bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Laughter as a scientific problem: An adventure in sidewalk neuroscience
Authors: Provine Robert R.
Published: July 2015

Laughter is a stereotyped, innate, human play vocalization that provides an ideal simple system for neurobehavioral analyses of the sort usually associated with such animal models as walking, wing‐flapping, and bird song. Laughter research is in its early stages, where the frontiers are near and accessible to simple observational procedures termed “sidewalk neuroscience.” The basic, nontechnical approach of describing the act of laughter and when humans do it has revealed a variety of phenomena of social and neurological significance. Findings include the acoustic structure of laughter, the minimal voluntary control of laughter, contagiousness, the “punctuation effect” that describes the placement of laughter in conversation, the dominance of speech over laughter, the role of breath control in the evolution of speech, the evolutionary trajectory of laughter in primates, and the role of laughter in human matching and mating. If one knows where to look and how to see, advances in neuroscience are accessible to anyone and require minimal resources. J. Comp. Neurol. 524:1532–1539, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Somatostatin in the rat rostral ventrolateral medulla: Origins and mechanism of action
Authors: Bou Farah Lama , Bowman Belinda R. , Bokiniec Phil , Karim Shafinaz , Le Sheng , Goodchild Ann K. , McMullan Simon
Published: July 2015

Somatostatin (SST) or agonists of the SST‐2 receptor (sst2) in the rostral ventrolateral medulla (RVLM) lower sympathetic nerve activity, arterial pressure, and heart rate, or when administered within the Bötzinger region, evoke apneusis. Our aims were to describe the mechanisms responsible for the sympathoinhibitory effects of SST on bulbospinal neurons and to identify likely sources of RVLM SST release. Patch clamp recordings were made from bulbospinal RVLM neurons (n = 31) in brainstem slices prepared from juvenile rat pups. Overall, 58% of neurons responded to SST, displaying an increase in conductance that reversed at −93 mV, indicative of an inwardly rectifying potassium channel (GIRK) mechanism. Blockade of sst2 abolished this effect, but application of tetrodotoxin did not, indicating that the SST effect is independent of presynaptic activity. Fourteen bulbospinal RVLM neurons were recovered for immunohistochemistry; nine were SST‐insensitive and did not express sst2a. Three out of five responsive neurons were sst2a‐immunoreactive. Neurons that contained preprosomatostatin mRNA and cholera‐toxin‐B retrogradely transported from the RVLM were detected in: paratrigeminal nucleus, lateral parabrachial nucleus, Kölliker‐Fuse nucleus, ventrolateral periaqueductal gray area, central nucleus of the amygdala, sublenticular extended amygdala, interstitial nucleus of the posterior limb of the anterior commissure nucleus, and bed nucleus of the stria terminalis. Thus, those brain regions are putative sources of endogenous SST release that, when activated, may evoke sympathoinhibitory effects via interactions with subsets of sympathetic premotor neurons that express sst2. J. Comp. Neurol. 524:323–342, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Interfacial Synthesis of Electrically Conducting Palladium Bis(dithiolene) Complex Nanosheet
Authors: Pal Tigmansu , Kambe Tetsuya , Kusamoto Tetsuro , Foo Maw Lin , Matsuoka Ryota , Sakamoto Ryota , Nishihara Hiroshi
Published: July 2015

The synthesis of palladium bis(dithiolene) complex nanosheets (PdDt) possessing a kagome‐type lattice structure was performed via interfacial reaction between metal salt in aqueous phase and dithiolato ligand in organic phase. The PdDt nanosheets were characterised by AFM, STM, TEM revealing flat and sheet‐like morphology; IR, UV spectroscopy show the corresponding coordination connectivity between metal and ligand, followed by powder X‐ray diffraction and SAED, which determined nanosheets to be structurally similar to previously reported nickel bis(dithiolene) complex nanosheets NiDt.
Clinical significance of bilateral leg edema and added value of monitoring weight gain during follow‐up of patients with established heart failure
Authors: Kataoka Hajime
Published: July 2015

Purpose

This study evaluated the clinical characteristics of bilateral leg edema during follow‐up of heart failure (HF) patients and determined the added value of monitoring fluid weight gain for deciding whether this non‐specific sign is a more clinically relevant sign.

Methods

Retrospective analysis was performed on 1826 visits from 83 ambulatory patients with established mild‐to‐moderate HF. Evaluated HF‐related signs included leg edema, pulmonary crackles, S3, weight gain, and ultrasound pleural effusion.

Results

During follow‐up, 75 patients with 161 visits had at least one of the following HF‐related events: weight gain (n = 107), leg edema (n = 90), ultrasound pleural effusion (n = 85), pulmonary crackles (n = 29), and S3 (n = 16). Compared with the events of sole leg edema (n = 23), leg edema events with additional HF‐related sign(s) (n = 67) accompanied more symptomatic worsening (7% vs. 55%, P < 0.0001), and a higher incidence (61% vs. 96%, P = 0.0002) and magnitude of increased serum B‐type natriuretic peptide. Sole leg edema events rarely progressed to worsening HF before the next regular clinic visit. Patients with the event of both leg edema and weight gain more often experienced worsening HF requiring extra clinic visits and/or hospitalization. Amongst a total of 67 leg edema events with additional HF‐related signs, 56 (84%) coexisted with weight gain. Therefore, additional monitoring of weight gain efficiently distinguished the clinically significant leg edema events from insignificant sole leg edema events.

Conclusions

During follow‐up of mild‐to‐moderate HF patients, sole leg edema appeared around 30% of the leg edema events, which is considered clinically insignificant. Additional checking for weight gain could be useful for determining whether this sign is a clinically relevant HF‐related sign. The appearance of these both signs during follow‐up of established HF patients should be intentionally watched or treated by extra diuretics and/or drug adjustment to prevent worsening of HF.
Early menarche and chronic widespread musculoskeletal complaints‐ Results from the HUNT study
Authors: Kvalheim S. , Sandvik L. , Winsvold B. , Hagen K. , Zwart J.‐A.
Published: July 2015

Background

There is a predominance of chronic widespread musculoskeletal complaints (WMSC) among women. Previous studies suggest an association between hormonal factors and pain. However, it is not known whether earlier age at menarche is associated with higher prevalence of chronic WMSC. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between age at menarche and chronic WMSC.

Methods

Data from a cross‐sectional study of inhabitants ≥20 years in Nord‐Trøndelag County (Helseundersøkelsen i Nord‐Trøndelag ‐HUNT), conducted in 1995–1997 (HUNT 2) were used. The study population comprised 32,673 women with valid information of age at menarche (exposure) and chronic WMSC (outcome data).

Results

In total, 8986 (27.5%) women reported WMSC. The overall prevalence of WMSC was 29.7% among those with menarche ≤12 years and 26.7% among those with menarche >12 years. The prevalence of chronic WMSC was consistently higher for those with early age at menarche in all age groups. The crude odds ratio for chronic WMSC, when comparing women with age at menarche ≤12 years to women with age at menarche >12 years, was 1.16 (95% CI: 1.10–1.22). The corresponding odds ratio was 1.26 (95% CI: 1.19–1.34) when adjusted for age, education, body mass index (BMI), smoking, alcohol consumption, depression, systolic blood pressure (SBP) and parity.

Conclusion

In this cross‐sectional study, there was an association between early age at menarche and chronic WMSC later in life, but the difference in absolute risk was low (3%).
Rhamnolipids as environmentally friendly biopesticide against plant pathogen Phytophthora sojae
Authors: Soltani Dashtbozorg Soroosh , Miao Shida , Ju Lu‐Kwang
Published: July 2015

Phytophthora sojae is the most damaging fungal pathogen for soy plants. Rhamnolipids produced by Pseudomonas aeruginosa were investigated for the antimicrobial effects against both P. sojae mycelia and zoospores. Of particular importance is the effectiveness against zoospores because P. sojae spreads infection primarily via zoospores. Mycelial growth on agar plates was evaluated with three medium compositions and the rhamnolipid effect compared for each medium. Against zoospores, the effects were examined with the rhamnolipid mixture and its separated mono‐ and di‐rhamnolipids. The zoospore study was done in small dose increments to identify the minimum concentrations that cause all zoospores to lyse or stop moving. Rhamnolipids at 100 and 1000 mg L−1 inhibited the mycelial growth by up to ∼30%. Rhamnolipids killed the zoospores much more effectively. The rhamnolipid mixture and its mono‐ and di‐rhamnolipid fractions were similarly effective; the mixture might be slightly more potent, requiring only 8–20 mg L−1 (14–34 µM) concentrations. © 2015 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 35: 169–173, 2016
Soil carbon storage following road removal and timber harvesting in redwood forests
Authors: Seney Joseph , Madej Mary Ann
Published: July 2015

Soil carbon storage plays a key role in the global carbon cycle and is important for sustaining forest productivity. Removal of unpaved forest roads has the potential for increasing carbon storage in soils on forested terrain as treated sites revegetate and soil properties improve on the previously compacted road surfaces. We compared soil organic carbon (SOC) content at several depths on treated roads to SOC in adjacent second‐growth forests and old‐growth redwood forests in California, determined whether SOC in the upper 50 cm of soil varies with the type of road treatment, and assessed the relative importance of site‐scale and landscape‐scale variables in predicting SOC accumulation in treated road prisms and second‐growth redwood forests. Soils were sampled at 5, 20, and 50 cm depths on roads treated by two methods (decommissioning and full recontouring), and in adjacent second‐growth and old‐growth forests in north coastal California. Road treatments spanned a period of 32 years, and covered a range of geomorphic and vegetative conditions. SOC decreased with depth at all sites. Treated roads on convex sites exhibited higher SOC than on concave sites, and north aspect sites had higher SOC than south aspect sites. SOC at 5, 20, and 50 cm depths did not differ significantly between decommissioned roads (treated 18–32 years previous) and fully recontoured roads (treated 2–12 years previous). Nevertheless, stepwise multiple regression models project higher SOC developing on fully recontoured roads in the next few decades. The best predictors for SOC on treated roads and in second‐growth forest incorporated aspect, vegetation type, soil depth, lithology, distance from the ocean, years since road treatment (for the road model) and years since harvest (for the forest model). The road model explained 48% of the variation in SOC in the upper 50 cm of mineral soils and the forest model, 54%. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Using nocturnal water level fluctuations for estimating seepage from stormwater detention systems
Authors: Shukla Asmita , Shukla Sanjay , Annable Michael D.
Published: July 2015

A simple method, modified from White's method, was developed and verified for estimating seepage from two stormwater detention areas (SDAs) for 2 years, using night‐time changes in surface water levels. The SDAs were located in warm sub‐tropical Florida where the assumption of negligible night‐time evaporation for White's method does not hold true. Daily seepage was estimated using the nocturnal water level fluctuations on no flow days during winter when evaporation losses were insignificant. Specific yield, rather than the composite specific yield, provided accurate seepage estimates. The average annual seepage from the two SDAs was 2.03 m/year. At almost 70% of surface flows, seepage is a significant contributor to regional surface and sub‐surface flows. Comparison of seepage estimates from the night‐time method (NM) and the water balance (WB) method showed that the NM‐based estimates were within the range of the estimates from the WB method. At SDA1, the differences between the NM and WB estimates were 1% and 11%, for the 2 years. The discrepancy between the two estimates became higher (27% and 23%) at SDA2. Larger differences at SDA2 were because of higher error in quantifying pumped inflows for the WB method. Successful performance of NM combined with its low resource (single well monitoring) requirements will help quantify seepage from detention areas and other similar features (e.g. ponds, constructed wetlands) in warmer climates. A scale‐up for the Caloosahatchee River basin showed that seepage from SDA's accounted for 15% of annual river flows indicating the importance of seepage in evaluating water and chemical balances. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Supraglacial weathering crust dynamics inferred from cryoconite hole hydrology
Authors: Cook Joseph Mitchell , Hodson Andy J. , Irvine‐Fynn Tristram D. L.
Published: July 2015

Water levels in cryoconite holes were monitored at high resolution over a 3‐week period on Austre Brøggerbreen (Svalbard). These data were combined with melt and energy balance modelling, providing insights into the evolution of the glacier's near‐surface hydrology and confirming that the hydrology of the near‐surface, porous ice known as the ‘weathering crust’ is dynamic and analogous to a shallow‐perched aquifer. A positive correlation between radiative forcing of melt and drainage efficiency was found within the weathering crust. This likely resulted from diurnal contraction and dilation of interstitial pore spaces driven by variations in radiative and turbulent fluxes in the surface energy balance, occasionally causing ‘sudden drainage events’. A linear decrease in water levels in cryoconite holes was also observed and attributed to cumulative increases in near‐surface ice porosity over the measurement period. The transport of particulate matter and microbes between cryoconite holes through the porous weathering crust is shown to be dependent upon weathering crust hydraulics and particle size. Cryoconite holes therefore yield an indication of the hydrological dynamics of the weathering crust and provide long‐term storage loci for cryoconite at the glacier surface. This study highlights the importance of the weathering crust as a crucial component of the hydrology, ecology and biogeochemistry of the glacier ecosystem and glacierized regions and demonstrates the utility of cryoconite holes as natural piezometers on glacier surfaces. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Immuno‐based detection of extracellular vesicles in urine as diagnostic marker for prostate cancer
Authors: Duijvesz Diederick , Versluis C. Yin L. , van der Fels Christa A.M. , Vredenbregt‐van den Berg Mirella S. , Leivo Janne , Peltola Mari T. , Bangma Chris H. , Pettersson Kim S.I. , Jenster Guido
Published: July 2015

Extracellular vesicles (including the subclass exosomes) secreted by cells contain specific proteins and RNA that could be of interest in determining new markers. Isolation/characterization of PCa‐derived exosomes from bodily fluids enables us to discover new markers for this disease. Unfortunately, isolation with current techniques (ultracentrifugation) is labor intensive and other techniques are still under development. The goal of our study was to develop a highly sensitive time‐resolved fluorescence immunoassay (TR‐FIA) for capture/detection of PCa‐derived exosomes. In our assay, biotinylated capture antibodies against human CD9 or CD63 were incubated on streptavidin‐coated wells. After application of exosomes, Europium‐labeled detection antibodies (CD9 or CD63) were added. Cell medium from 37 cell lines was taken to validate this TR‐FIA. Urine was collected (after digital rectal exam) from patients with PCa (n = 67), men without PCa (n = 76). As a control, urine was collected from men after radical prostatectomy (n = 13), women (n = 16) and patients with prostate cancer without digital rectal exam (n = 16). Signal intensities were corrected for urinary PSA and creatinine. This TR‐FIA can measure purified exosomes with high sensitivity and minimal background signals. Exosomes can be measured in medium from 37 cell lines and in urine. DRE resulted in a pronounced increase in CD63 signals. After DRE and correction for urinary PSA, CD9 and CD63 were significantly higher in men with PCa. This TR‐FIA enabled us to measure exosomes with high sensitivity directly from urine and cell medium. This TR‐FIA forms the basis for testing different antibodies directed against exosome membrane markers to generate disease‐specific detection assays.
Cancer registries in Africa 2014: A survey of operational features and uses in cancer control planning
Authors: Gakunga Robai , Parkin D. Maxwell ,   On behalf of the African Cancer Registry Network
Published: July 2015

A questionnaire survey of all active population based cancer registries in sub‐Saharan Africa obtained information on their characteristics (size, staffing, funding), methods of working, the nature of any links between registries and their respective Health Authorities (national and/or local), and the use of their data in research or cancer control planning. 23/25 registries (92%) responded. Sources of direct funding and estimated amounts from each source were established, and suggest that it is approximately US$8‐9 per case registered. Almost half of the funding is used for routine data collection, processing and analysis. Staffing levels vary, partly as a function of the registry size (approximately one FTE per 300 cases registered). Most data collection is active, using multiple sources (median 10 per registry), and is largely paper‐based (abstraction onto paper forms), although all use the computer system CanReg© for data entry, storage and analysis. Most reporting by the registries is remarkably timely, and in general, their results are widely used by health authorities and other stakeholders in planning and evaluating services, while research output is much more variable. These registries are the source of almost all the existing information on cancer incidence and mortality in sub‐Saharan Africa, as published in IARC's “Globocan”.
Hepatocellular nodules resulting from congenital extrahepatic portosystemic shunts can differentiate into potentially malignant hepatocellular adenomas
Authors: Sanada Yukihiro , Mizuta Koichi , Niki Toshiro , Tashiro Masahisa , Hirata Yuta , Okada Noriki , Yamada Naoya , Ihara Yoshiyuki , Urahashi Taizen , Soejima Yurie , Fukusato Toshio , Kondo Fukuo
Published: July 2015

Background

Hepatocellular nodules caused by congenital extrahepatic portosystemic shunts (CEPS) occur as a result of abnormal portal blood flow, and are mostly cases of benign focal nodular hyperplasia (FNH). However, hepatocellular adenomas (HCA) and hepatocellular carcinomas have been documented in the CEPS patients. HCA can now be immunohistochemically diagnosed; therefore, the concept of hepatocellular nodules resulting from CEPS should be revisited. In this study, we performed a retrospective immunohistochemical investigation of hepatocellular nodules from livers isolated from the CEPS patients undergoing living donor liver transplantation (LDLT).

Methods

Hepatocellular nodules from livers of five patients with CEPS who underwent LDLT between June 2004 and October 2012 at our institution were immunohistochemically investigated. HCA were classified into four subtypes (HNF1α‐inactivated HCA (H‐HCA); inflammatory HCA; β‐catenin‐activated HCA (b‐HCA); unclassified HCA).

Results

Sixteen hepatocellular nodules were collected from livers of five patients with CEPS who underwent LDLT. Ten hepatocellular nodules were categorized as FNH (62.5%), five were categorized as b‐HCA (31.3%), and one was categorized as H‐HCA (6.2%).

Conclusions

Some of the hepatocellular nodules resulting from CEPS were indicative of HCAs, especially the b‐HCA subtype which has the potential for malignant transformation. Surgical or interventional treatments might have to be performed when hepatocellular nodules appear in the CEPS patients.
Efficient Preparation of Pyridinyl‐1,2,4‐Triazines via Telescoped Condensation with Diversely Functionalized 1,2‐Dicarbonyls
Authors: Tai Serene , Marchi Sydney V. , Carrick Jesse D.
Published: July 2015

The development of materials for efficient chemoselective extraction of minor actinides remains at the forefront of research efforts in the area of separation science. Lewis basic complexants derived from nitrogen‐donor scaffolds are often employed in this area due to favorable complexation with the transuranic element americium. In the present work an efficient procedure for the preparation of eight useful 3‐pyridin‐2‐yl‐1,2,4‐triazines (2 novel) is demonstrated via telescoped condensation with the requisite 1,2‐dicarbonyl in two‐pots without additives, differentially extractive work‐up procedures, or recrystallization. Additional efforts in this area have demonstrated the utility of polar aprotic solvents for the preparation of nine functionalized pyridinyl‐2,6‐bis‐1,2,4‐triazines (4 novel) directly from the requisite 2,6‐pyridine dicarbonitrile in 49–99% yield over four total steps. The streamlined preparation of these important materials and detailed synthetic procedures is reported herein.
Language Anxiety and Counseling Self‐Efficacy
Authors: Haley Melinda , Romero Marin Merranda , Gelgand Jessica C.
Published: July 2015

A total of 120 master's‐level counseling students were given the Foreign Language Classroom Anxiety Scale and the Counselor Self‐Estimate Inventory. Significance was found for all 3 hypotheses: (a) nonnative English‐speaking students have significantly more language anxiety than native English‐speaking students, (b) nonnative English‐speaking students’ language anxiety was negatively correlated with counseling self‐efficacy, and (c) native English‐ and nonnative English‐speaking students significantly differed in their perceptions of counseling self‐efficacy.

Se administraron la Escala de Ansiedad en Clase de Lengua Extranjera y el Inventario de Autoestimación de Consejeros a un total de 120 estudiantes de máster en consejería. Se encontró significación para las 3 hipótesis siguientes: (a) los estudiantes cuya lengua nativa no es el inglés sufren un nivel considerablemente más alto de ansiedad a causa del idioma que los hablantes nativos de inglés, (b) la ansiedad a causa del idioma de los estudiantes cuya lengua nativa no es el inglés mostró una correlación negativa con la autoeficacia en consejería y (c) los grupos de estudiantes nativos y no nativos en inglés mostraron diferencias significativas en sus percepciones de autoeficacia en consejería.
Positive Masculinity Among Latino Men and the Direct and Indirect Effects on Well‐Being
Authors: Estrada Fernando , Arciniega G. Miguel
Published: July 2015

Counselors are learning ways to promote well‐being among Latinas/os. This study tested the hypothesis that caballerismo, a prosocial form of masculinity, would predict subjective well‐being among a sample of predominantly Mexican/Mexican American men. The moderating role of religious involvement was also tested and hypothesized as having a bolstering effect. Results supported the main hypotheses. Implications are discussed as they concern counseling, training, and future research.

Los consejeros están aprendiendo formas de promover el bienestar entre la comunidad latina. Este estudio examinó la hipótesis de que el caballerismo, una forma de masculinidad de orientación social, podría predecir el bienestar subjetivo en una muestra de hombres predominantemente mexicanos o méxico‐americanos. También se examinó el efecto moderador de la participación religiosa y se formuló la hipótesis de que tendría un efecto de impulso. Los resultados apoyaron las hipótesis principales. Se discuten implicaciones en cuanto a la consejería, capacitación e investigaciones futuras.
Cultural Competence and School Counselor Training: A Collective Case Study
Authors: Nelson Judith A. , Bustamante Rebecca , Sawyer Cheryl , Sloan Eva D.
Published: July 2015

This collective case study investigated the experiences of bilingual counselors‐in‐training who assessed school‐wide cultural competence in public schools. Analysis and interpretation of data resulted in the identification of 5 themes: eye‐opening experiences, recognition of strengths, the role of school leaders, road maps for change, and empowering marginalized groups. Implications and recommendations are discussed.

Este estudio de caso colectivo investigó las experiencias de consejeros bilingües en formación que evaluaron la competencia cultural institucional en escuelas públicas. El análisis e interpretación de los datos dieron como resultado la identificación de 5 temas: experiencias reveladoras, reconocimiento de puntos fuertes, el papel de los líderes académicos, hojas de ruta para el cambio y empoderamiento de grupos marginalizados. Se discuten las implicaciones y recomendaciones.
Use of multi‐velocity encoding 4D flow MRI to improve quantification of flow patterns in the aorta
Authors: Callaghan Fraser M. , Kozor Rebecca , Sherrah Andrew G. , Vallely Michael , Celermajer David , Figtree Gemma A. , Grieve Stuart M.
Published: July 2015

Purpose

To show that the use of a multi‐velocity encoding (VENC) 4D‐flow approach offers significant improvements in the characterization of complex flow in the aorta. Four‐dimensional flow magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) (4D‐flow) can be used to measure complex flow patterns and dynamics in the heart and major vessels. The quality of the information derived from these measures is dependent on the accuracy of the vector field, which is limited by the vector‐to‐noise ratio.

Materials and Methods

A 4D‐flow protocol involving three different VENC values of 150, 60, and 20 cm/s was performed on six control subjects and nine patients with type‐B chronic aortic dissection at 3T MRI. Data were processed using a single VENC value (150 cm/s) or using a fused dataset that selected the lowest appropriate VENC for each voxel. Performance was analyzed by measuring spatial vector angular correlation, magnitude correlation, temporal vector conservation, and “real‐world” streamline tracing performance.

Results

The multi‐VENC approach provided a 31% improvement in spatial and 53% improvement in temporal precision of velocity vector measurements during the mid‐late diastolic period, where 99% of the flow vectors in the normal aorta are below 20 cm/s. In low‐flow conditions this resulted in practical improvements of greater than 50% in pathline tracking and streamline tracing quantified by streamline curvature measurements.

Conclusion

A multi‐VENC 4D‐flow approach provides accurate vector data across normal physiological velocities observed in the aorta, dramatically improving outputs such as pathline tracking, streamline estimation, and further advanced analyses.J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2016;43:352–363.
Fast quantitative determination of methylphenidate levels in rat plasma and brain ex vivo by MALDI‐MS/MS
Authors: Arnold Anne , Persike Markus , Gorka Jan , Dommett Eleanor J , Zimmermann Martina , Karas Michael
Published: July 2015

This study presents a simple and sensitive high‐throughput matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization time‐of‐flight tandem mass spectrometry (MALDI‐MS/MS) method for ex vivo quantification of methylphenidate (MPH) in rat plasma and brain. The common MALDI matrix alpha‐cyano‐4‐hydroxycinnamic acid was used to obtain an optimal dried droplet preparation. For method validation, standards diluted in plasma and brain homogenate prepared from untreated (control) rats were used. MPH was quantified within a concentration range of 0.1–40 ng/ml in plasma and 0.4–40 ng/ml in brain homogenate with an excellent linearity (R2 ≥ 0.9997) and good precision. The intra‐day and inter‐day accuracies fulfilled the FDA's ±15/20 critera. The recovery of MPH ranged from 93.8 to 98.5% and 87.2 to 99.8% in plasma and homogenate, respectively. We show that MPH is successfully quantified in plasma and brain homogenate of rats pre‐treated with this drug using the internal standard calibration method. By means of this method, a linear correlation between plasma and brain concentration of MPH in rodents pre‐treated with MPH was detected. The simple sample preparation based on liquid‐liquid extraction and MALDI‐MS/MS measurement requires approximately 10 s per sample, and this significantly reduces analysis time compared with other analytical methods. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first MALDI‐MS/MS method for quantification of MPH in rat plasma and brain. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Microbial diversity in shallow‐water hydrothermal sediments of Kueishan Island, Taiwan as revealed by pyrosequencing
Authors: Wang Li , Cheung Man Kit , Kwan Hoi Shan , Hwang Jiang‐Shiou , Wong Chong Kim
Published: July 2015

Kueishan Island is a young volcanic island in the southernmost edge of the Okinawa Trough in the northeastern part of Taiwan. A cluster of hydrothermal vents is located off the southeastern tip of the Island at water depths between 10 and 80 m. This paper presents the results of the first study on the microbial communities in bottom sediments collected from the shallow‐water hydrothermal vents of Kueishan Island. Small‐subunit ribosomal RNA gene‐based high‐throughput 454 pyrosequencing was used to characterize the assemblages of bacteria, archaea, and small eukaryotes in sediment samples collected at various distances from the hydrothermal vents. Sediment from the vent area contained the highest diversity of archaea and the lowest diversity of bacteria and small eukaryotes. Epsilonproteobacteria were the most abundant group in the vent sediment, but their abundance decreased with increasing distance from the vent area. Most Epsilonproteobacteria belonged to the mesophilic chemolithoautotrophic genera Sulfurovum and Sulfurimonas. Recent reports on these two genera have come from deep‐sea hydrothermal vents. Conversely, the relative contribution of Gammaproteobacteria to the bacterial community increased with increasing distance from the vent area. Our study revealed the contrasting effects of venting on the benthic bacterial and archaeal communities, and showed that the sediments of the shallow‐waters hydrothermal vents were dominated by chemoautotrophic bacteria. The present work broadens our knowledge on microbial diversity in shallow‐water hydrothermal vent habitats.
Extreme temperature and precipitation events over Italy: assessment of high‐resolution simulations with COSMO‐CLM and future scenarios
Authors: Zollo Alessandra Lucia , Rillo Valeria , Bucchignani Edoardo , Montesarchio Myriam , Mercogliano Paola
Published: July 2015

This study presents a detailed analysis of the present and expected future extreme climate conditions over Italy through the use of some extreme indicators. Climate data for this analysis were provided by the regional climate model COSMO‐CLM, using different grid spacing to ascertain the real importance of using higher resolution climate data, especially over such a complex topography as Italy. Four simulations were carried out at spatial resolutions of 0.125° and 0.0715°, driven by ERA‐Interim Reanalysis and the CMCC‐CM global model. We investigated the ability of the model to represent realistically the climatology of a subset of climate indicators defined by the Expert Team on Climate Change Detection and Indices (ETCCDI) for precipitation and temperature. Several high‐resolution observational data sets available over some Italian regions were therefore used in order to offset the limited number of observations available over Italy in the E‐OBS data set and its coarse grid. We found that the increase in resolution could have interesting benefits in representing such extreme indices, especially in the more orographically complex areas. Finally, we investigated future climate changes regarding extreme weather events expected under anthropogenic climate change scenarios, employing the IPCC RCP4.5 and RCP8.5 greenhouse gas concentrations, showing that such events are expected to increase over Italy.
An evaluation of high‐resolution gridded precipitation products over Bhutan (1998–2012)
Authors: Khandu  , Awange J. L. , Forootan E.
Published: July 2015

Several global and regional high‐resolution precipitation products have been released over the past decade by combining precipitation estimates from various sources including satellite‐based measurements and gauge‐based observations. With relatively few validation studies over the Eastern Himalayan region, this study examined seasonal and interannual skills of four gridded precipitation products including the regional gauge‐based APHRODITE (Asian Precipitation‐Highly Resolved Observational Data Integration Towards Evaluation of Water Resources) and three near‐global satellite‐based products: Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM), Climate Prediction Centre (CPC) MORPHing (CMORPH), and Climate Hazards Group InfraRed Precipitation (CHIRP) using in‐situ rain gauge data from Bhutan for the period 1998–2012. Principal component analysis (PCA) was used to assess the dominant rainfall patterns over Bhutan. An attempt has also been made to correct precipitation biases in the satellite‐only products using a gamma (γ)‐based distribution approach. Results indicated that APHRODITE and satellite‐based precipitation products were able to adequately capture the spatio‐temporal patterns of rainfall variability over Bhutan. Extreme precipitation events and extreme drought periods were well captured with very good correlations (>0.5). APHRODITE and TRMM 3B43v7 were remarkably similar, whereas satellite‐only products (CMORPH and CHIRP) highly underestimated (20–60% or 200–450 mm month−1) monsoon rainfall over Bhutan. While TRMM 3B43v7 still underestimated monsoon rainfall (by ∼25%), it has significantly improved the seasonal bias (by 20–40%) from its previous version (TRMM 3B43v6). CHIRP performed relatively better in the high rainfall regions but indicated very low correlations over mountainous regions and during the pre‐ and post‐monsoon season. The bias correction approach indicated best results for TRMM 3B43v6 (up to 33%) in the Southern Foothills, whereas satellite‐only products improved only moderately (5–20%).
Toward a Relational Humanism
Authors: GERGEN KENNETH J.
Published: July 2015

Humanist conceptions of the person evolve across history. Whereas humanism has served a pivotal role in the caregiving professions, its individualist emphasis now stands as an impediment to its future. Proposed is a relational reconceptualization of the person, placing relational as opposed to individual well‐being at the forefront of humanists' concerns.
Pine stumps in Irish peats: is their occurrence a valid proxy climate indicator?
Authors: MCGEEVER ALWYNNE H. , MITCHELL FRASER J.G.
Published: July 2015

We investigate the temporal and spatial distribution of pine (Pinus sylvestris) stumps preserved in peat deposits to test whether their occurrence can be used as an indicator of climatic shifts to drier conditions. Radiocarbon dates of sub‐fossil stumps were collected from the literature, along with environmental data throughout the island of Ireland. Data were analysed using non‐parametric statistical techniques. There was no distinct geographical pattern observed in the distribution of pine stumps on bog surfaces. Tree ages ranged from 66 to 500 years with 85.7 % of these <300 years. Pines occurred on bogs from ca. 8500 to 500 cal a BP. The temporal distribution during the Holocene was characterized as a mid‐Holocene peak in sites supporting pine, with two gaps either side of this peak. Our current understanding of past climate dynamics failed to explain this temporal distribution. The onset, mid‐Holocene peak and cessation of bog sites supporting the presence of bog pines appears to be driven by changes in pine seed and bog surface area availability during the Holocene rather than changes in climate. We conclude that variability in the occurrence of Irish bog pines is not a valid climate proxy as factors other than climate influence their presence and thereby disrupt the climate signals.
Monitoring deprotonation of gallic acid by Raman spectroscopy
Authors: Huguenin Joris , Ould Saad Hamady Sidi , Bourson Patrice
Published: July 2015

Gallic acid (GA) is involved in many biochemical processes and reactions and is of great importance in environment thanks to its antioxidant and pro‐oxidant properties. We present in this paper a comprehensive study of GA deprotonation by means of Raman spectroscopy. In the Raman spectra, we identified the characteristic bands that were sensitive to the five pH‐dependent GA forms. From these results, we extracted the GA pKa values that are consistent with the reference values. These results permit the monitoring of GA forms for applications. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Prediction of the long‐term corrosion rate of copper alloy objects
Authors: Kreislova K. , Geiplova H.
Published: July 2015

Comparative atmospheric corrosion data for different metal alloys can be used to predict the service life of a component, maintenance requirements, and metal loss to the environment. In some international projects some prediction models have been derived for the atmospheric corrosion rate of metals – dose/response functions (EN ISO 9224, ECE UN ICP program, Multi‐Assess project) – including copper alloys.

In this paper, actual corrosion studies of two long‐term exposed objects – a bronze statue of John of Nepomuk from Charles Bridge and the copper roof of Queen Ann's Summer Palace, are presented. Both these objects are exposed to Prague's urban atmosphere for more than 300 years. The predicted and measured corrosion rates are compared for these cultural objects. During their exposure the corrosion rates changed as the result of changing corrosivity of atmosphere in the Prague centre.
Equilibrium Distribution of Semiflexible Polymer Chains between a Macroscopic Dilute Solution Phase and Small Voids of Cylindrical Shape
Authors: Wang Xiaoyan , Tang Meng , Wang Yanwei
Published: July 2015

The equilibrium partition coefficients () are calculated for self‐avoiding, semiflexible chains with the same finite contour length () and a variety of persistence length () values, partitioning between a macroscopic dilute solution phase and confined solution phases in cylindrical voids in the steric exclusion limit. It is found that, for the range of ‐values most relevant to polymer separation in size exclusion chromatograph (), the geometric mean of the radius of gyration () and the mean span () performs better than or alone in collapsing the partition curves of the various linear semiflexible chains onto a single curve. The dependence of the confinement free energy () on the persistence length is also examined. For those chains having the same , the pore diameter is found to be the necessary and sufficient condition for to decrease with the increase of .
Identification of Lead Compounds as Inhibitors of STAT3: Design, Synthesis and Bioactivity
Authors: Botta Antonio , Sirignano Esther , Popolo Ada , Saturnino Carmela , Terracciano Stefania , Foglia Antonio , Sinicropi Maria Stefania , Longo Pasquale , Di Micco Simone
Published: July 2015

STAT3 belongs to the signal transducers and activators of transcription (STAT) family. It has been demonstrated that STAT3 is constitutively activated in many tumors, playing a role in carcinogenesis and tumor progression. For this reason, it has being considered a potential target for cancer therapy. In this context, we have designed, synthesized and evaluated 1,4‐dimethyl‐carbazole derivatives, targeting the STAT3 protein. Moreover, MTT assay performed on A375 and HeLa, showed significant antiproliferative activity of some of synthesized compounds (3–5). The same compounds (3–5) considerably reduced STAT3 expression, as demonstrated by Western blot analysis. Our multidisciplinary approach shows that 1,4‐dimethyl‐carbazoles are potential building blocks to develop more affinity ligands of STAT3.
Complete 1H NMR assignment of cedranolides
Authors: Perez‐Hernandez Nury , Gordillo‐Roman Barbara , Arrieta‐Baez Daniel , Cerda‐Garcia‐Rojas Carlos M. , Joseph‐Nathan Pedro
Published: July 2015

Complete and unambiguous 1H NMR chemical shift assignment of α‐cedrene (2) and cedrol (9), as well as for α‐pipitzol (1), isocedrol (10), and the six related compounds 3–8 has been established by iterative full spin analysis using the PERCH NMR software (PERCH Solutions Ltd., Kuopio, Finland). The total sets of coupling constants are described and correlated with the conformational equilibria of the five‐membered ring of 1–10, which were calculated using the complete basis set method. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Standardless multicomponent qNMR analysis of compounds with overlapped resonances based on the combination of ICA and PULCON
Authors: Monakhova Yulia B. , Lachenmeier Dirk W. , Kuballa Thomas , Mushtakova Svetlana P.
Published: July 2015

A fast and reliable nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) method for quantitative analysis of targeted compounds with overlapped signals in complex mixtures has been established. The method is based on the combination of chemometric treatment for spectra deconvolution and the PULCON principle (pulse length based concentration determination) for quantification.

Independent component analysis (ICA) (mutual information least dependent component analysis (MILCA) algorithm) was applied for spectra deconvolution in up to six component mixtures with known composition. The resolved matrices (independent components, ICs and ICA scores) were used for identification of analytes, calculating their relative concentrations and absolute integral intensity of selected resonances. The absolute analyte concentrations in multicomponent mixtures and authentic samples were then calculated using the PULCON principle. Instead of conventional application of absolute integral intensity in case of undisturbed signals, the multiplication of resolved IC absolute integral and its relative concentration in the mixture for each component was used. Correction factors that are required for quantification and are unique for each analyte were also estimated.

The proposed method was applied for analysis of up to five components in lemon and orange juice samples with recoveries between 90% and 111%. The total duration of analysis is approximately 45 min including measurements, spectra decomposition and quantification. The results demonstrated that the proposed method is a promising tool for rapid simultaneous quantification of up to six components in case of spectral overlap and the absence of reference materials. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
On provably best construction heuristics for hard combinatorial optimization problems
Authors: Kahruman‐Anderoglu Sera , Buchanan Austin , Butenko Sergiy , Prokopyev Oleg A.
Published: July 2015

In this article, a heuristic is said to be provably best if, assuming
, no other heuristic always finds a better solution (when one exists). This extends the usual notion of “best possible” approximation algorithms to include a larger class of heuristics. We illustrate the idea on several problems that are somewhat stylized versions of real‐life network optimization problems, including the maximum clique, maximum k‐club, minimum (connected) dominating set, and minimum vertex coloring problems. The corresponding provably best construction heuristics resemble those commonly used within popular metaheuristics. Along the way, we show that it is hard to recognize whether the clique number and the k‐club number of a graph are equal, yet a polynomial‐time computable function is “sandwiched” between them. This is similar to the celebrated Lovász function wherein an efficiently computable function lies between two graph invariants that are
‐hard to compute. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. NETWORKS, Vol. 67(3), 238–245 2016
Transient myeloproliferative disorder with partial trisomy 21
Authors: Takahashi Takahide , Inoue Akira , Yoshimoto Junko , Kanamitsu Kiichiro , Taki Tomohiko , Imada Masahide , Yamada Mutsuko , Ninomiya Shinsuke , Toki Tsutomu , Terui Kiminori , Ito Etsuro , Shimada Akira
Published: July 2015

Myeloid malignancy with Down syndrome (ML‐DS) is estimated to have a step‐wise leukemogenesis including GATA1 mutation. Trisomy 21 is essential for ML‐DS; however, we do not know exactly which gene or genes located on chromosome 21 are necessary for the ML‐DS. We report a female infant with transient myeloproliferative disorder (TMD) and partial trisomy 21. SNP array analysis showed 10 Mb amplification of 21q22.12–21q22.3, which included DYRK1A, ERG, and ETS but not the RUNX1 gene. With two other reported TMD cases having partial trisomy 21, DYRK1A, ERG, and ETS were the most likely genes involved in collaboration with the GATA1 mutation. Pediatr Blood Cancer © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Low‐Temperature Oxidation of Catocene and Its Influence on the Mechanical Sensitivities of a Fine‐AP/Catocene Mixture
Authors: Jiang Benzheng , Zhang Wei , Yang Jun , Yu Yan , Bao Tong , Zhou Xing
Published: July 2015

High burning‐rate composite solid propellants with fine ammonium perchlorate (fine‐AP) and catocene have high mechanical sensitivities. The products of fine‐AP and catocene mixtures after low‐temperature exothermic reactions at about 173 °C were analyzed by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The result showed that FeO, Fe2O3, or FeClx were generated during the oxidation of catocene in the fine‐AP/catocene mixture. The mixture of fine‐AP and catocene has high impact and friction sensitivities, whereas the impact sensitivity of the after‐heated fine‐AP/catocene mixture reduced from 88 to 18 % and the friction sensitivity also decreased from 80 to 66 %. The low‐temperature oxidation of catocene is one important incentive for the high mechanical sensitivity of fine‐AP/catocene mixtures.
Intraguild interactions among specialised pollen feeders and generalist phytoseiids and their effect on citrus rust mite suppression
Authors: Maoz Yonatan , Gal Shira , Argov Yael , Domeratzky Sylvie , Coll Moshe , Palevsky Eric
Published: July 2015

BACKGROUND

Antagonistic interactions among predators with shared prey are thought to hamper their ability to suppress herbivores. Our aim was to quantify intraguild interactions in omnivorous predatory mite assemblages in the presence of pollen, and assess their effect on pest populations. We focused on the following naturally occurring phytoseiid species in Israeli citrus orchards and their ability to suppress a key pest, the citrus rust mite (CRM) Phyllocoptruta oleivora (Eriophyidae): the generalists Amblyseius swirskii and Typhlodromus athiasae and the specialised pollen feeders Iphiseius degenerans, Euseius scutalis, E. stipulatus and E. victoriensis. Evaluations were performed on two spatial scales, tree seedlings and leaf discs.

RESULTS

On seedlings, experiments were conducted to quantify the interactions between predators in the presence of pollen and its effects on CRM suppression. On leaf discs, intraguild interactions were studied between pairs of phytoseiid species in the presence of pollen without CRM. On seedlings, the specialised pollen predators were more effective at suppressing CRM populations than the generalist predators.

CONCLUSION

In most cases, the more aggressive intraguild predator was the specialised pollen feeder. Similarly, leaf‐disc experiments suggest that in these interactions the specialised pollen feeders tend to be the intraguild predators more often than the intraguild prey. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry
X‐ray micro‐absorption enhancement for non‐agglomerated nanodiamonds in mechanically alloyed aluminium matrix composites
Authors: Popov Vladimir A.
Published: July 2015

Comparison of X‐ray diffraction patterns from aluminium composites with agglomerated and non‐agglomerated nanodiamond reinforcement showing Roentgen radiation micro‐absorption. An absorption model was developed to clarify the physical essence of this phenomenon.