bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Association of chronic kidney disease with abnormal cardiac mechanics and adverse outcomes in patients with heart failure and preserved ejection fraction
Authors: Unger Erin D. , Dubin Ruth F. , Deo Rajat , Daruwalla Vistasp , Friedman Julie L. , Medina Crystal , Beussink Lauren , Freed Benjamin H. , Shah Sanjiv J.
Published: December 2015

Aims

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is associated with worse outcomes in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). Whether this association is due the effect of CKD on intrinsic abnormalities in cardiac function is unknown. We hypothesized that CKD is independently associated with worse cardiac mechanics in HFpEF.

Methods and Results

We prospectively studied 299 patients enrolled in the Northwestern University HFpEF Program. Using the creatinine‐based CKD‐Epi equation to calculate estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), study participants were analysed by CKD status (using eGFR <60 mL/min/1.73 m2 to denote CKD). Indices of cardiac mechanics (longitudinal strain parameters) were measured using speckle‐tracking echocardiography. Using multivariable‐adjusted linear and Cox regression analyses, we determined the association between CKD and echocardiographic parameters and clinical outcomes (cardiovascular hospitalization or death). Of 299 study participants, 48% had CKD. CKD (dichotomous variable) and reduced eGFR (continuous variable) were both associated with worse cardiac mechanics indices including left atrial (LA) reservoir strain, LV longitudinal strain, and right ventricular free wall strain even after adjusting for potential confounders, including co‐morbidities, EF, and volume status. For example, for each 1–SD decrease in eGFR, LA reservoir strain was 3.52% units lower (P < 0.0001) after multivariable adjustment. Reduced eGFR was also associated with worse outcomes [adjusted hazard ratio (HR) 1.28, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.01–1.61 per 1–SD decrease in eGFR; P = 0.039]. The association was attenuated after adjustment for indices of cardiac mechanics (P = 0.064).

Conclusion

In HFpEF, CKD is independently associated with worse cardiac mechanics, which may explain why HFpEF patients with CKD have worse outcomes.

Trial registration: NCT01030991
Direct cellular reprogramming for cardiac repair and regeneration
Authors: Batty Jonathan A. , Lima Jose A.C. , Kunadian Vijay
Published: December 2015

Heart failure is a major cause of morbidity and mortality, characterized by depletion of functioning cardiomyocytes, myocardial remodelling, and impaired contractile function. As the heart has a limited capacity for repair, and current treatments do not reverse myocardial attrition, novel regenerative strategies are imperative. Although cell delivery‐based approaches remain promising, in situ reprogramming of endogenous cardiac fibroblasts (which are pathophysiologically implicated in cardiac remodelling) into functional cardiomyocytes may represent an advantageous approach. Several groups report successful in vitro and in vivo reprogramming of murine fibroblasts, using critical transcription factors, microRNA mimics, and small molecules, to cells demonstrating cardiomyocyte‐like morphology, gene expression, and spontaneous contraction, which improve cardiac function in post‐infarct models. Although proof‐of‐concept studies demonstrate reprogramming in human fibroblasts, significant barriers to therapeutic reprogramming remain. In this review, we evaluate the current status of reprogramming strategies for cardiac repair, and explore future perspectives within the context of clinical translation.
Challenges in the characterization of neutrophil extracellular traps: The truth is in the details
Authors: Naccache Paul H. , Fernandes Maria J. G.
Published: December 2015

Neutrophil extracellular traps play a key role in defense against extracellular pathogens. The release of these chromatin structures, that contain a combination of cytoplasmic and granule proteins, is known as NETosis, a regulated cell death modality typical of neutrophils. NETosis is induced by pathogens as well as other stimuli such as activated platelets. Our understanding of the molecular events underlying this phenomenon remains incomplete. The currently used experimental approaches to study NETs are semi‐quantitative, subjective in nature, and low throughput, rendering it difficult to compare results between laboratories. This is highlighted in two articles published in this issue of the European Journal of Immunology which present what appear to be contradicting results on NET formation. Considering the extensive research on NETosis and the importance of this phenomenon in the immune response, we find it timely to briefly review the lacunae in the most commonly used methods to investigate NETosis. The impact these technical difficulties have on the advancement of our knowledge in this field as well as potential solutions are also discussed.
Development and validation of a micellar electrokinetic capillary chromatography method for the determination of goserelin and related substances
Authors: Gong Feifei , Yang Huaxin , Sun Wen , Cao Junzi , Liu Wanhui
Published: December 2015

An MEKC method for the analysis of goserelin and related substances has been developed using a combination of additives including CTAB, β‐CD, and sodium hexanesulfonate. For this assay, the running buffer (pH and additives) and separation conditions (voltage and temperature) were optimized. The optimized system was the following: 200 mM 6‐aminocaproic acid buffer (pH 4.2) supplemented with 175 mM CTAB, 3.0% w/v β‐CD, and 20 mM sodium hexanesulfonate; the voltage was 10 kV in reverse polarity mode, the temperature was 20°C, and UV detection was measured at 220 nm. The method was qualified by evaluating the specificity, precision, linearity, accuracy, LOD, and LOQ. According to validation experiments, the optimized method was specific, accurate, and repeatable and satisfied the requirements for the analysis of goserelin and related substances. Compared with the RP‐HPLC method, the MEKC method better solved the problem of overlapping impurity signals, and the migration time required was shorter. This method can be used for quality control and for the analysis of goserelin and its related substances.
Zeta potentials of polydimethylsiloxane surfaces modified by polybrene of different concentrations
Authors: Song Yongxin , Li Jun , Li Dongqing
Published: December 2015

Zeta potential is an important parameter for characterizing the electrokinetic properties of a solid–liquid interface. In this paper, zeta potentials of polydimethylsiloxane surfaces modified by polybrene (PB) solutions of different concentrations in Phosphate buffer solution and pure water were reported. The zeta potentials were measured by an induction current method. The measurements were validated both by a calibration curve based on the data reported in the published papers and by comparing the zeta potential determined by using the Smoluchowski equation and the measured velocity of the electrokinetic motion of particles in a microchannel.
Thermophilic (55°C) and moderately hyperthermophilic (65°C) fermentation of poultry manure triggers release of high heavy metal concentrations leading to enhanced genotoxicity
Authors: Anjum Reshma , Sebök Stefan , Krakat Niclas
Published: December 2015

Proper disposal of waste from poultry industries may be done by thermophilic anaerobic digestion. Particularly, thermophilic fermentation exhibits pivotal advantages. However, not only the accrued waste material (digestate) serves as organic fertilizer but also poses environmental problems when the pollutant release is poorly synchronized with the environmental demand. To minimize environmental risks, additional hyperthermophilic (moderately hyperthermophilic) treatment of animal by‐products is necessary, but concurrent release of pollutants is notably increased. To estimate the quantity and quality of pollutants released, we analyzed various organic compounds as well as 21 metals and tested their genotoxic/mutagenic potential by using the Allium cepa assay and the Ames test. As, Cd, Ni, and W were not detected or had low concentration (0.01–0.47 mg/kg) and were considered of little relevance. Co, Cr, Ni, Pb, and Mo were detected at concentrations up to 5.76 mg/kg. Fe, Mn, Zn, and Cu had the highest concentrations and were accumulated to inhibitory levels. Phenolic compounds were detected in negligible concentrations. We found that approximately 30% of onion root chromosomes were permanently damaged by high heavy metal concentrations released from the digestates. Higher temperatures and longer fermentation times fostered an increased release of pollutants above permissible limits.
Energy and Exergy Analyses of a Pyroelectric‐Based Solar Energy Harvesting System
Authors: Sharma Manish , Vaish Rahul , Chauhan Vishal Singh
Published: December 2015

This study is concerned with energy and exergy analyses of a solar energy harvesting system based on the pyroelectric effect. The [Bi0.5(Na0.94K0.05Li0.016)0.5]0.95Ba0.05TiO3 (BNKLBT) ceramic was studied in present investigation using finite‐element analysis, and the power output was optimized for different load resistance and load capacitance values. The maximum power output obtained was 2.2 μW across a load resistance of 50 MΩ and a 4.7 μF load capacitor. Further exergy analysis was performed for the pyroelectric energy harvesting system. The maximum values for the electrical and thermal exergies obtained were 2.3 μW and 37 mW, respectively. Furthermore, the maximum obtained electrical and thermal exergy efficiencies were 0.00013 % and 11.16 %, respectively.
Systematic development of a new hysteretic damper based on torsional yielding: part I—design and development
Authors: Salem Milani Ali , Dicleli Murat
Published: December 2015

Analytical and experimental studies into the behavior of a new hysteretic damper, designed for seismic protection of structures is presented in two papers. Although the subject matter of the papers is a specific system, they are also intended as an illustration of practical application of diverse engineering tools in systematic development of an anti‐seismic product. The Multi‐directional Torsional Hysteretic Damper (MTHD) is a recently patented invention in which a symmetrical arrangement of identical cylindrical steel energy dissipaters is configured to yield in torsion while the structure experiences planar movements due to earthquake shakings. The device has gone through many stages of design refinement, prototype verification tests and development of design guidelines and computer codes to facilitate its implementation in practice. The first of this two‐part paper summarizes the development stages of the new system, conceptual and analytical. The experimental phase of the research is the focus of the accompanying paper. The new device has certain desirable properties. Notably, it is characterized by a variable and controllable‐via‐design or adaptive post‐elastic stiffness. This feature gives the isolated structure the capability to evade the dominant period of the ground motion leading to reduced displacements while having force levels comparable to regular bilinear isolation systems. The device has already been applied to four major bridges. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Novel Genetic Loci Control Calcium Absorption and Femur Bone Mass as Well as Their Response to Low Calcium Intake in Male BXD Recombinant Inbred Mice
Authors: Reyes Fernandez Perla C , Replogle Rebecca A , Wang Libo , Zhang Min , Fleet James C
Published: December 2015

Low dietary calcium (Ca) intake during growth limits peak bone mass but physiological adaptation can prevent this adverse effect. To assess the genetic control on the physiologic response to dietary Ca restriction (RCR), we conducted a study in 51 BXD lines fed either 0.5% (basal) or 0.25% (low) Ca diets from ages 4 to 12 weeks (n = 8/line/diet). Ca absorption (CaAbs), femur bone mineral density (BMD), and bone mineral content (BMC) were examined. ANCOVA with body size as covariate was used to detect significant line and diet main effects, and line-by-diet interactions. Body size–corrected residuals were used for linkage mapping and to estimate heritability (h2). Loci controlling the phenotypes were identified using composite interval mapping on each diet and for the RCR. h2 of basal phenotypes (0.37–0.43) and their RCR (0.32–0.38) was moderate. For each phenotype, we identified multiple quantitative trait loci (QTL) on each diet and for the RCR. Several loci affected multiple traits: Chr 1 (88.3–90.6 cM, CaAbs, BMC), Chr 4 (45.8–49.2 cM, CaAbs, BMD, BMC), Chr 8 (28.6–31.6 cM, CaAbs, BMD, RCR), and Chr 15 (13.6–24 cM, BMD, BMC; 32.3–36 cM, CaAbs RCR, BMD). This suggests that gene clusters may regulate interdependent bone-related phenotypes. Using in silico expression QTL (eQTL) mapping and bioinformatic tools, we identified novel candidates for the regulation of bone under Ca stress (Ext1, Deptor), and for the first time, we report genes modulating Ca absorption (Inadl, Sc4mol, Sh3rf1, and Dennd3), and both Ca and bone metabolism (Tceanc2, Tll1, and Aadat). Our data reveal gene-by-diet interactions and the existence of novel relationships between bone and Ca metabolism during growth. © 2015 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
UGT1A1 genotype‐dependent dose adjustment of belinostat in patients with advanced cancers using population pharmacokinetic modeling and simulation
Authors: Peer Cody J. , Goey Andrew K. L. , Sissung Tristan M. , Erlich Sheryl , Lee Min‐Jung , Tomita Yusuke , Trepel Jane B. , Piekarz Richard , Balasubramaniam Sanjeeve , Bates Susan E. , Figg William D.
Published: December 2015

Belinostat is a second‐generation zinc‐binding histone deacetylase inhibitor that is approved for peripheral T‐cell lymphoma and is currently being studied in small cell lung cancer and other advanced carcinomas as a 48‐hour continuous intravenous infusion. Belinostat is predominantly metabolized by UGT1A1, which is polymorphic. Preliminary analyses revealed a difference in belinostat clearance based on UGT1A1 genotype. A 2‐compartment population pharmacokinetic (PK) model was developed and validated that incorporated the UGT1A1 genotype, albumin, and creatinine clearance on the clearance parameter; body weight was a significant covariate on volume. Simulated doses of 600 and 400 mg/m2/24 h given to patients considered extensive or impaired metabolizers, respectively, provided equivalent AUCs. This model and subsequent simulations supported additional PK/toxicity and pharmacogenomics/toxicity analyses to suggest a UGT1A1 genotype‐based dose adjustment to normalize belinostat exposure and allow for more tolerable therapy. In addition, global protein lysine acetylation was modeled with PK and demonstrated a reversible belinostat exposure/response relationship, consistent with previous reports.
Mono‐, di‐ and trimethylated homologues of isoprenoid tetraether lipid cores in archaea and environmental samples: mass spectrometric identification and significance
Authors: Knappy Chris , Barillà Daniela , Chong James , Hodgson Dominic , Morgan Hugh , Suleman Muhammad , Tan Christine , Yao Peng , Keely Brendan
Published: December 2015

Higher homologues of widely reported C86 isoprenoid diglycerol tetraether lipid cores, containing 0–6 cyclopentyl rings, have been identified in (hyper)thermophilic archaea, representing up to 21% of total tetraether lipids in the cells. Liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry confirms that the additional carbon atoms in the C87‐88 homologues are located in the etherified chains. Structures identified include dialkyl and monoalkyl (‘H‐shaped’) tetraethers containing C40‐42 or C81‐82 hydrocarbons, respectively, many representing novel compounds. Gas chromatography‐mass spectrometric analysis of hydrocarbons released from the lipid cores by ether cleavage suggests that the C40 chains are biphytanes and the C41 chains 13‐methylbiphytanes. Multiple isomers, having different chain combinations, were recognised among the dialkyl lipids. Methylated tetraethers are produced by Methanothermobacter thermautotrophicus in varying proportions depending on growth conditions, suggesting that methylation may be an adaptive mechanism to regulate cellular function. The detection of methylated lipids in Pyrobaculum sp. AQ1.S2 and Sulfolobus acidocaldarius represents the first reported occurrences in Crenarchaeota. Soils and aquatic sediments from geographically distinct mesotemperate environments that were screened for homologues contained monomethylated tetraethers, with di‐ and trimethylated structures being detected occasionally. The structural diversity and range of occurrences of the C87‐89 tetraethers highlight their potential as complementary biomarkers for archaea in natural environments. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Markers of mesterolone abuse in sulfate fraction for doping control in human urine
Authors: Kiousi P. , Angelis Y. S. , Fragkaki A. G. , Abushareeda W. , Alsayrafi M. , Georgakopoulos C. , Lyris E.
Published: December 2015

This manuscript describes the direct detection of mesteroloe sulfo‐conjugated metabolites by liquid chromatography/quadrupole/time of flight mass spectrometry (LC/Q/TOFMS) with special focus on evaluation of their retrospective detectability and their structure elucidation. A comparison of their long‐term detectability, with the mesterolone main metabolite (1α‐methyl‐5α‐androstan‐3α‐ol‐17‐one) excreted in glucuronide fraction and detected by gas chromatography/high resolution mass spectrometry (GC/HRMS), is also presented.

Studies on mesterolone were performed with samples obtained from two excretion studies after single oral administration of Proviron© by healthy volunteers. Potential sulfate metabolites were detected in post administration samples after liquid–liquid extraction (LLE) with ethyl acetate and LC/TOFMS analysis, in negative mode. Twelve mesterolone sulfate metabolites from the first excretion study and nine from the second were subsequently confirmed by LC/Q/TOFMS. Finally, six mesterolone sulfate metabolites were considered important taking into account their abundance and long‐term detectability, encoded as M1, M2, M4, M5, M6 and M7. The proposed mesterolone sulfate metabolites M1, M2, M4 and M5 (excreted as sulfates) have the same retrospectivity with the main mesterolone metabolite, excreted in glucuronide fraction.

For metabolite characterization, LC fractionation was performed. The metabolites were identified and characterized by GC/MS, after solvolysis and derivatization. Combined mass spectra data from trimethyl‐silyl (TMS), TMS‐enolTMS and methoxime‐TMS derivatives were taken into account for the characterization of these metabolites. It was concluded that M1 is 1α‐methyl‐5α‐androstan‐3β‐ol‐17 one, M2 is 1α‐methyl‐5α‐androstan‐3α‐ol‐17 one, M4 is 1α‐methyl‐5a‐androstan‐3β, 16z‐diol‐17‐one, M5 is 1α‐methyl‐5α‐androstan‐17z,4ξ‐diol‐3one, M6 is 1α‐methyl‐5α‐androstan‐3z,6z‐diol‐17‐one and M7 is 4z‐hydroxy‐1α‐methyl‐5α‐androstan‐3,17‐dione. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Heterocyclic ring cleavage upon collision‐induced dissociation of deprotonated 3‐hydroxy‐1,2,5‐oxadiazoles (3‐hydroxyfurazans)
Authors: Grossert J. Stuart , Pippione Agnese C. , Boschi Donatella , Lolli Marco L. , White Robert L.
Published: December 2015

A series of 4‐substituted 3‐hydroxyfurazans were subjected to electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry. At low collision energy, oxyisocyanate ([O=C=N–O]−, m/z 58) was formed as the predominant product ion from each deprotonated 3‐hydroxyfurazan, indicating cleavage of the heterocyclic ring. The facile energetics of this characteristic fragmentation process was confirmed by density functional computations.
Synthesis of Diisocyanate‐Containing Thiophenes and Their Use in PDMS‐Based Segmented Polymers
Authors: Grübel Matthias , Meister Simon , Schulze Ulrich , Raftopoulos Konstantinos N. , Baumer Franziska , Papadakis Christine M. , Nilges Tom , Rieger Bernhard
Published: December 2015

A synthesis route to siloxane‐based thermoplastic elastomers (TPE) with functional hard blocks is described. The photophysical functionality is provided by oligothiophenes, namely terthiophene and bithiophene. Polyaddition of isocyanate‐bearing thiophenes and amine‐terminated siloxanes yields polymers incorporating a bisurea structure motive. Phase separation and strong hydrogen bonds provide ordering of the thiophenes, which is shown by wide‐angle X‐ray scattering (WAXS) and X‐ray powder diffraction (XRD). Fluorescence measurements reveal a strong red shift of emission of polymer films compared with polymer solutions, thus confirming the existence of hard block segments with an enhanced π system and higher charge–carrier mobility. Tuning of the optical band gap by different polymer compositions and various post polymerization treatments is demonstrated.

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Self‐Organization of Gold Nanoparticle Assemblies with 3D Spatial Order and Their External Stimuli Responsiveness
Authors: Köhn Serrano Melissa S. , König Tobias A. F. , Haataja Johannes S. , Löbling Tina I. , Schmalz Holger , Agarwal Seema , Fery Andreas , Greiner Andreas
Published: December 2015

Gold nanoparticles (AuNP) with pyridyl end‐capped polystyrenes (PS‐4VP) as “quasi‐monodentate” ligands self‐assemble into ordered PS‐4VP/AuNP nanostructures with 3D hexagonal spatial order in the dried solid state. The key for the formation of these ordered structures is the modulation of the ratio AuNP versus ligands, which proves the importance of ligand design and quantity for the preparation of novel ordered polymer/metal nanoparticle conjugates. Although the assemblies of PS‐4VP/AuNP in dispersion lack in high dimensional order, strong plasmonic interactions are observed due to close contact of AuNP. Applying temperature as an external stimulus allows the reversible distortion of plasmonic interactions within the AuNP nanocomposite structures, which can be observed directly by naked eye. The modulation of the macroscopic optical properties accompanied by this structural distortion of plasmonic interaction opens up very interesting sensoric applications.

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Comprehensive characterization of the effects of ellagic acid and urolithins on colorectal cancer and key‐associated molecular hallmarks: MicroRNA cell specific induction of CDKN1A (p21) as a common mechanism involved
Authors: González‐Sarrías Antonio , Núñez‐Sánchez María Ángeles , Tomé‐Carneiro Joao , Tomás‐Barberán Francisco A. , García‐Conesa María Teresa , Espín Juan Carlos
Published: December 2015

Scope

Ellagitannins, ellagic acid, and the colonic metabolites urolithins (Uros) exhibit anticancer effects against colon cells, but a comprehensive molecular analysis has not been done. Herein, we used a panel of cell lines to first time evaluate the antiproliferative properties and accompanying molecular responses of two ellagitannin metabolites mixtures mimicking the situation in vivo and of each individual metabolite.

Methods and results

We examined cell growth, cell cycle, apoptosis, and the expression of related genes and microRNAs (miRs) in a panel of nonmalignant and malignant colon cell lines. Regardless of the composition, the mixed metabolites similarly inhibited proliferation, induced cycle arrest, and apoptosis. All the metabolites contributed to these effects, but Uro‐A, isourolithin A, Uro‐C, and Uro‐D were more potent than Uro‐B and ellagic acid. Despite molecular differences between the cell lines, we discerned relevant changes in key cancer markers and corroborated the induction of CDKN1A (cyclin‐dependent kinase inhibitor 1A gene (p21, Cip1); encoding p21) as a common step underlying the anticancer properties of Uros. Interestingly, cell‐unique downregulation of miR‐224 or upregulation of miR‐215 was found associated with CDKN1A induction.

Conclusion

Physiologically relevant mixtures of Uros exert anticancer effects against colon cancer cells via a common CDKN1A upregulatory mechanism. Other associated molecular responses are however heterogeneous and mostly cell‐specific.
Joint state and parameter robust estimation of stochastic nonlinear systems
Authors: Stojanovic Vladimir , Nedic Novak
Published: December 2015

Successful implementation of many control strategies is mainly based on accurate knowledge of the system and its parameters. Besides the stochastic nature of the systems, nonlinearity is one more feature that may be found in almost all physical systems. The application of extended Kalman filter for the joint state and parameter estimation of stochastic nonlinear systems is well known and widely spread. It is a known fact that in measurements, there are inconsistent observations with the largest part of population of observations (outliers). The presence of outliers can significantly reduce the efficiency of linear estimation algorithms derived on the assumptions that observations have Gaussian distributions. Hence, synthesis of robust algorithms is very important. Because of increased practical value in robust filtering as well as the rate of convergence, the modified extended Masreliez–Martin filter presents the natural frame for realization of the joint state and parameter estimator of nonlinear stochastic systems. The strong consistency is proved using the methodology of an associated ODE system. The behaviour of the new approach to joint estimation of states and unknown parameters of nonlinear systems in the case when measurements have non‐Gaussian distributions is illustrated by intensive simulations. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
XPS, AFM, and electrochemical investigation on the inner composition of insulating poly(o‐aminophenol), PoAP, deposited on platinum by CV, as a function of the number of cycles
Authors: Carbone M. E. , Ciriello R. , Guerrieri A. , Langerame F. , Salvi A. M.
Published: December 2015

The finite electrosynthesis, requiring 20 voltammetric cycles at neutral pH, of insulating poly(o‐aminophenol) (PoAP)and its polymerization mechanism and chemical structure up to the outermost surface were reported in previous work. By reducing the number of voltammetric cycles, XPS, atomic force microscopy, and electrochemical experiments were here confined to partially grown PoAP to better understand the role of the platinum surface on the initial adhesion mechanism and polymer growth. XPS results from reduced number and conventional 20 cycles show that PoAP composition is the same at any cycle. The main differences imaged by atomic force microscopy between 1, 5, and 20 cycles are on the amount of ‘small‐sized particles’ adsorbed on platinum prone to ‘fill’ the empty sites. The progressive filling of the platinum sites with cycles was also proved by electrochemical test with potassium‐ferricyanide. These new results add valuable information, which sustain previous hypotheses on the growth process of PoAP chains, their composition, and lateral alignment. Some questions, concerning the identification of PoAP anchoring bonds on platinum, lateral H‐bonds with water, and inter‐chains interactions, still remain unanswered and will be further addressed by the employment of new advanced means of investigation already in progress. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effect of Holding Temperature on Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of High‐Strength Multiphase Steel
Authors: Hou Zi Yong , Wu Di , Zheng Shu Xin , Yang Xiao Long , Li Zhuang , Xu Yun Bo
Published: December 2015

Isothermal holding following intercritical annealing is usually used in microstructure control, e.g., fractions and stabilities of retained‐austenite (RA). Fe–0.22C–2.5Mn–0.47Si–0.41Cr–0.02Nb (mass%) steel is subjected to intercritical annealing and isothermal treatment at 250, 300, 350, and 400 °C to elucidate the impact on microstructures and mechanical properties by means of electron microscopy and uniaxial tensile test, respectively. The results show that the isothermal holding temperature is vital for the formed phases, including the morphology, volume fraction, and carbon content of RA in the processed steels. The tensile test results indicate that the mechanical properties including Ultra‐tensile strength (UTS), Yield strength (YS), as well as Total Elongation (TEL) are attributed to the synthetic action of all constituents of phase morphology and corresponding fractions, e.g., hard‐to‐soft phase ratio, morphology and fraction of RA, dispersed precipitates. An excellent combination of strength–ductility of the present multiphase steel has been explained in terms of their specific microstructure.
N‐acetyl cysteine‐mediated effective attenuation of methoxychlor‐induced granulosa cell apoptosis by counteracting reactive oxygen species generation in caprine ovary
Authors: Bhardwaj Jitender Kumar , Saraf Priyanka
Published: December 2015

Methoxychlor (MXC), an organochloride insecticide, is a potent toxicant‐targeting female reproductive system and known to cause follicular atresia by inducing apoptosis within granulosa cells. Oxidative stress plays a pivotal role in apoptosis; thus, this study focuses on the ameliorative action of N‐acetyl cysteine (NAC) on MXC‐induced oxidative stress and apoptosis within granulosa cell of caprine ovary. Classic histology, fluorescence assay, and biochemical parameters were employed to evaluate the effect of varied concentration of NAC (1, 5, and 10 mM) on granulosa cell apoptosis after 24, 48, and 72 h exposure duration. Histomorphological studies revealed that NAC diminished the incidence of apoptotic attributes like condensed or marginated chromatin, pyknosis, crescent‐shaped nucleus, empty cell spaces, and degenerated cellular structure along with the presence of cytoplasmic processes within granulosa cells in dose‐ and time‐dependent manner. NAC significantly downregulated the percentage of MXC‐induced granulosa cell apoptosis within healthy ovarian follicle with its increasing dose, maximum at 10 mM concentration. It also significantly (p < 0.05) upregulated the activity of antioxidant enzymes, namely catalase, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione‐s‐transferase, along with ferric reducing antioxidant power further declining lipid peroxidation in the MXC‐treated caprine ovary. The results revealed a negative correlation between apoptosis frequency and antioxidant enzymes’ activity (rCAT = −0.67, rSOD = −0.56, rGST = −0.31; p < 0.05) while a positive correlation was observed with lipid peroxidation (r = 0.63; p < 0.05) after NAC supplementation. Thus, NAC supplementation reduces the MXC‐generated oxidative stress that perhaps declines the ROS generating signal transduction pathway of apoptosis, thereby preventing MXC‐induced granulosa cell apoptosis and follicular atresia. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol 32: 156–166, 2017.
Characterizing adult attention-deficit/hyperactivity-disorder and comorbid borderline personality disorder: ADHD symptoms, psychopathology, cognitive functioning and psychosocial factors
Authors: O’Malley G.K. , McHugh L. , Mac Giollabhui N. , Bramham J.
Published: December 2015

Objective

To characterize adults with comorbid attention-deficit/hyperactivity-disorder (ADHD) and borderline personality disorder (BPD) with regard to ADHD symptoms, psychopathology, cognitive functioning and psychosocial factors.

Method

A between-group design compared a group of individuals diagnosed with ADHD (n = 40) with a group diagnosed with BPD and who also met the criteria for ADHD (ADHD + BPD) (n = 20).

Results

Significant differences were observed for both childhood and current impulsivity symptoms, whereby ADHD + BPD exhibited increased impulsivity; no differences on self-report and cognitive measures of impulsivity were reported. The ADHD + BPD group scored significantly higher on measures of depression, anxiety and numerous other axis I and II conditions. The ADHD + BPD group scored significantly lower on most measures of intellectual functioning and attention, however largely not on those relating to response inhibition. Furthermore, group differences were observed for psychosocial factors, including education, substance use and criminal record.

Conclusion

Comorbid ADHD and BPD is characterized by more symptoms of impulsivity, additional psychopathology, comparatively lower intellectual and attentional functioning and increased psychosocial difficulties.
A single-blind, randomised controlled trial on the effects of lithium and quetiapine monotherapy on the trajectory of cognitive functioning in first episode mania: A 12-month follow-up study
Authors: Daglas R. , Cotton S.M. , Allott K. , Yücel M. , Macneil C.A. , Hasty M.K. , Murphy B. , Pantelis C. , Hallam K.T. , Henry L.P. , Conus P. , Ratheesh A. , Kader L. , Wong M.T.H. , McGorry P.D. , Berk M.
Published: December 2015

Background

Cognitive deficits have been reported during the early stages of bipolar disorder; however, the role of medication on such deficits remains unclear. The aim of this study was to compare the effects of lithium and quetiapine monotherapy on cognitive performance in people following first episode mania.

Methods

The design was a single-blind, randomised controlled trial on a cohort of 61 participants following first episode mania. Participants received either lithium or quetiapine monotherapy as maintenance treatment over a 12-month follow-up period. The groups were compared on performance outcomes using an extensive cognitive assessment battery conducted at baseline, month 3 and month 12 follow-up time-points.

Results

There was a significant interaction between group and time in phonemic fluency at the 3-month and 12-month endpoints, reflecting greater improvements in performance in lithium-treated participants relative to quetiapine-treated participants. After controlling for multiple comparisons, there were no other significant interactions between group and time for other measures of cognition.

Conclusion

Although the effects of lithium and quetiapine treatment were similar for most cognitive domains, the findings imply that early initiation of lithium treatment may benefit the trajectory of cognition, specifically verbal fluency in young people with bipolar disorder. Given that cognition is a major symptomatic domain of bipolar disorder and has substantive effects on general functioning, the ability to influence the trajectory of cognitive change is of considerable clinical importance.
Montreal Cognitive Assessment Performance in HIV/AIDS: Impact of Systemic Factors
Authors: Koenig Noshin , Fujiwara Esther , Gill M. John , Power Christopher
Published: December 2015

Background: A large proportion of people living with human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS) suffer from neurocognitive impairment (NCI). The causes of the NCI are multifold in HIV infection although a subset of HIV/AIDS patients are affected by the spectrum syndrome, HIV-associated neurocognitive disorder (HAND). We investigated the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) in relation to clinical, demographic and laboratory findings as well as its ability to predict symptomatic HAND (sHAND) among patients with HIV/AIDS. Methods: All subjects were receiving regular HIV care including CD4+ T cell counts, plasma viral load measurements, clinical evaluations and antiretroviral therapy. The diagnosis of sHAND was based upon clinical, neuroimaging, and neuropsychological assessments.Results: Among HIV-1 seropositive subjects (n=125), ethnicity, education and employment were positively correlated with their MoCA scores (p<0.05). In contrast, polypharmacy, central nervous system penetration-effectiveness (CPE) score, antiretroviral drug exposure, substance use and nucleoside/nucleotide reverse transcriptase inhibitor side effects were negatively correlated with MoCA scores (p<0.05). Of note, MoCA scores were not associated with CD4 T cell nadir levels, age, peak viral load, or veterans aging cohort study index. In subjects with or without sHAND, mean MoCA scores differed (sHAND, 22.8±3.51; non-HAND 25.2±2.64) (p<0.05) with a receiver operating characteristic curve showing an area under curve of 0.71 and an optimal MoCA cut-off value of 23.5 when compared to the established diagnostic paradigm. Conclusions: MoCA scores were generally lower in this HIV/AIDS population compared to reported scores in the general population. MoCA performance was associated with multiple clinical variables but displayed limited predictive utility in detecting sHAND.
Community Stroke Rehabilitation: How Do Rural Residents Fare Compared With Their Urban Counterparts?
Authors: Allen Laura , McIntyre Amanda , Janzen Shannon , Richardson Marina , Meyer Matthew , Ure David , Teasell Robert
Published: December 2015

Background: Rural living has been demonstrated to have an effect on a person’s overall health status, and rural residing individuals often have decreased access to health and specialized rehabilitation services. Aim: The aim of this study was to determine if there are differences in recovery from stroke between urban and rural-dwelling stroke survivors accessing an in-home, community-based, interdisciplinary, stroke rehabilitation program. Methods: Data from a cohort of 1222 stroke survivors receiving care from the Community Stroke Rehabilitation Teams between January 2009 and June 2013 was analyzed. This program delivers stroke rehabilitation care directly in a person’s home and community. Functional and psychosocial outcomes were evaluated at baseline, discharge, and six -month follow-up. A series of multiple linear regression analyses was performed to determine if rural versus urban status was a significant predictor of discharge and 6-month health outcomes. Results: The mean age of the rural cohort was 68.8 (±13.1) years (53.6% male), and the urban cohort was 68.4 (±13.0) years (44.8% male). A total of 278 (35.4%) individuals were classified as living in a rural area using the Rurality Index for Ontario. In multivariate linear regression analysis, no significant differences on the Functional Independence Measure, the Stroke Impact Scale, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, or the Reintegration to Normal Living Index were found between urban and rural cohorts. Conclusions: When provided with access to a home-based, specialized stroke rehabilitation program, rural dwelling stroke survivors make and maintain functional gains comparable to their urban-living counterparts.
Bringing Ideology in: Differing Oppositional Challenges to Hegemony in Singapore and Malaysia
Authors: Abdullah Walid Jumblatt
Published: December 2015

This article explores the nature of the main opposition parties to the incumbent hegemonic regimes in Malaysia and Singapore. I argue that the differing characters of these opposition parties should be considered. In Singapore, where there is no ideological challenge to the ruling party, I contend that even if the opposition takes over it will be the end of a hegemonic party but not hegemony. In Malaysia, the opposite is true. This article contributes to the literature on transition theory in two ways: (1) it recognizes the diversity of authoritarian regimes and enhances analyses of various authoritarian regimes by focusing on one type – hegemonic parties; and (2) it brings ideology into the reckoning by focusing on the nature of the opposition parties most likely to take over.
Georgia and the Anatolian Turks in the 12th and 13th centuries
Authors: Peacock A.C.S.
Published: December 2015

This article presents a study of the political and military relations of the Kingdom of Georgia and the Muslims of Anatolia from the 12th century AD up to the Mongol conquest of the region in the mid 13th century. Georgia's expansion during the 12th century and the web of marriage alliance that the Muslim rulers of Anatolia wove to protect themselves drew her into conflict even with distant principalities with which she shared no border, such as the Artukids of Mardin. Meanwhile, Erzurum appears to have been obliged to acknowledge Georgian suzerainty for much of the 12th and early 13th centuries. In the 13th century, however, the Mongol threat forced the Seljuks of Rüm and Georgia to form an alliance, and Georgians came to form a significant part of the Seljuk army. This alliance was sealed with a marriage between the Seljuk sultan and a member of the Georgian ruling house, the Bagratids, and the Seljuks appear to have derived prestige from their association with the Bagratid dynasty.
The Role of the Rural Dean
Authors: Ravenscroft Raymond
Published: December 2015

The history of the office of dean rural, like that of the office of the archdeacon, is shrouded in the mists of ancient Church history. It is however clear that since the rural dean, by whatever name he was called, stood in a relationship to the parochial clergy beyond the immediate episcopal environment, the history of the rural dean's office is directly related to the development of the parochial system. The development of this system is vastly different in the various corners of Christendom, and the appearance of the dean rural, or his equivalent, varies by nearly four centuries from place to place.
Morphological and Structural Study of GaAs Nanowires Grown Using VLS Method on EBL Patterned Au Catalysts
Authors: O'Dowd B.J. , Wojtowicz T. , Rouvimov S. , Liu X. , Pimpinella R. , Kolkovsky V. , Wojciechowski T. , Zgirski M. , Dobrowolska M. , Furdyna J.K.
Published: December 2015

Extended abstract of a paper presented at Microscopy and Microanalysis 2013 in Indianapolis, Indiana, USA, August 4 – August 8, 2013.
Stressreduktion durch Binaurale Stimulation? Eine experimentelle Untersuchung zum Effekt einer Alpha-Stimulation auf die psychophysiologische Entspannungsreaktion
Authors: Schamber Georg , Meinicke Eva , Schäfer Thomas
Published: December 2015

Zusammenfassung. Binaurale Stimulationen sind akustisch erzeugte Schwebungen, die im Hirnwellenspektrum liegen und daher als Möglichkeit diskutiert werden, neurophysiologische Entspannungszustände zu induzieren. Die Qualität und Aussagekraft bisheriger Studien ist wissenschaftlich jedoch stark umstritten. In der vorliegenden Arbeit ist daher der Effekt einer binauralen Alpha-Stimulation auf subjektive und physiologische Entspannungs-Parameter untersucht worden. Hierzu wurden 102 Probanden zufällig drei Gruppen zugewiesen: (1) Audio-Beschallung mit binauraler Stimulation, (2) Audio-Beschallung ohne binaurale Stimulation, (3) keine akustische Beschallung. Die subjektive Entspannung wurde vor und nach einer 20-minütigen Stimulation erfasst, die physiologische Entspannungsreaktion über Herzrate, Atemfrequenz und ausgewählte Parameter der Herzratenvariabilität während der Intervention erhoben. Die Ergebnisse zeigen keine spezifische Zunahme an subjektiver oder physiologischer Entspannung. Der aktuelle Forschungsstand zur binauralen Stimulation wird im Lichte dieses Ergebnisses diskutiert.
Developing New Rock Magnetic Tools to Drive Geoscience Research
Authors: Feinberg Joshua , Spinu Leonard
Published: December 2015

First Order Reversal Curve Workshop (FORCshop); Minneapolis, Minnesota, 23–24 July 2015
Immunological aspects of sport nutrition
Authors: Gleeson Michael
Published: December 2015

Prolonged bouts of exercise and heavy training regimens are associated with depression of immune system functions that can increase the risk of picking up opportunistic infections such as the common cold and influenza. Some common sport nutrition practices including high‐carbohydrate diets and carbohydrate ingestion during exercise, training with low‐glycogen stores, intentional dieting for weight loss, ingestion of high‐dose antioxidant supplements and protein ingestion post exercise may influence immune system status in athletes. In order to maintain robust immunity, athletes need to consume a well‐balanced diet that is sufficient to meet their requirements for energy, carbohydrate, protein and micronutrients. Dietary deficiencies of protein and specific micronutrients are well known to be potential causes of immune dysfunction and an adequate intake of some essential minerals including iron and zinc and the vitamins A, D, E, B6 and B12 are important to maintain a healthy immune function. Vitamin D may be a particular concern as recent studies have emphasised its importance in limiting infection episode incidence and duration in both the general population and in athletes and many individuals exhibit inadequate vitamin D status during the winter months. There is only limited evidence that individual amino acids, β‐glucans, herbal extracts and zinc are capable of boosting immunity or reducing infection risk in athletes. The ingestion of carbohydrate during exercise and daily consumption of probiotics, vitamin D3, bovine colostrum and plant polyphenol containing supplements or foodstuffs currently offer the best chance of success, particularly for those individuals who are prone to illness.
Temperature-induced behavioral switches in a bacterial coral pathogen
Authors: Garren Melissa , Son Kwangmin , Tout Jessica , Seymour Justin R , Stocker Roman
Published: December 2015

Evidence to date indicates that elevated seawater temperatures increase the occurrence of coral disease, which is frequently microbial in origin. Microbial behaviors such as motility and chemotaxis are often implicated in coral colonization and infection, yet little is known about the effect of warming temperatures on these behaviors. Here we present data demonstrating that increasing water temperatures induce two behavioral switches in the coral pathogen Vibrio coralliilyticus that considerably augment the bacterium’s performance in tracking the chemical signals of its coral host, Pocillopora damicornis. Coupling field-based heat-stress manipulations with laboratory-based observations in microfluidic devices, we recorded the swimming behavior of thousands of individual pathogen cells at different temperatures, associated with current and future climate scenarios. When temperature reached ⩾23 °C, we found that the pathogen’s chemotactic ability toward coral mucus increased by >60%, denoting an enhanced capability to track host-derived chemical cues. Raising the temperature further, to 30 °C, increased the pathogen’s chemokinetic ability by >57%, denoting an enhanced capability of cells to accelerate in favorable, mucus-rich chemical conditions. This work demonstrates that increasing temperature can have strong, multifarious effects that enhance the motile behaviors and host-seeking efficiency of a marine bacterial pathogen.