bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
De novo RNA synthesis catalyzed by the Zika Virus RNA polymerase domain
Authors: Calmels Christina , Ventura Michel , Aknin Cindy , Métifiot Mathieu , Andreola Marie-Line
Published: May 2017

Mosquito- and tick-borne pathogens including Chikungunya, Dengue, Japanese encephalitis, West Nile, Yellow fever and Zika virus, represent a new economic and public health challenge. In the absence of effective vaccines and specific therapies, only supportive regimens are administrated for most of these infections. Thus, the development of a targeted therapy is mandatory to stop the rapid progression of these pathogens and preoccupant associated burdens such as Guillain-Barre syndrome, microcephaly. For this, it is essential to develop biochemical tools to help study and target key viral enzymes involved in replication such as helicase complexes, methyl-transferases and RNA-dependent RNA polymerases. Here, we show that a highly purified ZIKV polymerase domain is active in vitro. Importantly, we show that this isolated domain is capable of de novo synthesis of the viral genome and efficient elongation without terminal nucleotide transferase activity. Altogether, this isolated polymerase domain will be a precious tool to screen and optimize specific nucleoside and non-nucleoside inhibitors to fight against Zika infections.
Using bamboo biochar with compost for the stabilization and phytotoxicity reduction of heavy metals in mine-contaminated soils of China
Authors: Ali Amjad , Guo Di , Zhang Yue , Sun Xining , Jiang Shuncheng , Guo Zhanyu , Huang Hui , Liang Wen , Li Ronghua , Zhang Zengqiang
Published: May 2017

Anthropogenic activities have transformed the global geochemical cycling of heavy metals (HMs). Many physical, chemical and biological methods are used to reduce the toxicity of HMs to humans, plants and environment. This study aimed to investigate the immobilization and phytotoxicity reduction of HMs after application of bamboo biochar (BB) in mine-polluted soil in Feng county (FC) and Tongguan (TG). The results showed that BB application to contaminated soil immobilized HMs (Zn, Pb, Cd and Cu). The soil pH and EC increased and the bioavailability of HMs decreased in FC and TG, whereas Pb and Cu increased in TG soil. The addition of BB reduced HMs uptake in the shoot/root of Brassica juncea. Physiological responses showed that BB application improved the shoot/root growth, dry biomass, and enhanced the chlorophyll (a and b) and carotenoid concentrations in Brassica. The incorporation of BB improved the soil health and accelerated enzymatic activities (β-glucosidase, alkaline phosphatase and urease) in HMs polluted soils. Antioxidant activities (POD, PPO, CAT and SOD) were also used as biomarkers to determine the negative effects of HMs on the growth of Brassica. Overall, the immobilization potential and phytotoxicity reduction of HMs were confirmed by BCF, TF and MEA for both soils.
Seed mass of angiosperm woody plants better explained by life history traits than climate across China
Authors: Zheng Jingming , Guo Zhiwen , Wang Xiangping
Published: May 2017

Seed mass is a basic trait in studies of functional ecology. Examining how seed mass is affected by biotic and abiotic factors could improve our understanding of ecological strategies in plants. Here we examined the relationships of seed mass with 13 climate variables and seven life history traits, and partitioned the relative effects of life history traits vs. climate, based on seed mass data for 1265 woody angiosperm species in China. Our results showed that seed mass decreased with latitude, and most climate variables were positively correlated with seed mass. Geographic seed mass pattern was affected by both energy and water availability in the growing season, but the effect of energy availability was more important. Seed mass was also significantly related to other traits such as growth form, fruit type, dispersal mode, breeding system, leaf habit, fruit development time, and minimum juvenile period, with growth form and dispersal mode being the most closely related traits. Our results showed that climate explained much less variation in seed mass than life history traits, and that phylogeny played an important role in shaping the large-scale patterns of seed mass.
Correction: Corrigendum: Pharmacological characterisation of the highly NaV1.7 selective spider venom peptide Pn3a
Authors: Deuis Jennifer R. , Dekan Zoltan , Wingerd Joshua S. , Smith Jennifer J. , Munasinghe Nehan R. , Bhola Rebecca F. , Imlach Wendy L. , Herzig Volker , Armstrong David A. , Rosengren K. Johan , Bosmans Frank , Waxman Stephen G. , Dib-Hajj Sulayman D. , Escoubas Pierre , Minett Michael S. , Christie Macdonald J. , King Glenn F. , Alewood Paul F. , Lewis Richard J. , Wood John N. , Vetter Irina
Published: May 2017

Scientific Reports 7: Article number: 40883; published online: 20 January 2017; updated: 26 May 2017 In this Article, Affiliation 6 is incorrectly listed as ‘Venomtech, Sophie-Antipolis, 06560, Valbonne, France’. The correct affiliation is listed below: VenomeTech, Sophie-Antipolis, 06560, Valbonne,France.
Quantification of f-element covalency through analysis of the electron density: insights from simulation
Authors: Kerridge A.
Published: May 2017

Analysis of simulated electron densities provides quantitative, unambiguous, empirically verifiable interpretations of bonding in complexes of the f-elements.
Rapid and efficient tetrazine-induced drug release from highly stable benzonorbornadiene derivatives
Authors: Xu Minghao , Tu Julian , Franzini Raphael M.
Published: May 2017

Derivatives of benzonorbornadienes readily react with tetrazines at physiological conditions to release amine payloads in high-yield.
Reaction mechanism of the metallohydrolase CpsB from Streptococcus pneumoniae, a promising target for novel antimicrobial agents
Authors: Monteiro Pedroso Marcelo , Selleck Christopher , Bilyj Jessica , Harmer Jeffrey R. , Gahan Lawrence R. , Mitić Nataša , Standish Alistair J. , Tierney David L. , Larrabee James A. , Schenk Gerhard
Published: May 2017

CpsB, a novel potential target for antimicrobial agents, is a dimetallic enzyme that hydrolyses phosphate ester and β-lactam bonds.
Polymorphism of a chiral iron(ii) complex: spin-crossover and ferroelectric properties
Authors: Han Wang-Kang , Qin Long-Fang , Pang Chun-Yan , Cheng Cai-Kun , Zhu Wei , Li Zhi-Hua , Li Zaijun , Ren Xuehong , Gu Zhi-Guo
Published: May 2017

A chiral iron(ii) complex with two polymorphs, one that undergoes a gradual spin crossover, whilst the other remains in a high-spin state but shows a typical ferroelectric feature, is reported.
IrO2–TiO2 electrocatalysts for the hydrogen evolution reaction in acidic water electrolysis without activation
Authors: Yuan Min , Zhu Yuchan , Deng Li , Ming Ruoxi , Zhang Ailian , Li Wenyang , Chai Bo , Ren Zhandong
Published: May 2017

IrO2–TiO2 electrodes do not need activation to obtain excellent activity for the HER in acidic water electrolysis.
Intrinsic ferromagnetism and quantum transport transition in individual Fe-doped Bi2Se3 topological insulator nanowires
Authors: Niu Wei , Du Kai , Wang Shuangbao , Zhang Minhao , Gao Ming , Chen Yongda , Liu Hao , Zhou Wei , Song Fengqi , Wang Peng , Xu Yongbing , Wang Xuefeng , Shen Jian , Zhang Rong
Published: May 2017

Fe-Doped Bi2Se3 nanowires show intrinsic ferromagnetism and gapped topological surface states, paving a way for future nanodevice applications.
Advantages and limitations of diisocyanates in intramolecular collapse
Authors: Wang Feng , Diesendruck Charles E.
Published: May 2017

A comprehensive examination of the synthesis of single chain polymer nanoparticles (SCPNs) from a copolymer of methyl acrylate (MA) and 2-hydroxyethyl acrylate (HEA) via the intra-chain urethane formation by using hexamethylene diisocyanate (HDI) as a cross-linker is described.
Graphene entanglement in a mesoporous resorcinol–formaldehyde matrix applied to the nanoconfinement of LiBH4 for hydrogen storage
Authors: Gasnier A. , Gennari F. C.
Published: May 2017

A new, easy and versatile method for graphene inclusion within resorcinol–formaldehyde is presented and applied to the nanoconfinement of LiBH4.
Heavy metal ions removal from aqueous solution by xanthate-modified cross-linked magnetic chitosan/poly(vinyl alcohol) particles
Authors: Lv Long , Chen Nan , Feng Chuanping , Zhang Jing , Li Miao
Published: May 2017

Xanthate-modified cross-linked magnetic chitosan/poly(vinyl alcohol) particles (XCMCP) were synthesized and applied to remove Pb(ii) and Cu(ii) ions from aqueous solutions.
Immobilization of tyrosinase on polyacrylonitrile beads: biodegradation of phenol from aqueous solution and the relevant cytotoxicity assessment
Authors: Wu Qiao , Xu Zhiqun , Duan Yunjian , Zhu Yincan , Ou Minrui , Xu Xiaoping
Published: May 2017

An economical and stabilized immobilized-enzyme method was developed for the removal of phenol in wastewater.
Corannulene–fullerene C70 noncovalent interactions and their effect on the behavior of charge transport and optical property
Authors: Liu Yan-Zhi , Yuan Kun , Yuan Zhao , Zhu Yuan-Cheng , Zhao Sheng-Dun , Lv Ling-Ling
Published: May 2017

Corannulene–fullerene C70 noncovalent interactions and their effect on the behavior of charge transport and optical property are investigated at a molecular level via the dispersion-corrected density functional theory calculations.
Thermal spin current in zigzag silicene nanoribbons with sp2–sp3 edges
Authors: Jiang Peng , Tao Xixi , Hao Hua , Song Lingling , Zheng Xiaohong , Zeng Zhi
Published: May 2017

Edge engineering with unsymmetrical edge sp2–sp3 saturation leads to pure spin current in zigzag silicene nanoribbons by temperature gradient.
Targeted antigen delivery by an anti-class II MHC VHH elicits focused αMUC1(Tn) immunity
Authors: Fang Tao , Van Elssen Catharina H. M. J. , Duarte Joao N. , Guzman Jonathan S. , Chahal Jasdave S. , Ling Jingjing , Ploegh Hidde L.
Published: May 2017

“Sortagging” between a tumor-specific carbohydrate antigen and an APC-targeting VHH yields a robust cancer vaccine yet simple to make.
Highly active catalyst for CO2 methanation derived from a metal organic framework template
Authors: Lippi R. , Howard S. C. , Barron H. , Easton C. D. , Madsen I. C. , Waddington L. J. , Vogt C. , Hill M. R. , Sumby C. J. , Doonan C. J. , Kennedy D. F.
Published: May 2017

MOF-derived nanocatalysts activated under reaction conditions display remarkable activity when compared to several controls.
A new design concept for preparing nickel-foam-supported metal oxide microspheres with superior electrochemical properties
Authors: Li Tao , Li Xinhai , Wang Zhixing , Guo Huajun , Li Yan , Wang Jiexi
Published: May 2017

A new design concept for preparing nickel-foam-supported metal oxide microspheres as electrodes for LIBs.
Rituxan nanoconjugation prolongs drug/cell interaction and enables simultaneous depletion and enhanced Raman detection of lymphoma cells
Authors: Yao Qian , Cao Fei , Lang Marion , Feng Chao , Meng Xiaotong , Zhang Yongzhe , Zhao Yan , Wang Xiu-hong
Published: May 2017

Rituxan nanoconjugation prolongs drug/cell interaction and enables simultaneous depletion and enhanced Raman detection of lymphoma cells.
Proteoglycans, ion channels and cell–matrix adhesion
Authors: Mitsou Ioli , Multhaupt Hinke A.B. , Couchman John R.
Published: May 2017

Cell surface proteoglycans comprise a transmembrane or membrane-associated core protein to which one or more glycosaminoglycan chains are covalently attached. They are ubiquitous receptors on nearly all animal cell surfaces. In mammals, the cell surface proteoglycans include the six glypicans, CD44, NG2 (CSPG4), neuropilin-1 and four syndecans. A single syndecan is present in invertebrates such as nematodes and insects. Uniquely, syndecans are receptors for many classes of proteins that can bind to the heparan sulphate chains present on syndecan core proteins. These range from cytokines, chemokines, growth factors and morphogens to enzymes and extracellular matrix (ECM) glycoproteins and collagens. Extracellular interactions with other receptors, such as some integrins, are mediated by the core protein. This places syndecans at the nexus of many cellular responses to extracellular cues in development, maintenance, repair and disease. The cytoplasmic domains of syndecans, while having no intrinsic kinase activity, can nevertheless signal through binding proteins. All syndecans appear to be connected to the actin cytoskeleton and can therefore contribute to cell adhesion, notably to the ECM and migration. Recent data now suggest that syndecans can regulate stretch-activated ion channels. The structure and function of the syndecans and the ion channels are reviewed here, along with an analysis of ion channel functions in cell–matrix adhesion. This area sheds new light on the syndecans, not least since evidence suggests that this is an evolutionarily conserved relationship that is also potentially important in the progression of some common diseases where syndecans are implicated.
Improved method to calculate the high‐frequency eddy currents distribution and loss in windings composed of round conductors
Authors: Yin Yiran , Li Lin
Published: May 2017

With the switching frequency of power electronic devices increasing rapidly, the high‐frequency loss in windings is becoming significant. The one‐dimensional (1D) Dowell's method and 2D Ferreira's method are the most accepted methods used for winding loss calculation. Ferreira's method is used to calculate high‐frequency loss in windings composed of round conductors. In this study, this method is modified and supplemented with a component called intra‐layer proximity effect loss by considering the interaction between conductors in the same layer. The improved model gives much accurate prediction of 2D eddy current distribution in the cross‐section of a round conductor with a wider band of frequency than Ferreira's method. On the basis of the eddy current distribution, the AC‐to‐DC winding resistance ratio is derived. The results of the improved method are verified by finite element method, and the error of loss calculation is <0.6% when skin effect and proximity effect are very significant.
Design and calibration of hot-electron spectrometer array for angle-resolved measurement
Authors: Liu Huiya , An Honghai , Shen Jie , Kang Ning , Zhou Shenlei , Lei Anle , Lin Zunqi
Published: May 2017

A hot-electron spectrometer array with two-dimensional distribution has been designed with a wide-angle range and high-energy resolution to measure the spatially resolved electron spectra for high-power-laser plasma interaction experiments. It consisted of 19 identical electron spectrometers set in three directions with an interval of 10°. Each electron spectrometer was designed with a uniform magnetic field to detect electrons in the range from 20 to 500 keV. The spectrometers were calibrated using electrons from an accelerator. In an experiment, the spatially resolved electron energy spectra, which approximately had a Maxwell distribution, were obtained from an aluminum foil target irradiated by a 0.53-μm laser pulse.
Quantum capacitance of a three-dimensional topological insulator based on HgTe
Authors: Kozlov D. A. , Bauer D. , Ziegler J. , Fischer R. , Savchenko M. L. , Kvon Z. D. , Mikhailov N. N. , Dvoretsky S. A. , Weiss D.
Published: May 2017

The quantum capacitance that directly characterizes the density of states of highly mobile Dirac two-dimensional states formed on the surface of a stressed HgTe film is studied experimentally. It is shown that, as opposed to the oscillations in the magnetotransport to which all the existing types of carriers contribute, the quantum oscillations observed in the magnetic capacitance correspond to electrons on the upper surface of the film. Thus, capacitance spectroscopy is a selective technique for studying the properties of an individual topological surface, even when a large number of bulk carriers are present. Because of this feature, for the first time we have obtained data on the phase shift in the Shubnikov-de Haas oscillations usually associated with the Berry phase for an isolated Dirac cone and found its dependence on the location of the Fermi level.
Sensitivity enhancement and fringe reduction in tunable diode laser spectroscopy using hemispherical diffusers
Authors: Lundin Patrik , Karlsson Marcus , Mei Liang , Larsson Jim , Somesfalean Gabriel , Svanberg Sune
Published: May 2017

The use of diffuse, highly reflective optical components, in particular, a hemispherical BaSO4 diffuser, at the point of light injection into non-transparent or turbid media was evaluated as a means to increase the measurement sensitivity of spectroscopic absorption measurements. By performing the light injection from, e.g., an optical fiber through a component designed to make the light diffuse and to reflect (and thereby re-inject) light scattered from the sample, the total amount of light delivered into the sample is increased. Further, the occurrence of possible interference fringes is strongly reduced.
Molecular dynamics and metadynamics simulations of electrosprayed water nanodroplets including sodium bis(2-ethylhexyl)sulfosuccinate micelles
Authors: Longhi Giovanna , Ceselli Alberto , Fornili Sandro L. , Turco Liveri Vincenzo
Published: May 2017

The behavior of aqueous solutions of sodium bis(2-ethylhexyl)sulfosuccinate (AOTNa) under conditions of electrospray ionization (ESI) has been investigated by molecular dynamics (MD) and well-tempered metadynamics (WTM) simulations at 300 K and 400 K. We have examined water droplets with initial fixed numbers of water molecules (1000) and AOT− anions (100), and with sodium cations in the range of 70–130. At 300 K, all charged droplets show the water evaporation rate increasing with the absolute value of the initial droplet charge state (Z), accompanied by ejection of an increasing number of solvated sodium ions or by expulsion of AOT− anions depending on the sign of Z and by fragmentation in the case of high |Z|. At 400 K, the water evaporation becomes more rapid and the fission process more extensive. In all cases, the AOTNa molecules, arranged as a direct micelle inside the aqueous system, undergo a rapid inversion in vacuo so that the hydrophilic heads and sodium ions surrounded by water molecules move toward the droplet interior. At the end of the 100-ns MD simulations, some water molecules remain within the aggregates at both temperatures. The subsequent metadynamics simulations accelerate the droplet evolution and show that all systems become anhydrous, in agreement with the experimental results of ESI mass spectrometry. This complete water loss is accompanied by sodium counterion emission for positively charged aggregates at 300 K. The analysis shows how the temperature and droplet charge state affect the populations of the generated surfactant aggregates, providing information potentially useful in designing future ESI experimental conditions.
Double photoionization of tropone and cyclooctatetraene
Authors: Hartman Tim , Wehlitz Ralf
Published: May 2017

We have studied the double-photoionization process of tropone (C7H6O) and cyclooctatetraene (C8H8) as a function of photon energy using monochromatized synchrotron radiation between 18 and 270 eV. We compare our results with previously published data for partially deuterated benzene (C6H3D3), which exhibits three distinct features in the ratio of doubly to singly charged parent ions, whereas pyrrole (C4H4N) exhibits only two of these features. The question that we address in this paper is how molecules with different molecular structures (pentagonal, hexagonal, heptagonal, and octagonal carbon rings) affect the photon-energy dependence of this ratio.
An intra-droplet particle switch for droplet microfluidics using bulk acoustic waves
Authors: Fornell Anna , Ohlin Mathias , Garofalo Fabio , Nilsson Johan , Tenje Maria
Published: May 2017

To transfer cell- and bead-assays into droplet-based platforms typically requires the use of complex microfluidic circuits, which calls for methods to switch the direction of the encapsulated particles. We present a microfluidic chip where the combination of acoustic manipulation at two different harmonics and a trident-shaped droplet-splitter enables direction-switching of microbeads and yeast cells in droplet microfluidic circuits. At the first harmonic, the encapsulated particles exit the splitter in the center daughter droplets, while at the second harmonic, the particles exit in the side daughter droplets. This method holds promises for droplet-based assays where particle-positioning needs to be selectively controlled.
Radiation enhancement mechanism for a cylindrical metallic antenna surrounded by a thin plasma layer
Authors: Li Wenqiu , Wang Gang , Su Xiaobao
Published: May 2017

Based on the dispersion equation obtained from Helmholtz equation in the sheath region and plasma layer region, and free space region of the azimuthally symmetric surface wave, the propagation constant properties on the interface of the plasma layer region and free space region, the mode radiation enhancement characteristics in the free space region are studied. The analytical results indicate that the collision effect has an evident influence on the attenuation constant, but the impact on phase constant can be ignored when the wave frequency is equal to the plasma frequency. While the radiation enhancement phenomenon due to a plasma layer is confirmed, both the sheath thickness and plasma layer thickness have a notable effect on the amplitude of the maximum radiation enhancement intensity. These analytic results have an important theoretical guidance value in the optimization of plasma antenna radiation field.
Development and application of an empirical formula for the high temperature behavior of ferroelectric ceramics switched by electric field at room temperature
Authors: Ji Dae Won , Kim Sang-Joo
Published: May 2017

The strain changes during temperature rise of a poled lead titanate zirconate rectangular parallelepiped switched by electric field at room temperature are obtained by integrating thermal expansion coefficients that are measured using an invar-specimen. By estimating and analyzing pyroelectric and thermal expansion coefficients, first-order differential equations are constructed for polarization and strain changes during temperature increase. The solutions to the differential equations are found and used to calculate the high temperature behavior of the materials. It is shown that the predictions are well compared with measured responses. Finally, the developed formulae are applied to calculate strain butterfly loops from a polarization hysteresis loop at a high temperature.
Shearing ewes in the first third of gestation improves offspring performance
Authors: López-Mazz C. , Baldi F. , Quintans G. , Banchero G.
Published: May 2017

The effect of shearing ewes at 50 days of gestation on birth and weaning weight, vigour of the lambs in the first hour of life and the survival of single and twin lambs was investigated. Ultrasound pregnancy diagnosis was used to allocate 140 Polwarth ewes on Day 50 of gestation to one of four treatments, including two factors: shearing time (prepartum (PS) and postpartum (U)) and litter size (single (S) and twin (T)) resulting in the following treatments: single-bearing ewes shorn at 50 days of gestation (SPS, n = 39), single-bearing ewes unshorn (SU, n = 40), twin-bearing ewes shorn at 50 days of gestation (TPS, n = 28) and twin-bearing ewes unshorn (TU, n = 33). All ewes grazed together on improved pastures. Body condition score of the ewes was recorded once every 2 weeks from shearing until weaning, and plasma concentration of NEFA in ewes was measured once every 2 weeks from Day 30 postpartum until weaning (Day 104 ± 7). Gestation length, lamb behaviour during the first hour of life, lamb weight at birth and daily weight gain from birth to weaning and lamb survival were measured. Ewe body condition and plasma non-esterified fatty acids concentration was not affected by shearing time or litter size. Birthweight of the lambs was affected by shearing time (P = 0.0002), litter size (P < 0.0001) and sex of the lamb (P = 0.03). Lambs born to PS ewes had higher daily growth rate (P < 0.0001) than lambs born to U ewes (0.149 ± 0.07 vs 0.141 ± 0.07 kg, respectively). Birthweight affected the number of assisted lambs at birth (P = 0.01). Length of gestation was affected by shearing time (P < 0.0001). Sucking ability was improved by shearing time and litter size. Lambs born to PS ewes tried to suck (P = 0.01) and successfully sucked (P = 0.009) before lambs born to U ewes (23.3 ± 2 vs 28.7 ± 2 and 37.6 ± 1 vs 38.4 ± 1 min, respectively). Attempt and success to suck was affected by litter size (P = 0.004 and P = 0.05). TPS-born lambs tried to suck before (P = 0.004) and successfully sucked earlier (P = 0.0004) than TU lambs (26.1 ± 2.5 vs 33.7 ± 2 and 38 ± 1 vs 42.1 ± 2 min, respectively). Shearing time affected lamb survival at 20 days of age (P = 0.04). The improved survival in these lambs, expressed by a higher birthweight and vigour at birth, may be explained by better nutrition in utero in response to shearing during early pregnancy. In contrast to previous research on prepartum shearing, the present experiment shearing was done at 50 days of gestation. Early shearing in gestation might coincide with a period of high cell proliferation, intense vascular development and increased uterine and umbilical blood flows in the placenta which is in rapid development, and may result in improved outcomes when compared with shearing done on Day 70 or later of gestation.
Tea polyphenols: absorption, bioavailability and potential toxicity.
Authors: Ho C. K. , Choi SiuWai Choi SiuWai , Fung M. S. , Benzie I. F. F.
Published: May 2017

Tea polyphenols (catechins) have various reported properties that may benefit health and lower risk of non-communicable disease. However, their bioavailability is low. There is rapid metabolism and elimination of most absorbed catechins, and they do not accumulate beyond nanomolar amounts in plasma, even with regular intake. There is extensive biotransformation of unabsorbed catechins by colonic microflora, which produces ring scission products that, if included, increase bioavailability from an average of <4% to around 40%. Strategies exist to increase bioavailability, such as taking tea catechins in the fasting state, or taking more concentrated, purified, stable or bioaccessible formulations of catechins. However, catechins demonstrate pro-oxidant activity under certain conditions, and administration of high levels induces toxic effects on liver and kidney. In humans catechins are generally well tolerated at up to 400 mg/day, but even this dose can cause gastrointestinal upset and in some people induces hepatic toxicity. Furthermore, catechins bind iron and high doses can interfere with iron absorption, and catechins ingestion affects pharmacokinetics and action of some drugs used to treat hypertension and cardiovascular disease. Therefore, strategies to overcome low bioavailability of catechins must be viewed with caution, and very high doses should be avoided. In this article, absorption, metabolism and bioavailability of green tea catechins, in particular epigallocatechin gallate, are reviewed, focusing mainly on human data. Issues of potential toxicity of catechins are examined, and a recommendation in regard to 'safe' intake is given.
Localized Islam(s): interpreting agents, competing narratives, and experiences of faith
Authors: Elbasani Arolda , Tošić Jelena
Published: May 2017

This special issue investigates contemporary transformations of Islam in the post-Communist Balkans. We put forward the concept oflocalized Islamas an analytical lens that aptly captures the input of various interpreting agents, competing narratives, and choices of faith. By adopting an agent-based approach that is sensitive to relevant actors’ choices and the contexts where they operate, we explore how various groups negotiate and ultimately localize the grand Islamic tradition, depending on where they are situated along the hierarchy of power. Specifically, we outline three sets of actors and narratives related to revival of Islamic faith: (1) political elites, mainstream intellectuals, and religious hierarchies often unite in safeguarding a nation-centric understanding of religion, (2) foreign networks and missionaries make use of open channels of communication to propagate their specific interpretations and agendas, and (3) lay believers tend to choose among different offers and rally around the living dimension of religious practice. Contributions in this issue bring ample evidence of multiple actors’ strategies, related perspectives, and contingent choices of being a Muslim. Case studies include political debates on mosque construction in Athens; political narratives that underpin the construction of the museum of the father of Ataturk in Western Macedonia; politicians’ and imams’ competing interpretations of the Syrian war in Kosovo, Macedonia, and Albania; the emergence of practice communities that perform Muslim identity in Bulgaria; the particular codes of sharia dating in post-war Sarajevo; and veneration of saints among Muslim Roma in different urban areas in the Balkans.
Novel method for refinement of retained austenite in micro/nano-structured bainitic steels
Authors: Hu F. , Wu K. M. , Wan X. L. , Rodionova I. , Shirzadi A. A. , Zhang F. C.
Published: May 2017

A comparative study was conducted to assess the effects of two different heat treatments on the amount and morphology of the retained austenite in a micro/nano-structured bainitic steel. The heat treatments used in this work were two-stage bainitic transformation and bainitic-partitioning transformation. Both methods resulted in the generation of a multi-phase microstructure containing nanoscale bainitic ferrite, and/or fresh martensitic phases and much finer retained austenite. Both heat treatments were verified to be effective in refining the retained austenite in micro/nano-structured bainite and increasing the hardness. However, the bainitic transformation followed by partitioning cycle was proved to be a more viable approach than the two-stage bainitic transformation due to much shorter processing time, i.e. ∼2 h compared to ∼4 day, respectively.
Effect of brazing temperature on the microstructure of martensitic–austenitic steel joints
Authors: Chakraborty Gopa , Chaurasia P. K. , Murugesan S. , Albert S. K. , Murugan S.
Published: May 2017

Dissimilar joining of reduced activation ferritic–martensitic steel to AISI 316LN austenitic stainless steel is carried out by brazing in inert atmosphere at three different temperatures, i.e. 980, 1020 and 1040°C using AWS BNi-2 powder. The braze joints are characterised by scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, micro-hardness measurement. With increasing brazing temperature from 980 to 1040°C, the approximate width of the braze layer decreases from 350 to 80 µm and hardness reduces from 600 to 410 VHN. However, not much difference is found in microstructure and hardness between braze joints produced at 1020 and 1040°C. With increasing brazing temperature, morphology and volume fraction of intermetallics formed in the braze layer change, thereby reducing the hardness variation between the braze layer and the base metal.
Rapid urban expansion and the challenge of pro-poor housing in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Authors: Keller Edmond J. , Mukudi-Omwami Edith
Published: May 2017

A common challenge faced by countries in the developing world is to provide public goods such as housing and safe water and sanitation to rapidly expanding and poor populations in urban areas. This is a particularly acute problem when the process of governing is accompanied by unplanned urban population growth and the displacement of the urban poor while pursuing market-oriented development strategies without proper safety nets for them. The purpose of this essay is to critically assess the plight of the city Addis Ababa, Ethiopia in its efforts to address this issue over the past decade. The study, based upon field research conducted in 2015, concludes that while having had success in expanding the availability of the quantity and quality of low-income housing, the urban housing development programme has largely failed to directly address the housing needs of the poorest of the poor. In large measure, this is due to the enormity of the problem coupled with the limited capacity of local governance; issues relating to shortcoming in project design and planning; and conflicting objectives of different national planning units.
Comparison of Complications, Trends, and Costs in Endoscopic vs Microscopic Pituitary Surgery: Analysis From a US Health Claims Database
Authors: Asemota Anthony O. , Ishii Masaru , Brem Henry , Gallia Gary L.
Published: May 2017

BACKGROUND: Microsurgical and endoscopic techniques are commonly utilized surgical approaches to pituitary pathologies. There are limited data comparing these 2 procedures.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate postoperative complications, associated costs, and national and regional trends of microscopic and endoscopic techniques in the United States employing a nationwide database.

METHODS: The Truven MarketScan database 2010 to 2014 was queried and Current Procedural Terminology codes identified patients that underwent microscopic and/or endoscopic transsphenoidal pituitary surgery. International Classification of Diseases codes identified postoperative complications. Adjusted logistic regression and matched propensity analysis evaluated independent odds for complications.

RESULTS: Among 5886 cases studied, 54.49% were microscopic and 45.51% endoscopic. The commonest surgical indications were benign pituitary tumors. Annual trends showed increasing utilization of endoscopic techniques vs microscopic procedures. Postoperative complications occurred in 40.04% of cases, including diabetes insipidus (DI; 16.90%), syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone (SIADH; 2.02%), iatrogenic hypopituitarism (1.36%), fluid/electrolyte abnormalities (hypoosmolality/hyponatraemia [5.03%] and hyperosmolality/hypernatraemia [2.48%]), and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks (CSF rhinorrhoea [4.42%] and other CSF leak [6.52%]). In our propensity-based model, patients that underwent endoscopic surgery were more likely to develop DI (odds ratio [OR] = 1.48; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.28-1.72), SIADH (OR = 1.53; 95% CI = 1.04-2.24), hypoosmolality/hyponatraemia (OR = 1.17; 95% CI = 1.01-1.34), CSF rhinorrhoea (OR = 2.48; 95% CI = 1.88-3.28), other CSF leak (OR = 1.59; 95% CI = 1.28-1.98), altered mental status (OR = 1.46; 95% CI = 1.01-2.60), and postoperative fever (OR = 4.31; 95% CI = 1.14-16.23). There were no differences in hemorrhagic complications, ophthalmological complications, or bacterial meningitis. Postoperative complications resulted in longer hospitalization and increased healthcare costs.

CONCLUSION: Endoscopic approaches are increasingly being utilized to manage sellar pathologies relative to microsurgery. Postoperative complications occur in both techniques with higher incidences observed following endoscopic procedures.
Quorum-Sensing Systems in the Plant Growth-Promoting Bacterium Paraburkholderia phytofirmans PsJN Exhibit Cross-Regulation and Are Involved in Biofilm Formation
Authors: Zúñiga Ana , Donoso Raúl A. , Ruiz Daniela , Ruz Gonzalo A. , González Bernardo
Published: May 2017

Quorum-sensing systems play important roles in host colonization and host establishment of Burkholderiales species. Beneficial Paraburkholderia species share a conserved quorum-sensing (QS) system, designated BraI/R, that controls different phenotypes. In this context, the plant growth-promoting bacterium Paraburkholderia phytofirmans PsJN possesses two different homoserine lactone QS systems BpI.1/R.1 and BpI.2/R.2 (BraI/R-like QS system). The BpI.1/R.1 QS system was previously reported to be important to colonize and produce beneficial effects in Arabidopsis thaliana plants. Here, we analyzed the temporal variations of the QS gene transcript levels in the wild-type strain colonizing plant roots. The gene expression patterns showed relevant differences in both QS systems compared with the wild-type strain in the unplanted control treatment. The gene expression data were used to reconstruct a regulatory network model of QS systems in P. phytofirmans PsJN, using a Boolean network model. Also, we examined the phenotypic traits and transcript levels of genes involved in QS systems, using P. phytofirmans mutants in homoserine lactone synthases genes. We observed that the BpI.1/R.1 QS system regulates biofilm formation production in strain PsJN and this phenotype was associated with the lower expression of a specific extracytoplasmic function sigma factor ecf26.1 gene (implicated in biofilm formation) in the bpI.1 mutant strain.
Physiologic Specialization of Puccinia triticina on Wheat in the United States in 2015
Authors: Kolmer J. A , Hughes M. E.
Published: May 2017

Leaves of wheat infected with the leaf rust fungus, Puccinia triticina, were obtained from farm fields and breeding plots at experimental stations in the Great Plains, Ohio River Valley, and southeastern states in 2015 in order to identify virulence phenotypes prevalent in the United States in different wheat growing regions. A total of 526 single uredinial isolates derived from the leaf rust collections were tested for virulence to 20 lines of Thatcher wheat that differ for single leaf rust resistance genes. A total of 60 virulence phenotypes were described in the United States in 2015. The three most common virulence phenotypes across the United States were MBDSD, MBTNB, and TBBGS. Phenotype MBDSD is virulent to Lr17, Lr37, and Lr39, and was most common in the hard red winter wheat area of the southern Great Plains. Phenotype MBTNB is virulent to Lr11, and was most common in the soft red winter wheat region of the southeastern states and Ohio Valley. Phenotype TBBGS is virulent to Lr39, which is present in the hard red winter wheat cultivars, and Lr21, which is present in the hard red spring wheat cultivars. The P. triticina population in the United States was characterized by two major regional groups of virulence phenotypes in the Great Plains region where hard red winter and spring wheat cultivars are grown, and in the southeastern states and Ohio Valley region where soft red winter wheat cultivars are grown.
Surgical treatment of vertebral fractures in patients with ankylosing spondylitis: a retrospective study
Authors: El-Salam Wafa Mohamed Abd , Fahmy Ibrahim Fady Michael , Ibrahim Mohammed Zayan
Published: May 2017

Background:

The diagnosis of vertebral fractures in patients with ankylosing spondylitis is sometimes difficult and management should respect the nature of the disease and patient’s deformity. We aim to clarify some technical steps during diagnosis and management and analyze the possible complications.

Methods:

Twenty-two patients were enrolled in this study between January 2004 and December 2014. All patients were already diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and presented with vertebral column fractures. All patients were men with an average age of 55.9 yr. Six patients had a fractured cervical spine, one patient had a cervicodorsal junction fracture, seven had a fractured dorsal spine, and eight had dorsolumbar junction fractures. The patients were evaluated neurologically according to Frankel grading system. All patients had radiographic survey of the entire spine. CT was obtained in every patient. MRI was obtained to evaluate the neural tissues and presence of epidural hematoma. All patients required surgery to stabilize the vertebral column. Long fixation with adequate bone graft is the rule for dorsal and dorsolumbar fractures with respect to the preoperative deformity. Anterior fixation and posterior fixation were done for cervical fractures extending to more than one level.

Results:

All patients with cervical fractures had anterior fixation followed by posterior laminectomy and lateral mass fixation. No anterior approach or fixation was done for dorsal or dorsolumbar fractures. Five patients were admitted to the intensive care unit postoperatively. The mean follow-up period was 24.5 mo. The patients who were Frankel E postoperatively regained their preoperative level of activity. At the end of follow-up, there were no metal failures or pseudoarthrosis.

Conclusions:

The surgical treatment is a cornerstone with attention to the nature of the disease and the preexisting deformity of the patient.
Beneficial Effects of Two Types of Personal Health Record Services Connected With Electronic Medical Records Within the Hospital Setting
Authors: Lee Jisan , Kim James G. Boram , Jin Meiling , Ahn Kiwhan , Kim Byungjun , Kim Sukwha , Kim Jeongeun
Published: May 2017

Healthcare consumers must be able to make decisions based on accurate health information. To assist with this, we designed and developed an integrated system connected with electronic medical records in hospitals to ensure delivery of accurate health information. The system—called the Consumer-centered Open Personal Health Record platform—is composed of two services: a portal for users with any disease and a mobile application for users with cleft lip/palate. To assess the benefits of these services, we used a quasi-experimental, pretest-posttest design, assigning participants to the portal (n = 50) and application (n = 52) groups. Both groups showed significantly increased knowledge, both objective (actual knowledge of health information) and subjective (perceived knowledge of health information), after the intervention. Furthermore, while both groups showed higher information needs satisfaction after the intervention, the application group was significantly more satisfied. Knowledge changes were more affected by participant characteristics in the application group. Our results may be due to the application's provision of specific disease information and a personalized treatment plan based on the participant and other users' data. We recommend that services connected with electronic medical records target specific diseases to provide personalized health management to patients in a hospital setting.
Proximal Phalanx Osteoid Osteoma: A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Liu Edward H. , Stone Nicholas , Alowami Salem Omar , Thoma Achilles
Published: May 2017

Osteoid osteoma is a rare clinical entity often mistaken for osteomyelitis, enchondroma, osteochondroma and other bony pathologies. Cardinal features include localized swelling and nocturnal pain often relieved by nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs. Definitive treatment requires surgical removal of the lesion by curettage or en bloc excision. The following case report details the diagnosis and management of a recurrent case of osteoid osteoma in a long finger proximal phalanx. Included with this case report is a literature review of osteoid osteomas on the hand and the anatomic distribution of 289 cases published in the last 30 years.
Personality Traits as Predictors of Quality of Life and Body Image after Breast Reconstruction
Authors: Juhl Alexander Andersen , Damsgaard Tine Engberg , O’Connor Maja , Christensen Søren , Zachariae Robert
Published: May 2017

Background:

It has been suggested that personality traits may influence patient-reported outcomes of breast reconstruction, but the research is limited. We investigated, in a prospective study, whether personality traits predict the achieved body image and quality of life (QoL) after breast reconstruction.

Methods:

Patients planning to undergo breast reconstruction at a University Hospital were consecutively recruited from January 2014 to January 2016. Participants completed validated measures of personality, body image, and QoL, before and 6 months after breast reconstruction. The influence of personality traits on achieved body image and QoL was explored with multivariate linear regression modelling, adjusting for baseline scores, demographics, and clinical variables.

Results:

Of 247 eligible patients, 208 (84%) participated. Twelve patients (6%) were excluded due to failed reconstruction. Of the remaining 196 patients, 180 (92%) completed the follow-up questionnaire. When adjusted for baseline QoL scores, higher trait Neuroticism, higher trait Openness, and higher body mass index measured at baseline showed to be independent and statistically significant predictors of deteriorating QoL scores from baseline to 6-month follow-up (P < 0.001; R2 = 0.45). When adjusted for body image scores at baseline, higher trait Neuroticism and immediate reconstruction were found to be independent predictors of poorer body image from baseline to 6-months follow-up (P < 0.001; R2 = 0.36).

Conclusions:

The present study suggests personality traits, in particular Neuroticism, as independent predictors of the achieved body image and QoL after breast reconstruction. Weighing in the personality traits of the patients may be an important adjunct in improving patient-reported outcomes after breast reconstructions.
Off-Pump Transapical Removal of An Embolized Transcatheter Aortic Valve
Authors: Taylor Lauren J. , Raval Amish N. , Osaki Satoru , Kohmoto Takushi , Lozonschi Lucian
Published: May 2017

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement is a less invasive alternative for high-risk patients. However, valve embolization is a rare but dreaded complication. We report the successful off-pump retrieval of an embolized valve after transfemoral transcatheter aortic valve replacement through a left anterior thoracotomy. We maintained the embolized valve on the guidewire and snared it using a transapical approach. We then deployed a valve in an adequate position to ensure hemodynamic stability before transapical removal of the embolized valve. Transapical exteriorization of the femoral guidewire offers additional support, particularly in patients with a horizontal aortic annulus.
Validation of EQ-5D and 15D in the assessment of health-related quality of life in chronic pain
Authors: Vartiainen Pekka , Mäntyselkä Pekka , Heiskanen Tarja , Hagelberg Nora , Mustola Seppo , Forssell Heli , Kautiainen Hannu , Kalso Eija
Published: May 2017

Chronic pain has a significant impact on quality of life. Measurement of health-related quality of life (HRQoL) is essential in the assessment of pain management outcomes, but different instruments have produced varying results. We assessed the validity of 2 HRQoL instruments, EuroQol 5 dimensions questionnaire (EQ-5D) and 15-dimensional health-related quality of life measure (15D), in patients with challenging chronic pain. Three hundred ninety-one chronic noncancer pain patients referred to tertiary pain clinics completed EQ-5D, 15D, and a broad set of questionnaires mapping socioeconomic factors, self-rated health, pain intensity and interference, depression, pain acceptance, pain-related anxiety, and sleep. The 2 HRQoL instruments were compared with each other, and head-to-head comparisons were made with self-rated health and the symptom-specific questionnaires. 15D and EQ-5D showed moderate agreement (ρ = 0.66), but there were also considerable differences between the instruments. 15D correlated better with self-rated health than EQ-5D (ρ = −0.62 vs −0.45, P < 0.001). The EQ-5D appeared less sensitive than 15D especially in those patients with chronic pain who had a better health status. The principal component constructed from measures of pain intensity and interference, anxiety, pain acceptance, depression, and sleep had higher standardized beta coefficients with 15D than with EQ-5D (P = 0.038). The principal component explained more variance in the 15D (R
2 = 0.65) than in the EQ-5D (R
2 = 0.43). The study identified differences in the pain-related variables between the EQ-5D and the 15D. In patients with chronic pain, both instruments are valid, but 15D appears somewhat more sensitive than EQ-5D.