bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ChemInform Abstract: Benzothiazoline: Versatile Hydrogen Donor for Organocatalytic Transfer Hydrogenation
Authors: Zhu Chen , Saito Kodai , Yamanaka Masahiro , Akiyama Takahiko
Published: April 2015

Review: 62 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Cyclic (Alkyl)(Amino)Carbenes (CAACs): Stable Carbenes on the Rise
Authors: Soleilhavoup Michele , Bertrand Guy
Published: April 2015

Review: 87 refs.
Secreted IL‐1α promotes T‐cell activation and expansion of CD11b+Gr1+ cells in carbon tetrachloride‐induced liver injury in mice
Authors: Lin Dandan , Lei Lei , Zhang Yinsheng , Hu Bo , Bao Guangming , Liu Yonghao , Song Yuan , Liu Chunliang , Wu Yan , Zhao Lixiang , Yu Xiao , Liu Haiyan
Published: April 2015

Interleukin‐1α is mainly expressed on the cell membrane, but can also be secreted during inflammation. The roles of secreted and membrane IL‐1α in acute liver inflammation are still not known. Here, we examined the functions of secreted and membrane IL‐1α in a mouse model of carbon tetrachloride‐induced acute liver injury. We show that secreted IL‐1α aggravates liver damage and membrane IL‐1α slightly protects mice from liver injury. Further studies showed that secreted IL‐1α promotes T‐cell activation. It also increased the expansion of CD11b+Gr1+ myeloid cells, which may serve as a negative regulator of acute liver inflammation. Moreover, secreted IL‐1α induced IL‐6 production from hepatocytes. IL‐6 neutralization reduced the proliferation of CD11b+Gr1+ myeloid cells in vivo. CCL2 and CXCL5 expression was increased by secreted IL‐1α in vitro and in vivo. Antagonists of the chemokine receptors for CCL2 and CXCL5 significantly reduced the migration of CD11b+Gr1+ myeloid cells. These results demonstrate that secreted and membrane IL‐1α play different roles in acute liver injury. Secreted IL‐1α could promote T‐cell activation and the recruitment and expansion of CD11b+Gr1+ myeloid cells through induction of CCL2, CXCL5, and IL‐6. The controlled release of IL‐1α could be a critical regulator during acute liver inflammation.
Locoregionally advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma in childhood and adolescence: Analysis of 95 patients treated with combined chemotherapy and intensity‐modulated radiotherapy
Authors: Guo Qiaojuan , Cui Xiaofei , Lin Shaojun , Lin Jin , Pan Jianji
Published: April 2015

Background

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the treatment outcomes and toxicities of intensity‐modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) for children and adolescents with locoregionally advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC).

Methods

Ninety‐five patients of <25 years old in locoregionally advanced NPC (stage III–IVB) were analyzed. All were given neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by IMRT with or without concurrent chemotherapy/adjuvant chemotherapy.

Results

The 4‐year overall survival (OS), locoregional relapse‐free survival, progression‐free survival (PFS), and distant metastasis‐free survival (DMFS) were 90.8%, 94.9%, 79.1%, and 84.0%, respectively. N classification was the only significant predicting factor for OS, PFS, and DMFS, with the p value of .017, .015, and 0.054, respectively. The main long‐term complications were xerostomia, hearing impairment, and neck fibrosis.

Conclusion

Neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by IMRT with or without concurrent/adjuvant chemotherapy produced a superb treatment outcome in children and adolescents with stage III to IVB disease. Distant metastasis was the main failure. More effective treatment strategies are urgently needed to further improve the long‐term survival. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 38: E665–E672, 2016
A preliminary assessment of water partitioning and ecohydrological coupling in northern headwaters using stable isotopes and conceptual runoff models
Authors: Tetzlaff Doerthe , Buttle James , Carey Sean K. , van Huijgevoort Marjolein H. J. , Laudon Hjalmar , McNamara James P. , Mitchell Carl P. J. , Spence Chris , Gabor Rachel S. , Soulsby Chris
Published: April 2015

We combined a conceptual rainfall‐runoff model and input–output relationships of stable isotopes to understand ecohydrological influences on hydrological partitioning in snow‐influenced northern catchments. Six sites in Sweden (Krycklan), Canada (Wolf Creek; Baker Creek; Dorset), Scotland (Girnock) and the USA (Dry Creek) span moisture and energy gradients found at high latitudes. A meta‐analysis was carried out using the Hydrologiska Byråns Vattenbalansavdelning (HBV) model to estimate the main storage changes characterizing annual water balances. Annual snowpack storage importance was ranked as Wolf Creek > Krycklan > Dorset > Baker Creek > Dry Creek > Girnock. The subsequent rate and longevity of melt were reflected in calibrated parameters that determine partitioning of waters between more rapid and slower flowpaths and associated variations in soil and groundwater storage. Variability of stream water isotopic composition depends on the following: (i) rate and duration of spring snowmelt; (ii) significance of summer/autumn rainfall; and (iii) relative importance of near‐surface and deeper flowpaths in routing water to the stream. Flowpath partitioning also regulates influences of summer evaporation on drainage waters. Deviations of isotope data from the Global Meteoric Water Line showed subtle effects of internal catchment processes on isotopic fractionation most likely through evaporation. Such effects are highly variable among sites and with seasonal differences at some sites. After accounting for climate, evaporative fractionation is strongest at sites where lakes and near‐surface runoff processes in wet riparian soils can mobilize isotopically enriched water during summer and autumn. Given close soil–vegetation coupling, this may result in spatial variability in soil water isotope pools available for plant uptake. We argue that stable isotope studies are crucial in addressing the many open questions on hydrological functioning of northern environments. © 2015 The Authors. Hydrological Processes published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis in the Elderly
Authors: McColl Geoffrey J
Published: April 2015

Rheumatoid arthritis is the commonest form of inflammatory arthritis and may have its onset in the elderly or continue into older age with an earlier onset. Patients with elderly‐onset rheumatoid arthritis are more likely to have systemic features (weight loss, fever, fatigue) and large joint involvement and these features may result in diagnostic uncertainty. The principles of treatment for rheumatoid arthritis in the elderly or elderly‐onset rheumatoid arthritis are to maintain quality of life by eradicating joint inflammation (thus reducing joint damage) while minimising treatment‐related adverse effects. Therapies include disease‐modifying anti‐rheumatic drugs, non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs and corticosteroids, and non‐pharmacological strategies such as education, diet and exercise. In the elderly, therapy needs to be adjusted to account for the physiology of ageing and the presence of comordidity.
Enhancing Continuity of Care in Therapeutics: Development of a Post‐Discharge Home Medicines Review Model
Authors: Yu Kevin , Nguyen Andrew , Shakib Sepehr , Doecke Christopher J , Boyce Merelyn , March Geoff , Anderson Barbara A , Gilbert Andrew L , Angley Manya T
Published: April 2015

Background

The Australian Pharmaceutical Advisory Council guidelines for the continuum of quality use of medicines between hospital and community aim to establish a coordinated approach that encourages continuity in all areas of health care and the community. However, the implementation of these guidelines has been problematic.

Aim

To identify the number and nature of barriers encountered when organising a home medicines review (HMR) for patients at high risk of medication misadventure, after discharge from hospital.

Method

A liaison pharmacist organised an appointment for eligible patients (around 2 days post‐discharge) for the general practitioner to make an HMR referral. The pharmacist contacted the patient's community pharmacist to engage an accredited pharmacist to undertake the HMR and arranged for the HMR report to be sent to the outpatient clinic, the general practitioner and community pharmacist.

Results

38/50 patients consented to have their general practitioner contacted by the liaison pharmacist. General practitioners agreed to order an HMR for 34 patients. Barriers to HMR uptake included: low patient awareness of HMRs, a low level of general practitioner awareness of the HMR process, reluctance of some community pharmacists to participate in HMR delivery and the time taken for HMRs to be performed.

Conclusion

Once aware of the HMR service, the majority of patients were willing to participate and general practitioners were prepared to refer their patients for such a service. However, time constraints impacted on both general practitioners and community pharmacists, hence, consideration should be given to extending the support from HMR facilitators to include pharmacies as well as general practitioners.
SHPA Standards of Practice for the Provision of Medication Reconciliation
Authors: Burridge Nicolette
Published: April 2015

These are standards of professional practice and not standards prepared or endorsed by Standards Australia. They are not legally binding.
Acceptance of a Chlamydia Screening Program in Community Pharmacies
Authors: Taylor Kim L , Clifford Rhonda M , Marshall Lewis
Published: April 2015

Background

Chlamydia trachomatis notification rates continue to rise in high‐risk groups such as women presenting for emergency contraception. Screening reduces the incidence and complications of chlamydia infections. Community pharmacies would be suitable for the provision of Chlamydia screening.

Aim

To determine the acceptability to pharmacists and women, of a community pharmacy‐based Chlamydia screening program.

Method

2 questionnaires were designed for pharmacists and women (aged 18–29 years). Participants were asked to complete the questionnaire on Chlamydia screening. This information was then collated and analysed.

Results

Of the 25 pharmacists surveyed, 84% supported a pharmacy‐based Chlamydia screening program. Pharmacists indicated that they would be comfortable providing the kit (92%), counselling results (88%) and providing antibiotics (80%). Of the 50 women surveyed, 76% would accept and return a sample while 53% indicated a preference for testing by doctors. Privacy and confidentiality were major concerns identified by the women.

Conclusion

A well‐structured Chlamydia screening program in community pharmacies would be strongly supported by pharmacists and women. The screening program should involve pharmacists supplying a kit to women who request it or as part of an emergency contraception consultation, receiving the urine sample, explaining the results and supplying antibiotics. This program is likely to be successful in pharmacies that provide anonymity, privacy and a friendly environment with approachable female staff.
Patient‐Completed Medication Histories versus those Obtained by a Pharmacist in a Pre‐admission Clinic
Authors: Dooley Michael J , Van de Vreede Melita , Tan Edwin
Published: April 2015

Aim

To evaluate the accuracy and completeness of patient‐completed medication histories to those obtained by a pharmacist in a pre‐admission surgical clinic.

Method

This prospective study was conducted over 3‐weeks with patients attending a pre‐admission surgical clinic. Consecutive patients had a pre‐admission assessment with the pre‐admission clinic pharmacist. Comparison was made regarding the accuracy of information between patient‐completed medication history and assessment by the pre‐admission clinic pharmacist.

Results

150 patients were enrolled −33 (22%) had a patient‐completed questionnaire that was totally correct. There was an average of 3.9 drug discrepancies per patient‐completed medication history. The discrepancies included: omitted drugs (317), incorrect doses (24), doses omitted (110), dosing frequency incorrect (24) or dosing frequency omitted (63). The adverse drug reaction status was recorded correctly on 85% of patient‐completed medication histories.

Conclusion

Patient‐completed medication histories used in a pre‐admission surgical clinic were not accurate in 4 out of 5 patients. Pharmacists in a pre‐admission clinic can ensure the availability of an accurate medication history.
Knowledge and Perceptions of Community Patients about Generic Medicines
Authors: Ibrahim Rafie , McKinnon Ross A , Ngo Suong NT
Published: April 2015

Background

Patients' knowledge and perceptions about generic medicines are extremely important for promoting generic substitution. Few studies have investigated patients' acceptance or understanding of generic medicines.

Aim

To explore knowledge and perceptions of community patients about generic medicines.

Method

A self‐administered anonymous survey was completed by patients presenting at 1 of 18 community pharmacies in Adelaide, South Australia. The questionnaire comprised items on: demographics (age, gender, ethnicity, education, income, self‐rated health status), safety, efficacy, cost and value of generic medicines, and patients' willingness to use these.

Results

503 patients completed the survey − 51% females and 49% males. 60% of patients were on more than one prescription medication. 67% of patients rarely asked for a generic medicine when their prescriptions were being filled. Around 47% of patients believed that they needed more information on the difference between generic and brand‐name medicines. Around 81% of patients knew that generic medicines were less expensive than brand‐name medicines; and 51% believed generic medicines offered better value. When asked whether 'they would rather take generic medicines than brand‐name medicines' – about 30% indicated they would, 25%) would not, 40% were neutral and 5% did not provide an answer Younger patients (55 years or less) asked for generic medicines more often than older patients (over 55 years) (p < 0.05). There were no other significant differences.

Conclusion

Most patients had some knowledge about generic medicines. However, many were unsure if they preferred generic to brand‐name medicines or brand‐name to generic medicines.
Adherence to Guidelines for Treating Community‐Acquired Pneumonia at a New Zealand Hospital
Authors: Aikman Kiri L , Hobbs Mark R , Ticehurst Robert , Karmakar Gonesh C , Wilsher Margaret L , Thomas Mark G
Published: April 2015

Background

Adherence to guidelines for community‐acquired pneumonia (CAP) has been shown to improve patient outcomes and slow the emergence of antimicrobial resistance. Guidelines for treating CAP vary considerably.

Aim

To determine the initial antimicrobial therapy used in hospitalised adults with CAP and to compare it with local and international CAP treatment guidelines.

Method

A retrospective cohort study of adults presenting to an Auckland hospital with CAP. Initial choice of antimicrobial therapy was compared to the local hospital guidelines and the British Thoracic Society (BTS), Infectious Diseases Society of America/American Thoracic Society (IDSA/ATS) and Swedish Society of Infectious Diseases (SSID) guidelines.

Results

Initial treatment in 177 patients presenting with their first episode of CAP included parenteral cephalosporin (61%), amoxycillin+clavulanate (37%), amoxycillin (2.8%) and macrolide (53%). 83/92 (90%) patients with a CURB‐65 score of 0–1 were treated with a cephalosporin or amoxycillin+clavulanate. 42/85 (49%) patients with a CURB‐65 score ≥ 2 were treated with a macrolide. Adherence with treatment guidelines was 97% (hospital), 53% (IDSA/ATS), 11% (BTS) and 10% (SSID).

Conclusion

Initial treatment of adults with CAP adhered closely with local guidelines was discordant with the BTS and SSID guidelines.
Serum Visfatin, Fetuin‐A, and Pentraxin 3 Levels in Patients With Psoriasis and Their Relation to Disease Severity
Authors: Okan Gökhan , Baki Adile Merve , Yorulmaz Eda , Doğru‐Abbasoğlu Semra , Vural Pervin
Published: April 2015

Background

Psoriasis is a chronic immune‐mediated inflammatory skin disease associated with increase of some pro‐inflammatory mediators. We wanted to investigate whether there is a relationship between psoriasis and visfatin, fetuin‐A and pentraxin 3 (PTX3)—pro‐inflammatory mediators implicated in the development of insulin resistance (IR), metabolic syndrome, and atherosclerosis.

Methods

Visfatin, fetuin‐A, and PTX3 concentrations were measured in 45 patients with plaque‐type psoriasis and 45 healthy controls using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

Results

Serum levels of visfatin, fetuin‐A, and PTX3 in patients with psoriasis were found to be higher than in healthy controls (P = 0.002, P = 0.009, P < 0.001, respectively). Psoriasis area and severity index (PASI) score correlated significantly with visfatin and fetuin‐A levels (P = 0.011, P = 0.040, respectively). There was a significant positive correlation between visfatin and fetuin‐A (P < 0.001). PTX3 levels were correlated positively with homeostasis model assessment (HOMA‐IR), insulin, triglyceride (TG), and very low density lipoprotein cholesterol (VLDL; P = 0.009, P = 0.007, P = 0.023, P = 0.024, respectively).

Conclusions

Increased serum visfatin, fetuin‐A, and PTX3 levels, and the presence of positive correlation between visfatin, fetuin‐A, and PASI score, probably reflect the inflammatory state and IR seen in psoriasis.
DYNAMICS AMONG POSTTRAUMATIC STRESS SYMPTOMS, FORGIVENESS FOR THE PERPETRATOR, AND POSTTRAUMATIC GROWTH FOLLOWING COLLECTIVE TRAUMA
Authors: Wusik Michael F. , Smith Andrew J. , Jones Russell T. , Hughes Michael
Published: April 2015

Theory highlights forgiveness as a dynamic process that unfolds over time, as well as a potential target for posttrauma therapy. Longitudinal research, however, is nonexistent in the trauma literature. Further, the adaptation of forgiveness for understanding mass violent events has yet to be tested. The current study examined a theory‐based hypothesis posing forgiveness as a mediator between posttraumatic stress (PTS) symptoms and posttraumatic growth (PTG) in the context of a mass university campus shooting. Results showed that forgiveness was a significant mediator of the indirect, positive relationship between Time 1 PTS and Time 1 and Time 2 PTG. Implications include considering mechanisms (e.g., forgiveness) that link PTS and PTG for application in future research and practice.
Influence of cancer cachexia on drug liver metabolism and renal elimination in rats
Authors: Cvan Trobec Katja , Kerec Kos Mojca , Trontelj Jurij , Grabnar Iztok , Tschirner Anika , Palus Sandra , Anker Stefan D. , Springer Jochen , Lainscak Mitja
Published: April 2015

Background

Body wasting and cachexia change body composition and organ function, with effects on drug pharmacokinetics. The aim of this study was to investigate how cancer and cancer cachexia modify liver metabolism and renal drug elimination in rats.

Methods

Nine male Wistar‐Han rats received a single oral dose of midazolam and propranolol (markers of hepatic metabolism), and 10 rats received single intravenous dose of iohexol, a marker of glomerular filtration rate. After drug delivery, multiple dried blood samples were obtained within 2 h post‐dose to evaluate drug pharmacokinetic profiles. After baseline sampling (D0), rats were injected with tumour cells. Drug application and blood sampling were repeated when rats developed tumours (Day 5—D5), and when rats were severely cachectic (Day 10—D10). Clearance (CL) and volume of distribution (Vd) of drugs were assessed with non‐linear mixed effects modelling. Weight and body composition were measured on D0 and D10 and were related to pharmacokinetic parameters.

Results

All three drugs showed non‐significant trend towards increased CL and Vd on D5. On D10, midazolam and propranolol CL and midazolam Vd significantly decreased from baseline (−80.5%, −79.8%, and −72.0%, respectively, P < 0.05 for all). Iohexol CL decreased by 29.8% from baseline value on D10, which was related to body weight loss (Pearson's r = 0.837, P = 0.019).

Conclusions

Hepatic metabolism and renal drug elimination are significantly reduced in cachexia, which could increase risk of dose‐related adverse events.
Analysis of sexual assault evidence: statistical classification of condoms by ambient mass spectrometry
Authors: Mirabelli Mario F. , Ifa Demian R. , Sindona Giovanni , Tagarelli Antonio
Published: April 2015

Desorption electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (DESI‐MS) and easy ambient sonic‐spray ionization mass spectrometry (EASI‐MS) are employed here in the forensic analysis of chemical compounds found in condoms and relative traces, and their analytical performances are compared. Statistical analysis of data obtained from mass spectra only was applied in order to obtain classification rules for distinguishing ten types of condoms. In particular, two supervised chemometric techniques [linear discriminant analysis (LDA) and soft independent modeling of class analogy (SIMCA)] were carried out on absolute and relative intensity values to test the performances of statistical models in terms of predictive capacity. The achieved classification of samples was excellent because of the high prediction percentages of the method used both for DESI and EASI mass spectrometry analyses, confirming these two as potential ambient ionization techniques for forensic analyses in case of sexual assault crimes. EASI‐MS showed 99% prediction ability for LDA using relative data and 100% prediction ability for SIMCA using both absolute and relative ones, while DESI showed 94% prediction ability for both LDA and SIMCA. The absence of any sample preparation technique gives advantages in terms of sample preservation and reduced contamination, allowing successive analyses to be performed on the same sample by other techniques. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Water uptake, chemical characterization, and tensile behavior of modified banana–plantain fiber and their polyester composites
Authors: Rodríguez Lady J. , Cardona Carlos A. , Orrego Carlos E.
Published: April 2015

Banana–plantain fibers (BPFs) were treated with acetic anhydride (AA), epichlorohydrin (EP), and an acetic anhydride–epichlorohydrin blend (AA_EP). Natural fiber–polyester composites (PCs) were fabricated using untreated and treated BPF by the hand lay‐up technique. Modified BPF Raman and Infrared spectroscopy (ATR‐FTIR) analysis revealed losses of lignin and hemicelluloses and new chemical bonds that confirmed the replacement of part of the raw fiber hydroxyl groups, which gave rise to a degree of hydrophobicity in the treated fibers. This change altered their water sorption isotherms, swelling behavior in water, impedance spectroscopy, and XRD analysis. Assays of water absorption and tensile resistance for untreated BPF (U) and modified BPF polyester composites demonstrated a remarkable reduction in water intake, whereas tensile strength was maintained (P < 0.05) for the modified BPF polyester composites. POLYM. COMPOS., 37:2960–2973, 2016. © 2015 Society of Plastics Engineers
Effect of coupling agent content and water absorption on the mechanical properties of coir‐agave fibers reinforced polyethylene hybrid composites
Authors: Pérez‐Fonseca Aida A. , Arellano Martín , Rodrigue Denis , González‐Núñez Rubén , Robledo‐Ortíz Jorge R.
Published: April 2015

In this study, high‐density polyethylene/agave‐coir composites with two fiber contents (20 and 30 wt%) and different coir‐agave fiber ratios (1–0, 0.8–0.2, 0.6–0.4, 0.4–0.6, 0.2–0.8, and 0–1) were produced in a two‐step process using twin‐screw extrusion followed by injection molding. The effect of mixing two different natural fibers and the addition of coupling agent on water absorption, mechanical properties, and morphology is reported. The rule of hybrid mixture was used to predict the properties of the composites, showing a good agreement with the experimental data. The results obtained showed that the combination of different fibers produces composites with unique characteristics as coir fibers absorb less water than agave fibers, while at the same time increase more tensile and flexural strengths. On the other hand, agave fibers were found to improve the impact strength of coir composites. Also, the effect of water absorption on the mechanical properties was studied. Finally, the use of a coupling agent had a positive effect on mechanical properties, while lowering water uptake. POLYM. COMPOS., 37:3015–3024, 2016. © 2015 Society of Plastics Engineers
Facile preparation and characterization of sodium alginate/graphite conductive composite hydrogel
Authors: Qu Bing , Li Jun‐rong , Xiao Hui‐ning , He Bei‐hai , Qian Li‐ying
Published: April 2015

Conductive composite hydrogels based on sodium alginate (SA) and graphite were fabricated by a facile method via dispersing homogeneously conductive graphite into SA hydrogel matrix. The hydrogel was formed by in situ release of Ca2+ from Ca–EDTA, thus eliminating the multistep reactions and tedious purification compared to the previous work. Raman spectra, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) were used to characterize the structure, crystalline nature, and thermostability of SA/graphite composite hydrogels. The SA/graphite composite hydrogels exhibited the improved network and layer‐type structure. The thermal stability of the hydrogel decreased slightly after the graphite was incorporated into the SA hydrogel matrix regardless of the content of graphite. The enhanced mechanical strength of SA/graphite composite hydrogel was achieved via increasing the f value (i.e., [Ca2+]/[COO‐ in alginate]) and lowering graphite content. The conductivity of the composite hydrogels could be varied in a broad range, reaching up to 10−3 S/cm, mainly depending on the content of graphite and the f value. POLYM. COMPOS., 37:3050–3056, 2016. © 2015 Society of Plastics Engineers
Nonisothermal crystallization kinetics of polypropylene composites reinforced with down feather fiber
Authors: Liu Xin , Tang Yunrong , Zhang Bowen , Chen Fengxiang , Xu Weilin
Published: April 2015

Nonisothermal crystallization kinetics of pure polypropylene and polypropylene/down feather fiber composites were investigated using a differential scanning calorimeter at five different cooling rates. The experimental data on crystallinity versus temperature were analyzed by Avrami, Ozawa, and Liu models, respectively. The results indicated that the presence of down feather fiber served as nucleating agent and increased the onset and peak temperatures of crystallization of polypropylene/down feather fiber composites. Interestingly, polypropylene/down feather fiber composites showed a slower primary crystallization and a faster secondary crystallization than pure PP, meaning that down feather fiber retired the crystallizaiton process of PP matrix. The nucleation activity and activation energies were also calculated and agreed well with these results. Wide‐Angle X‐ray diffraction patterns indicated that down feather fiber induced the formation of β‐monoclinic crystals in polypropylene matrix. These phenomena were definitely different from the nonisothermal crystallization kinetics of polypropylene composite based on inorganic particles and organic cellulose fibers. POLYM. COMPOS., 37:3103–3112, 2016. © 2015 Society of Plastics Engineers
Ecofriendly River Management under Ever‐Increasing Environmental Pressures
Authors: Yin X. A. , Petts G. E. , Yang Z. F.
Published: April 2015

The third biennial symposium of the International Society for River Science was held at Beijing Normal University, China, on 5–9 August 2013. The symposium was dedicated to consolidating knowledge on riverine ecosystem in response to the impacts of ever‐increasing environmental pressures and promoting multi‐disciplinary solutions for protecting and restoring ecosystems. Nine papers were selected to illustrate advances in understanding the mechanisms of ecological degradation, promoting new models for simulating the hydrological and ecological processes and establishing new tools for ecofriendly water resources management. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A model‐driven approach to detect faults in FOSS systems
Authors: Di Ruscio Davide , Pelliccione Patrizio
Published: April 2015

Free and Open‐Source Software (FOSS) Linux distributions are among the most complex modern software systems. They are made of thousands of components (software packages) evolving rapidly without centralized coordination. The upgrade of FOSS systems is managed by meta‐installers, which solve package dependencies and conflicts and lead the system to a new system configuration by installing or removing packages. Current tools are able to predict a very limited set of upgrade faults before deployment, and this leaves a wide range of faults unpredicted. In this paper, we focus on faults that remain unpredicted, for example, missing packages, packages that are not properly installed, and missing services, with the aim of providing a solution for them. Specifically, in this paper, we propose a model‐driven approach and supporting tools to prevent specific classes of system configuration faults before performing the real upgrade. Once the system configuration is represented as a model, the configuration model is evaluated by means of queries, each devoted to discover a specific class of faults. The approach is intrinsically extensible so that user communities can add new queries when new classes of faults are identified. The approach has been validated by executing the fault detector on configuration models in which faults have been intentionally injected and by analyzing produced results. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Integration of systems glycobiology with bioinformatics toolboxes, glycoinformatics resources, and glycoproteomics data
Authors: Liu Gang , Neelamegham Sriram
Published: April 2015

The glycome constitutes the entire complement of free carbohydrates and glycoconjugates expressed on whole cells or tissues. ‘Systems Glycobiology’ is an emerging discipline that aims to quantitatively describe and analyse the glycome. Here, instead of developing a detailed understanding of single biochemical processes, a combination of computational and experimental tools are used to seek an integrated or ‘systems‐level’ view. This can explain how multiple biochemical reactions and transport processes interact with each other to control glycome biosynthesis and function. Computational methods in this field commonly build in silico reaction network models to describe experimental data derived from structural studies that measure cell‐surface glycan distribution. While considerable progress has been made, several challenges remain due to the complex and heterogeneous nature of this post‐translational modification. First, for the in silico models to be standardized and shared among laboratories, it is necessary to integrate glycan structure information and glycosylation‐related enzyme definitions into the mathematical models. Second, as glycoinformatics resources grow, it would be attractive to utilize ‘Big Data’ stored in these repositories for model construction and validation. Third, while the technology for profiling the glycome at the whole‐cell level has been standardized, there is a need to integrate mass spectrometry derived site‐specific glycosylation data into the models. The current review discusses progress that is being made to resolve the above bottlenecks. The focus is on how computational models can bridge the gap between ‘data’ generated in wet‐laboratory studies with ‘knowledge’ that can enhance our understanding of the glycome. WIREs Syst Biol Med 2015, 7:163–181. doi: 10.1002/wsbm.1296

This article is categorized under:

Models of Systems Properties and Processes > Cellular Models

Analytical and Computational Methods > Computational Methods

Biological Mechanisms > Metabolism
Amyloidosis in alkaptonuria
Authors: Millucci Lia , Braconi Daniela , Bernardini Giulia , Lupetti Pietro , Rovensky Josef , Ranganath Lakshminaryan , Santucci Annalisa
Published: April 2015

Alkaptonuria (AKU) is an ultra‐rare inborn error of metabolism developed from the lack of homogentisic acid oxidase activity, causing homogentisic acid (HGA) accumulation that produces an HGA‐melanin ochronotic pigment, of hitherto unknown composition. Besides the accumulation of HGA, the potential role and presence of unidentified proteins has been hypothesized as additional causal factors involved in ochronotic pigment deposition. Evidence has been provided on the presence of serum amyloid A (SAA) in several AKU tissues, which allowed classifying AKU as a novel secondary amyloidosis. In this paper, we will briefly review all direct and indirect lines of evidence related to the presence of amyloidosis in AKU. We also report the first data on abnormal SAA serum levels in a cohort of AKU patients.
Achieving the Optimal Epinephrine Effect in Wide Awake Hand Surgery using Local Anesthesia without a Tourniquet
Authors: Mckee Daniel E. , Lalonde Donald H. , Thoma Achilleas , Dickson Lisa
Published: April 2015

Background

In our experience, for all surgeries in the hand, the optimal epinephrine effect from local anesthesia—producing maximal vasoconstriction and visualization—is achieved by waiting significantly longer than the traditionally quoted 7 min from the time of injection.

Methods

In this prospective comparative study, healthy patients undergoing unilateral carpal tunnel surgery waited either 7 min or roughly 30 min, between the time of injection of 1 % lidocaine with 1:100,000 epinephrine and the time of incision. A standardized incision was made through dermis and into the subcutaneous tissue followed by exactly 60 s of measuring the quantity of blood loss using sterile micropipettes.

Results

There was a statistically significant reduction in the mean quantity of bleeding in the group that waited roughly 30 min after injection and before incision compared to the group that waited only 7 min (95 % confidence intervals of 0.06+–0.03 ml/cm of incision, compared to 0.17+–0.08 ml/cm, respectively) (P=0.03).

Conclusions

Waiting roughly 30 min after injection of local anesthesia with epinephrine as oppose to the traditionally taught 7 min, achieves an optimal epinephrine effect and vasoconstriction. In the hand, this will result in roughly a threefold reduction in bleeding—making wide awake local anesthesia without tourniquet (WALANT) possible. This knowledge has allowed our team to expand the hand procedures that we can offer using WALANT. The benefits of WALANT hand surgery include reduced cost and waste, improved patient safety, and the ability to perform active intraoperative movement examinations.
Prehospital personnel’s attitudes to pain management
Authors: Castrèn Maaret , Lindström Veronica , Branzell Jenny Hagman , Niemi-Murola Leila
Published: April 2015

Objectives

Pain is one of the most common reasons for patients to seek acute medical care. The management of pain is often inadequate both in the prehospital setting and in the emergency department. Our aim was to evaluate the attitudes towards pain management among prehospital personnel in two Scandinavian metropolitan areas.

Methods

A questionnaire with 36 items was distributed to prehospital personnel working in Helsinki, Finland (n=70) and to prehospital personnel working in Stockholm, Sweden (n=634). Each item was weighted on a five-level Likert scale. Factor loading of the questionnaire was made using maximum likelihood analysis and varimax rotation. Six scales were constructed (Hesitation, Encouragement, Side effects, Evaluation, Perceptions, Pain metre). A Student’s t-test, ANOVA, and Pearson Correlation were used for analysis of significance.

Results

: The response rate among the Finnish prehospital personnel was 66/70 (94.2%) while among the Swedish personnel it was 127/634 (20.0%). The prehospital personnel from Sweden showed significantly more Hesitation to administer pain relief compared to the Finnish personnel (mean 2.01 SD 0.539 vs. 1.67 SD 0.530, p < 0.001). Those who had received pain education at their workplace showed significantly less Hesitation than those who had not participated in education. There was a significant negative correlation (p < 0.01) between Hesitation and Side effects. There was also astatistically significant(p < 0.01) correlation between Perceptions and Hesitation, indicating that a stoic attitude towards pain was associated with indifference to possible Side effects of pain medication (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

The results show that there was a significant correlation between the extent of education and the prehospital personnel’s attitudes to pain management. Gender and age among the prehospital personnel also affected the attitudes to pain management. The main discrepancy between the Swedish and Finnish personnel was that the participants from Stockholm showed statistically significantly more hesitation about administering pain medication compared to the participants from Helsinki.

Implications

The results of the study highlight the need for continuous medical education (CME) for prehospital personnel. CME and discussions among prehospital personnel may help to make a change in the personnel’s attitudes towards pain and pain management in the prehospital context.
BELIEF IS PRIOR TO KNOWLEDGE
Authors: Rose David
Published: April 2015

Orthodoxy has it that knowledge is a composite of belief and non-mental factors. However, Timothy Williamson suggests that orthodoxy implies that the concept of belief is acquired before the concept of knowledge, whereas developmental data suggest the reverse. More recently, Jennifer Nagel reviews the psychological evidence, building a psychological case that the concept of knowledge emerges prior to belief. I assess the psychological state of the art and find support for the opposite conclusion. Overall the empirical evidence supports the orthodox view that the concept of belief is prior to the concept of knowledge.
Royal Losses, Symbolic Politics and Media Events in Interwar Europe: Responses to the Accidental Deaths of King Albert I and Queen Astrid of Belgium (1934–1935)
Authors: DE SPIEGELEER CHRISTOPH
Published: April 2015

This article examines the public and private responses to the accidental deaths of King Albert I and Queen Astrid of Belgium in 1934 and 1935. The public and private mourning for Albert and Astrid and the impact of their deaths and funerals can only be understood when we analyse these events against the background of structural transformations in national identity, international and national politics and media culture in interwar Europe. The analysis of the responses to these events thus offers unique insights into the relationship between the Belgian monarchy, politics and modern mass media in the 1930s. The memory of the war experience permeated both funerals through the massive presence of war veterans. Condolence letters to the royal court show how Astrid's popularity made the Belgian monarchy more human and approachable than it had ever been, while their sudden deaths simultaneously stimulated the mystification of both royal figures. Albert's funeral even constituted an event of symbolic significance in the interstate relations of Belgium with France. The meaning of both these high-profile deaths was negotiated within the mass media.
Democratic Politics and the League of Nations: The Labour and Socialist International as a Protagonist of Interwar Internationalism
Authors: LAQUA DANIEL
Published: April 2015

The Labour and Socialist International (LSI) was a major vehicle for transnational socialist cooperation during the interwar years and thus seemed to continue the traditions of socialist internationalism. In the realm of international relations, however, it championed key tenets of liberal internationalism. The LSI supported the idea of a League of Nations and embraced the notion of a world order based upon democratic nation-states. While it criticised some aspects of the international system, its overall emphasis was on reform rather than revolution. The article sheds light on the wider phenomenon of interwar internationalism by tracing the LSI's relationship with the League of Nations, with the politics of peace more generally and with the competing internationalism of the communists.
CLP(H):Constraint logic programming for hedges
Authors: DUNDUA BESIK , FLORIDO MÁRIO , KUTSIA TEMUR , MARIN MIRCEA
Published: April 2015

CLP(H) is an instantiation of the general constraint logic programming scheme with the constraint domain of hedges. Hedges are finite sequences of unranked terms, built over variadic function symbols and three kinds of variables: for terms, for hedges, and for function symbols. Constraints involve equations between unranked terms and atoms for regular hedge language membership. We study algebraic semantics of CLP(H) programs, define a sound, terminating, and incomplete constraint solver, investigate two fragments of constraints for which the solver returns a complete set of solutions, and describe classes of programs that generate such constraints.
Analgesia and unwanted benzodiazepine effects in point-mutated mice expressing only one benzodiazepine-sensitive GABAA receptor subtype
Authors: Ralvenius William T. , Benke Dietmar , Acuña Mario A. , Rudolph Uwe , Zeilhofer Hanns Ulrich
Published: April 2015

Agonists at the benzodiazepine-binding site of GABAA receptors (BDZs) enhance synaptic inhibition through four subtypes (α1, α2, α3 and α5) of GABAA receptors (GABAAR). When applied to the spinal cord, they alleviate pathological pain; however, insufficient efficacy after systemic administration and undesired effects preclude their use in routine pain therapy. Previous work suggested that subtype-selective drugs might allow separating desired antihyperalgesia from unwanted effects, but the lack of selective agents has hitherto prevented systematic analyses. Here we use four lines of triple GABAAR point-mutated mice, which express only one benzodiazepine-sensitive GABAAR subtype at a time, to show that targeting only α2GABAARs achieves strong antihyperalgesia and reduced side effects (that is, no sedation, motor impairment and tolerance development). Additional pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic analyses in these mice explain why clinically relevant antihyperalgesia cannot be achieved with nonselective BDZs. These findings should foster the development of innovative subtype-selective BDZs for novel indications such as chronic pain.
A role for Kalirin-7 in nociceptive sensitization via activity-dependent modulation of spinal synapses
Authors: Lu Jianning , Luo Ceng , Bali Kiran Kumar , Xie Rou-Gang , Mains Richard E. , Eipper Betty A. , Kuner Rohini
Published: April 2015

Synaptic plasticity is the cornerstone of processes underlying persistent nociceptive activity-induced changes in normal nociceptive sensitivity. Kalirin-7 is a multifunctional guanine-nucleotide-exchange factor (GEF) for Rho GTPases that is characterized by its localization at excitatory synapses, interactions with glutamate receptors and its ability to dynamically modulate the neuronal cytoskeleton. Here we show that spinally expressed Kalirin-7 is required for persistent nociceptive activity-dependent synaptic long-term potentiation as well as activity-dependent remodelling of synaptic spines in the spinal dorsal horn, thereby orchestrating functional and structural plasticity during the course of inflammatory pain.
HIF-inducible miR-191 promotes migration in breast cancer through complex regulation of TGFβ-signaling in hypoxic microenvironment.
Authors: Nagpal Neha , Ahmad Hafiz M. , Chameettachal Shibu , Sundar Durai , Ghosh Sourabh , Kulshreshtha Ritu
Published: April 2015

The molecular mechanisms of hypoxia induced breast cell migration remain incompletely understood. Our results show that hypoxia through hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF) brings about a time-dependent increase in the level of an oncogenic microRNA, miR-191 in various breast cancer cell lines. miR-191 enhances breast cancer aggressiveness by promoting cell proliferation, migration and survival under hypoxia. We further established that miR-191 is a critical regulator of transforming growth factor beta (TGFβ)-signaling and promotes cell migration by inducing TGFβ2 expression under hypoxia through direct binding and indirectly by regulating levels of a RNA binding protein, human antigen R (HuR). The levels of several TGFβ pathway genes (like VEGFA, SMAD3, CTGF and BMP4) were found to be higher in miR-191 overexpressing cells. Lastly, anti-miR-191 treatment given to breast tumor spheroids led to drastic reduction in spheroid tumor volume. This stands as a first report of identification of a microRNA mediator that links hypoxia and the TGFβ signaling pathways, both of which are involved in regulation of breast cancer metastasis. Together, our results show a critical role of miR-191 in hypoxia-induced cancer progression and suggest that miR-191 inhibition may offer a novel therapy for hypoxic breast tumors.
A new simple method for point contact Andreev reflection (PCAR) using a self-aligned atomic filament in transition-metal oxides
Authors: Hwang Inrok , Lee Keundong , Jin Hyunwoo , Choi Sunhwa , Jung Eunok , Park Bae Ho , Lee Suyoun
Published: April 2015

Point contact Andreev reflection (PCAR) has become a standard method for measuring the spin polarization (P) of spintronic materials, but it is still challenging to achieve a clean point contact between a superconductor (SC) and a metal (N) for implementing PCAR.
A novel SWCNT-polyoxometalate nanohybrid material as an electrode for electrochemical supercapacitors
Authors: Chen Han-Yi , Al-Oweini Rami , Friedl Jochen , Lee Ching Yi , Li Linlin , Kortz Ulrich , Stimming Ulrich , Srinivasan Madhavi
Published: April 2015

A novel nanohybrid material that combines SWCNTs with a polyoxometalate (TBA)5[PV2Mo10O40] (TBA-PV2Mo10, TBA: [(CH3(CH2)3)4N]+) is investigated for the first time as an electrode material for supercapacitors in this work.
Near-infrared (NIR) emitting Nd/Yb(iii) complexes sensitized by MLCT states of Ru(ii)/Ir(iii) metalloligands in the visible light region
Authors: Zhang Lu-Yin , Hou Ya-Jun , Pan Mei , Chen Ling , Zhu Yi-Xuan , Yin Shao-Yun , Shao Guang , Su Cheng-Yong
Published: April 2015

Visible light sensitized NIR emission of Nd3+ and Yb3+ by Ru(ii)/Ir(iii) metalloligands is reported.
Measuring binding kinetics of aromatic thiolated molecules with nanoparticles via surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy
Authors: DeVetter Brent M. , Mukherjee Prabuddha , Murphy Catherine J. , Bhargava Rohit
Published: April 2015

The binding kinetics of aromatic thiolated molecules were investigated via surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy measurements. Analysis of time-resolved spectral features reveal rich information related to molecular bonding and orientation during chemisorption.
A self-supported peapod-like mesoporous TiO2–C array with excellent anode performance in lithium-ion batteries
Authors: Peng Liang , Zhang Huijuan , Bai Yuanjuan , Zhang Yan , Wang Yu
Published: April 2015

A novel peapod-like TiO2–C array with high conductivity architecture is designed and fabricated on a Ti-substrate for application in high-performance Li-ion batteries.
Thiol-Michael addition miniemulsion polymerizations: functional nanoparticles and reactive latex films
Authors: Wang Chen , Chatani Shunsuke , Podgórski Maciej , Bowman Christopher N.
Published: April 2015

Thiol-Michael addition polymerization is successfully implemented in a miniemulsion polymerization system.
Far-red/near-infrared fluorescent conjugated polymer nanoparticles with size-dependent chirality and cell imaging applications
Authors: Dai Chunhui , Yang Dongliang , Zhang Wenjie , Bao Biqing , Cheng Yixiang , Wang Lianhui
Published: April 2015

We prepared a series of novel chiral far-red/near-infrared fluorescent CPNs with different nanoparticle sizes, which show size-dependent chirality and are successfully employed for cell imaging.