bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Current Status and Perspectives Regarding LNA‐Anti‐miR Oligonucleotides and microRNA miR‐21 Inhibitors as a Potential Therapeutic Option in Treatment of Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Nedaeinia Reza , Avan Amir , Ahmadian Mehdi , Nia Sasan Nedaee , Ranjbar Maryam , Sharifi Mohammadreza , Goli Mohammad , Piroozmand Ahmad , Nourmohammadi Esmail , Manian Mostafa , Ferns Gordon A. , Ghayour‐Mobarhan Majid , Salehi Rasoul
Published: April 2017

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is among the leading causes of cancer‐related death, principally due to its metastatic spread and multifactorial chemoresistance. The therapeutic failure can also be explained by inter‐ or intra‐tumor genetic heterogeneity and tumor stromal content. Thus, the identification of novel prognostic biomarkers and therapeutic options are warranted in the management of CRC patients. There are data showing that microRNA‐21 is elevated in different types of cancer, particularly colon adenocarcinoma and that this is association with a poor prognosis. This suggests that microRNA‐21 may be of value as a potential therapeutic target. Furthermore, locked nucleic acid (LNA)‐modified oligonucleotides have recently emerged as a therapeutic option for targeting dysregulated miRNAs in cancer therapy, through antisense‐based gene silencing. Further work is required to identify innovative anticancer drugs that improve the current therapy either through novel combinatorial approaches or with better efficacy than conventional drugs. We aimed to provide an overview of the preclinical and clinical studies targeting key dysregulated signaling pathways in CRC as well as the therapeutic application of LNA‐modified oligonucleotides, and miR inhibitors in the treatment of CRC patients. J. Cell. Biochem. 118: 4129–4140, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Dcf1 Improves Behavior Deficit in Drosophila and Mice Caused by Optogenetic Suppression
Authors: Liu Qiang , Gan Linhua , Ni Jian , Chen Yu , Chen Yanlu , Huang Zhili , Huang Xu , Wen Tieqiao
Published: April 2017

Optogenetics play a significant role in neuroscientific research by providing a tool for understanding neural circuits and brain functions. Natronomonas pharaonis halorhodopsin (NpHR) actively pumps chloride ions into the cells and hyperpolarizes neuronal membranes in response to yellow light. In this study, we generated transgenic Drosophila expressing NpHR under the control of the Gal4/UAS system and virus‐infected mice expressing NpHR to explore the effect of dendritic cell factor 1 (Dcf1) on the behavior mediated by the mushroom body in Drosophila and the dentate gyrus (DG) in mice. Study of optogenetic behavior showed that NpHR suppressed the behavior in Drosophila larvae and mice, whereas Dcf1 rescued this suppression. These results suggest that Dcf1 plays an important role in behavior induced by the mushroom body and the hippocampus and provides novel insights into their functions. J. Cell. Biochem. 118: 4210–4215, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
FOXM1 Transcription Factor: A New Component of Chronic Myeloid Leukemia Stem Cell Proliferation Advantage
Authors: Mancini Manuela , Castagnetti Fausto , Soverini Simona , Leo Elisa , De Benedittis Caterina , Gugliotta Gabriele , Rosti Gianantonio , Bavaro Luana , De Santis Sara , Monaldi Cecilia , Martelli Margherita , Santucci Maria Alessandra , Cavo Michele , Martinelli Giovanni
Published: April 2017

FOXM1 transcription factor is a central component of tumor initiation, growth, and progression due to its multiple effects on cell cycle, DNA repair, angiogenesis and invasion, chromatin, protein anabolism, and cell adhesion. Moreover, FOXM1 interacts with β‐catenin promoting its nuclear import and transcriptional activation. Here, we show that FOXM1 is involved in the advantage of chronic myeloid leukemia hematopoiesis over the normal counterpart. FOXM1 hyper‐activation associated with BCR‐ABL1 results from phosphorylation by the fusion protein kinase‐dependent activation of Polo‐like kinase 1. FOXM1 phosphorylation lets its binding with β‐catenin and β‐catenin transcriptional activation, a key event for persistence of the leukemic stem cell compartment under tyrosine kinase inhibitor therapy. Polo‐like kinase 1 inhibitor BI6727, already advanced for clinical use, breaks β‐catenin interaction with FOXM1, hence hampering FOXM1 phosphorylation, β‐catenin binding, nuclear import, and downstream signaling. In conclusion, our results support Polo‐like kinase 1/FOXM1 axis as a complementary target to eradicate leukemic early progenitor/stem cell compartment in chronic myeloid leukemia. J. Cell. Biochem. 118: 3968–3975, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Comprehensive Dissection of Transcriptome Data and Regulatory Factors in Pancreatic Cancer Cells
Authors: Akbari Bijan , Mohammadnia Abdulshakour , Yaqubi Moein , Wee Ping , Mahdiuni Hamid
Published: April 2017

Features of pancreatic cancers include high mortality rates caused by rapid tumor progression and a lack of effective therapy. Underpinning the molecular mechanisms involved in the alteration of the gene expression program in the pancreatic cancer remains to be understood. In the current study, we performed a comprehensive analysis using 282 pancreatic tumor and normal samples from seven independent expression data sets to provide a better view on the interactions between different transcription factors (TFs) and the most affected biological pathways in pancreatic cancer. We highlighted common differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and common affected processes within pancreatic cancer samples. We revealed 16 main DE‐TFs that regulated gene expression alterations as well as the most significant processes in pancreatic cancer compared to normal cells. For example, we found the upregulated FOXM1 to be a top regulator of pancreatic cellular transformation based on results from different analyses, including from its regulation of gene regulatory networks, its presence in protein complex, its significant regulation of genes related to cancer pathways, and its regulation of most of the identified DE‐TFs. Furthermore, we provided a model and assessed the role of different DE‐TFs in the regulation of the most affected pancreatic‐ and cancer‐specific processes. In conclusion, our bioinformatics meta‐analysis of high throughput expression data sets, besides clarifying common affected genes and pathways, also showed the mechanisms involved in regulating these common profiles. Our results, especially for DE‐TFs, could potentially be useful for screening for pancreatic cancer, and for confirming or determining novel pharmacological targets. J. Cell. Biochem. 118: 3976–3985, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Orthostatic dizziness in Parkinson's disease is attributed to cerebral hypoperfusion: A transcranial doppler study
Authors: Park Jinse , Kim Hee‐Tae , Park Kang Min , Ha Sam Yeol , Kim Sung Eun , Shin Kyong Jin , Kim Si Eun , Jang Wooyoung , Kim Ji Sun , Youn Jinyoung , Oh Engsoek , Park Suyeon
Published: April 2017

Objectives

Orthostatic hypotension (OH) is controversially regarded as the cause of orthostatic dizziness in Parkinson's disease (PD). We sought to evaluate whether cerebral autoregulation is an alternative cause for orthostatic dizziness in PD patients, using transcranial Doppler monitoring during head‐up tilting.

Methods

Forty‐five PD patients with dizziness, 13 PD patients without dizziness, and 10 age‐matched healthy controls were enrolled. Participants were divided into the following four groups: patients with dizziness and OH (group 1, n = 22), patients with dizziness but no OH (n = 23, group 2), patients without dizziness (n = 11, group 3), and age‐matched healthy controls (n = 10, group 4). All participants underwent transcranial Doppler and blood pressure monitoring for 10 minutes during the head‐up tilt test. Changes in the cerebral blood flow velocity (CBFV) in the middle cerebral artery and the mean blood pressure (mBP) within 3 minutes after head‐up tilting were compared between groups.

Results

Group 1 showed a significantly higher change in mBP (−16.3 ± 10.8 mmHg) than groups 2 (−2.6 ± 4.9), 3 (−2.2 ± 3.6), or 4 (1.8 ± 6.0) (p < 0.001). However, groups 3 (4.6 ± 3.0 cm/s) and 4 (−4.2 ± 2.5) showed a significantly smaller change in CBFV than groups 1 (−9.0 ± 4.2) and 2 (−8.1 ± 5.1) (p < 0.01).

Conclusions

Our results suggest that cerebral hypoperfusion contributes to dizziness in PD patients despite a lack of OH. Transcranial Doppler monitoring during head‐up tilting may be a useful tool for evaluating dizziness in PD patients with or without OH. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound 45:337–342, 2017;
Effects of metals cadmium and chromium alone and in combination on the liver and kidney tissue of male Spraque‐Dawley rats: An ultrastructural and electron‐energy‐loss spectroscopy investigation
Authors: Venter Chantelle , Oberholzer Hester Magdalena , Cummings Franscious Riccardo , Bester Megan Jean
Published: April 2017

Heavy metal pollution has increased in the last decades. Water sources are contaminated and human exposure is often long term exposure to variable amounts of different metals. In this study, male Sprague‐Dawley rats were exposed via oral gavage for 28 days to cadmium (Cd) and chromium (Cr), alone and in combination at concentrations 1000 times the human World Health Organization's acceptable water limits. Rat equivalent dosages were used. Blood markers of liver and kidney function were measured, changes to cellular morphology was determined with transmission electron microscopy and the intracellular metal localisation was determined with the electron energy‐loss spectroscopy and energy filtered transmission electron microscopy analysis. Both Cd and Cr caused changes to the nuclear and mitochondrial membranes and irregular chromatin condensation of hepatocytes. Cr exposure caused dilation of the rough endoplasmic reticulum (rER). The combination caused nuclear and mitochondrial membrane damage as well as irregular chromatin condensation. In the kidney tissue, Cd caused irregular chromatin condensation in the cells of the proximal convoluted tubule (PCT). Cr caused changes to the outer nuclear and mitochondrial membrane and chromatin structure. The combination group caused membrane damage, irregular chromatin condensation and rER changes in the PCT. All the metal groups showed damage to the endothelial cells and pedicles, but not to the mesangial cells. Cd and Cr bio‐accumulation was observed in the nucleus, mitochondria and rER of the liver and kidney and therefore are responsible for the cellular observed damage that can cause functional changes to the tissues and organs.
Synthesis, Characterization, and Molecular Docking of Novel bis‐thiazolyl Thienothiophene Derivatives as Promising Cytotoxic Antitumor Drug
Authors: Gomha Sobhi M. , El‐Hashash Maher A. , Edrees Mastoura M. , El‐Arab Elham Ezz
Published: April 2017

A novel, facile reaction for the synthesis of series of bis‐thiazole derivatives has been developed from the reaction of the appropriate thiosemicarbazone derivatives and bis‐2‐bromoacetylthieno[2,3‐b]thiophene derivatives in ethanol under reflux. The structures of the newly synthesized products were established on the basis of spectral data (mass, IR, and 1H and 13C NMR) and elemental analyses. Fifteen compounds of the synthesized compounds were evaluated for their anticancer activity against human liver hepatocellular carcinoma cell line (HepG2). All compounds showed anticancer activity but differs in potency comparable with the reference drug Cisplatin. Moreover, molecular docking study using MOE software predicted the best binding mode between the most active compound 5o into the active site of human heat‐shock protein 90. The computational studies are confirming the results in biological activity.
Serum and exosomal miR‐122 and miR‐199a as a biomarker to predict therapeutic efficacy of hepatitis C patients
Authors: Jiao Xiaoyang , Fan Zhicheng , Chen Huanzhu , He Ping , Li Yazhen , Zhang Qiaoxin , Ke Changwen
Published: April 2017

MicroRNA (miRNA), which has been shown to correlate with liver functions, has been proposed as a new biomarker reflecting liver injury. The aim of the study was to investigate miRNA‐122 (miR‐122) and mir‐RNA‐199a (miR‐199a) as a biomarker for predicting therapeutic efficacy in hepatitis C (HepC) patients. A total of 47 HepC 1b patients and 16 healthy subjects were enrolled in the study. Serum and exosomal mir‐RNAs and other conventional biomarkers reflecting liver function were evaluated. The miR‐122 levels in serum (miR‐122ser) and exosomes (miR‐122exo) were significantly lower in the Hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotype 1b patients than in the normal controls, but these levels were higher compared to the non‐genotype 1b group. The mean miR‐122ser level in the sustained virological response (SVR) group was significantly higher than that in the non‐response (NR) group (P < 0.01), and the miR‐122exo level in the SVR group was also higher than that in the NR group (P > 0.05), although this difference was not significant. miR‐199a levels showed similar trends with the miR‐122 levels in serum and exosomes. HCV RNAser was negatively correlated with the miR‐122ser (r = −0.473, P = 0.004) and miR‐122exo (r = −0.424, P = 0.009) levels. miR‐122ser levels were positively associated with miR‐199aser levels (r = 0.453, P = 0.002). Univariate and multivariate regression analyses reveal that the miR‐122ser levels and ALT/AST ratio demonstrated a predictive value in evaluating patient outcomes. Serum miR‐122 and miR‐199a are potential biomarkers that reflect therapeutic efficacy.
Influences on viral replication and sensitivity to GLS4, a HAP compound, of naturally occurring T109/V124 mutations in hepatitis B virus core protein
Authors: Wang Jianghua , Zhang Haiying , Zhang Yingjun , Jiang Dong , Li Jing , Goldmann Siegfried , Ren Qingyun , Fei Ran , Wang Xueyan , Wei Lai
Published: April 2017

Heteroaryldihydropyrimidine (HAP) compounds inhibit HBV replication by binding to a hydrophobic pocket at the interface between hepatitis B virus core protein (HBcAg) dimer, which interrupts capsid assembly by changing the kinetics and thermodynamics during this process. Structure biological studies have identified several amino acids in HBcAg crucial for compound binding. Here, we investigated the polymorphisms of T109 and V124 amino acids in HBV sequences submitted to GenBank database. Naturally occurring T109 and V124 and/or possible compensatory mutations in neighbored amino acids were introduced into HBV‐expressing plasmids. Viral replication competence and sensitivity to GLS4, a HAP compound, were evaluated using transient transfection and in vitro infection cell models. All tested mutations in these amino acids led to decreasing viral DNA replication at different levels. Specially, T109N and all V124 mutants caused severe deficiencies in viral plus‐strand DNA synthesis. T109I single mutation and all T109S/M/C/N mutations impaired HBeAg secretion. T109I showed modestly decreased sensitivities with IC50 3.3‐ to 6.8‐folds higher than wild‐type virus. In vitro infection assay showed T109N and all V124 mutants failed to synthesize cccDNA and following viral proteins. The other mutants, however, produced functional cccDNA pools as wild‐type virus did. Taken together, we profiled the competences of viral replication and sensitivities to capsid inhibitor of naturally existing mutations in T109 and V124. This will help to understand the possible antiviral resistance issues in future clinical applications of capsid inhibitors.
Threshold value of LIAISON XL anti‐HCV screening assay predicting positive immunoblotting results
Authors: De Paschale Massimo , Manco Maria Teresa , Arpino Olivia , Ricucci Valentina , Paganini Alessia , Belvisi Luisa , Cagnin Debora , Cerulli Teresa , Cianflone Annalisa , Agrappi Carlo , Mirri Paola , Clerici Pierangelo
Published: April 2017

Some international guidelines recommend evaluating the need to confirm positive anti‐hepatitis C virus (HCV) antibody screening results by means of a more specific antibody or molecular biology test on the basis of a screening threshold value (such as the sample signal/cut‐off ratio) that can predict the positivity of additional antibody testing in at least 95% of cases. The aim of this study was to determine the threshold value of the DiaSorin LIAISON XL chemiluminescence test. Two hundred and twenty‐eight routine laboratory samples that were chemiluminescence positive for anti‐HCV antibodies but had different signal/cut‐off ratios were assayed using immunoblotting, which indicated that 155 (68.0%) were positive, 40 (17.5%) were negative, and 33 (14.5%) were indeterminate. When the samples were divided on the basis of their signal/cut‐off ratios, 95.5% of the samples with a ratio of ≥3.5 were positive as against 74.1% of the positive or indeterminate samples with a ratio of <3.5. Statistical analysis using Youden's index and a receiver operating characteristic curve showed that the optimum cut‐off value was 3.65. These findings indicate that, when using the LIAISON XL system for anti‐HCV antibody screening, a signal/cut‐off ratio of ≥3.65 makes further confirmatory tests unnecessary.
Human papillomavirus, Epstein‐Barr virus, and methylation status of p16ink4a in penile cancer
Authors: Afonso Larissa Alves , Carestiato Fernanda Nahoum , Ornellas Antonio Augusto , Ornellas Paulo , Rocha Willker Menezes , Cordeiro Thaissa Isaias , Lisboa Daniela Ceperuelo , Alves Gilda Brown , Cavalcanti Silvia Maria Baeta
Published: April 2017

Little is known about penile carcinogenesis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of HPV and EBV, and the methylation status of p16ink4a in penile cancer samples, and to contribute to the understanding of the mechanisms responsible for penile cancer development. HPV DNA was detected in 63.6% of 122 cases, with HPV16 being the most prevalent type. EBV DNA was detected in 47.7%, with EBV‐1 being the most prevalent type. HPV/EBV co‐infections were found in 27.3% of the cases. Hypermethylation in p16ink4a was detected in 64.5% of 110 tested cases. An association between the absence of HPV absence and p16ink4a hypermethylation was also found. Death and/or progressive disease was associated with grade (P = 0.001), T stage (P < 0.0001), and N stage (P < 0.0001). In the multivariable model, grade and N stage were independent risk factors for disease‐free survival (P = 0.008 and P < 0.001, respectively). Patients without viral infection had a median age significantly lower than that of the HPV‐infected patients. We suggest at least two pathways for penile carcinogenesis, one HPV‐independent linked to epigenetic events, probably via p16ink4a inactivation; and another, dependent on HPV infection.
New hydrocolloid‐based emulsions for replacing fat in panna cottas: a structural and sensory study
Authors: Borreani Jennifer , Hernando Isabel , Salvador Ana , Quiles Amparo
Published: April 2017

BACKGROUND

Dairy desserts are popular traditional products, but because of their high calorie or fat content, they can be unsuitable for people who have certain dietary requirements. The aim of this study was to design panna cottas with similar organoleptic and textural properties to the traditional ones but with a lower fat content, by replacing part of the cream with new emulsions prepared with hydrocolloids (cellulose ethers), namely methylcellulose (MC) and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC).

RESULTS

Incorporating the MC and HPMC emulsions modified the textural properties (firmness and stiffness) of the panna cottas. Regarding the sensory results, the panna cottas prepared with the MC and HPMC emulsions were considered lumpy and soft respectively.

CONCLUSION

Considering the results as a whole, the cellulose type and the amount of cream are factors to take into account. Although the texture and taste of the control panna cotta are better than those of the panna cottas prepared with the MC and HPMC emulsions, it is possible to replace 75% of the cream in traditional panna cottas with HPMC emulsion and obtain good consumer acceptance and purchase intention. The panna cottas with 75% substitution by HPMC emulsion were described as creamy, with smooth appearance and moist mouth feel. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Mechanical and structural characterization of whey protein concentrate/montmorillonite/lycopene films
Authors: Pereira Rafaela C , Carneiro João de Deus S , Assis Odílio BG , Borges Soraia V
Published: April 2017

BACKGROUND

The production/characterization of nanocomposites based on whey protein concentrate (WPC) and montmorillonite (MMT) with lycopene as functional substance is presented and their potential use as alternative biomaterials in foodstuff applications is discussed. A full factorial design with varying levels of MMT (0 and 20 g kg−1) and lycopene (0, 60 and 120 g kg−1) was used. The mechanical properties (tensile and puncture tests), thermal stability, Fourier transform infrared vibrational spectra and film morphology of the resulting materials were evaluated.

RESULTS

Lycopene and MMT nanoparticles could be successfully included in WPC films using the casting/evaporation method. The films were flexible and homogeneous and a uniform dispersion of the components was achieved.

CONCLUSION

Inclusion of 20 g kg−1 of MMT in the polymeric matrix improved both mechanical and thermal properties. Lycopene at the tested concentrations, besides its red coloring ability, did not promote any detectable interference in the structural or physical properties. These findings are important in devising applications and open a new perspective on the use of these materials in bioactive packaging processing. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Location of residual viable tumor cells after neoadjuvant chemotherapy: A new concept with high prognostic performance in osteosarcoma
Authors: Kim Seung Hyun , Shin Kyoo‐Ho , Moon Seong‐Hwan , Kong Youngho , Suh Jin‐Suck , Yang Woo‐Ick
Published: April 2017

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

The purpose of this study was to establish a new concept for evaluating responses to neoadjuvant chemotherapy in osteosarcoma.

METHODS

A total of 56 high‐grade extremity osteosarcoma patients were retrospectively reviewed. A new conceptual method was derived from locations of residual viable tumor cells (LRVTC) after chemotherapy, whether extracompartmental or intracompartmental, rather than quantitative measurements of necrosis rates of tumor cells.

RESULTS

LRVTC after chemotherapy was independently associated with overall survival ([OS]hazard ratio [HR] = 6.502, P = 0.008) after adjustment for Huvos grade (HR = 3.694, P = 0.045), alkaline phosphatase ([ALP] HR = 2.140, P = 0.226), size (HR = 0.318, P = 0.133), joint extension (HR = 2.309, P = 0.162), and metastasis at diagnosis (HR = 8.228, P = 0.009). LRVTC was also independently associated with metastasis (HR = 5.096, P = 0.002) after adjustment for Huvos grade (HR = 2.261, P = 0.101), ALP (HR = 2.558, P = 0.053), size (HR = 1.280, P = 0.641), and joint extension (HR = 1.800, P = 0.254). AUC values of LRVTC for OS and metastasis were superior to those of Huvos grade: AUCs for OS (LRVTC: 0.757, Confidence Interval [CI] = 0.618 to 0.865 vs Huvos grade: 0.590, [CI] = 0.445 to 0.725; AUC = 0.167, P = 0.086) and metastasis (LRVTC: 0.769, CI = 0.631 to 0.874 vs Huvos grade: 0.606, [CI] = 0.461 to 0.739; AUC = 0.163, P = 0.046).

CONCLUSIONS

LRVTC after chemotherapy may be useful as a new method with high performance for evaluating chemo‐responses in osteosarcoma.
Magnetic solid‐phase extraction based on carbon nanotubes for the determination of polyether antibiotic and s‐triazine drug residues in animal food with LC–MS/MS
Authors: Liu Xiaoxing , Xie Shuyu , Ni Tengteng , Chen Dongmei , Wang Xu , Pan Yuanhu , Wang Yulian , Huang Lingli , Cheng Guyue , Qu Wei , Liu Zhenli , Tao Yanfei , Yuan Zonghui
Published: April 2017

Carbon nanotubes‐magnetic nanoparticles, comprising ferroferric oxide nanoparticles and carbon nanotubes, were prepared through a simple one‐step synthesis method and subsequently applied to magnetic solid‐phase extraction for the determination of polyether antibiotic and s‐triazine drug residues in animal food coupled with liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry. The nanocomposites were characterized by transmission electron microscopy, X‐ray diffraction, and vibrating sample magnetometry. The components within the nanocomposites endowed the material with high extraction performance and manipulative convenience. Compared with carbon nanotubes, the as‐prepared carbon nanotubes‐magnetic nanoparticles showed better extraction and separation efficiencies for polyether antibiotics and s‐triazine drugs thanks to the contribution of the iron‐containing magnetic nanoparticles. Various experimental parameters affecting the extraction efficiency had been investigated in detail. Under the optimal conditions, the good linearity ranging from 1 to 200 μg/kg for diclazuril, toltrazuril, toltrazuril sulfone, lasalocid, monensin, salinomycin, narasin, nanchangmycin, and maduramicin, low limits of detection ranging from 1 to 5 μg/kg, and satisfactory spiked recoveries (77.1–91.2%, with the inter relative standard deviation values from 4.0 to 12.2%) were shown. It was confirmed that this novel method was an efficient pretreatment and enrichment procedure and could be successfully applied for extraction and determination of polyether and s‐triazine drug residues in complex matrices.
Rapid determination of oligomeric hindered amine light stabilizers in polymeric materials
Authors: Kreisberger Georg , Buchberger Wolfgang W.
Published: April 2017

Hindered amine light stabilizers are essential for the stabilization of synthetic polymers, particularly for materials used for outdoor applications. Although up to now a considerable number of studies dealing with the analytics of this class of stabilizers had been published, especially the determination of oligomeric hindered amine light stabilizers is still an analytical challenge. In the current work, a fast and simple liquid chromatographic method for the quantitative determination of oligomeric hindered amine light stabilizers is presented. A key aspect of this method is their completely different retention behavior depending on the pH, enabling a single peak elution approach by a pH gradient run. This allows a quantitation with simple UV detection independent of the actual oligomeric composition. Calibration curves within the concentration range relevant for the analysis of real polymer samples (LOQ = 70 mg/L) were constructed with R2 values above 0.99. Spiked extracts from polyolefin samples showed recovery rates between 97.3 and 102.9% for five different commercial hindered amine light stabilizers. Relative standard deviations were between 2.0 and 3.9%. Furthermore, it was demonstrated that the employed approach can be easily adapted for mass spectrometry detection.
An analysis of international employment levels in hospitality occupations using secondary statistics
Authors: Koens Anna , Wood Roy C.
Published: April 2017

Frequent claims are made for the importance of the hospitality industry, and wider tourism sector, as potential and actual creators of employment. Many of these claims emanate from industry representative and advocacy organizations, often as part of their legitimate efforts to lobby governments for favourable treatment of their sectors. Good quality universal statistical data on employment in hospitality are noticeable by their absence, although information collected by bodies such as the International Labour Organization is extensive. This paper reviews the current state of data availability on global hospitality employment (with a primary focus on commercial hospitality operations) and seeks to employ these secondary sources in investigating the question as to whether we can in fact make plausible statements about the extent of such employment. This exercise is important both to contextualizing claims made for the employment generating capacity of the hospitality industry and to shedding light on the degree of seriousness with which data might be treated in wider policy contexts. The paper concludes, with cautious optimism, that commercial hospitality is a significant global employer and that the claims made for this employment by representative and advocacy organizations are plausible if treated with circumspection.
Exceptionally Reinforced Polymer Nanocomposites via Incorporated Surface Porosity on Graphene Oxide Sheets
Authors: Kim Hyo Won , Yoon Ji Hye , Diederichsen Kyle M. , Shin Jae Eun , Yoo Byung Min , McCloskey Bryan D. , Park Ho Bum
Published: April 2017

Although graphene‐based materials have been used as fillers in polymer nanocomposites, a deleterious trade‐off in mechanical strength and ductility is typically observed with increasing graphene loading, resulting in strong but brittle polymer nanocomposite materials. To provide outstanding compatibility with a standard high strength polymer, thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), the use of a simple and mild sol‐gel reaction to chemically attached silica nanoparticles to graphene oxide (GO) basal plane is reported. The silica modification imparts a highly porous GO surface structure, providing noncovalent attachment sites that improve physical entanglement between the GO and TPU. Furthermore, the silica modification enhances surface polarity, which imparts chemical affinity between the silica/GO nanocomposite and TPU. As a result, the prepared polymer nanocomposites exhibit significantly improved Young's modulus and tensile strength with only a small reduction of elongation at break over the neat polymer.

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Myxobacteria in high moor and fen: An astonishing diversity in a neglected extreme habitat
Authors: Mohr Kathrin I. , Zindler Tanja , Wink Joachim , Wilharm Elke , Stadler Marc
Published: April 2017

Increasing antibiotic resistances of numerous pathogens mean that myxobacteria, well known producers of new antibiotics, are becoming more and more interesting. More than 100 secondary metabolites, most of them with bioactivity, were described from the order Myxococcales. Especially new myxobacterial genera and species turned out to be reliable sources for novel antibiotics and can be isolated from uncommon neglected habitats like, for example, acidic soils. Almost nothing is known about the diversity of myxobacteria in moors, except some information from cultivation studies of the 1970s. Therefore, we evaluated the myxobacterial community composition of acidic high moor and fen both with cultivation‐independent 16S rRNA clone bank analysis and with cultivation. Phylogenetic analyses of clone sequences revealed a great potential of undescribed myxobacteria in high moor and fen, whereby all sequences represent unknown taxa and were detected exclusively by cultivation‐independent analyses. However, many clones were assigned to sequences from other cultivation‐independent studies of eubacterial diversity in acidic habitats. Cultivation revealed different strains exclusively from the genus Corallococcus. Our study shows that the neglected habitat moor is a promising source and of high interest with regard to the cultivation of prospective new bioactive secondary metabolite producing myxobacteria.
Iranian surface air temperature periodicities and correlations with the North Atlantic and Indian Ocean sea surface temperature variations
Authors: Abbasi Madjid , Mashhadizadeh Maleki Saeed
Published: April 2017

ABSTRACT

Monthly mean surface air temperature data of synoptic meteorological stations in Iran have been analysed in order to detect probable periodicities and corresponding amplitudes. Statistically meaningful annual periodicity and its harmonics, quasi‐biennial (2–3 year), interannual (3–5 year) and quasi‐decadal (8–12 year) periodicities have been detected. The ensemble average of the spectra shows statistically meaningful harmonic components in 2.2, 2.5, 3.6, 4.0, 4.9, 8.0 and 9.9 years. The amplitude maps of these harmonic components show variations, with higher amplitudes in north and northwest Iran compared to the south and southeast (north of the Persian Gulf and Oman Sea). The cumulative amplitude map of detected periodicities indicates that the Iranian surface air temperatures have an average periodic oscillation of 0.8 °C in a decade, from a minimum of 0.2 °C in the southeast to a maximum of 1.4 °C in the northwest of Iran. The influence of the Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) and the Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation (AMO), which are two major sea surface temperature variations in the Indian and Atlantic Oceans, has been analysed by partial correlation analysis. This showed that the Iranian surface air temperature is mostly affected by the Atlantic Ocean sea surface temperature variations rather than those of the Indian Ocean. The mean absolute values of the partial correlation for the IOD and the AMO are 30.8% and 49.6% respectively. In corresponding partial correlation maps, a regular and partitionable behaviour was not observed. However, a maximum influence of the AMO and a minimum influence of the IOD occur in the northwest of Iran.
Offering a model for estimating black globe temperature according to meteorological measurements
Authors: Hajizadeh Roohalah , Farhang Dehghan Somayeh , Golbabaei Farideh , Jafari Sayed Mohammad , Karajizadeh Mehrdad
Published: April 2017

ABSTRACT

Black globe temperature (Tg) is one of the most common measurement variables used for assessing heat stress; however, it is usually not reported in meteorological data. This study developed a model to estimate Tg based on meteorological measurements, in order to calculate the occupational heat stress index in outdoor workplaces. This descriptive and analytical study was conducted from May to September 2013 in Qom, Iran. Environmental variables such as natural wet‐bulb temperature (Tnw), dry‐bulb temperature (Ta), solar radiation (SR) and relative humidity (RH) were measured by meteorological instruments in weather stations and Tg was measured by a globe thermometer in the same situations at different times. Data were analysed using IBM SPSS16. Independent variables including Tnw, Ta, SR and RH and the dependent variable Tg were introduced to the software, and several regression models were obtained. Finally, a model that had the most appropriate correlation with a significance level of 0.05 was chosen as the best model. The correlation co‐efficients between Tg and Tnw, Ta, SR and RH were obtained as 0.84, 0.63, 0.75 and −0.75, respectively. The results showed that Ta, SR and RH can justify about 90% of the variation in Tg. There was a significant relationship between Tg and Ta, SR and RH (p < 0.05). The correlation co‐efficient between actual and estimated data was 0.95 (p < 0.001). The model obtained can be trusted to estimate the black globe temperature in a hot and dry environment and can be useful in assessing occupational heat stress in outdoor workplaces.
A Fast Algorithm to Compute Conical Pockets in Proteins. Application to the Structural Characterization of γ‐Carbonic Anhydrases
Authors: Petitjean Michel
Published: April 2017

Some major proteins families, such as carbonic anhydrases (CAs), have a conical cavity at the active site. No algorithm was available to compute conical cavities, so we needed to design one. The fast algorithm we designed let us show on a set of 717 CAs extracted from the PDB database that γ‐CAs are characterized by active site cavity cone angles significantly larger than those of α‐CAs and β‐CAs: the generatrix‐axis angles are greater than 60° for the γ‐CAs while they are smaller than 50° for the other CAs. Free binaries of the CONICA software implementing the algorithm are available through a software repository at http://petitjeanmichel.free.fr/itoweb.petitjean.freeware.html
Progressive resistance training (PRT) improves rheumatoid arthritis outcomes: A district general hospital (DGH) model
Authors: Morsley Klara , Berntzen Berna , Erwood Lisa , Bellerby Toby , Williamson Lyn
Published: April 2017

Objective

Rheumatoid cachexia is common in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients and develops soon after diagnosis, despite adequate drug therapy. It is associated with multiple adverse effects on body composition, function and mortality. Progressive resistance training (PRT) improves these outcomes but is not widely prescribed outside of a research setting. The aim of the present study was to explore the practicality and effectiveness of providing PRT to patients in a district general hospital within the constraints of existing resources.

Methods

Patients attending a rheumatology clinic were invited to participate in a weekly PRT class for 6 weeks, supervised by a physiotherapist. Outcome measures included: body composition measures (waist and hip circumference, weight, percentage body fat); functional measures (grip strength, 60‐s sit‐to‐stand test, single leg stance, Health Assessment Questionnaire); mood; fatigue and disease activity measures (sleep scale, hospital anxiety and depression scale, Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy, pain visual analogue scale). These were measured at baseline and at 6 weeks.

Results

A total of 83 patients completed the programme (60% female, mean age 51.2 years), of whom 34.9% had early RA. Improvements were seen in multiple measures inpatients with early RA and with established inflammatory arthritis, and were not affected by age or gender.

Conclusions

Patients with early and established inflammatory arthritis alike benefited from a 6‐week PRT programme provided within a National Health Service setting. Although further work is needed to look at long‐term effects, we suggest that this intervention should be more widely available.
A model to increase rehabilitation adherence to home exercise programmes in patients with varying levels of self‐efficacy
Authors: Picha Kelsey J. , Howell Dana M.
Published: April 2017

Patient adherence to rehabilitation programmes is frequently low – particularly adherence to home exercise programmes. Home exercise programmes have been identified as complementary to clinic‐based physical therapy in an orthopaedic setting. Barriers to patient adherence have previously been identified within the literature. Low self‐efficacy is a barrier to adherence that clinicians have the ability to have an impact on and improve. The theory of self‐efficacy is defined as a person's confidence in their ability to perform a task. This theory examines the ability of a person to change through exerting control over inner processes of goal setting, self‐monitoring, feedback, problem solving and self‐evaluation. If clinicians are able to identify patients with low self‐efficacy prior to the prescription of a home exercise programme, adjustments to individualized care can be implemented. Individualized care based on improving self‐efficacy for home exercise programmes may improve patient adherence to these programmes. The purpose of this article was to use the theory of self‐efficacy to direct clinicians in providing individualized programmes to patients with varying levels of self‐efficacy.
On the weighting method for mixed least squares–total least squares problems
Authors: Liu Qiaohua , Wang Minghui
Published: April 2017

It is well known that the standard algorithm for the mixed least squares–total least squares (MTLS) problem uses the QR factorization to reduce the original problem into a standard total least squares problem with smaller size, which can be solved based on the singular value decomposition (SVD). In this paper, the MTLS problem is proven to be closely related to a weighted total least squares problem with its error‐free columns multiplied by a large weighting factor. A criterion for choosing the weighting factor is given; and for the sake of stability in solving the MTLS problem, the Cholesky factorization‐based inverse (Cho‐INV) iteration and Rayleigh quotient iteration are also considered. For large‐scale MTLS problems, numerical tests show that Cho‐INV is superior to the standard QR‐SVD method, especially for the case with big gap between the desired and undesired singular values and the case when the coefficient matrix has much more error‐contaminated columns. Rayleigh quotient iteration behaves more efficient than QR‐SVD for most cases and fails occasionally, and in some cases, it converges much faster than Cho‐INV but still less efficient due to its higher computation cost.
The electrical conductivity and EMI shielding properties of polyurethane foam/silicone rubber/carbon black/nanographite hybrid composites
Authors: Jeddi Javad , Katbab Ali Asghar
Published: April 2017

Electrically conductive nanocomposites based on an open cell polyurethane foam were fabricated by dip‐coating of the PU foam in a cross‐linkable doping solution. The doping solution was prepared by mixing of room temperature vulcanizing silicone rubber, and a hybrid of conductive filler systems consisted of carbon black and graphite nanoplates in n‐hexane as a solvent. The influence of conductive filler types and GN: CB ratio at a constant concentration, on the electrical conduction, dielectric properties in the frequency range of 10°–105 Hz, and electromagnetic wave interference shielding effectiveness (SE) in the X‐band frequency (8.2–12.4 GHz) were studied. SEM images showed the formation of continuous conductive networks by both CB and GNP particles within silicon rubber. The impedance analysis results revealed highest electrical resistance of nanocomposite based on GNP while by incorporation of CB, the electrical conductivity of hybrid systems increased. The EMI SE results indicated reflection loss as the dominant shielding mechanism in all samples. Higher absorption loss in the hybrid nanocomposites in compared with GNP based composite was observed. POLYM. COMPOS., 39:3452–3460, 2018. © 2017 Society of Plastics Engineers
Effect of multilayered nanostructures on the physico‐mechanical properties of ethylene vinyl acetate‐based hybrid nanocomposites
Authors: Khobragade Prashant S. , Hansora D. P. , Naik Jitendra B. , Njuguna James , Mishra Satyendra
Published: April 2017

Exfoliated graphene oxide (GO) and Mg‐Al‐layered double hydroxides (LDHs) nanostructures (LDHs@GO)‐filled ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA)‐based hybrid nanocomposites were prepared by solution reflux technique followed by injection molding. The physico‐mechanical (including morphological, thermal, and mechanical) properties of LDHs@GO‐based‐layered nanostructures and EVA/LDHs@GO (0‐1 wt%)‐based hybrid nanocomposites were analyzed by field emission scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, wide and low angle X‐ray diffraction spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetric analysis, and mechanical (tensile and elongation at break) testing. The morphological studies revealed that LDHs sheets were homogeneously inserted in between GO sheets, while LDHs@GO‐based‐layered nanostructures were found to be easily exfoliated in EVA/LDHs@GO hybrid nanocomposites up to 0.7 wt% loading after which agglomeration occurred. The thermal stability of the hybrid nanocomposites was found to be improved at highest LDHs@GO loading of 0.7 wt%. Mechanical properties (tensile strength and elongation at break) of the hybrid nanocomposites were observed to be enhanced by 70 and 80%, respectively, at LDHs@GO loading of 0.7 wt% and highest values of mechanical properties were obtained. Though, the morphological, thermal, and mechanical properties of the composites were improved, the FTIR analysis did not reveal any chemical interaction between EVA and the LDHs@GO‐based‐layered nanostructures. From the overall results, it is obvious that a significant synergism was observed in terms of morphological, thermal, and mechanical properties of EVA/LDHs@GO hybrid nanocomposites with optimum (less than 1 wt%) loading of LDHs@GO‐based‐layered nanostructures. POLYM. COMPOS., 39:3519–3527, 2018. © 2017 Society of Plastics Engineers
From cells to laminate: probing and modeling residual stress evolution in thin silicon photovoltaic modules using synchrotron X‐ray micro‐diffraction experiments and finite element simulations
Authors: Tippabhotla Sasi Kumar , Radchenko Ihor , Song W.J.R. , Illya Gregoria , Handara Vincent , Kunz Martin , Tamura Nobumichi , Tay Andrew A.O. , Budiman Arief S.
Published: April 2017

Fracture of silicon crystalline solar cells has recently been observed in increasing percentages especially in solar photovoltaic (PV) modules involving thinner silicon solar cells (<200 μm). Many failures due to fracture have been reported from the field because of environmental loading (snow, wind, etc.) as well as mishandling of the solar PV modules (during installation, maintenance, etc.). However, a significantly higher number of failures have also been reported during module encapsulation (lamination) indicating high residual stress in the modules and thus more prone to cell cracking. We report here, through the use of synchrotron X‐ray submicron diffraction coupled with physics‐based finite element modeling, the complete residual stress evolution in mono‐crystalline silicon solar cells during PV module integration process. For the first time, we unravel the reason for the high stress and cracking of silicon cells near soldered inter‐connects. Our experiments revealed a significant increase of residual stress in the silicon cell near the solder joint after lamination. Moreover, our finite element simulations show that this increase of stress during lamination is a result of highly localized bending of the cell near the soldered inter‐connects. Further, the synchrotron X‐ray submicron diffraction has proven to be a very effective way to quantitatively probe mechanical stress in encapsulated silicon solar cells. Thus, this technique has ultimately enabled these findings leading to the enlightening of the role of soldering and encapsulation processes on the cell residual stress. This model can be further used to suggest methodologies that could lead to lower stress in encapsulated silicon solar cells, which are the subjects of our continued investigations. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
ACADEMIC LEADERSHIPS VIEWS OF SCHOOL PSYCHOLOGY AND BLACK STUDENTS: THE CASE OF HISTORICALLY BLACK COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES
Authors: Beeks Amirah , Graves, Scott L.
Published: April 2017

The purpose of this study was to understand academic leadership's views of the field of school psychology. This is the first study that has attempted to incorporate the views of historically Black college and university (HBCU) Psychology Department Chairs' regarding the field of school psychology and the potential development of school psychology programs at HBCUs. The results indicated that Department Chairs at HBCUs are not recommending the field of school psychology to their students based on a variety of reasons related to their views of the field (e.g., lack of focus on Black research issues). Despite the shortage of school psychologists and ample career opportunities, Department chairs in our sample do not recommend the field of school psychology as a first option graduate school choice. Implications are discussed in terms of increasing the number of African Americans in the field of school psychology.