bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Linkage mechanisms in the vertebrate skull: Structure and function of three‐dimensional, parallel transmission systems
Authors: Olsen Aaron M. , Westneat Mark W.
Published: August 2016

Many musculoskeletal systems, including the skulls of birds, fishes, and some lizards consist of interconnected chains of mobile skeletal elements, analogous to linkage mechanisms used in engineering. Biomechanical studies have applied linkage models to a diversity of musculoskeletal systems, with previous applications primarily focusing on two‐dimensional linkage geometries, bilaterally symmetrical pairs of planar linkages, or single four‐bar linkages. Here, we present new, three‐dimensional (3D), parallel linkage models of the skulls of birds and fishes and use these models (available as free kinematic simulation software), to investigate structure–function relationships in these systems. This new computational framework provides an accessible and integrated workflow for exploring the evolution of structure and function in complex musculoskeletal systems. Linkage simulations show that kinematic transmission, although a suitable functional metric for linkages with single rotating input and output links, can give misleading results when applied to linkages with substantial translational components or multiple output links. To take into account both linear and rotational displacement we define force mechanical advantage for a linkage (analogous to lever mechanical advantage) and apply this metric to measure transmission efficiency in the bird cranial mechanism. For linkages with multiple, expanding output points we propose a new functional metric, expansion advantage, to measure expansion amplification and apply this metric to the buccal expansion mechanism in fishes. Using the bird cranial linkage model, we quantify the inaccuracies that result from simplifying a 3D geometry into two dimensions. We also show that by combining single‐chain linkages into parallel linkages, more links can be simulated while decreasing or maintaining the same number of input parameters. This generalized framework for linkage simulation and analysis can accommodate linkages of differing geometries and configurations, enabling novel interpretations of the mechanics of force transmission across a diversity of vertebrate feeding mechanisms and enhancing our understanding of musculoskeletal function and evolution. J. Morphol. 277:1570–1583, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Differentiating HR systems' impact: moderating effects of age on the HR system–work outcome association
Authors: Korff Jörg , Biemann Torsten , Voelpel Sven C.
Published: August 2016

Combining the macro perspective of strategic human resource (HR) management with applied psychology's micro approaches, this paper helps to differentiate the effects of HR practices on individual‐level outcomes by introducing two distinct HR practice bundles. We draw on social exchange theory to hypothesize (i) main effects of both growth‐enhancing and maintenance‐enhancing bundles on affective organizational commitment and in‐role behavior and (ii) moderating effects of age and maintenance‐enhancing practices on work outcomes, such that increasing employee age attenuates the positive impact of HR practices. The results of a multilevel study comprising 600 employees and their direct supervisors in 64 business units provide support for the hypothesized main effects on affective commitment and the interaction between age and maintenance‐enhancing practices on work outcomes. We discuss the results, theoretical contributions, and practical implications of the study, as well as future research directions. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Construction and application of a gene silencing system using a dual promoter silencing vector in Hypsizygus marmoreus
Authors: Zhang Jinjing , Chen Hui , Chen Mingjie , Wang Hong , Song Xiaoxia , Feng Zhiyong
Published: August 2016

As efficient reverse genetic tools are lacking, molecular genetics research has been limited in Hypsizygus marmoreus. In this study, we firstly constructed a gene‐silencing method using a dual promoter vector (DPV) which was driven by gpd and 35 S promoters. The DPV was introduced into H. marmoreus via a simple electroporation procedure and the highest silenced rate of ura3 gene was 76.6%, indicating that the DPV might be suitable for gene silencing in basidiomycete. In this silencing system, the endogenous orotidine 5′‐monophosphate decarboxylase gene (ura3) was used as a selectable marker. Besides, we also constructed another silencing system which could silence the ura3 and other genes (lcc1 encoded laccase1) together in H. marmoreus, and named it as co‐silencing system. In the co‐silenced transformants, we found that the mycelia were thinner and the growth was slower than in the wild‐type and control2 strains, which was accordant with the previous study of lcc1 gene, indicating that the selective efficiency of the RNAi‐mediated silencing of several genes might be increased by co‐silencing ura3. The development of this molecular tool might improve functional studies of multiple genes in the basidiomycete H. marmoreus and also provide a reference for studies of other basidiomycetes.
Association of Posttraumatic Growth and Illness‐Related Burden With Psychosocial Factors of Patient, Family, and Provider in Pediatric Cancer Survivors
Authors: Wilson J. Zachary , Marin Donna , Maxwell Katherine , Cumming Joseph , Berger Ryan , Saini Shermini , Ferguson William , Chibnall John T.
Published: August 2016

Research has indicated that childhood cancer may lead to posttraumatic growth (PTG), given cancer's association with posttraumatic stress. PTG may be associated with family/home and health care dynamics, as well as parental resilience, distress, and coping. This cross‐sectional study investigated the associations of psychosocial factors of the patient, family, and health care team with PTG and illness‐related burden (IRB) in childhood cancer survivors. The sample comprised 61 children and adolescents (7–18 years of age), their parents, and their nurses. Respondents completed their assessment an average of 1.73 years after the end of treatment for the child's disease, which was either leukemia, a solid tumor, or lymphoma. Regression analyses showed that PTG was positively associated with the patients’ posttraumatic stress symptoms. It was also positively associated with the parents’ religious coping, and with measures of stronger family and oncologist relationships (R2 = .32). IRB was positively associated with patient‐reported posttraumatic stress symptoms, negatively associated with the nurse's trust in the family, and positively associated with parent‐reported mental distress, lower family socioeconomic status, and female gender (R2 = .53). There was no significant association with parenting style or parent‐reported posttraumatic stress symptoms in the child. The findings suggested that the young cancer patient's psychosocial and resource milieu (e.g., financial) may be instrumental in PTG and IRB. Psychosocial interventions with high‐risk families and their health care teams could increase growth and reduce burden.
Postinflammatory medial canal fibrosis: An institutional review and meta‐analysis of short‐ and long‐term outcomes
Authors: Keller Robert G. , Ong Adrian A. , Nguyen Shaun A. , O'Connell Brendan P. , Lambert Paul R.
Published: August 2016

Objective

Few studies report outcomes of surgical management of postinflammatory medial canal fibrosis (PIMCF). The objectives were to compare short‐ and long‐term outcomes after surgical repair of PIMCF at our institution and systematically aggregate published data for meta‐analysis.

Data Sources

Medical records for the case series; PubMed, Scopus, and OVID/Medline for the systematic review/meta‐analysis.

Methods

Patients undergoing surgical treatment of PIMCF were identified. Short‐term (<2 years) and long‐term (>2 years) postoperative outcomes were evaluated for the case series and aggregated for the meta‐analysis.

Results

At our institution, 16 patients (21 ears) were identified. Compared to the preoperative air‐bone gap (ABG) (27.7 ± 7.5 dB), mean postoperative short‐term ABG (8.2 ± 7.5 dB) and long‐term ABG (15.3 ± 11.3 dB) were significantly improved (P < 0.001 for both). Although short‐term restenosis rate was low (0%) among long‐term follow‐up patients, 64% (9 of 14) experienced some degree of recurrent canal narrowing, including one case of complete restenosis (7%). Similarly, meta‐analysis pooled preoperative ABG (29.3 ± 9.7 dB, 95% confidence interval [CI] 27.0–31.6) improved significantly during short‐term (11.4 ± 8.0 dB, 95% CI 8.3–4.5, P < 0.0001) and long‐term (14.3 ± 9.6 dB, 95% CI 11.6–16.9, P = 0.0004) follow‐ups, with partial deterioration in hearing over time. Long‐term complete restenosis rate (13.8%) was worse than short‐term (8.0%), with no significant difference over time (P = 0.85).

Conclusion

Postinflammatory medial canal fibrosis is a rare condition that can successfully be treated with surgery to restore patency of the external auditory canal. Patients who experience improved hearing early on, however, are at significant risk of restenosis and recurrence of their conductive hearing loss with time.

Level of Evidence

N/A. Laryngoscope, 2016 127:488–495, 2017
Current molecular profile of juvenile nasopharyngeal angiofibroma: First comprehensive study from India
Authors: Pandey Praveen , Mishra Anupam , Tripathi Ashoak Mani , Verma Veerendra , Trivedi Ritu , Singh Hitendra Prakash , Kumar Sunil , Patel Brijesh , Singh Vinay , Pandey Shivani , Pandey Amita , Mishra Subhash Chandra
Published: August 2016

Objective

An attempt is made to analyze the molecular behavior of juvenile nasopharyngeal angiofibroma (JNA).

Study Design

Case Series

Methods

Quantification of mRNAs expression was undertaken through real‐time polymerase chain reaction in JNA (9–24) samples for VEGF‐A, basic fibroblast growth factor (b‐FGF), platelet‐derived growth factor PDGF‐A, KIT proto‐oncogene receptor tyrosine kinase (c‐Kit), Avian myelomatosis viral oncogene homolog (c‐Myc), Harvey rat sarcoma viral oncogene homolog (H‐Ras), tumor suppressor gene TP53, and androgen receptor and interleukin 6 (IL‐6). The β‐catenin expression was evaluated by western blot in 16 samples. Nasal polyp was taken as control.

Results

A significantly increased (P < 0.01) expression of c‐myc, VEGFA, bFGF, PDGFA, c‐kit, and TP53 was seen, along with enhanced expression of β‐catenin. A massive enhancement of H‐Ras expression was seen for the first time. Androgen receptor expression was no different, whereas IL‐6 despite showing upregulation trend was not significant.

Conclusion

The enhanced expressions of various markers suggest their potential role in JNA. Although the biological significance of c‐kit, c‐myc, and one of the novel markers H‐Ras has yet to be defined, their significant expression may have a therapeutic importance.

Level of Evidence

NA. Laryngoscope, 127:E100–E106, 2017
Histologic Evaluation of Micronized AlloDerm After Injection Laryngoplasty in a Rabbit Model
Authors: Oldenburg Michael S. , Janus Jeff , Voss Steve , San Marina Serban , Chen Tiffany , Garcia Joaquin , Ekbom Dale
Published: August 2016

Objectives/Hypothesis

Micronized AlloDerm is a commonly used injectable material for injection laryngoplasty; however, the histologic response to laryngeal implantation and resorption rate over time have not been elucidated. This study aimed to evaluate the in vivo response of micronized AlloDerm over time after laryngeal implantation using a rabbit model.

Study Design

Animal model.

Methods

The left recurrent laryngeal nerve was sectioned in five New Zealand White rabbits to create a vocal cord paralysis. Two weeks later, injection laryngoplasty was performed with 100 μL of micronized AlloDerm. Animals were sacrificed 4 (two rabbits) and 12 (three rabbits) weeks after injection. Histologic sections were stained and evaluated by a single pathologist. Volume estimates were made by assuming the implant took an ellipsoid shape using dimensions calculated from histologic slides.

Results

In all cases, histological analysis revealed a lymphocytic inflammatory response infiltrating the peripheral margins of injection. After 4 weeks, the volume of injected material remaining in two rabbits was 404 and 278 mm3 (average 341 mm3). After 12 weeks, the volume of injected material remaining in three rabbits was 0, 61, and 124 mm3 (average 62 mm3), an 82% difference in volume of material between animals sacrificed at 4 weeks versus 12 weeks.

Conclusions

Injection laryngoplasty using micronized AlloDerm induces a lymphocytic inflammatory response after injection in a rabbit model. Though a significant amount of material remains after 4 weeks, by 12 weeks the majority has been reabsorbed.

Level of Evidence

NA Laryngoscope, 127:E166–E169, 2017
Development of a Redox‐Responsive Polymeric Profluorescent Probe
Authors: Hansen Kai‐Anders , Fairfull‐Smith Kathryn E. , Bottle Steven E. , Blinco James P.
Published: August 2016

Profluorescent nitroxides (PFNs) have emerged as an important class of imaging agents for monitoring intracellular redox status and levels of oxidative stress. However, the fast reduction of nitroxides upon incubation within cells limits the window of opportunity for detection. By increasing the concentration of nitroxides per fluorophore, their reduction to the corresponding hydroxylamines and the subsequent switch‐on of fluorescence can be delayed. Herein the preparation of nitroxide‐containing polymers of different chain length coupled to a fluorophore is reported and their reduction with pentafluorophenylhydrazine is examined. The fluorescence switch‐on kinetics and radical concentrations are monitored by fluorescence and electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy and compared to a conventional PFN bearing a single nitroxide moiety. The polymeric PFNs display significant delays in reduction and fluorescence switch‐on and higher turn‐on ratios than their single‐nitroxide counterparts. The results of this study indicate that polymeric PFNs are a promising architecture for future imaging agents.

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Polydopamine‐Assisted Electrochemical Fabrication of Polypyrrole Nanofibers on Bone Implants to Improve Bioactivity
Authors: Wang Zhengao , Zhou Lei , Yu Peng , Liu Yan , Chen Junqi , Liao Jingwen , Li Weiping , Chen Wei , Zhou Wenhao , Yi Xin , Ouyang Kongyou , Zhou Zhengnan , Tan Guoxin , Ning Chengyun
Published: August 2016

Dopamine is a molecule that facilitates biomineralization, and it is used to prepare electropolymerization‐induced polydopamine (PDA). For the first time, dopamine is used for template‐free electrochemical polymerization to form biocompatible polypyrrole (PPy) nanofiber coatings on bone implants. Dopamine monomers are electropolymerized to PDA chains affixed to biomedical titanium after the nanomicelles are tuned to self‐assemble by triggering the potential, resulting in nanofiber formation. Dopamine serves as a dopant to induce the formation of conductive PPy nanofibers and as a promoter to accelerate biomineralization, cell proliferation, and adhesion.

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Mass spectrometry‐derived systems biology technologies delineate the system's biochemical applications of siderophores
Authors: Su Qiao , Xu Guang , Guan Tianbing , Que Yumei , Lu Haitao
Published: August 2016

Siderophores are chemically diverse secondary metabolites that primarily assist the host organisms to chelate iron. Siderophores are biosynthesized by many biological organisms, including bacteria, fungi, and plants and they are responsible for a variety of biological functions beyond capture iron. Thus, they could provide a novel understanding of host‐pathogen interactions, plant physiology, disease pathogenesis, and drug development. However, knowledge gaps in analytical technologies, chemistry, and biology have severely impeded the applications of siderophores, and a new strategy is urgently needed to bridge these gaps. Mass spectrometry (MS) and associated technologies render unparalleled advantages in this niche in terms of high throughput, resolution, and sensitivity. Herein, this critical review briefly summarizes progress in the study of siderophores and specifically identifies MS‐based novel strategies that attempt to mimic the complexity of siderophore systems in order to increase the applicability of these compounds in the scientific community. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Mass Spec Rev 37:188–201, 2018.
Functional impulsive differential equation of order α∈(1,2) with nonlocal initial and integral boundary conditions
Authors: Gupta Vidushi , Dabas Jaydev
Published: August 2016

The main work is related to show the existence and uniqueness of solution for the fractional impulsive differential equation of order α∈(1,2) with an integral boundary condition and finite delay. Using the application of the Banach and Sadovaskii fixed‐point theorems, we obtain the main results. An example is presented at the end to verify the results of the paper. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Endurance neuromuscular electrical stimulation training improves skeletal muscle oxidative capacity in individuals with motor‐complete spinal cord injury
Authors: Erickson Melissa L. , Ryan Terence E. , Backus Deborah , McCully Kevin K.
Published: August 2016

Introduction: Spinal cord injury (SCI) results in skeletal muscle atrophy, increases in intramuscular fat, and reductions in skeletal muscle oxidative capacity. Endurance training elicited with neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) may reverse these changes and lead to improvement in muscle metabolic health. Methods: Fourteen participants with complete SCI performed 16 weeks of home‐based endurance NMES training of knee extensor muscles. Skeletal muscle oxidative capacity, muscle composition, and blood metabolic and lipid profiles were assessed pre‐ and post‐training. Results: There was an increase in number of contractions performed throughout the duration of training. The average improvement in skeletal muscle oxidative capacity was 119%, ranging from –14% to 387% (P = 0.019). There were no changes in muscle composition or blood metabolic and lipid profiles. Conclusion: Endurance training improved skeletal muscle oxidative capacity, but endurance NMES of knee extensor muscles did not change blood metabolic and lipid profiles. Muscle Nerve 55: 669–675, 2017
Air filled, including “air‐charged,” catheters in urodynamic studies: does the evidence justify their use?
Authors: Abrams Paul , Damaser Margot S. , Niblett Philip , Rosier Peter F.W.M. , Toozs‐Hobson Philip , Hosker Gordon , Kightley Robert , Gammie Andrew
Published: August 2016

Aims

Air filled catheters (AFCs) have been actively marketed for the past few years and in some geographic areas are widely used. However, as the scientific basis for introduction of this technology for pressure measurement in urodynamics was not clear, a study group examined the evidence.

Methods

A search of the peer reviewed literature was carried out.

Results

Four papers were identified, of which two were laboratory experiments and two were clinical papers, in female patients, that compared the pressures recorded by AFCs and those recorded using the traditional water filled catheters (WFCs). These data show that there are differences between the pressures measured by the two types of catheters. As yet, the reasons for these differences are not clear.

Conclusions

There should be further systematic laboratory and clinical research before AFCs can be recommended for routine clinical use. We would recommend that a professional worldwide multidisciplinary scientific society, such as the International Continence Society, should work with manufacturers and regulatory bodies to ensure that this urodynamic method is properly scientifically evaluated, in the wider interests of patient safety.
Preparing molecularly imprinted membranes by phase inversion to separate kaempferol
Authors: Huang Zejun , Zhang Pin , Yun Yanbin
Published: August 2016

Molecularly imprinted membranes (MIMs) were studied to separate special target molecule – kaempferol, an important active pharmaceutical ingredient. The kaempferol MIM were prepared by the liquid–solid phase inversion method. The effects of polyphenylene sulfone, LiCl, and ZnCl2 on membrane performance were studied, a high Flux MIM was prepared, then the kaempferol molecularly imprinted polymer membrane, non‐molecularly imprinted membrane, and non‐molecularly imprinted polymer membrane were prepared to investigate adsorption capacity. From adsorption isotherm curve, the maximum equilibrium adsorption quantity was 890 µg/g, and it was MIM. The MIM and molecularly imprinted polymer membrane give high selectivity towards kaempferol; the non‐molecularly imprinted membrane and non‐molecularly imprinted polymer membrane showed low adsorption quantity and selectivity. The reuse experiment of the MIM indicated that it has good reuse property. All the results showed binding sites were important in the separation process of MIMs. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Paternò–Büchi photochemical [2 + 2] cycloaddition of aromatic carbonyl compounds with 2‐siloxy‐1H‐pyrrole derivatives
Authors: Xue Jianfei , Abe Manabu , Takagi Ryukichi
Published: August 2016

The purpose of this study was to explore regioselectivity and stereoselectivity in the Paternò–Büchi reaction of pyrrole derivatives. The regioselective formation of a bicyclic oxetane in the Paternò–Büchi reaction of 2‐siloxypyrrole with benzophenone was reported for the first time, and a mechanism involving the distribution of the intermediary triplet diradicals was proposed to account for the regioselectivity of the reaction. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Deep level traps in semi‐polar n‐GaN grown on patterned sapphire substrate by metalorganic vapor phase epitaxy
Authors: Nguyen X. S. , Hou H. W. , De Mierry P. , Vennéguès P. , Tendille F. , Arehart A. R. , Ringel S. A. , Fitzgerald E. A. , Chua S. J.
Published: August 2016

Deep level traps in the low dislocation density, 5.1 × 107 cm−2, semi‐polar GaN (11–22), grown on patterned sapphire substrate was characterized for the first time using deep level transient spectroscopy (DLTS) and deep level optical spectroscopy (DLOS). DLTS revealed two deep levels ET1 = EC − 0.24 eV and ET2 = EC − 0.41 eV in the semi‐polar GaN layer. The dominant trap ET1 = EC − 0.24 eV with a density of 6.1 × 1014 cm−3, is documented in c‐plane and m‐plane GaN. It is attributed to VN. DLOS revealed two deep level traps ET3 = EC − 1.20 eV and ET4 = EC − 3.26 eV. The dominant level ET4 = EC − 3.26 eV is also observed in non‐polar m‐plane GaN grown on sapphire and it is attributed to CN acceptor‐like state. The total trap density of the semi‐polar GaN is about 2 × 1016 cm−3, which is comparable with that found in c‐plane GaN.
Ab initio modelling of Y–O cluster formation in γ‐Fe lattice
Authors: Gopejenko Aleksejs , Zhukovskii Yuri F. , Kotomin Eugene A. , Mastrikov Yuri A. , Vladimirov Pavel V. , Borodin Vladimir A. , Möslang Anton
Published: August 2016

Ab initio modelling of Y and O impurity atoms as well as VFe vacancies in the fcc‐Fe lattice is performed in order to calculate the interactions between these defects, which are important for understanding of nanoparticles’ formation within the oxide dispersed strengthened steels. Large scale parallel calculations based on plane‐wave method realised in VASP computer code show that VFe vacancies considerably influence the binding between the impurity atoms. In this study, we present the results of performed calculations providing the detailed information about the binding energies between the defects, the changes of their effective charges as well as displacements of the substitute atoms relatively the host atom positions. The energy barriers for the migration trajectories of impurity atoms have been also found by performing the large‐scale calculations within the nudge elastic band method.
Rapid lipid a structure determination via surface acoustic wave nebulization and hierarchical tandem mass spectrometry algorithm
Authors: Yoon Sung Hwan , Liang Tao , Schneider Thomas , Oyler Benjamin L. , Chandler Courtney E. , Ernst Robert K. , Yen Gloria S. , Huang Yue , Nilsson Erik , Goodlett David R.
Published: August 2016

Rationale

Surface acoustic wave nebulization (SAWN) is an easy to use sample transfer method for rapid mass spectrometric analysis. A new standing wave (SW) SAWN chip, with higher ionization efficiency than our previously reported design, is used for rapid analysis of lipids.

Methods

The crude, yet fast, Caroff protocol was used for lipid A extraction from Francisella novicida. SW‐SAWN with a Waters Synapt G2S quadrupole time‐of‐flight (QTOF) mass spectrometer was used to generate lipid A ions. Quadrupole collision‐induced dissociation (Q‐CID) of lipid A at varying CID energies was used to approximate the ion trap MSn data required for our hierarchical tandem mass spectrometry (HiTMS) algorithm. Structural hypotheses can be obtained directly from the HiTMS algorithm to identify species‐specific lipid A molecules.

Results

SW‐SAWN successfully generated ions from lipid A extracted from Francisella novicida using the faster Caroff method. In addition, varying collision energies were used to generate tandem mass spectra similar to MS3 and MS4 spectra from an ion trap. The Q‐CID spectra are compatible with our HiTMS algorithm and offer an improvement over lipid A tandem mass spectra acquired in an ion trap.

Conclusions

Combining SW‐SAWN and Q‐CID enabled more structural assignments than previously reported in half the time. The ease of generating spectra by SAWN tandem MS in combination with HiTMS interpretation offers high‐throughput lipid A structural analysis and thereby rapid detection of pathogens based on lipid fingerprinting. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
An automatic tuner with short experiment and probabilistic plant parameterization
Authors: Soltesz Kristian , Mercader Pedro , Baños Alfonso
Published: August 2016

A novel automatic tuning strategy is proposed. It is based on an experiment of very short duration, followed by simultaneous identification of LTI model parameters and an estimate of their error covariance. The parametric uncertainty model is subsequently exploited to design linear controllers with magnitude bounds on some closed‐loop transfer function of interest, such as the sensitivity function. The method is demonstrated through industrially relevant examples. Robustness is enforced through probabilistic constraints on the
norms of the sensitivity function, while minimizing load disturbance integral error to ensure performance. To demonstrate the strength of the proposed method, identification for the mentioned examples is carried out under a high level of measurement noise. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Reactivity of κ(P)‐Alkenylphosphane Rhodium(III) and Iridium(III) Complexes toward Nucleophilic Reagents
Authors: Martínez de Salinas Sara , Sánchez‐Sordo Irene , Díez Josefina , Pilar Gamasa M. , Lastra Elena
Published: August 2016

The reactivity of the complexes [RhCl2(η5‐C5Me5){κ(P)‐Ph2P(CH2)2CH=CH2}] (1), [MCl2(η5‐C5Me5){κ(P)‐R2PCH2CH=CH2}] (M=Rh, R=Ph (3 a), iPr (3 b); M=Ir, R=Ph (4 a), iPr (4 b)) towards various nucleophilic reagents (carbon‐donor, nitrogen‐donor and phosphorus‐donor) in the presence of a halogen abstractor has been studied. The rhodium e iridium complexes undergo metal coordination of the ligand (L=CNR, CO, Py, P(OPh)3) to give the new cationic complexes [MCl(η5‐C5Me5)(L){κ(P)‐R2P(CH2)nCH=CH2}][BPh4] (M=Rh, Ir; L=CNR, CO, Py, P(OPh)3) (5‐19 a,b). However, the reaction with phosphanes follows a different way depending on the metal. While the rhodium complexes 3 a,b give the expected products [RhCl(η5‐C5Me5)(L){κ(P)‐R2PCH2CH=CH2}][BPh4] (20 a,b, 21 a and 22 a), the iridium complex 4 a suffer addition of the phosphane to the C=C affording the complexes [IrCl(η5‐C5Me5){κ2(P,C)‐Ph2PCH2CH(PR ’Ph2)CH2}][BPh4] (R ’ = Me (23 a), Ph (24 a)).
A new model for the analysis of the structural/mechanical performance of concrete structures affected by DEF – Case study of an existing viaduct
Authors: Omikrine Metalssi Othman , Kchakech Badreddine , Lavaud Stéphane , Godart Bruno
Published: August 2016

Concrete construction is becoming increasingly complex and the importance of producing structures that are both cost effective and durable in the long term has never been higher. Therefore, an understanding of concrete durability is considered fundamental to determine the service life of new or existing structures. However, at present a significant number of existing concrete structures and bridges have already been deteriorated by a chemo‐mechanical process known as Delayed Ettringite Formation (DEF). This phenomenon causes expansion of the affected concrete, generally leading to cracking and a decrease of its mechanical properties. The disease or deterioration mechanism therefore induces serious problems regarding serviceability, sustainable operation and structural integrity, which makes it necessary to apply predictive models able to re‐assess the mechanical state of the affected structures. In this way, chemo‐mechanical modelling must be performed considering the influence of humidity, stiffness reduction and stress in the development of expansion.

The elaborated 3D model was applied to an existing viaduct affected by DEF. The displacements and stresses were computed based on the experimental data obtained from the in‐situ measurements. The computed results highlight the relationship between the saturation degree and the expansion. Finally, comparisons between different calculations with and without considering the anisotropy of expansion and stiffness reduction are presented and discussed.
An efficient inter prediction mode selection scheme for advanced video coding based on motion homogeneity and residual complexity
Authors: Asif Muhammad , Taj Imtiaz A. , Ziauddin Syed Muhammad , Ahmad Maaz Bin , Raza Atif
Published: August 2016

Modern video coding standards such as High Efficiency Video Coding (HEVC) and H.264/MPEG‐4 advanced video coding (AVC) supersede the previous coding standards because of their improved coding efficiency. These standards adopt variable block sizes in frame coding ranging from 4 × 4 to 16 × 16 and 4 × 4 to 64 × 64 for H.264/AVC and HEVC, respectively. The use of variable block sizes for inter prediction provides a significant coding gain compared to coding a macroblock (MB) using regular block size. However, this new feature greatly increases the computational complexity of the encoder when brute‐force rate distortion optimization (RDO) algorithm is used for coding parameter selection. This paper proposes an efficient inter prediction mode selection scheme based on motion homogeneity and residual complexity measures of an MB to speed up the encoding process. The motion homogeneity is assessed through the normalized motion vector (MV) field, and residual complexity is evaluated by the sum of absolute difference (SAD). To acquire the MVs and SADs, motion estimation at 8 × 8 block size is performed using a lightweight recursive motion estimator in which the vector field tends toward true object motion. Based on motion homogeneity and residual complexity of an MB, only a small number of inter prediction modes are selected for the RDO process. The experimental results for H.264/AVC show that the proposed scheme reduces the encoding time by 64% on average without any significant degradation of coding efficiency. © 2016 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Recent technical trends in permanent magnet synchronous motors
Authors: Kano Yoshiaki , Morimoto Shigeo , Asano Yoshinari , Enomoto Yuji
Published: August 2016

This paper presents an overview of the recent technical trends in permanent magnet synchronous motors (PMSMs), especially the rare earth (RE)‐less PMSMs that have been developed in Japan. The RE‐less PMSMs, along with PMSMs with reduced RE permanent magnets (PMs), PM‐assisted synchronous reluctance motors (PMASynRM) with ferrite PMs, spoke‐type interior PMSMs (IPMSMs) with ferrite PMs, and axial‐gap PMSMs with ferrite PMs, are reviewed. © 2016 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Effects of back cooling with Peltier devices on thermoregulatory responses in a hot environment
Authors: Suzurikawa Jun , Fujimoto Sho , Mikami Kousei , Jonai Hiroshi , Inoue Takenobu
Published: August 2016

To prevent individuals with thermoregulatory dysfunction from becoming hyperthermic in a hot environment, we propose a back‐cooling (BC) system with Peltier devices mounted on a wheelchair backrest. Here, we characterize the changes in thermoregulatory responses induced by BC in order to confirm the feasibility of the proposed system. A cooling experiment in a climate chamber at 33°C with six able‐bodied subjects demonstrated that the amount of sweating and systolic blood pressure were significantly lower in the BC trials than in the no‐cooling trials, providing preliminary evidence that BC can partially replace thermoregulatory responses and reduce the heat burden. © 2016 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Elevated direct bilirubin: Possible predictors for pseudoaldosteronism: Case–control study
Authors: Yoshino Tetsuhiro , Nakamura Haruka , Sano Megumi , Horiba Yuko , Nakamura Tomonori , Watanabe Kenji
Published: August 2016

Aim

Pseudoaldosteronism is a known side‐effect of licorice, and Japanese traditional Kampo medicine is one of the major areas of use of licorice in Japan. Multidrug resistance protein 2 (Mrp2) dysfunction is important for pseudoaldosteronism. Congenital deficiency of Mrp2 causes constitutional jaundice with elevated direct bilirubin. Hence, elevated direct bilirubin can be a biomarker of Mrp2 dysfunction. The relationship between pseudoaldosteronism and elevated direct bilirubin, however, has not been studied as yet. The aim of the present study was therefore to evaluate the relationship between elevated direct bilirubin and hypokalemia, an important characteristic of pseudoaldosteronism.

Methods

This retrospective observational study included patients who first visited the Kampo Clinic at Keio University Hospital between May 2008 and March 2015. Inclusion criteria were Kampo formulas including licorice prescribed for >2 weeks, and availability of laboratory data on direct bilirubin and change in serum potassium.

Results

Data from 243 patients (57 men, 186 women) were used in the analysis. Mean age was 52.0 ± 16.2 years. Hypokalemia was noted in three patients (1.3%), among whom elevated direct bilirubin was noted in two (0.9%). The remaining patient with hypokalemia was diagnosed with pseudo‐Bartter's syndrome because of loop diuretic use. The remaining 240 patients had neither hypokalemia nor elevated direct bilirubin (
P
 = 0.0001, Fisher's exact test).

Conclusion

Elevated direct bilirubin is an important predictor of pseudoaldosteronism.
Challenges to develop novel anti‐inflammatory and analgesic drugs
Authors: Botz Bálint , Bölcskei Kata , Helyes Zsuzsanna
Published: August 2016

Chronic inflammatory diseases and persistent pain of different origin represent common medical, social, and economic burden, and their pharmacotherapy is still an unresolved issue. Therefore, there is a great and urgent need to develop anti‐inflammatory and analgesic agents with novel mechanisms of action, but it is a very challenging task. The main problem is the relatively large translational gap between the preclinical experimental data and the clinical results due to characteristics of the models, difficulties with the investigational techniques particularly for pain, as well as species differences in the mechanisms. We summarize here the current state‐of‐the‐art medication and related ongoing strategies, and the novel targets with lead molecules under clinical development. The first members of the gold‐standard categories, such as nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs, glucocorticoids, and opioids, were introduced decades ago, and since then very few drugs with novel mechanisms of action have been successfully taken to the clinics despite considerable development efforts. Several biologics targeting different key molecules have provided breakthrough in some autoimmune/inflammatory diseases, but they are expensive, only parenterally available, their long‐term side effects often limit their administration, and they do not effectively reduce pain. Some kinase inhibitors and phosphodiesterase‐4 blockers have recently been introduced as new directions. There are in fact some promising novel approaches at different clinical stages of drug development focusing on transient receptor potential vanilloid 1/ankyrin 1 channel antagonism, inhibition of voltage‐gated sodium/calcium channels, several enzymes (kinases, semicarbazide‐sensitive amine oxidases, and matrix metalloproteinases), cytokines/chemokines, transcription factors, nerve growth factor, and modulation of several G protein‐coupled receptors (cannabinoids, purinoceptors, and neuropeptides). WIREs Nanomed Nanobiotechnol 2017, 9:e1427. doi: 10.1002/wnan.1427

This article is categorized under:

Therapeutic Approaches and Drug Discovery > Nanomedicine for Neurological Disease
Carboxyl-terminal domain characterization of polyene-specific P450 hydroxylase in Pseudonocardia autotrophica
Authors: Kim Min-Kyung , Won Hyung-Jin , Kim Hye-Jin , Choi Si-Sun , Lee Heung-Shick , Kim Pil , Kim Eung-Soo
Published: August 2016

A polyene compound NPP identified in Pseudonocardia autotrophica was shown to contain an aglycone identical to nystatin, but to harbor a unique disaccharide moiety that led to higher solubility and reduced hemolytic activity. Recently, it was revealed that the final step of NPP (nystatin-like polyene) biosynthesis is C10 regio-specific hydroxylation by the cytochrome P450 hydroxylase (CYP) NppL (Kim et al. [7]). Through mutation and cross-complementation, here we found that NppL preferred a polyene substrate containing a disaccharide moiety for C10 hydroxylation, while its orthologue NysL involved in nystatin biosynthesis showed no substrate preference toward mono- and disaccharide moieties, suggesting that two homologous polyene CYPs, NppL and NysL might possess a unique domain recognizing a sugar moiety. Two hybrid NppL constructs containing the C-terminal domain of NysL exhibited no substrate preference toward 10-deoxy NPP and 10-deoxy nystatin-like NysL, implying that the C-terminal domain plays a major role in differentiating the sugar moiety responsible for substrate specificity. Further C-terminal domain dissection of NppL revealed that the last fifty amino acids play a critical role in determining substrate specificity of polyene-specific hydroxylation, setting the stage for the biotechnological application of hydroxyl diversification for novel polyene biosynthesis in actinomycetes.
Protective effects of oridonin on the sepsis in mice
Authors: Zhao Yan‐Jun , Lv Hu , Xu Ping‐Bo , Zhu Min‐Min , Liu Yi , Miao Chang‐Hong , Zhu Yun
Published: August 2016

This study aimed to investigate the protective effects of oridonin (ORI) on cecal ligation and puncture (CLP)‐induced sepsis in mice. Male C57BL/6 mice weighing 22–30 g and aged 8–10 weeks were randomly assigned to three groups: Sham group, CLP group, or CLP plus ORI group. In the CLP group and ORI group, CLP was induced, and intraperitoneal injection of normal saline and oridonin (100 μg/kg) was conducted, respectively. The survival rate was determined within the following 7 days. The blood, liver, and lung were collected at 24 hours after injury. Hematoxylin–eosin staining of the lung, detection of lung wet‐to‐dry ratio, and serum cytokines (tumor necrosis factor [TNF]‐α and interleukin [IL]‐6), and examination of intraperitoneal and blood bacterial clearance were conducted to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy. Results showed that ORI treatment significantly reduced the lung wet‐to‐dry ratio, decreased serum TNF‐α and IL‐6, and improved liver pathology compared with the CLP group (p < 0.05). Moreover, the intraperitoneal and blood bacterial clearance increased markedly after ORI treatment (p < 0.05). The 7‐day survival rate in the ORI group was also dramatically higher than in the CLP group (p < 0.05). Our findings indicate that ORI can attenuate liver and lung injuries and elevate bacterial clearance to increase the survival rate of sepsis mice.
Religion in the boardroom and its impact on Islamic banks' performance
Authors: Ali Mohsin , Azmi Wajahat
Published: August 2016

The impact of board diversity, in terms of gender, race, ethnicity etc., on performance and stability of firms has been researched extensively. However, the impact of religious diversity and its impact on performance and stability has been completely ignored. This issue is quite relevant, especially for the Islamic banks because of their primary objective i.e. to be in compliant with Islamic principles in all their dealings. Taking a cue from this argument, we believe if the majority board members are Muslim it can have a positive impact on the performance as they would better understand the importance of the substance of the shari'ah compliant dealings and that can translate into good performance and make it more stable. Based on our arguments, we examined the impact of religious diversity on the performance and stability on Malaysian banks Islamic and Conventional both for the period of 9 years, through 2005 to 2013. Our results from GMM estimation reveal that the religious orientation has no impact on the performance and this result is robust to various proxies. Our results imply that a non‐Muslim member of the board of directors is able to run the Islamic banking business as good as a Muslim board member.
A FORM OF MULTIVARIATE PARETO DISTRIBUTION WITH APPLICATIONS TO FINANCIAL RISK MEASUREMENT
Authors: Su Jianxi , Furman Edward
Published: August 2016

A new multivariate distribution possessing arbitrarily parametrized and positively dependent univariate Pareto margins is introduced. Unlike the probability law of Asimitet al. (2010), the structure in this paper is absolutely continuous with respect to the corresponding Lebesgue measure. The distribution is of importance to actuaries through its connections to the popular frailty models, as well as because of the capacity to describe dependent heavy-tailed risks. The genesis of the new distribution is linked to a number of existing probability models, and useful characteristic results are proved. Expressions for, e.g., the decumulative distribution and probability density functions, (joint) moments and regressions are developed. The distributions of minima and maxima, as well as, some weighted risk measures are employed to exemplify possible applications of the distribution in insurance.
ADDITIVITY PROPERTIES OF SOFIC ENTROPY AND MEASURES ON MODEL SPACES
Authors: AUSTIN TIM
Published: August 2016

Sofic entropy is an invariant for probability-preserving actions of sofic groups. It was introduced a few years ago by Lewis Bowen, and shown to extend the classical Kolmogorov–Sinai entropy from the setting of amenable groups. Some parts of Kolmogorov–Sinai entropy theory generalize to sofic entropy, but in other respects this new invariant behaves less regularly. This paper explores conditions under which sofic entropy is additive for Cartesian products of systems. It is always subadditive, but the reverse inequality can fail. We define a new entropy notion in terms of probability distributions on the spaces of good models of an action. Using this, we prove a general lower bound for the sofic entropy of a Cartesian product in terms of separate quantities for the two factor systems involved. We also prove that this lower bound is optimal in a certain sense, and use it to derive some sufficient conditions for the strict additivity of sofic entropy itself. Various other properties of this new entropy notion are also developed.
The dynamics of confined extensional flows
Authors: Pegler Samuel S.
Published: August 2016

I present a theoretical and experimental study of floating viscous fluid films introduced into a channel of finite length, motivated by the flow of glacial ice shelves. The dynamics are characterized by a mixture of viscous extensional stresses, transverse shear stresses and a driving buoyancy force. A theory based on a width-integrated model is developed and investigated using analytical, asymptotic and numerical methods. With fluid introduced at a constant rate, the flow is found to approach a steady state with two possible asymptotic forms depending on the length of the channel. For channel lengths less than half the width, the flow is similar to a purely extensional one-dimensional flow, characterized by concave surface profiles and being insensitive to the position of the channel exit (or calving front). Greater lengths result in a more complex asymptotic structure in which the flow adjusts over a short distance towards a prevailing flow of universal dimensionless form. In complete contrast to the extensional regime, the prevailing flow is controlled by the position of the channel exit. Data from a new laboratory experiment involving particle velocimetry of a floating fluid film compares well with the predicted along-channel velocity. Motivated by glaciological application, the analysis is generalized to power-law rheologies and the results used to classify the flow regimes of a selection of ice shelves. The prediction for the frontal speed is in good agreement with geophysical data, indicating that the universal profile predicted by the theory is common in nature.
Small-scale anisotropy in turbulent boundary layers
Authors: Pumir Alain , Xu Haitao , Siggia Eric D.
Published: August 2016

In a channel flow, the velocity fluctuations are inhomogeneous and anisotropic. Yet, the small-scale properties of the flow are expected to behave in an isotropic manner in the very-large-Reynolds-number limit. We consider the statistical properties of small-scale velocity fluctuations in a turbulent channel flow at moderately high Reynolds number ($Re_{\unicode[STIX]{x1D70F}}\approx 1000$), using the Johns Hopkins University Turbulence Database. Away from the wall, in the logarithmic layer, the skewness of the normal derivative of the streamwise velocity fluctuation is approximately constant, of order 1, while the Reynolds number based on the Taylor scale is$R_{\unicode[STIX]{x1D706}}\approx 150$. This defines a small-scale anisotropy that is stronger than in turbulent homogeneous shear flows at comparable values of$R_{\unicode[STIX]{x1D706}}$. In contrast, the vorticity–strain correlations that characterize homogeneous isotropic turbulence are nearly unchanged in channel flow even though they do vary with distance from the wall with an exponent that can be inferred from the local dissipation. Our results demonstrate that the statistical properties of the fluctuating velocity gradient in turbulent channel flow are characterized, on one hand, by observables that are insensitive to the anisotropy, and behave as in homogeneous isotropic flows, and on the other hand by quantities that are much more sensitive to the anisotropy. How this seemingly contradictory situation emerges from the simultaneous action of the flux of energy to small scales and the transport of momentum away from the wall remains to be elucidated.
Equatorially trapped nonlinear water waves in a -plane approximation with centripetal forces
Authors: Henry David
Published: August 2016

In this paper we present an exact and explicit nonlinear solution of a$\unicode[STIX]{x1D6FD}$-plane approximation to the governing equations which retains all Coriolis terms. The solution represents an equatorially trapped wave propagating in the presence of a constant underlying background current. In particular, we show that retention of the (relatively) small-scale centripetal forces in the governing equations enables us to admit currents of any physically plausible magnitude in the background flow.