbazepine and (R)‐licarbazepine were determined; pharmacokinetic parameters were derived for eslicarbazepine. Bioequivalence was established if the 90% confidence intervals (CIs) for the geometric mean treatment ratios of eslicarbazepine AUC(0–∞) and Cmax were within the prespecified 80%–125% range. Twenty‐seven subjects in the intent‐to‐treat population (n = 28) completed both treatment periods. Eslicarbazepine exposure measures were similar for crushed versus intact ESL tablets: average Cmax, 11 700 versus 11 500 ng/mL; AUC(0–∞), 225 000 versus 234 000 ng·h/mL; AUC(0–last), 222 000 versus 231 000 ng·h/mL, respectively. Geometric least squares mean ratios (90%CIs) comparing eslicarbazepine exposure measures were within the 80%–125% range (Cmax, 102.63% [97.07%–108.51%]; AUC(0–∞), 96.72% [94.36%–99.13%]; AUC0–last, 96.69% [94.24%–99.21%]). In conclusion, ESL administered orally as a crushed tablet sprinkled on applesauce, or intact were bioequivalent in healthy subjects. Eslicarbazepine bioavailability was not significantly altered by crushing, indicating that ESL tablets can be administered intact or crushed.
Social optimum in social groups with give‐and‐take criterion
Authors: Aggarwal Saurabh , Kuri Joy , Vaze Rahul
Published: December 2015

We consider a ‘Social Group’ of networked nodes, seeking a ‘universe’ of segments. Each node has a subset of the universe and access to an expensive resource for downloading data. Nodes can also acquire the universe by exchanging copies of segments among themselves, at low cost, using inter‐node links. While exchanges over inter‐node links ensure minimum cost, some nodes in the group try to exploit the system. We term such nodes as ‘non‐reciprocating nodes’ and prohibit such behavior by proposing the ‘give‐and‐take’ criterion, where exchange is allowed if each node has segments unavailable with the other. Under this criterion, we consider the problem of maximizing the number of nodes with the universe at the end of local exchanges. First, we present a randomized algorithm that is shown to be optimal in the asymptotic regime. Then, we present greedy links algorithm, which performs well for most of the scenarios and yields an optimal result when the number of nodes is four. The polygon algorithm is proposed, which yields an optimal result when each of the nodes has a unique segment. After presenting some intuitive algorithms (e.g., greedy incremental algorithm and rarest first algorithm), we compare the performances of all proposed algorithms with the optimal. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Optimizing clinical use of biomarkers in high‐risk acute heart failure patients
Authors: Demissei Biniyam G. , Valente Mattia A.E. , Cleland John G. , O'Connor Christopher M. , Metra Marco , Ponikowski Piotr , Teerlink John R. , Cotter Gad , Davison Beth , Givertz Michael M. , Bloomfield Daniel M. , Dittrich Howard , van der Meer Peter , van Veldhuisen Dirk J. , Hillege Hans L. , Voors Adriaan A.
Published: December 2015

Aim

The clinical value of single biomarkers at single time‐points to predict outcomes in patients with acute heart failure (AHF) is limited. We performed a multimarker, multi‐time‐point analysis of biomarkers for the prediction of post‐discharge clinical outcomes in high‐risk AHF patients.

Methods and results

A set of 48 circulating biomarkers were measured in the PROTECT trial which enrolled 2033 patients with AHF. Associations between baseline levels of biomarkers and outcomes (30‐day all‐cause mortality, 30‐day death or rehospitalization for renal/cardiovascular causes and 180‐day all‐cause mortality) were evaluated. Prognostic accuracies of baseline, days 2 or 3, 7, and 14 biomarker measurements were estimated and compared utilizing a time‐dependent area under the curve (AUC) analysis. Forty‐four biomarkers were significantly associated with outcomes, but 42 had limited prognostic value (C‐index < 0.70). However, multimarker models combining best‐performing biomarkers from different clusters had a much stronger prognostic value. Combining blood urea nitrogen (BUN), chloride, interleukin (IL)‐6, cTnI, sST‐2 and VEGFR‐1 into a clinical model yielded a 11% increase in C‐index to 0.84 and 0.78 for 30‐day and 180‐day all‐cause mortality, respectively, and cNRI of 0.86 95% CI [0.55–1.11] and 0.76 95% CI [0.57–0.87]. Prognostic gain was modest for the 30‐day death/rehospitalization for cardiovascular or renal causes endpoint. Comparative time‐dependent AUC analysis indicated that late measurements provided superior accuracy for the prediction of all‐cause mortality over 180 days, with few exceptions including BUN and galectin‐3. However, the predictive value of most biomarkers showed a diminishing pattern over time irrespective of moment of measurement.

Conclusions

Multimarker models significantly improve risk prediction. Subsequent measurements, beyond admission, are needed for majority of biomarkers to maximize prognostic value over time, particularly in the long term.
Catalyst‐Controlled Regioselective Approach to 1‐Aminoisoquinolines and/or 1‐Aminoisoindolines through Aminative Domino Cycliza­tion of 2‐Alkynylbenzonitriles
Authors: Reddy Virsinha , Jadhav Abhijeet S. , Anand Ramasamy Vijaya
Published: December 2015

A metal‐catalyzed regioselective approach towards the synthesis of 1‐aminoisoquinolines and/or 1‐aminoisindolines through aminative domino cyclization of 2‐alkynylbenzonitriles with secondary amines has been developed under solvent‐free conditions. It was found that the regioselectivity of the reaction was greatly influenced by the choice of the metal catalyst. Copper‐based catalysts favored 6‐endo‐dig cyclization leading to 1‐aminoisoquinolines, whereas other catalysts such as triflates of Zn, Ag, Bi, Sc and Yb favored the formation of 1‐aminoisoindolines through 5‐exo‐dig cyclization.
Hybrid Graphene Quantum Dots@Graphene Foam Nanosheets for Dye‐Sensitized Solar Cell Electrodes
Authors: Chang Quanhong , Ma Zhoujing , Wang Jinzhong , Li Panpan , Yan Yuan , Shi Wangzhou , Chen Qi , Huang Yuewu , Huang Lei
Published: December 2015

A high‐efficiency counter electrode (CE) consisting of zero‐dimensional graphene quantum dots (GQDs)@graphene foam nanosheets (GFs) is proposed for dye‐sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). In the hybrid CE, the nanometer‐sized GQDs with more defect sites at the edges, provide outstanding electrocatalytic activity for the reduction of I3−. The high‐quality GFs with high electronic conductivity act as fast electron transportation channels for facilitating the charge injection between the GQDs and the fluorinated tin oxide (FTO) substrate. The DSSC with the optimized hybrid CE exhibits an energy conversion efficiency (η) of 9.59 % with an open‐circuit voltage (Voc), short‐circuit photocurrent density (Jsc), and fill factor (FF) of 0.75 V, 19.23 mA cm−2, and 66.5 %, respectively.
Effect of Non‐Darcy Flow on the Integral Fracturing Design of Low‐Permeability Petroleum Reservoirs
Authors: Bian Xiaobing , Zhou Luxi , Zhang Jingchen , Zhang Shicheng
Published: December 2015

An integral fracturing plan for low‐permeability petroleum reservoirs is commonly designed by using a black oil model; however, significant error may exist when non‐Darcy flow effects are not taken into account. Thus a three‐dimensional, two‐phase numerical reservoir model was established for vertical fractured wells by considering the characteristics of low‐permeability reservoirs. Based on the new model, a field case in the Zhao Ao oilfield was studied. The results show that the optimal well spacing of the five‐spot well network is 300 m for oil well, and the optimal half fracture length is 60 m with a fracture conductivity of 45 μm2 cm. In 2007, the recommended development plan was adopted and 18 oil wells and 11 water‐injection wells were implemented using the integral fracturing technique. Until June 2009, the total oil increase was 9373.4 ton. Successful field applications verify that the integral fracturing technique could greatly improve the oil recovery rate and recovery efficiency, and that the new model is reliable for new applications.
A model‐based approach for analog spatio‐temporal dynamic forecasting
Authors: McDermott Patrick L. , Wikle Christopher K.
Published: December 2015

Analog forecasting has been applied in a variety of fields for predicting future states of complex nonlinear systems that require flexible forecasting methods. Past analog methods have almost exclusively been used in an empirical framework without the structure of a model‐based approach. We propose a Bayesian model framework for analog forecasting, building upon previous analog methods but accounting for parameter uncertainty. Thus, unlike traditional analog forecasting methods, the use of Bayesian modeling allows one to rigorously quantify uncertainty to obtain realistic posterior predictive distributions. The model is applied to the long‐lead time forecasting of mid‐May averaged soil moisture anomalies in Iowa over a high‐resolution grid of spatial locations. Sea surface temperature is used to find past time periods with similar trajectories to the current pre‐forecast period. The analog model is developed on projection coefficients from a basis expansion of the soil moisture and sea surface temperature fields. Separate models are constructed for locations falling in each Iowa Crop Reporting District, and the forecasting ability of the proposed model is compared against a variety of alternative methods and metrics. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Morphological and transcriptional responses of Lycopersicon esculentum to hexavalent chromium in agricultural soil
Authors: Li Shi-Guo , Hou Jing , Liu Xin-Hui , Cui Bao-Shan , Bai Jun-Hong
Published: December 2015

The carcinogenic, teratogenic, and mutagenic effects of hexavalent chromium (Cr[VI]) on living organisms through the food chain raise the immediate need to assess the potential toxicological impacts of Cr(VI) on human health. Therefore, the concentration-dependent responses of 12 Cr(VI)-responsive genes selected from a high-throughput Lycopersicon esculentum complementary DNA microarray were examined at different Cr concentrations. The results indicated that most of the genes were differentially expressed from 0.1 mg Cr/kg soil, whereas the lowest-observable-adverse-effect concentrations of Cr(VI) were 1.6 mg Cr/kg soil, 6.4 mg Cr/kg soil, 3.2 mg Cr/kg soil, and 0.4 mg Cr/kg soil for seed germination, root elongation, root biomass, and root morphology, respectively, implying that the transcriptional method was more sensitive than the traditional method in detecting Cr(VI) toxicity. Dose-dependent responses were observed for the relative expression of expansin (p = 0.778), probable chalcone-flavonone isomerase 3 (p = –0.496), and 12S seed storage protein CRD (p = –0.614); therefore, the authors propose the 3 genes as putative biomarkers in Cr(VI)-contaminated soil. Environ Toxicol Chem 2016;35:1751–1758. © 2015 SETAC
Implicit large eddy simulation using the high‐order correction procedure via reconstruction scheme
Authors: Vermeire Brian C. , Nadarajah Siva , Tucker Paul G.
Published: December 2015

We investigate implicit large eddy simulation of the Taylor–Green vortex, Comte‐Bellot–Corrsin experiment, turbulent channel flow and transitional and turbulent flow over an SD7003 airfoil using the high‐order unstructured correction procedure via reconstruction (CPR) scheme, also known as the flux reconstruction scheme. We employ P1 (second‐order) to P5 (sixth‐order) spatial discretizations. Results show that the CPR scheme can accurately predict turbulent flows without the addition of a sub‐grid scale model. Numerical dissipation, concentrated at the smallest resolved scales, is found to filter high‐frequency content from the solution. In addition, the high‐order schemes are found to be more accurate than the low‐order schemes on a per degree of freedom basis for the canonical test cases we consider. These results motivate the further investigation and use of the CPR scheme for simulating turbulent flows. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Alcohol Consumption and Long‐Term Labor Market Outcomes
Authors: Böckerman Petri , Hyytinen Ari , Maczulskij Terhi
Published: December 2015

This paper examines whether alcohol consumption is related to long‐term labor market outcomes. We use twin data for Finnish men and women matched to register‐based individual information on employment and earnings. The twin data allow us to account for the shared environmental and genetic factors. The quantity of alcohol consumption was measured by weekly average consumption using self‐reported data from three surveys (1975, 1981 and 1990). The average of an individual's employment months and earnings were measured in adulthood over the period 1990–2009. The models that account for the shared environmental and genetic factors reveal that former drinkers and heavy drinkers both have almost 20% lower earnings compared with moderate drinkers. On average, former drinkers work annually approx. 1 month less over the 20‐year observation period. These associations are robust to the use of covariates, such as education, pre‐existing health endowment and smoking. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Linear ion trap with added octopole field component: the property and method
Authors: Dang Qiankun , Xu Fuxing , Huang Xiaohua , Fang Xiang , Wang Rizhi , Ding Chuan‐Fan
Published: December 2015

It is well known that superimposition of some positive octopole field will benefit the performance of ion trap mass analyzer. In the radial‐ejection linear ion trap (LIT), adding some octopole field component to the main quadrupole field is usually accomplished by stretching the ejection rod pair. In this study, the effect of octopole potential and some other higher order potential on the performance of LIT mass analyzer is investigated. A simple and effective method, which is to add some octopole component by building a LIT with a pair of rectangular electrodes and a pair of semi‐circular electrodes, is reported. Its properties were studied by numerical simulations and experiments. The results showed that a certain amount of positive octopole component could be produced by simply adjusting the position and width of the rectangular electrodes. A resolution of over 1200 at m/z 609 (~1600 Da/s) was observed in this type of LIT. They also performed tandem mass spectrometry well. The device with optimum geometry for ion ejection from rectangular electrodes provided comparable performance to that for ion ejection from semi‐circular electrodes. This type of LIT design is easy for fabrication and assembly. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Combining UV photodissociation action spectroscopy with electron transfer dissociation for structure analysis of gas‐phase peptide cation‐radicals
Authors: Shaffer Christopher J. , Pepin Robert , Tureček František
Published: December 2015

We report the first example of using ultraviolet (UV) photodissociation action spectroscopy for the investigation of gas‐phase peptide cation‐radicals produced by electron transfer dissociation. z‐Type fragment ions ●Gly‐Gly‐Lys+, coordinated to 18‐crown‐6‐ether (CE), are generated, selected by mass and photodissociated in the 200–400 nm region. The UVPD action spectra indicate the presence of valence‐bond isomers differing in the position of the Cα radical defect, (α‐Gly)‐Gly‐Lys+(CE), Gly‐(α‐Gly)‐Lys+(CE) and Gly‐Gly‐(α‐Lys+)(CE). The isomers are readily distinguishable by UV absorption spectra obtained by time‐dependent density functional theory (TD‐DFT) calculations. In contrast, conformational isomers of these radical types are calculated to have similar UV spectra. UV photodissociation action spectroscopy represents a new tool for the investigation of transient intermediates of ion‐electron reactions. Specifically, z‐type cation radicals are shown to undergo spontaneous hydrogen atom migrations upon electron transfer dissociation. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Safety evaluation of chemically modified beta‐lactoglobulin administered intravaginally
Authors: Guo Xuetao , Qiu Lixia , Wang Yonghong , Wang Yue , Meng Yuanguang , Zhu Yun , Lu Lu , Jiang Shibo
Published: December 2015

Currently, there is no specific antiviral therapy for treatment of HPV infection. Jiang and colleagues previously reported that anhydride‐modified proteins have inhibitory activities against multiple viruses including HPV. Here, we evaluated the safety of 3‐hydroxyphthalic anhydride‐modified bovine beta‐lactoglobulin, designated JB01, vaginally applied in women infected by high‐risk HPV. After the vaginal application of JB01 in 38 women for 3 months, no serious adverse events were reported, and normalization of the vaginal micro‐environment has been observed. It can be concluded that JB01‐BD is safe for vaginal use in HPV‐infected women, suggesting its potential application for the treatment of HPV infection. J. Med. Virol. 88:1098–1101, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Epstein–Barr and cytomegalovirus DNA salivary shedding correlate with long‐term plasma HIV RNA detection in HIV‐infected men who have sex with men
Authors: Scaggiante Renzo , Andreis Samantha , Basso Monica , Franchin Elisa , Franzetti Marzia , Del Vecchio Claudia , Torti Carlo , Mengoli Carlo , Cruciani Mario , Sarmati Loredana , Palù Giorgio , Parisi Saverio Giuseppe
Published: December 2015

The aim of the study was to evaluate cytomegalovirus (CMV) and Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) DNA salivary shedding in HIV‐positive men who have sex with men (MSM) and to determine whether viro‐immunological parameters and long‐term (24 months) plasma HIV RNA (pHIV) detection may predict herpesviruses replication. A total of 193 HIV‐positive MSM were consecutively recruited (mean CD4+ cell count 607 cells/mm3 and mean nadir value 333 cells/mm3); pHIV was analyzed for 24 months prior to saliva sampling: patients were categorized as successfully suppressed (SS) and not suppressed (NS). The EBV viral load was categorized as high viral load (HVL), intermediate (IVL), or low (LVL), CMV DNA as positive or negative. NS patients experienced both herpesviruses detectability more frequently respect to SS patients (P = 0.034); conversely, no salivary shedding was more frequent in SS patients (P = 0.014). HVL EBV was more frequent in NS patients than in SS subjects (P = 0.038 for isolated EBV detection and P = 0.001 when CMV shedding was associated). NS subjects with HVL EBV had a median pHIV of 43,820 copies/ml, significantly higher respect to IVL and LVL patients (P = 0.027 and P = 0.0005, respectively). CMV shedding was mostly associated to EBV shedding. NS patients showed a significantly higher frequency of saliva HVL EBV detection compared to SS patients; moreover, NS patients with HVL EBV had a higher pHIV respect to those with IVL and LVL shedding. Our results suggest that a successful pHIV suppression could reduce the burden of salivary EBV replication and likely the risk of herpesviruses‐related cancers. J. Med. Virol. 88:1211–1221, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
History of incomplete vaccination may associate with occurrence of hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome with relieved clinical symptoms
Authors: Chen Yunru , Yang Xueliang , Ye Feng , Chen Tianyan , Liu Zhengwen , Zhao Yingren
Published: December 2015

Objective: This retrospective study is aimed to investigate the clinical features of the patients with history of incomplete vaccination against hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS). Methods: Data of 140 cases of hospitalized patients with HFRS were collected. The patients were divided into incomplete vaccinated group (n = 10) and unvaccinated group (n = 130) according to vaccination status. Demographic, clinical, and laboratory characteristics of the two groups' patients were compared through t test, Pearson χ2 test, and Mann–Whitney test. Results: In comparison with the unvaccinated group, the incidence rate of vomiting and hypotensive‐shock, the white blood cell (WBC) and platelet count, the level of blood urea nitrogen and albumin, total number of dialysis and hospitalization cost of patients in the incomplete vaccinated group have statistically significant differences. Conclusion: HFRS disease may still occur in individuals with a history of HFRS incomplete vaccination although the symptoms may be mild. Effective vaccination against HFRS needs sufficient doses and booster shot of the vaccine. J. Med. Virol. 88:1168–1172, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Attenuating Oxidative Stress Via Oxalate Ester‐Containing Ferulic Acid‐Based Poly(anhydride‐esters) that Scavenge Hydrogen Peroxide
Authors: Faig Jonathan J. , Klein Sarah , Ouimet Michelle A. , Yu Weiling , Uhrich Kathryn E.
Published: December 2015

Ferulic acid (FA) is a naturally occurring, potent antioxidant commonly utilized in biomedical, food, and cosmetic formulations. While effective, FA's instability decreases its efficacy in formulations. Previous work demonstrates stabilization and controlled release of FA when incorporated into a polymer; however, these polymers lack inherent bioactivity, which can be significant in systems being actively impaired by oxidative stress. To address this limitation, oxalate ester linkages are incorporated into the polymer backbone due to their high reactivity toward hydrogen peroxide, a reactive oxygen species precursor. While polymer thermal properties and weight‐averaged molecular weight are similar to previous FA‐based poly(anhydride‐esters), the relative hydrophobicity, as indicated by contact angle measurements, is significantly higher. In vitro release studies indicate that polymer degradation and corresponding release of free FA are not solely dependent on hydrophobicity; despite higher hydrophobicity, these oxalate‐containing polymers degrade faster than previously published, more hydrophilic FA‐based polymers. Moreover, released FA maintains antioxidant activity, whereas the polymer displays hydrogen peroxide scavenging activity. Cytocompatibility studies demonstrate acceptable in vivo use up to 0.01 mg mL−1. This polymer system offers a two‐pronged approach to attenuate oxidative stress, as both the release product (i.e., FA) and polymer possess radical scavenging activity, rendering it useful for antioxidant applications.

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Uniform stabilization of a quasilinear plate model in hyperbolic thermoelasticity
Authors: Buriol C. , Menzala G. P.
Published: December 2015

We study dynamic elastic deformations of a quasilinear plate model of Timoshenko's type under thermal effects, which are modeled by Cattaneo's law. We prove uniform exponential stabilization of the total energy as time approaches infinity. We show global wellposedeness of the model and build a convenient Lyapunov function, which allow us to conclude the main result of this work. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Nitrogen‐14 NMR Spectroscopic Detection of Explosophores in Solution
Authors: McAteer Daniel , Akhavan Jacqueline
Published: December 2015

Nitrogen‐14 (14N) quadrupolar nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy was used to detect and measure the chemical environment of various nitrogen nuclei located within the explosophore of many commonly studied explosives in solution (Figure 1). The values are presented here as a resource for researchers in the field who may find use in this non‐destructive and convenient analytical technique.
Behavior of Alkali‐Bearing Minerals in Coking and Blast Furnace Processes
Authors: Gornostayev Stanislav S. , Heikkinen Eetu‐Pekka , Heino Jyrki J. , Huttunen Satu M. M. , Fabritius Timo M. J.
Published: December 2015

The distribution, structural, and textural features, and behavior of alkali‐bearing (K and Na) minerals are characterized from coking coals to feed coke and blast furnace (BF) coke. In coals, they are mostly represented by phyllosilicates (illite, montmorillonite, biotite, and muscovite) and feldspars. During the coking process, phyllosilicates retain a layered texture of their aggregates. Under coking conditions, feldspars keep the original outlines of mineral grains and bulk composition. There are no substantial changes in the volume of mineral grains and these alkali‐bearing minerals have no physical effect on the coke matrix at coking temperatures. Thermodynamic calculations have shown that there are two major alkali‐bearing mineral phases left in the system toward the end of the coking process – albite and leucite. Under BF conditions, Na is fully transferred to the molten phase above 1000 °C, while K partly occurs in leucite up to 1434 °C. The formation of intercalation compounds under BF conditions starts at 1127–1136 °C. Since K is referred to as a main intercalate phase in coke, then attention should primarily be focused on the presence of K‐bearing minerals in coking coals. The quality of coals is assessed by the amount of K‐bearing phyllosilicates and K‐feldspars.
Comparative Computational Studies of Gaseous Alkali Metal Amidoboranes MNH2BH3 and their Carbon Analogs MC2H5 (M = Li – Cs): Formation and Unimolecular Hydrogen Evolution
Authors: Lisovenko Anna S. , Timoshkin Alexey Y.
Published: December 2015

Comparative computational studies of reaction mechanisms of formation and unimolecular hydrogen evolution from alkali metal amidoboranes MNH2BH3 and their carbon analogs MC2H5 (M = Li – Cs) were performed at the B3LYP/def2‐TZVPPD level of theory. Transition states (TS) for the consecutive dehydrogenation reactions were optimized. In contrast to endergonic dehydrogenation of carbon analogs, dehydrogenation reactions of alkali metal amidoboranes are exergonic at room temperature. The nature of the alkali metal does not significantly affect the thermodynamic characteristics and activation energies of unimolecular gas phase dehydrogenation reactions. The influence of the alkali metal is qualitatively similar for amidoboranes and their carbon analogs.
Marketing for the Non-profit Sector
Authors: Hannagan Tim
Published: December 2015

After reading this book you will understand why it is essential for non-profit organisations to market their services and how they can research their customers. This book stresses the actions necessary for an organisation to succeed in marketing based on good practice in both the profit and non-profit sectors.
Learning, memory and synaptic plasticity in hippocampus in rats exposed to sevoflurane
Authors: Xiao Hongyan , Liu Bing , Chen Yali , Zhang Jun
Published: December 2015

Purpose

Developmental exposure to volatile anesthetics has been associated with cognitive deficits at adulthood. Rodent studies have revealed impairments in performance in learning tasks involving the hippocampus. However, how the duration of anesthesia exposure impact on hippocampal synaptic plasticity, learning, and memory is as yet not fully elucidated.

Methods

On postnatal day 7(P7), rat pups were divided into 3 groups: control group (n = 30), 3% sevoflurane treatment for 1 h (Sev 1 h group, n = 30) and 3% sevoflurane treatment for 6 h (Sev 6 h group, n = 28). Following anesthesia, synaptic vesicle‐associated proteins and dendrite spine density and synapse ultrastructure were measured using western blotting, Golgi staining, and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) on P21. In addition, the effects of sevoflurane treatment on long‐term potentiation (LTP) and long‐term depression (LTD), two molecular correlates of memory, were studied in CA1 subfields of the hippocampus, using electrophysiological recordings of field potentials in hippocampal slices on P35‐42. Rats' neurocognitive performance was assessed at 2 months of age, using the Morris water maze and novel‐object recognition tasks.

Results

Our results showed that neonatal exposure to 3% sevoflurane for 6 h results in reduced spine density of apical dendrites along with elevated expression of synaptic vesicle‐associated proteins (SNAP‐25 and syntaxin), and synaptic ultrastructure damage in the hippocampus. The electrophysiological evidence indicated that hippocampal LTP, but not LTD, was inhibited and that learning and memory performance were impaired in two behavioral tasks in the Sev 6 h group. In contrast, lesser structural and functional damage in the hippocampus was observed in the Sev 1 h group.

Conclusion

Our data showed that 6‐h exposure of the developing brain to 3% sevoflurane could result in synaptic plasticity impairment in the hippocampus and spatial and nonspatial hippocampal‐dependent learning and memory deficits. In contrast, shorter‐duration exposure (1 h) results in less damage. These results provide further evidences that duration of anesthesia exposure could have differential effects on neuronal plasticity and neurocognitive performance.
Retracted: Randomized controlled study of pre‐conception thromboprophylaxis among patients with recurrent spontaneous abortion related to antiphospholipid syndrome
Authors: Ismail Alaa M. , Hamed Ali H. , Saso Srdjan , Abu‐Elhasan Ahmad M. , Abu‐Elghar Mona M. , Abdelmeged Aymen N.
Published: December 2015

Objectives

To investigate the effects of pre‐conception thromboprophylaxis among patients with recurrent spontaneous abortion and antiphospholipid syndrome.

Methods

A randomized placebo‐controlled trial enrolled patients with a history of recurrent spontaneous abortions and antiphospholipid syndrome who attended an Egyptian center between January 2011 and June 2013. Using a computer‐generated sequence, patients were randomly allocated to receive 41 mg enoxaparin subcutaneously plus 81 mg aspirin daily pre‐conception, or to receive placebo pre‐conception. All patients received enoxaparin and aspirin following identification of fetal heart pulsation. The primary outcomes were live‐birth rate and clinical‐pregnancy rate at 0–6 months, and at 6–12 months. Intention‐to‐treat analyses were performed. Clinicians, investigators, and data analysts were masked to the treatment assignments.

Results

The study enrolled 180 patients(90 in each group). No significant difference was observed between the intervention and control groups in the live‐birth rate (67[74%] vs 59[66%]; P = 0.25). At 0–6 months, the clinical‐pregnancy rate was higher in the intervention group (50[56%]vs 30[33%], P = 0.02). No significant difference between the intervention and control groups was observed in the clinical‐pregnancy rate at 6–12 months (32[36%] vs 35[39%], P = 0.52).

Conclusion

Among patients with recurrent spontaneous abortion and antiphospholipid syndrome, pre‐conception enoxaparin increased the clinical‐pregnancy rate at 0–6 months, but did not affect the clinical‐pregnancy rate at 6–12 months or the live‐birth rate.

ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT01661439
Uniform momentum zones in turbulent boundary layers
Authors: de Silva Charitha M. , Hutchins Nicholas , Marusic Ivan
Published: December 2015

Structural properties of regions of uniform streamwise momentum in turbulent boundary layers are examined using experimental databases obtained from particle image velocimetry. This investigation employs a large range of Reynolds numbers, spanning more than an order of magnitude ($Re_{{\it\tau}}=10^{3}{-}10^{4}$), enabling us to provide a detailed description of uniform momentum zones as a function of Reynolds number. Our analysis starts by examining the identification criterion used by Adrian et al. (J. Fluid Mech., vol. 422, 2000, pp. 1–54) to report the presence of uniform momentum zones in turbulent boundary layers. This criterion is then applied to show that a zonal-like structural arrangement is prevalent in all datasets examined, emphasising its importance in the structural organisation. Streamwise velocity fluctuations within the zones are observed to be small but they are bounded by distinct step changes in streamwise momentum which indicate that shear layers of intense vorticity separate each zone. A log-linear increase in the number of these zones with increasing Reynolds number is revealed, together with an increase in the thicknesses of zones with increasing distance from the wall. These results support a hierarchical length-scale distribution of coherent structures, which generate zonal-like organisation within turbulent boundary layers. Interpretation of these findings is aided by employing synthetic velocity fields generated using a model based on the attached eddy hypothesis, which is described in the work of Perry and co-workers. Comparisons between the model and experimental results show that a hierarchy of self-similar structures leads to population densities and length-scale distributions of uniform momentum zones that closely adhere to those observed experimentally in this study.
Conservation before the crisis – an opportunity in Gabon
Authors: McShane Thomas O.
Published: December 2015

Much of the news we hear regarding the conservation situation in Africa portrays a continent in crisis. Increasing human population, decreasing agricultural production, loss of forest cover and mounting debt all point to a bleak future. Even in countries where conservationists have been most active the black rhino is near extinction and the elephant population is crashing. The conservation community has responded with last-ditch conservation efforts, commonly known as ‘firefighting’ or ‘band-aid conservation’. This paper examines an opportunity to practice ‘conservation before the crisis’ in Gabon, a country with time on its side to address its long-term conservation and development needs.
Hittites, Ottomans and Turks: Ağaoğlu Ahmed Bey and the Kemalist construction of Turkish nationhood in Anatolia
Authors: Erimtan Can
Published: December 2015

This article analyses the position of the Hittites in the theoretical development of Turkish nationalism in the 20th century. The piece provides an outline of the full content of the Hittite claim in a Turkish nationalist context, particularly its promulgation as part of the so-called ‘Turkish History Thesis’. Following this, I will give full weight to the historical circumstances surrounding the emergence of the Hittite trope in Turkish writing. Basing myself on the work of Mete Tunçay, I will give proper prominence to the publication of the propaganda tractPontus Meselesi(1922). It is my contention that the Turkish intellectual of Azerî descent, Ağaoğlu Ahmed Bey, was the sole author of the textPontus Meselesi. The remainder of the article consists of a close reading of this geo-text. I will demonstrate that Ağaoğlu's discovery of the Hittites as worthy forebears for the Anatolian Muslims, whom he refers to as ‘Turks’ in his text, was the outcome of an ideologically motivated reading of 19th century European accounts of ancient Near Eastern history. The article shows that the propagation of the Kemalist concept of Turkish nationalism in Anatolia dates back to 1922, a year prior to the establishment of the Republic of Turkey.
Verkehrsverhalten und Unfallrisiko nach Hirnschädigung: Follow-up nach einem Jahr
Authors: Niemann Hendrik , Hartje Wolfgang
Published: December 2015

Zusammenfassung. In einer Follow-up Studie wurde bei 92 hirngeschädigten Patienten und 86 gesunden Vergleichspersonen über Fragebögen das Verkehrsverhalten und die Häufigkeit von Unfällen und Verkehrsverstößen im Jahr nach Abschluss einer Rehabilitationsmaßnahme bzw. vor der Befragung ermittelt. Bei einer neuropsychologischen Fahreignungsprüfung während der Rehabilitationsmaßnahme zeigten alle Patienten in einer umfangreichen Fahrverhaltensprobe ein ausreichend sicheres Fahrverhalten, so dass ihre weitere Fahreignung angenommen wurde. Die Analyse der Fragebogendaten ergab weder eine Veränderung des Verkehrsverhaltens der Patienten im Vergleich zur Zeit vor der Erkrankung, noch eine Erhöhung der Häufigkeit von Unfällen oder Verkehrsverstößen im Vergleich mit den Kontrollpersonen. Das Verkehrsrisiko kann demnach für Patienten, die bei einer Fahrverhaltensprobe ein ausreichend sicheres Fahrverhalten zeigten, als normal betrachtet werden.
Puzzling Confabulations – An Overview of Classifications and Theories
Authors: Heidler Maria-Dorothea Heidler , Eling Paul
Published: December 2015

Abstract. Confabulations comprise a puzzling collection of false statements, produced without conscious intent to deceive. They have been classified according to the mode of elicitation (spontaneous vs. provoked), the content (fantastic vs. plausible), the memory domain in which they become manifest (episodic vs. semantic), their stability (stable vs. ephemeral), or their selectivity (monothematic vs. multithematic). All classifications appear to be problematic, because there are no clear-cut dichotomies, and confabulations often seem to fall into overlapping categories. There are, in fact, many theories, presumably explaining different kinds of confabulations; the best bet is to regard them as complementary rather than competing.
Alaskan Wildfires Influence Permafrost Recovery
Authors: Shultz David
Published: December 2015

Warming climate reduces permafrost's ability to recover following wildfires in Alaskan lowland forest.
Exoplanets: First Baby Pictures Unveiled
Authors: Cowen Ron
Published: December 2015

New observations of stars hundreds of light-years from Earth reveal evidence of planets still surrounded by disks of the primordial materials they grow from.
Lower expression of activating transcription factors 3 and 4 correlates with shorter progression-free survival in multiple myeloma patients receiving bortezomib plus dexamethasone therapy
Authors: Narita T , Ri M , Masaki A , Mori F , Ito A , Kusumoto S , Ishida T , Komatsu H , Iida S
Published: December 2015

Bortezomib (BTZ), a proteasome inhibitor, is widely used in the treatment of multiple myeloma (MM), but a fraction of patients respond poorly to this agent. To identify factors predicting the duration of progression-free survival (PFS) of MM patients on BTZ treatment, the expression of proteasome and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress-related genes was quantified in primary samples from patients receiving a combination of BTZ and dexamethasone (BD). Fifty-six MM patients were stratified into a group with PFS<6 months (n=33) and a second group with PFS⩾6 months (n=23). Of the 15 genes analyzed, the expression of activating transcription factor 3 (ATF3) and ATF4 was significantly lower in patients with shorter PFS (P=0.0157 and P=0.0085, respectively). Chromatin immunoprecipitation analysis showed that these ATFs bind each other and transactivate genes encoding the pro-apoptotic transcription factors, CHOP and Noxa, which promote ER stress-associated apoptosis. When either ATF3 or ATF4 expression was silenced, MM cells partially lost sensitivity to BTZ treatment. This was accompanied by lower levels of Noxa, CHOP and DR5. Thus low basal expression of ATF3 and ATF4 may attenuate BTZ-induced apoptosis. Hence, ATF3 and ATF4 could potentially be used as biomarkers to predict efficacy of BD therapy in patients with MM.