bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ChemInform Abstract: Visible‐Light‐Mediated Decarboxylative Benzoyloxylation of β‐Hydroxy Amino Acids and Its Application to Synthesis of Functional 1,2‐Amino Alcohol Derivatives.
Authors: Inuki Shinsuke , Sato Keisuke , Fujimoto Yukari
Published: January 2016

A novel method is presented for decarboxylative benzoyloxylation of β‐hydroxy amino acid derivatives such as (I) and (XIV).
ChemInform Abstract: Silver(I) Oxide Nanoparticles as a Catalyst in the Azide—Alkyne Cycloaddition.
Authors: Ferretti Anna M. , Ponti Alessandro , Molteni Giorgio
Published: January 2016

4‐Substituted 1,2,3‐triazoles are usually the main cycloadducts, but the presence of electron‐withdrawing groups on the azide moiety results in a loss of regioselectivity.
ChemInform Abstract: O‐Transfer‐Facilitated Cyclizations of Propargylamides with TMSN3: Selective Synthesis of Tetrazoles and Dihydroimidazoles.
Authors: Hu Yancheng , Yi Ruxia , Yu Xinzhang , Xin Xiaoyi , Wang Chunxiang , Wan Boshun
Published: January 2016

In addition to the selective preparation of functionalized tetrazoles and diiodomethylated dihydroimidazoles, diiodomethylated dihydrooxazoles are prepared.
ChemInform Abstract: Oxidant Controlled Regioselective Mono‐ and Di‐Functionalization Reactions of Coumarins.
Authors: Banerjee Arghya , Santra Sourav Kumar , Khatun Nilufa , Ali Wajid , Patel Bhisma K.
Published: January 2016

The site‐selective Fe(III)‐catalyzed C‐3 cycloalkylation or benzylation of 3‐substituted coumarins in the presence of di‐tert‐butylperoxide is described, and by switching to tert‐butylperoxide under metal‐free conditions C‐4 cycloalkylation with concomitant C‐3 peroxidation is observed.
ChemInform Abstract: Sonogashira Reaction of the Indolizine Ring.
Authors: Shadrin Ivan A. , Rzhevskii Sergey A. , Rybakov Victor B. , Babaev Eugene V.
Published: January 2016

2‐Tert‐butyl‐5‐iodoindolizine is successfully coupled with aryl and alkylacetylenes as well as trimethylsilylacetylene.
ChemInform Abstract: An Unexpected Three‐Component Reaction of 2‐Alkylenecyclobutanone and N′‐(2‐Alkynylbenzylidene)hydrazide with Water.
Authors: Pan Xiaolin , Wang He , Xia Hong‐Guang , Wu Jie
Published: January 2016

The unexpected transformation involves a 6‐endo cyclization, [3+2]cycloaddition, and rearrangement leading to propanoic acid derivatives in good yields.
ChemInform Abstract: Copper‐Catalyzed Cross‐Coupling Affected by the Smiles Rearrangement: A New Chapter on Diversifying the Synthesis of Chiral Fluorinated 1,4‐Benzoxazine Derivatives.
Authors: Alapour Saba , Ramjugernath Deresh , Koorbanally Neil A.
Published: January 2016

The title benzoxazine derivatives containing F atoms as well as other halogens in different positions of the aromatic ring are obtained from their open chain precursors by copper catalyzed Smiles rearrangement ring closure.
ChemInform Abstract: B‐seco‐29‐nor‐Limonoids from the Stem Barks of Toona ciliate var. yunnanensis.
Authors: Yang Mei‐Si , Hu Sheng‐Mou , Kong Ling‐Yi , Luo Jun
Published: January 2016

Eight new compounds, including four rare B‐seco‐29‐nor‐limonoids, toonaciliatones A—D (I—IV), and four normal B‐seco‐limonoids, toonaciliatones E—H (V—VIII), together with six known compounds are isolated and their structures are elucidated.
ChemInform Abstract: Bisacremines E—G, Three Polycyclic Dimeric Acremines Produced by Acremonium persicinum SC0105.
Authors: Wu Ping , Xue Jinghua , Yao Lei , Xu Liangxiong , Li Hanxiang , Wei Xiaoyi
Published: January 2016

The isolation and structure elucidation of three novel acremines is reported.
ChemInform Abstract: Structures and Biological Activities of Novel Biselyngbyaside Analogues Isolated from the Marine Cyanobacterium Lyngbya sp.
Authors: Watanabe Ayane , Ohno Osamu , Morita Maho , Inuzuka Toshiyasu , Suenaga Kiyotake
Published: January 2016

The new biselyngbyaside analogs, biselyngbyolide C (I) and biselyngbyasides E (II) and F (III), are found to inhibit the growth of HeLa and HL 60 cells.
ChemInform Abstract: Cytotoxic Polyprenylated Acylphloroglucinol Derivatives from Hypericum henryi.
Authors: Zhang Jing‐Jing , Yang Xing‐Wei , Ma Jun‐Zeng , Ye Ye , Shen Xiao‐Ling , Xu Gang
Published: January 2016

Besides the previously unknown derivatives (I)—(IV), 12 known analogs were found as well.
ChemInform Abstract: Total Synthesis of Mycalolides A and B Through Olefin Metathesis.
Authors: Kita Masaki , Oka Hirotaka , Usui Akihiro , Ishitsuka Tomoya , Mogi Yuzo , Watanabe Hidekazu , Tsunoda Masaki , Kigoshi Hideo
Published: January 2016

The key steps of the asymmetric total synthesis of the trisoxazole marine macrolides, mycalolides A and B, are the convergent construction of highly functionalized C‐1—C‐19 trisoxazole and C‐20—C‐35 side chain segments using the olefin metathesis and esterification as well as the Julia—Kocienski olefination and enamide formation.
ChemInform Abstract: Permanent Magnetic Nanoparticles and Nanoflakes Prepared by Surfactant‐Assisted High‐Energy Ball Milling
Authors: Liu Weigiang , Ming Yuel , Cui Baozhi , Hadjipanayis George C.
Published: January 2016

Review: 132 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Switchable Fe/Co Prussian Blue Networks and Molecular Analogues
Authors: Aguila David , Prado Yoann , Koumousi Evangelia S. , Mathoniere Corine , Clerac Rodolphe
Published: January 2016

Review: 88 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Coordination Chemistry and Applications of Versatile 4,5‐Diazafluorene Derivatives
Authors: Annibale Vincent T. , Song Datong
Published: January 2016

Review: 171 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Exploring the Solid‐Phase Synthesis of Sulfotyrosine Peptides
Authors: Vale Nuno , Carvalho Veloso Rita , Gomes Paula
Published: January 2016

Review: [72 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Synthesis of Metabolic Amino Acid Precursors: Tools for Selective Isotope Labeling in Cell‐Based Protein Overexpression
Authors: Lichtenecker Roman J. , Schoerghuber Julia , Bisaccia Marilena
Published: January 2016

Review: [37 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Recent Progress in the Chemistry of 2‐Tosylacetonitrile
Authors: Fadda Ahmed A. , Bayoumy Nesma M. , Elattar Khaled M.
Published: January 2016

Review: [synthesis and reactions; 124 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Advances in 1,8‐Naphthyridines Chemistry
Authors: Fadda Ahmed A. , El‐Hadidy Sherihan A. , Elattar Khaled M.
Published: January 2016

Review: [120 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: N‐Heterotriangulenes: Fascinating Relatives of Triphenylamine
Authors: Hammer Natalie , Schaub Tobias A. , Meinhardt Ute , Kivala Milan
Published: January 2016

Review: [synthesis, optoelectronic, redox, and self‐assembly properties; 45 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Glyconanomaterials for Combating Bacterial Infections
Authors: Ramstroem Olof , Yan Mingdi
Published: January 2016

Review: advantages of glyconanomaterials and their potential in antibiotic “revitalization”; 134 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: New Approaches from Nanomedicine for Treating Leishmaniasis
Authors: Gutierrez Victor , Seabra Amedea B. , Reguera Rosa M. , Khandare Jayant , Calderon Marcelo
Published: January 2016

Review: 91 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Luminescent Nanoscale Metal—Organic Frameworks for Chemical Sensing
Authors: Ren Xiao‐Yan , Lu Le‐Hui
Published: January 2016

Review: 75 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Chemistry in Motion—off the MEP
Authors: Rehbein Julia , Wulff Bastian
Published: January 2016

Review: [79 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Gel Electrophoresis as a Nanoseparation Tool Serving DNA Nanotechnology
Authors: Wang Hui‐Qiao , Deng Zhao‐Xiang
Published: January 2016

Review: 30 refs.
Material identification of three French medieval illuminations of the XVIth century by hyperspectral imaging (Treasury of Bordeaux Cathedral, France)
Authors: Aurélie Mounier , Charlotte Denoël , Floréal Daniel
Published: January 2016

The Marcadé Collection (treasury of Bordeaux Cathedral) includes 42 illuminations dating from the XIIIth to the XVIth century. Among them are three French medieval illuminations, dated about 1520–1530, never studied before. Beyond their iconographic, stylistic, and conservation study, the analysis of their materials is discussed here. Hyperspectral imaging technique is applied to characterize the pigments. The palette is composed of inorganic pigments such as azurite, red lead, cinnabar, yellow ochre, lead tin yellow, lead white, malachite, salt green and salts of copper, and also of organic pigments such as brazilwood lake, buckthorn, bucktooth and indigo. A shell gold technique is employed for the gildings. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Col Res Appl, 41, 302–307, 2016
Distinct roles of hand2 in developing and adult autonomic neurons
Authors: Stanzel Sabine , Stubbusch Jutta , Pataskar Abhijeet , Howard Marthe J. , Deller Thomas , Ernsberger Uwe , Tiwari Vijay K. , Rohrer Hermann , Tsarovina Konstantina
Published: January 2016

The bHLH transcription factor Hand2 is essential for the acquisition and maintenance of noradrenergic properties of embryonic sympathetic neurons and controls neuroblast proliferation. Hand2 is also expressed in embryonic and postnatal parasympathetic ganglia and remains expressed in sympathetic neurons up to the adult stage. Here, we address its function in developing parasympathetic and adult sympathetic neurons. We conditionally deleted Hand2 in the parasympathetic sphenopalatine ganglion by crossing a line of floxed Hand2 mice with DbhiCre transgenic mice, taking advantage of the transient Dbh expression in parasympathetic ganglia. Hand2 elimination does not affect Dbh expression and sphenopalatine ganglion size at E12.5 and E16.5, in contrast to sympathetic ganglia. These findings demonstrate different functions for Hand2 in the parasympathetic and sympathetic lineage. Our previous Hand2 knockdown in postmitotic, differentiated chick sympathetic neurons resulted in decreased expression of noradrenergic marker genes but it was unclear whether Hand2 is required for maintaining noradrenergic neuron identity in adult animals. We now show that Hand2 elimination in adult Dbh‐expressing sympathetic neurons does not decrease the expression of Th and Dbh, in contrast to the situation during development. However, gene expression profiling of adult sympathetic neurons identified 75 Hand2‐dependent target genes. Interestingly, a notable proportion of down‐regulated genes (15%) encode for proteins with synaptic and neurotransmission functions. These results demonstrate a change in Hand2 target genes during maturation of sympathetic neurons. Whereas Hand2 controls genes regulating noradrenergic differentiation during development, Hand2 seems to be involved in the regulation of genes controlling neurotransmission in adult sympathetic neurons. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Develop Neurobiol 76: 1111–1124, 2016
Enhanced susceptibility to seizures modulated by high interleukin‐1β levels during early life malnutrition
Authors: Simão Fabrício , Habekost Oliveira Victória , Nunes Magda Lahourgue
Published: January 2016

Early malnutrition in life has permanent consequences on brain development and has been suggested to influence seizure susceptibility. Despite malnutrition is not a direct cause of seizures, we hypothesize that malnutrition may modulate inflammatory response and result in cerebral vulnerability to seizures. In this study, we provide evidence that malnutrition may increase susceptibility to seizures in the postnatal period by interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β) in the hippocampus. Malnourished rats were maintained on a nutritional deprivation regimen from postnatal day 1 (P1) to P10. From P7 to P10, the threshold to seizures induced by flurothyl was used as an index of seizure susceptibility. ELISA and western blot was performed to evaluate levels of IL‐1β, IL‐1R1, PSD‐95 and synapsin. The role of inflammation in the changes of seizure threshold was studied with inhibitors of IL‐1β and IL‐1R1. A significant decrease in body weight and seizure threshold was observed in postnatal malnourished rats. Early malnutrition modulates inflammation by high levels of IL‐1β in hippocampus and in serum. Furthermore, our malnutrition paradigm induced an increase in corticosterone levels. Injection of IL‐1β and IL‐1R1 inhibitors before seizure induction augments seizure threshold in malnourished rats similar to nourished group. Malnutrition did not change PSD‐95 and synapsin expression in the hippocampus. We suggest that malnutrition‐induced inflammation might contribute to seizure susceptibility in the postnatal period. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Develop Neurobiol 76: 1150–1159, 2016
Are we overestimating the niche? Removing marginal localities helps ecological niche models detect environmental barriers
Authors: Soley‐Guardia Mariano , Gutiérrez Eliécer E. , Thomas Darla M. , Ochoa‐G José , Aguilera Marisol , Anderson Robert P.
Published: January 2016

Correlative ecological niche models (ENMs) estimate species niches using occurrence records and environmental data. These tools are valuable to the field of biogeography, where they are commonly used to infer potential connectivity among populations. However, a recent study showed that when locally relevant environmental data are not available, records from patches of suitable habitat protruding into otherwise unsuitable regions (e.g., gallery forests within dry areas) can lead to overestimations of species niches and their potential distributions. Here, we test whether this issue obfuscates detection of an obvious environmental barrier existing in northern Venezuela – that of the hot and xeric lowlands separating the Península de Paraguaná from mainland South America. These conditions most likely promote isolation between mainland and peninsular populations of three rodent lineages occurring in mesic habitat in this region. For each lineage, we calibrated optimally parameterized ENMs using mainland records only, and leveraged existing habitat descriptions to assess whether those assigned low suitability values corresponded to instances where the species was collected within locally mesic conditions amidst otherwise hot dry areas. When this was the case, we built an additional model excluding these records. We projected both models onto the peninsula and assessed whether they differed in their ability to detect the environmental barrier. For the two lineages in which we detected such problematic records, only the models built excluding them detected the barrier, while providing additional insights regarding peninsular populations. Overall, the study reveals how a simple procedure like the one applied here can deal with records problematic for ENMs, leading to better predictions regarding the potential effects of the environment on lineage divergence.
Loss of genetic integrity and biological invasions result from stocking and introductions of Barbus barbus: insights from rivers in England
Authors: Antognazza Caterina Maria , Andreou Demetra , Zaccara Serena , Britton Robert J.
Published: January 2016

Anthropogenic activities, including the intentional releases of fish for enhancing populations (stocking), are recognized as adversely impacting the adaptive potential of wild populations. Here, the genetic characteristics of European barbel Barbus barbus were investigated using 18 populations in England, where it is indigenous to eastern‐flowing rivers and where stocking has been used to enhance these populations. Invasive populations are also present in western‐flowing rivers following introductions of translocated fish. Two genetic clusters were evident in the indigenous range, centered on catchments in northeast and southeast England. However, stocking activities, including the release of hatchery‐reared fish, have significantly reduced the genetic differentiation across the majority of this range. In addition, in smaller indigenous rivers, populations appeared to mainly comprise fish of hatchery origin. In the nonindigenous range, genetic data largely aligned to historical stocking records, corroborating information that one particular river (Kennet) in southeast England was the original source of most invasive B. barbus in England. It is recommended that these genetic outputs inform management measures to either restore or maintain the original genetic diversity of the indigenous rivers, as this should help ensure populations can maintain their ability to adapt to changing environmental conditions. Where stocking is considered necessary, it is recommended that only broodstock from within the catchment is used.
Body mass index in acute heart failure: association with clinical profile, therapeutic management and in‐hospital outcome
Authors: Parissis John , Farmakis Dimitrios , Kadoglou Nikolaos , Ikonomidis Ignatios , Fountoulaki Ekaterini , Hatziagelaki Erifili , Deftereos Spyridon , Follath Ferenc , Mebazaa Alexandre , Lekakis John , Filippatos Gerasimos
Published: January 2016

Background

Increased body mass index (BMI) is a risk factor for heart failure, but evidence regarding BMI in acute heart failure (AHF) remains inconclusive. We sought to compare the clinical profile, treatment and in‐hospital outcome across BMI categories in a large international AHF cohort.

Methods

The Acute Heart Failure Global Survey of Standard Treatment (ALARM‐HF) is a retrospective survey on 4953 patients admitted for AHF from nine countries in Europe, Latin America, and Australia. Patients with unavailable BMI data or BMI <18.5 kg/m2 were excluded. Clinical data and in‐hospital mortality were compared among the following BMI categories: 18.5–24.9 kg/m2 (normal weight), 25–29.9 kg/m2 (overweight) and ≥30 kg/m2 (obese).

Results

Overweight/obese patients represented 75.7% of patients and had worse New York Heart Association class (P < 0.001) and higher admission systolic blood pressure (P < 0.001). The prevalence of comorbidities increased in parallel with BMI and included arterial hypertension, diabetes mellitus, dyslipidaemia (all P < 0.001), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (P = 0.041) and chronic kidney disease (P = 0.056). Use of guideline‐recommended medications also increased in parallel with BMI (angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors/angiotensin II receptor blockers, P < 0.001; β‐blockers P < 0.001; mineralocorticoid receptors antagonist, P = 0.002). In‐hospital mortality had a U‐shaped relationship with BMI, with overweight patients having significantly lower rate (log‐rank P = 0.027); this relationship vanished after adjustment for confounders.

Conclusions

Overweight/obese patients represented the vast majority of AHF cases, had a higher prevalence of non‐cardiovascular comorbidities and were more likely to receive guideline‐recommended medications. The U‐shaped relationship between in‐hospital mortality and BMI may be explained by differences in clinical profile and treatment and not by an effect of body composition per se.
Principles of geomorphic disturbance and recovery in response to storms
Authors: Phillips Jonathan D. , Van Dyke Chris
Published: January 2016

The most important geomorphic responses to storms are qualitative changes in system state. Minor storms produce no state change or very rapid recovery to pre‐storm state, and extinction events wipe out the system. In other cases disturbance results in a state change, which may be transitional (change to a previously existing state), state space expansion (change to a new state), and clock‐resetting events that return the system to its initial state. Recovery pathways are much more varied than the monotonic progressions represented in classic vegetation succession and linear channel evolution models. Those linear sequential pathways are only one of several archetypal recovery pathways, which also include binary, convergent, divergent, and more complex networks. Filter‐dominated systems are more likely to follow linear sequential or convergent patterns, whereas amplifier‐dominance is characteristic of divergent and more complex mesh or fully‐connected patterns. Amplifier domination is also more likely to lead to evolutionary or state space expansion responses. Amplification and filtering in geomorphic response and recovery can be assessed using the 'Four R's' framework of response, resistance, relaxation, and recursion. High resistance and resilience, rapid relaxation times, and stable recursive feedback networks reduce or offset effects of disturbances, thus filtering their impacts. Conversely, low resistance and resilience, slow relaxation, and dynamically unstable feedbacks can exaggerate disturbances, creating disproportionately large and long‐lived impacts, thereby amplifying disturbances.

Unless new filter mechanisms evolve (either autogenically or anthropically), or the number of extinction or clock‐resetting events increases, intensified storminess will result in more geomorphic variability. These ideas are applied to a case study of a flood on the Clark Fork River, Montana, USA. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Preliminary Evaluation of a Social Skills Training and Facilitated Play Early Intervention Programme for Extremely Shy Young Children in China
Authors: Li Yan , Coplan Robert J. , Wang Yuemin , Yin Jingtong , Zhu Jingjing , Gao Zhuqing , Li Linhui
Published: January 2016

The goal of this study was to provide a preliminary evaluation of a social skills and facilitated play early intervention programme to promote social interaction, prosocial behaviours and socio‐communicative skills among young extremely shy children in China. Participants were a sample of n = 16 extremely shy young children attending kindergarten in Shanghai, China. Children were randomly assigned to either the Social Skills Facilitated Play or comparison condition. Baseline, post‐intervention and 2‐month follow‐up measures included observations of children's social behaviours in quartets of novel peers. Result indicated that as compared with shy controls, shy children who participated in the Social Skills Training Facilitated Play programme were observed to demonstrate significantly greater post‐intervention frequencies of peer interactions (e.g. group play and peer conversation) and prosocial behaviours (e.g. cooperation, sharing and making/accepting social initiations) during unstructured free play with novel peers, as well as better social‐communicative competence during a speech task. Almost all of these improvements were maintained 2 months post‐intervention. Results are discussed in terms of the importance of developing and refining early intervention programmes for extremely shy young children in China. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Saltmed Model Performance for Quinoa Irrigated with Fresh and Saline Water in a Mediterranean Environment
Authors: Ince Kaya Çigdem , Yazar Attila
Published: January 2016

The SALTMED model performance was evaluated by comparing the simulated and measured soil water content, biomass and grain yield data of quinoa grown in a Mediterranean climate under various irrigation regimes using fresh and saline water of different qualities. The data from a two‐year field study (2010–2012) were used for this purpose. Six different treatments consisted of full irrigation with fresh and saline water with salinity levels of ECw 10, 20 and 30 dS m‐1, and deficit irrigation with fresh water applied at 50 and 75% of full irrigation and rainfed treatment were considered. Quinoa irrigated with saline water of 30 dS m‐1 resulted in significant grain yield reduction in 2010, but slightly reduced with water salinity level ranging from 10 to 30 dS m‐1 in comparison to fresh water in 2012. However, deficit irrigation with fresh water reduced plant dry matter yields considerably. The results of calibration and validation of the model showed that the SALTMED model can simulate soil water content, dry matter and grain yield of quinoa with high accuracy under various watering regimes using fresh and saline water of different qualities. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A MEMS‐based heating holder for the direct imaging of simultaneous in‐situ heating and biasing experiments in scanning/transmission electron microscopes
Authors: Mele Luigi , Konings Stan , Dona Pleun , Evertz Francis , Mitterbauer Christoph , Faber Pybe , Schampers Ruud , Jinschek Joerg R.
Published: January 2016

The introduction of scanning/transmission electron microscopes (S/TEM) with sub‐Angstrom resolution as well as fast and sensitive detection solutions support direct observation of dynamic phenomena in‐situ at the atomic scale. Thereby, in‐situ specimen holders play a crucial role: accurate control of the applied in‐situ stimulus on the nanostructure combined with the overall system stability to assure atomic resolution are paramount for a successful in‐situ S/TEM experiment. For those reasons, MEMS‐based TEM sample holders are becoming one of the preferred choices, also enabling a high precision in measurements of the in‐situ parameter for more reproducible data.

A newly developed MEMS‐based microheater is presented in combination with the new NanoEx™‐i/v TEM sample holder. The concept is built on a four‐point probe temperature measurement approach allowing active, accurate local temperature control as well as calorimetry. In this paper, it is shown that it provides high temperature stability up to 1,300°C with a peak temperature of 1,500°C (also working accurately in gaseous environments), high temperature measurement accuracy (<4%) and uniform temperature distribution over the heated specimen area (<1%), enabling not only in‐situ S/TEM imaging experiments, but also elemental mapping at elevated temperatures using energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDS). Moreover, it has the unique capability to enable simultaneous heating and biasing experiments. Microsc. Res. Tech. 79:239–250, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Involution dependent changes in distribution and localization of bax, survivin, caspase‐3, and calpain‐1 in the rat endometrium
Authors: Alan Emel , Liman Narin
Published: January 2016

The endometrial layer of the uterus is characterized by continuous cycle of cell growth and apoptosis in response to hormonal changes. Apoptosis is regulated by several apoptotic regulators, but their significance in involuting uterus has not been well understood. For that reason, aim of this study was to investigate possible role of apoptosis‐related proteins (bax and survivin) and enzymes (caspase‐3 and calpain‐1) in the involuting uterus of the rat, using immunohistochemistry. Our results indicated cytoplasmic and nuclear immunostaining for bax, caspase‐3, calpain‐1 and survivin proteins were found in the endometrial epithelium and stromal cells such as fibroblasts, mast cells and macrophages, and blood vessels; however, calpain‐1 immunoreactivity in the endometrial fibroblast was quite weak or absent. Supranuclear punctate bax immunolabelling was also observed in the endometrial fibroblasts and luminal and glandular epithelial cells from days 1st and 3rd following parturition, respectively. Although survivin was localized in the apical cytoplasm underneath the apical membrane of the luminal epithelium on the 1st and 3rd days, it was also localized in the apicolateral membrane and basal cytoplasm on the 10th and 15th days of involution. Immunostainigs demonstrated that expression patterns of all examined proteins varied with structural changes in the luminal epithelium, and number of immunopositive fibroblasts for bax, caspase‐3 and survivin increased with advance of postpartum days and reached a maximum on postpartum days 10 and 15. These results suggest that the process of postpartum involution of endometrium may be regulated by apoptotic and non‐apoptotic activity of bax, caspase‐3, calpain‐1, and survivin. Microsc. Res. Tech. 79:285–297, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Mechanical and Thermal Properties of Thermoset–Graphene Nanocomposites
Authors: Saleem Haleema , Edathil Anjali , Ncube Thamsanqa , Pokhrel Jeewan , Khoori Sara , Abraham Akhil , Mittal Vikas
Published: January 2016

Graphene has resulted in significant research effort to generate polymer nanocomposites with improved mechanical, thermal as electrical properties as compared to pure polymers. A large number of studies have been undertaken using different graphene derivatives, filler loadings, synthesis methods, and so on to obtain optimum filler dispersion as well as filler–matrix interactions, which are crucial for achieving significant enhancement in the properties, especially at low filler fraction. This review summarizes the mechanical and thermal properties of numerous studies carried out for the property enhancements of commercially relevant thermosetting materials such as epoxy, polyurethane, natural rubber, melamine formaldehyde, phenol formaldehyde, silicones, vinyl ester, cyanate ester, and unsaturated polyester resin.

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Effect of levodopa‐carbidopa intestinal gel on dyskinesia in advanced Parkinson's disease patients
Authors: Antonini Angelo , Fung Victor S. C. , Boyd James T. , Slevin John T. , Hall Coleen , Chatamra Krai , Eaton Susan , Benesh Janet A.
Published: January 2016

Objective

The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of levodopa‐carbidopa intestinal gel (carbidopa‐levodopa enteral suspension) in advanced Parkinson's disease patients with troublesome dyskinesia.

Methods

Post hoc analyses of patient data from a 12‐week, randomized, double‐blind study and a 54‐week open‐label study were performed. Efficacy was assessed in the subgroup of patients defined by ≥1 hour of “on” time with troublesome dyskinesia at baseline as recorded in Parkinson's disease symptom diaries (double blind: n = 11 levodopa‐carbidopa intestinal gel, n = 12 oral levodopa‐carbidopa; open label: n = 144 levodopa‐carbidopa intestinal gel). The changes in “off” time, “on” time with and without troublesome dyskinesia, and the overall safety and tolerability of levodopa‐carbidopa intestinal gel were analyzed.

Results

Although not significantly different from oral levodopa treatment (P > .05) in the double‐blind study, levodopa‐carbidopa intestinal gel treatment resulted in a reduction from baseline in “on” time with troublesome dyskinesia (mean [standard deviation] hours: baseline = 3.1 [1.7], change from baseline to final = −1.8 [1.8], P = .014), increase in “on” time without troublesome dyskinesia (baseline = 7.4 [2.2], change = 4.4 [3.6], P = .004), and decrease in “off” time (baseline = 5.5 [1.3], change = −2.7 [2.8], P = .015). Similar trends were found in the open‐label study. An increase in levodopa‐carbidopa intestinal gel dose was not significantly correlated with increased “on” time with troublesome dyskinesia in either study (double blind: r = −.073, P = .842; open label: r = −0.001, P = .992). Adverse events were usually mild to moderate in severity and related to the gastrointestinal procedure.

Conclusion

Our exploratory analyses suggest that optimizing levodopa delivery with levodopa‐carbidopa intestinal gel may reduce troublesome dyskinesia in advanced Parkinson's disease. © 2016 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Phenethyl isothiocyanate (PEITC) suppresses prostate cancer cell invasion epigenetically through regulating microRNA‐194
Authors: Zhang Chengyue , Shu Limin , Kim Hyuck , Khor Tin Oo , Wu Renyi , Li Wenji , Kong Ah‐Ng Tony
Published: January 2016

Scope

Tumor metastasis greatly contributes to the mortality of prostate cancer. The glucosinolate‐derived phenethyl isothiocyanate (PEITC) has been widely documented to reduce the risk of prostate cancer by modulating multiple biologically relevant processes. Emerging evidence suggests that PEITC may exert its anti‐cancer effects through epigenetic mechanisms including microRNAs. Altered levels of miRNA have been linked to tumor malignancy due to their capacity to regulate functional gene expression in carcinogenesis. Here, we assessed the effects of PEITC on miRNA expression which is related to PCa cell invasiveness.

Methods and results

Utilizing oligonucleotide microarray first identified the most affected miRNAs in LNCaP cells after PEITC treatment. Several top altered miRNAs were further validated using quantitative PCR. Interestingly, overexpression of miR‐194 suppressed PC3 cell invasion in matrigel‐coated Transwell chambers. Bone morphogenetic protein 1 (BMP1) was shown to be a direct target of miR‐194. Downregulation of BMP1 by miR‐194 or PEITC led to decreased expression of key oncogenic matrix metalloproteinases, MMP2 and MMP9. This in turn resulted in the suppression of tumor invasion.

Conclusion

Our results indicate that miR‐194 downregulates the expression of oncogenic MMP2 and MMP9 by targeting BMP1, which suggests a potential new mechanistic target by which PEITC suppresses prostate cancer cell invasiveness.
Reducing complexity of algebraic multigrid by aggregation
Authors: Gratton Serge , Hénon Pascal , Jiránek Pavel , Vasseur Xavier
Published: January 2016

A typical approach to decrease computational costs and memory requirements of classical algebraic multigrid methods is to replace a conservative coarsening algorithm and short‐distance interpolation on a fixed number of fine levels by an aggressive coarsening with a long‐distance interpolation. Although the quality of the resulting algebraic multigrid grid preconditioner often deteriorates in terms of convergence rates and iteration counts of the preconditioned iterative solver, the overall performance can improve substantially. We investigate here, as an alternative, a possibility to replace the classical aggressive coarsening by aggregation, which is motivated by the fact that the convergence of aggregation methods can be independent of the problem size provided that the number of levels is fixed. The relative simplicity of aggregation can lead to improved solution and setup costs. The numerical experiments show the relevance of the proposed combination on both academic and benchmark problems in reservoir simulation from oil industry. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Membrane dynamics associated with viral infection
Authors: de Armas‐Rillo Laura , Valera María‐Soledad , Marrero‐Hernández Sara , Valenzuela‐Fernández Agustín
Published: January 2016

Viral replication and spreading are fundamental events in the viral life cycle, accounting for the assembly and egression of nascent virions, events that are directly associated with viral pathogenesis in target hosts. These processes occur in cellular compartments that are modified by specialized viral proteins, causing a rearrangement of different cell membranes in infected cells and affecting the ER, mitochondria, Golgi apparatus, vesicles and endosomes, as well as processes such as autophagic membrane flux. In fact, the activation or inhibition of membrane trafficking and other related activities are fundamental to ensure the adequate replication and spreading of certain viruses. In this review, data will be presented that support the key role of membrane dynamics in the viral cycle, especially in terms of the assembly, egression and infection processes. By defining how viruses orchestrate these events it will be possible to understand how they successfully complete their route of infection, establishing viral pathogenesis and provoking disease. © 2015 The Authors Reviews in Medical Virology Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Learning to Feel Like a Scientist
Authors: JABER LAMA Z. , HAMMER DAVID
Published: January 2016

There is increased attention in the science education community on the importance of engaging students in the practices of science. However, there is much to be learned abouthowstudents enter into and sustain their engagement in these practices. In this paper, we argue thatepistemic affect—feelings and emotions experienced within science, such as the excitement of having a new idea or irritation at an inconsistency—is part of what instigates and stabilizes disciplinary engagement. We first discuss affect as evident in accounts of professionals; we then show its emergence and role in 2 case studies of elementary school students. In the end, we argue that epistemic affect is part of thesubstancethat students should learn in science, and we discuss implications for research and instruction.
Ethnic Dimensions of Guatemala’s Stalled Transition: A Parity-Specific Analysis ofLadinoand Indigenous Fertility Regimes
Authors: Grace Kathryn , Sweeney Stuart
Published: January 2016

In some contemporary populations, fertility levels appear to plateau, with women maintaining a consistently high level of fertility for a relatively extended period. Because this plateau does not reflect the historical patterns observed in Europe, the focus of most studies on fertility patterns, mechanisms underlying the plateau and the reinstatement of a decline have not been fully explored and are not fully understood. Through the construction of fertility histories of 25,000 women using multiple years of health survey data, we analyze some of the components of stalled fertility as they pertain to Guatemala, the only Central American country to have experienced a stalled fertility decline.
Genetic counselors’ scope of practice and challenges in genetic counseling services in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Balobaid Ameera , Qari Alya , Al-Zaidan Hamad
Published: January 2016

Genetic counseling is an evolving field in Saudi Arabia. In 2015, genetic counseling was recognized as a Master's program by the Saudi Commission for Health Specialties. Our genetic counselors combine their knowledge of genetics, counseling theory and interpersonal communication to serve Saudi and non-Saudi patients affected with a range of genetic conditions and/or birth defects. Most patients are referred to the clinic from different clinics at King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre (KFSHRC) and outside of KFSHRC for various indications. Carrier testing and preventative reproduction options rank highly on the reasons for referral to our clinics.

The Saudi population has unique customs and beliefs, such as consanguinity and the evil eye. Challenges that are routinely encountered in our genetic counseling clinics include, but are not limited to, preventative reproductive options and termination of pregnancy, manifesting carriers, stigmatization of women and approaches to complex molecular findings. Working with families from different backgrounds and beliefs undoubtedly requires professionals with a distinctive set of skills and a structured clinical setting. This review article presents the scope of genetic counseling practice and tackles some of the challenges faced in providing genetic counseling in Saudi Arabia.
The Geography of Mental Health and General Wellness in Galveston Bay After Hurricane Ike: A Spatial Epidemiologic Study With Longitudinal Data
Authors: Gruebner Oliver , Lowe Sarah R. , Tracy Melissa , Cerdá Magdalena , Joshi Spruha , Norris Fran H. , Galea Sandro
Published: January 2016

Objectives

To demonstrate a spatial epidemiologic approach that could be used in the aftermath of disasters to (1) detect spatial clusters and (2) explore geographic heterogeneity in predictors for mental health and general wellness.

Methods

We used a cohort study of Hurricane Ike survivors (n=508) to assess the spatial distribution of postdisaster mental health wellness (most likely resilience trajectory for posttraumatic stress symptoms [PTSS] and depression) and general wellness (most likely resilience trajectory for PTSS, depression, functional impairment, and days of poor health) in Galveston, Texas. We applied the spatial scan statistic (SaTScan) and geographically weighted regression.

Results

We found spatial clusters of high likelihood wellness in areas north of Texas City and spatial concentrations of low likelihood wellness in Galveston Island. Geographic variation was found in predictors of wellness, showing increasing associations with both forms of wellness the closer respondents were located to Galveston City in Galveston Island.

Conclusions

Predictors for postdisaster wellness may manifest differently across geographic space with concentrations of lower likelihood wellness and increased associations with predictors in areas of higher exposure. Our approach could be used to inform geographically targeted interventions to promote mental health and general wellness in disaster-affected communities. (Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2016;10:261–273)
Weak mixing for locally compact quantum groups
Authors: VISELTER AMI
Published: January 2016

We generalize the notion of weakly mixing unitary representations to locally compact quantum groups, introducing suitable extensions of all standard characterizations of weak mixing to this setting. These results are used to complement the non-commutative Jacobs–de Leeuw–Glicksberg splitting theorem of Runde and the author [Ergodic theory for quantum semigroups. J. Lond. Math. Soc. (2) 89(3) (2014), 941–959]. Furthermore, a relation between mixing and weak mixing of state-preserving actions of discrete quantum groups and the properties of certain inclusions of von Neumann algebras, which is known for discrete groups, is demonstrated.
Supramenable groups and partial actions
Authors: SCARPARO EDUARDO P.
Published: January 2016

We characterize supramenable groups in terms of the existence of invariant probability measures for partial actions on compact Hausdorff spaces and the existence of tracial states on partial crossed products. These characterizations show that, in general, one cannot decompose a partial crossed product of a$\text{C}^{\ast }$-algebra by a semidirect product of groups into two iterated partial crossed products. However, we give conditions which ensure that such decomposition is possible.
Entropy estimate by a randomness criterion
Authors: KAMAE TETURO
Published: January 2016

We propose a new criterion for randomness of a word $x_{1}x_{2}\cdots x_{n}\in \mathbb{A}^{n}$ over a finite alphabet $\mathbb{A}$ defined by $$\begin{eqnarray}\unicode[STIX]{x1D6EF}^{n}(x_{1}x_{2}\cdots x_{n})=\mathop{\sum }_{\unicode[STIX]{x1D709}\in \mathbb{A}^{+}}\unicode[STIX]{x1D713}(|x_{1}x_{2}\cdots x_{n}|_{\unicode[STIX]{x1D709}}),\end{eqnarray}$$ where $\mathbb{A}^{+}=\bigcup _{k=1}^{\infty }\mathbb{A}^{k}$ is the set of non-empty finite words over $\mathbb{A}$, for $\unicode[STIX]{x1D709}\in \mathbb{A}^{k}$, $$\begin{eqnarray}|x_{1}x_{2}\cdots x_{n}|_{\unicode[STIX]{x1D709}}=\#\{i;~1\leq i\leq n-k+1,~x_{i}x_{i+1}\cdots x_{i+k-1}=\unicode[STIX]{x1D709}\},\end{eqnarray}$$ and for $t\geq 0$, $\unicode[STIX]{x1D713}(0)=0$ and $\unicode[STIX]{x1D713}(t)=t\log t~(t>0)$. This value represents how random the word $x_{1}x_{2}\cdots x_{n}$ is from the viewpoint of the block frequency. In fact, we define a randomness criterion as $$\begin{eqnarray}Q(x_{1}x_{2}\cdots x_{n})=(1/2)(n\log n)^{2}/\unicode[STIX]{x1D6EF}^{n}(x_{1}x_{2}\cdots x_{n}).\end{eqnarray}$$ Then, $$\begin{eqnarray}\lim _{n\rightarrow \infty }(1/n)Q(X_{1}X_{2}\cdots X_{n})=h(X)\end{eqnarray}$$ holds with probability 1 if $X_{1}X_{2}\cdots \,$ is an ergodic, stationary process over $\mathbb{A}$ either with a finite energy or $h(X)=0$, where $h(X)$ is the entropy of the process. Another criterion for randomness using $t^{2}$ instead of $t\log t$ has already been proposed in Kamae and Xue [An easy criterion for randomness. Sankhya A77(1) (2015), 126–152]. In comparison, our new criterion provides a better fit with the entropy. We also claim that our criterion not only represents the entropy asymptotically but also gives a good representation of the randomness of fixed finite words.
Symbolic dynamics on amenable groups: the entropy of generic shifts
Authors: FRISCH JOSHUA , TAMUZ OMER
Published: January 2016

Let$G$be a finitely generated amenable group. We study the space of shifts on$G$over a given finite alphabet $A$. We show that the zero entropy shifts are generic in this space, and that, more generally, the shifts of entropy$c$are generic in the space of shifts with entropy at least $c$. The same is shown to hold for the space of transitive shifts and for the space of weakly mixing shifts. As applications of this result, we show that, for every entropy value$c\in [0,\log |A|]$, there is a weakly mixing subshift of$A^{G}$with entropy $c$. We also show that the set of strongly irreducible shifts does not form a$G_{\unicode[STIX]{x1D6FF}}$in the space of shifts, and that all non-trivial, strongly irreducible shifts are non-isolated points in this space.
Negative Tuberculin Skin Test and Prediction of Reversion of QuantiFERON Interferon Gamma Release Assay in US Healthcare Workers
Authors: Thanassi Wendy , Noda Art , Hernandez Beatriz , Friedman Leah , Dorman Susan , Yesavage Jerome
Published: January 2016

QuantiFERON tuberculosis tests (QFT) reverted in (612) 77% of 1,094 low-risk healthcare workers (HCW) testing less than 1.16 IU/mL. Of HCW testing greater than 1.1 IU/mL, 33 (59%) of 56 with negative tuberculin skin tests (TST) reverted vs 8 (6%) of 125 with positive TSTs. Retesting low-risk QFT-positive and TST-negative HCW is prudent.

Infect. Control Hosp. Epidemiol.2016;37(4):478–482
Efficacy of an Automated Multiple Emitter Whole-Room Ultraviolet-C Disinfection System Against Coronaviruses MHV and MERS-CoV
Authors: Bedell Kurt , Buchaklian Adam H. , Perlman Stanley
Published: January 2016

Efficient and automated methods of disinfecting surfaces contaminated with the Middle Eastern respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) may prevent the spread of the virus. Here we report the efficacy and use of an automated triple-emitter whole room UV-C disinfection system to inactivate mouse hepatitis virus, strain A59 (MHV-A59) and MERS-CoV viruses on surfaces with a >5 log10 reduction.

Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2016;37:598–599
Radiocarbon Dating and Stable Isotopic Analysis of Insect Chitin from the Rancho La Brea Tar Pits, Southern California
Authors: Holden A R , Southon J R
Published: January 2016

This paper presents the first successful methods for accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS) dating of asphalt-impregnated insect chitin from the Rancho La Brea Tar Pits in southern California. A persistent problem with stratigraphic correlation at this site is that asphalt flows are characteristically intermittent and are really discontinuous, which can result in mixing fossils of quite different ages. Direct14C dating of specimens circumvents this difficulty but requires a pretreatment method that can produce dates from relatively small samples (<10 mg) of insect cuticle, while successfully removing residual asphalt and sample preparation solvents as well as soil carbon contamination.14C dating accuracy was verified by comparing dates on insect chitin with ages for seeds and twigs compacted during a rapid entrapment event within a separately dated skull of the Western Camel,Camelops hesternusLeidy. All dates fell within a relatively narrow range of ~40,000–44,00014C yr BP, suggesting that such methods can be used with confidence on other insect material from this site. Insects are often superior paleoenvironmental indicators for establishing precise data points for climate fluctuations. This is because their lifecycles and present-day climate-restricted geographic distributions are well documented, and unlike migrating mammals and birds, insects offer crucial information about the local environment. Our results are therefore potentially significant for studies of paleoecological and paleoclimatic change within the Los Angeles Basin and coastal southern California, as well as reconstruction of entrapment events at Rancho La Brea.