bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Parental health and children's cognitive and noncognitive development: New evidence from the longitudinal survey of Australian children
Authors: Le Huong Thu , Nguyen Ha Trong
Published: February 2017

This paper examines the effects of parental health on cognitive and noncognitive development in Australian children. The underlying nationally representative panel data and a child fixed effects estimator are used to deal with unobserved heterogeneity. We find that only father's serious mental illness worsens selected cognitive and noncognitive skills of children. Maternal poor health also deteriorates some cognitive and noncognitive outcomes of children of lone mothers only. Our results demonstrate that either failing to account for parent–child fixed effects or using child noncognitive skills reported by parents could overestimate the harmful impact of poor parental health on child development.
Silver–N‐Heterocyclic Carbene Complexes: Synthesis, Characterization, and Antimicrobial Properties
Authors: Kaloğlu Nazan , Kaloğlu Murat , Özdemir İlknur , Günal Selami , Özdemir İsmail
Published: February 2017

Six new silver complexes containing symmetrical N‐heterocyclic carbene (NHC) ligands were synthesized by the reaction of azolium salts with Ag2O in CH2Cl2
. These complexes were tested against Gram‐negative bacterial strains (Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa), Gram‐positive bacterial strains (Enterococcus faecalis and Staphylococcus aureus), and fungal strains (Candida albicans and Candida tropicalis), and all tested complexes showed good activity against the different microorganisms.
Association of tumor necrosis factor‐α ‐308 G/A gene polymorphism with coronary artery diseases: An evidence‐based study
Authors: Kazemi Elaheh , Jamialahmadi Khadijeh , Avan Amir , Mirhafez Seyed Reza , Mohiti Javad , Pirhoushiaran Maryam , Hosseini Nedasadat , Mohammadi Akram , Ferns Gordon A. , Pasdar Alireza , Ghayour‐Mobarhan Majid
Published: February 2017

Background

Coronary artery disease (CAD) is the leading cause of death worldwide and remains a major health problem, providing the rationale for identification of molecular markers for detection of individuals at high risk of developing CAD. Tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of CAD. We have therefore explored the association of TNF‐α 308 (G/A) gene polymorphism in 903 individuals with/without CAD.

Methods

TNF‐α 308 gene polymorphism was analyzed in 903 subjects of whom 222 were healthy controls. Among the 681 patients who were investigated angiographically, 468 had ≧50% stenosis and 213 patients had <50% stenosis. Biochemical profiles (eg, triglycerides, high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol, low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol, fasting blood glucose, and CRP) were evaluated. Associations between TNF‐α genotypes with biochemical and anthropometric characteristics were determined.

Results

The frequencies of TNF‐α‐AA or AG genotypes were significantly lower in patients classified as CAD patients with ≥ or <50% obstruction in at least one coronary artery, compared to the control group. We observed that CAD patients with ≥50% stenosis and with AA genotype were associated with higher risk of CAD with OR of 3.56 (95%CI: 1.02‐12.41; P=.046) using multivariate analysis. Moreover, we found that TNF‐α‐308‐AA genotype was associated with blood pressure and CRP level in CAD patients, compared to the wild type‐genotype.

Conclusion

Our data showed an association of TNF‐α‐308G/A polymorphism with CAD patients with ≥50% obstruction, supporting the need for further investigations on the role of TNF‐α‐308G/A polymorphism with hypertension.
Adenosine and adenosine receptors in the immunopathogenesis and treatment of cancer
Authors: Kazemi Mohammad H. , Raoofi Mohseni Sahar , Hojjat‐Farsangi Mohammad , Anvari Enayat , Ghalamfarsa Ghasem , Mohammadi Hamed , Jadidi‐Niaragh Farhad
Published: February 2017

Tumor cells overcome anti‐tumor responses in part through immunosuppressive mechanisms. There are several immune modulatory mechanisms. Among them, adenosine is an important factor which is generated by both cancer and immune cells in tumor microenvironment to suppress anti‐tumor responses. Two cell surface expressed molecules including CD73 and CD39 catalyze the generation of adenosine from adenosine triphosphate (ATP). The generation of adenosine can be enhanced under metabolic stress like tumor hypoxic conditions. Adenosine exerts its immune regulatory functions through four different adenosine receptors (ARs) including A1, A2A, A2B, and A3 which are expressed on various immune cells. Several studies have indicated the overexpression of adenosine generating enzymes and ARs in various cancers which was correlated with tumor progression. Since the signaling of ARs enhances tumor progression, their manipulation can be promising therapeutic approach in cancer therapy. Accordingly, several agonists and antagonists against ARs have been designed for cancer therapy. In this review, we will try to clarify the role of different ARs in the immunopathogenesis, as well as their role in the treatment of cancer.
Inhibitory effect of 2,4‐dichlorophenoxyacetic acid on ROS, autophagy formation, and mRNA replication for influenza virus infection
Authors: Enkhtaivan Gansukh , Muthuraman Pandurangan , Kim Doo Hwan
Published: February 2017

Influenza virus has had a high rate of antigenic shift and drift that causes significant morbidity and mortality in humans and animals. The lack of excellent pharmacological treatment underlines the importance of the development of the novel antiviral drugs. We investigated the anti‐influenza A and B viruses of 2,4‐dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4‐D), which is the synthetic analog to auxin and is used as a popular herbicide in the agricultural practices. 2,4‐D was evaluated using a cytopathic effect reduction method; assay results showed that 2,4‐D possessed strong anti‐influenza A and B viruses inhibiting the formation of a visible cytopathic effect. Influenza viral RNA expression was performed by quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction. 2,4‐D also inhibited virus replication in the early stage of influenza virus infection without direct interaction with virus particles. Additionally, 2,4‐D significantly inhibited various factors occur during influenza virus infection as the acidic vesicular formation and reactive oxygen species production. Moreover, 2,4‐D represented no cytotoxicity in normal kidney cell. Therefore, these findings provide an understanding of the mechanism and efficient use of 2,4‐D in pharmacological applications against influenza virus infection.
Identification of the compositional changes in Orthosiphon stamineus leaves triggered by different drying techniques using 1H NMR metabolomics
Authors: Pariyani Raghunath , Ismail Intan Safinar , Ahmad Azam Amalina , Abas Faridah , Shaari Khozirah
Published: February 2017

BACKGROUND

Java tea is a well‐known herbal infusion prepared from the leaves of Orthosiphon stamineus (OS). The biological properties of tea are in direct correlation with the primary and secondary metabolite composition, which in turn largely depends on the choice of drying method. Herein, the impact of three commonly used drying methods, i.e. shade, microwave and freeze drying, on the metabolite composition and antioxidant activity of OS leaves was investigated using proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR) spectroscopy combined with multivariate classification and regression analysis tools.

RESULTS

A total of 31 constituents comprising primary and secondary metabolites belonging to the chemical classes of fatty acids, amino acids, sugars, terpenoids and phenolic compounds were identified. Shade‐dried leaves were identified to possess the highest concentrations of bioactive secondary metabolites such as chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, luteolin, orthosiphol and apigenin, followed by microwave‐dried samples. Freeze‐dried leaves had higher concentrations of choline, amino acids leucine, alanine and glutamine and sugars such as fructose and α‐glucose, but contained the lowest levels of secondary metabolites.

CONCLUSION

Metabolite profiling coupled with multivariate analysis identified shade drying as the best method to prepare OS leaves as Java tea or to include in traditional medicine preparation. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Quality and readability assessment of websites related to recurrent respiratory papillomatosis
Authors: San Giorgi Michel R.M. , de Groot Olivier S.D. , Dikkers Frederik G.
Published: February 2017

Objective

Recurrent respiratory papillomatosis (RRP) is a rare disease for which a limited number of information sources for patients exist. The role of the Internet in the patient–physician relationship is increasing. More and more patients search for online health information, which should be of good quality and easy readable. The study aim was to investigate the quality and readability of English online health information about RRP.

Study Design

Quality and readability assessment of online information.

Methods

Relevant information was collected using three different search engines and seven different search terms. Quality was assessed with the DISCERN instrument. The Flesch Reading Ease Score (FRES) and average grade level (AGL) were determined to measure readability of the English websites.

Results

Fifty‐one English websites were included. The mean DISCERN score of the websites is 28.1 ± 9.7 (poor quality); the mean FRES is 41.3 ± 14.9 (difficult to read); and the mean AGL is 12.6 ± 2.3.

Conclusion

The quality and readability of English websites about RRP is alarmingly poor.

Level of Evidence

NA. Laryngoscope, 127:2293–2297, 2017
Root Characteristics of Herbaceous Species for Topsoil Stabilization in Restoration Projects
Authors: Federica Gilardelli , Chiara Vergani , Rodolfo Gentili , Anne Bonis , Pierre Chanteloup , Sandra Citterio , Chiaradia Enrico A.
Published: February 2017

Quarries are highly heterogeneous and constraining environments because of man‐induced disturbances associated with soil erosion and shallow mass movements. Recognizing the importance of plant root systems to overcome stability problems, we investigated the contributions of three different herbaceous species typical of calcareous grasslands, that is, Anthyllis vulneraria, Bromus erectus and Stachys recta, to the stability of the superficial layers of dump deposits at limestone quarries in the Botticino extractive basin (Lombardy, Italy). We analysed (i) the root mechanical properties and root diameter distributions of the selected species and estimated (ii) the lateral root reinforcement they can provide through the fibre bundle model. To assess the effective contribution of a species to the topsoil stabilization, we implemented the results obtained in a stability model based on the ordinary method of slices. Our results showed that using species such as B. erectus and S. recta with a density of 100 plants per square metre guarantees a better stability of the superficial layers. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Biomarker‐driven phenotyping in Parkinson's disease: A translational missing link in disease‐modifying clinical trials
Authors: Espay Alberto J. , Schwarzschild Michael A. , Tanner Caroline M. , Fernandez Hubert H. , Simon David K. , Leverenz James B. , Merola Aristide , Chen‐Plotkin Alice , Brundin Patrik , Kauffman Marcelo A. , Erro Roberto , Kieburtz Karl , Woo Daniel , Macklin Eric A. , Standaert David G. , Lang Anthony E.
Published: February 2017

Past clinical trials of putative neuroprotective therapies have targeted PD as a single pathogenic disease entity. From an Oslerian clinicopathological perspective, the wide complexity of PD converges into Lewy bodies and justifies a reductionist approach to PD: A single‐mechanism therapy can affect most of those sharing the classic pathological hallmark. From a systems‐biology perspective, PD is a group of disorders that, while related by sharing the feature of nigral dopamine‐neuron degeneration, exhibit unique genetic, biological, and molecular abnormalities, which probably respond differentially to a given therapeutic approach, particularly for strategies aimed at neuroprotection. Under this model, only biomarker‐defined, homogenous subtypes of PD are likely to respond optimally to therapies proven to affect the biological processes within each subtype. Therefore, we suggest that precision medicine applied to PD requires a reevaluation of the biomarker‐discovery effort. This effort is currently centered on correlating biological measures to clinical features of PD and on identifying factors that predict whether various prodromal states will convert into the classical movement disorder. We suggest, instead, that subtyping of PD requires the reverse view, where abnormal biological signals (i.e., biomarkers), rather than clinical definitions, are used to define disease phenotypes. Successful development of disease‐modifying strategies will depend on how relevant the specific biological processes addressed by an intervention are to the pathogenetic mechanisms in the subgroup of targeted patients. This precision‐medicine approach will likely yield smaller, but well‐defined, subsets of PD amenable to successful neuroprotection. © 2017 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
Extending the limits of the anterior tibial artery as the recipient vessel for around the knee and proximal lower extremity defect reconstruction using the free anterolateral thigh and gracilis flap
Authors: Tremp Mathias , Kappos Elisabeth A. , Oranges Carlo M. , di Summa Pietro G. , Schaefer Dirk J. , Zhang Yi Xin , Wettstein Reto , Kalbermatten Daniel F.
Published: February 2017

Purpose

The aim is to describe a technique with orthograde dissection of the anterior tibial artery (ATA) used as the recipient vessel for the end‐to‐end (ETE) anastomosis in defect reconstruction around the knee and for proximal/middle third leg defects with free anterolateral thigh (ALT) and gracilis flaps.

Patients and methods

Between March 2009 and May 2014, 22 patients undergoing lower extremity reconstruction were evaluated. Of those, 4 patients were included. The locations of injury were 3 defects around the knee and 1 defect at the proximal and middle third of the lower leg (mean defect size 18 x 8.5 cm and a range of 17‐20 x 5‐10 cm). There were 2 cases after trauma and 2 cases with infection. Two free gracilis and 2 free ALT flaps were performed of equal size to the defects. The mean flap pedicle length was 11 cm (range of 7–16 cm) and the mean length of the mobilized recipient vessels was 10.5 cm (range of 6–14 cm).

Results

One flap loss (ALT) occurred, requiring a salvage procedure with a latissimus dorsi flap, whereas wound dehiscence at the donor site and a hematoma below the ALT flap was observed in 2 cases, requiring small revision. After a mean follow‐up of 52 months (range of 38–87 months), there was stable soft tissue coverage in all patients.

Conclusion

By orthograde dissection of the ATA, an adequate vessel length and size may be achieved, improving arc of rotation to successfully cover more distant defects.
Dietary fat quantity and quality modifies advanced glycation end products metabolism in patients with metabolic syndrome
Authors: Lopez‐Moreno Javier , Quintana‐Navarro Gracia M. , Camargo Antonio , Jimenez‐Lucena Rosa , Delgado‐Lista Javier , Marin Carmen , Tinahones Francisco J. , Striker Gary E. , Roche Helen M. , Perez‐Martinez Pablo , Lopez‐Miranda Jose , Yubero‐Serrano Elena M.
Published: February 2017

Scope

Advanced glycation end products (AGEs) increase in dysmetabolic conditions. Lifestyle, including diet, has shown be effective in preventing the development of metabolic syndrome (MetS). We investigated whether AGE metabolism is affected by diets with different fat quantity and quality in MetS patients.

Methods and results

A randomized, controlled trial assigned 75 MetS patients to one of four diets: high SFA (HSFA), high MUFA (HMUFA), and two low‐fat, high‐complex carbohydrate diets (LFHCC) supplemented with long‐chain n‐3 PUFA or placebo for 12‐weeks each. Dietary and serum AGE [methylglyoxal (MG: lysine‐MG‐H1) and N‐carboxymethyllysine] levels and gene expression related to AGE metabolism in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (AGER1, RAGE, GloxI, and Sirt1 mRNA) were determined. HMUFA diet reduced serum AGE (sAGE) and RAGE mRNA, increased AGER1 and GloxI mRNA levels compared to the other diets. LFHCC n‐3 diet reduced sAGE levels and increased AGER1 mRNA levels compared to LFHCC and HSFA diets. Multiple regression analyses showed that sMG and AGER1 mRNA appeared as significant predictors of oxidative stress/inflammation‐related parameters.

Conclusions

Low AGE content in HMUFA diet reduces sAGEs and modulates the gene expression related to AGE metabolism in MetS patients, which may be used as a therapeutic approach to reduce the incidence of MetS and related chronic diseases.
Probing the interaction of the potassium channel modulating KCNE1 in lipid bilayers via solid‐state NMR spectroscopy
Authors: Zhang Rongfu , Sahu Indra D. , Comer Raven G. , Maltsev Sergey , Dabney‐Smith Carole , Lorigan Gary A.
Published: February 2017

KCNE1 is known to modulate the voltage‐gated potassium channel α subunit KCNQ1 to generate slowly activating potassium currents. This potassium channel is essential for the cardiac action potential that mediates a heartbeat as well as the potassium ion homeostasis in the inner ear. Therefore, it is important to know the structure and dynamics of KCNE1 to better understand its modulatory role. Previously, the Sanders group solved the three‐dimensional structure of KCNE1 in LMPG micelles, which yielded a better understanding of this KCNQ1/KCNE1 channel activity. However, research in the Lorigan group showed different structural properties of KCNE1 when incorporated into POPC/POPG lipid bilayers as opposed to LMPG micelles. It is hence necessary to study the structure of KCNE1 in a more native‐like environment such as multi‐lamellar vesicles. In this study, the dynamics of lipid bilayers upon incorporation of the membrane protein KCNE1 were investigated using 31P solid‐state nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. Specifically, the protein/lipid interaction was studied at varying molar ratios of protein to lipid content. The static 31P NMR and T1 relaxation time were investigated. The 31P NMR powder spectra indicated significant perturbations of KCNE1 on the phospholipid headgroups of multi‐lamellar vesicles as shown from the changes in the 31P spectral line shape and the chemical shift anisotropy line width. 31P T1 relaxation times were shown to be reversely proportional to the molar ratios of KCNE1 incorporated. The 31P NMR data clearly indicate that KCNE1 interacts with the membrane. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Employee Satisfaction With Work‐life Balance Policies And Organizational Commitment: A Philippine Study
Authors: Kim Ji Sung , Ryu Sangyub
Published: February 2017

This study investigates the relationship between public employees' satisfaction with work‐life balance policies (WLBPs) and organizational commitment in the relatively unexplored Philippine context. Our findings show that (i) employees' overall satisfaction with WLBPs is positively related to organizational commitment, (ii) when specific WLBPs are examined, only satisfaction with health and wellness programs are positively associated with organizational commitment, and (iii) when accounting for employees' preferences for WLBPs, compensatory time‐off, childcare policy, health insurance benefits, and paid sick leave are positively related to organizational commitment. The findings indicate that understanding which WLBPs employees prefer is important before implementing WLBPs. The article discusses the theoretical and practical implications of this study in the developing country context. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Risk factors and surveillance for reduced bone mineral density in pediatric cancer survivors
Authors: Siegel David A. , Claridy Mechelle , Mertens Ann , George Elizabeth , Vangile Kristen , Simoneaux Stephen F. , Meacham Lillian R. , Wasilewski‐Masker Karen
Published: February 2017

Background

Pediatric cancer survivors are at increased risk of developing low bone mineral density (BMD) due to cancer treatment. This study assessed the yield of screening for low BMD in pediatric‐aged cancer survivors as per the Children's Oncology Group Long‐Term Follow‐Up (COG‐LTFU) Guidelines, which recommend screening survivors who received steroids, methotrexate, or hematopoietic cell transplant (HCT).

Methods

This is a retrospective cohort study of 475 pediatric blood cancer and noncentral nervous system solid tumor survivors screened for low BMD with dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry (DXA) as per the COG‐LTFU Guidelines from 2003 to 2010. Risk factors for low BMD (DXA Z‐score ≤–2) were evaluated by univariate and multivariate analysis.

Results

The mean DXA Z‐score was –0.1 for both whole body and lumbar spine measurements. Among at‐risk survivors, 8.2% (39/475) had low BMD. Multivariate analysis of survivors with low BMD showed significant association with male gender (odds ratio [OR] 3.4, 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.3–9.0), exposure to total body irradiation (TBI), cranial, or craniospinal radiation (OR 5.2, 95% CI, 1.8–14.9), and gonadal dysfunction (OR 4.3, 95% CI, 1.4–13.0). Methotrexate exposure was not significantly associated with low BMD. Survivors receiving HCT had a reduced risk of low BMD (OR 0.2, 95% CI, 0.1–0.9).

Conclusion

The highest risk factors for low BMD were male gender, exposure to TBI, cranial, or craniospinal radiation, and gonadal dysfunction. Survivors receiving methotrexate or HCT therapy have the lowest risk for low BMD among those screened. Future studies should investigate risk of low BMD for survivors receiving HCT without radiation exposure.
Origin Discrimination of Osmanthus fragrans var. thunbergii Flowers using GC–MS and UPLC‐PDA Combined with Multivariable Analysis Methods
Authors: Zhou Fei , Zhao Yajing , Peng Jiyu , Jiang Yirong , Li Maiquan , Jiang Yuan , Lu Baiyi
Published: February 2017

Introduction

Osmanthus fragrans flowers are used as folk medicine and additives for teas, beverages and foods. The metabolites of O. fragrans flowers from different geographical origins were inconsistent in some extent. Chromatography and mass spectrometry combined with multivariable analysis methods provides an approach for discriminating the origin of O. fragrans flowers.

Objective

To discriminate the Osmanthus fragrans var. thunbergii flowers from different origins with the identified metabolites.

Methods

GC–MS and UPLC‐PDA were conducted to analyse the metabolites in O. fragrans var. thunbergii flowers (in total 150 samples). Principal component analysis (PCA), soft independent modelling of class analogy analysis (SIMCA) and random forest (RF) analysis were applied to group the GC–MS and UPLC‐PDA data.

Results

GC–MS identified 32 compounds common to all samples while UPLC–PDA/QTOF‐MS identified 16 common compounds. PCA of the UPLC‐PDA data generated a better clustering than PCA of the GC–MS data. Ten metabolites (six from GC–MS and four from UPLC‐PDA) were selected as effective compounds for discrimination by PCA loadings. SIMCA and RF analysis were used to build classification models, and the RF model, based on the four effective compounds (caffeic acid derivative, acteoside, ligustroside and compound 15), yielded better results with the classification rate of 100% in the calibration set and 97.8% in the prediction set.

Conclusions

GC–MS and UPLC‐PDA combined with multivariable analysis methods can discriminate the origin of Osmanthus fragrans var. thunbergii flowers. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Homophilous Friendship Assortment Based on Personality Traits and Cognitive Ability in Middle Childhood: The Moderating Effect of Peer Network Size
Authors: Ilmarinen Ville–Juhani , Vainikainen Mari–Pauliina , Verkasalo Markku Johannes , Lönnqvist Jan–Erik
Published: February 2017

Even though homophily (love of the same) is often thought of as a standard feature of friendships, the empirical evidence for attraction based on personality trait similarity is mixed at best. One reason for the inconsistent findings across studies could be variation in the large–scale social environment in which the studies have been conducted. We investigated whether diversity in the everyday social ecologies of 7– to 8–year–old children ( N = 549) moderates whether friendships are formed on the basis of similar personality traits and similar levels of Cognitive ability. Moderated polynomial regression and response surface analyses showed that classroom size moderated homophily based on Openness to Experience: children similar in Openness were more likely to form friendship ties, but only in larger classrooms. Moreover, we found homophily for Cognitive ability, especially among girls. The results for Openness and Cognitive ability were independent of each other. We discuss the social relevance of trait Openness and the notion that capacity to reciprocate underlies homophily based on Cognitive ability. Copyright © 2017 European Association of Personality Psychology
Structural and thermochemical studies on CH3SCH2CHO, CH3CH2SCHO, CH3SC(═O)CH3, and radicals corresponding to loss of H atom
Authors: Song Guanghui , Bozzelli Joseph W.
Published: February 2017

CH3SCH2CHO, CH3CH2SCHO, and CH3SC(═O)CH3 are intermediates during the partial oxidation of CH3SCH2CH3 in the atmosphere and in combustion processes. Thermochemical properties (ΔHfo, So and Cp(T)), structures, internal rotor potentials, and C─H bond dissociation energies of the parent molecules and their radicals formed after loss of a hydrogen atom are of value in understanding the oxidation processes of methyl ethyl sulfide. The lowest energy molecular structures were initially determined using the density functional B3LYP/6‐311G/(2d,d,p) level of theory. Standard enthalpies of formation (ΔHfo298) for the radicals and their parent molecules were calculated using the density functional B3LYP/6‐31G(d,p), B3LYP/6‐31 + G(2d,p), and the composite CBS‐QB3 ab initio methods using isodesmic reactions. Internal rotation potential energy diagrams and internal rotation barriers were investigated using B3LYP/6‐31 + G(d,p) level calculations. The contributions for So298 and Cp(T) were calculated using the rigid rotor harmonic oscillator approximation on the basis of the structures and vibrational frequencies obtained by the density functional calculations, with contributions from torsion frequencies replaced by internal rotor contributions from the method of Pitzer‐Gwinn. The recommended values for enthalpies of formation of the most stable conformers of CH3SCH2CHO, CH3CH2SCHO, and CH3SC(═O)CH3 are −34.6 ± 0.8, −42.4 ± 1.2, and ‐49.7 ± 0.8 kcal/mol, respectively. The structural and thermochemical data presented for CH3SCH2CHO, CH3CH2SCHO, and CH3SC(═O)CH3 and their radicals are of value in understanding the mechanism and kinetics of methyl ethyl sulfide oxidation under varied temperatures and pressures. Group additivity values are developed for estimating properties of structurally similar, larger sulfur‐containing compounds.
Who are happy survivors? Physical, psychosocial, and spiritual factors associated with happiness of breast cancer survivors during the transition from cancer patient to survivor
Authors: Kang Danbee , Kim Im‐Ryung , Choi Eun‐Kyung , Yoon Jung Hee , Lee Se‐Kyung , Lee Jeong Eon , Nam Seok Jin , Han Wonshik , Noh Dong‐Young , Cho Juhee
Published: February 2017

Objective

This study aims to evaluate physical, psychosocial, and spiritual factors associated with happiness in breast cancer survivors during the reentry period.

Methods

It is a cross‐sectional study with 283 nonmetastatic breast cancer survivors who completed treatment within 1 year. We included survivors who completed questionnaires on happiness and health‐related quality of life (QoL) 2 years after cancer diagnosis. Happiness and QoL was measured using the Subjective Happiness Scale and EORTC QLQ‐C30, respectively. Multivariable logistic regression was used to find factors associated with happiness.

Results

The mean age of the study participants was 48.5 ± 7.8 years. Among the 283 survivors, 14.5%, 43.8%, 32.5%, and 2.1% reported being “very happy,” “happy,” “neutral,” and “not happy at all,” respectively. Happy survivors reported a better general health status and QoL (67.6 vs 49.6; P < .01), and fewer symptoms compared to unhappy survivors. Happy survivors were more likely to feel certain about the future (27.2% vs 11.9%, P < .01), have a strong purpose in life (22.4% vs 9.3%, P < .01), and feel hopeful (36.4% vs 8.5%, P < .01) compared to unhappy survivors. In a multivariate model, having purpose (OR = 2.50, 95% CI 1.42‐4.40) and hope (OR = 4.07, 95% CI 2.23‐7.45) in life were found to be associated with happiness.

Conclusions

During the reentry period, breast cancer survivors who are hopeful and have a clear purpose in life are more likely to be happy than those who are not. Setting proper life goals might be beneficial to help breast cancer survivors who experience persistent QoL issues.
Kinetic Parameters of PBX Based on Cis‐1,3,4,6‐tetranitroocta‐hydroimidazo‐[4,5‐d] imidazole Obtained by Isoconversional Methods using Different Thermal Analysis Techniques
Authors: Elbeih Ahmed , Abd‐Elghany Mohamed , Klapötke Thomas M.
Published: February 2017

The thermal decomposition kinetics of the interesting polycyclic nitramine cis‐1,3,4,6‐tetranitrooctahydroimidazo‐[4,5‐d]imidazole (BCHMX) and its polymer bonded explosive (PBX) based on polyurethane matrix, have been investigated using different thermal analysis techniques and methods. The used polyurethane matrix is based on hydroxyl‐terminated polybutadiene (HTPB) cured by hexamethylene diisocyanate (HMDI). Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) were used nonisothermally, whereas the vacuum stability test (VST) was used isothermally. Kinetic parameters were determined by using isoconversional (model‐free) methods. Furthermore, the Advanced Kinetics and Technology Solution (AKTS) software was used to determine the kinetic parameters of the studied samples in order to provide a comparison. It was found that the decomposition temperature of BCHMX/HTPB is lower than that of pure BCHMX. All the applied techniques as well as computational results showed that BCHMX/HTPB has a lower activation energy than pure BCHMX. The different methods used, Kissinger, Ozawa, Flynn, and Wall (OFW) and Kissinger‐Akahira‐Sunose (KAS) methods presented activation energies in the same range of the AKTS software results. Also the results proved that VST technique could be a useful tool to present results suitable for calculation of the kinetic parameters of explosives.
Small‐scale orographic gravity wave drag in stable boundary layers and its impact on synoptic systems and near‐surface meteorology
Authors: Tsiringakis A. , Steeneveld G. J. , Holtslag A. A. M.
Published: February 2017

At present atmospheric models for weather and climate use enhanced turbulent drag under stable conditions, because these empirically provide the necessary momentum drag for accurate forecast of synoptic systems. The enhanced mixing (also known as the ‘long tail’), introduces drag that cannot be physically justified and degrades the score for near‐surface temperature, wind and boundary‐layer height, and degrades fog and frost forecasting. This study hypothesizes that the insufficient representation of small‐scale orographic gravity wave drag in the stable boundary layer may explain the need for the enhanced drag formulation. Hence, we introduce a new scheme in the Weather Research and Forecasting model that accounts for this drag as a superposition on the turbulent drag induced by a so‐called short‐tail mixing function. The latter is consistent with boundary‐layer observations and large‐eddy simulations. We evaluate this scheme, against a short‐tail and a long‐tail scheme for sixteen eight‐day forecasts over the Atlantic Ocean and Europe in winter. The new scheme outperforms the short‐ and long‐tail schemes on sea‐level pressure, height of the 500 hPa field, 10 m wind and the cyclonic core pressure. Cyclonic core pressure bias is reduced by approximately 45 to 80% compared to the short‐tail scheme. Sea‐level pressure bias is reduced by up to 0.48 hPa (50%) over the whole domain compared to the short‐tail run. The new scheme has even smaller biases than the long‐tail scheme, supporting our hypothesis that small‐scale gravity wave drag may explain the need for a long‐tail function. Near‐surface wind bias is reduced by up to 40% compared to the long‐tail and up to 32% compared to the short‐tail scheme, while the 2 m temperature bias is only slightly increased (19%).
Anticancer Activity of a Complex of CuII with 2‐(2‐hydroxyphenylazo)‐indole‐3/‐acetic Acid on three different Cancer Cell Lines: A Novel Feature for Azo Complexes
Authors: Ganguly Durba , Jain Chetan Kumar , Santra Ramesh Chandra , Roychoudhury Susanta , Majumder Hemanta Kumar , Mondal Tapan Kumar , Das Saurabh
Published: February 2017

Toxicity of azo dyes and theirinteraction with biological systems has either been overlooked or not exploited properly. A CuII complex of 2‐(2‐hydroxyphenylazo)‐indole‐3/‐acetic acid (HPIA) was synthesized to see role of metal ions on azo toxicity. It was characterized with UV‐Vis, IR, EPR, mass spectrometry, elemental and thermogravimetric analysis. Evidence suggest formation of a bis‐azo complex with stability constant logβ=12.88. DFT calculations based on spectroscopic evidence suggest 1:2::CuII:HPIA complex. Enzyme assay on reductive cleavage of the azo bond shows complex forms less amines than HPIA. Binding of complex to DNA was similar to HPIA. As the complex restricts reduction of azo bond to toxic amines and has comparable binding with DNA it could be less cytotoxic. Cis and trans HPIA and the complex were treated to normal HEK293T cells; activity was comparable at low concentrations. When compounds were treated to human colon carcinomaHCT116 cells, ALL MOLT‐4 human leukemia cells and MCF‐7 breast cancer cells activity of the complex was better than cisor trans HPIA. The study revealed complex formation of HPIA with CuII targets carcinoma cellsmore than HPIA.
PEO‐Silsesquioxane Flexible Membranes: Organic‐Inorganic Solid Electrolytes with Controlled Homogeneity and Nanostructure
Authors: Mehdi Ahmad , Cerclier Carole V. , Le Bideau Jean , Guyomard Dominique , Dalmas Florent , Chenal Jean‐Marc , Chazeau Laurent , Fontaine Olivier , Vioux André
Published: February 2017

Hybrid organic‐inorganic membranes with controlled nanostructures involving PEO chains and silica‐like cross‐linkers with remarkable nanoscale homogeneity were achieved by one‐pot sol‐gel process from PEO chains equipped with one or two hydrolysable silicon end‐groups. Playing on the molar ratio of mono‐ over bis‐silylated PEO precursors (up to 80%) permitted modulating the mesh size to looser networks with higher segmental motion. Typically, the influence of the nanostructure of the membranes on their electrochemical and cell performances was tested on networks filled with LiTFSI salt (with and without solvent) by means of complex impedance spectroscopy and galvanostatic cycling measurements.
Acidic‐Amino‐Acid‐Conjugated Dinucleosides as Ribonuclease A Inhibitors: Rational Design and Effect of Backbone Chirality on Enzyme Inhibition
Authors: Datta Dhrubajyoti , Mondal Pampa , Dasgupta Swagata , Pathak Tanmaya
Published: February 2017

Molecular docking studies identified a dinucleoside connected with d‐aspartic acid residue as a more suitable competitive inhibitor of ribonuclease A. The chirality carbon of the d‐aspartic acid residue imposes a curvature in the molecule which is expected to make it a better inhibitor than its l‐aspartic acid congener due to more efficient binding with the active site. Experimental data established that the rational design of a dinucleoside by incorporating the predefined chirality in the backbone of the dinucleoside resulted in a half‐fold decrease of the inhibition constant compared to that of the l‐aspartic acid modified analogue. The dinucleoside also showed better lipophilicity as well as lower toxicity and opens up a new strategy for designing new class of inhibitors for RNase A.
Human Placenta-Derived Mesenchymal Stromal-Like Cells Enhance Angiogenesis via T Cell-Dependent Reprogramming of Macrophage Differentiation
Authors: He Shuyang , Gleason Joseph , Fik-Rymarkiewicz Ewa , DiFiglia Andrea , Bharathan Mini , Morschauser Andrew , Djuretic Ivana , Xu Yan , Krakovsky Michael , Jankovic Vladimir , Buensuceso Charito , Edinger James , Herzberg Uri , Hofgartner Wolfgang , Hariri Robert
Published: February 2017

Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is a leading cause of limb loss and mortality worldwide with limited treatment options. Mesenchymal stromal cell (MSC) therapy has demonstrated positive effects on angiogenesis in preclinical models and promising therapeutic efficacy signals in early stage clinical studies; however, the mechanisms underlying MSC-mediated angiogenesis remain largely undefined. Here, we investigated the mechanism of action of human placenta-derived MSC-like cells (PDA-002) in inducing angiogenesis using mice hind limb ischemia model. We showed that PDA-002 improved blood flow and promoted collateral vessel formation in the injured limb. Histological analysis demonstrated that PDA-002 increased M2-like macrophages in ischemic tissue. Analysis of the changes in functional T cell phenotype in the draining lymph nodes revealed that PDA-002 treatment was associated with the induction of cytokine and gene expression signatures of Th2 response. Angiogenic effect of PDA-002 was markedly reduced in Balb/c nude mice compared with wild type. This reduction in efficacy was reversed by T cell reconstitution, suggesting T cells are essential for PDA-002-mediated angiogenesis. Furthermore, effect of PDA-002 on macrophage differentiation was also T cell-dependent as a PDA-002-mediated M2-like macrophage skewing was only observed in wild type and T cell reconstituted nude mice, but not in nude mice. Finally, we showed that PDA-002-treated animals had enhanced angiogenic recovery in response to the second injury when PDA-002 no longer persisted in vivo. These results suggest that PDA-002 enhances angiogenesis through an immunomodulatory mechanism involving T cell-dependent reprogramming of macrophage differentiation toward M2-like phenotype.
An Introduction to Working with Children
Authors: Colton Matthew , Sanders Robert , Williams Margaret
Published: February 2017

‘This book provides a comprehensive and clear introduction to social work with children...an essential tool for students and practitioners in the field of child care...’ - Childright
Neurobiology of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing
Authors: Vojtova Hana , Hasto Jozef
Published: February 2017

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing represents a promising approach to treatment of posttraumatic disorders. The specific factors underlying its effectiveness rely particularly on bilateral stimulation, which seems to provoke a specific neurobiological response during traumatic recall particularly in individuals with PTSD. The empirical findings provide evidence for the effect of BLS on autonomic nervous system shifting the balance towards parasympathetic activation (reducing arousal) as well as the effect on subjectively perceived vividness and emotional burden of autobiographic memories (decrease). The most credible hypotheses derive the effects from neurobiological mechanisms employed in dual focus attention, orienting reflex and REM sleep. Further research is needed to explore the processes included in the EMDR therapy in more detail and clarify the role of bilateral stimulation.
On the Plausibility of Psychotic Hallucinations
Authors: Franceschi Paul
Published: February 2017

In this paper, we describe several factors that can contribute, from the patient’s viewpoint, to the plausibility of psychotic hallucinations. We sketch then a Plausibility of Hallucinations Scale, consisting of a 50-item questionnaire, which aims at evaluating the degree of plausibility of hallucinations. We also emphasize the utility of pointing out to the patient the several factors that contribute to the plausibility of his/her hallucinations, in the context of cognitive therapy for schizophrenia.
Dissociation and Immune Dysregulation: A Preliminary Report
Authors: Bizik Gustav , Bob Petr , Raboch Jiri , Svetlak Miroslav , Simek Jakub , Pec Ondrej , Benakova Hana , Uhrova Jana , Zima Tomas
Published: February 2017

Recent evidence indicates that various types of interactions between nervous and immune system are important in pathogenesis of depression. These findings show that a significant role in developing depression play proinflammatory cytokines that may mediate its psychological and neurobiological manifestations. Great importance among these cytokines plays tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-a) and there is growing evidence that inflammatory processes related to depression may be influenced by psychological stress as well as organic inflammatory conditions. These findings suggest that specific influences related to traumatic stress and dissociation could be found in close relationship to increased level of cytokine TNF-a. In the present study we have performed psychometric measurement of depression (BDI-II), traumatic stress symptoms (TSC-40) and dissociation (DES), and immunochemical measure of serum TNF-a in 40 inpatients with unipolar depression (mean age 38.4±8.2). The results show that TNF-a is significantly related to DES (Spearman R= -0.36, p<0.05), but not to BDI-II and TSC-40. Results of the present study suggest that TNF-a alterations related to dissociation could present a specific process of immunomodulation that may be explained by mutual influences between stress and neuroimmune system.
The Frequency of Law Breaking and Compulsory Hospitalization Among the Mentally Ill People in Katowice, Poland
Authors: Górniak Eliza , Furczyk Karolina , Krysta Krzysztof
Published: February 2017

It is a common belief that mental disorders are widely associated with dangerous, threat-posing behavior and law-breaking. The paper analyzes the problem of law-breaking by the mentally disordered. We performed an analysis of cases concerning compulsory psychiatric treatment or confinement in a medical institution on the grounds of mental incompetence to commit an offence or mental unfitness to stand the trial obtained from the court and the public prosecutor’s office in Silesia from 2007 to 2009. 14 cases were analyzed. All the offenders were male, mean age was 44,6. All the offenders were diagnosed by psychiatrists, most of them with schizophrenia (n=10 cases). Other diagnoses included paranoic syndrome (n=1), bipolar affective disorder with manic episode (n=1), schizoaffective disorder (n=1), delusion syndrome (n=1). 9 out of 14 offenders were diagnosed prior to the offence, some of whom were also hospitalized (n=5). 8 of analyzed cases concerned use of violence, 3 concerned larceny, 2 concerned posing a threat to others’ life or health and 1 concerned fraud. 2 of the offenders were previously sentenced for other offences. 12 of the offenders were compulsory treated by psychiatrists, 10 out of whom are still hospitalized at the time of writing this report. The small number of the cases analyzed (14 cases in the whole of a few thousands) suggests that mentally disordered persons do not break law often. There seems to be a higher risk associated with male gender, though. Also, the frequency of violent acts and offences committed despite previous treatment is disturbing.
Neural Binding, Consciousness, and Mental Disorders: Complexity as a Common Element
Authors: De Assis Leonardo P. G.
Published: February 2017

Concepts from complex systems have been widely used in model building and experiments in neuroscience. This article presents a short overview of synchronization and chaos theory in studies of perception, and consciousness. In addition, these findings seem to have serious implications for the understanding of mental disorders. Finally some consequences for the future of psychiatry are discussed.
Non-Traditional Interpretation of Conventional EEG Curve Analyses
Authors: Faber Josef , Novak Mirko , Votruba Zdenek , Kovaljov Michal
Published: February 2017

The electroencephalographic (EEG) curve is a highly complex formation representing cerebral system activities. On the one hand it may resemble featureless oscillations in alpha activity, on the other hand it looks like a very irregular tangle of mostly quite random lines even when the proband or patient is in a waking state. Recent findings also indicate that the EEG signal can be studied as a complex numerical series using signal analysis in terms of chaodynamic processes and describe its outcome as fractals or attractors. Using spectral Gabor analysis (GA), local coherence (LCA) and amplitude analyses (AA) we report results with regard to clinical experience and atractor character of epileptic activity. We have developed a simple coefficient method showing the state of EEG synchronisation and, at the same time, also the actual state of integration or complexity of the systems in the brain. Amplitude analysis shows the fractal feature of alpha activity and attractor descriptions related to of epileptic activity. These results might be useful for detection of mental states related to levels of wakefulness or somnolence.
Advanced theory of mind in adolescence: Do age, gender and friendship style play a role?
Authors: Białecka‐Pikul Marta , Kołodziejczyk Anna , Bosacki Sandra
Published: February 2017

The ability to recursively infer the mental states of others to explain their complex behavior in ambiguous social situation may be called Advanced Theory of Mind (aToM). The relations between two components of aToM, cognitive and affective, measured on a behavioral level in 151 Polish 13‐year‐olds and 174 16‐year‐olds was examined. The role of age, gender and friendship style and its relations to the cognitive and affective aToM was explored. Cognitive aToM was only weakly to moderately related to affective aToM. Across both age groups females scored higher than males. Males' aToM abilities did not differ according to age, but they scored higher in the cognitive aToM than affective ToM. Also, different aspects of friendship style were significant predictors of both aToM abilities. The implications for two aToM components within a gendered social context were discussed.
Front propagation for reaction-diffusion equations of bistable type
Authors: Barles G. , Bronsard L. , Souganidis P.E.
Published: February 2017

We present a direct PDE approach to study the behavior as

ε → 0

of the solution

u^ε

of the reaction-diffusion equation:

u_{t}^{\mathrm{\varepsilon }}−\mathrm{\varepsilon }\mathrm{\Delta }u^{\mathrm{\varepsilon }} = \left(1/ \mathrm{\varepsilon }\right)f\left(u^{\mathrm{\varepsilon }}\right)

in

ℝ^N × (0, ∞)

in the case when

f

is the derivative of a bistable potential. Such singular perturbation problems arise in the study of large time wavefront propagations generated by such equations following a method introduced by M. Freidlin.

Nous présentons une méthode EDP directe pour étudier le comportement, quand

ε → 0

de la solution

u^ε

de l’équation de réaction-diffusion :

u_{t}^{\mathrm{\varepsilon }}−\mathrm{\varepsilon }\mathrm{\Delta }u^{\mathrm{\varepsilon }} = \left(1/ \mathrm{\varepsilon }\right)f\left(u^{\mathrm{\varepsilon }}\right)

dans

ℝ^N × (0, ∞)

dans le cas où

f

est la dérivée d’un potentiel bistable. De tels problèmes de perturbation singulière interviennent dans l’étude asymptotique des fronts de propagations générés par de telles équations, en suivant une méthode introduite par M. Freidlin.