bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Flow cytometry as an improved method for the titration of Chlamydiaceae and other intracellular bacteria
Authors: Käser T. , Pasternak J. A. , Hamonic G. , Rieder M. , Lai K. , Delgado‐Ortega M. , Gerdts V. , Meurens F.
Published: February 2016

Chlamydiaceae is a family of intracellular bacteria causing a range of diverse pathological outcomes. The most devastating human diseases are ocular infections with C. trachomatis leading to blindness and genital infections causing pelvic inflammatory disease with long‐term sequelae including infertility and chronic pelvic pain. In order to enable the comparison of experiments between laboratories investigating host‐chlamydia interactions, the infectious titer has to be determined. Titer determination of chlamydia is most commonly performed via microscopy of host cells infected with a serial dilution of chlamydia. However, other methods including fluorescent ELISpot (Fluorospot) and DNA Chip Scanning Technology have also been proposed to enumerate chlamydia‐infected cells. For viruses, flow cytometry has been suggested as a superior alternative to standard titration methods. In this study we compared the use of flow cytometry with microscopy and Fluorospot for the titration of C. suis as a representative of other intracellular bacteria. Titer determination via Fluorospot was unreliable, while titration via microscopy led to a linear read‐out range of 16 − 64 dilutions and moderate reproducibility with acceptable standard deviations within and between investigators. In contrast, flow cytometry had a vast linear read‐out range of 1,024 dilutions and the lowest standard deviations given a basic training in these methods. In addition, flow cytometry was faster and material costs were lower compared to microscopy. Flow cytometry offers a fast, cheap, precise, and reproducible alternative for the titration of intracellular bacteria like C. suis. © 2016 International Society for Advancement of Cytometry
Comparison of EASYPREP® and SurePath® in thyroid fine‐needle aspiration
Authors: Chong Yosep , Baek Ki Hyun , Kim Jee Young , Kim Tae‐Jung , Lee Eun Jung , Kang Chang Suk
Published: February 2016

Background

While fine‐needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) using conventional smear has been widely accepted as the primary diagnostic tool for thyroid lesions, liquid‐based preparations (LBPs) are increasingly replacing it. A new automated LBP method, EASYPREP® (EP), was recently introduced and has shown relevant diagnostic efficacy in gynecologic samples. We compared the diagnostic utility of EP and SurePath® (SP), a more widely established LBP method, in thyroid FNAC.

Methods

Under the ultrasonographic guidance, 253 thyroid FNAC samples were collected by sample‐splitting manner. Three pathologists made cytologic diagnoses of EP and SP according to the Bethesda system independently and compared the cytomorphologic parameters. Cytohistologic correlation was performed in 30 resected cases.

Results

Fifteen (5.9%) and 21 (8.3%) samples were unsatisfactory in SP and EP, respectively, owing to the unequal sample‐splitting. Cytologic diagnoses of SP and EP were consistent in 228 cases (90.1%), and inconsistent in remainder mostly owing to the unequal distribution of pathognomic cells. While cytomorphologic parameters were not significantly different between two methods, EP showed less three‐dimensional configuration in benign lesions. Cytohistologic correlation showed no significant differences in sensitivity (100% vs. 95.5%) and specificity (100% vs. 100%) between SP and EP. Labor time for processing 48 cases was 42% shorter with EP than with SP (28 min vs. 48 min).

Conclusions

The diagnostic utility of EP in thyroid FNAC was comparable to that of SP. EP allowed better visibility owing to better fragmentation of follicular clusters. The automated system of EP has the advantages of a shorter labor time for batch processing. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2016;44:283–290. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Reproducibility of cervical cytopathology following an intervention by an external quality control laboratory
Authors: Ázara Cinara Zago Silveira , Manrique Edna Joana Claudio , Tavares Suelene Brito do Nascimento , Alves de Souza Nadja Lindany , Magalhães Juliana Cristina , Amaral Rita Goreti
Published: February 2016

Background

This study assessed the effects of a continued education program on the agreement between cervical cytopathology exams interpreted by local laboratories and interpretation made by an external quality control laboratory (LabMEQ).

Methods

Overall, 9,798 exams were analyzed between 2007 and 2008, prior to implementation of a continued education program, and 10,028 between 2010 and 2011, following implementation. Continued education consisted of theoretical and practical classes held every two months. The chi‐square test and the kappa coefficient were used in the statistical analysis.

Results

Following implementation of continued education, the rate of false‐negative results, and those leading to delays in clinical management fell in eight laboratories and the rate of false‐positive results in five. Agreement between the results reported by the laboratories and the findings of LabMEQ, evaluated according to clinical management, remained excellent in three laboratories (kappa >0.80 and <1.0), went from good (kappa >0.60 and <0.80) to excellent in seven and from excellent to good in two. Agreement regarding the identification of metaplastic epithelium was poor (kappa = 0.25) but progressed to excellent following the implementation of continued education (kappa = 0.950). Agreement between cytopathology results improved significantly following implementation of continued education in cases reported as unsatisfactory (P < 0.001), atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance, cannot exclude high‐grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (P < 0.001), low‐grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (P < 0.001), and glandular atypia (P < 0.001).

Conclusion

Continued education contributed towards improving the reproducibility of cervical cytopathology, decreased the rates of false‐negative and false‐positive results, and reduced delays in clinical management. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2016;44:305–310. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Hillslope response to insect‐induced land‐cover change: an integrated model of end‐member mixing
Authors: Bearup Lindsay A. , Maxwell Reed M. , McCray John E.
Published: February 2016

Current understanding of streamflow composition in mountain watersheds is often limited by inherent uncertainties and collection limitations in field data and assumptions associated with modelling techniques. Additional complexity arises in catchments experiencing land‐cover change. Here, a hillslope model with fully integrated processes from the subsurface through the canopy is combined with Lagrangian particle tracking through the surface and subsurface domains to understand changes in flow paths and source waters with insect‐induced tree death. This approach explicitly simulates end‐member mixing by tracking parcels of water tagged as rain, snow, and pre‐simulation (‘old’) groundwater and provides a method of separating outflows from these sources. Model simulations identify increases in subsurface water availability resulting from transpiration loss and altered canopy processes that increase throughfall and land‐surface energy. Combined with changes in snowmelt timing, the shallower depth to saturation associated with tree death results in increased old groundwater contributions to streamflow. This shift in the source of outflow is consistent with prior field analysis of changing streamflow contributions with tree mortality from widespread insect infestation in the Rocky Mountains of North America. Model results also highlight mixing of old water and new precipitation within the groundwater end‐member. Mixed hillslope outflows indicate that combinations of topography and precipitation can drive a range of signatures in groundwater inputs over meaningful time periods. Ultimately, this work and analysis of field observations provide insight into hillslope hydrologic processes and can serve as a platform for more complex simulations of land‐cover perturbations to streamflow source partitioning. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synthesis and Charge–Discharge Properties of Organometallic Co­polymers of Ferrocene and Triphen­ylamine as Cathode Active Materials for Organic‐Battery Applications
Authors: Xiang Jing , Sato Kan , Tokue Hiroshi , Oyaizu Kenichi , Ho Cheuk‐Lam , Nishide Hiroyuki , Wong Wai‐Yeung , Wei Mingdeng
Published: February 2016

Two new organometallic copolymers (PVFVM1 and PVFVM1‐1) bearing different molar ratios of ferrocene and triphenylamine pendants were successfully designed and synthesized as cathode active materials for organic‐battery applications. Their structural and thermal characteristics were determined by 1H NMR spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, size exclusion chromatography (SEC), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). Cyclic voltammograms of the as‐prepared polymers show that the electrochemical reactions of the ferrocene and triphenylamine moieties are reversible after the first cycle. A composite electrode based on copolymer PVFVM1 exhibits an initial specific discharge capacity of 102 mA h g–1, which corresponds to 98 % of its theoretical capacity (104 mA h g–1). The cycle endurances for both polymers have been evaluated for over 50 cycles. Our results show that both copolymers are good candidates as a new class of cathode active materials and charge‐storage materials for rechargeable batteries.
Hydroelementation of Unsaturated C–C Bonds Catalyzed by Metal Scorpionate Complexes
Authors: Wathier Matthew , Love Jennifer A.
Published: February 2016

Tridentate scorpionate ligands have a rich history in coordination chemistry. In the past two decades, metal complexes bearing scorpionate ligands have found increasing utility as catalysts for a variety of useful transformations. This microreview focuses on the utility of scorpionate ligands in hydroelementation of carbon–carbon unsaturated bonds, focusing specifically on hydrothiolation, hydroamination, hydroalkoxylation and hydrophosphinylation of alkenes and alkynes. In each example, the solid phase and solution phase coordination and fluxionality of the scorpionate ligand will be discussed.
Conformational Analysis of P,N‐Containing Eight‐Membered Heterocycles and Their Pt/Ni Complexes in Solution
Authors: Latypov Shamil , Strelnik Anna , Balueva Anna , Spiridonova Yulia , Karasik Andrey , Sinyashin Oleg
Published: February 2016

In solution, 1,5‐diaza‐3,7‐diphosphacyclooctanes (PR2NR′2) are in equilibrium between the crown (CW; major) and chair–boat (CB; minor) forms. Aromatic substituent at the nitrogen atom shifts the equilibrium in favor of the CW form. [Pt(PR2NR′2)]Cl2 complexes exist in solution in the CB (CB*) conformation irrespective of the substituent at the heteroatoms. Aromatic substituents on N notably decrease the barrier of CB–CB* conformational exchange. Biligand complexes ([M(PR2NR′2)2]2+, M = Pt, Ni) are in CBCB1 conformation with distortion of the metal coordination plane. The CBCB1 form is in degenerate exchange with the CBCB1* form. In general, distortion of the metal coordination plane and the intramolecular exchange barriers are higher in Ni complexes than in Pt ones. An Ar group at the nitrogen atom increases the heterocycle interconversion rate. Bulky P‐substituents increase the distortion of the metal coordination plane and slow down its “twisting” rate. Counterions with stronger coordinating ability increase the barriers of intramolecular conversion.
Improved Access to Huprine Derivatives Functionalized at Position 9
Authors: Oukoloff Killian , Chao Sovy , Cieslikiewicz‐Bouet Monika , Mougeot Romain , Jean Ludovic , Renard Pierre‐Yves
Published: February 2016

Herein, we present an improved synthetic pathway to huprine derivatives (the most potent family of non‐covalent acetylcholinesterase inhibitors described to date) with different functional groups at the C9‐position of the scaffold. Our approach enables selection of the desired terminal function prior to construction of the huprine scaffold and consists of three main steps: enol formation from a bicyclic ketone, Suzuki–Miyaura cross coupling with different borane derivatives and a Friedländer condensation to access to the quinoline moiety. This synthetic route was found particularly useful for construction of huprine scaffolds equipped with methylene chains bearing different terminal groups such as hydroxy, azide, nitro, amino and carboxylic groups. These functionalized huprines are used as key intermediates in the preparation of multi‐target directed ligands for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease or in the preparation of resins for purification of cholinesterases by affinity chromatography.
Fluorinated Radicamine A and B: Synthesis and Glycosidase Inhibition
Authors: Li Yi‐Xian , Iwaki Ren , Kato Atsushi , Jia Yue‐Mei , Fleet George W. J. , Zhao Xuan , Xiao Min , Yu Chu‐Yi
Published: February 2016

Fluorinated derivatives of radicamine A and radicamine B have been synthesized from D‐arabinose‐derived cyclic nitrone. Structure–activity relationship studies showed that glycosidase inhibition of these fluorinated derivatives was significantly influenced by the position of the fluorine atom. C‐7 or C‐11 fluorination of the aromatic ring decreased α‐glucosidase inhibition of the derivatives, whereas C‐8 or C‐10 fluorination preserved glycosidase inhibitory activities.
Disruption of Native β‐Turns: Consequence of Folding Competition between Native and Orthanilic Acid Proline‐Based Pseudo β‐Turn
Authors: Ingole Tukaram S. , Vijayadas Kuruppanthara N. , Chaitanya K. N. , Kotmale Amol S. , Gawade Rupesh L. , Gonnade R. G. , Rajamohanan P. R. , Sanjayan Gangadhar J.
Published: February 2016

Five tetrapeptides comprising β‐turn‐forming elements and a pseudo β‐turn (C9 H‐bonding) based on an SAnt‐Pro (orthanilic acid – proline) motif were designed and synthesized. Their extensive conformational investigation by single‐crystal X‐ray crystallography, solution‐state 2D NMR spectroscopic, and nOe‐restrained MD simulation studies revealed the formation of C14 or C9 folding and disruption of the native β‐turn (C10 H‐bonding) architecture. The striking difference between the ψ(ψ2) angle of “i + 2” residues of native β‐turn and designed peptides suggest that formation of the native β‐turn is not favored. The results suggest that other turn‐forming motifs can dramatically modulate the stability of the native β‐turn structure.
Enantioselective Synthesis of Amino­indan Carboxylic Acid Derivatives by the Catalytic Intramolecular [2+2+2] Cycloaddition of Amino‐Acid‐Tethered Triynes
Authors: Tahara Yu‐ki , Obinata Shuhei , Kanyiva Kyalo Stephen , Shibata Takanori , Mándi Attila , Taniguchi Tohru , Monde Kenji
Published: February 2016

The enantioselective synthesis of aminoindan carboxylic acid (Aic) derivatives was achieved by Rh‐catalyzed intramolecular [2+2+2] cycloaddition of amino‐acid‐tethered triynes. This reaction, along with recrystallization, gave chiral tethered Aic derivatives with excellent enantiomeric excess. Subsequent hydrolysis of the tethered Aic compounds afforded chiral Aic derivatives, which were further transformed into a free Aic and its dimethyl ester in good yields.
Two‐phase flow simulation of supersaturated total dissolved gas in the plunge pool of a high dam
Authors: Ma Qian , Li Ran , Zhang Qin , Hodges Ben R. , Feng Jingjie , Yang Huixia
Published: February 2016

Total dissolved gas (TDG) supersaturation can cause potentially fatal Gas Bubble Disease (GBD) in fish and is recognized for its severe environmental impact for high‐dam operation conditions. The generation of supersaturated TDG in high‐head hydropower project is substantially different from middle‐ or low‐head projects that have been previously studied. Although the mechanics of TDG generation in a plunge pool are clearly three‐dimensional (3D), there are great challenges and difficulties of the 3D simulation for high‐dam projects. Toward this end, a two‐dimensional (2D) model of two‐phase flow in high‐dam plunge pool is developed with established computational fluid dynamics (CFD) software. New simulation modules are developed to account for a normal distribution of bubble sizes, which allows the TDG mass transfer from bubbles and across the free surface to include bubble size nonlinearities that were previously neglected. The model is calibrated based on observations from a high‐dam hydropower project with a ski‐jump spillway and deep plunge pool. Characteristics of simulated hydrodynamics, air‐bubble distribution, and TDG distribution downstream of the high dam were analyzed. Results showed that the model achieved satisfactory calibrated simulation of dissolved gas behavior and the assumption of a bubble normal distribution could properly reflect the bubble transfer process. Residence time in the plunge pool appeared to be a key factor determining maximum modeled TDG supersaturation levels. © 2016 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 35: 1139–1148, 2016
Reconceptualizing Autonomy: A Relational Turn in Bioethics
Authors: Jennings Bruce
Published: February 2016

History's judgment on the success of bioethics will not depend solely on the conceptual creativity and innovation in the field at the level of ethical and political theory, but this intellectual work is not insignificant. One important new development is what I shall refer to as the relational turn in bioethics. This development represents a renewed emphasis on the ideographic approach, which interprets the meaning of right and wrong in human actions as they are inscribed in social and cultural practices and in structures of lived meaning and interdependence; in an ideographic approach, the task of bioethics is to bring practice into theory, not the other way around.

The relational turn in bioethics may profoundly affect the critical questions that the field asks and the ethical guidance it offers society, politics, and policy. The relational turn provides a way of correcting the excessive atomism of many individualistic perspectives that have been, and continue to be, influential in bioethics. Nonetheless, I would argue that most of the work reflecting the relational turn remains distinctively liberal in its respect for the ethical significance of the human individual. It moves away from individualism, but not from the value of individuality.In this review essay, I shall focus on how the relational turn has manifested itself in work on core concepts in bioethics, especially liberty and autonomy. Following a general review, I conclude with a brief consideration of two important recent books in this area: Jennifer Nedelsky's Law's Relations and Rachel Haliburton's Autonomy and the Situated Self.
Gray matter correlates of dopaminergic degeneration in Parkinson's disease: A hybrid PET/MR study using 18F‐FP‐CIT
Authors: Choi Hongyoon , Cheon Gi Jeong , Kim Han‐Joon , Choi Seung Hong , Kim Yong‐Il , Kang Keon Wook , Chung June‐Key , Kim E. Edmund , Lee Dong Soo
Published: February 2016

Dopaminergic degeneration is a hallmark of Parkinson's disease (PD), which causes various symptoms affected by corticostriatal circuits. So far, the relationship between cortical changes and dopamine loss in the striatum is unclear. Here, we evaluate the gray matter (GM) changes in accordance with striatal dopaminergic degeneration in PD using hybrid PET/MR. Sixteen patients with idiopathic PD underwent 18F‐FP‐CIT PET/MR. To measure dopaminergic degeneration in PD, binding ratio (BR) of dopamine transporter in striatum was evaluated by 18F‐FP‐CIT. Voxel‐based morphometry (VBM) was used to evaluate GM density. We obtained voxelwise correlation maps of GM density according to the striatal BR. Voxel‐by‐voxel correlation between BR maps and GM density maps was done to evaluate region‐specific correlation of striatal dopaminergic degeneration. There was a trend of positive correlation between striatal BR and GM density in the cerebellum, parahippocampal gyri, and frontal cortex. A trend of negative correlation between striatal BR and GM density in the medial occipital cortex was found. Voxel‐by‐voxel correlation revealed that the positive correlation was mainly dependent on anterior striatal BR, while posterior striatal BR mostly showed negative correlation with GM density in occipital and temporal cortices. Decreased GM density related to anterior striatal dopaminergic degeneration might demonstrate degeneration of dopaminergic nonmotor circuits. Furthermore, the negative correlation could be related to the motor circuits of posterior striatum. Our integrated PET/MR study suggests that the widespread structural progressive changes in PD could denote the cortical functional correlates of the degeneration of striatal dopaminergic circuits. Hum Brain Mapp 37:1710–1721, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Fibroblast growth factor family aberrations as a putative driver of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma in an epidemiologically low‐risk patient as defined by targeted sequencing
Authors: Tillman Brittny N. , Yanik Megan , Birkeland Andrew C. , Liu Chia‐Jen , Hovelson Daniel H. , Cani Andi K. , Palanisamy Nallasivam , Carskadon Shannon , Carey Thomas E. , Bradford Carol R. , Tomlins Scott A. , McHugh Jonathan B. , Spector Matthew E. , Brenner J. Chad
Published: February 2016

Background

Targeted sequencing of patients with epidemiologically low‐risk (ELR) head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) could help identify novel drivers or lost suppressors leading to precision medicine protocols and improved survival rates.

Methods

A patient with ELR‐HNSCC was selected for targeted sequencing. We then assessed next generation sequencing cohorts from the Oncomine Powertool Database, which contains pan‐cancer data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA).

Results

Targeted sequencing revealed fibroblast growth factor receptor‐1 (FGFR1) amplifications as a putative driver of the patient's tumor. Patients with HNSCC from TCGA data demonstrated fibroblast growth factor (FGF) family mutations, rearrangements, or amplifications in over 35% of HNSCC cases, with a statistically significant higher frequency in African American populations. FGF alterations were unique from activating phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase (PIK3CA) mutations.

Conclusion

Together, these data suggest that FGF signaling may be critical for a subset of patients with HNSCC independent of other known pathways and provides rationale for leveraging patients with ELR‐HNSCC to define molecular subsets of high‐risk HNSCC. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 38: E1646–E1652, 2016
Comparison of single photon emission CT (SPECT) with SPECT/CT imaging in preoperative localization of parathyroid adenomas: A cost‐effectiveness analysis
Authors: Barber Brittany , Moher Conrad , Côté David , Fung Elaine , O'Connell Daniel , Dziegielewski Peter , Harris Jeffrey
Published: February 2016

Background

Controversy exists regarding the superiority of single photon emission CT (SPECT)/CT over SPECT for preoperative localization of parathyroid adenomas in primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT), as well as the cost‐effectiveness.

Methods

A retrospective review was undertaken of patients undergoing surgery for PHPT from January 2009 to August 2014. Ultrasound and SPECT (ultrasound‐SPECT) or SPECT/CT (ultrasound‐SPECT/CT) were performed for each patient. Sensitivity and positive predictive value (PPV) of each modality were calculated. Cost‐effectiveness was determined by an incremental cost‐effectiveness ratio (ICER) analysis.

Results

Two hundred fifty‐nine patients with 266 parathyroid adenomas were included in the study. Lateralization sensitivity and PPV of ultrasound‐SPECT were 85.1% and 98.2%, respectively. The lateralization sensitivity and PPV of ultrasound‐SPECT/CT were 86.9% and 99.4%, respectively. A cost of $2499.22 (CAD) per additional parathyroid adenoma detection by ultrasound‐SPECT/CT was determined from the ICER analysis.

Conclusion

Similar sensitivities and PPVs were observed between ultrasound‐SPECT and ultrasound‐SPECT/CT in preoperatively lateralizing parathyroid adenomas, with relatively equivalent cost‐effectiveness. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 38: E2062–E2065, 2016
Nanosuspension formulations of poorly water‐soluble compounds for intravenous administration in exploratory toxicity studies: in vitro and in vivo evaluation
Authors: Fujimura Hisako , Komasaka Takao , Tomari Taizo , Kitano Yasunori , Takekawa Kouji
Published: February 2016

This study was conducted to investigate the use of a nanosuspension for intravenous injection into dogs to increase exposure without toxic additives for preclinical studies in the discovery stage. Nanosuspensions were prepared with a mixer mill and zirconia beads with a vehicle of 2% (w/v) poloxamer 338, which was confirmed to lead to no histamine release in dogs. Sterilized nanosuspensions of poorly water‐soluble compounds, cilostazol (Cil), spironolactone (Spi) and probucol (Pro), at 10 mg ml−1 were obtained by milling for 30 min, followed by autoclaving for 20 min at 121 °C and milling for 30 min (mill–autoclave–mill method). The particle sizes (d50) of Cil, Spi and Pro were 0.554, 0.484 and 0.377 µm, respectively, and the percentages of the nominal concentration were 79.1%, 99.6% and 75.4%, respectively. In chromatographic data, no extra peaks were observed. The particle size of Cil was 0.564 µm after storage for 16 days at 2–8 °C. Cil in nanosuspension, but not in microsuspension, rapidly dissolved in dog plasma. Cil nanosuspension at 0.4 mg kg−1 and Cil saline solution at 0.03 mg kg−1, around the saturation solubility, were intravenously administered to dogs. Nanosuspension increased exposure. The versatility of the mill–autoclave–mill method was checked for 15 compounds, and the particle size of 12 compounds was in the nano range. The nanosuspension optimized in this study may be useful for intravenous toxicological and pharmacological studies in the early stage of drug development. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Ochratoxin A and T‐2 Toxin Induce Clonogenicity and Cell Migration in Human Colon Carcinoma and Fetal Lung Fibroblast Cell Lines
Authors: Abassi Haila , Ayed‐Boussema Imen , Shirley Sarah , Abid Salwa , Bacha Hassen
Published: February 2016

T‐2 toxin and Ochratoxin A (OTA) are toxic secondary metabolites produced by various fungi, and together they contaminate feedstuffs worldwide. T‐2 toxin and OTA may exert carcinogenic action in rodent. Despite the various in vivo experiments, carcinogenicity of these two mycotoxins has not yet been proven for human. In this current study, we proposed to investigate, in Human colon carcinoma cells and fetal lung fibroblast‐like cells transfected with MYC, the effect of T‐2 toxin and OTA on cell clonogenicity and cell migration. Results of the present investigation showed that T2‐toxin as well as OTA has an important clonogenic effect in all cell lines, suggesting that these mycotoxins could promote the transcription of c‐myc gene. Furthermore, T‐2 toxin and OTA enhanced the migration effect of HCT116 cells at very low concentrations, proposing that these mycotoxins may exhibit carcinogenesis‐like properties in the studied cells.
Size, but not experience, affects the ontogeny of constriction performance in ball pythons (Python regius)
Authors: Penning David A. , Dartez Schuyler F.
Published: February 2016

Constriction is a prey‐immobilization technique used by many snakes and is hypothesized to have been important to the evolution and diversification of snakes. However, very few studies have examined the factors that affect constriction performance. We investigated constriction performance in ball pythons (Python regius) by evaluating how peak constriction pressure is affected by snake size, sex, and experience. In one experiment, we tested the ontogenetic scaling of constriction performance and found that snake diameter was the only significant factor determining peak constriction pressure. The number of loops applied in a coil and its interaction with snake diameter did not significantly affect constriction performance. Constriction performance in ball pythons scaled differently than in other snakes that have been studied, and medium to large ball pythons are capable of exerting significantly higher pressures than those shown to cause circulatory arrest in prey. In a second experiment, we tested the effects of experience on constriction performance in hatchling ball pythons over 10 feeding events. By allowing snakes in one test group to gain constriction experience, and manually feeding snakes under sedation in another test group, we showed that experience did not affect constriction performance. During their final (10th) feedings, all pythons constricted similarly and with sufficiently high pressures to kill prey rapidly. At the end of the 10 feeding trials, snakes that were allowed to constrict were significantly smaller than their non‐constricting counterparts. J. Exp. Zool. 9999A:XX–XX, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Global dynamical forecasting system conditioned to robust initial and boundary forcings: seasonal context
Authors: Beraki Asmerom F. , Landman Willem A. , DeWitt David , Olivier Cobus
Published: February 2016

We propose how seasonal climate prediction with the use of an atmospheric general circulation model (AGCM) can be optimized. The AGCM predictive skill is extensively examined under various forecast strategies that mimic truly operational prediction. It is shown that the AGCM predictive skill is found to produce superior results given a suitable sea‐surface temperatures (SSTs) as forcing and is subject to an initialization strategy that uses realistic atmosphere and soil moisture states. Evaluation of hindcasts performed with the model further revealed that the AGCM is able to forecast anomalous upper air atmospheric dynamics (circulation) over the tropics up to several months ahead. The AGCM probabilistic forecasts for rainfall and surface air temperatures during the austral summer season are also found to be informative and useful. The contribution of the predicted SST, which is based on a multi‐model approach, is shown to be of significant importance for best AGCM results. The AGCM may also benefit from the initial condition interface in the AGCM's configuration which is implicitly considered in the analysis. Notwithstanding, the AGCM's predictive skill does not vary much whether the AGCM is initialized with realistic or climatological soil moisture which is presumably suggestive of the AGCM's internal weakness.
Vulnerability of maize production under future climate change: possible adaptation strategies
Authors: Bannayan Mohammad , Paymard Parisa , Ashraf Batool
Published: February 2016

BACKGROUND

Climate change can affect the productivity and geographic distribution of crops. Therefore, evaluation of adaptive management options is crucial in dealing with negative impacts of climate change. The objectives of this study were to simulate the impacts of climate change on maize production in the north‐east of Iran. Moreover, vulnerability index which indicated that how much of the crop yield loss is related to the drought was computed for each location to identify where adaptation and mitigation strategies are effective. Different sowing dates were also applied as an adaptation approach to decrease the negative impacts of climate change in study area.

RESULTS

The results showed that the maize yield would decline during the 21st century from −2.6% to −82% at all study locations in comparison with the baseline. The result of vulnerability index also indicated that using the adaptation strategies could be effective in all of the study areas. Using different sowing dates as an adaptation approach showed that delaying the sowing date will be advantageous in order to obtain higher yield in all study locations in future.

CONCLUSION

This study provided insight regarding the climate change impacts on maize production and the efficacy of adaptation strategies. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry
Crosslinked Redox‐Responsive Micelles Based on Lipoic Acid‐Derived Amphiphiles for Enhanced siRNA Delivery
Authors: Tschiche Ariane , Thota Bala N. S. , Neumann Falko , Schäfer Andreas , Ma Nan , Haag Rainer
Published: February 2016

Successful application of gene silencing approaches critically depends on systems that are able to safely and efficiently deliver genetic material such as small interfering RNA (siRNA). Due to their beneficial well‐defined dendritic nanostructure, self‐assembling dendrimers are emerging as promising nanovectors for siRNA delivery. However, these kinds of vectors are plagued with stability issues, especially when considered for in vivo applications. Therefore, in the present study, disulfide‐based temporarily fixed micelles are developed that can degrade upon reductive conditions, and thus lead to efficient cargo release. In detail, lipoic acid‐derived crosslinked micelles are synthesized based on small polymerizable dendritic amphiphiles. Particularly, one candidate out of this series is able to efficiently release siRNA due to its redox‐responsive biodegradable profile when exposed to simulated intracellular environments. As a result, the reduction‐triggered disassembly leads to potent gene silencing. In contrast, noncrosslinkable, structurally related constructs fails under the tested assay conditions, thereby confirming the applied rational design approach and demonstrating its large potential for future in vivo applications.

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Enzyme‐Mediated In Situ Synthesis and Deposition of Nonaggregated Melanin Protoparticles
Authors: Strube Oliver I. , Büngeler Anne , Bremser Wolfgang
Published: February 2016

The previously introduced process for enzyme‐mediated in situ synthesis and deposition of eumelanin is investigated with covalent immobilization of the tyrosinase. It results in a monolayer structure of non‐coalesced melanin particles, with a film thickness of 5–8 nm. The reaction is self‐terminating due to overlay of the enzymes with particles. The melanin particles are rodlike with lengths down to 6 nm. Isolated melanin structures of such small size have not been observed before and might be a kind of protoparticle in the supramolecular buildup of melanin oligomers. Utilization of melanin particles with such small size can enable nanotechnological applications in the areas of bioelectronics and biosensors.

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Optimized use of real‐time vertical‐profile wind data and fast modelling for prediction of airflow over complex terrain
Authors: Stocker Jenny , Carruthers David , Johnson Kate , Hunt Julian , Chan P. W.
Published: February 2016

ABSTRACT

A novel system for real‐time prediction of wind speed and direction in a critical region of complex terrain is developed by combining measurements and analytically based fast computation of the flow field. The new system is applied to the aircraft approach flight paths of Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA), where orographically generated turbulence downwind of a mountain ridge in high‐wind conditions causes disruptions to aircraft movements regularly. By using wind profiler and radiosonde measurements to drive the analytically based ‘FLOWSTAR’ model, good agreement is demonstrated between modelled and observed wind flow data from a network of ground‐based monitors and LIDAR scans in the vicinity of the airport for a historical wind event. The methodology forms the basis of a system that can be used to forecast extreme wind events.
Assessment of surface layer parameterizations in ARW using micro‐meteorological observations from a tropical station
Authors: Hari Prasad K. B. R. R. , Venkata Srinivas C. , Venkateswara Naidu C. , Baskaran R. , Venkatraman B.
Published: February 2016

The performance of two surface layer parameterizations (MM5‐similarity/Eta‐similarity schemes) in an Advanced Research Weather Research and Forecasting (ARW) mesoscale model is assessed over the tropical site Kalpakkam in southeast India. The ARW is run with four‐nested domains and at a high resolution (1 km) for four 2 day periods covering eight days in each season, 9–17 January, 4–12 April, 4–12 August and 13–21 October 2014 representing winter, summer, the southwest monsoon and the northeast monsoon, respectively. Turbulence observations on winds collected using a fast‐response ultrasonic anemometer are used to estimate the surface layer parameters of friction velocity (u*), and Monin–Obukhov length (L), and surface fluxes of heat and moisture using the eddy correlation method. Results of simulations indicate seasonal variation in friction velocity, drag co‐efficient, turbulent fluxes of heat and moisture, air temperature, humidity and winds at the study site. Relatively higher u*, drag co‐efficients, turbulent fluxes of heat and moisture are found during summer and the southwest monsoon, followed by the northeast monsoon and winter due to the prevalence of more unstable conditions in these seasons. Although the diurnal cycle of various parameters is well produced by both the schemes, the Eta‐similarity scheme produced higher values of surface layer variables relative to the MM5‐similarity scheme. Although both schemes depict a systematic bias in various surface layer parameters, the predicted values with MM5‐similarity scheme are in better agreement with observational estimates as indicated by the qualitative and quantitative comparisons of results. The differences in the results of the two schemes are attributed to the variation in the empirical stability correction functions and the stability regimes used in the two schemes.
Playing the Numbers Game
Authors: Garven Sarah A. , Hofmann Mary Ann , McSwain Dwayne N.
Published: February 2016

Nonprofit organizations are often evaluated using the program ratio: the proportion of mission‐related program expenses to total expenses. Nonprofit managers have incentives to manipulate the reporting of financial information to enhance the program ratio. This article reviews the scholarly literature on program ratio management in nonprofit organizations. Prior research has identified several motivations for and methods of program ratio management and provided limited evidence that it occurs. Researchers have explored the consequences of program ratio management and provided a list of factors mitigating such behaviors. The emerging consensus is that the program ratio is of limited usefulness in evaluating nonprofit performance.
Physical Anthropology and Osteoarchaeology in Europe: History, Current Trends and Challenges
Authors: Márquez‐Grant N. , Webster H. , Truesdell J. , Fibiger L.
Published: February 2016

This paper provides an overview of the development and current practice of physical anthropology as relating to the treatment of archaeological skeletal remains in Europe. The evolution of physical anthropology as a discipline is covered in detail from the 18th century onwards, and current trends in education and research are also discussed. Additional topics include a synthesis of the legislative framework for studying human skeletal remains in over 40 European countries while also addressing challenges, future trends and emerging ethical questions. This overview is the product of an extensive review of the literature partnered with information received via questionnaires completed by colleagues working in nearly 50 European countries. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Reduced Anticoagulant Effect of Dabigatran in a Patient Receiving Concomitant Phenytoin
Authors: Wiggins Barbara S. , Northup Amanda , Johnson Dominic , Senfield Jeffrey
Published: February 2016

Dabigatran, a direct thrombin inhibitor, is an oral anticoagulant indicated for the prevention of stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) and for the treatment and prevention of deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism. Dabigatran, as well as the other new anticoagulants—rivaroxaban, apixaban, and edoxaban—are substrates for P‐glycoprotein (P‐gp). Although the U.S. labeling for rivaroxaban and apixaban states to avoid concomitant use with phenytoin, a known P‐gp inducer, the U.S. labeling for dabigatran and edoxaban are less clear. We describe the first case report, to our knowledge, documenting a drug interaction between phenytoin and dabigatran by using laboratory measurements of dabigatran serum concentrations. A 45‐year‐old African‐American man was admitted to the inpatient cardiology service following defibrillations from his implantable cardioverter defibrillator. The patient was evaluated and received appropriate antitachycardia pacing for atrial tachyarrhythmias for an episode of ventricular tachycardia (VT), and antiarrhythmic therapy with sotalol was initiated to reduce both his AF and VT burden. On review of the patient's medications for potential interactions, it was discovered that the patient was taking both dabigatran and phenytoin. To determine the magnitude of this drug interaction prior to making a change in his anticoagulation regimen, a dabigatran serum concentration was measured. This concentration was undetectable, indicating that phenytoin had a significant influence on dabigatran's metabolism and that this patient was at high risk for stroke. Clinicians should be aware of this interaction between phenytoin and dabigatran as well as with all other new oral anticoagulants. In patients taking phenytoin who require an anticoagulant, only warfarin should be prescribed to minimize the risk of stroke. In addition, the prescribing information for dabigatran should be updated to include other medications that result in a significant reduction in dabigatran serum concentrations, such as phenytoin.
Highly transparent flexible polydimethylsiloxane films – a promising candidate for optoelectronic devices
Authors: Shanmuga sundar Dhanapalan , Sivanantha Raja Avaninathan , Sanjeeviraja Chinnappanadar , Jeyakumar Duraisamy
Published: February 2016

In the present work, a siloxane based flexible substrate for optoelectronic applications with improved flexibility and high temperature withstanding capacity has been fabricated and the details are reported. The structural and optical properties of the substrate were characterized and the optical transparency is found to be about 90% − 95% in the visible region. The substrate withstands temperatures up to 300 °C without significant degradation and has a low thermal coefficient of expansion. Fourier transform infrared spectral data show the materials in the prepared substrate and SEM studies show the surface and cross‐sectional characteristics of the substrate. It has good mechanical strength, can withstand a high breaking load of 7 N, has a average tensile strength of 48.86 MPa and high average tensile modulus of 127.32 and also possesses excellent surface smoothness and resistance to both chemical and moisture with better rigidity; it will be a long lasting alternative for flexible plastic substrates. The optical characteristics such as refractive index (n) and extinction coefficient (k) are also reported. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry
Visualizing the performance loss of solar cells by IR thermography — an evaluation study on CIGS with artificially induced defects
Authors: Vetter Andreas , Babbe Finn S. , Hofbeck Bernhard , Kubis Peter , Richter Michael , Heise Stephan J. , Ohland Jörg , Riedel Ingo , Brabec Christoph J.
Published: February 2016

Local electric defects may result in considerable performance losses in solar cells. Infrared (IR) thermography is one important tool to detect these defects on photovoltaic modules. Qualitative interpretation of IR images has been carried out successfully, but quantitative interpretation has been hampered by the lack of “calibration” defects. The aims of this study are to (i) establish methods to induce well‐defined electric defects in thin‐film solar cells serving as “calibration” defects and to (ii) assess the accuracy of IR imaging methods by using these artificially induced defects. This approach paves the way for improving quality control methods based on imaging in photovoltaic. We created ohmic defects (“shunts”) by using a focused ion beam and weak diodes (“interface shunts”) by applying a femto‐second laser at rather low power on copper indium gallium selenide cells. The defects can be induced precisely and reproducibly, and the severity of the defects on the electrical performance can be well adjusted by focused ion beam/laser parameters. The successive assessment of the IR measurement (ILIT‐Voc) revealed that this method can predict the losses in Pmpp (maximal power extractable) with a mean error of below 10%. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Human herpesvirus 8 establishes a latent infection in prostates of Tobago men resulting in increased macrophage infiltration
Authors: Henning Jill D. , Bunker Clareann H. , Patrick Alan L. , Jenkins Frank J.
Published: February 2016

Background

The Caribbean island of Tobago, which is 97% African ancestry, has one of the highest rates of prostate cancer in the world. We have previously reported that human herpesvirus 8 (HHV‐8) infection is significantly associated with prostate cancer in Tobago. In this study, we extend those results testing the hypothesis that HHV‐8 seropositive Tobagonian men have a chronic HHV‐8 infection in their prostates that is associated with increased inflammation.

Methods

Prostate sections were screened by immunohistochemistry for the expression of HHV‐8 proteins K8.1 and LANA‐1 and for presence of B cells (CD20) and macrophages (CD68).

Results

HHV‐8 antigen expression representing lytic and latent infections was seen in 73.9% of prostates from HHV‐8 seropositive subjects. Latent infections were seen predominantly in glandular epithelia whereas lytic gene expression was seen mainly in macrophages in prostate stroma. Macrophage infiltrates were significantly increased in sections expressing HHV‐8 proteins.

Conclusion

HHV‐8 establishes a chronic latent infection in the prostate, which is associated with an increased macrophage infiltrate. Prostate 76:735–743, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
How does “deviation” become “normal”?
Authors: Mize Jennifer F.
Published: February 2016

How does deviation from established safe practices become institutionalized within an organization? Conducting day‐to‐day and routine operations in a manner inconsistent with documented policies, procedures, and practices can lead to failure to appropriately identify and manage hazards. A continued tolerance for “getting the job done” when the methods used do not follow established instructions can lead to the normalization of deviation, especially when employees are rewarded for taking initiative. This article will present examples of deviations that have occurred due to failure to acknowledge change, resource constraints, and other factors. © 2016 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Process Saf Prog 35: 248–252, 2016
Efficient and robust user authentication scheme that achieve user anonymity with a Markov chain
Authors: Kang Dongwoo , Jung Jaewook , Mun Jongho , Lee Donghoon , Choi Younsung , Won Dongho
Published: February 2016

Because of the evolution of mobile devices and networks, users can now access a network at any moment, in whatever place with a smart card. User authentication using smart card is a technique in which server checks the legality of a user between insecure channel, which avoid the peril of eavesdropping. Today, the user authentication schemes are proposed several ways. As schemes are proposed and analyzed for several years, way to authentication is also diversifying such as chaotic map and elliptic curve discrete logarithm problem. Recently, new authentication scheme is proposed which uses Markov Chain. The proposed scheme is explained that can resist several hazard of security such as reflection attack, forgery attack, parallel‐session attack. However, we refer that existing scheme is still insecure to protect some several security attack such as user impersonation attack, off‐line password guessing attack, and so on, so the existing scheme is unsuitable for real implementation. To fix these security flaws, we recommend an efficient and robust authentication scheme, which protects all the identified flaws of existent scheme. Furthermore, our propose scheme is more efficient and covers the identified vulnerability of existing scheme; therefore, our proposed scheme is more suitable to apply real‐life application. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.