bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Antheraea pernyi silk sericin mediating biomimetic nucleation and growth of hydroxylapatite crystals promoting bone matrix formation
Authors: Jiayao Zhuang , Guanshan Zhou , Jinchi Zhang , Yuyin Chen , Yongqiang Zhu
Published: November 2016

Bone biomineralization is well‐regulated processes mediated by extracellular matrix proteins. The materials that can direct nucleation of hydroxylapatite (HAp) crystals and assembly of well‐structured material‐minerals complex are the key to mimicking the natural mineralization. This study used sericin from Antheraea pernyi (A.pernyi), non‐mulberry silkworm cocoon as template to mediate nucleation of HAp crystals. Here we find out that AS (Antheraea pernyi sericin) can nucleate the formation HAp crystals in simulated body fluid verified by XRD and FTIR observations. The HAp crystals are organized into nano‐rods oriented with c‐axis preferentially parallel to the long axis of AS due to hydrogen bonds and electrostatic interaction and finally aggregated into HAp globule. The cell culture of human bone marrow‐derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) showed that the HAp crystals mediated by AS not only stimulate cell adhesion and proliferation but also promote 0f osteogenic differentiation, suggesting that the resultant mineralized AS biomaterial has potential in promoting bone formation. Thus our work will provide significant implication on biomineralization of A. pernyi silk sericin as a potential scaffold for tissue engineering.
Climatology of Philippine tropical cyclone activity: 1945–2011
Authors: Corporal‐Lodangco Irenea L. , Leslie Lance M.
Published: November 2016

The Philippine region occupies the southwestern western North Pacific (WNP) Ocean, between 5°–25°N and 115°–135°E. About 70% of WNP tropical cyclones (TCs) formed in or entered the Philippine region during 1945–2011. Here, a climatology of Philippine TC metrics is developed, including mean annual frequencies, landfalls, TC days, season lengths, season earliest and latest start and end dates, genesis locations, and tracks. Two distinct TC seasons, the less active season (LAS; 1 January–31 May) and more active season (MAS; 1 June–31 December), are evident. Philippine TC annual median LAS frequency is 2 [interquartile range (IQR) is 2], and median landfalling frequency is 1. The annual median MAS frequency is 15 (IQR is 4.5), and median landfalling frequency is 6. About 55% of Philippine TCs reach typhoon intensity. A quiescent (TC‐free) period occurs between LAS and MAS, ranging from 2 days to 5 months (median 1.2 months) for LAS to MAS transitions, and 6 days to 7 months (median 2.85 months) for MAS to LAS transitions. The interannual variability of the annual average lifetime maximum intensity (LMI) for all TCs and landfalling TCs decreased slightly during the satellite era (the years since 1980). The TC annual average latitude of LMI in the satellite era exhibits a poleward migration; however, for landfalling TCs it is equatorward.

Wavelet analysis shows El Niño Southern Oscillation as the dominant mode affecting Philippine TCs, consistent with other studies. The wavelet analysis also indicates possible decadal and multi‐decadal modes. In El Niño years, TCs frequently recurve or decay before reaching the Philippine region, producing below normal numbers and landfalls in LAS and MAS. In La Niña years, TC numbers and landfalls are below normal in January–March and July–September, but above normal in April–June and October–December.

The climatology developed here has social and economic relevance: allowing planning, providing early risk assessment, and mitigating impacts through timely preparation and management.
Glass‐embedded quaternary CdS1−x−ySexTey nanocrystals: Chemical composition derived from the Raman band intensities
Authors: Azhniuk Yuriy M. , Lopushansky Vasyl V. , Prymak Mykola V. , Gomonnai Alexander V. , Zahn Dietrich R.T.
Published: November 2016

Quaternary CdS1−x−ySexTey nanocrystals are obtained in borosilicate glass by diffusion‐limited growth. In their micro‐Raman spectra CdTe‐like, CdSe‐like, and CdS‐like LO phonon bands are observed providing evidence for a three‐mode character of the compositional transformation of their phonon spectra. An attempt is made to quantify the nanocrystal chemical composition based on the corresponding LO phonon band intensity ratios taking into account the effect of polaron constants. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Urological complications after cystectomy as part of pelvic exenteration are higher than that after cystectomy for primary bladder malignancy
Authors: Brown Kilian G.M. , Solomon Michael J. , Latif Edward R. , Koh Cherry E. , Vasilaras Arthur , Eisinger David , Sved Paul
Published: November 2016

Background

Total cystectomy and subsequent reconstruction of the urinary tract may be required for primary malignancy of the bladder, or in the context of multi‐visceral resection for more advanced pelvic tumors. Complications following urinary diversion are a major source of morbidity, particularly in pelvic exenteration (PE) patients.

Methods

All patients who underwent radical cystectomy alone or during PE at a single tertiary referral centre between 2008 and 2014 were reviewed. Postoperative urological complications were collected and compared between groups.

Results

Two hundred and thirty‐one patients underwent en bloc cystectomy (98 cystectomy alone, 133 as part of a PE). Postoperative urological complications occurred in 33% of the cystectomy alone group and 59% of the PE group (P < 0.001). PE for recurrence had higher complications than PE for primary malignancy (67% vs. 48%, P = 0.035). Urological leaks occurred in 3%, 6%, and 14% of patient who had cystectomy alone, PE for primary malignancy and PE for recurrence. Major blood loss and previous pelvic radiotherapy independently predicted conduit‐associated complications in PE patients (P = 0.002 and 0.035).

Conclusions

Urological complications of cystectomy, particularly urine leaks and sepsis, are more common in patients undergoing PE compared to those with cystectomy alone. Prior pelvic radiotherapy, the extent of surgical resection and major blood loss may contribute to urological morbidity. J. Surg. Oncol. 2017;115:307–311. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Evaluation of a new modified QuEChERS method for the monitoring of carbamate residues in high‐fat cheeses by using UHPLC–MS/MS
Authors: Hamed Ahmed M. , Moreno‐González David , Gámiz‐Gracia Laura , García‐Campaña Ana M.
Published: November 2016

A simple and efficient method for the determination of 28 carbamates in high‐fat cheeses is proposed. The methodology is based on a modified quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged, and safe procedure as sample treatment using a new sorbent (Z‐Sep+) followed by ultra‐high performance liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry determination. The method has been validated in different kinds of cheese (Gorgonzola, Roquefort, and Camembert), achieving recoveries of 70–115%, relative standard deviations lower than 13% and limits of quantification lower than 5.4 μg/kg, below the maximum residue levels tolerated for these compounds by the European legislation. The matrix effect was lower than ±30% for all the studied pesticides. The combination of ultra‐high performance liquid chromatography and tandem mass spectrometry with this modified quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged, and safe procedure using Z‐Sep+ allowed a high sample throughput and an efficient cleaning of extracts for the control of these residues in cheeses with a high fat content.
Automated coating procedures to produce poly(ethylene glycol) brushes in fused‐silica capillaries
Authors: Poulsen Nicklas N. , Østergaard Jesper , Petersen Nickolaj J. , Daasbjerg Kim , Iruthayaraj Joseph , Dedinaite Andra , Makuska Ricardas , Jensen Henrik
Published: November 2016

Many bioanalytical methods rely on electrophoretic separation of structurally labile and surface active biomolecules such as proteins and peptides. Often poor separation efficiency is due to surface adsorption processes leading to protein denaturation and surface fouling in the separation channel. Flexible and reliable approaches for preventing unwanted protein adsorption in separation science are thus in high demand. We therefore present new coating approaches based on an automated in‐capillary surface‐initiated atom transfer radical polymerization process (covalent coating) as well as by electrostatically adsorbing a presynthesized polymer leading to functionalized molecular brushes. The electroosmotic flow was measured following each step of the covalent coating procedure providing a detailed characterization and quality control. Both approaches resulted in good fouling resistance against the four model proteins cytochrome c, myoglobin, ovalbumin, and human serum albumin in the pH range 3.4−8.4. Further, even samples containing 10% v/v plasma derived from human blood did not show signs of adsorbing to the coated capillaries. The covalent as well as the electrostatically adsorbed coating were both found to be stable and provided almost complete suppression of the electroosmotic flow in the pH range 3.4−8.4. The coating procedures may easily be integrated in fully automated capillary electrophoresis methodologies.
Simultaneous determination of docosahexaenoic acid and eicosapentaenoic acid in common seafood using ultrasonic cell crusher extraction combined with gas chromatography
Authors: Zhao Juanjuan , Ren Yan , Yu Chen , Chen Xiangming , Shi Yanan
Published: November 2016

An effective method for the simultaneous determination of docosahexaenoic acid and eicosapentaenoic acid in common seafood by gas chromatography was developed and validated. Total docosahexaenoic acid and eicosapentaenoic acid were extracted from seafood by ultrasonic cell crusher assisted extraction and methyl esterified for gas chromatography analysis in the presence of the internal standard. The linearity was good (r > 0.999) in 9.59 ∼ 479.5 μg/mL for docosahexaenoic acid and 9.56 ∼ 477.8 μg/mL for eicosapentaenoic acid. The intrarun and interrun precisions were both within 4.8 and 6.1% for the two analytes, while the accuracy was less than 5.8%. The developed method was applied for determination of docosahexaenoic acid and eicosapentaenoic acid in six kinds of seafood. The result showed the content of docosahexaenoic acid and eicosapentaenoic acid was all higher than 1 mg/g in yellow croaker, hairtail, venerupis philippinarum, mussel, and oyster. Our work may be helpful for dietary optimization and production of docosahexaenoic acid and eicosapentaenoic acid.
Measuring the Value of Knowledge Management Practices at Government Research and Development Centers
Authors: Mendoza Cynthia , Bischoff John , Willy Christopher
Published: November 2016

During the last decade, many US government research and development centers adopted some type of knowledge management (KM) practice, either as a formal requirement or as part of a KM strategy to drive efficiency and remain competitive in the technology and intellectual capital marketplace. Many of these organizations implemented KM practices within their KM strategies, and many of these KM practices required similar tools and processes. However, KM implementation within the government sector has faced challenges. Some of the KM strategies provided integration of analytics and records management (explicit knowledge), and others addressed values‐based observations, culture change, and sharing of information (tacit knowledge). This paper evaluated productivity as measured by publication rates at selected research and development centers. These rates were evaluated before and after implementation of KM practices to determine if a statistically measurable relationship exists between the adoption of KM practices and comparative productivity values. Results showed that the three centers studied, even with governmental formalities, experienced increases in publication rates in the post‐KM period. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Gelation of Novel Pyrene‐Cored Chiral Dendrimers: Dendritic Effect in Gelation and Shear Thinning Behavior
Authors: Bhattacharjee Subham , Maiti Bappa , Biswakarma Dipen , Bhattacharya Santanu
Published: November 2016

Synthesis and gelation property of novel pyrene‐cored chiral dendrimers PyFG1 and PyFG2 have been studied. Dendritic effect was found to play a crucial role in the self‐assembly pattern, solvents for gelation and the shear thinning behavior of the gels as well.
Studies on Syndiotactic Polystyrene/Poly(3‐hexyl thiophene) Composite
Authors: Samanta Ketaki , Malik Sudip
Published: November 2016

Syndiotactic polystyrene (sPS) generally exhibits five crystal modifications (α, β, γ, δ and ϵ) with different molecular conformations and also with different chain packing structures. Among these modifications, the δ phase of sPS is very promising as it absorbs guest molecules producing clathrate or intercalate co‐crystals of sPS. In this connection, sPS/poly(3‐hexyl thiophene) (P3HT) composites have been prepared with the expectation of formation of P3HT nano‐crystal in the crystalline lattice of sPS. Composites have been characterized by UV‐Vis, XRD, TGA studies. Mechanical and morphological properties have been explored. UV spectra show the appearance of vibronic structure of P3HT even at low concentration of P3HT, indicating the formation of nanoaggregates of P3HT in the sPS matrix. FESEM and HRTEM analysis reveal the formation of fibrillar morphology of composites and EDX studies indicate the presence of P3HT in the fiber as well as the interaction between sPS and P3HT. There is enhancement of diameter of sPS/P3HT fibers as well as increase of mechanical strength of fibers.
Leucine‐Based Block Copolymer Nano‐Objects via Polymerization‐Induced Self‐Assembly (PISA)
Authors: Bauri Kamal , Maiti Binoy , De Priyadarsi
Published: November 2016

Polymerization‐induced self‐assembly (PISA) technique has been used to prepare leucine‐based block copolymer nano‐objects. A side‐chain leucine appending macromolecular chain transfer agent (macroCTA) has been employed for reversible addition‐fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) mediated dispersion polymerization of benzyl methacrylate (BzMA) in methanol at 65 °C. 1H NMR spectroscopy reveals near quantitative monomer conversions (≥90%) and gel permeation chromatography (GPC) indicated well‐defined block copolymer formation. Morphological evolution has been observed from spherical micelle to fibre to vesicle with increase of the length of the solvophobic block keeping the stabilizer block length and monomer solid content constant.
A Highly Selective Colorimetric Detection of Hg(II) via Enzymatic Dephosphorylation Reaction
Authors: Biswas Sagar , Bhowmik Soumitra , Rasale Dnyaneshwar B. , Das Apurba K.
Published: November 2016

Here, we report colorimetric detection of Hg(II) via enzymatic dephosphorylation reaction of Fmoc‐O‐phospho‐L‐tyrosine and cytidine 5′‐monophosphate. Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) are synthesized via enzymatic dephosphorylation reaction at room temperature which is used to detect Hg(II). Fmoc‐O‐phospho‐l‐tyrosine and cytidine 5′‐monophosphate are used to sense an enzyme alkaline phosphatase. Enzymatic dephosphorylated product provides both reducing and stabilizing agent to synthesize AuNPs. Enzymatic synthesis of AuNps is highly selective towards biomolecules and AuNPs are readily detected colorimetrically and UV‐Vis analysis. In situ synthesized AuNPs are used to detect toxic Hg2+ ions in aqueous media. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) reveals AuNPs which were prepared using enzymatic dephosphorylation reaction of Fmoc‐Tyrosine phosphate.
Discovery of Therapeutic Approaches for Polyglutamine Diseases: A Summary of Recent Efforts
Authors: Esteves Sofia , Duarte‐Silva Sara , Maciel Patrícia
Published: November 2016

Polyglutamine (PolyQ) diseases are a group of neurodegenerative disorders caused by the expansion of cytosine–adenine–guanine (CAG) trinucleotide repeats in the coding region of specific genes. This leads to the production of pathogenic proteins containing critically expanded tracts of glutamines. Although polyQ diseases are individually rare, the fact that these nine diseases are irreversibly progressive over 10 to 30 years, severely impairing and ultimately fatal, usually implicating the full‐time patient support by a caregiver for long time periods, makes their economic and social impact quite significant. This has led several researchers worldwide to investigate the pathogenic mechanism(s) and therapeutic strategies for polyQ diseases. Although research in the field has grown notably in the last decades, we are still far from having an effective treatment to offer patients, and the decision of which compounds should be translated to the clinics may be very challenging. In this review, we provide a comprehensive and critical overview of the most recent drug discovery efforts in the field of polyQ diseases, including the most relevant findings emerging from two different types of approaches—hypothesis‐based candidate molecule testing and hypothesis‐free unbiased drug screenings. We hereby summarize and reflect on the preclinical studies as well as all the clinical trials performed to date, aiming to provide a useful framework for increasingly successful future drug discovery and development efforts.
Suppression of ghost artifacts arising from long T1 species in segmented inversion‐recovery imaging
Authors: Jenista Elizabeth R. , Rehwald Wolfgang G. , Chaptini Nayla H. , Kim Han W. , Parker Michele A. , Wendell David C. , Chen Enn‐ling , Kim Raymond J.
Published: November 2016

Purpose

We demonstrate an improved segmented inversion‐recovery sequence that suppresses ghost artifacts arising from tissues with long T1 ( > 1.5 s).

Theory and Methods

Long T1 species such as pericardial fluid can create bright ghost artifacts in segmented, inversion‐recovery MRI because of oscillations in longitudinal magnetization between segments. A single dummy acquisition at the beginning of the sequence can reduce oscillations; however, its effectiveness in suppressing long T1 artifacts is unknown. In this study, we systematically evaluated several test sequences, including a prototype (saturation post‐pulse readout to eliminate spurious signal: SPPRESS) in simulations, phantoms, and patients.

Results

SPPRESS reduced artifact signal 90% ± 25% and 74% ± 28% compared with Control and Single‐Dummy methods in phantoms. SPPRESS performed well at 1.5 Tesla (T) and 3T, with steady‐state free precession (SSFP) and fast low‐angle shot (FLASH) readout, with conventional and phase‐sensitive reconstruction, and over a range of physiologic heart rates. A review of 100 consecutive clinical cardiac MRI scans revealed large fluid collections (eg, regions with long T1) in 14% of patients. In a prospectively enrolled cohort of 16 patients with visible long T1 fluids, SPPRESS appreciably reduced artifacts in all cases compared with Control and Single‐Dummy methods.

Conclusion

We developed and validated a new robust method, SPPRESS, for reducing artifacts due to long T1 species across a wide range of imaging and physiologic conditions. Magn Reson Med 78:1442–1451, 2017. © 2016 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine.
Efficient 31P band inversion transfer approach for measuring creatine kinase activity, ATP synthesis, and molecular dynamics in the human brain at 7 T
Authors: Ren Jimin , Sherry A. Dean , Malloy Craig R.
Published: November 2016

Purpose

To develop an efficient 31P magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) method for measuring creatine kinase (CK) activity, adenosine triphosphate (ATP) synthesis, and motion dynamics in the human brain at 7 Tesla (T).

Methods

Three band inversion modules differing in center frequency were used to induce magnetization transfer (MT) effect in three exchange pathways: (i) CK‐mediated reaction PCr → γ‐ATP; (ii) de novo ATP synthesis Pi → γ‐ATP; and (iii) ATP intramolecular 31P–31P cross‐relaxation γ‐(α‐) ↔ β‐ATP. The resultant MT data were analyzed using a 5‐pool model in the format of magnetization matrix according to Bloch‐McConnell‐Solomon formalism.

Results

With a repetition time (TR) of 4 s, the scan time for each module was approximately 8 min. The rate constants were kPCr → γATP 0.38 ± 0.02 s−1, kPi → γATP 0.19 ± 0.02 s−1, and σγ(α) ↔ βATP 0.19 ± 0.04 s−1, corresponding to ATP rotation correlation time τc (0.8 ± 0.2) ·10−7 s. The T1 relaxation times were Pi 7.26 ± 1.76 s, PCr 5.99 ± 0.58 s, γ‐ATP 0.98 ± 0.07 s, α‐ATP 0.95 ± 0.04 s, and β‐ATP 0.68 ± 0.03 s.

Conclusion

Short‐TR band inversion modules provide a time‐efficient way of measuring brain ATP metabolism and could be useful in studying metabolic disorders in brain diseases. Magn Reson Med 78:1657–1666, 2017. © 2016 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine.
Phase separation and segregation morphology of PCL/PS blends: Quantitative effect of the crystallization temperature, composition, and molecular weight of PS
Authors: Silva Leonel Ignacio , Montoya Rojo Úrsula María , Riccardi Carmen Cristina
Published: November 2016

The phase diagrams for blends of semicrystalline poly(ε‐caprolactone) (PCL) with amorphous polystyrene (PS) were determined and it was noticed that when molecular weight increases, the critical composition diminishes while its temperature increases. That is the same effect that produces the increase in the polydispersity of PS. From the fitting of phase diagrams of blends of PCL with oligomers and homopolymers of PS, taking into account the polydispersity, it was possible to conclude that the miscibility in these systems is due only by entropic effects. The crystalline fraction as well as the interlamellar spacing increased with crystallization temperature while the volume fraction of the amorphous PCL in the interfibrillar regions increases for the pure PCL and in its blends with low concentration of PS. Increasing the mass fraction of PS increases the average long spacing (L) till a weight fraction of 60%, for higher mass fractions L is almost constant indicating the interfibrillar segregation of PS. The PCL lamellar morphology is not affected when the molecular weight of PS employed is similar or higher than the molecular weight of PCL. If the PS has a higher molecular weight its penetration into the structure is inhibited. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 57:1062–1072, 2017. © 2016 Society of Plastics Engineers
Modeling of Thermal Plasma Processes: The Importance of Two‐Way Plasma‐Surface Interactions
Authors: Murphy Anthony B. , Park Hunkwan
Published: November 2016

Most thermal plasma applications involve interactions between the plasma and solid or liquid surfaces. Computational models of thermal plasma applications typically consider the influence of the plasma on the surface, but often neglect the effect of the surface on the plasma. In many cases, however, it is not possible to accurately model the plasma process without taking the two‐way interactions into account. This is demonstrated using examples from arc welding, plasma cutting, plasm­a‐particle interactions, such as occur in plasma spheroidization, plasma nanoparticle production and plasma spraying, and high‐ and low‐voltage circuit breakers. Vaporization of metal, ceramic and polymer surfaces, transfer of heat and momentum from the plasma to particles and droplets, and changes in the surface shape are all shown to affect the properties of the plasma.
High flow nasal cannula use outside of the ICU; factors associated with failure
Authors: Betters Kristina A. , Gillespie Scott E. , Miller Judson , Kotzbauer David , Hebbar Kiran B.
Published: November 2016

Objectives

High flow nasal cannula (HFNC) use is increasing in pediatrics. Few studies exist examining the safety of HFNC use outside the intensive care unit (ICU). This study aimed to characterize patient qualities associated with failure of HFNC use outside the ICU.

Study Design

A retrospective chart review of patients placed on HFNC outside the ICU from September 2011 to July 2013 was completed. Failure was defined as intubation or cardiopulmonary arrest. Two‐sample tests and binary logistic regression determined significant factors associated with failed HFNC administration, both unadjusted and adjusted for hospital.

Results

Two hundred thirty‐one patients met inclusion criteria, with 192 receiving treatment for a primary respiratory diagnosis (83%). Fourteen (6%) progressed to HFNC failure; 12 transferred to the ICU and were intubated, two with congenital heart disease suffered cardiopulmonary arrest on the floor. Two‐sample tests revealed failure patients were more likely to have a cardiac history (P = 0.026), history of intubation (P = 0.040), and require higher fraction of inspired oxygen (FiO2) (median 100%; 25th–75th 60–100%; P = <0.001). Hospital adjusted logistic regression further demonstrated failure patients were more likely to be treated with higher FiO2 (OR: 38.3; 95% CI: 4.0–366.3; P = 0.002), and less likely to have a diagnosis of bronchiolitis (OR: 0.3; 95% CI: 0.1–0.9; P = 0.048).

Conclusions

High FiO2 requirements, history of intubation, and cardiac co‐morbidity are associative predictors of HFNC failure. Bronchiolitis patients may be treated with HFNC outside of the ICU with lower odds of failure. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2017;52:806–812. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Stability of the chlorinated derivatives of the DNA/RNA nucleobases, purine and pyrimidine toward radical formation via homolytic CCl bond dissociation
Authors: Kaliyeva Laura , Zhumagali Shingis , Akhmetova Nuriya , Karton Amir , O'Reilly Robert J.
Published: November 2016

The chlorinated derivatives of nucleobases (and nucleosides), as well as those of purine, have well‐established anticancer activity, and in some cases, are also shown to be involved in the link between chronic inflammatory conditions and the development of cancer. In this investigation, the stability of all of the isomeric forms of the chlorinated nucleobases, purine and pyrimidine are investigated from the perspective of their homolytic CCl bond dissociation energies (BDEs). The products of these reactions, namely chlorine atom and the corresponding carbon‐centered radicals, may be of importance in terms of potentiating biological damage. Initially, the performance of a wide range of contemporary theoretical procedures were evaluated for their ability to afford accurate CCl BDEs, using a recently reported set of 28 highly accurate CCl BDEs obtained by means of W1w theory. Subsequent to this analysis, the G3X(MP2)‐RAD procedure (which achieves a mean absolute deviation of merely 1.3 kJ mol−1, with a maximum deviation of 5.0 kJ mol−1) was employed to obtain accurate gas‐phase homolytic CCl bond dissociation energies for a wide range of chlorinated isomers of the DNA/RNA nucleobases, purine and pyrimidine.
Abrogation of Gap Junctional Communication in ES Cells Results in a Disruption of Primitive Endoderm Formation in Embryoid Bodies
Authors: Wörsdörfer Philipp , Bosen Felicitas , Gebhardt Martina , Russ Nicole , Zimmermann Katrin , Komla Kessie David , Sekaran Thileepan , Egert Angela , Ergün Süleyman , Schorle Hubert , Pfeifer Alexander , Edenhofer Frank , Willecke Klaus
Published: November 2016

Gap junctional intercellular communication (GJIC) has been suggested to be involved in early embryonic development but the actual functional role remained elusive. Connexin (Cx) 43 and Cx45 are co-expressed in embryonic stem (ES) cells, form gap junctions and are considered to exhibit adhesive function and/or to contribute to the establishment of defined communication compartments. Here, we describe the generation of Cx43/Cx45-double deficient mouse ES cells to achieve almost complete breakdown of GJIC. Cre-loxP induced deletion of both, Cx43 and Cx45, results in a block of differentiation in embryoid bodies (EBs) without affecting pluripotency marker expression and proliferation in ES cells. We demonstrate that GJIC-incompetent ES cells fail to form primitive endoderm in EB cultures, representing the inductive key step of further differentiation events. Lentiviral overexpression of either Cx43 or Cx45 in Cx43/45 mutants rescued the observed phenotype, confirming the specificity and indicating a partially redundant function of both connexins. Upon differentiation GJIC-incompetent ES cells exhibit a strikingly altered subcellular localization pattern of the transcription factor NFATc3. Control EBs exhibit significantly more activated NFATc3 in cellular nuclei than mutant EBs suggesting that Cx-mediated communication is needed for synchronized NFAT activation to induce orchestrated primitive endoderm formation. Moreover, pharmacological inhibition of NFATc3 activation by Cyclosporin A, a well-described inhibitor of calcineurin, phenocopies the loss of GJIC in control cells.
Assimilation and Health: Evidence From Linked Birth Records of Second- and Third-Generation Hispanics
Authors: Giuntella Osea
Published: November 2016

This study explores the effects of assimilation on the health of Hispanics in the United States, using ethnic intermarriage as a metric of acculturation. I exploit a unique data set of linked confidential use birth records in California and Florida from 1970–2009. The confidential data allow me to link mothers giving birth in 1989–2009 to their own birth certificate records in 1970–1985 and to identify second-generation siblings. Thus, I can analyze the relationship between the parental exogamy of second-generation Hispanic women and the birth outcomes of their offspring controlling for grandmother fixed effects as well as indicators for second generation’s birth weight. Despite their higher socioeconomic status, third-generation children of second-generation intermarried Hispanic women are more likely to have poor health at birth, even after I account for second-generation health at birth and employ only within-family variations in the extent of assimilation. I find that a second-generation Hispanic woman married to a non-Hispanic man is 9 % more likely to have a child with low birth weight relative to a second-generation woman married to another Hispanic. These results largely reflect the higher incidence of risky behaviors (e.g., smoking during pregnancy) among intermarried Hispanic women.
Parameters of plumes of North Asia
Authors: Kirdyashkin A.G. , Kirdyashkin A.A.
Published: November 2016

This paper presents the thermal and hydrodynamic structure of the conduit of a thermochemical mantle plume based on the results of experimental and theoretical modeling of thermochemical plumes. The basic relations for determining the thermal power and diameter of plumes are given. Depending on the geodynamic setting of eruption, the following types of plumes are distinguished: plumes responsible for the formation of large igneous provinces (LIP); plumes with a mushroom-shaped head, responsible, in particular, for batholith formation; and plumes producing rift zones. Using geological data (extent of magmatism, age of igneous provinces, and sizes of igneous areas), we estimated the parameters of plumes in Siberia and its folded framing: mass flow rate of melt, thermal power, depth of origin, and diameters of plume conduits and heads. The plumes responsible for the formation of the Siberian LIP (relative thermal power Ka = 114.9) and the West Siberian rift system (Ka = 37.8 for each of the three plumes) originated from the core–mantle boundary and erupted in the presence of a refractory layer in the lithosphere. The Vilyui plume (Ka = 27.3) originated from the core–mantle boundary and caused the formation of a rift system in the absence of a refractory layer. The plumes that produced the Hangayn (Ka = 6.8) and Hentiyn (Ka = 5.5) batholiths were initiated at the core–mantle boundary and had mushroom-shaped heads. The plumes responsible for the formation of rift zones might have originated from the 670 km discontinuity.
Patterns of stress drop in earthquakes of the Northern Tien Shan
Authors: Sycheva N.A. , Bogomolov L.M.
Published: November 2016

Source parameters of local earthquakes that occurred between 1998 and 2012 within the Kyrgyz seismological network (KNET) are used to study the patterns of stress drop in the Northern Tien Shan. The dynamic parameters of source radius r, the seismic moment M0, and the stress drop Δσ are estimated for eighty seven M = 3.0–5.5 (K = 9.5–13.7) events, which make up 86% of earthquakes with this magnitude (99) for the period of observations. Earthquake mechanisms are determined either from P-wave arrivals (66 events) or by inversion (14 events). The distribution of earthquake mechanisms with the maximum (14 events) and minimum (14 events) stress drop shows that the amount of released stress correlates with slip geometry and revere-slip events contribute the most to the stress drop in the area. The spatial distribution of events with Δσ > 0.9 MPa is compared with maps of kinematic parameters (Lodé-Nadaì coefficient or stress ratio, μσ, and strain angle, ω, based on average strain tensors according to the complete earthquake catalog for the Northern Tien Shan (1056 events for 1998–2012). The two sets of source parameters (r, M0, Δσ and μσ, ω) correlate within the eastern Kyrgyz Range and the Karamoinok and Syndyk Ranges.
PRICE REPORTING IN A THIN MARKET
Authors: AJEWOLE KAYODE , SCHROEDER TED C. , PARCELL JOE
Published: November 2016

Thin markets create challenges for reporting market information by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and for users of the information. This study examines distributions of transactions comprising daily price reports in the U.S. hog market. We determine publicly reported daily prices are sensitive to which packing plants buy hogs. Transaction prices comprising USDA Agricultural Marketing Service price reports are not normally distributed; care must be taken in reporting and interpreting transaction prices. Economically important variations in prices occur because of packer-specific indicators. Daily reported prices are used as base prices in marketing agreements, making variation of even greater importance.
EFFECTS OF CLIMATE CHANGE ON RICE YIELD AND RICE MARKET IN VIETNAM
Authors: LE TRANG T. H.
Published: November 2016

We evaluate the effects of climate change on Vietnam's rice market. Results suggest that under a low-emission scenario and without interventions, rice production would drop by as much as 18% by 2030 relative to the 1980–1999 average. Farm and wholesale prices would increase by 1.86%, causing domestic demand to fall by 0.38%. The export sector would experience a rise of 6.94% in export free-on-board prices and a drop of 55.36% in export quantities. Farmers would experience a sales loss of 16.02%, whereas wholesalers would see a sales gain of 1.48%. For exporters, their sales loss would amount to 48.42%.
Preliminary investigation of use of flexible folding wing tips for static and dynamic load alleviation
Authors: Castrichini A. , Siddaramaiah V. Hodigere , Calderon D.E. , Cooper J.E. , Wilson T. , Lemmens Y.
Published: November 2016

A recent consideration in aircraft design is the use of folding wing-tips with the aim of enabling higher aspect ratio aircraft with less induced drag while also meeting airport gate limitations. This study investigates the effect of exploiting folding wing-tips in flight as a device to reduce both static and dynamic loads. A representative civil jet aircraft aeroelastic model was used to explore the effect of introducing a wing-tip device, connected to the wings with an elastic hinge, on the load behaviour. For the dynamic cases, vertical discrete gusts and continuous turbulence were considered. The effects of hinge orientation, stiffness, damping and wing-tip weight on the static and dynamic response were investigated. It was found that significant reductions in both the static and dynamic loads were possible. For the case considered, a 25% increase in span using folding wing-tips resulted in almost no increase in loads.
Money is Brain: Financial Barriers and Consequences for Canadian Stroke Patients
Authors: Ganesh Aravind , King-Shier Kathryn , Manns Braden J. , Hill Michael D. , Campbell David J.T.
Published: November 2016

Background: Stroke patients of lower socioeconomic status have worse outcomes. It remains poorly understood whether this is due to illness severity or personal or health system barriers. We explored the experiences of stroke patients with financial barriers in a qualitative descriptive pilot study, seeking to capture perceived challenges that interfere with their poststroke health and recovery. Methods: We interviewed six adults with a history of stroke and financial barriers in Alberta, Canada, inquiring about their: (1) experiences after stroke; (2) experience of financial barriers; (3) perceived reasons for financial barriers; (4) health consequences of financial barriers; and (5) mechanisms for coping with financial barriers. Two reviewers analyzed data using inductive thematic analysis. Results: The participants developed new or worsened financial circumstances as a consequence of stroke-related disability. Poststroke impairments and financial barriers took a toll on their mental health. They struggled to access several aspects of long-term poststroke care, including allied health professional services, medications, and proper nutrition. They described opportunity costs and tradeoffs when accessing health services. In several cases, they were unaware of health resources available to them and were hesitant to disclose their struggles to their physicians and even their families. Conclusion: Some patients with financial barriers perceive challenges to accessing various aspects of poststroke care. They may have inadequate knowledge of resources available to them and may not disclose their concerns to their health care team. This suggests that providers themselves might consider asking stroke patients about financial barriers to optimize their long-term poststroke care.
An Increase in Healthcare-Associated Clostridium difficile Infection Associated with Use of a Defective Peracetic Acid–Based Surface Disinfectant
Authors: Cadnum Jennifer L. , Jencson Annette L. , O’Donnell Marguerite C. , Flannery Elizabeth R. , Nerandzic Michelle M. , Donskey Curtis J.
Published: November 2016

BACKGROUND

We investigated an increase in the incidence of healthcare-associated Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) that occurred following a change from a bleach disinfectant to a peracetic acid–based disinfectant.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the efficacy of the peracetic acid–based disinfectant.

DESIGN

Laboratory-based product evaluation.

METHODS

The commercial peracetic acid–based product is activated on site by mixing a small volume of concentrated hydrogen peroxide and peracetic acid present in a “SmartCap” reservoir with the remaining contents of the container. We measured concentrations of peracetic acid in newly activated and in-use product and determined the stability of nonactivated and activated product. We tested the efficacy of the product against C. difficile spores using the American Society for Testing and Materials standard quantitative carrier disk test method.

RESULTS

Measured concentrations of peracetic acid (50–800 parts per million [ppm]) were significantly lower than the level stated on the product label (1,500 ppm), and similar results were obtained for containers from multiple lot numbers and from another hospital. Product with peracetic acid levels below 600 ppm had significantly reduced activity against C. difficile spores. Peracetic acid concentrations were reduced markedly after storage of either activated or nonactivated product for several weeks. The Environmental Protection Agency confirmed the finding of low disinfectant levels and ordered discontinuation of sale of the product.

CONCLUSION

Use of a defective peracetic acid–based surface disinfectant may have contributed to an increase in healthcare-associated CDI. Our findings highlight the importance of evaluating the efficacy of liquid disinfectants in healthcare settings.

Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2017;38:300–305
A human rights foundation for ethical mental health practice
Authors: Devitt P. , Kelly B. D.
Published: November 2016

There are close links between clinical ethics, human rights and the lived experience of mental illness and mental health care. Principles of professional ethics, national mental health legislation and international human rights conventions all address these themes in various ways. Even so, there are substantial deviations from acceptable standards at certain times, resulting in significant violations of rights in the developing and developed worlds. An explicitly human rights-based approach has improved matters in, for example, Scotland. External drivers of change, such as legislation, standards, codes of practice, inspections and sanctions for violations, are all needed. Attitudes and culture are also critical drivers of change. Most importantly, the principles and values of ethical, human rights-based professional practice need be taught and modelled throughout professional careers. Ongoing training in this area should form a central element of programmes of continuing professional development, delivered by people with expertise and understanding, including service users.
Patients and carers as teachers in psychiatric education: a literature review and discussion
Authors: Miller C. , Pradeep V. , Mohamad M. , Izmeth Z. , Reynolds M. T. P. , Gulati G.
Published: November 2016

Introduction

The direct involvement of patients and carers in psychiatric education is driven by policy in the United Kingdom and Ireland. The benefits of this involvement are well known, however, it is important to consider the ethical aspects. This paper suggests how further research could explore and potentially mitigate adverse outcomes.

Method

A literature search evaluating the role of patients and carer involvement in psychiatric education was undertaken to summarise existing evidence relating to the following: methods of involvement, evidence of usefulness, patient’s/carer’s views and learners’ views.

Results

The Medline search produced 231 articles of which 31 were included in the literature review based on the key themes addressed in the paper.

Discussion/conclusion

The available evidence is generally positive regarding the use of patients and carers in psychiatric education. However, available research is varied in approach and outcome with little information on the ethical consequences. More research is required to inform policies on teaching regarding potential adverse effects of service user involvement.
On the spreading of impacting drops under the influence of a vertical magnetic field
Authors: Zhang Jie , Han Tian-Yang , Yang Juan-Cheng , Ni Ming-Jiu
Published: November 2016

A theoretical model is developed to predict the maximum spreading of liquid metal drops when impacting onto dry surfaces under the influence of a vertical magnetic field. This model, which is constructed based on the energy conversion principle, agrees very well with the numerical results, covering a wide range of impact speeds, contact angles and magnetic strengths. When there is no magnetic field, we found that the maximum spreading factor can be predicted well by an interpolating scheme between the viscous and capillary effects, as proposed by Laan et al. (Phys. Rev. Appl., vol. 2 (4), 2014, 044018). However, when gradually increasing the magnetic field strength, the induced Lorentz forces are dominant over the viscous and capillary forces, taking the spreading behaviour into the ‘Joule regime’, where the Joule dissipation is significant. For most situations of practical interest, namely when the strength of the magnetic field is less than 3 T, all three energy conversion routes are important. Therefore, we determine the correct scaling behaviours for the magnetic influence by first equating the loss of kinetic energy to the Joule dissipation in the Joule regime, then by interpolating it with the viscous dissipation and the capillary effects, which allows for a universal rescaling. By plotting the numerical results against the theoretical model, all the results can be rescaled onto a single curve regardless of the materials of the liquid metals or the contact angles of the surfaces, proving that our theoretical model is correct in predicting the maximum spreading factor by constructing a balanced formula between kinetic energy, capillary energy, viscous dissipation energy and Joule dissipation energy.
Retiolitine graptolites from the Aeronian and lower Telychian (Llandovery, Silurian) of Arctic Canada
Authors: Melchin Michael J. , Lenz Alfred C. , Kozłowska Anna
Published: November 2016

An exceptional fauna of retiolitine graptolites from Aeronian and lowermost Telychian strata in Arctic Canada provides significant new insights into the phylogeny and history of diversity of retiolitine graptolites. All specimens were isolated by dissolution of calcite concretions. The results indicate that retiolitines emerged within the lower Aeronian and reached a higher than expected level of diversity and disparity of forms by mid-Aeronian time. The uppermost Aeronian is almost totally devoid of preserved graptolites in Arctic Canada and, therefore, our material provides few new insights into retiolitine morphology or diversity through that interval. Specimens assigned toPseudoretiolites? sp. occur in well-dated lower Aeronian strata, thus representing the lowest known biostratigraphic occurrences of retiolitines globally. This taxon appears to be morphologically primitive in that the sicula is completely preserved, with preservation of the proximal regions of theca 11, as well as distal thecal fusellum on mature specimens. Cladistic analysis of the Llandovery retiolitines shows thatPseudoretiolitesis a stem genus for all of the other retiolitine taxa, which comprise two clades: one consisting ofPseudoplegmatograptus,Retiolites, andStomatograptusand their derivatives; and the other includesRotaretiolites,Aeroretiolites,Aeroretiolites?,Eorograptus,Paraplectograptus,Paraplectograptus?, andSokolovograptus, and all of those other taxa that had previously been placed in the Plectograptinae. We follow the recent proposal that all of the taxa traditionally assigned to the Retiolitidae be assigned to the subfamily Retiolitinae. The following new taxa are described:Pseudoretiolites hyrichusn. sp.,Eorograptus spirifern. sp., andAeroretiolites cancellatusn. gen. n. sp.
Consumption of fruits and vegetables among adolescents: a multi-national comparison of eleven countries in the Eastern Mediterranean Region
Authors: Al Ani M. F. , Al Subhi Lyutha K. , Bose S.
Published: November 2016

A regional cross-country profile of fruit and vegetable (F&V) consumption is lacking in the Eastern Mediterranean Region (EMR). This study examines the prevalence of and differences in consumption of F&V ≥5 times/d among adolescents in eleven EMR countries, and describes differences in the proportions of taking F&V ≥5 times/d by sex, age and BMI. The study included 26 328 school adolescents (13–15 years) with complete data on consumption of F&V, age, sex, weight and height taken from the Global School-based Student Health Survey conducted in the EMR between 2005 and 2009. Overall, only 19·4 % of adolescents reported consuming F&V ≥5 times/d. The highest prevalence was reported in Djibouti (40·4 %) and the lowest was reported in Pakistan (10·0 %). Statistically significant differences in prevalence were observed across countries (P<0·05). With the exception of Oman, Libya and Djibouti, significantly more males than females ate F&V ≥5 times/d. The proportion of students consuming F&V ≥5 times/d also varied significantly in all countries based on BMI (P<0·0001), with students within normal BMI having the highest frequency. A negative trend was observed between age and intake of F&V ≥5 times/d in most of the eleven EMR countries except Jordan, Djibouti and Morocco. The prevalence of adequate intake of F&V is low in the eleven EMR countries. There is a need for interventions to increase the prevalence of adolescents consuming F&V ≥5 times/d. Interventions should take into consideration the psychosocial, environmental and socio-environmental factors influencing F&V intake within countries.