bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Performance of working memory of musicians and non-musicians in tests with letters, digits, and geometrical shapes
Authors: Okhrei Artem , Kutsenko Tetiana , Makarchuk Mykola
Published: January 2017

Background. Recent researches points out that musical training might have a positive influence on human cognitive domain and working memory improvements are thought to mediate this influence. However, there is some discrepancy among results of researches dealing with working memory testing of musicians and non-musicians.
Materials and Methods. The  participants were the  students who for 10–15 years had been engaged in regular musical practice (musicians) and their peers who had no previous musical experience (non-musicians). A computerized working memory test for letters, digits and shapes with successive presentation of stimuli was applied in the current study.
Results. Musicians and non-musicians did not differ in the  overall number of mistakes and latency of responses made in all subtests for letters, digits and shapes. The left hand made significantly more mistakes than the right one in both groups, but this regularity was more typical of non-musicians. The right hand responded faster than the left one while doing all subtests in both groups, but such a motor asymmetry was more evident for nonmusicians. Musicians mostly did not demonstrate an increase in latency of responses with task complexity growing from set to set of stimuli, while non-musicians did.
Conclusions. The  efficiency of working memory test performance did not differ among musicians and non-musicians. Musicians have tighter interhemispheric cooperation during the memory test and that was indicated by a lesser motor asymmetry. Musicians have almost equal latency of responses regardless of task complexity, while non-musicians require more time for responding to stimuli during growing task complexity, probably because of using different search patterns in working memory or tighter interhemispheric cooperation.
The impact of organic manure and nano-inorganic fertilizers on the growth, yield and oil content of sunflowers under well-watered conditions
Authors: Janmohammadi Mohsen , Seifi Akbar , Pasandi Mokhtar , Sabaghnia Naser
Published: January 2017

The sunflower is the third most important source of edible oil and accounts for about 14% of world production of seed oils. Although the  sunflower is well adapted to semi-arid regions, low soil fertility and nutrients deficiencies are important yield-limiting factors for sunflower production. The current experiment was carried out to study the effects of farmyard manure (zero (M1), 20 (M2) t ha−1) and nanostructured fertilizers (Mn, Fe, Zn ) on the agronomical traits, yield and yield components of the common sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.). The  experiment was conducted during 2015–2016 growing seasons at a research field in Maragheh in the  north-western part of Iran. Application of farmyard manure significantly improved such agronomic traits as plant height, leaf area, the number of leaves, the internode length, the stem diameter, the diameter of the branch head, the number of branches, the  length of branches, achene length and achene width, the main capitulum diameter, 100-achene weight, oil content in an achene compared with non-manure condition. Results revealed that plants grown under M2 showed earlier flowering and possessed a higher chlorophyll concentration in leaves. Moreover, application of nano-chelated Zn and Fe considerably decreased the proportion of empty achenes and increased oil concentration, the achene yield and the harvest index. However, the best performance was obtained by combined application of nano-chelated Zn under manure conditions. The findings pointed to the importance of micronutrient deficiencies and balanced nutrition in this area. The  overall results show that the  integrated application of organic manure and nano-chelated micronutrients are more effective in improving the yield of sunflowers in semiarid production systems.
Reference Identification in Translation and Interpretation
Authors: Svane Brynja
Published: January 2017

Reference identification is fundamental in any kind of human communication and decisive for the understanding of what others are trying to communicate. But it is not evident that speakers and hearers attach the same value to specific references to the real world that they exchange in an interaction. After a brief introduction to the problem different aspects of the relationship between specific and non-specific references in translation and interpretation are discussed and an analysis of potential strategies toward the translation of references is undertaken.
Modeling verbal and Nonverbal Interaction - a Catastrophe Theoretic Contribution to the Intergrammar of Arndt and Janney
Authors: Lund Steffen Nordahl
Published: January 2017

The article deals with the interpretive framework of Arndt and Janney’s Intergrammar. An intergrative modelisation of verbal, prosodic and kinesic choices in speech is proposed within the methodology of catastrophe theory in order to analyze the dynamics of the functional relationships between these unifying aspects of face-to-face communication.
Præsentation af CRTT - Centre de Recherche de Terminologie et de Traducvtion fra Université Lyon II og CTN - Centre de Terminologie et de Néologie i Paris
Authors: Lervad Susanne
Published: January 2017

No abstract.
F0 thoughs and prosodic phrasing: an investigation into the linguistic information contained in a speaker's baseline when reading
Authors: Wichmann Anne
Published: January 2017

This paper examines some aspects of the prosody of reading aloud. The pitch contour of a read text was examined, and the low troughs, or valleys, in the contour were identified. The pitch of these troughs, and their position in the text, was found to relate systematically to the structure of the text. This suggests that the speaker’s pitch baseline may carry important linguistic information.
TV-tekster til tiden - oversættelse og tekstning af nyheder
Authors: Heine Jytte
Published: January 2017

News subtitling for television in several ways differs from the subtitling of films ontelevision: There is very short time available for the work, all foreign languages are translated from spoken language – like interpreting – and finally the subtitles are cued directly during transmission.The time problem becomes still more evident in connection with the traditional presubtitling in the national languages for people with hearing disabilities. To meet their demands for subtitled news broadcasts a couple of European countries have introduced simultaneous subtitling, a costly andn problematic solution.
Informationsstruktur - med fokus på fokus
Authors: Nølke Henning
Published: January 2017

No abstract.
Sprogkundskaber som ansættelsesparameter
Authors: Rosenbohm Hans-Otto
Published: January 2017

No abstract.
Imagen-momia e imagen-ruina: La mise-en-film de las fotografías de los desaparecidos en el documental subjetivo de la posdictadura argentina / Image-mummy and image-ruin. Mise-en-film of missing people photographies in the subjetive documentary
Authors: Blejmar Jordana
Published: January 2017

En este artículo se analizan los diversos vínculos entre imagen fotográfica e imagen cinematográfica en los documentales subjetivos de la posdictadura argentina: Papá Iván (Roqué, 2000), Los rubios (Carri 2003), Encontrando a Víctor (Bruschtein, 2004), y M (Prividera, 2007). Se pone particular atención en las recurrentes escenas en las que los directores y entrevistados observan, comentan a interactúan con fotografías de los desaparecidos de la última dictadura militar (1976-1983). ¿En qué medida las filmaciones de las fotos ligadas al pasado argentino reciente modifican y construyen sus sentidos? ¿Refuerzan estas películas el valor de verdad de las fotografías al insertar un documento en otro y tratarlas en su carácter de prueba referencial o, por el contrario, multiplican las mediaciones y alejan aún más el referente de su signo? En suma, ¿qué ganan y qué pierden estas imágenes, en su mayoría extraídas del álbum familiar de los ausentes, al ser expuestas públicamente frente a la cámara de cine? This article analyzes the links between the photographic image and the cinematographic image in the subjective documentaries of the post-dictatorship period in Argentina: Papá Iván (Roqué, 2000), Los rubios (Carri 2003), Encontrando a Víctor (Bruschtein, 2004), and M (Prividera, 2007). The article focuses particularly on the numerous scenes in which the directors and the interviewees observe, comment, and interact with the photographs of the disappeared during the 1976-1983 dictatorship. To what extent does the filming of these photographs related to the Argentine past modify and construct the meanings of such images? Do these films reinforce the ‘value of truth’ of the photographs by inserting one document into another one and by treating them as referential proof of what has happened in the past? Or, on the contrary, do these films multiply the mediations and make the distance between the images and their referent even greater? In sum, what do these photographs, mostly taken from family albums, gain and what do they lose when they are put on public display in film?
Localizando la política: subjetividad, publicidad y revolución en tres novelas recientes / Localizing Politics: Subjectivity, Advertising, and Revolution in Three Recent Novels
Authors: Claesson Christian
Published: January 2017

Resumen: En la estela de la crisis económica y social, la narrativa española ha buscado formas de reflejar y reflexionar sobre lo político. Una de las formas ha sido el tratar de entender cómo la crisis ha afectado la subjetividad y, más concretamente, cómo el sujeto navega por la sociedad en crisis. En este artículo se estudian tres novelas recientes —Ejército enemigo (2011) de Alberto Olmos, El público (2012) de Bruno Galindo y Acontecimiento (2015) de Javier Moreno— que intentan responder a la situación social y política actual. A pesar de sus diferencias, las tres novelas llevan a cabo una exploración sobre la subjetividad moderna, sobre todo en relación a la publicidad y los medios sociales, posicionándose respecto a la política y la revolución. Entre otras similitudes, el artículo observa que las tres novelas, junto con otras novelas recientes, llaman la atención sobre la falsa conciencia del momento actual y proponen la sublevación radical como una solución política posible. Palabras clave: Palabras clave: Ejército enemigo, Alberto Olmos, El público, Bruno Galindo, Acontecimiento, Javier Moreno, novela política, subjetividad, publicidad, revolución   Abstract: In the wake of the economic and social crisis, Spanish fiction has looked for ways of reflecting (on) the political. One of the manners has been to attempt to understand how the crisis has affected subjectivity and, more concretely, how the subject navigates the society of the crisis. In this article, I study three recent novels—Alberto Olmos’ Ejército enemigo (2011), Bruno Galindo’s El público (2012) and Javier Moreno’s Acontecimiento (2015)—that try to respond to the present political and social situation. Despite their differences, the three novels carry out an exploration of modern subjectivity, above all in relation to advertising and social media, in relation to politics and the revolution. Among several similarities, I observe that the three novels, together with other recent Spanish fiction, call attention to a false consciousness of the present moment and propose a radical revolt as a possible political solution. Keywords: Ejército enemigo, Alberto Olmos, El público, Bruno Galindo, Acontecimiento, Javier Moreno, political novel, subjectivity, advertising, revolution
Por una epistemología de la deportación española. El legado KL Reich de Joaquim Amat-Piniella
Authors: Marin-Dòmine Marta
Published: January 2017

El abordaje crítico de KL Reich (1963) del escritor catalán Joaquim Amat-Piniella no puede pasar por alto el hecho de que sea el libro en su calidad de símbolo más que el texto literario el que haya encontrado su lugar dentro de los iconos que representan la memoria de los españoles deportados a los campos nazis cuya memorialización está estructurada alrededor de unos lugares comunes que se han mantenido inamovibles hasta la fecha. El presente artículo ofrece una breve trayectoria de la recepción de KL Reich a la luz de estos lugares comunes que configuran la articulación entre recepción y representación memorial. Terminaré por señalar una de las aportaciones literarias de KL Reich que pueden servir para ir elaborando una epistemología de la deportación española en los campos nazis.  Palabras clave: KL Reich; Joaquim Amat-Piniella; deportación; españoles en Mauthausen; literatura campos concentración.
Introducción El universo concentracionario: escribir para no olvidar
Authors: Lluch-Prats Javier , Miñano Martínez Evelio , Sánchez Zapatero Javier
Published: January 2017

Impulsada por la cada vez mayor relevancia académica de los Memory Studies y de los análisis de los textos autobiográficos, la literatura concentracionaria ha recibido en las últimas décadas una constante atención desde diversas disciplinas humanísticas: Historia, Filosofía, Estética, Pedagogía, Teoría de la Literatura, Literatura Comparada, Historia de la Literatura, Crítica Literaria… A pesar de que el ámbito de estudios sobre la cuestión tiene un marcado carácter internacional y de que los principales focos analíticos han estado representados por investigadores estadounidenses, franceses y alemanes, el tema ha concitado también la atención de la academia española.
Transcriptomic response of maize primary roots to low temperatures at seedling emergence
Authors: Di Fenza Mauro , Hogg Bridget , Grant Jim , Barth Susanne
Published: January 2017

Background

Maize (Zea mays) is a C4tropical cereal and its adaptation to temperate climates can be problematic due to low soil temperatures at early stages of establishment.

Methods

In the current study we have firstly investigated the physiological response of twelve maize varieties, from a chilling condition adapted gene pool, to sub-optimal growth temperature during seedling emergence. To identify transcriptomic markers of cold tolerance in already adapted maize genotypes, temperature conditions were set below the optimal growth range in both control and low temperature groups. The conditions were as follows; control (18 °C for 16 h and 12 °C for 8 h) and low temperature (12 °C for 16 h and 6 °C for 8 h). Four genotypes were identified from the condition adapted gene pool with significant contrasting chilling tolerance.

Results

Picker and PR39B29 were the more cold-tolerant lines and Fergus and Codisco were the less cold-tolerant lines. These four varieties were subjected to microarray analysis to identify differentially expressed genes under chilling conditions. Exposure to low temperature during establishment in the maize varieties Picker, PR39B29, Fergus and Codisco, was reflected at the transcriptomic level in the varieties Picker and PR39B29. No significant changes in expression were observed in Fergus and Codisco following chilling stress. A total number of 64 genes were differentially expressed in the two chilling tolerant varieties. These two varieties exhibited contrasting transcriptomic profiles, in which only four genes overlapped.

Discussion

We observed that maize varieties possessing an enhanced root growth ratio under low temperature were more tolerant, which could be an early and inexpensive measure for germplasm screening under controlled conditions. We have identified novel cold inducible genes in an already adapted maize breeding gene pool. This illustrates that further varietal selection for enhanced chilling tolerance is possible in an already preselected gene pool.
Endophytic fungal diversity ofFragaria vesca, a crop wild relative of strawberry, along environmental gradients within a small geographical area
Authors: Yokoya Kazutomo , Postel Sarah , Fang Rui , Sarasan Viswambharan
Published: January 2017

Background

Fungal endophytes are highly diverse ubiquitous asymptomatic microorganisms, some of which appear to be symbiotic. Depending on abiotic conditions and genotype of the plant, the diversity of endophytes may confer fitness benefits to plant communities.

Methods

We studied a crop wild relative (CWR) of strawberry, along environmental gradients with a view to understand the cultivable root-derived endophytic fungi that can be evaluated for promoting growth and tolerating stress in selected plant groups. The main objectives were to understand whether: (a) suboptimal soil types are drivers for fungal distribution and diversity; (b) high pH and poor nutrient availability lead to fungal-plant associations that help deliver fitness benefits; and (c) novel fungi can be identified for their use in improving plant growth, and alleviate stress in diverse crops.

Results

The study revealed that habitats with high pH and low nutrient availability have higher fungal diversity, with more rare fungi isolated from locations with chalky soil. Plants from location G were the healthiest even though soil from this location was the poorest in nutrients. Study of environmental gradients, especially extreme habitat types, may help understand the root zone fungal diversity of different functional classes. Two smallin vitropilot studies conducted with two isolates showed that endophytic fungi from suboptimal habitats can promote plant growth and fitness benefits in selected plant groups.

Discussion

Targeting native plants and crop wild relatives for research offers opportunities to unearth diverse functional groups of root-derived endophytic fungi that are beneficial for crops.
Aplicação de glyphosate na dessecação do sorgo biomassa
Authors: May André , Viana Ronaldo Da Silva , Dos Santos Michelli De Souza , Da Silva Evandro Henrique Figueiredo Moura
Published: January 2017

O sorgo biomassa é uma alternativa para a geração de energia renovável pela queima em caldeiras, destacando-se por sua alta produtividade e possibilidade de mecanização de todos os seus processos agrícolas. Uma alternativa comum para a redução da umidade de culturas é a aplicação de herbicidas dessecantes, contudo, não há pesquisas que elucidem a perda de umidade da massa colhida de sorgo com a aplicação de dessecantes na parte aérea, antes da colheita. Assim, o objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar aplicação de glyphosate na dessecação do sorgo. O delineamento experimental utilizado foi em blocos inteiramente casualizados, no esquema fatorial 2x5x4, constituídos por: duas cultivares de sorgo (BRS 716 e CR 1342); cinco doses de glyphosate (0, 720, 1.440, 2.160 e 2.880 g ingrediente ativo ha-1) e quatro épocas de coleta das plantas (7, 14, 21 e 28 dias após a aplicação), com 4 repetições. Durante as diferentes épocas de coleta das plantas foram realizadas as avaliações da biomassa fresca e seca dos colmos e folhas e porcentagem de biomassa seca dos colmos e das folhas. A aplicação do glyphosate não foi eficaz no processo de dessecação das plantas de sorgo biomassa BRS 716 e CR1342.
Domain analysis of Ras‐association domain family member 6 upon interaction with MDM2
Authors: Sarkar Aradhan , Iwasa Hiroaki , Hossain Shakhawoat , Xu Xiaoyin , Sawada Takeru , Shimizu Takanobu , Maruyama Junichi , Arimoto‐Matsuzaki Kyoko , Hata Yutaka
Published: January 2017

The tumor suppressor Ras‐association domain family member 6 (RASSF6) has Ras‐association domain (RA) and Salvador/RASSF/Hippo domain (SARAH). RASSF6 antagonizes MDM2, stabilizes p53, and induces apoptosis and cell cycle arrest. We previously demonstrated the interaction between RASSF6 and MDM2, but did not determine how both proteins interact with each other. We have shown here that N‐terminal, RA, and SARAH domains of RASSF6 interact with MDM2 at distinct regions. RA binds to the RING‐finger region of MDM2 and stabilizes p53. SARAH binds RA and blocks the interaction between RA and MDM2. RA overexpression induces p53‐dependent apoptosis and senescence. In the presence of active KRas, the interaction between RA and MDM2 is recovered. In this way, RA and SARAH play an important role in Ras‐mediated regulation of p53.
Symmetry of the Atlantic Niño mode
Authors: Lübbecke Joke F. , McPhaden Michael J.
Published: January 2017

El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) in the Pacific is asymmetric for warm and cold events with respect to amplitude, spatial patterns, and temporal evolution. Here the symmetry of the Atlantic Niño mode, which many previous studies have argued is governed by atmosphere‐ocean dynamics similar to those of ENSO, is investigated using two different ocean reanalysis products. Calculation of Bjerknes feedback terms for the Pacific reveals a pronounced asymmetry between warm and cold events, though unlike most previous studies, the largest asymmetry is found in the relationship between eastern Pacific thermocline depth and sea surface temperature anomalies. For the Atlantic, cold events are effectively mirror images of warm events with Bjerknes feedbacks of similar strength. The analysis supports not only the conclusion that Atlantic Niños are more symmetric than ENSO but also the hypothesis itself that the Bjerknes feedback is operative in the Atlantic given the strength of the relationship between the key variables involved.
On different approaches to modeling
Authors: Ben‐Zion Yehuda
Published: January 2017

Key Point

Different approaches to modeling
Nowcasting and forecasting of the magnetopause and bow shock—A status update
Authors: Petrinec S. M. , Redmon R. J. , Rastaetter L.
Published: January 2017

There has long been interest in knowing the shape and location of the Earth's magnetopause and of the standing fast‐mode bow shock upstream of the Earth's magnetosphere. This quest for knowledge spans both the research and operations arenas. Pertinent to the latter, nowcasting and near‐term forecasting are important for determining the extent to which the magnetosphere is compressed or expanded due to the influence of the solar wind bulk plasma and fields and the coupling to other magnetosphere‐ionosphere processes with possible effects on assets. This article provides an update to a previous article on the same topic published 15 years earlier, with focus on studies that have been conducted, the current status of nowcasting and forecasting of geophysical boundaries, and future endeavors.
The Effect of SiCp Addition on Corrosion and Wear Behavior of Conventionally and Microwave Sintered PM 316L
Authors: Ertugrul Onur , Willert‐Porada Monika , Onel Kazim
Published: January 2017

In this study, corrosion and wear behaviors of PM 316L matrix composite materials reinforced with SiC particles in amounts of 10 vol% are evaluated. The samples are uniaxially cold pressed, and then sintered by two different methods, conventional sintering and microwave sintering. Corrosion properties are evaluated by both immersion and cyclic polarization tests. Wear properties are evaluated by dry sliding wear tests. Brinell and Vickers microhardness tests are applied, in order to support the wear test results. The results show that 10 vol% SiCp reinforced composite samples have acceptable corrosion properties and improved wear resistence in a similar manner, as they show good mechanical properties. In addition, microwave sintering results in better wear properties compared to conventional method.
Highly Porous Carbon with Graphene Nanoplatelet Microstructure Derived from Biomass Waste for High‐Performance Supercapacitors in Universal Electrolyte
Authors: Shi Chao , Hu Lintong , Guo Kai , Li Huiqiao , Zhai Tianyou
Published: January 2017

Highly porous carbon (3047 m2 g−1) with a graphene nanoplatelet microstructure is obtained by using a biomass waste as a new carbon source. Introducing high‐energy ball milling treatment during the synthesis procedure can greatly improve the surface wettability of carbon and ensure the homogenously contact between carbon and KOH, thus leading to high reactivity of the KOH activation. The highly efficient activation endows this carbon with favorable features for supercapacitors, such as high surface area with coexistence of rich micropores and mesopores, unique graphene nanoplatelet microstructure with good conductivity and many capacitive active sites. The as‐prepared carbon exhibits high specific capacitances of 329 and 311 F g−1 in 2 m KOH and 1 m H2SO4 electrolyte at 1.0 A g−1, respectively. In 1 m TEABF4/AN electrolyte, a high working voltage of 3 V and excellent rate performance can be obtained based on a two‐electrode full cell. The energy density of the carbon/carbon symmetric capacitor reaches 49.5 W h kg−1 and the extreme power density can reach 10.8 kW kg−1. The results suggest this biomass‐waste‐derived carbon can serve as a low‐cost and high‐performance electrode material for supercapacitors with universal electrolytes.
Molecular mechanism for liquid–liquid extraction: Two‐film theory revisited
Authors: Hu Yangxu , Liu Zhiping , Yuan Xigang , Zhang Xianren
Published: January 2017

We investigate here the molecular mechanism for liquid‐liquid extraction and revisit the classical two‐film theory. With equilibrium and non‐equilibrium molecular dynamics simulations, we illustrate the kinetics of solute crossing the interface and in particular the structure of the interface at which two stagnant liquid films adhere. Our simulation results show that beyond the two‐film theory, the interface is well structured and plays an essential role in solute transfer. We found that at the well‐developed interface region the overall density profile exhibits a dip, while the solute concentration shows a significant maximum. Free energy analysis demonstrates the interfacial enrichment of solute molecules serving as a potential well for solute adsorption. Thus, different from the assumption of the two‐film theory, our simulations show that there exists a resistance for solute molecules crossing the interface, which could be overcome only at high interface concentration of solute caused by interfacial enrichment. © 2017 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 63: 2464–2470, 2017
Parent‐offspring conflict over family size in current China
Authors: Liu Jianghua , Duan Chongli , Lummaa Virpi
Published: January 2017

Objectives

In China, the recent replacement of the one‐child policy with a two‐child policy could potentially change family ecology—parents may switch investment from exclusively one child to two. The parent‐offspring conflict theory provides testable hypotheses concerning possible firstborn opposition toward further reproduction of their mother, and who wins the conflict. We tested the hypotheses that if there is any opposition, it will differ between sexes, weaken with offspring age and family resource availability, and affect maternal reproductive decision‐making.

Methods

Using survey data of 531 non‐pregnant mothers of only one child from Xi'an (China), logistic regression was used to examine effects of age, family income, and sex on the attitudes of firstborn children toward having a sibling; ordinal regression was used to investigate how such attitudes affect maternal intention to reproduce again.

Results

Firstborns' unsupportive attitude toward their mothers' further reproduction weakened with age and was overall more frequent in low‐income families. Sons' unsupportive tendency displayed a somewhat U‐shaped relationship, whereas daughters' weakened with family income; consequently, sons were more likely than daughters to be unsupportive in high‐income families, suggesting a tendency to be more demanding. Forty‐nine percent of mothers supported by their firstborns intended to reproduce again, whilst only 9% of mothers not supported by firstborns had such an intention.

Conclusion

Our study contributes to evolutionary literature on parent‐offspring conflict and its influence on female reproductive strategy in modern human societies, and has also important implications for understanding fertility patterns and conducting interventions in family conflict in China.
T‐helper 2 cytokine–induced heat shock protein 70 secretion and its potential association with allergic rhinitis
Authors: Min Hyun Jin , Kim Kyung Soo , Yoon Joo‐Heon , Kim Chang‐Hoon , Cho Hyung‐Ju
Published: January 2017

Background

Various inflammatory mediators have been found to be involved in the pathogenesis of allergic disease (AR). The role of heat shock proteins in AR has not been studied. The aim of this study was to investigate the levels of heat shock protein 70 (Hsp70) in the nasal lavage fluids of AR patients and controls to elucidate the role of Hsp70 in the pathogenesis of AR.

Methods

Using an enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay, the levels of Hsp70, Hsp90, interleukin (IL)‐4, IL‐13, and IL‐8 in nasal lavage fluid from patients were measured and statistically analyzed. Primary human nasal epithelial cells were cultured in vitro and T‐helper 2 (Th2) cytokines (IL‐4, IL‐13) were added to the culture medium. We evaluated the mRNA and protein expression levels of Hsp70 using real‐time polymerase chain reaction and western blot assay.

Results

Hsp70 was easily detected in nasal lavage fluid and the levels of Hsp70 were higher in AR patients than in healthy controls. Other clinical characteristics of subjects were not significantly associated with Hsp70 levels. Furthermore, we found that treatment with IL‐4 and IL‐13 induced the secretion of Hsp70 in human nasal epithelial cells.

Conclusion

We found that Hsp70 was abundant and positively detected in nasal lavage fluid samples from all subjects, and that Hsp70 levels were significantly higher in AR patients. We demonstrated, both in vivo and in vitro, that Hsp70 could play an important role in the pathogenesis of AR, and we suggest that Hsp70 can be used as a disease marker for AR.
Synthesis of polysiloxane with 5,5‐dimethylhydantoin‐based N‐halamine pendants for biocidal functionalization of polyethylene by supercritical impregnation
Authors: Chen Yong , Zhang Qiang , Han Qiuxia , Mi Yazhen , Sun Shuwei , Feng Chunyan , Xiao Han , Yu Panwei , Yang Cuiying
Published: January 2017

An N‐halamine precursor 3‐(3‐hydroxypropyl)‐5,5‐dimethylhydantoin (HPDMH) has been synthesized. The N‐halamine precursor was reacted with poly(methylhydrosiloxane) (PMHS) to produce a biocidal polysiloxane with 5,5‐dimethylhydantoin‐based N‐halamine pendants through silane alcoholysis and subsequent chlorination of hydantoin ring with tert‐butyl hypochlorite. The N‐halamine polysiloxane was impregnated into inert polyethylene (PE) fibers and formed a 68‐nm coating layer in supercritical carbon dioxide (scCO2) for antibacterial application. The PE fibers before and after impregnation were characterized by XPS and SEM. The N‐halamine polysiloxane impregnated PE samples provided effective biocidal activities against both Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli compared with unmodified ones that did not display obvious antibacterial activities. The coating layer on PE substrate was stable toward washing cycles, storage, and UV irradiation and the rechargeability of lost active chlorines was good. The scCO2 impregnation approach uses environmentally friendly CO2 as solvent and can be applied to both reactive and nonreactive substrates since it does not require covalent bonds to tether biocidal moieties. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017, 134, 44721.
Mechanical and anticorrosion properties of furan/epoxy‐based basalt fiber‐reinforced composites
Authors: Wang Zhi , Cao Ni , He Jing , Du Ruikui , Liu Yaqing , Zhao Guizhe
Published: January 2017

A furan/epoxy blend applicable to composite manufacture was studied and corresponding basalt fiber‐reinforced composites were prepared. The processability, mechanical properties, and reasons for the improved mechanical properties of this blend were investigated by rheology machine, mechanical testing machine, and scanning electron microscopy. With excellent processability, furan/epoxy was suitable for manufacturing composites. Furan/epoxy with the ratio of 5/5 showed the best properties, and the impact strength, flexural strength and flexural modulus were 15.43 kJ/m2, 102.81 MPa, and 3209.40 MPa, respectively. The river‐like fracture surface of the furan/epoxy system was well consistent with the mechanical properties. The mechanical and anti‐corrosive properties of basalt fiber‐reinforced furan/epoxy composites were also studied. The mechanical properties of composites changed the same as those of furan/epoxy matrix did. Furan resin effectively improved the anti‐acid but not anti‐alkali property of composites, probably because furan could be cured in acidic condition and basalt fiber was resistant to acid and alkali. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017, 134, 44799.
Metal‐Ion‐Mediated Supramolecular Assembly of C3‐Peptides
Authors: Wang Jun , Shao Feng , Li Wen , Yan Jiatao , Liu Kun , Tao Pei , Masuda Toshio , Zhang Afang
Published: January 2017

An investigation on a supramolecular assembly of C3‐molecules benzene‐1,3,5‐tricarboxamides carrying tetrapeptide Gly‐Ala‐Gly‐Ala pendants promoted by hydrogen bonding and metal ion coordination is described. A Gly‐Ala peptide sequence was selected as it is the most abundant repeating unit in silkworm silk, and known to form β‐sheets through efficient intermolecular hydrogen bonds. These C3‐peptides formed long helical fibers in solvents mainly owing to strong hydrogen bonding. However, in the presence of divalent metal ions, chirality of these helical fibers was enhanced through metal coordination and could be transformed into nanospheres with an excess amount of the ions. Different metal ions show different tendencies to mediate the supramolecular chirality, which can even be inverted according to coordination differences.
A simple and selective UHPLC–MS/MS method for quantification of plantagoguanidinic acid in rat plasma and its application to a pharmacokinetic study
Authors: Zhong Ruijian , Yu Yan , Zheng Yangbing , Chen Weikang , Zhou Guoping , Ding Jianhong , Yuan Mingming
Published: January 2017

A simple, sensitive and specific UHPLC–MS/MS method for quantification of plantagoguanidinic acid (PGA) in rat plasma was applied to investigate the pharmacokinetic behavior in vivo, using protopine as internal standard. The chromatography was separated on a Phenomenex® Luna‐C18 column (2.1 × 150 mm, 3.0 μm) within 7.0 min using a mobile phase consisting of acetonitrile–0.1% formic acid solution under gradient elution at a flow rate of 0.4 mL/min. Prepared samples were monitored by multiple reaction monitoring mode, with the target fragmentions m/z 226.2 → 84.2 for PGA and m/z 354.2 → 188.9 for IS in positive electrospray ionization. The calibration curve of PGA was linear throughout the range 1–1000 ng/mL (r = 0.9962). The lower limit of quantitation in plasma for PGA was 0.1 ng/mL, and the recovery was >88.6%. Intra‐ and interday accuracy ranged from −8.6 to 4.9%. Furthermore, this validated method was successfully used for a pre‐clinical pharmacokinetic study of PGA at a single dose of 20 and 5 mg/kg in rats via oral and intravenous administration. The study showed that PGA was absorpted rapidly and eliminated gradually with a greater absolute oral bioavailability of 70.1% in rats.
Screening different host cell lines for the dynamic production of measles virus
Authors: Grein Tanja A. , Schwebel Felix , Kress Marco , Loewe Daniel , Dieken Hauke , Salzig Denise , Weidner Tobias , Czermak Peter
Published: January 2017

Measles virus (MV) has a natural affinity for cancer cells and oncolytic MV preparations have therefore been investigated in several clinical trials as a potential treatment for cancer. The main bottleneck in the administration of oncolytic MV to cancer patients is the production process, because very large doses of virus particles are required for each treatment. Here, we investigated the productivity of different host cells and found that a high infection efficiency did not necessarily result in high virus yields because virus release is also dependent on the host cell. As well as producing large numbers of active MV particles, host cells must perform well in dynamic cultivation systems. In screening experiments, the highest productivity was achieved by Vero and BJAB cells, but only the Vero cells maintained their high virus productivity when transferred to a stirred tank reactor. We used dielectric spectroscopy as an online monitoring system to control the infection and harvest times, which are known to be critical process parameters. The precise control of these parameters allowed us to achieve higher virus titers with Vero cells in a stirred tank reactor than in a static cultivation system based on T‐flasks, with maximum titers of up to 1011 TCID50 ml−1. © 2017 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 33:989–997, 2017
Application of Wet Nanostructured Bacterial Cellulose as a Novel Hydrogel Bioanode for Microbial Fuel Cells
Authors: Mashkour Mehrdad , Rahimnejad Mostafa , Mashkour Mahdi , Bakeri Gholamreza , Luque Rafael , Oh Sang‐Eun
Published: January 2017

In this study, wet bacterial cellulose (BC) with a water content of more than 98% was utilized as a novel scaffold to design bioanodes for microbial fuel cells (MFCs). At first, unmodified wet BC was used a bioanode. Then a simple in situ synthesis of polypyrrole (PPYR) at various pyrrole concentrations was subsequently performed on the BC‘s fibers to generate the novel bioanodes. Characterization of the BC‐PPYR nanobiocomposites was conducted by using ATR‐FTIR, XRD, and FESEM. The performance of the nanobiocomposites was studied in a MFC system by using cyclic voltammetry (CV), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), and polarization curves. A power density of 136 mW/m2 and a current density of 662 mA/m2 were found for BC‐PPYR, which are superior to those of graphite (1 mW/m2 and 9 mA/m2, respectively). The results were attributed to a good adhesion of bacterial cells to the fibrous surface of BC, permanent capillary transfer of nutrients, the conductive content of hydrogel BC, and good conductivity and catalytic activity of PPYR in the nanocomposite.
Implication of Nitrifying and Denitrifying Bacteria for Nitrogen Removal in a Shallow Lake
Authors: Wang Fei , Zhao Ying , Xie Shulian , Li Jianying
Published: January 2017

The relationship among reed nitrogen (N) uptake, nitrifying and denitrifying bacteria, and N content in the rhizosphere sediment was studied based on field investigation in terrestrial zone (TZ), ecotone zone (EZ), and submerged zone (SZ) of Baiyangdian Lake, the largest natural freshwater body of Northern China. The results showed that the total nitrogen (TN) content in the rhizosphere sediment decreased with increased aboveground reed TN storage, achieving the highest decrease rate of 68.6–78.6% when the aboveground reed TN storage reached its maximum in September. A positive correlation could be shown between amoA‐type nitrifier assemblages and ammonium (NH4+) content in the rhizosphere sediment. However, the correlation between nirS‐type denitrifiers and nitrate (NO3−) in the rhizosphere sediment was not significant. The amoA‐type nitrifier and nirS‐type denitrifier assemblages were significantly correlated with air temperature in each zone (p < 0.01). The quantity of amoA‐type nitrifiers in the TZ was 48.3% higher compared with the SZ, whereas the average number of nirS‐type denitrifiers in the submerged zone was twice than that in the TZ. These results imply that reed growth and environmental conditions, including air temperature and water level, are important for N removal in shallow lakes.
Phytoremediation of Pb‐Contaminated Soil by Salicornia iranica: Key Physiological and Molecular Mechanisms Involved in Pb Detoxification
Authors: Kaviani Elina , Niazi Ali , Heydarian Zohreh , Moghadam Ali , Ghasemi‐Fasaei Reza , Abdollahzadeh Tayebe
Published: January 2017

The heavy metal lead (Pb) is one of the most important environmental pollutants and abiotic stresses with harmful effects on all living beings including plants. In this study, Salicornia iranica was used in an attempt to phytoremediate Pb‐contaminated soil. Possible mechanisms of plant tolerance against Pb pollution and its detoxification were studied through expression analysis of Glutathione‐S‐transferase (GST) and measurement of involved key physiological components. Interestingly, promoter analysis of GST showed that there are some essential cis‐acting elements responsive to gibberellin, abscisic acid, salicylic acid, and myeloblastosis viral oncogene homolog (MYB) family binding sites involved in Pb detoxification. The concentration of chlorophyll a and b and carotenoids significantly decreased in plants grown on Pb‐contaminated soil for 90 days and in 90‐day‐old plants treated for 24 and 48 h (at a concentration of 1000 mg/kg Pb). The result of free proline measurement showed that it significantly increased in shoot tissue. The Pb absorption and its concentration increased in shoot tissue. In addition, the GST expression significantly increased as a result of the 100 mg/kg Pb treatment, but not at the higher concentration of 1000 mg/kg Pb. It was also observed that Pb accumulation did not influence plant growth parameters such as shoot and root lengths. Therefore, S. iranica is able to accumulate Pb in shoot tissue, and it may be useful in phytoremediation of Pb‐polluted soil.
Impact of ethnicity on the outcome of men with metastatic, hormone‐sensitive prostate cancer
Authors: Bernard Brandon , Muralidhar Vinayak , Chen Yu‐Hui , Sridhar Srikala S. , Mitchell Edith P. , Pettaway Curtis A. , Carducci Michael A. , Nguyen Paul L. , Sweeney Christopher J.
Published: January 2017

BACKGROUND

Prostate cancer (PCa) outcomes are impacted by socioeconomic and biologic factors. Ethnicity plays a role in the former, but little is known about the responsiveness of metastatic PCa to androgen‐deprivation therapy (ADT) among races.

METHODS

The Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) registry was used to identify men who were diagnosed with distant, de novo, metastatic PCa from 2004 to 2012. Patterns of presentation, overall survival (OS), and PCa‐specific mortality (PCSM) were determined for each race. E3805 clinical trial data also were retrospectively reviewed to assess outcomes of ADT and ADT plus docetaxel by race.

RESULTS

Of all PCa diagnoses in SEER, distant, de novo, metastatic disease was diagnosed in 4.2% of non‐Hispanic whites, 5.8% of Hispanic whites, 5.7% of blacks, 5.5% of Asians/Pacific Islanders, and 8.8% of American Indians/Alaska Natives (P < .001; chi‐square test). The median OS differed by race, with superior OS observed among Asian men (30 months) than among men of other races (range, 24‐25 months; P < .001). Asians also had a superior median PCSM (54 months) compared with the other races (range, 35‐40 months; P < .001). In E3805, chemohormonal therapy was associated with a median OS of 58.1 months (95% confidence interval, 48.8‐72.9 months) and 57.6 months (95% confidence interval, 27.7‐57.6 months) in non‐Hispanic whites and blacks, respectively. Few Asians participated in the E3805 trial.

CONCLUSIONS

Asian men have superior median OS and PCSM for distant, de novo, metastatic PCa than men of other race. Non‐Hispanic whites and blacks who receive treatment with ADT or chemohormonal therapy have comparable outcomes. Cancer 2017;123:1536–1544. © 2017 American Cancer Society.
Imidazoquinoxaline derivative EAPB0503: A promising drug targeting mutant nucleophosmin 1 in acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: Nabbouh Ali I. , Hleihel Rita S. , Saliba Jessica L. , Karam Martin M. , Hamie Maguy H. , Wu Hsin‐Chieh J. M. , Berthier Caroline P. , Tawil Nadim M. , Bonnet Pierre‐Antoine A. , Deleuze‐Masquefa Carine , El Hajj Hiba A.
Published: January 2017

BACKGROUND

Nucleophosmin 1 (NPM1) is a nucleocytoplasmic shuttling protein mainly localized in the nucleolus. NPM1 is frequently mutated in acute myeloid leukemia (AML). NPM1c oligomerizes with wild‐type nucleophosmin 1 (wt‐NPM1), and this leads to its continuous cytoplasmic delocalization and contributes to leukemogenesis. Recent studies have shown that Cytoplasmic NPM1 (NPM1c) degradation leads to growth arrest and apoptosis of NPM1c AML cells and corrects wt‐NPM1 normal nucleolar localization.

METHODS

AML cells expressing wt‐NPM1 or NPM1c or transfected with wt‐NPM1 or NPM1c as well as wt‐NPM1 and NPM1c AML xenograft mice were used. Cell growth was assessed with trypan blue or a CellTiter 96 proliferation kit. The cell cycle was studied with a propidium iodide (PI) assay. Caspase‐mediated intrinsic apoptosis was assessed with annexin V/PI, the mitochondrial membrane potential, and poly(adenosine diphosphate ribose) polymerase cleavage. The expression of NPM1, p53, phosphorylated p53, and p21 was analyzed via immunoblotting. Localization was performed with confocal microscopy. The leukemia burden was evaluated by flow cytometry with an anti‐human CD45 antibody.

RESULTS

The imidazoquinoxaline 1‐(3‐methoxyphenyl)‐N‐methylimidazo[1,2‐a]quinoxalin‐4‐amine (EAPB0503) induced selective proteasome‐mediated degradation of NPM1c, restored wt‐NPM1 nucleolar localization in NPM1c AML cells, and thus yielded selective growth arrest and apoptosis. Introducing NPM1c to cells normally harboring wt‐NPM1 sensitized them to EAPB0503 and led to their growth arrest. Moreover, EAPB0503 selectively reduced the leukemia burden in NPM1c AML xenograft mice.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings further reinforce the idea of targeting the NPM1c oncoprotein to eradicate leukemic cells and warrant a broader preclinical evaluation and then a clinical evaluation of this promising drug. Cancer 2017;123:1662–1673. © 2017 American Cancer Society.
Population‐based screening program for reducing oral cancer mortality in 2,334,299 Taiwanese cigarette smokers and/or betel quid chewers
Authors: Chuang Shu‐Lin , Su William Wang‐Yu , Chen Sam Li‐Sheng , Yen Amy Ming‐Fang , Wang Cheng‐Ping , Fann Jean Ching‐Yuan , Chiu Sherry Yueh‐Hsia , Lee Yi‐Chia , Chiu Han‐Mo , Chang Dun‐Cheng , Jou Yann‐Yuh , Wu Chien‐Yuan , Chen Hsiu‐Hsi , Chen Mu‐Kuan , Chiou Shu‐Ti
Published: January 2017

BACKGROUND

To reduce oral cancer mortality, an organized, population‐based screening program for the early detection of oral premalignancy and oral cancer was designed for high‐risk individuals with habits of betel quid chewing, cigarette smoking, or both. The objective of this report was to evaluate the long‐term effectiveness of this program in reducing the incidence of advanced disease and deaths from oral cancer.

METHODS

A nationwide, population‐based screening program for oral cancer has been conducted in Taiwan since 2004. Residents aged ≥ 18 years with oral habits of cigarette smoking and/or betel quid chewing were invited. The standardized mortality ratio method was used to compare the observed numbers of advanced oral cancers and deaths from oral cancer among screening attendees with the expected numbers derived from mortality among nonattendees. An intention‐to‐treat analysis of the relative rate of reductions in advanced‐stage oral cancers and oral cancer mortality also was conducted.

RESULTS

The overall screening rate was 55.1%. The relative risk of death from oral cancer was 0.53 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.51‐0.56) as a result of screening compared with the expected risk of oral cancer deaths in the absence of screening. The corresponding relative risk was 0.74 (95% CI, 0.72‐0.77) after adjusting for self‐selection bias. The relative risk of advanced oral cancer for the screened group versus the nonscreened group was 0.62 (95% CI, 0.59‐0.64), which increased to 0.79 (95% CI, 0.76‐0.82) after adjustment for self‐selection bias.

CONCLUSIONS

An organized, population‐based oral cancer screening program targeting more than 2 million Taiwanese cigarette smokers and/or betel quid chewers demonstrated the effectiveness of reducing stage III or IV oral cancers and oral cancer mortality. These evidence‐based findings corroborate and support the screening strategy of oral visual inspection for the prevention of oral cancer among high‐risk individuals in areas with a high incidence of oral cancer. Cancer 2017;123:1597–1609. © 2017 American Cancer Society.