bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The complex interplay of diet, xenobiotics, and microbial metabolism in the gut: Implications for clinical outcomes
Authors: Taguer M , Maurice CF
Published: March 2016

From digestion to pathogen resistance and immune system development, the gut microbiota and its collection of microbial genes are redefining what it means to be human. Despite tremendous advances in this field, there is still a limited understanding of how microbial metabolism in the gut impacts human health, which precludes the development of microbiota‐targeted therapies. In this article, we discuss the increasing evidence emphasizing the importance of bacterial metabolism in the gut and discuss its intricate links with diet and pharmaceutical compounds leading to altered therapeutic outcomes. We also detail how applying and testing microbial ecology hypotheses will be crucial to fully understand the therapeutic potential of this host‐associated community. Going forward, functional and mechanistic studies combining biomedical research, ecology, bioinformatics, statistical modeling, and engineering will be key in our pursuit of personalized medicine.
Robotics in otolaryngology and head and neck surgery: Recommendations for training and credentialing: A report of the 2015 AHNS education committee, AAO‐HNS robotic task force and AAO‐HNS sleep disorders committee
Authors: Gross Neil D. , Holsinger F. Christopher , Magnuson J. Scott , Duvvuri Umamaheswar , Genden Eric M. , Ghanem Tamer AH. , Yaremchuk Kathleen L. , Goldenberg David , Miller Matthew C. , Moore Eric J. , Morris Luc GT. , Netterville James , Weinstein Gregory S. , Richmon Jeremy
Published: March 2016

Training and credentialing for robotic surgery in otolaryngology ‐ head and neck surgery is currently not standardized, but rather relies heavily on industry guidance. This manuscript represents a comprehensive review of this increasingly important topic and outlines clear recommendations to better standardize the practice. The recommendations provided can be used as a reference by individuals and institutions alike, and are expected to evolve over time. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 38: E151–E158,
Two New Flavonoids from Derris eriocarpa How
Authors: Lou Hua‐Yong , Wu Hong‐Guo , Tan Yong‐Hua , Lan Jun‐Jie , Ma Xiao‐Pan , Liang Guang‐Yi , Yi Ping , Pan Wei‐Dong
Published: March 2016

Two new flavonoids, 1 and 2, together with two known flavonoids, tephrosin (3) and 12a‐hydroxy‐α‐toxicarol (4), were isolated from the whole herb of Derris eriocarpa How. The structures and absolute configurations of the new compounds were elucidated on the basis of their MS, NMR, and ECD data. The structures of the known compounds were established by extensive spectroscopic (MS, 1D‐ and 2D‐NMR) analyses and comparison with the literature data. All compounds were isolated from D. eriocarpa for the first time. Compound 3 showed modest inhibitory activities against the growth of human cancer cells HEL and A549 with the IC50 values of 15.03 ± 0.62 and 13.27 ± 0.39 μm, respectively.
RUNX1 amplification in AML with myelodysplasia‐related changes and ring 21 chromosomes
Authors: Burillo‐Sanz S , Vargas MT , Morales‐Camacho RM , Caballero‐Velázquez T , Sánchez J , García‐Lozano JR , Pérez de Soto I , Prats‐Martín C , Bernal R , Pérez‐Simón JA
Published: March 2016

Ring 21 is an unstable structural abnormality of chromosome 21 that can lead to RUNX1 gene amplification. We present a unique case with a carrier patient of a constitutional ring chromosome 21 (partial monosomy and trisomy 21) with dysmorphic features and congenital malformations phenotype, who developed acute myeloid leukaemia with myelodysplasia‐related changes and two ring 21 chromosomes with RUNX1 amplification. The patient's constitutional ring 21 chromosome showed alterations in tumour suppressor genes, and oncogenes, but not in RUNX1. RUNX1 gene expression at acute myeloid leukaemia diagnosis, showed no upregulation, so other genes may also be the genetic amplification targets in this patient. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Occult recurrence of monomorphic epitheliotropic intestinal T‐cell lymphoma and the role of MATK gene expression in diagnosis
Authors: Chen Yunxin , Tan Soo‐Yong , Petersson Bengt Fredrik , Khor Yiu Ming , Gopalakrishnan Sathish Kumar , Tan Daryl
Published: March 2016

Monomorphic epitheliotropic intestinal T‐cell lymphomas (MEITL), formerly Type II enteropathy‐associated T‐cell lymphomas (EATL), are rare peripheral T‐cell lymphomas. They are associated with poor survival outcomes, in part because of their late diagnosis. Although MEITLs may be reliably diagnosed based on histological and immunophenotypic findings, overlaps with other NK/T and T‐cell lymphomas may confound the diagnosis. The distinctive high‐level nuclear staining of the novel marker Megakaryocyte‐associated tyrosine kinase (MATK) in MEITLs is an invaluable tool in distinguishing MEITL from classical EATL and other NK/T or T‐cell lymphomas. 18‐Fluorine‐2‐fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (18F‐FDG PET) has been shown to be a useful tool in the staging and follow‐up of aggressive lymphomas. Herein, we describe an unusual case of occult hepatic recurrence of MEITL that was non‐avid on 18F‐FDG PET, in which diagnosis was confirmed based on the expression of MATK in tumour cells. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Access and latency to first antipsychotic treatment in Italian patients with schizophrenia and other schizophrenic spectrum disorders across different epochs
Authors: Palazzo Maria Carlotta , Arici Chiara , Dell'Osso Bernardo , Cremaschi Laura , Grancini Benedetta , Camuri Giulia , Benatti Beatrice , Oldani Lucio , Dobrea Cristina , Cattaneo Alma , Altamura Alfredo Carlo
Published: March 2016

Background

The duration of untreated illness (DUI) is a measure to express the latency to first psychopharmacological treatment: it differs among psychiatric disorders, being influenced by several illness‐intrinsic and environmental factors. The present study aimed to assess differences in DUI and related variables in patients with schizophrenia (SKZ) versus other schizophrenic spectrum disorders (SSDs) across different epochs.

Methods

101 SKZ or SSD patients were assessed with respect to DUI and related variables through clinical interview and questionnaire.

Results

Patients with SKZ showed earlier ages of onset, first diagnosis and first antipsychotic treatment compared with patients with other SSDs (F = 11.02, p < 0.001; F = 12.68, p < 0.001; F = 13.74, p < 0.001, respectively) who showed an earlier access to benzodiazepines than SKZ patients (F = 6.547; p < 0.05). Dividing the total sample by the epoch of onset (before 1978; between 1978–2000; after 2000) showed a significantly later age of onset in patients with onset within the two most recent epochs (F = 7.46; p < 0.001) and a reduced DUI across epochs (from 144 to 41 to 20 months, on average; F = 11.78, p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Schizophrenic patients showed earlier onset and longer DUI compared with patients with other SSDs. Data on the total sample showed a later age of onset and a reduced DUI across epochs. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Comparing the effects of MSCs and CD34+ cell therapy in a rat model of myocardial infarction
Authors: Shalaby Sally M. , El‐Shal Amal S. , Zidan Haidy E. , Mazen Nehad F. , Abd El‐Haleem Manal R. , Abd El Motteleb Dalia M.
Published: March 2016

Stem cell therapy is considered as a promising approach in the treatment of myocardial infarction (MI). This study was designed as a comparison of human umbilical cord blood (HUCB)‐derived CD34+ and HUCB‐derived MSCs for the repair of cardiac tissue by induction of the angiogenesis. Forty‐eight male rats were randomized into four groups: sham‐operated group, MI group, MSCs‐treated group, and CD34+ cells‐treated group. After 4 weeks, the rats were sacrificed. All sections from left ventricles of all groups were subjected to hematoxylin & eosin, Masson's trichrome, and immunohistochemical stains (CD133, CD44, and α‐smooth muscle actin). RNA was extracted for gene expression of the angiogenic markers. A significant reduction of the infarct size and the amplitude of T‐wave in the CD34+ cells‐treated group when compared with the MSCs‐treated group were determined. Histologically, the MI group showed scar tissue, congested blood capillaries around the infarcted area, some necrotic cells, and inflammatory cells. Administration of either MSCs or CD34+ cells had a therapeutic potential to induce regenerative changes in the myocardium with better results in CD34+cells‐treated group. Quantitative RT‐PCR analysis revealed a significant increase in the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), VEGFR‐2, Ang‐1, and Tie‐2 and a significant decreased expression of Ang‐2 in stem cells transplanted groups when compared with the noncell transplanted hearts. A significant increase of VEGF, VEGFR‐2, Ang‐1, and Tie‐2 expression in the group receiving CD34+ cells than those receiving MSCs was found. Finally, there was an upregulation of both human VEGF and human hypoxia‐inducible factor 1α in the infarcted hearts treated by CD34+ cells than that treated by MSCs. We first revealed a superior efficacy of CD34+ cells when compared with MSCs in induction of regenerative changes in the MI model. Both cell therapies may repair the damaged heart tissue primarily by secretion of proangiogenic factors that induce the angiogenesis and activate the angiogenesis signaling pathway. © 2016 IUBMB Life, 68(5):343–354, 2016
A Qualitative Analysis of Home‐Based Counselors' Experiences in a Rural Setting
Authors: Bowen Jonathan M. , Caron Sandra L.
Published: March 2016

This qualitative study sought to understand the experiences of home‐based counselors working in a rural setting. In‐depth interviews were conducted with 12 counselors who were asked to describe their experiences in the areas of preparedness, professional development, challenges, and gender‐specific experiences. Fourteen coding categories emerged from the interviews, which led to the findings of 3 overarching themes: shared isolation, ethical ambiguity, and the high‐intensity nature of the job. Recommendations for home‐based counselors, agencies, and professional counseling associations are discussed.
Posttraumatic Growth and HIV: A Study on Associations of Stigma and Social Support
Authors: Zeligman Melissa , Barden Sejal M. , Hagedorn W. Bryce
Published: March 2016

The present study investigated the influence of HIV‐related stigma and social support on posttraumatic growth (PTG) in adults with HIV (N= 126). The study examined if social support moderated the relationship between stigma and PTG. Results from the study revealed that the predictor variables contributed significantly to PTG following an HIV diagnosis; however, no significant interaction effect between the 2 variables was found. Implications for counselors and directions for future research are provided.
Stress and Burnout Among Counselor Educators: Differences Between Adaptive Perfectionists, Maladaptive Perfectionists, and Nonperfectionists
Authors: Moate Randall M. , Gnilka Philip B. , West Erin M. , Bruns Kristin L.
Published: March 2016

This study examined perfectionism in a national sample of 178 counselor educators to explore why certain groups of counselor educators may be at greater risk for experiencing stress and burnout. In line with previous literature, latent profile analysis based on measures of perfectionism supported a 3‐class model (i.e., adaptive perfectionists, nonperfectionists, and maladaptive perfectionists). Maladaptive perfectionists had significantly higher levels of perceived stress, work‐related burnout, personal burnout, and student‐related burnout compared with adaptive perfectionists and nonperfectionists.
Effect of solids loading and solvent type on the enzymatic hydrolysis of cellulose
Authors: Brodeur Gary , Yau Elizabeth , Collier John , Telotte John , Ramakrishnan Subramanian
Published: March 2016

BACKGROUND

Solvent based pretreatment of biomass followed by enzymatic hydrolysis (in the presence of the solvent – ‘in situ hydrolysis’) is an attractive route to develop a biorefinery concept since it reduces a number of washing steps to remove the solvent and saves energy. This work explores the ability of the commercial ‘lyocell’ solvent ‐ N‐methyl Morpholine N‐Oxide (NMMO) for ‘in situ’ hydrolysis at high cellulose loadings and compares its hydrolysis performance with commercially available ionic liquids (ILs).

RESULTS

NMMO is able to dissolve high loadings of cellulose which on subsequent in situ enzymatic hydrolysis results in not only an increased sugar yield (∼30 mg mL−1) but also an enhanced rate of hydrolysis (12.24 mg mL−1 h−1). In addition, a comparative study of hydrolysis in the presence of NMMO and ILs reveals the fact that hydrolysis in NMMO produces the highest sugar yields when compared with ILs.

CONCLUSION

This study thus establishes the effectiveness of NMMO as a pretreatment solvent – it is an excellent solvent for disrupting the microstructure and dissolving high loadings of cellulose, and hydrolysis reactions can be carried out in the presence of NMMO since enzymes are active in its presence. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry
New Angular Polycyclic Aromatic Boron Heterocycle Ring Systems
Authors: Nourie Hannah C. , Buglo Elena , Groziak Michael P. , Sarina Evan A. , Olmstead Marilyn M.
Published: March 2016

2‐Formylphenylboronic acid condenses with salicyloyl and anthraniloyl hydrazines directly to generate dibenzo‐fused versions of [1,2,3]diazaborinino[3,2‐b][1,3,2]oxazaborinine and [1,3,2]diazaborinino[1,2‐b][1,2,3]diazaborinine, respectively, in excellent yields. These compounds, the first members of heretofore unknown planar polycyclic boron heterocycle ring systems, were characterized thoroughly by high‐field NMR spectroscopy, X‐ray crystallography, and other techniques.
Hepatic encephalopathy for the hospitalist
Authors: Sweigart Joseph R. , Bradley Bruce , Grigorian Alla Y.
Published: March 2016

The care of patients with advanced liver disease is often complicated by episodes of acute decline in alertness and cognition, termed hepatic encephalopathy (HE). Hospitalists must be familiar with HE, as it is a common reason for hospitalization in this population and is associated with significantly increased mortality. This narrative review addresses common issues related to diagnosis and classification, precipitants, inpatient management, and transitions of care for patients with HE. The initial presentation can be variable, and HE remains a clinical diagnosis. The spectrum of HE manifestations spans from mild, subclinical cognitive deficits to overt coma. The West Haven scoring system is the most widely used classification system for HE. Various metabolic insults may precipitate HE, and providers must specifically seek to rule out infection and bleeding in cirrhotic patients presenting with altered cognition. This is consistent with the 4‐pronged approach of the American Association for the Study of Liver Disease practice guidelines. Patients with HE are typically treated primarily with nonabsorbable disaccharide laxatives, often with adjunctive rifaximin. The evidence for these agents is discussed, and available support for other treatment options is presented. Management issues relevant to general hospitalists include those related to acute pain management, decisional capacity, and HE following transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt placement. These issues are examined individually. Successfully transitioning patients recovering from HE to outpatient care requires open communication with multiple role players including patients, caregivers, and outpatient providers. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2016;11:591–594. © 2016 Society of Hospital Medicine
Bacterial diversity and community along the succession of biological soil crusts in the Gurbantunggut Desert, Northern China
Authors: Zhang Bingchang , Kong Weidong , Wu Nan , Zhang Yuanming
Published: March 2016

Biological soil crusts (BSCs) are common and play critical roles in semi‐arid and arid ecosystems. Bacteria, as an important community in BSCs, play critical roles in biochemical processes. However, how bacterial diversity and community change in different successional stages of BSCs is still unknown. We used 454 pyrosequencing of 16S rRNA to investigate the bacterial composition and community, and the relationships between bacterial composition and environmental factors were also explored. In different successional stages of BSCs, the number of bacteria operational taxonomic units (OTUs) detected in each sample ranged from 2572 to 3157. Proteobacteria, Cyanobacteria, Bacteroidetes were dominant in BSCs, followed by Firmicutes, Acidobacteria, and Actinobacteria. At the successional stages of BSCs, bacterial communities, OTU composition and their relative abundance notably differentiated, and Cyanobacteria, especially Microcoleus vaginatus, dominated algal crust and lichen crust, and were the main C‐fixing bacteria in BSCs. Proteobacteria and Bacteroidetes increased with the development of BSCs. OTUs related to Planomicrobium Chinese, Desulfobulbus sp., Desulfomicrobium sp., Arthrobacter sp., and Ahhaerbacter sp. showed higher relative abundance in bare sand than other successional stages of BSCs, while relative abundance of Sphingomonas sp. Niastella sp., Pedobacter, Candidatus solobacter, and Streptophyta increased with the development of BSCs. In successional stages of BSCs, bacterial OTUs composition demonstrated strong correlations with soil nutrients, soil salts, and soil enzymes. Additionally, variation of bacterial composition led to different ecological function. In bare sand, some species were related with mineral metabolism or promoting plant growth, and in algal crust and lichen crust, C‐fixing bacteria increased and accumulated C to the desert soil. In later developed stage of BSCs, bacteria related with decomposition of organic matter, such as Sphingomonas sp. Niastella sp., Pedobacter, and Candidatus solobacter increased. Therefore, bacterial community composition and their key ecological roles shifted to the development of BSCs.
Cattle grazing and grassland birds in the northern tallgrass prairie
Authors: Ahlering Marissa A. , Merkord Christopher L.
Published: March 2016

With the loss of over 70% of North America's grasslands (Samson et al. 2004), grassland birds increasingly rely on habitat that is privately owned and managed for livestock production. Therefore, it is critical to understand how livestock grazing influences grassland bird abundance and community structure. We evaluated the response of 4 obligate grassland bird species to grazing intensity, vegetation structure, ecological site description, and burning across a landscape including pastures with no recent grazing to pastures experiencing grazing intensities similar to that for private livestock production operations. We evaluated models using a binomial N‐mixture model implemented in the R package unmarked. Overall, 3 of the 4 obligate species included positive relationships with grazing intensity in the top abundance model (i.e., grasshopper sparrow [Ammodramus savannarum], bobolink [Dolichonyx oryzivorus], and upland sandpiper [Bartramia longicauda]), suggesting the range of grazing intensities evaluated (0–4.57 animal months/ha) did not negatively affect the abundance of these species. Marbled godwit (Limosa fedoa) abundance, however, was higher with greater variability in litter depth but was not directly related to grazing intensity. Finally, the effect of year was correlated with decreasing precipitation over the course of the study and had the greatest influence on community composition with some community separation by grazing intensity. Our results suggest that cattle grazing can positively influence the abundance of some grassland bird species but annual variation in weather patterns can influence community composition at sites regardless of management decisions. © 2016 The Wildlife Society.
Assessing spring direct mortality to avifauna from wind energy facilities in the Dakotas
Authors: Graff Brianna J. , Jenks Jonathan A. , Stafford Joshua D. , Jensen Kent C. , Grovenburg Troy W.
Published: March 2016

The Northern Great Plains (NGP) contains much of the remaining temperate grasslands, an ecosystem that is one of the most converted and least protected in the world. Within the NGP, the Prairie Pothole Region (PPR) provides important habitat for >50% of North America's breeding waterfowl and many species of shorebirds, waterbirds, and grassland songbirds. This region also has high wind energy potential, but the effects of wind energy developments on migratory and resident bird and bat populations in the NGP remains understudied. This is troubling considering >2,200 wind turbines are actively generating power in the region and numerous wind energy projects have been proposed for development in the future. Our objectives were to estimate avian and bat fatality rates for wind turbines situated in cropland‐ and grassland‐dominated landscapes, document species at high risk to direct mortality, and assess the influence of habitat variables on waterfowl mortality at 2 wind farms in the NGP. From 10 March to 7 June 2013–2014, we completed 2,398 searches around turbines for carcasses at the Tatanka Wind Farm (TAWF) and the Edgeley‐Kulm Wind Farm (EKWF) in South Dakota and North Dakota. During spring, we found 92 turbine‐related mortalities comprising 33 species and documented a greater diversity of species (n = 30) killed at TAWF (predominately grassland) than at EKWF (n = 9; predominately agricultural fields). After accounting for detection rates, we estimated spring mortality of 1.86 (SE = 0.22) deaths/megawatt (MW) at TAWF and 2.55 (SE = 0.51) deaths/MW at EKWF. Waterfowl spring (Mar–Jun) fatality rates were 0.79 (SE = 0.11) and 0.91 (SE = 0.10) deaths/MW at TAWF and EKWF, respectively. Our results suggest that future wind facility siting decisions consider avoiding grassland habitats and locate turbines in pre‐existing fragmented and converted habitat outside of high densities of breeding waterfowl and major migration corridors. © 2016 The Wildlife Society.
Papain‐Catalyzed Chemoenzymatic Synthesis of Telechelic Polypeptides Using Bis(Leucine Ethyl Ester) Initiator
Authors: Tsuchiya Kousuke , Numata Keiji
Published: March 2016

In order to construct unique polypeptide architectures, a novel telechelic‐type initiator with two leucine ethyl ester units is designed for chemoenzymatic polymerization. Glycine or alanine ethyl ester is chemoenzymatically polymerized using papain in the presence of the initiator, and the propagation occurs at each leucine ethyl ester unit to produce the telechelic polypeptide. The formation of the telechelic polypeptides is confirmed by 1H NMR and MALDI‐TOF mass spectroscopies. It is revealed by AFM observation that long nanofibrils are formed from the telechelic polyalanine, whereas a conventional linear polyalanine with a similar degree of polymerization shows granule‐like structures. The telechelic polyglycine and polyalanine show the crystalline structures of Polyglycine II and antiparallel β‐sheet, respectively. It is demonstrated that this method to synthesize telechelic‐type polypeptides potentially opens up a pathway to construct novel hierarchical structures by self‐assembly.

image
Tunable Triple‐Shape Memory Binary Mixtures with High Transition Temperature and Robust Mechanical Properties
Authors: Yang Zenghui , Wang Qihua , Wang Tingmei
Published: March 2016

High temperature triggered shape memory polymers are currently attracting considerable attention due to their potential applications in the context of harsh environments. Herein, tunable dual‐ and triple‐shape memory binary mixture polyimides with high transition temperatures that may meet some of these requirements are presented. The binary mixtures are prepared by blending two poly (amic acid)s of rodlike poly(benzoxazole‐imide) (PIB) and flexible polyetherimide (PIO), followed by solvent evaporation and thermal imidization. The aggregation structures, thermal mechanical properties, and shape memory behaviors are systematically studied. It is found that dual‐shape memory cycles give excellent shape fixity and recovery of up to 98 and 97%. Moreover, binary mixtures with broad glass transition temperatures endow good triple‐shape memory effects and the shape memory at each step crucially depends on the content of the PIB due to the enhancement of physical crosslinks. Additionally, their thermally tough and mechanically strong properties would suggest wide potential applications of the mixtures.

image
Power calculations and placebo effect for future clinical trials in progressive supranuclear palsy
Authors: Stamelou Maria , Schöpe Jakob , Wagenpfeil Stefan , Del Ser Teodoro , Bang Jee , Lobach Iryna Y. , Luong Phi , Respondek Gesine , Oertel Wolfgang H. , Boxer AdamL. , Höglinger Günter U. ,   for the AL‐108‐231 Investigators, Tauros Investigators, and MDS‐Endorsed PSP Study Group
Published: March 2016

Background

Two recent randomized, placebo‐controlled trials of putative disease‐modifying agents (davunetide, tideglusib) in progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) failed to show efficacy, but generated data relevant for future trials.

Methods

We provide sample size calculations based on data collected in 187 PSP patients assigned to placebo in these trials. A placebo effect was calculated.

Results

The total PSP‐Rating Scale required the least number of patients per group (N = 51) to detect a 50% change in the 1‐year progression and 39 when including patients with ≤ 5 years disease duration. The Schwab and England Activities of Daily Living required 70 patients per group and was highly correlated with the PSP‐Rating Scale. A placebo effect was not detected in these scales.

Conclusions

We propose the 1‐year PSP‐Rating Scale score change as the single primary readout in clinical neuroprotective or disease‐modifying trials. The Schwab and England Activities of Daily Living could be used as a secondary outcome. © 2016 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Global analysis of a periodic epidemic model on cholera in presence of bacteriophage
Authors: Sardar Tridip , Biswas Santanu , Chattopadhyay Joydev
Published: March 2016

We propose and analyze a recurrent epidemic model of cholera in the presence of bacteriophage. The model is extended by general periodic incidence functions for low‐infectious bacterium and high‐infectious bacterium, respectively. A general periodic shedding function for two infected class (phage‐positive and phage‐negative) and a generalized contact and intrinsic growth function for susceptible class are also considered. Under certain biological assumptions, we derive the basic reproduction number (R0) in a periodic environment for the proposed model. We also observe the global stability of the disease‐free equilibrium, existence, permanence, and global stability of the positive endemic periodic solution of our proposed model. Finally, we verify our results with specific functional form. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Implementation of high‐order variational models made easy for image processing
Authors: Lu Wenqi , Duan Jinming , Qiu Zhaowen , Pan Zhenkuan , Liu Ryan Wen , Bai Li
Published: March 2016

High‐order variational models are powerful methods for image processing and analysis, but they can lead to complicated high‐order nonlinear partial differential equations that are difficult to discretise to solve computationally. In this paper, we present some representative high‐order variational models and provide detailed descretisation of these models and numerical implementation of the split Bregman algorithm for solving these models using the fast Fourier transform. We demonstrate the advantages and disadvantages of these high‐order models in the context of image denoising through extensive experiments. The methods and techniques can also be used for other applications, such as image decomposition, inpainting and segmentation. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
L∞ continuation principle to the non‐baratropic non‐resistive magnetohydrodynamic equations without heat conductivity
Authors: Huang Xiangdi , Wang Yun
Published: March 2016

The aim of this paper is to establish a continuation principle for strong solutions to the full compressible magnetohydrodynamic system without resistivity and heat conductivity. We prove that if the solution loses its regularity in finite time, the dominated part is due to the hyperbolic effect. More precisely, it is essentially shown that the strong solution exists globally if the density, temperature, and magnetic field are bounded from above, where vacuum is allowed to exist. This verifies a problem proposed by D.Serre. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Global regulation of individual decision making
Authors: Banerjee Malay , Demongeot Jacques , Volpert Vitaly
Published: March 2016

Collective behavior of a group of individuals is studied. Each individual adopts one of two alternative decisions on the basis of a neural network bistable dynamical system. The parameters of this system are regulated by collective behavior of the group with the purpose to control the number of individuals with certain decision. It is shown how behavior of the group depends on the distribution of initial states of individuals before they begin the process of decision making. If this distribution is narrow, then it can be impossible to achieve a stable coexistence of two decisions, and oscillations in the number of individuals with given decisions are observed. Various implications of this theory are discussed. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Global exponential convergence for a class of neutral functional differential equations with proportional delays
Authors: Yu Yuehua
Published: March 2016

This paper is concerned with a class of non‐autonomous neutral functional differential equations with multi‐proportional delays. It is shown that all solutions of the addressed system are globally exponentially convergent by employing the differential inequality technique and a novel argument. The obtained results improve and supplement existing ones. We also use numerical simulations to demonstrate our theoretical results. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
What is regularization, its role and place in solution of isothermal problems for heavily loaded elastohydrodynamically lubricated contacts?
Authors: Kudish Ilya I.
Published: March 2016

A typical defect of numerical solutions obtained for isothermal heavily loaded elastohydrodynamically lubricated (EHL) contacts such as solution instability is considered. A detailed analysis and numerical examples of solutions for dry and lubricated contacts with instability are presented. The main roots of numerical instability are discussed, and a regularization process, that is, the process that makes the numerical solution stable, is revealed and analyzed. A regularization of EHL problems slightly modifies the problem equations to make their numerical solution stable and convergent. The level of this problem modification is controlled by just one parameter. The effect of the level of regularization on parameters of EHL contacts is considered. The idea of such a regularization comes from the solution of a thermal EHL problem with low generation of energy in the contact. Some examples of regularized numerical solutions for classic EHL problem and an EHL problem that takes into account tangential surface displacements caused by frictional stresses are presented. The approach showed its effectiveness and application simplicity for very high values of pressure viscosity coefficients. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Semistability of two systems of difference equations using centre manifold theory
Authors: Psarros N. , Papaschinopoulos G. , Schinas C. J.
Published: March 2016

In this paper, we study the stability of the zero equilibria of the following systems of difference equations:

urn:x-wiley:mma:media:mma3904:mma3904-math-0001
and

urn:x-wiley:mma:media:mma3904:mma3904-math-0002
where a, b, c and d are positive constants and the initial conditions x0 and y0 are positive numbers. We study the stability of those systems in the special case when one of the eigenvalues has absolute value equal to 1 and the other eigenvalue has absolute value less than 1, using centre manifold theory. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The 1H NMR spectrum of pyrazole in a nematic phase
Authors: Provasi Patricio , Jimeno María Luisa , Alkorta Ibon , Reviriego Felipe , Elguero José , Jokisaari Jukka
Published: March 2016

The experimental 1H nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectrum of 1H‐pyrazole was recorded in thermotropic nematic liquid crystal N‐(p‐ethoxybenzylidene)‐p‐butylaniline (EBBA) within the temperature range of 299–308 K. Two of three observable dipolar DHH‐couplings appeared to be equal at each temperature because of fast prototropic tautomerism. Analysis of the Saupe orientational order parameters using fixed geometry determined by computations and experimental dipolar couplings results in a situation in which the molecular orientation relative to the magnetic field (and the liquid crystal director) can be described exceptionally by a single parameter. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Model‐based reconstruction for real‐time phase‐contrast flow MRI: Improved spatiotemporal accuracy
Authors: Tan Zhengguo , Roeloffs Volkert , Voit Dirk , Joseph Arun A. , Untenberger Markus , Merboldt K. Dietmar , Frahm Jens
Published: March 2016

Purpose

To develop a model‐based reconstruction technique for real‐time phase‐contrast flow MRI with improved spatiotemporal accuracy in comparison to methods using phase differences of two separately reconstructed images with differential flow encodings.

Methods

The proposed method jointly computes a common image, a phase‐contrast map, and a set of coil sensitivities from every pair of flow‐compensated and flow‐encoded datasets obtained by highly undersampled radial FLASH. Real‐time acquisitions with five and seven radial spokes per image resulted in 25.6 and 35.7 ms measuring time per phase‐contrast map, respectively. The signal model for phase‐contrast flow MRI requires the solution of a nonlinear inverse problem, which is accomplished by an iteratively regularized Gauss‐Newton method. Aspects of regularization and scaling are discussed. The model‐based reconstruction was validated for a numerical and experimental flow phantom and applied to real‐time phase‐contrast MRI of the human aorta for 10 healthy subjects and 2 patients.

Results

Under all conditions, and compared with a previously developed real‐time flow MRI method, the proposed method yields quantitatively accurate phase‐contrast maps (i.e., flow velocities) with improved spatial acuity, reduced phase noise and reduced streaking artifacts.

Conclusion

This novel model‐based reconstruction technique may become a new tool for clinical flow MRI in real time. Magn Reson Med 77:1082–1093, 2017. © 2016 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine
A glycoproteomic approach to identify novel glycomarkers for cancer stem cells
Authors: Sawanobori Atsuko , Moriwaki Kenta , Takamatsu Shinji , Kamada Yoshihiro , Miyoshi Eiji
Published: March 2016

Most cancers consist of heterogeneous populations of cells with substantial differences in tumorigenicity. Cells that possess self‐renewal and tumor‐initiating properties are often called cancer stem cells (CSCs). Since CSCs underlie tumor recurrence and metastasis and are resistant to current anti‐cancer therapies, novel therapeutic strategies to efficiently target this subset of cells are needed. Aberrant glycosylation is one of the hallmarks of cancer. Many cancer‐associated glycans have been reported to be involved in tumor progression and metastasis, and are used as tumor markers. Over the past several years, we have identified characteristic glycans on CSCs by utilizing recent advances in glycoproteomic technologies. In this review, we would like to summarize a series of our recent studies and discuss possible applications of glycomarkers for CSCs.
Allyl ethers as combined plasticizing and crosslinkable side groups in polycarbonate‐based polymer electrolytes for solid‐state Li batteries
Authors: Mindemark Jonas , Imholt Laura , Montero José , Brandell Daniel
Published: March 2016

Allyl ether‐functional polycarbonates, synthesized by organocatalytic ring‐opening polymerization of the six‐membered cyclic carbonate monomer 2‐allyloxymethyl‐2‐ethyltrimethylene carbonate, were used to prepare non‐polyether polymer electrolytes. UV‐crosslinking of the allyl side groups provided mechanically stable electrolytes with improved molecular flexibility—Tg below −20 °C—and higher ionic conductivity—up to 4.3 × 10−7 S/cm at 25 °C and 5.2 × 10−6 S/cm at 60 °C—due to the plasticizing properties of the allyl ether side groups. The electrolyte function was additionally demonstrated in thin‐film Li battery cells. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2016, 54, 2128–2135
Spa47 is an oligomerization‐activated type three secretion system (T3SS) ATPase from Shigella flexneri
Authors: Burgess Jamie L. , Jones Heather B. , Kumar Prashant , Toth Ronald T. , Middaugh C. Russell , Antony Edwin , Dickenson Nicholas E.
Published: March 2016

Gram‐negative pathogens often use conserved type three secretion systems (T3SS) for virulence. The Shigella type three secretion apparatus (T3SA) penetrates the host cell membrane and provides a unidirectional conduit for injection of effectors into host cells. The protein Spa47 localizes to the base of the apparatus and is speculated to be an ATPase that provides the energy for T3SA formation and secretion. Here, we developed an expression and purification protocol, producing active Spa47 and providing the first direct evidence that Spa47 is a bona fide ATPase. Additionally, size exclusion chromatography and analytical ultracentrifugation identified multiple oligomeric species of Spa47 with the largest greater than 8 fold more active for ATP hydrolysis than the monomer. An ATPase inactive Spa47 point mutant was then engineered by targeting a conserved Lysine within the predicted Walker A motif of Spa47. Interestingly, the mutant maintained a similar oligomerization pattern as active Spa47, but was unable to restore invasion phenotype when used to complement a spa47 null S. flexneri strain. Together, these results identify Spa47 as a Shigella T3SS ATPase and suggest that its activity is linked to oligomerization, perhaps as a regulatory mechanism as seen in some related pathogens. Additionally, Spa47 catalyzed ATP hydrolysis appears to be essential for host cell invasion, providing a strong platform for additional studies dissecting its role in virulence and providing an attractive target for anti‐infective agents.
Protein side chain conformation predictions with an MMGBSA energy function
Authors: Gaillard Thomas , Panel Nicolas , Simonson Thomas
Published: March 2016

The prediction of protein side chain conformations from backbone coordinates is an important task in structural biology, with applications in structure prediction and protein design. It is a difficult problem due to its combinatorial nature. We study the performance of an “MMGBSA” energy function, implemented in our protein design program Proteus, which combines molecular mechanics terms, a Generalized Born and Surface Area (GBSA) solvent model, with approximations that make the model pairwise additive. Proteus is not a competitor to specialized side chain prediction programs due to its cost, but it allows protein design applications, where side chain prediction is an important step and MMGBSA an effective energy model. We predict the side chain conformations for 18 proteins. The side chains are first predicted individually, with the rest of the protein in its crystallographic conformation. Next, all side chains are predicted together. The contributions of individual energy terms are evaluated and various parameterizations are compared. We find that the GB and SA terms, with an appropriate choice of the dielectric constant and surface energy coefficients, are beneficial for single side chain predictions. For the prediction of all side chains, however, errors due to the pairwise additive approximation overcome the improvement brought by these terms. We also show the crucial contribution of side chain minimization to alleviate the rigid rotamer approximation. Even without GB and SA terms, we obtain accuracies comparable to SCWRL4, a specialized side chain prediction program. In particular, we obtain a better RMSD than SCWRL4 for core residues (at a higher cost), despite our simpler rotamer library. Proteins 2016; 84:803–819. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Optimization of the immobilization of bacterial spores on glass substrates with organosilanes
Authors: Arreola Julio , Mätzkow Malte , Durán Marlena Palomar , Greeff Anton , Keusgen Michael , Schöning Michael J.
Published: March 2016

Spores can be immobilized on biosensors to function as sensitive recognition elements. However, the immobilization can affect the sensitivity and reproducibility of the sensor signal. In this work, three different immobilization strategies with organosilanes were optimized and characterized to immobilize Bacillus atrophaeus spores on glass substrates. Five different silanization parameters were investigated: nature of the solvent, concentration of the silane, silanization time, curing process, and silanization temperature. The resulting silane layers were resistant to a buffer solution (e.g., Ringer solution) with a polysorbate (e.g., Tween®80) and sonication.

AFM image of silanization on a glass substrate with an organosilane (e.g., APTES).
Excitonic and Photonic Processes in Condensed Matter and Nano Materials
Authors: Silva Carlos , Kashyap Raman
Published: March 2016

This issue contains a collection of papers presented at the 11th International Conference on Excitonic and Photonic Processes in Condensed Matter and Nano Materials (EXCON'15) which was held in Montreal, Canada on 18–22 May 2015. Prof. Jai Singh initiated this conference series in 1994. The venue has wandered around the world, appropriately starting in Darwin (Australia). We were delighted to see the momentum prevailing for the 11th time in Canada, where there is vigorous activity in condensed‐matter physics, nanoscience, and photonics.

The EXCON series of conferences focuses on multidisciplinary activities related to exciton physics, providing a forum for research communication amongst condensed‐matter physicists, physical chemists, biophysicists, and materials scientists. EXCON'15 hosted exciting discussions within the following topics:

– Molecular crystals, aggregates, and polymers

– Inorganic materials, organic/inorganic hybrids

– Quantum wells, wires, and dots

– Biological systems

– Opto‐electronic devices; light‐emitting diodes and solar cells

– Nonlinear phenomena, biexcitons, and multi‐excitons

– Exciton–exciton interactions and Bose–Einstein condensation

– Ultrafast dynamics of excitons; relaxation, energy transport, charge transfer

– Strong exciton–light interaction; polaritons

– Strong exciton–lattice interactions; photo‐induced phase transitions

– New experimental techniques applied to studies of excitons

– New theoretical and computational techniques applied to excitonic systems

To underline the international nature of research on excitonic processes and to reflect the diversity of this community, the conference venue has rotated between Australia, Europe, North America, and Japan. EXCON conferences have been held in Darwin (Australia, 1994), Kurort Gohrisch (Germany, 1996), Boston (USA, 1998), Osaka (Japan, 2000), Darwin again (2002), Cracow (Poland, 2004), Winston‐Salem (USA, 2006), Kyoto (Japan, 2008), Groningen (Netherlands, 2012). The 2015 edition was held in the campus of Polytechnique Montréal. The logo of the conference incorporates an iconic symbol of Montreal – the Olympic stadium, whose dome is a valence band associated with an excitonic system.

The EXCON'15 conference was attended by 110 participants including 16 Invited Speakers, amongst whom 7 were female. In 2015, EXCON had a particularly privileged role in joining the world in celebrating the International Year of Light, with special invited speakers as an addition to the pool of the regular program.

It is a pleasure to announce that the next conference of the EXCON series will be held in 2018 in Japan, which hosts key players in fields associated with excitonic processes in condensed matter. We believe that we represent the community when we express that we are looking very much forward to the 2018 meeting. (© 2016 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
An ARL‐unbiased c‐chart
Authors: Paulino Sofia , Morais Manuel Cabral , Knoth Sven
Published: March 2016

In statistical process control (SPC), it is usual to assume that counts have a Poisson distribution. The non‐negative, discrete, and asymmetrical character of a control statistic with such a distribution and the value of its target mean may prevent the quality control practitioner to deal with a c‐chart with a pre‐specified in‐control average run length (ARL) or the ability to control not only increases but also decreases in the mean of those counts in a timely fashion. Furthermore, the c‐charts proposed in the SPC literature tend to be ARL‐biased, in the sense that some out‐of‐control ARL values are larger than the in‐control ARL.

In this paper, we explore the notions of randomized and uniformly most powerful unbiased tests to eliminate the bias of the ARL function of the c‐chart. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Measurement of compound‐specific carbon isotope ratios (δ13C values) via direct injection of whole crude oil samples
Authors: Barrie Craig D. , Taylor Kyle W. R. , Zumberge John
Published: March 2016

Rationale

Stable isotope analysis is a powerful tool in understanding the generation, history and correlation of hydrocarbons. Compound‐specific δ13C measurements of oils allow detailed comparison of individual compound groupings; however, most studies of these sample materials separate and isolate individual fractions based on the chemistries of particular compound groups, potentially losing considerable valuable isotopic data. Even if all fractions are analyzed, this represents a large increase in the data‐processing burden, effectively multiplying data evaluation time and effort by the number of fractions produced. Gas chromatography/isotope ratio mass spectrometry (GC/IRMS) of untreated, whole crude oils allows the immediate collection of a larger suite of valuable isotopic data for these studies.

Methods

Untreated (‘neat’, undiluted), whole crude oils were directly injected and measured on a GC/IRMS system, using split (40:1) injections and a 50 m HP‐PONA column. The GC method, 97 min in duration, was designed to maximize baseline separation of target analyte peaks, while an additional oxygen flow was admitted into the combustion reactor to maximize the lifetime of the combustion chemicals.

Results

The method and setup utilized allow the measurement of a much greater range of the n‐alkanes (n‐C4 to n‐C25+) than traditional methods, while also retaining important cycloalkane, aromatic and isoprenoid peaks within the same analysis. Carbon isotope (δ13C) evaluation of these additional compound classes reveals trends in maturity and origins which are not identifiable when exclusively assessing the traditional n‐alkane package (>n‐C12).

Conclusions

The described setup and method open up new possibilities for assessing the origins and histories of crude oil samples. The data generated for the whole oil n‐alkanes by this method is equivalent to that reported for isolated n‐alkane studies, while also providing valuable additional data on many other important compounds. The end result of this method is a more complete assessment of the carbon isotopic composition of crude oils. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.