bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Temporal variations of atmospheric CO2 and CO at Ahmedabad in western India
Authors: Chandra Naveen , Lal Shyam , Venkataramani S. , Patra Prabir K. , Sheel Varun
Published: May 2016

Abstract. About 70 % of the anthropogenic carbon dioxide (CO2) is emitted from the megacities and urban areas of the world. In order to draw effective emission mitigation policies for combating future climate change as well as independently validating the emission inventories for constraining their large range of uncertainties, especially over major metropolitan areas of developing countries, there is an urgent need for greenhouse gas measurements over representative urban regions. India is a fast developing country, where fossil fuel emissions have increased dramatically in the last three decades and are predicted to continue to grow further by at least 6 % per year through to 2025. The CO2 measurements over urban regions in India are lacking. To overcome this limitation, simultaneous measurements of CO2 and carbon monoxide (CO) have been made at Ahmedabad, a major urban site in western India, using a state-of-the-art laser-based cavity ring down spectroscopy technique from November 2013 to May 2015. These measurements enable us to understand the diurnal and seasonal variations in atmospheric CO2 with respect to its sources (both anthropogenic and biospheric) and biospheric sinks. The observed annual average concentrations of CO2 and CO are 413.0 ± 13.7 and 0.50 ± 0.37 ppm respectively. Both CO2 and CO show strong seasonality with lower concentrations (400.3 ± 6.8 and 0.19 ± 0.13 ppm) during the south-west monsoon and higher concentrations (419.6 ± 22.8 and 0.72 ± 0.68 ppm) during the autumn (SON) season. Strong diurnal variations are also observed for both the species. The common factors for the diurnal cycles of CO2 and CO are vertical mixing and rush hour traffic, while the influence of biospheric fluxes is also seen in the CO2 diurnal cycle. Using CO and CO2 covariation, we differentiate the anthropogenic and biospheric components of CO2 and found significant contributions of biospheric respiration and anthropogenic emissions in the late night (00:00–05:00 h, IST) and evening rush hours (18:00–22:00 h) respectively. We compute total yearly emissions of CO to be 69.2 ± 0.07 Gg for the study region using the observed CO : CO2 correlation slope and bottom-up CO2 emission inventory. This calculated emission of CO is 52 % larger than the estimated emission of CO by the emissions database for global atmospheric research (EDGAR) inventory. The observations of CO2 have been compared with an atmospheric chemistry-transport model (ACTM), which incorporates various components of CO2 fluxes. ACTM is able to capture the basic variabilities, but both diurnal and seasonal amplitudes are largely underestimated compared to the observations. We attribute this underestimation by the model to uncertainties in terrestrial biosphere fluxes and coarse model resolution. The fossil fuel signal from the model shows fairly good correlation with observed CO2 variations, which supports the overall dominance of fossil fuel emissions over the biospheric fluxes in this urban region.
The implementation of NEMS GFS Aerosol Component (NGAC) Version 1.0 for global dust forecasting at NOAA/NCEP
Authors: Lu Cheng-Hsuan , da Silva Arlindo , Wang Jun , Moorthi Shrinivas , Chin Mian , Colarco Peter , Tang Youhua , Bhattacharjee Partha S. , Chen Shen-Po , Chuang Hui-Ya , Juang Hann-Ming Henry , McQueen Jeffery , Iredell Mark
Published: May 2016

Abstract. The NOAA National Centers for Environmental Prediction (NCEP) implemented the NOAA Environmental Modeling System (NEMS) Global Forecast System (GFS) Aerosol Component (NGAC) for global dust forecasting in collaboration with NASA Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC). NGAC Version 1.0 has been providing 5-day dust forecasts at 1°  ×  1° resolution on a global scale, once per day at 00:00 Coordinated Universal Time (UTC), since September 2012. This is the first global system capable of interactive atmosphere aerosol forecasting at NCEP. The implementation of NGAC V1.0 reflects an effective and efficient transitioning of NASA research advances to NCEP operations, paving the way for NCEP to provide global aerosol products serving a wide range of stakeholders, as well as to allow the effects of aerosols on weather forecasts and climate prediction to be considered.
Production of Active Packaging from Debris of Heliconia and Thai Herbs for Reducing Anthracnose Disease of Mango and Papaya
Authors: Trirat Pratoomtong , Jenkunawat Somporn
Published: May 2016

A study of production of active packaging from debris of Heliconia and Thai herbs for reducing anthracnose disease of mango and papaya comprises four steps: 1) create mold for producing packaging 2) prepare pulp from agricultural waste, 3) produce active packaging, and 4) test of packaging efficiency to reduce anthracnose disease in mango and papaya. The study revealed that creating mold from white cement was easy and quick, and the mold was strong. Regarding the method to produce packaging, pouring of pulp onto muslin cloth in the mold did not give uniform thickness, whereas hand tapping of pulp into the mold offered uniform thickness but it took more time to do. However, the latter took only one day to dry while the first took 2-3 days. The packaging was less shrink by tapping than pouring method. The shape of packaging can well support mango and papaya fruits, and its strength and thickness was adjustable by the amount of pulp used. Heliconia pulp can be used to produce packaging and provided natural color as well as the identity of hand-made products which is free from harmful chemicals in the pulping process. The active packaging produced from Heliconia pulp and herbal extracts from galangal stem, kaffir lime leaves, cassia leaves and Plai essential oil was found to be effective in controlling anthracnose disease. The anthracnose lesions on mango fruits were smaller than those on papaya fruits.
The Problems of Iranian Language Learners in Correctly Using German Prepositions
Authors: Haddadi Mohammad Hossein , Tavakoli Aida Saidi
Published: May 2016

Due to their various types and forms in different languages, prepositions are assumed as a difficult issue in teaching foreign languages. Thus the authors of the present article carried out a field test with the goal of analyzing the use of prepositions by elementary learners of German. The findings of the test confirm the problems students have in using German prepositions. This article is an attempt to compare Persian and German prepositions. The comparison reveals that prepositions in two languages are in no one-to-one relationship with each other. The findings of this research show that German and Persian prepositions are different on three levels: 1. Meaning 2. Grammatical function 3. Sentential position. Furthermore, German prepositions are so various in form and content that it is almost impossible for a learner to make correspondence between the prepositions of the two systems.
Architecture as Evidence: E. A. Freeman and Harold’s Church
Authors: Dade-Robertson Christine
Published: May 2016

E. A. Freeman maintained that he always sought the truth in his historical research. He asserted that ‘personal theories’ and ‘national prejudices’ had no place in the study of history, but did his actions always match the rhetoric? This essay focuses on Freeman’s hero-worship of Harold, the last Anglo Saxon king, and his quest to prove Harold’s link with Waltham Abbey. This quest became a personal obsession which was to embroil him in a controversy which, many have argued, led him to compromise his academic principles and to allow ‘romantic nationalism’ to get in the way of the objective search for truth.
Alter Orbis: E. A. Freeman on Empire and Racial Destiny
Authors: Bell Duncan
Published: May 2016

This essay analyses E. A. Freeman’s views on the past, present, and future of the British Empire. It elucidates in particular how his understanding of Aryan racial history and the glories of Ancient Greece helped to shape his account of the British Empire and its pathologies. Freeman was deeply critical of both the British Empire in India and projects for Imperial Federation. Yet he was no ‘little Englander.’ Indeed, it is argued that Freeman’s scepticism about modern European forms of empire-building was informed by an ambition to establish a globe-spanning political community composed of the ‘English-speaking peoples’. At the core of this imagined racial community, united by kinship and common citizenship, stood the Anglo-American connection, and Freeman repeatedly sought to convince people on both sides of the Atlantic about their collective history and their shared destiny. For Freeman, the institutions of formal empire stood in the way of this grandiose vision of world order.
Levantine Epigraphy and Samaria, Judaea and Idumaea during the Achaemenid Period
Authors: Lemaire André
Published: May 2016

The publication of the Samaria papyrus discovered in a Wadi ed-Daliyeh cave north of Jericho and the knowledge of the Samaria coinage help to fix the chronology of the Samaria governors from the second half of the 5th century BCE till Alexander. They reveal the practice of slavery as well as a mostly yahwist population, if one can judge from their personal names and the building of a temple on Mount Garizim. At the same time, they indicate some strong foreign (Aramaean, Phoenician, Babylonian, Persian, Idumaean, North-Arab and Greek) influence. The administration of the Judean province receives now some light from a few ostraca and from numerous seal-impressions as well as the 4th century BCE coinage. These short inscriptions allow us to precise the limited extent of the province while Elephantine papyrus help to fix the chronology of its governors and high priests. Southern Cisjordan was first part of the North-Arab kingdom of Kedar and became an Achaemenid province called ‘Idumaea’ only at the beginning of the 4th century BCE. About 2000 Aramaic ostraca reveal, for this last century, a well organized administration as well as a mixed population with Edomite, North-Arabic, Aramaean, Hebrew and Phoenician names.
Introduction
Authors: English Richard
Published: May 2016

The scholarly literature on terrorism has offered important insights into the dynamics of non-state terrorism, and also into the very varied responses that have been developed in reaction to it. Crucial within such debates have been the issues of definition, of terrorist efficacy, of appropriate state response, of non-state terrorist organisational development, and of the most fruitful hermeneutical framework within which to analyse terrorism and terrorists. This chapter summarises some of the most significant work to date on these issues. But it argues also for a new framework for analysis: one that looks synoptically at terrorism, counter-terrorism, and the relationship between them; and one that is genuinely multi-disciplinary and open to policy seriousness. It then introduces the different ways in which the book's contributors offer important and original analysis of the key areas that are covered in the book, analysis which is situated within this new framework.
Why Terrorist Campaigns Do Not End
Authors: English Richard
Published: May 2016

Within debates on how terrorism ends, political historians will want academic analysis to reflect the frequently unpredictable messiness of such processes. When terrorist groups desist, they often do so in ways that involve violent spillage across the historical line which broadly divides conflict from peace. This chapter focuses on one significant case study in terrorist persistence: dissident Irish republican violence in the wake of the decision by the Provisional Irish Republican Army (PIRA) to end its own armed struggle. I will offer a brief account of dissident republican activity, and then explain such activity by situating it within a wider hermeneutical framework of nationalism as such. The central argument will be that we can only properly understand and appropriately respond to dissident Irish republican terrorism if we interpret it as a recognisable species of nationalist zealotry, with family resemblances to many other nationalisms throughout politics and history in Ireland and elsewhere. Such an account normalises dissident republicanism and explains its (to some observers, surprising) durability; it does not ignore the non-ideological motivations and dynamics of Irish dissidents; nor does it offer any legitimising framework for such ongoing violent republicanism.
Fabrication and evaluation of flexible Mach–Zehnder waveguide structure embedded in a poly(dimethylsiloxane) thin film using a proton microbeam
Authors: Parajuli Raj Kumar , Saruya Ryota , Akutzu Naoki , Miura Satoshi , Kada Wataru , Kawabata Shunsuke , Matsubara Yoshinori , Satoh Takahiro , Koka Masashi , Yamada Naoto , Kamiya Tomihiro , Miura Kenta , Hanaizumi Osamu
Published: May 2016

A flexible Mach–Zehnder (MZ) optical waveguide was fabricated in a poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) film by proton beam writing (PBW). A focused 750 keV proton microbeam was used to fabricate a 40 × 20 mm2 MZ optical waveguide structure with a width of 8 µm embedded in a PDMS film for the single-mode light propagation of infrared (IR) laser light. The structure was measured by ion-beam-induced luminescence (IBIL) analysis and the beam fluence was optimized according to the IBIL intensity obtained from the waveguide structure. The entire structure of the MZ waveguide functioned well, confirmed by observing the near-field pattern (NFP) with a tunable IR laser (1.55 µm) for different PDMS film conditions. The optical throughput measurements for different sample configurations were obtained under continuous mechanical stress and a relatively low optical loss was observed at an inclination angle of 16°. Our results suggest that the MZ waveguide can be used for optical interlink connections under continuous mechanical stress.
Anthropogenic and geologic influences on subsidence in the vicinity of New Orleans, Louisiana
Authors: Jones Cathleen E. , An Karen , Blom Ronald G. , Kent Joshua D. , Ivins Erik R. , Bekaert David
Published: May 2016

New measurements of ongoing subsidence of land proximal to the city of New Orleans, Louisiana, and including areas around the communities of Norco and Lutcher upriver along the Mississippi are reported. The rates of vertical motion are derived from interferometric synthetic aperture radar (InSAR) applied to Uninhabited Aerial Vehicle Synthetic Aperture Radar (UAVSAR) data acquired on 16 June 2009 and 2 July 2012. The subsidence trends are similar to those reported for 2002–2004 in parts of New Orleans where observations overlap, in particular in Michoud, the 9th Ward, and Chalmette, but are measured at much higher spatial resolution (6 m). The spatial associations of cumulative surface movements suggest that the most likely drivers of subsidence are groundwater withdrawal and surficial drainage/dewatering activities. High subsidence rates are observed localized around some major industrial facilities and can affect nearby flood control infrastructure. Substantial subsidence is observed to occur rapidly from shallow compaction in highly localized areas, which is why it could be missed in subsidence surveys relying on point measurements at limited locations.
Earthquake rupture extents and coseismic slips promoted by damaged fault zones
Authors: Weng Huihui , Yang Hongfeng , Zhang Zhenguo , Chen Xiaofei
Published: May 2016

Here we investigate the effects of damage fault zones on rupture propagation by conducting a series of 3‐D dynamic rupture simulations on a planar vertical strike‐slip fault. We find that damage fault zones can promote rupture extent and increase earthquake potency. The waves reflected from the bottom of shallow damage fault zones can increase shear stress on the fault and thus promote rupture propagation. In addition, the promotional effects increase with the width and depth extent of damage fault zones. The overall effects of the waves reflected from the fault‐parallel side boundaries of damage fault zones are unfavorable for rupture propagation. Therefore, rupture propagation is promoted with the increased width of fault zones due to geometrical spreading effects. Moreover, nonground‐breaking ruptures may reach the ground surface with the effects of damage fault zones. Furthermore, along‐strike segmented fault zones as suggested by observations could also promote ruptures and may lead to preferred rupture directions if epicenters are close to fault zones. The effects of damage fault zones on rupture propagation hold important implications on assessing earthquake risk.
Coral Sr‐U thermometry
Authors: DeCarlo Thomas M. , Gaetani Glenn A. , Cohen Anne L. , Foster Gavin L. , Alpert Alice E. , Stewart Joseph A.
Published: May 2016

Coral skeletons archive past climate variability with unrivaled temporal resolution. However, extraction of accurate temperature information from coral skeletons has been limited by “vital effects,” which confound, and sometimes override, the temperature dependence of geochemical proxies. We present a new approach to coral paleothermometry based on results of abiogenic precipitation experiments interpreted within a framework provided by a quantitative model of the coral biomineralization process. DeCarlo et al. (2015a) investigated temperature and carbonate chemistry controls on abiogenic partitioning of Sr/Ca and U/Ca between aragonite and seawater and modeled the sensitivity of skeletal composition to processes occurring at the site of calcification. The model predicts that temperature can be accurately reconstructed from coral skeleton by combining Sr/Ca and U/Ca ratios into a new proxy, which we refer to hereafter as the Sr‐U thermometer. Here we test the model predictions with measured Sr/Ca and U/Ca ratios of 14 Porites sp. corals collected from the tropical Pacific Ocean and the Red Sea, with a subset also analyzed using the boron isotope (δ11B) pH proxy. Observed relationships among Sr/Ca, U/Ca, and δ11B agree with model predictions, indicating that the model accounts for the key features of the coral biomineralization process. By calibrating to instrumental temperature records, we show that Sr‐U captures 93% of mean annual temperature variability (26–30°C) and has a standard deviation of prediction of 0.5°C, compared to 1°C using Sr/Ca alone. The Sr‐U thermometer may offer significantly improved reliability for reconstructing past ocean temperatures from coral skeletons.
Climate change reduces warming potential of nitrous oxide by an enhanced Brewer‐Dobson circulation
Authors: Kracher Daniela , Reick Christian H. , Manzini Elisa , Schultz Martin G. , Stein Olaf
Published: May 2016

The Brewer‐Dobson circulation (BDC), which is an important driver of the stratosphere‐troposphere exchange, is expected to accelerate with climate change. One particular consequence of this acceleration is the enhanced transport of nitrous oxide (N2O) from its sources at the Earth's surface toward its main sink region in the stratosphere, thus inducing a reduction in its lifetime. N2O is a potent greenhouse gas and the most relevant currently emitted ozone‐depleting substance. Here we examine the implications of a reduced N2O lifetime in the context of climate change. We find a decrease in its global warming potential (GWP) and, due to a decline in the atmospheric N2O burden, also a reduction in its total radiative forcing. From the idealized transient global warming simulation we can identify linear regressions for N2O sink, lifetime, and GWP with temperature rise. Our findings are thus not restricted to a particular scenario.
Evaluating biases in simulated land surface albedo from CMIP5 global climate models
Authors: Li Yue , Wang Tao , Zeng Zhenzhong , Peng Shushi , Lian Xu , Piao Shilong
Published: May 2016

Land surface albedo is a key parameter affecting energy balance and near‐surface climate. In this study, we used satellite data to evaluate simulated surface albedo in 37 models participating in the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 5 (CMIP5). There was a systematic overestimation in the simulated seasonal cycle of albedo with the highest bias occurring during the Northern Hemisphere's winter months. The bias in surface albedo during the snow‐covered season was classified into that in snow cover fraction (SCF) and albedo contrast (β1). There was a general overestimation of β1 due to the simulated snow‐covered albedo being brighter than the observed value; negative biases in SCF were not always related to negative albedo biases, highlighting the need for realistic representation of snow‐covered albedo in models. In addition, models with a lower leaf area index (LAI) tend to produce a higher surface albedo over the boreal forests during the winter, which emphasizes the necessity of improving LAI simulations in CMIP5 models. Insolation weighting showed that spring albedo biases were of greater importance for climate. The removal of albedo biases is expected to improve temperature simulations particularly over high‐elevation regions.
The Methylene Alkoxy Carbamate Self‐Immolative Unit: Utilization for the Targeted Delivery of Alcohol‐Containing Payloads with Antibody–Drug Conjugates
Authors: Kolakowski Robert V. , Haelsig Karl T. , Emmerton Kim K. , Leiske Chris I. , Miyamoto Jamie B. , Cochran Julia H. , Lyon Robert P. , Senter Peter D. , Jeffrey Scott C.
Published: May 2016

A strategy for the conjugation of alcohol‐containing payloads to antibodies has been developed and involves the methylene alkoxy carbamate (MAC) self‐immolative unit. A series of MAC β‐glucuronide model constructs were prepared to evaluate stability and enzymatic release, and the results demonstrated high stability at physiological pH in a substitution‐dependent manner. All the MAC model compounds efficiently released alcohol drug surrogates under the action of β‐glucuronidase. To assess the MAC technology for ADCs, the potent microtubule‐disrupting agent auristatin E (AE) was incorporated through the norephedrine alcohol. Conjugation of the MAC β‐glucuronide AE drug linker to the anti‐CD30 antibody cAC10, and an IgG control antibody, gave potent and immunologically specific activities in vitro and in vivo. These studies validate the MAC self‐immolative unit for alcohol‐containing payloads within ADCs, a class that has not been widely exploited.
Nitrogenases—A Tale of Carbon Atom(s)
Authors: Hu Yilin , Ribbe Markus W.
Published: May 2016

Named after its ability to catalyze the reduction of nitrogen to ammonia, nitrogenase has a surprising rapport with carbon—both through the interstitial carbide that resides in the central cavity of its cofactor and through its ability to catalyze the reductive carbon–carbon coupling of small carbon compounds into hydrocarbon products. Recently, a radical‐SAM‐dependent pathway was revealed for the insertion of carbide, which signifies a novel biosynthetic route to complex bridged metalloclusters. Moreover, a sulfur‐displacement mechanism was proposed for the activation of carbon monoxide by nitrogenase, which suggests an essential role of the interstitial carbide in maintaining the stability while permitting a certain flexibility of the cofactor structure during substrate turnover.
A comparative study on layered cobalt hydroxides in water oxidation
Authors: Leng Xue , Wu Kuang‐Hsu , Zeng Qingcong , Gentle Ian R. , Wang Da‐Wei
Published: May 2016

Oxygen evolution reaction has attracted extensive attention in energy conversion and storage technology (e. g. water splitting and rechargeable metal–air batteries). Its sluggish kinetics demands effective electrocatalysts to minimize the reaction barrier. Transition metal (oxy)hydroxides with a layered structure are one of the most active non‐noble electrocatalysts. In this study, we compared the oxygen evolution performance of α‐Co(OH)2, β‐Co(OH)2 and β‐CoOOH. Our results showed that α‐type hydroxide is more active than β‐type with 60 mV lower overpotential at 10 mA/cm2 and three times higher current density at 450 mV overpotential. The plausible reason of this superior oxygen evolution activity is likely relevant to the large interlayer space in α‐type hydroxide. © 2016 Curtin University of Technology and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Thermal and Gas Dual‐Responsive Behaviors of an Expanded UiO‐66‐Type Porous Coordination Polymer
Authors: Zhou Hao‐Long , Bai Jie , Ye Jia‐Wen , Mo Zong‐Wen , Zhang Wei‐Xiong , Zhang Jie‐Peng , Chen Xiao‐Ming
Published: May 2016

Through a modified solvothermal reaction using benzoic acid as an additive, the fcu‐type framework [Zr6O4(OH)4(edba)6] (H2edba=4,4′‐(ethyne‐1,2‐diyl)dibenzoic acid), an expanded version of UiO‐66, is synthesized as high‐quality single crystals, which can retain their single‐crystallinity after solvent exchange and degas treatments. In situ variable‐temperature single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction measurements show that the guest‐free framework exhibits a remarkably large isotropic negative thermal expansion (α=−11.0×10−6 K−1) as a result of the transverse vibrational bending of the long organic ligand. By virtue of the relatively large π‐conjugation system of the organic ligand, [Zr6O4(OH)4(edba)6] also exhibits bright blue luminescence, which can be quenched efficiently by gaseous O2 (Ksv=2.4 bar−1).
Effects of CYP2C19 variants on methadone metabolism in vitro
Authors: Lan Tian , Yuan Ling‐Jing , Hu Xiao‐Xia , Zhou Quan , Wang Jun , Huang Xiang‐Xin , Dai Da‐Peng , Cai Jian‐Ping , Hu Guo‐Xin
Published: May 2016

CYP2C19 is an important member of the cytochrome P450 (CYP450) enzyme super family and is responsible for clearing approximately 10% of commonly used clinical drugs that undergo phase I metabolism. Genetic polymorphisms of CYP2C19 significantly influence the efficacy and safety of some drugs, which might cause undesirable adverse effects or cure failure at standard dosages. The aim of this study was to clarify the catalytic activities of 31 CYP2C19 alleles on the oxidative in vitro metabolism of methadone. Insect microsomes expressing the CYP2C19 alleles were incubated with 50–2000 μM methadone for 30 min at 37 °C and terminated by cooling to ‐80 °C immediately. Methadone and its metabolite EDDP were analyzed by an ultra performance liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC‐MS/MS) system. Of the 31 tested CYP2C19 allelies variants, CYP2C19*1 is the wild‐type. Compared with CYP2C19*1, two CYP2C19 variants (CYP2C19*3 and *35FS) had no detectable enzyme activity, one variant L16F exhibited slightly increased intrinsic clearance values, and one variant N277K showed no significant difference. In addition, 26 variants exhibited significantly decreased values (from 1.48% to 80.40%). These findings suggest that more attention should be paid in clinical administration of methadone to individuals carrying these CYP2C19 alleles. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
CatacLysMic specificity when targeting myeloid cells?
Authors: Blank Thomas , Prinz Marco
Published: May 2016

The antibacterial enzyme lysozyme M (LysM) encoded by the Lyz2 gene is broadly expressed in myeloblasts, macrophages, and neutrophils, and thus has been used for a long time as a cell‐specific marker for myeloid cells in mice. In order to delete loxP‐site flanked genes in myeloid cells, a Cre‐recombinase (Cre) expressing mouse line was created by inserting Cre‐coding sequence into the translational start site of the LysM gene. In this issue of the European Journal of Immunology [2016. 46: 1529–1532], Orthgiess et al. verify, with the help of tdTomato and YFP reporter mouse lines, LysM‐driven recombination. Unexpectedly, the authors also describe major expression of the tdTomato reporter protein in brain neurons of the central nervous system (CNS), with only a very small percentage of gene recombination in myeloid cells of the brain, called microglia. These findings cause justified concerns regarding the efficient and specific targeting of microglia and peripheral myeloid cells using LysM‐Cre mice and should stimulate thoughts on conclusions drawn from past experiments on the diseased CNS employing this Cre/loxP‐deleter line.
A multi‐ingredient dietary supplement abolishes large‐scale brain cell loss, improves sensory function, and prevents neuronal atrophy in aging mice
Authors: Lemon J.A. , Aksenov V. , Samigullina R. , Aksenov S. , Rodgers W.H. , Rollo C.D. , Boreham D.R.
Published: May 2016

Transgenic growth hormone mice (TGM) are a recognized model of accelerated aging with characteristics including chronic oxidative stress, reduced longevity, mitochondrial dysfunction, insulin resistance, muscle wasting, and elevated inflammatory processes. Growth hormone/IGF‐1 activate the Target of Rapamycin known to promote aging. TGM particularly express severe cognitive decline. We previously reported that a multi‐ingredient dietary supplement (MDS) designed to offset five mechanisms associated with aging extended longevity, ameliorated cognitive deterioration and significantly reduced age‐related physical deterioration in both normal mice and TGM. Here we report that TGM lose more than 50% of cells in midbrain regions, including the cerebellum and olfactory bulb. This is comparable to severe Alzheimer's disease and likely explains their striking age‐related cognitive impairment. We also demonstrate that the MDS completely abrogates this severe brain cell loss, reverses cognitive decline and augments sensory and motor function in aged mice. Additionally, histological examination of retinal structure revealed markers consistent with higher numbers of photoreceptor cells in aging and supplemented mice. We know of no other treatment with such efficacy, highlighting the potential for prevention or amelioration of human neuropathologies that are similarly associated with oxidative stress, inflammation and cellular dysfunction. Environ. Mol. Mutagen. 57:382–404, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Antioxidant potential of Juglans nigra, black walnut, husks extracted using supercritical carbon dioxide with an ethanol modifier
Authors: Wenzel Jonathan , Storer Samaniego Cheryl , Wang Lihua , Burrows Laron , Tucker Evan , Dwarshuis Nathan , Ammerman Michelle , Zand Ali
Published: May 2016

The black walnut, Junglas nigra, is indigenous to eastern North America, and abscission of its fruit occurs around October. The fruit consists of a husk, a hard shell, and kernel. The husk is commonly discarded in processing, though it contains phenolic compounds that exhibit antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. For this study, black walnut husks were extracted using supercritical carbon dioxide with an ethanol modifier. The effects of temperature, ethanol concentration, and drying of walnut husks prior to extraction upon antioxidant potential were evaluated using a factorial design of experiments. The solvent density was held constant at 0.75 g/mL. The optimal extraction conditions were found to be 68°C and 20 wt‐% ethanol in supercritical carbon dioxide. At these conditions, the antioxidant potential as measured by the ferric reducing ability of plasma (FRAP) assay was 0.027 mmol trolox equivalent/g (mmol TE/g) for dried walnut husk and 0.054 mmol TE/g for walnut husks that were not dried. Antioxidant potential was also evaluated using the total phenolic content (TPC) and 1,1‐diphenyl‐2‐picryl‐hydrazyl (DPPH) assays and the FRAP assay was found to linearly correlate to the TPC assay.
Monetary Policy and Stock Prices: Does the “Fed Put” Work When It Is Most Needed?
Authors: Kurov Alexander , Gu Chen
Published: May 2016

Most studies of the effect of monetary policy on asset prices use the event study methodology with daily data. The resulting estimates suffer from bias due to omitted variables and endogeneity of policy decisions. We provide evidence that this bias becomes so large during the 2007–2008 financial crisis that it reverses the sign of the estimated stock market response to monetary news, leading to an erroneous conclusion that interest rate cuts are bad news for stocks. We also examine the stock market reaction to monetary policy during the zero lower bound period. The results show a significant bias in daily event study estimates of the stock market response to news about the future path of monetary policy. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Jrl Fut Mark 36:1210–1230, 2016
Impact of parathyroidectomy for primary hyperparathyroidism on quality of life: A case‐control study using Short Form Health Survey 36
Authors: Dulfer Roderick , Geilvoet Wanda , Morks Annelien , van Lieshout Esther M.M. , Smit Casper P.C , Nieveen van Dijkum Els J.M. , in't Hof Klaas , van Dam Frits , van Eijck Casper H.J. , de Graaf Peter W. , van Ginhoven Tessa M.
Published: May 2016

Background

Physical and mental complaints are common in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) and negatively impact quality of life (QOL). Subjective symptoms in current guidelines are not considered an indication for surgery. The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of parathyroidectomy on QOL in patients with PHPT.

Methods

This multicenter case‐control study investigated preoperative and postoperative QOL scores in patients operated for PHPT, measured with the Short Form Health Survey‐36 (SF‐36) questionnaire. Results were compared with patients undergoing a hemithyroidectomy, the control group.

Results

Fifty‐two patients and 49 controls were included. Patients with PHPT had significantly lower QOL scores preoperatively and improved significantly after successful surgical treatment. Postoperatively, no differences were observed between the 2 groups.

Conclusion

QOL was significantly lower in patients with untreated PHPT. Surgical treatment was associated with a significant increase in QOL. Decreased QOL should also be considered as an indicator for surgical treatment in patients with PHPT. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 38:1213–1220, 2016
Self‐control as generalized operant behavior by adults with autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Dunkel‐Jackson Sarah M. , Dixon Mark R. , Szekely Susan
Published: May 2016

The present investigation attempted to teach self‐control to 3 adults who had been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. Using a self‐control training procedure that coupled a gradual fading of delay to access a large delayed reinforcer with a concurrent work requirement, each participant was exposed to conditions in which baseline levels of choices for large delayed reinforcers and task engagement increased 10‐fold. Furthermore, generalization effects were partially demonstrated in a novel context.
Postnatal Development of the Degu (Octodon degus) Endocrine Stress Response Is Affected by Maternal Care
Authors: Bauer Carolyn M. , Ebensperger Luis A. , León Cecilia , Ramírez‐Estrada Juan , Hayes Loren D. , Romero L. Michael
Published: May 2016

Maternal stress and care significantly affect offspring's future behavior and physiology. Studies in laboratory rats have shown that maternal stress decreases maternal care and that low rates of certain maternal behaviors cause offspring to develop hyperreactive stress responses. Plurally breeding rodents that practice communal care, such as degus (Octodon degus), may be able to buffer some of these effects since offspring receive care from multiple females. Directly after parturition, 0% (Control group), 50% (Mixed group), or 100% (CORT group) per cage of pair‐housed female degus were implanted with 21‐day release cortisol pellets. The amount of maternal care provided by females was determined from video recordings during the next 3 weeks. Females with cortisol implants did not alter rates of maternal care. However, females recently introduced to captivity had low rates of pup contact and pup retrievals compared to females of captive origin. When pups reached 4 weeks of age, we determined their baseline and stress‐induced cortisol levels, in addition to assessing their negative feedback efficacy and adrenal sensitivity. Pups from mothers recently introduced to captivity had weak negative feedback. Within captive pups, those from CORT mothers weighed less compared to pups from either Control or Mixed mothers. Captive CORT pups also had weak adrenal sensitivity compared to captive Control pups. These findings demonstrate that maternal care and glucocorticoid elevation impact certain components of the degu pup stress response, but that plural breeding with communal care may buffer some of these effects.
One‐pot Synthesis of Novel 2,8‐dithioxopyrano[2,3‐d:6,5‐d′]dipyrimidine‐4,6(1H)‐dione Catalyzed by p‐Toluenesulfonic Acid
Authors: Mahmoodi N. O. , Sharifzadeh B. , Mamaghani M. , Tabatabaeian K. , Shoja S.
Published: May 2016

Novel 2,8‐dithioxopyrano[2,3‐d:6,5‐d′]dipyrimidine‐4,6(1H)‐dione derivatives were synthesized by a clean and efficient methodologies involving one‐pot regioselective and chemoselective reactions between two moles substituted thiobarbituric acid and 1 mol various aromatic aldehydes in the presence of p‐toluenesulfonic acid as a catalyst in EtOH with good yields in compression with alternative conditions such as microwave and promoted ultrasound. All of the compounds have been characterized by IR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR spectral data, and elemental analyses.
Human parainfluenza virus types 1–4 in hospitalized children with acute lower respiratory infections in China
Authors: Xiao Ni‐guang , Duan Zhao‐jun , Xie Zhi‐ping , Zhong Li‐li , Zeng Sai‐zhen , Huang Han , Gao Han‐chun , Zhang Bing
Published: May 2016

Human parainfluenza viruses (HPIVs) are an important cause of acute lower respiratory tract infections (ALRTIs). HPIV‐4, a newly identified virus, has been associated with severe ALRTIs recently. A total of 771 nasopharyngeal aspirate samples were collected from hospitalized children between March 2010 and February 2011. HPIVs were detected by Nest‐PCR, and other known respiratory viruses were detected by RT‐PCR and PCR. All amplification products were sequenced. HPIVs were detected in 151 (19.58%) patients, of whom 28 (3.63%) were positive for HPIV‐4, 12(1.55%) for HPIV‐1, 4 (0.51%) for HPIV‐2, and 107 (13.87%) for HPIV‐3. Only three were found to be co‐infected with different types of HPIVs. All HPIV‐positive children were under 5 years of age, with the majority being less than 1 year. Only the detection rate of HPIV‐3 had a significant statistical difference (χ2 = 29.648, P = 0.000) between ages. HPIV‐3 and HPIV‐4 were detected during the summer. Sixty (39.74%) were co‐infected with other respiratory viruses, and human rhinovirus (HRV) was the most common co‐infecting virus. The most frequent clinical diagnosis was bronchopneumonia, and all patients had cough; some patients who were infected with HPIV‐3 and HPIV‐4 had polypnea and cyanosis. No significant difference was found in clinical manifestations between those who were infected with HPIV‐4 and HPIV‐3. Two genotypes for HPIV‐4 were prevalent, although HPIV‐4a dominated. HPIV‐4 is an important virus for children hospitalized with ALRTIs in China. HRV was the most common co‐infecting virus. Two genotypes for HPIV‐4 are prevalent, HPIV‐4a dominated. J. Med. Virol. 88:2085–2091, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Effects of carbohydrate/protein ratio on the microstructure and the barrier and sorption properties of wheat starch–whey protein blend edible films
Authors: Basiak Ewelina , Lenart Andrzej , Debeaufort Frédéric
Published: May 2016

BACKGROUND

Starch and whey protein isolate and their mixtures were used for making edible films. Moisture sorption isotherms, water vapour permeability, sorption of aroma compounds, microstructure, water contact angle and surface properties were investigated.

RESULTS

With increasing protein content, the microstructure changes became more homogeneous. The water vapour permeability increases with both the humidity gradient and the starch content. For all films, the hygroscopicity increases with starch content. Surface properties change according to the starch/whey protein ratio and are mainly related to the polar component of the surface tension. Films composed of 80% starch and 20% whey proteins have more hydrophobic surfaces than the other films due to specific interactions.

CONCLUSIONS

The effect of carbohydrate/protein ratio significantly influences the microstructure, the surface wettability and the barrier properties of wheat starch–whey protein blend films. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry
Novel process for cover glass with ideal stress distribution
Authors: Fukada Mutsumu , Kinoshita Kiyotaka , Kajioka Toshiyuki
Published: May 2016

Abstract — This paper proposes a new process to manufacture cover glass that overcomes a strength trade‐off between the face and the edge. In the process, alkali barrier films are deposited on glass faces before an ion exchange process in order to control face stress properties without inhibiting the edge strengthening. As a demonstration of the process, alkali‐alumino‐silicate glass sheets with sputter‐deposited SiO2 films were chemically strengthened, and then their stress properties and strengths were investigated. As a result, thicker SiO2 films cause lower face DOL (depth of strengthened layer), and it is observed that the faces have lower DOL than the edges. In strength tests corresponding to major fracture modes of smartphone cover glass, specimens with 80–100 nm films have more balanced face performance and better edge impact strengths than the no‐film specimen.
Assessing the impact of common bile duct resection in the surgical management of gallbladder cancer
Authors: Gani Faiz , Buettner Stefan , Margonis Georgios A. , Ethun Cecilia G. , Poultsides George , Tran Thuy , Idrees Kamran , Isom Chelsea A. , Fields Ryan C. , Krasnick Bradley , Weber Sharon M. , Salem Ahmed , Martin Robert C.G. , Scoggins Charles , Shen Perry , Mogal Harveshp D. , Schmidt Carl , Beal Eliza , Hatzaras Ioannis , Shenoy Rivfka , Maithel Shishir K. , Pawlik Timothy M.
Published: May 2016

Background

Although radical re‐resection for gallbladder cancer (GBC) has been advocated, the optimal extent of re‐resection remains unknown. The current study aimed to assess the impact of common bile duct (CBD) resection on survival among patients undergoing surgery for GBC.

Methods

Patients undergoing curative‐intent surgery for GBC were identified using a multi‐institutional cohort of patients. Multivariable Cox‐proportional hazards regression was performed to identify risk factors for a poor overall survival (OS).

Results

Among the 449 patients identified, 26.9% underwent a concomitant CBD resection. The median number of lymph nodes harvested did not differ based on CBD resection (CBD, 4 [IQR: 2–9] vs. no CBD, 3 [IQR: 1–7], P = 0.108). While patients who underwent a CBD resection had a worse OS, after adjusting for potential confounders, CBD resection did not impact OS (HR = 1.40, 95%CI 0.87–2.27, P = 0.170). Rather, the presence of advanced disease (T3: HR = 3.11, 95%CI 1.22–7.96, P = 0.018; T4: HR = 7.24, 95%CI 1.70–30.85, P = 0.007) and the presence of disease at the surgical margin (HR = 2.58, 95%CI 1.26–5.31, P = 0.010) were predictive of a worse OS.

Conclusions

CBD resection did not yield a higher lymph node count and was not associated with an improved survival. Routine CBD excision in the re‐resection of GBC is unwarranted and should only be performed selectively. J. Surg. Oncol. 2016;114:176–180. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Routine sampling of internal mammary lymph nodes during microsurgical breast reconstruction—Experience based on 524 microsurgical breast reconstructions
Authors: Huang Jung‐Ju , Wu Chih‐Wei , Allen Robert J. , Shen Shih‐Che , Yu Chi‐Chang , Cheng Ming‐Huei
Published: May 2016

Purpose

Exploration of the internal mammary vessels during microsurgical reconstruction presents an ideal opportunity for identifying and sampling the internal mammary lymph node (IMLN) basin.

Methods

A retrospective review of patients undergoing microsurgical breast reconstruction using the internal mammary vessels as recipient vessels was conducted from March 2000 to December 2014. Patient demographics, tumor characteristics, preoperative lymph node mapping, reconstructive timing, and outcomes were studied.

Results

A total of 524 microsurgical breast reconstructions in 516 patients were performed using the internal mammary vessels. IMLNs were sampled in 53 immediate and 42 delayed breast reconstructions. Eight (seven in the immediate and one in the delayed group) of the sampled nodes were positive for cancer metastasis, for an incidence of 8.4% in identified lymph nodes. All patients with metastatic IMLNs subsequently received local‐regional radiation and chemotherapy. All patients were alive, and six were disease‐free at the conclusion of the study period, which had an average follow up of 67.3 months.

Conclusion

Incidentally encountered IMLNs during microsurgical breast reconstruction are frequently positive. With negligible downside and the possibility to provide additional information for treatment, the procedure should be encouraged. J. Surg. Oncol. 2016;114:133–139. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Computer simulation of bending a fibrous composite reinforced with auxetic phase
Authors: Jopek Hubert
Published: May 2016

A two phase, fibrous composite subjected to bending non‐uniform load is studied in this article. The composite is built of two constituents: the matrix is built of conventional material characterised by constant positive Poisson's ratio, whereas the Poisson's ratio of fibres is changed from positive (common materials) to negative values (auxetics). The influence of the arrangement of fibres, the volume fraction of fibres’ materials and the distribution of loading force is studied by means of FEM. The behaviour of the composite is investigated in order to determine if auxetic reinforcement improves rigidity and indentation resistance of the composite. The results obtained confirm that auxetics can be used in composites to decrease deformation in the direction of acting force.
Sequential fetal serum β2‐microglobulin to predict postnatal renal function in bilateral or low urinary tract obstruction
Authors: Spaggiari E. , Faure G. , Dreux S. , Czerkiewicz I. , Stirnemann J. J. , Guimiot F. , Heidet L. , Favre R. , Salomon L. J. , Oury J. F. , Ville Y. , Muller F.
Published: May 2016

Objective

Fetal serum β2‐microglobulin has been shown to predict postnatal renal outcome in cases of fetal obstructive uropathy. We assessed the value of serial measurements of fetal serum β2‐microglobulin in the prediction of postnatal renal outcome.

Methods

We retrospectively studied renal outcome in 42 fetuses with bilateral or low urinary tract obstruction that had fetal blood sampling on at least two occasions to assay serum levels of β2‐microglobulin. Amniotic fluid volume at the time of each sampling was recorded. We classified renal outcome as either favorable (when postnatal renal function was normal) or adverse (when postnatal chronic renal failure occurred or when renal dysplasia at autopsy was noted). A β2‐microglobulin cut‐off of 5 mg/L and amniotic fluid index of 5 cm were used to predict postnatal renal outcome.

Results

Renal outcome was adverse in 28 cases and favorable in 14. In 12 (28.6%) cases, fetal serum β2‐microglobulin concentration differed between the first and last measurement. Prediction of postnatal renal outcome was correct in 11 of these cases based on the last β2‐microglobulin measurement. The sensitivity of β2‐microglobulin in predicting renal outcome was significantly higher (P = 0.005) when using the last rather than the first measurement (96.4% vs 64.3%), with similar specificity for both measurements (85.7% vs 78.6%, non‐significant). The sensitivity of amniotic fluid volume was also significantly higher (P = 0.005) when using the last rather than the first measurement (75.0% vs 35.7%), with similar specificity for both measurements (64.3% vs 71.4%, non‐significant).

Conclusion

Sequential measurement of serum β2‐microglobulin, performed for adverse ultrasound findings, such as renal parenchymal abnormality or decreasing amniotic fluid volume, predicts postnatal renal outcome more accurately than does a single assay. This may be due to possible worsening of renal injury with increasing duration of urinary tract obstruction. Copyright © 2016 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.