bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
TTIP/TAFTA Dispute Resolution System: Why a Move to Judges From Arbitrators Raises Concerns about the Treaty
Authors: Barrocas Manuel P.
Published: March 2017

The subject of this article is the current position of arbitration in the context of international dispute resolution mechanisms. The focus is on the emergence of projects to replace arbitration with international courts, in particular the European Commission's proposal to the United States of the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership, or TTIP, and which is known in the United States as TAFTA—the Transatlantic Free Trade Agreement.
Stroke in right dorsal anterior insular cortex Is related to myocardial injury
Authors: Krause Thomas , Werner Kathrin , Fiebach Jochen B. , Villringer Kersten , Piper Sophie K. , Haeusler Karl Georg , Endres Matthias , Scheitz Jan F. , Nolte Christian H.
Published: March 2017

Objective

Elevated levels of cardiac troponin, and especially their relative changes over time, indicate acute myocardial injury. They are also frequently observed after acute ischemic stroke (AIS), indicating poor functional outcome and increased mortality. However, recent evidence showed that, in most AIS patients, myocardial injury is not caused by coronary ischemia. Instead, stroke lesion location has been suggested to precipitate myocardial injury.

Methods

Voxel‐based lesion‐symptom mapping (VLSM) was used in 299 patients who had a magnetic resonance imaging–confirmed acute ischemic stroke within the anterior circulation and a high‐sensitivity cardiac troponin T (hs‐cTnT) acquired on the day of admission. Of these, 228 had a second troponin measurement during the acute phase. The absolute hs‐cTnT levels above the 99th percentile of a healthy reference population (≥14ng/l) as well as their relative temporal changes were used as continuous variables of interest in the VLSM model, including a multiple regression analysis adjusted for confounding variables.

Results

The anterior insular cortex of the right hemisphere, in particular its dorsal subregion, was significantly associated with the relative temporal changes of hs‐cTnT (p < 0.01, corrected for multiple comparisons). In contrast, the baseline hs‐cTnT levels on admission were not related to lesion location anywhere within the anterior circulation.

Interpretation

Our results amplify recent evidence from functional neuroimaging, which suggests a prominent role of dorsal anterior insular cortex in the parasympathetic control of cardiac and autonomic function. Acute vascular damage of this insular subregion might lead to autonomic dysbalance and an upregulation of sympathetic function, thereby resulting in myocardial injury. Ann Neurol 2017;81:502–511
Olig1 is required for noggin‐induced neonatal myelin repair
Authors: Sabo Jennifer K. , Heine Vivi , Silbereis John C. , Schirmer Lucas , Levison Steven W. , Rowitch David H.
Published: March 2017

Objective

Neonatal white matter injury (NWMI) is a lesion found in preterm infants that can lead to cerebral palsy. Although antagonists of bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signaling, such as Noggin, promote oligodendrocyte precursor cell (OPC) production after hypoxic‐ischemic (HI) injury, the downstream functional targets are poorly understood. The basic helix‐loop‐helix protein, oligodendrocyte transcription factor 1 (Olig1), promotes oligodendrocyte (OL) development and is essential during remyelination in adult mice. Here, we investigated whether Olig1 function is required downstream of BMP antagonism for response to injury in the neonatal brain.

Methods

We used wild‐type and Olig1‐null mice subjected to neonatal stroke and postnatal neural progenitor cultures, and we analyzed Olig1 expression in human postmortem samples from neonates that suffered HI encephalopathy (HIE).

Results

Olig1‐null neonatal mice showed significant hypomyelination after moderate neonatal stroke. Surprisingly, damaged white matter tracts in Olig1‐null mice lacked Olig2+ OPCs, and instead proliferating neuronal precursors and GABAergic interneurons were present. We demonstrate that Noggin‐induced OPC production requires Olig1 function. In postnatal neural progenitors, Noggin governs production of OLs versus interneurons through Olig1‐mediated repression of Dlx1/2 transcription factors. Additionally, we observed that Olig1 and the BMP signaling effector, phosphorylated SMADs (Sma‐ and Mad‐related proteins) 1, 5, and 8, were elevated in the subventricular zone of human infants with HIE compared to controls.

Interpretation

These findings indicate that Olig1 has a critical function in regulation of postnatal neural progenitor cell production in response to Noggin. Ann Neurol 2017;81:560–571
Optomechanical Control of Quantum Yield in Trans–Cis Ultrafast Photoisomerization of a Retinal Chromophore Model
Authors: Valentini Alessio , Rivero Daniel , Zapata Felipe , García‐Iriepa Cristina , Marazzi Marco , Palmeiro Raúl , Fdez. Galván Ignacio , Sampedro Diego , Olivucci Massimo , Frutos Luis Manuel
Published: March 2017

The quantum yield of a photochemical reaction is one of the most fundamental quantities in photochemistry, as it measures the efficiency of the transduction of light energy into chemical energy. Nature has evolved photoreceptors in which the reactivity of a chromophore is enhanced by its molecular environment to achieve high quantum yields. The retinal chromophore sterically constrained inside rhodopsin proteins represents an outstanding example of such a control. In a more general framework, mechanical forces acting on a molecular system can strongly modify its reactivity. Herein, we show that the exertion of tensile forces on a simplified retinal chromophore model provokes a substantial and regular increase in the trans‐to‐cis photoisomerization quantum yield in a counterintuitive way, as these extension forces facilitate the formation of the more compressed cis photoisomer. A rationale for the mechanochemical effect on this photoisomerization mechanism is also proposed.
A Sixteen‐Membered Au8P8 Macrocycle Based on Gold(I) and Diphospha(III)guanidine
Authors: Adhikari Anup K. , Sárosi Menyhárt B. , Grell Toni , Lönnecke Peter , Hey‐Hawkins Evamarie
Published: March 2017

The reaction of cyclo‐P4Mes4C(NCy) (1) with two equivalents of [AuCl(tht)] (tht=tetrahydrothiophene) resulted in the formation of unusual sixteen‐membered Au–P macrocycle 2. This macrocycle contains diphospha(III)guanidinate as a coordinating ligand, which is formed by P−P bond cleavage of 1. Macrocycle 2 was characterized by multinuclear NMR spectroscopy, mass spectrometry and X‐ray crystallography.
Internally 2,5‐Thienylene‐Bridged [46]Decaphyrin: (Annuleno)annulene Network Consisting of Möbius Aromatic Thia[28]hexaphyrins and Strong Hückel Aromaticity of its Protonated Form
Authors: Soya Takanori , Mori Hirotaka , Hong Yongseok , Koo Yun Hee , Kim Dongho , Osuka Atsuhiro
Published: March 2017

Internally 1,3‐phenylene‐ and 2,5‐thienylene‐bridged [46]decaphyrins 2 and 3 have been synthesized. While 2 shows modest aromatic character derived from the global 46π‐conjugated circuit, 3 displays larger aromatic character owing to the contribution of an (annuleno)annulene‐type network consisting of two twisted Möbius aromatic thia[28]hexaphyrin segments in addition to the global 46π‐network. Upon protonation, these [46]decaphyrins underwent large structural changes to acquire strong aromaticity. Protonated 3 has been revealed to take on a planar structure composed of fused two triangular thia[28]hexaphyrin segments.
Biobased nanocomposites based on collagen, cellulose nanocrystals, and plasticizers
Authors: Rodrigues Ana Pacheli Heitmann , de Souza Sâmara Durães , Gil Camila Silva Brey , Pereira Fabiano Vargas , de Oliveira Luiz Carlos Alves , de Oliveira Patricio Patrícia S.
Published: March 2017

Collagen (Col) is extensively used in various applications, including pharmaceutical, agricultural, and food applications. The materials based in Col may exhibit properties of biomedical interest because of their low toxicity, high structural capacity support, controlled biodegradability, and biocompatibility. However, Col has poor thermal and mechanical properties. The addition of plasticizers (Plas's) and fillers is an established strategy for enhancing the properties of the resulting nanocomposites. In this study, nanocomposites based on Col and cellulose nanocrystals were developed in two different ways and with three different Plas's. These materials were subjected to structural, thermal, mechanical, and morphological analysis. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017, 134, 44954.
Surgery and trauma care providers' perception of the impact of dual-practice employment on quality of care provided in an Andean country
Authors: LaGrone L N , Isquith-Dicker L N , Huaman Egoavil E , Herrera-Matta J J , Fuhs A K , Ortega Checa D , Revoredo F , Rodriguez Castro M J A , Mock C N
Published: March 2017

Background

Dual-practice, simultaneous employment by healthcare workers in the public and private sectors is pervasive worldwide. Although an estimated 30 per cent of the global burden of disease is surgical, the implications of dual practice on surgical care are not well understood.

Methods

Anonymous in-depth individual interviews on trauma quality improvement practices were conducted with healthcare providers who participate in the care of the injured at ten large hospitals in Peru's capital city, Lima. A grounded theory approach to qualitative data analysis was employed to identify salient themes.

Results

Fifty interviews were conducted. A group of themes that emerged related to the perceived negative and positive impacts of dual practice on the quality of surgical care. Participants asserted that the majority of physicians in Lima working in the public sector also worked in the private sector. Dual practice has negative impacts on physicians' time, quality of care in the public sector, and surgical education. Dual practice positively affects patient care by allowing physicians to acquire management and quality improvement skills, and providing incentives for research and academic productivity. In addition, dual practice provides opportunities for clinical innovations and raises the economic status of the physician.

Conclusion

Surgeons in Peru report that dual practice influences patient care negatively by creating time and human resource conflicts. Participants assert that these conflicts widen the gap in quality of care between rich and poor. This practice warrants redirection through national-level regulation of physician schedules and reorganization of public investment in health via physician remuneration.
Less is more: Online consumer ratings' format affects purchase intentions and processing
Authors: Kostyk Alena , Niculescu Mihai , Leonhardt James M.
Published: March 2017

Online customer ratings of products and services are commonplace in e‐commerce; however, the format in which these ratings are presented to consumers can vary. Although not anticipated by classical models of decision making, latter models such as prospect theory and feelings‐as‐information theory suggest that the presentation format of online customer ratings could affect subsequent consumer decision making. In the present research, 3 empirical studies test whether online customer ratings' formats differentially affect consumer purchase intentions. The results offer support for feeling‐as‐information theory and suggest that online ratings presented in a mean (vs. distribution) format result in higher purchase intentions as a result of increased processing fluency. Implications for the presentation of online consumer ratings in e‐commerce, based on these findings, are addressed.
Gallbladder perforation: a case report in Nepal
Authors: Shah Tuhin
Published: March 2017

Key Clinical Message

Gallbladder perforation has a high morbidity and mortality especially because of delayed diagnosis. Also, most of these cases are diagnosed only during surgery. Although a rare cause, it should be ruled out in cases where other causes of peritonitis cannot be established.
Neurocysticercosis a public health problem
Authors: Jácome Sánchez Elisa Carolina , Correa Díaz Edgar Patricio , Martinez Burbano Braulio , Ortiz Yépez María Angélica , García Castillo María Ariana
Published: March 2017

Key Clinical Message

Neurocysticercosis is a parasitic disease of the central nervous system that constitutes a public health problem in endemic regions. Here, we present a patient with epilepsy and cognitive impairment due to neurocysticercosis. A public health intervention could eradicate this disease in endemic regions such as Ecuador.
Risk of malignancy in 22q11.2 deletion syndrome
Authors: Stevens Toer , van der Werff ten Bosch Jutte , De Rademaeker Marjan , Van Den Bogaert Ann , van den Akker Machiel
Published: March 2017

Key Clinical Message

22q11.2DS is a significant health problem because of its fairly high incidence. It is relevant to be vigilant regarding the diagnosis of cancer amongst 22q11.2 patients as there might be an increased risk, especially amongst patients with the 22q11.2 distal deletion syndrome.
Enhanced Electrochemical Performance in Ni‐Doped LiMn2O4‐Based Composite Cathodes for Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Deng Yunlong , Mou Jirong , Wu Huali , Zhou Lin , Zheng Qiaoji , Lam Kwok Ho , Xu Chenggang , Lin Dunmin
Published: March 2017

High‐voltage and high‐performance Ni‐doped LiMn2O4‐basedcomposite cathodes have been obtained from the nominal formula of Li2Mn1‐xNixSiO4, synthesized by using a citric acid‐assisted sol‐gel method. The spinel Li(Mn,Ni)2O4 and layered Li2SiO3 coexist in the composites with x=0 and 0.05, whereas the materials with x=0.15 and 0.25 consist of Li(Mn,Ni)2O4, Li2SiO3 and layered LiNiO2; at x≥ 0.35, the impurity phases of NiO and Ni6MnO8 are detected. A significant improvement in discharge capacity and rate performance of the materials has been caused by the simultaneous existence of LiNiO2 and Li2SiO3. The composite with x=0.25 givesa very high initial discharge capacity of 168 mAh g−1 in the potential range of 3–5 V and exhibits an excellent rate performance. Our study shows that the composites consisting of Li(Mn, Ni)2O4, Li2SiO3, and LiNiO2may be promising candidates for high‐voltage and high‐performance lithium‐ion batteries.
Metal–Organic Synthetic Transporters (MOST): Efficient Chloride and Antibiotic Transmembrane Transporters
Authors: Kempf Julie , Schmitzer Andreea R.
Published: March 2017

We present the synthesis of two functionalized 2,4,7‐triphenylbenzimidazole ligands and demonstrate the formation of their respective metal assemblies in phospholipid membranes. Anion transport experiments demonstrate the formation of metal–organic synthetic transporters (MOST) directly in phospholipid membranes. The formation of MOST in phospholipid membranes results in efficient architectures for chloride transport. We also demonstrate the insertion of these ligands and the formation of their metal–organic assemblies in bacterial membranes; the use of MOST makes the membranes of resistant bacteria more permeable to antibiotics. We also demonstrate that a combination of MOST with tetracycline lowers the sensitivity of resistant bacteria to tetracycline by 60‐fold.
Using cancer genomics to guide clinical decisions
Authors: Burkard Mark E. , Deming Dustin A. , Lauring Josh
Published: March 2017

Genomic tests now provide unprecedented insight into what drives cancer; however, using this information in the clinic remains a challenge. This article provide insights into interpreting and using genomic tests for clinical decisions based on experience in leading molecular tumor boards.
Exploration of Inflammatory Bowel Disease in Mice: Chemically Induced Murine Models of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
Authors: Gadaleta Raffaella Maria , Garcia‐Irigoyen Oihane , Moschetta Antonio
Published: March 2017

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic multifactorial inflammatory disorder characterized by periods of activation and remission of intestinal inflammation, with potentially severe complications, that can lead to mortality. Experimental animal models of intestinal inflammation are crucial for understanding the pathogenesis of Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC), the two major human IBD phenotypes. Animal models have been instrumental in unveiling the molecular background of IBD, and although a single model is not able to capture the complexity of this disease, each of them provided valuable insight into its different aspects. Chemically induced models of intestinal inflammation, mainly dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)‐ and 2,4,6‐trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid (TNBS)‐induced colitis, are widely used. This article describes DSS‐ and TNBS‐induced colitis models and their relevance to IBD pathophysiology and pre‐clinical therapeutic management. © 2017 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Cytologic findings of mammary analogue secretory carcinoma arising in the thyroid
Authors: Rodríguez‐Urrego Paula A. , Dogan Snjezana , Lin Oscar
Published: March 2017

Mammary analogue secretory carcinoma (MASC) of the salivary gland, first described by Skálová et al in 2010, is a tumor that morphologically and genetically resembles breast secretory carcinoma harboring ETV6‐NTRK3 fusion gene. To date, only seven cases of primary thyroid MASC have been described. The overall findings are similar to those seen in the salivary gland counterpart including the ETV6‐NTRK3 fusion gene. This is the second report describing the cytologic features of MASC at this primary location, which also showed a classical type papillary carcinoma component. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2017;45:552–556. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The effects of priming in a cued dot‐probe task on appearance‐related attentional biases in women
Authors: Lane Ben R. , Mulgrew Kate E. , Mahar Doug , White Melanie J. , Loughnan Siobhan A.
Published: March 2017

The dot‐probe task (DPT) is a reaction time measure of attentional bias. Research using this task has found inconsistent patterns of appearance‐related attentional biases in women. This study examined the effects of a novel priming variation of the DPT, which incorporated additional cues into each trial of the task, on measurement of such biases. The study also examined associations between these biases and body image, a component of eating disorder symptomatology. A convenience sample of women from the general community (N = 103) completed body image measures online and attended a laboratory session to complete one of four DPTs: (1) an appearance‐cued DPT containing images of thin‐ideal models between each trial; (2) neutral‐cued DPT containing images of forests; (3) time‐delayed DPT controlling for time in place of an image; or (4) typical DPT containing only word stimuli. Women who completed the appearance‐cued DPT demonstrated a stronger attentional bias for positive, but not negative, appearance words than women who completed the other DPT versions. Furthermore, for the appearance‐cued and time‐delayed DPTs, this bias correlated with poorer body image across several indicators (appearance evaluation, body dissatisfaction, self‐evaluative salience of appearance, and state body satisfaction). Although it was unexpected that no attentional bias for negative‐appearance words was found, the attentional bias for positive‐appearance words may suggest that effects were driven by the ego‐threat of positive‐appearance words. Further research is warranted to determine whether such biases contribute to and maintain body image disturbance and disordered eating.
Patterns of genetic, phenotypic, and acoustic variation across a chiffchaff (Phylloscopus collybita abietinus/tristis) hybrid zone
Authors: Shipilina Daria , Serbyn Maksym , Ivanitskii Vladimir , Marova Irina , Backström Niclas
Published: March 2017

Characterizing patterns of evolution of genetic and phenotypic divergence between incipient species is essential to understand how evolution of reproductive isolation proceeds. Hybrid zones are excellent for studying such processes, as they provide opportunities to assess trait variation in individuals with mixed genetic background and to quantify gene flow across different genomic regions. Here, we combine plumage, song, mtDNA and whole‐genome sequence data and analyze variation across a sympatric zone between the European and the Siberian chiffchaff (Phylloscopus collybita abietinus/tristis) to study how gene exchange between the lineages affects trait variation. Our results show that chiffchaff within the sympatric region show more extensive trait variation than allopatric birds, with a large proportion of individuals exhibiting intermediate phenotypic characters. The genomic differentiation between the subspecies is lower in sympatry than in allopatry and sympatric birds have a mix of genetic ancestry indicating extensive ongoing and past gene flow. Patterns of phenotypic and genetic variation also vary between regions within the hybrid zone, potentially reflecting differences in population densities, age of secondary contact, or differences in mate recognition or mate preference. The genomic data support the presence of two distinct genetic clades corresponding to allopatric abietinus and tristis and that genetic admixture is the force underlying trait variation in the sympatric region—the previously described subspecies (“fulvescens”) from the region is therefore not likely a distinct taxon. In addition, we conclude that subspecies identification based on appearance is uncertain as an individual with an apparently distinct phenotype can have a considerable proportion of the genome composed of mixed alleles, or even a major part of the genome introgressed from the other subspecies. Our results provide insights into the dynamics of admixture across subspecies boundaries and have implications for understanding speciation processes and for the identification of specific chiffchaff individuals based on phenotypic characters.
ssDNA degradation along capillary electrophoresis process using a Tris buffer
Authors: Ric Audrey , Ong‐Meang Varravaddheay , Poinsot Verena , Martins‐Froment Nathalie , Chauvet Fabien , Boutonnet Audrey , Ginot Frédéric , Ecochard Vincent , Paquereau Laurent , Couderc François
Published: March 2017

Tris‐Acetate buffer is currently used in the selection and the characterization of ssDNA by capillary electrophoresis (CE). By applying high voltage, the migration of ionic species into the capillary generates a current that induces water electrolysis. This phenomenon is followed by the modification of the pH and the production of Tris derivatives. By injecting ten times by capillary electrophoresis ssDNA (50 nM), the whole oligonucleotide was degraded. In this paper, we will show that the Tris buffer in the running vials is modified along the electrophoretic process by electrochemical reactions. We also observed that the composition of the metal ions changes in the running buffer vials. This phenomenon, never described in CE, is important for fluorescent ssDNA analysis using Tris buffer. The oligonucleotides are degraded by electrochemically synthesized species (present in the running Tris vials) until it disappears, even if the separation buffer in the capillary is clean. To address these issues, we propose to use a sodium phosphate buffer that we demonstrate to be electrochemically inactive.
In situ solubilization of phosphorus‐bearing raw materials by Bacillus megaterium
Authors: Wyciszkiewicz Małgorzata , Saeid Agnieszka , Chojnacka Katarzyna
Published: March 2017

This paper presents the results of in situ studies on solubilization of different phosphorus‐bearing raw materials by application of natural ability to produce organic acids by Bacillus megaterium. Poultry bones as well as fish bones were used as renewable sources of phosphates. Morocco phosphorite was used as nonrenewable sources of phosphates. Glass columns, filled with the soil mixed with different doses (1, 5, and 10%) of mentioned sources of phosphorus, were used as a medium for solubilization. It was found that the amount of released phosphorus (determined in the eluent and expressed as P2O5) significantly increased in the cases of columns where B. megaterium was used, when compared with the control group (without microflora). Higher doses of phosphorus‐bearing material used in the experiment influenced in the release of higher amount of phosphorus. The highest effectiveness of solubilization was found in the case of poultry bones. The experiment was repeated for poultry bones but with the supplementation of nutrients. It was found that the delivery of nutrients had a strong effect on the increase of effectiveness of solubilization. Two times higher amount of phosphorus (express as P2O5) was released from the hydroxyapatite structure of bones. It was confirmed that poultry bones could serve as a source of phosphates in microbial solubilization performed in in situ.
Learning from Electrochemical Data: Simple Evaluation and Classification of LiMO2‐type‐based Positive Electrodes for Li‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Kasnatscheew Johannes , Evertz Marco , Kloepsch Richard , Streipert Benjamin , Wagner Ralf , Cekic Laskovic Isidora , Winter Martin
Published: March 2017

The required boost in the specific energy of lithium‐ion battery (LIB) cells can only be achieved by increasing the cell voltage and/or the specific capacities of the electrodes. In the latter regard, the positive electrode constitutes the specific energy bottleneck. Lithium transition‐metal oxides (LiMO2) such as LiNixMnzCo1−x−zO2 (NMC) are regarded as the most suitable positive electrode materials for next‐generation high‐specific‐energy LIBs. In this work, the electrochemically induced structural stability limits as well as the associated reversible specific energies and specific energy efficiencies were assessed by means of constant current charge/discharge experiments for the most popular and promising LiMO2 compositions. The electrochemically induced structural stability of the positive host material was not determined by the applied charge cut‐off potential, but rather by the amount of extracted Li+ ions. In this regard, the electrochemically induced structural stability order of selected LiMO2 compositions was modified by assessing the structural stability as a function of the Li+‐ion extraction ratio. With respect to application, relevant requirements (e.g., specific energy, specific energy efficiency, temperature‐dependent structural stability, kinetics) revealed that NMC532 and NMC622 showed the best compromise among the various LiMO2 compositions, revealing significant insight into the structure–property relationship.
Nutritional and sensory properties: Snack food made from high‐quality cassava flour and legume blend
Authors: Maziya‐Dixon Busie , Alamu Emmanuel O. , Popoola Ibironke O. , Yomeni Marie
Published: March 2017

The nutritional benefits of grain legumes such as cowpea and soybean in sub‐Saharan Africa have not been fully utilized to alleviate problem of protein‐malnutrition in this region. This study aimed to evaluate and compare the nutritional properties and sensory evaluation of snack food made from high‐quality cassava flour (HQCF) and soybeans (50:50), and HQCF and cowpea (50:50). Sensory evaluation was conducted among panellists in Nigeria and DR Congo. Results showed that the soy variant of the snack contained significantly higher protein than the cowpea variant. There was cross‐cultural difference in snack preference between panellists in Nigeria and DR Congo. Panellists in DR Congo preferred the aroma of the unboiled soy variant, whereas panellists in Nigeria preferred the boiled soy variant more. This study showed the potential of legumes and cassava in the snack food sector not only as a partial substitute for wheat flour but as a major ingredient and also form basis for the new product development in the snacks food industry. The developed product could be possibly used to alleviate the protein‐malnutrition among the vulnerable groups of most developing countries.
VPIN, Jump Dynamics and Inventory Announcements in Energy Futures Markets
Authors: Bjursell Johan , Wang George H. K. , Zheng Hui
Published: March 2017

The Volume‐Synchronized Probability of Informed Trading (VPIN) metric is proposed by Easley et al. (2011, 2012) (Journal of Portfolio Management, 37:118–128; Review of Financial Studies, 25:1457–1493) as a real‐time measure of order flow toxicity in an electronic trading market. This study examines the performance of VPIN around inventory announcements and price jumps in crude oil and natural gas futures markets with a sample period from January 2009 to May 2015. We obtain several interesting results: (i) VPIN increases significantly around inventory announcements with price jumps as well as at jumps not associated with any scheduled announcements. (ii) VPIN does not peak prior to the events but shortly after. (iii) A minor variation of VPIN based on exponential smoothing significantly improves the early warning signal property of VPIN, and this estimate of toxicity returns faster to the pre‐event level. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Jrl Fut Mark 37:542–577, 2017
Practice variation in the Dutch long‐term care and the role of supply‐sensitive care: Is access to the Dutch long‐term care equitable?
Authors: Duell Daisy , Koolman Xander , Portrait France
Published: March 2017

Universal access and generous coverage are important goals of the Dutch long‐term care (LTC) system. It is a legal requirement that everyone eligible for LTC should be able to receive it. Institutional care (IC) made up for 90% of Dutch LTC spending. To investigate whether access to IC is as equitable as the Dutch government aspires, we explored practice variation in entitlements to IC across Dutch regions.

We used a unique dataset that included all individual applications for Dutch LTC in January 2010–December 2013 (N = 3,373,358). This dataset enabled an accurate identification of the need for care. We examined the local variation in the probability of being granted long‐term IC and in the intensity of the care granted given that individuals have applied for LTC. We also investigated whether the variation observed was related to differences in the local availability of care facilities.

Although our analyses indicated the presence of some practice variation, its magnitude was very small by national and international standards (up to 3%). Only a minor part of the practice variation could be accounted for by local supply differences in care facilities. Overall, we conclude that, unlike many other developed countries, the Dutch system ensured equitable access to long‐term IC.
Distinguishing streamflow trends caused by changes in climate, forest cover, and permafrost in a large watershed in northeastern China
Authors: Duan Liangliang , Man Xiuling , Kurylyk Barret L. , Cai Tijiu , Li Qiang
Published: March 2017

Understanding how rivers respond to changes in land cover, climate, and subsurface conditions is critical for sustainably managing water resources and ecosystems. In this study, long‐term hydrologic, climate, and satellite data (1973–2012) from the Upper Tahe River watershed (2359 km2) in the Da Hinggan Mountains of northeast China were analysed to quantify the relative hydrologic effects of climate variability (system input) and the combined influences of forest cover change and permafrost thaw (system characteristics) on average annual streamflow (system response) using 2 methods: the sensitivity‐based method and the Kendall–Theil robust line method. The study period was subdivided into a forest harvesting period (1973–1987), a forest stability period (1988–2001), and a forest recovery period (2002–2012). The results indicated that the combined effects of forest harvesting and permafrost thaw on streamflow (+ 47.0 mm) from the forest harvesting period to the forest stability period was approximately twice as large as the effect associated with climate variability (+20.2 mm). Similarly, from the forest stability period to the forest recovery period, the decrease in average annual streamflow attributed to the combined effects of forest recovery and permafrost thaw (−38.0 mm) was much greater than the decrease due to climate variability (−22.2 mm). A simple method was used to separate the distinct impacts of forest cover change and permafrost thaw, but distinguishing these influences is difficult due to changes in surface and subsurface hydrologic connectivity associated with permafrost thaw. The results highlight the need to consider multiple streamflow drivers in future watershed and aquatic ecosystem management. Due to the ecological and hydrological susceptibility to disturbances in the Da Hinggan Mountains, forest harvesting will likely negatively impact ecohydrological processes in this region, and the effects of forest species transition in the forest recovery process should be further investigated.
Novel Epigenetic Controlling of Hypoxia Pathway Related to Overexpression and Promoter Hypomethylation of TET1 and TET2 in RPE Cells
Authors: Alivand Mohammad Reza , Soheili Zahra‐Soheila , Pornour Majid , Solali Saeed , Sabouni Farzaneh
Published: March 2017

CpG methylation of DNA takes part in a specific epigenetic memory that plays crucial roles in the differentiation and abnormality of the cells. The methylation pattern aberration of genomes is affected in three ways, namely DNA methyltransferase (DNMT), ten‐eleven translocation (TET), and methyl‐binding domain (MBD) proteins. Of these, TET enzymes have recently been demonstrated to be master modifier enzymes in the DNA methylation process. Additionally, recent studies emphasize that not only epigenetic phenomena play a role in controlling hypoxia pathway, but the hypoxia condition also triggers hypomethylation of genomes that may help with the expression of hypoxia pathway genes. In this study, we suggested that TET1 and TET2 could play a role in the demethylation of genomes under chemical hypoxia conditions. Herein, the evaluating methylation status and mRNA expression of mentioned genes were utilized through real‐time PCR and methylation‐specific PCR (MSP), respectively. Our results showed that TET1 and TET2 genes were overexpressed (P < 0.05) under chemical hypoxia conditions in Retinal Pigment Epithelial (RPE) cells, whereas the promoter methylation status of them were hypomethylated in the same condition. Therefore, chemical hypoxia not only causes overexpression of TET1 and TET2 but also could gradually do promoter demethylation of same genes. This is the first study to show the relationship between epigenetics and the expression of mentioned genes related to hypoxia pathways. Furthermore, it seems that these associations in RPE cells are subjected to chemical hypoxia as a mechanism that could play a crucial role in methylation pattern changes of hypoxia‐related diseases such as cancer and ischemia. J. Cell. Biochem. 118: 3193–3204, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Toward deformation densities for intramolecular interactions without radical reference states using the fragment, atom, localized, delocalized, and interatomic (FALDI) charge density decomposition scheme
Authors: de Lange Jurgens Hendrik , Cukrowski Ignacy
Published: March 2017

A novel approach for calculating deformation densities is presented, which enables to calculate the deformation density resulting from a change between two chemical states, typically conformers, without the need for radical fragments. The Fragment, Atom, Localized, Delocalized, and Interatomic (FALDI) charge density decomposition scheme is introduced, which is applicable to static electron densities (FALDI‐ED), conformational deformation densities (FALDI‐DD) as well as orthodox fragment‐based deformation densities. The formation of an intramolecular NH⋅⋅⋅N interaction in protonated ethylene diamine is used as a case study where the FALDI‐based conformational deformation densities (with atomic or fragment resolution) are compared with an orthodox EDA‐based approach. Atomic and fragment deformation densities revealed in real‐space details that (i) pointed at the origin of density changes associated with the intramolecular H‐bond formation and (ii) fully support the IUPAC H‐bond representation. The FALDI scheme is equally applicable to intra‐ and intermolecular interactions. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Analysis of HTLV‐1 proviral load (PVL) and antibody detected with various kinds of tests in Japanese blood donors to understand the relationship between PVL and antibody level and to gain insights toward better antibody testing
Authors: Matsumoto Chieko , Sagara Yasuko , Sobata Rieko , Inoue Yukiko , Morita Maiko , Uchida Shigeharu , Kiyokawa Hiroyuki , Satake Masahiro , Tadokoro Kenji
Published: March 2017

Adult T‐cell leukemia/lymphoma (ATL) occurs in approximately 5% of individuals infected with human T‐cell leukemia virus type 1 (HTLV‐1). A high proviral load (PVL; more than four copies per 100 peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) or 1.6 copies per 100 blood leukocytes) and being male are risk factors for ATL development. Whether anti‐HTLV‐1 antibody level is related to such risk is unknown. Here, PVL and antibody levels were examined using real‐time PCR and other tests in 600 HTLV‐1 positive screened Japanese blood donors to understand the relationship between PVL and antibody level in asymptomatic carriers and to gain insights toward better antibody testing for HTLV‐1 infection. The 430 donors in whom proviral DNA was detected were considered as true positives for HTLV‐1 infection. Among donors aged 40 years or older, more males than females had a PVL corresponding to more than 1.6% infected leukocytes, and an antibody titer below the median (P = 0.0018). In antibody tests using an HTLV‐1 positive cell line or Env antigens there was a large discrepancy in antibody titer among 13 provirus‐positive samples, probably suggesting that antibody‐based screening tests should incorporate multiple HTLV‐1 antigens, such as Gag and Env antigens.
Emerging arboviral human diseases in Southern Europe
Authors: Papa Anna
Published: March 2017

Southern Europe is characterized by unique landscape and climate which attract tourists, but also arthropod vectors, some of them carrying pathogens. Among several arboviral diseases that emerged in the region during the last decade, West Nile fever accounted for high number of human cases and fatalities, while Crimean‐Congo hemorrhagic fever expanded its geographic distribution, and is considered as a real threat for Europe. Viruses evolve rapidly and acquire mutations making themselves stronger and naive populations more vulnerable. In an effort to tackle efficiently the emerging arboviral diseases, preparedness and strategic surveillance are needed for the early detection of the pathogen and containment and mitigation of probable outbreaks. In this review, the main human arboviral diseases that emerged in Southern Europe are described.
Influences of superheated steam roasting on changes in sugar, amino acid and flavour active components of cocoa bean (Theobroma cacao)
Authors: Zzaman Wahidu , Bhat Rajeev , Yang Tajul Aris , Easa Azhar Mat
Published: March 2017

BACKGROUND

Roasting is one of the important unit operations in the cocoa‐based industries in order to develop unique flavour in products. Cocoa beans were subjected to roasting at different temperatures and times using superheated steam. The influence of roasting temperature (150–250°C) and time (10–50 min) on sugars, free amino acids and volatile flavouring compounds were investigated.

RESULTS

The concentration of total reducing sugars was reduced by up to 64.61, 77.22 and 82.52% with increased roasting temperature at 150, 200 and 250°C for 50 min, respectively. The hydrophobic amino acids were reduced up to 29.21, 36.41 and 48.87% with increased roasting temperature at 150, 200 and 250°C for 50 min, respectively. A number of pyrazines, esters, aldehydes, alcohols, ketones, carboxyl acids and hydrocarbons were detected in all the samples at different concentration range. Formation of the most flavour active compounds, pyrazines, were the highest concentration (2.96 mg kg−1) at 200°C for 10 min.

CONCLUSION

The superheated steam roasting method achieves the optimum roasting condition within a short duration Therefore, the quality of cocoa beans can be improved using superheated steam during the roasting process. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
SDHA related tumorigenesis: a new case series and literature review for variant interpretation and pathogenicity
Authors: Casey Ruth T. , Ascher David B. , Rattenberry Eleanor , Izatt Louise , Andrews Katrina A. , Simpson Helen L. , Challis Benjamen , Park Soo‐Mi , Bulusu Venkata R. , Lalloo Fiona , Pires Douglas E. V. , West Hannah , Clark Graeme R. , Smith Philip S. , Whitworth James , Papathomas Thomas G. , Taniere Phillipe , Savisaar Rosina , Hurst Laurence D. , Woodward Emma R. , Maher Eamonn R.
Published: March 2017

Purpose

To evaluate the role of germline SDHA mutation analysis by (1) comprehensive literature review, (2) description of novel germline SDHA mutations and (3) in silico structural prediction analysis of missense substitutions in SDHA.

Patients and methods

A systematic literature review and a retrospective review of the molecular and clinical features of patients identified with putative germline variants in UK molecular genetic laboratories was performed. To evaluate the molecular consequences of SDHA missense variants, a novel model of the SDHA/B/C/D complex was generated and the structural effects of missense substitutions identified in the literature, our UK novel cohort and a further 32 “control missense variants” were predicted by the mCSM computational platform. These structural predictions were correlated with the results of tumor studies and other bioinformatic predictions.

Results

Literature review revealed reports of 17 different germline SDHA variants in 47 affected individuals from 45 kindreds. A further 10 different variants in 15 previously unreported cases (seven novel variants in eight patients) were added from our UK series. In silico structural prediction studies of 11 candidate missense germline mutations suggested that most (63.7%) would destabilize the SDHA protomer, and that most (78.1%) rare SDHA missense variants present in a control data set (ESP6500) were also associated with impaired protein stability.

Conclusion

The clinical spectrum of SDHA‐associated neoplasia differs from that of germline mutations in other SDH‐subunits. The interpretation of the significance of novel SDHA missense substitutions is challenging. We recommend that multiple investigations (e.g. tumor studies, metabolomic profiling) should be performed to aid classification of rare missense variants before genetic testing results are used to influence clinical management.
Copper‐doped zinc oxide nanoparticles: Influence on thermal, thermo mechanical, and tribological properties of polycarbonate
Authors: Charde Sarita J , Sonawane Shriram S. , Rathod Ajit P. , Sonawane Shirish H. , Shimpi Navin G. , Parate Vishal R.
Published: March 2017

In the existing study, an attempt has been made to develop scratch resistant polycarbonate (PC) nanocomposites using inorganic ZnO nanoparticles doped with copper (ZnCuO). The ZnCuO nanoparticles were synthesized using co‐precipitation method and modified using phosphoric acid ethyl hexyl ester (PAEH). The size range of nanoparticles was confirmed to be around 55–75 nm using AFM. TGA, FTIR, and NMR confirmed modification of nanoparticles and XRD approved of size reduction due to doping. PC/ZnCuO nanocomposites (PCNC) with a loading of 1%, 3% and 5% by weight were prepared by melt extrusion and an evaluation of thermal, thermo‐mechanical, and tribological properties were carried out. The dispersion study using FE‐SEM images revealed the presence of aggregates. Thermal analyses using TGA and DSC indicated a decrement in stability for PCNC. The PCNC was found to exhibit better storage modulus with an enhancement of 23% with a 3 wt% loadings of nanoparticles as compared to pure PC. The tribological study of PCNC indicated a favorable decrement of a coefficient of friction by nearly 14% in the case of 3% PCNC. POLYM. COMPOS., 39:E1398–E1406, 2018. © 2017 Society of Plastics Engineers
Oxygen vacancies effects in a‐IGZO: Formation mechanisms, hysteresis, and negative bias stress effects
Authors: de Jamblinne de Meux Albert , Bhoolokam Ajay , Pourtois Geoffrey , Genoe Jan , Heremans Paul
Published: March 2017

The amorphous oxide semiconductor Indium‐Gallium‐Zinc‐Oxide (a‐IGZO) has gained a large technological relevance as a semiconductor for thin‐film transistors in active‐matrix displays. Yet, major questions remain unanswered regarding the atomic origin of threshold voltage control, doping level, hysteresis, negative bias stress (NBS), and negative bias illumination stress (NBIS). We undertake a systematic study of the effects of oxygen vacancies on the properties of a‐IGZO by relating experimental observations to microscopic insights gained from first‐principle simulations. It is found that the amorphous nature of the semiconductor allows unusually large atomic relaxations. In some cases, oxygen vacancies are found to behave as perfect shallow donors without the formation of structural defects. Once structural defects are formed, their transition states can vary upon charge and discharge cycles. We associate this phenomenon to a possible presence of hysteresis in the transfer curve of the devices. Under NBS, the creation of oxygen vacancies becomes energetically very stable, hence thermodynamically very likely. This generation process is correlated with the occurrence of the negative bias stress instabilities observed in a‐IGZO transistors. While oxygen vacancies can therefore be related to NBS and hysteresis, it appears unlikely from our results that they are direct causes of NBIS, contrary to common belief.
Pose optimization and port placement for robot‐assisted minimally invasive surgery in cholecystectomy
Authors: Feng Mei , Jin Xingze , Tong Weihua , Guo Xiaoyu , Zhao Ji , Fu Yili
Published: March 2017

Background

Pose optimization and port placement are critical issues for preoperative preparation in robot‐assisted minimally invasive surgery (RMIS), and affect the robot performance and surgery quality.

Methods

This paper proposes a method for pose optimization and port placement for RMIS in cholecystectomy that considers both the robot and surgery requirements. The robot pose optimization was divided into optimization of the positioning joint configuration and optimization of the end effector configuration. To determine the optimal location for the trocar port placement, the operational workspace was defined as the evaluation index. The port area was divided into many sub‐areas, and that with the maximum operational workspace was selected as the location for the port placement.

Results

Considering the left robotic arm as an example, the location for the port placement and joints angles for robotic arm configuration were discussed and simulated using the proposed method.

Conclusion

This research can provide guidelines for surgeons in preoperative preparation.