bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of liming on nickel bioavailability and toxicity to oat and soybean grown in field soils containing aged emissions from a nickel refinery
Authors: Cioccio Stephen , Gopalapillai Yamini , Dan Tereza , Hale Beverley
Published: September 2016

Remediation of soils elevated in trace metals so that the soils may provide ecosystems services is typically achieved through pH adjustment or addition of sorbents. The present study aimed to generate higher-tier in situ toxicity data for elevated nickel (Ni) in soils with and without lime addition and to explore the effect of liming on soil chemistry and bioavailability of Ni to plants. A multiyear study of agronomic yield of field-grown oat and soybean occurred in 3 adjacent fields that had received air emissions from a Ni refinery for 66 yr. The soil Ni concentration in the plots ranged between 1300 mg/kg and 4900 mg/kg, and each field was amended with either 50 Mg/ha, 10 Mg/ha, or 0 Mg/ha (or tonnes/ha) of crushed dolomitic limestone. As expected, liming raised the pH of the soils and subsequently reduced the plant availability of Ni. Toxicity thresholds (effective concentrations causing 50% reduction in growth) for limed soils supported the hypothesis that liming reduces toxicity. Relationships were found between relative yield and soil cation exchange capacity and between relative yield and soil pH, corroborating findings of the European Union Risk Assessments and the Metals in Asia studies, respectively. Higher tier ecotoxicity data such as these are a valuable contribution to risk assessment for Ni in soils. Environ Toxicol Chem 2017;36:1110–1119. © 2016 SETAC
Evolving Health Expenditure Landscape of the BRICS Nations and Projections to 2025
Authors: Jakovljevic Mihajlo , Potapchik Elena , Popovich Larisa , Barik Debasis , Getzen Thomas E.
Published: September 2016

Global health spending share of low/middle income countries continues its long‐term growth. BRICS nations remain to be major drivers of such change since 1990s.

Governmental, private and out‐of‐pocket health expenditures were analyzed based on WHO sources. Medium‐term projections of national health spending to 2025 were provided based on macroeconomic budgetary excess growth model.

In terms of per capita spending Russia was highest in 2013. India's health expenditure did not match overall economic growth and fell to slightly less than 4% of GDP. Up to 2025 China will achieve highest excess growth rate of 2% and increase its GDP% spent on health care from 5.4% in 2012 to 6.6% in 2025. Russia's spending will remain highest among BRICS in absolute per capita terms reaching net gain from $1523 PPP in 2012 to $2214 PPP in 2025.

In spite of BRICS' diversity, all countries were able to significantly increase their investments in health care. The major setback was bold rise in out‐of‐pocket spending. Most of BRICS' growing share of global medical spending was heavily attributable to the overachievement of People's Republic of China. Such trend is highly likely to continue beyond 2025. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Metabolic syndrome increases cardiovascular events but not hepatic events and death in patients with chronic hepatitis B
Authors: Cheng Jenny Yeuk‐Ki , Wong Vincent Wai‐Sun , Tse Yee‐Kit , Chim Angel Mei‐Ling , Chan Henry Lik‐Yuen , Wong Grace Lai‐Hung
Published: September 2016

Metabolic syndrome is an independent risk factor of liver cirrhosis in chronic hepatitis B (CHB). Whether metabolic syndrome affects the long‐term prognosis of CHB patients in terms of hepatic events, cardiovascular events, and death remains unknown. We aimed to determine the incidences of hepatic events, cardiovascular events, and death in CHB patients with or without metabolic syndrome. From 2006 to 2008, we prospectively recruited 1,466 CHB patients for liver stiffness measurement (LSM) with transient elastography together with detailed metabolic profiling as baseline assessment. Patients were prospectively followed for any clinical events. The impact of LSM and metabolic syndrome on hepatic events, cardiovascular events, and death was evaluated. At baseline visit, the mean age was 46 ± 12 years, LSM value was 8.4 ± 6.3 kPa, and 188 patients (12.8%) had metabolic syndrome. At a mean follow‐up of 88 ± 20 months, 93 and 44 patients developed hepatic and cardiovascular events, respectively; 70 patients died. Patients with baseline LSM >8.0 kPa had higher cumulative probability of hepatic events than those with LSM ≤8.0kPa at 8 years (12.3% versus 3.1%, P < 0.001). Patients with metabolic syndrome had higher cumulative probability of cardiovascular events than those without (8.0% versus 2.1%, P < 0.001). High LSM had no impact on cardiovascular events; neither did metabolic syndrome on hepatic events. LSM >8.0 kPa but not metabolic syndrome was an independent risk factor of death, with adjusted hazard ratios of 1.9 (95% confidence interval 1.1‐3.2, P = 0.023) and 1.3 (95% confidence interval 0.8‐2.4, P = 0.310), respectively. Conclusions: Metabolic syndrome increased the risk of cardiovascular events but not hepatic events and death; LSM was the important risk factor of hepatic events and death in CHB patients. (Hepatology 2016;64:1507‐1517)
Continuous field estimation of dissolved organic carbon concentration and biochemical oxygen demand using dual‐wavelength fluorescence, turbidity and temperature
Authors: Khamis Kieran , Bradley Chris , Stevens Rob , Hannah David M.
Published: September 2016

Dissolved organic matter (DOM) quality and quantity is not measured routinely in‐situ limiting our ability to quantify DOM process dynamics. This is problematic given legislative obligations to determine event based variability; however, recent advances in field deployable optical sensing technology provide the opportunity to address this problem. In this paper, we outline a new approach for in‐situ quantification of DOM quantity (Dissolved Organic Carbon: DOC) and a component of quality (Biochemical Oxygen Demand: BOD) using a multi‐wavelength, through‐flow fluorescence sensor. The sensor measured tryptophan‐like (Peak T) and humic‐like (Peak C) fluorescence, alongside water temperature and turbidity. Laboratory derived coefficients were developed to compensate for thermal quenching and turbidity interference (i.e., light attenuation and scattering). Field tests were undertaken on an urban river with ageing wastewater and stormwater infrastructure (Bourn Brook; Birmingham, UK). Sensor output was validated against laboratory determinations of DOC and BOD collected by discrete grab sampling during baseflow and stormflow conditions. Data driven regression models were then compared to laboratory correction methods. A combination of temperature and turbidity compensated Peak T and Peak C was found to be a good predictor of DOC concentration (R2 = 0.92). Conversely, using temperature and turbidity correction coefficients provided low predictive power for BOD (R2 = 0.46 and R2 = 0.51, for Peak C and T, respectively). For this study system, turbidity appeared to be a reasonable proxy for BOD, R2 = 0.86. However, a linear mixed effect model with temperature compensated Peak T and turbidity provided a robust BOD prediction (R2 = 0.95). These findings indicate that with careful initial calibration, multi‐wavelength fluorescence, coupled with turbidity, and temperature provides a feasible proxy for continuous, in‐situ measurement of DOC concentration and BOD. This approach represents a cost effective monitoring solution, particularly when compared to UV – absorbance sensors and DOC analysers, and could be readily adopted for research and industrial applications.
Enantioseparations in Achiral Environments and Chromatographic Systems
Authors: Martens Jürgen , Bhushan Ravi
Published: September 2016

Since the very first resolution of racemic tartaric acid by Pasteur, the importance of resolution and methodology has been on a path of continuous understanding and expansion. The science and chemistry of achieving such targets has changed a lot. The advent of chromatography changed the direction by involving synthetic, semisynthetic, or naturally occurring chiral materials for a direct approach to resolution, where rapid and reversible association occurs to form diastereomers with different stabilities and partition coefficients responsible for overall enantioseparation. It has now reached a stage where the separation of excess enantiomers from nonracemic mixtures has been achieved in a totally achiral environment, which does not appear to be in line with the prevalent concepts of basic stereochemistry. Caution should be exercised when enantiomerically enriched mixtures – obtained by enantioselective synthesis – are chromatographed for purification in preparative organic synthesis.
Chirality – Beyond the Structural Effects
Authors: Naaman Ron
Published: September 2016

Usually, when one refers to chirality, one focuses on the structural properties of the molecules. This review focuses on the interesting electronic properties of these molecules, and specifically, on the interrelation between the spin of the electrons transmitted through molecules and the chiral structure of these molecules. This relation is expressed in the chiral‐induced spin selectivity (CISS) effect, which is described, including some of its implications. Specifically, several applications are described, in spintronics, in spin‐specific reactivity, and in spin‐controlled multiple‐electron oxidation processes. In the latter, experimental results are described that demonstrate that by coating the anode of a photoelectrochemical cell with chiral molecules, the overpotential of the water‐splitting process can be reduced.
Internet‐Based Psychotherapy for Adult Depression: What About the Mechanisms of Change?
Authors: Mogoașe Cristina , Cobeanu Oana , David Oana , Giosan Cezar , Szentagotai Aurora
Published: September 2016

Introduction

Internet‐based cognitive behavioral therapy for depression (iCBT) has been advanced as a valuable alternative treatment option, generating promising results. However, little is known about its underlying mechanisms of change.

Objective

We aimed to provide an overview of the state of the art regarding the mechanisms of iCBT for adult depression, in the context of iCBT efficacy.

Method

We conducted a systematic qualitative review of 37 randomized clinical trials, assessed the risk of bias in the included studies, and used a systematic evaluative framework to establish the scientific status of iCBT, based on evidence regarding clinical efficacy and mechanisms of change.

Results

Findings indicated that iCBT mechanisms of change are clearly underinvestigated, although iCBT is relatively efficacious, at least in the short term. The quality of iCBT randomized clinical trials proved to be suboptimal.

Conclusions

The iCBT theory should be clearly specified and adequately investigated to design and implement highly efficacious therapeutic packages. Without considering the iCBT mechanisms of change along with iCBT efficacy, the extent to which iCBT is an empirically validated treatment remains questionable.
Using Family‐Based Exposure With Response Prevention to Treat Obsessive‐Compulsive Disorder in Young Children: A Case Study
Authors: Herren Jenny , Freeman Jennifer , Garcia Abbe
Published: September 2016

Cognitive‐behavioral therapy (CBT) using exposure with response prevention (ERP) is the treatment of choice for obsessive‐compulsive disorder (OCD); however, developmental modifications should be considered when treating young children. This article presents a case study illustrating family‐based CBT using ERP with a 7‐year‐old boy. The delivery of ERP for this case was guided by 3 main principles: (a) family involvement with a focus on reducing family accommodation, (b) understanding the functional relation between the client's obsessions and compulsions, and (c) creating conditions to facilitate habituation during exposure. Outcomes for this case indicate significant improvement in functioning and OCD symptoms. Results highlight the importance of family involvement and the applicability of using a function‐based habituation framework when delivering ERP to this unique population.
Mapping the Social Impacts of ‘Damocles Projects’: The Case of Thailand's (as yet Unbuilt) Kaeng Suea Ten Dam
Authors: Kirchherr Julian , Pomun Teerapong , Walton Matthew J.
Published: September 2016

Abstract: Academic research on dams' social impacts traditionally focuses on ex‐post resettlement impacts. We explore a specific subset of ex‐ante resettlement impacts in this paper: ‘Damocles projects’, whose implementation is still uncertain. Our case study is Thailand's Kaeng Suea Ten Dam whose implementation has been uncertain for 36 years. We find the cultural life of the communities studied has been significantly shaped by the looming construction of the dam. Furthermore, most villagers report extreme anxiety induced by the threat of the project. As a consequence, many have postponed private investments. The government has also withheld public infrastructure investments, further hampering the villages' economic development. Our research highlights the negative impacts induced by projects whose implementation is still uncertain. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Towards a rational design of solid drug nanoparticles with optimised pharmacological properties
Authors: Siccardi Marco , Martin Phillip , Smith Darren , Curley Paul , McDonald Tom , Giardiello Marco , Liptrott Neill , Rannard Steve , Owen Andrew
Published: September 2016

Solid drug nanoparticles (SDNs) are a nanotechnology with favourable characteristics to enhance drug delivery and improve the treatment of several diseases, showing benefit for improved oral bioavailability and injectable long‐acting medicines. The physicochemical properties and composition of nanoformulations can influence the absorption, distribution, and elimination of nanoparticles; consequently, the development of nanoparticles for drug delivery should consider the potential role of nanoparticle characteristics in the definition of pharmacokinetics. The aim of this study was to investigate the pharmacological behaviour of efavirenz SDNs and the identification of optimal nanoparticle properties and composition. Seventy‐seven efavirenz SDNs were included in the analysis. Cellular accumulation was evaluated in HepG2 (hepatic) and Caco‐2 (intestinal), CEM (lymphocyte), THP1 (monocyte), and A‐THP1 (macrophage) cell lines. Apparent intestinal permeability (Papp) was measured using a monolayer of Caco‐2 cells. The Papp values were used to evaluate the potential benefit on pharmacokinetics using a physiologically based pharmacokinetic model. The generated SDNs had an enhanced intestinal permeability and accumulation in different cell lines compared to the traditional formulation of efavirenz. Nanoparticle size and excipient choice influenced efavirenz apparent permeability and cellular accumulation, and this appeared to be cell line dependent. These findings represent a valuable platform for the design of SDNs, giving an empirical background for the selection of optimal nanoparticle characteristics and composition. Understanding how nanoparticle components and physicochemical properties influence pharmacological patterns will enable the rational design of SDNs with desirable pharmacokinetics.
Effects of soil flooding and organic matter addition on plant accessible phosphorus in a tropical paddy soil: an isotope dilution study
Authors: Rakotoson Tovohery , Rabeharisoa Lilia , Smolders Erik
Published: September 2016

Plant growth experiments were conducted to reveal the mechanism by which organic matter (OM) and soil flooding enhance phosphorus (P) bioavailability for rice. It was postulated that reductive dissolution of iron‐(III) [Fe(III)] oxyhydroxides in soil releases occluded phosphate ions (PO4), i.e., PO4 that is not isotopically exchangeable in the original soil prior to flooding. Rice was grown in P‐deficient soil treated with factorial combinations of addition of mineral P (0, 50 mg P kg−1), OM (0, ≈ 20.5 g OM kg−1 as cattle manure +/– rice straw) and water treatments (flooded vs. non‐flooded). The OM was either freshly added just before flooding or incubated moist in soil for 6 months prior to flooding; nitrogen and potassium were added in all treatments. The soil exchangeable P was labeled with 33PO4 prior to flooding. The plant accessible P in soil, the so‐called L‐value, was determined from the 33P/31P ratio in the plants. The L‐values were inconsistently affected by flooding in contrast with the starting hypothesis. The OM and P addition to soil clearly increased the L‐value and, surprisingly, the increase due to OM application was larger than the total P addition to soil. An additional isotope exchange study in a soil extract (E‐value) at the end of the experiment showed that the E‐value increased less than the total P addition with OM. This suggests that plants preferentially take up unlabeled P from the OM in the rhizosphere compared to labeled labile inorganic P.

The effects of soil flooding on P bioavailability is unlikely related to an increase of the quantity of bio‐accessible P in soil (L‐value) but is likely explained by differences in P mobility in soil.
Nitrogen nutritional status of young maize plants (Zea mays) is not limited by NaCl stress
Authors: Hütsch Birgit W. , He Wenting , Schubert Sven
Published: September 2016

Maize plants (Zea mays L. cv. Pioneer 3906) were grown in hydroponics with four different NaCl treatments (control, 50, 100, 150 mM NaCl). Nitrogen (N) was supplied as 2 mM Ca(NO3)2 in the fully concentrated nutrient solution. Plants of half of the pots were treated with additional 1 mM NH4NO3 2 d after start of the NaCl application. After 23 d, the maize plants were harvested and contents and concentrations of nitrate, reduced N as well as chloride were determined in shoots and roots. With increasing NaCl stress net nitrate uptake and net root‐to‐shoot translocation of total N decreased significantly. Under salt stress, decreased nitrate concentrations in shoots probably caused substrate limitation of nitrate reductase. However, the concentrations of reduced N in shoots were not affected by salt stress and no N deficiency was observed. Additional N application to the 100 and 150 mM NaCl treatments did not improve plant growth. A Cl−/NO
$ _3^ - $ antagonism was only weakly pronounced, probably because of the Cl− exclusion ability of maize. Thus, although net uptake and net translocation of total N were markedly decreased by NaCl application, the smaller maize plants nevertheless took up enough N to meet their demand pointing to other growth‐limiting factors than N nutrition.
The prognosis of liver resection for patients with four or more colorectal liver metastases has not improved in the era of modern chemotherapy
Authors: Hokuto Daisuke , Nomi Takeo , Yamato Ichiro , Yasuda Satoshi , Obara Shinsaku , Yoshikawa Takahiro , Kawaguchi Chihiro , Yamada Takatsugu , Kanehiro Hiromichi , Nakajima Yoshiyuki
Published: September 2016

Background and Objectives

The impact of perioperative chemotherapy on patients with multiple colorectal liver metastases (CRLM) remains unclear. We attempted to examine whether the introduction of modern chemotherapies has improved the prognosis of patients that undergo liver resection for ≥4 CRLM.

Methods

Between January 1990 and December 2013, 194 patients underwent liver resection for CRLM at our institution. The outcomes of the patients with ≥4 and 1–3 CRLM were compared before and after 2005, when modern chemotherapies were introduced to Japan.

Results

There were 50 and 144 patients with ≥4 (Group 1) and 1–3 (Group 2) CRLM, respectively. The overall survival (OS) rate of Group 1 was significantly worse than that of Group 2 (P = 0.0007). The OS rate of Group 2 was significantly better after 2005 than before 2004 (P = 0.039), while no such differences were observed in Group 1. Multivariate analysis identified three prognostic factors in Group 1: a serum carcinoembryonic antigen level of ≥20 ng/ml (P = 0.018), a serum cancer antigen 19–9 level of ≥100 U/ml (P = 0.018), and a primary colorectal cancer N factor of ≥N2 (P = 0.023).

Conclusions

The prognosis of patients with ≥4 CRLM that undergo liver resection has not improved despite the development of modern chemotherapies. J. Surg. Oncol. 2016;114:959–965. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Safety and efficacy of a novel diffractive lens array using a picosecond 755 nm alexandrite laser for treatment of wrinkles
Authors: Weiss Robert A. , McDaniel David H. , Weiss Margaret A. , Mahoney Anne Marie , Beasley Karen L. , Halvorson Christian R.
Published: September 2016

Introduction

Picosecond lasers have been reported to be effective for removal of tattoo pigment. This prospective study evaluated the efficacy and safety of the treatment of peri‐oral and ‐ocular wrinkles using a novel diffractive lens array coupled with a picosecond 755 nm alexandrite laser.

Methods

Forty female subjects presenting with wrinkles from photodamage were enrolled in an IRB approved study. Subjects received four picosecond diffractive lens array treatments to the full face at 1 month intervals. Six subjects were biopsied (two subjects at 1 month, two subjects at 3 months, and two subjects at 6 months). Digital photographic images were taken at 1, 3, and 6 months post‐final treatment visits. Images were graded by blinded physicians for fine lines/wrinkles, erythema, dyschromia, and global improvement. Data on discomfort level, satisfaction, and side effects were recorded.

Results

Overall blinded physician rated global improvement ranged from improved to much improved at 1‐, 3‐, and 6‐month time points. At baseline the average Fitzpatrick wrinkle score was 5.48. At the 6‐month follow‐up the average score was 3.47. The overall average change in score from pre‐treatment to post‐treatment was 1.97. Subject self‐assessment at 6 months indicated that 90% of subjects were extremely or satisfied with their results. Unanticipated adverse events were absent with anticipated post‐treatment erythema lasting for just several hours.

Conclusions

A novel diffractive lens array used with a picosecond 755 nm alexandrite laser for treatment of wrinkles is highly effective and safe for wrinkles and other signs of photoaging. Lasers Surg. Med. 49:40–44, 2017. © 2016 The Authors. Lasers in Surgery and Medicine Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Multi‐iPPseEvo: A Multi‐label Classifier for Identifying Human Phosphorylated Proteins by Incorporating Evolutionary Information into Chou′s General PseAAC via Grey System Theory
Authors: Qiu Wang‐Ren , Zheng Quan‐Shu , Sun Bi‐Qian , Xiao Xuan
Published: September 2016

Predicting phosphorylation protein is a challenging problem, particularly when query proteins have multi‐label features meaning that they may be phosphorylated at two or more different type amino acids. In fact, human protein usually be phosphorylated at serine, threonine and tyrosine. By introducing the “multi‐label learning” approach, a novel predictor has been developed that can be used to deal with the systems containing both single‐ and multi‐label phosphorylation protein. Here we proposed a predictor called Multi‐iPPseEvo by (1) incorporating the protein sequence evolutionary information into the general pseudo amino acid composition (PseAAC) via the grey system theory, (2) balancing out the skewed training datasets by the asymmetric bootstrap approach, and (3) constructing an ensemble predictor by fusing an array of individual random forest classifiers thru a voting system. Rigorous cross‐validations via a set of multi‐label metrics indicate that the multi‐label phosphorylation predictor is very promising and encouraging. The current approach represents a new strategy to deal with the multi‐label biological problems, and the software is freely available for academic use at http://www.jci‐bioinfo.cn/Multi‐iPPseEvo.
Enriching the finite element method with meshfree particles in structural mechanics
Authors: Zanette A. , Ferronato M. , Janna C.
Published: September 2016

The automatic generation of meshes for the finite element (FE) method can be an expensive computational burden, especially in structural problems with localized stress peaks. The use of meshless methods can address such an issue, as these techniques do not require the existence of an underlying connection among the particles selected in a general domain. This study advances a numerical strategy that blends the FE method with the meshless local Petrov–Galerkin technique in structural mechanics, with the aim at exploiting the most attractive features of each procedure. The idea relies on the use of FEs to compute a background solution that is locally improved by enriching the approximation space with the basis functions associated to a few meshless points, thus taking advantage of the flexibility ensured by the use of particles disconnected from an underlying grid. Adding the meshless particles only where needed avoids the cost of mesh refining, or even of remeshing, without the prohibitive computational cost of a thoroughly meshfree approach. In the present implementation, an efficient integration strategy for the computation of the coefficients taking into account the mutual FE–meshless local Petrov–Galerkin interactions is introduced. Moreover, essential boundary conditions are enforced separately on both FEs and meshless particles, thus allowing for an overall accuracy improvement also when the enriched region is close to the domain boundary. Numerical examples in structural problems show that the proposed approach can significantly improve the solution accuracy at a local level, with no remeshing effort, and at a low computational cost. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Sequenced click chemistry and photopolymerization: a new approach toward semi‐interpenetrating polymer networks
Authors: Retailleau M. , Pierrel J. , Ibrahim A. , Croutxé‐Barghorn C. , Allonas X.
Published: September 2016

Multi‐step curing systems involving photopolymerization are of great interest because they provide easy tunable properties and processes for polymer synthesis. Herein, new perspectives are proposed to form semi‐interpenetrated polymer networks through a versatile process involving two orthogonal chemistries. The sequence of reaction has been designed as follows: (i) a stoichiometric aza‐Michael addition between acrylates and amines in a methacrylate medium and (ii) ultraviolet curing of methacrylates. According to the structure of amine, this method affords the production of either mixed networks or semi‐interpenetrated polymer networks. Finally, it is shown that divinylsulfone can be used instead of acrylate, granting many opportunities to develop multifunctional materials with diverse and varied properties. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Polymerization of β‐cyclodextrin in the presence of bentonite clay to produce polymer nanocomposites for removal of heavy metals from drinking water
Authors: Heydari Abolfazl , Khoshnood Hamideh , Sheibani Hassan , Doostan Farideh
Published: September 2016

New hybrid organic–inorganic nanocomposites consist of β‐cyclodextrin (β‐CD)/epichlorohydrin (ECH), and bentonite clay were prepared by direct intercalation through one step emulsion polymerization. The structure and thermal stability of prepared nanocomposites were investigated by Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), field emission‐scanning electron microscopy (FE‐SEM), energy dispersive X‐ray analysis (EDAX), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), differential of differential scanning calorimetry (DDSC), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential thermogravimetric (DTG) analyses. The observed results show that the β‐CD polymer/clay nanocomposites (β‐CD–ECH polymer/clay) with higher thermal stability than β‐CD–ECH polymer were successfully prepared. The removal of heavy metals such as Cu(II), Zn(II) and Co(II) ions from drinking water was studied using a batch method at ambient temperature. The removal percentage and distribution coefficients (Kd) were determined for the adsorption system. It was found that the β‐CD–ECH polymer/clay nanocomposites showed higher removal capacity for Co2+, Cu2+ and Zn2+ ions in comparison with β‐CD–ECH polymer. The selectivity order could be given as Zn2+ > Cu2+ > Co2+. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The burgeoning field of innate immune‐mediated disease and autoinflammation
Authors: Peckham Daniel , Scambler Thomas , Savic Sinisa , McDermott Michael F
Published: September 2016

Immune‐mediated autoinflammatory diseases are occupying an increasingly prominent position among the pantheon of debilitating conditions that afflict humankind. This review focuses on some of the key developments that have occurred since the original description of autoinflammatory disease in 1999, and focuses on underlying mechanisms that trigger autoinflammation. The monogenic autoinflammatory disease range has expanded considerably during that time, and now includes a broad spectrum of disorders, including relatively common conditions such as cystic fibrosis and subsets of systemic lupus erythematosus. The innate immune system also plays a key role in the pathogenesis of complex inflammatory disorders. We have proposed a new nomenclature to accommodate the rapidly increasing number of monogenic disorders, which predispose to either autoinflammation or autoimmunity or, indeed, combinations of both. This new terminology also encompasses a wide spectrum of genetically determined autoinflammatory diseases, with variable clinical manifestations of immunodeficiency and immune dysregulation/autoimmunity. We also explore some of the ramifications of the breakthrough discovery of the physiological role of pyrin and the search for identifiable factors that may serve to trigger attacks of autoinflammation. The evidence that pyrin, as part of the pyrin inflammasome, acts as a sensor of different inactivating bacterial modification Rho GTPases, rather than interacting directly with these microbial products, sets the stage for a better understanding of the role of microorganisms and infections in the autoinflammatory disorders. Finally, we discuss some of the triggers of autoinflammation as well as potential therapeutic interventions aimed at enhancing autophagy and proteasome degradation pathways. Copyright © 2016 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Scanning the world in three seconds: Mismatch negativity as an indicator of temporal segmentation
Authors: Wang Lingyan , Bao Yan , Zhang Jiyuan , Lin Xiaoxiong , Yang Lang , Pöppel Ernst , Zhou Bin
Published: September 2016

It has been shown recently that a temporal window of approximately 3 s has a modulatory effect on mismatch negativity (MMN). This special temporal window has been interpreted as representing the “subjective present,” and reflecting a temporal segmentation in behavioral and cognitive functions. A more detailed look into the temporal structure of the MMN appeared to be reasonable as group data might shadow the underlying mechanisms because of too‐high response variance. In this study, we tested one subject on 11 successive days at the same circadian phase using a passive auditory oddball paradigm with interstimulus intervals (ISIs) ranging from 1 s to 6 s. We observed a U‐shape function of MMN showing the largest amplitudes to the oddball stimuli with an ISI of 2 s and 3 s being flanked by smaller response amplitudes for shorter and longer ISIs. This result pattern can be explained with an oscillatory neural mechanism underlying the temporal modulation of MMN. Besides confirming and substantiating temporal segmentation in sensory processing, the present study also demonstrates that a single case study can be a useful and complementary tool in cognitive research.
Adaptation Methods for Transportation Infrastructure Built on Degrading Permafrost
Authors: Doré Guy , Niu Fujun , Brooks Heather
Published: September 2016

Climate warming since the second half of the 20th century has begun to significantly impact infrastructure integrity in permafrost environments and has already resulted in expensive maintenance operations. Engineers in countries with permafrost are actively working to adapt the design of structures to degrading permafrost conditions. Here, we review permafrost degradation processes and their geotechnical impacts. We also summarise mitigation techniques for protecting transportation infrastructure built on permafrost and for preventing permafrost degradation near these facilities based on the results of field and laboratory tests, numerical simulations and engineering practices on such infrastructure. We draw four conclusions: (1) climate warming and local surface changes have caused permafrost degradation, and resulted in instability and damage leading to infrastructure maintenance and repair; (2) passive cooling methods, including high‐albedo surfacing, sun‐sheds, air convection embankments, air ducts, heat drains and thermosyphons, have shown consistent cooling effects, if designed appropriately; (3) mitigation and adaptation methods are more expensive than conventional construction techniques as shown by construction cost data for a test site in Canada; and (4) the influence of continued climate warming on permafrost and infrastructure design must be considered within the design of new or rehabilitated infrastructure and within the context of the infrastructure's service life. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Omalizumab in patient with aspirin exacerbated respiratory disease and chronic idiopathic urticaria
Authors: Porcaro Federica , Di Marco Antonio , Cutrera Renato
Published: September 2016

Aspirin hypersensitivity associated with chronic rhinosinusitis—with or without nasal polyposis—and asthma resistant to conventional therapy defines the aspirin‐exacerbated respiratory disease (AERD). We describe the case of a 15‐year‐old female patient with adverse reaction to aspirin, chronic rhinosinusitis, and severe asthma. She also experienced chronic idiopathic urticaria worsened by non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drug administration. AERD was diagnosed based on clinical history and symptoms. Given the poor responsiveness to standard therapy for respiratory and cutaneous symptoms, omalizumab was administered for 24 weeks with control of respiratory symptoms and short term improvement of cutaneous symptoms. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2017;52:E26–E28. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Thickness dependence of electro‐optical properties of WO3 films as an electrochromic functional material for energy‐efficient applications
Authors: Esmail Ayat , Hashem Hany , Soltan Soltan , Hammam Mahmoud , Ramadan Ahmed
Published: September 2016

WO3 films of different thicknesses (100, 200, and 300 nm) were prepared by two vacuum physical vapor deposition (PVD) methods (thermal evaporation and an electron gun). Electrophysical measurements (cyclic voltammetry and chronoamperometry) were carried out using a potentiostat in an electrochromic cell (liquid device) that consists of a substrate coated with double layers of F: SnO2 and WO3 served as working electrodes. X‐ray diffraction showed an amorphous structure for all the deposited WO3 thin films. While the transmission in the bleached state does not change and it is close to the as‐deposited state, it is slightly less at larger thickness. The cyclic voltammogram was more open (more current flow) for thicker films due to the less dense structure with many channels. Also, the coloration efficiency was higher at low thickness. The response time was of the order of seconds and decreased for coloration, while it increased for the bleaching process as the film thickness increases. According to the proposed figure of merit, the electrochromic performance deteriorates as the WO3 film thickness decreases. However, the thickness is more effective in the case of an electron gun. Generally, continuous films but thinner than 200 nm, are recommended for deposition methods.
Electronic structures of SnS and SnS2
Authors: Lippens P. E. , El Khalifi M. , Womes M.
Published: September 2016

The electronic structures of SnS and SnS2 have been investigated from first principles calculations to provide a full analysis of the valence and conduction bands. A good agreement with experimental X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), S Kβ X‐ray emission spectroscopy (XES) and X‐ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) at S K, Sn L1 and Sn L3 edges is found and the main features of the spectra are analysed in terms of chemical bonding. In the case of XAS, we show that core‐hole effect is significant at the S K edge. The origin of the 119Sn Mössbauer parameters has been also investigated. The increase of the isomer shift from SnS2 to SnS is related to the increase of Sn 5s electron population and correlated to the decreasing intensity of the lowest energy peak of the XAS spectra at the Sn L3 edge. The values of the quadrupole splitting evaluated from the electric field gradients at the nucleus are explained from the Sn 5p electron anisotropy. Finally, the effects of interlayer interactions and intralayer local distortion are examined by considering different structural models.
Assimilation of INSAT‐3D hydro‐estimator method retrieved rainfall for short‐range weather prediction
Authors: Kumar Prashant , Varma Atul K.
Published: September 2016

India launched a geostationary satellite INSAT‐3D on 26 July 2013 with an objective to monitor the Earth's surface using various spectral channels of meteorological importance. INSAT‐3D retrieved Hydro‐Estimator (HE) rainfall is compared with Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) 3B42 V7 merged rainfall and in situ observations from the India Meteorological Department (IMD). Results suggest that INSAT‐3D HE rainfall is of reasonably good quality and hence can be used for various meteorological applications. The Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model and its four‐dimensional variational (4D‐Var) data assimilation system are used to assimilate the INSAT‐3D retrieved high‐resolution HE rainfall product. Two parallel experiments are performed daily with and without assimilation of rainfall observations during the entire month of July 2014. Results show that assimilation of INSAT‐3D rainfall makes a good improvement in temperature and wind speed forecasts, and a marginal improvement in water vapour mixing ratio forecasts. Prediction of rainfall is also found to be improved with the use of INSAT‐3D rainfall over control experiments. Additionally, one case‐study is performed to assess the impact of INSAT‐3D rainfall on an unprecedented high rainfall event over Ahmedabad, India on 15 November 2014. Results show that the WRF model experiment with assimilation of INSAT‐3D rainfall is able to capture the heavy rainfall episode, which otherwise was unpredictable.
Effective Vision‐based Classification for Separating Sugar Beets and Weeds for Precision Farming
Authors: Lottes Philipp , Hörferlin Markus , Sander Slawomir , Stachniss Cyrill
Published: September 2016

The use of robots in precision farming has the potential to reduce the reliance on herbicides and pesticides through selectively spraying individual plants or through manual weed removal. A prerequisite for that is the ability of the robot to separate and identify the value crops and the weeds in the field. Based on the output of the robot's perception system, it can trigger the actuators for spraying or removal. In this paper, we address the problem of detecting sugar beet plants as well as weeds using a camera installed on a mobile field robot. We propose a system that performs vegetation detection, local as well as object‐based feature extraction, random forest classification, and smoothing through a Markov random field to obtain an accurate estimate of crops and weeds. We implemented and thoroughly evaluated our system using a real farm robot in different sugar beet fields, and we illustrate that our approach allows for accurately identifying weeds in a field.
Choosing appropriate analysis methods for cluster randomised cross‐over trials with a binary outcome
Authors: Morgan Katy E. , Forbes Andrew B. , Keogh Ruth H. , Jairath Vipul , Kahan Brennan C.
Published: September 2016

In cluster randomised cross‐over (CRXO) trials, clusters receive multiple treatments in a randomised sequence over time. In such trials, there is usual correlation between patients in the same cluster. In addition, within a cluster, patients in the same period may be more similar to each other than to patients in other periods. We demonstrate that it is necessary to account for these correlations in the analysis to obtain correct Type I error rates. We then use simulation to compare different methods of analysing a binary outcome from a two‐period CRXO design. Our simulations demonstrated that hierarchical models without random effects for period‐within‐cluster, which do not account for any extra within‐period correlation, performed poorly with greatly inflated Type I errors in many scenarios. In scenarios where extra within‐period correlation was present, a hierarchical model with random effects for cluster and period‐within‐cluster only had correct Type I errors when there were large numbers of clusters; with small numbers of clusters, the error rate was inflated. We also found that generalised estimating equations did not give correct error rates in any scenarios considered. An unweighted cluster‐level summary regression performed best overall, maintaining an error rate close to 5% for all scenarios, although it lost power when extra within‐period correlation was present, especially for small numbers of clusters. Results from our simulation study show that it is important to model both levels of clustering in CRXO trials, and that any extra within‐period correlation should be accounted for. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Combination of Ionic Liquid and Sonication: a Fast, Mild and Green Way to Fabricate Europium–doped Lanthanide Nanophosphates
Authors: Li Yinyan , Lei Ruoshan , Xu Shiqing
Published: September 2016

We introduced the synthesis of Eu3+‐doped lanthanide nanophosphrates througha fast, green and facile sonication‐accelerated ionic liquid (IL)‐based reaction system. LnPO4:Eu3+(Ln=La, Gd, Y,and Lu)nanostructures were prepared from aqueous solution of Ln(NO3)3⋅6H2O and IL‐1‐Hexyl‐3‐methylimidazoliumdihydric phosphate ([HMIM]H2PO4)under ultrasound irradiation without further use of organic solvents, surfactants or templates.The nanocrystals were obtained at 60 oC for0.5–1 h without high temperatureannealing.X‐ray powder diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electronmicroscopy and photoluminescence spectra were used to characterize the nanostructures.The results displayed that nanowires, nanorods, nanowirebundles and nanoparticles were obtained for LnPO4:Eu3+(Ln= La, Gd,Yand Lu), respectively. The growth process of the nanostructureswas investigated based on a series of SEM studies of the products obtained at different sonication durations. [HMIM]H2PO4 acted as reaction medium, reactant as well as morphology‐directing agent in the formation of the nanocrystals. Both sonication and [HMIM]H2PO4 were two key factorsfor the fabrication of the well‐distributed nanoarchitectures. Photoluminescence properties of Eu3+‐doped LnPO4 were also studied.
Functionalized Graphene Oxide Based Nanocarrier for Tumor‐Targeted Combination Therapy to Elicit Enhanced Cytotoxicity against Breast Cancer Cells In Vitro
Authors: Dubey Poornima , Gopinath P.
Published: September 2016

As a fascinating alternative to overcome the undesired side effects and to improve therapeutic efficacy and water solubility of chemotherapeutic agent tamoxifen (TAM), the simplistic method based on folic acid (FA) tagged amphiphilic graphene oxide (GO) for cell specific delivery was adopted. Besides, FA‐GO also served as template for synthesis of Ag NP. Hence, the present study demonstrates a co‐delivery system for folate receptor (FR) targeted delivery of anticancer agents TAM and Ag NP for combination therapeutics of breast cancer in vitro. The method involved the syntheses of sulfonate modified GO with FA functionalization which was validated by FTIR and UV‐vis analysis. TAM was loaded onto the FA‐GO nanocarrier by physiosorption of hydrophobic drug onto surface with encapsulation efficiency (EE) around 98 %. The synthesized FA‐GO@AgNP@TAMnanocarrier was physiologically stable with average zeta potential and hydrodynamic size of−40 mV, 167 nm contrarily to alone GO with−29.5 mV, 5 nm respectively. Cellular uptake studies revealed specificity of nanocarrier towards FR (+ve) breast carcinoma (MCF‐7 cell line) compared to FR (‐ve) lung carcinoma (A549 cell line). Based on cell specificity of nanocarrier, the cytotoxicity of various nanocarrier combinations was investigated towards MCF‐7 cells. The combination exhibited superior cytotoxic effect than TAM, Ag NP alone at relatively lower concentrations with notable cell cycle growth arrest in sub‐G1 phase. The FA‐GO@AgNP@TAMnanocarrier showed elevated intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation with considerable dissipation of mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP). Furthermore the semi‐quantitative RT‐PCR analysis showed increased pro‐apoptotic genes expression with highest expression of caspase‐3. Altogether the study suggests mitochondria mediated apoptotic signaling pathway. These findings suggest the above designed nanocarrier could serve as the potential candidate for targeted combination breast cancer therapy.
Mesoporous Nitrogen‐Modified Titania with Enhanced Dye Adsorption Capacity and Visible Light Photocatalytic Activity
Authors: Nursam Natalita M. , Tan Jeannie Z. Y. , Wang Xingdong , Li Wei , Xia Fang , Caruso Rachel A.
Published: September 2016

Mesoporous nitrogen‐modified anatase titania (N‐TiO2), showing high dye adsorption capacity and photocatalytic activity for photodegradation of methylene blue under visible light, was prepared by a template‐free, sol‐gel synthesis route in the presence of diethanolamine followed by a single step low temperature calcination treatment. The effect of calcination conditions and the role of the titania precursor type were investigated, highlighting their profound influence upon the adsorption and visible light activity. The crystallization of titania in the presence of N was also studied using in situ synchrotron X‐ray powder diffraction. The N‐TiO2 prepared from titanium (IV) butoxide and diethanolamine calcined at 350 °C for 10 h exhibited a high methylene blue adsorption capacity and high photocatalytic activity under visible light. The prominent photocatalytic performance was attributed to the synergetic effect from the abundant N content, high specific surface area and enhanced surface acidity. These results suggest that this material has potential as an adsorbent‐photocatalyst hybrid.