bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Can intravoxel incoherent motion diffusion‐weighted imaging characterize the cellular injury and microcirculation alteration in hepatic ischemia‐reperfusion injury? An animal study
Authors: Ye Weitao , Li Jinglei , Guo Chengwei , Chen Shuting , Liu Yu‐bao , Liu Zaiyi , Wu Haijun , Wang Guangyi , Liang Changhong
Published: December 2015

Purpose

To investigate whether intravoxel incoherent motion diffusion‐weighted imaging (IVIM‐DWI) can be used to quantitatively analyze the cellular injury and microcirculation alterations in hepatic ischemia‐reperfusion injury (HIRI).

Materials and Methods

Thirty‐two New Zealand white rabbits were randomly and equally assigned to the sham group, 1‐hour, 4‐hour, and 12‐hour groups according to the reperfusion time after 1 hour of ischemia using a 70% liver ischemia‐reperfusion injury model. All the animals underwent IVIM‐DWI with 12 b values at 1.5T. The imaging parameters (IVIM parameters and apparent diffusion coefficient [ADC]) among different groups were compared. The correlations between imaging parameters and histological scores, and the ratio of serum aspartate aminotransferase to serum alanine aminotransferase (serum AST/ALT) were analyzed.

Results

During the first hour of HIRI, true diffusion coefficient (D) and ADC significantly decreased (P < 0.05), while there was no significant decrease in perfusion fraction (f) (P = 0.708). There was fair to good correlation between histological scores and f (rs = –0.493 with the sham cases excluded, and –0.682 with all cases, both P < 0.05) and ADC (rs = –0.479 with the sham cases excluded, and –0.766 with all cases, both P < 0.05). There was no correlation between imaging parameters and serum AST/ALT with the sham cases excluded (P = 0.673 for f, 0.568 for D, 0.403 for ADC), and good correlation between D, ADC, and serum AST/ALT (r = 0.747 and 0.748, both P < 0.001) with all cases.

Conclusion

IVIM‐DWI can quantitatively characterize an animal model of HIRI, with D and ADC sensitive in early detection of cellular injury, as well as fair to good correlation between f, ADC, and microcirculation alteration. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2016;43:1327–1336.
A parameter extraction method for GaN HEMT empirical large‐signal model including self‐heating and trapping effects
Authors: Wen Zhang , Xu Yuehang , Wang Changsi , Zhao Xiaodong , Chen Zhikai , Xu Ruimin
Published: December 2015

This paper presents an analytical parameter extraction method for empirical large‐signal model of GaN high electron mobility transistors (HEMTs) including self‐heating and trapping effects. Every parameter in the model is extracted in an analytic way. An improved Angelov I–V model specific for GaN HEMTs with 53 parameters is employed. The I–V model parameters are divided into blocks according to their physical meaning, and different blocks are extracted separately by fitting the pulsed I–V transfer characteristic curves of the device at different quiescent bias points. The capacitance model is extracted through mathematical analysis. This method has been implemented in MATLAB (MathWorks, Natick, MA, USA) programming, and good accuracy is obtained between model predictions and experimental results. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
YAP and ERK mediated mechanical strain‐induced cell cycle progression through RhoA and cytoskeletal dynamics in rat growth plate chondrocytes
Authors: Yang Kaixiang , Wu Yingxing , Cheng Peng , Zhang Jinming , Yang Chengyuan , Pi Bin , Ye Yaping , You Hongbo , Chen Anmin , Xu Tao , Guo Fengjing , Qi Jun
Published: December 2015

Yes‐associated protein (YAP) and extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK) have been considered as key regulators in tissue homeostasis, organ development, and tumor formation. However, the roles of YAP and ERK in the mediating strain mechanosensing in the growth plate cartilage have not been determined. In this study, chondrocytes obtained from the growth plate cartilage of 2‐week‐old Sprague–Dawley rats were subjected to the mechanical strain with different magnitudes and durations at a frequency of 0.5 Hz. We found that YAP and ERK activation in response to mechanical strain was time and magnitude dependent. Pretreatment with a RhoA inhibitor (C3 toxin) or a microfilament cytoskeleton disrupting reagent (cytochalasin D) could suppress their activation. In addition, activated YAP and ERK were able to induce cell cycle progression by up‐regulating the expression of cell cycle‐related genes. These results shed new light on the function of YAP and ERK in mechanical strain‐promoted growth plate development. Our results also provided evidence that RhoA and cytoskeletal dynamics are required for this mechanotransduction. © 2015 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 34:1121–1129, 2016.
Color tuning of indium phosphide quantum dots for cadmium‐free quantum dot light‐emitting devices with high efficiency and color saturation
Authors: Ippen Christian , Greco Tonino , Kim Yohan , Pries Christopher , Kim Jiwan , Oh Min Suk , Han Chul Jong , Wedel Armin
Published: December 2015

Semiconductor quantum dots (QDs) promise facile color tuning and high color saturation in quantum‐dot light‐emitting devices (QD‐LEDs) by controlling nanoparticle size and size distribution. Here, we demonstrate how this promise can be practically realized for the cadmium‐free InP/ZnSe/ZnS multishell quantum dots. We developed a set of synthesis conditions and core/shell compositions that result in QDs with green, yellow, and red emission color. The QD‐LEDs employing these QDs show efficient electroluminescence (EL) with luminance up to 1800 cd/m2 and efficiency up to 5.1 cd/A. The color coordinates calculated from the EL spectra clearly demonstrate the outstanding color saturation as an outcome of the narrow particle size distribution. These results prove that the performance gap between cadmium‐free and cadmium‐based QDs in QD‐LEDs is shrinking rapidly.
Orbit fractures: Identifying patient factors indicating high risk for ocular and periocular injury
Authors: Andrews Brian T. , Jackson Anee Sophia , Nazir Niaman , Hromas Alan , Sokol Jason A. , Thurston Todd E.
Published: December 2015

Objectives/Hypothesis

Maxillofacial trauma frequently involves the bony orbit that surrounds the ocular globe. Concomitant globe injury is a concern whenever orbit trauma occurs and in severe cases can occasionally result in vision loss. The mechanism of injury, physical exam findings, and radiographic imaging can provide useful information concerning the severity of the injury and concerns for vision loss. Using these three tools, it is hypothesized that the patient's history, physical exam, and radiographic findings can identify high‐risk maxillofacial trauma patients with concomitant ocular injury. Identification of high risk patients who require comprehensive ophthalmologic evaluation may alter management and possibly preserve or restore vision.

Study Design

A retrospective clinical chart review was performed at a tertiary academic medical center.

Methods

Subjects were identified using the institutional trauma registry. Data collected included subject demographics, patient medical records and notes, ophthalmologic testing, and radiographic imaging. The incidence of orbit fracture and concomitant ocular injury associated with the mechanism of injury, physical exam findings, and radiographic imaging was determined. Statistical analysis was performed using a chi‐square and Fisher exact test.

Results

In this study, 279 subjects with orbit fractures were identified and the incidence of concomitant ocular injury was 27.6% (77 of 279). Mechanism of injury was statistically associated with an increased risk of ocular injury (P = 0.0340), with penetrating trauma being the most likely etiology. The physical exam findings of visual acuity and an afferent pupillary defect were statistically associated with ocular injury (P = 0.0029 and 0.0001, respectively). Depth of orbit fracture on radiographic imaging was statistically associated with ocular injury (P = 0.0024), with fractures extending to the posterior third of the orbit being most likely to have associated ocular injury.

Conclusion

Maxillofacial trauma patients with orbit fractures and concomitant ocular injury occur in more than one in four patients. Comprehensive ophthalmologic evaluation is recommended for all patients who sustain an orbit fracture. Subjects with a penetrating trauma mechanism of injury, physical exam findings of visual acuity deficits and an afferent pupillary defect, and radiographic imaging demonstrating fracture depth involvement of the posterior orbit are at highest risk for vision loss and warrant specific concern for ocular injury assessment.

Level of Evidence

IV. Laryngoscope, 126:S5–S11, 2016
Dynamics of phonatory posturing at phonation onset
Authors: Shiba Travis L. , Chhetri Dinesh K.
Published: December 2015

Introduction

In speech and singing, the intrinsic laryngeal muscles set the prephonatory posture prior to the onset of phonation. The timing and shape of the prephonatory glottal posture can directly affect the resulting phonation type. We investigated the dynamics of human laryngeal phonatory posturing.

Methods

Onset of vocal fold adduction to phonation was observed in 27 normal subjects using high‐speed video recording. Subjects were asked to utter a variety of phonation types (modal, breathy, pressed, /i/ following sniff). Digital videokymography with concurrent acoustic signal was analyzed to assess the timing of the following: onset of adduction to final phonatory posture (FPT), phonation onset time (POT), and phonatory posture time (PPT). Final phonatory posture time was determined as the moment at which the laryngeal configuration used in phonation was first achieved.

Results

Thirty‐three audiovisual recordings met inclusion criteria. Average FPT, PPT, and POT were as follows: 303, 106, and 409 ms for modal; 430, 104, and 534 ms for breathy; 483, 213, and 696 ms for pressed; and 278, 98, and 376 ms for sniff‐/i/. The following posturing features were observed: 1) pressed phonation: increased speed of closure just prior to final posture, complete glottal closure, and increased supraglottic hyperactivity; and 2) breathy phonation: decreased speed of closure prior to final posture, increased posterior glottal gap, and increased midmembranous gap.

Conclusions

Phonation onset latency was shortest for modal and longest for pressed voice. These findings are likely explained by glottal resistance and subglottal pressure requirements.

Level of Evidence

NA. Laryngoscope, 126:1837–1843, 2016
Lignin Epoxy Composites: Preparation, Morphology, and Mechanical Properties
Authors: Sun Jiaotong , Wang Cun , Yeo Jayven Chee Chuan , Yuan Du , Li Hui , Stubbs Ludger P. , He Chaobin
Published: December 2015

A novel route to lignin epoxy composites is developed through covalent incorporation of depolymerized lignin epoxide into amine‐cured epoxy matrix. The partially depolymerized lignin is first epoxidized with epichlorohydrin and the resultant depolymerized lignin epoxide shows decreased solubility in common organic solvents. When dispersed in epoxy matrix and cured, the depolymerized lignin epoxide is integrated into epoxy networks in the form of submicron aggregates. The resulting lignin epoxy composites show improved mechanical properties compared with neat epoxy. At a loading content of 1.0 wt% of degraded lignin epoxide, the Young's modulus and the critical stress intensity factor (KIC) of the composite increase by 10% and 25%, respectively, in comparison with those of neat epoxy, while the glass transition temperature is little changed. This method presents a promising way to convert wasteful lignin to an alternative epoxy monomer and effective additive in epoxy composites.

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Carbon Nanotube Multilayer Nanocoatings Prevent Flame Spread on Flexible Polyurethane Foam
Authors: Holder Kevin M. , Cain Amanda A. , Plummer Morgan G. , Stevens Bart E. , Odenborg Patrick K. , Morgan Alexander B. , Grunlan Jaime C.
Published: December 2015

In an effort to protect polyurethane foam (commonly used as cushioning in upholstered furniture) from fire using environmentally benign chemistries, nanocomposite thin films are deposited using water‐based solutions of cationic‐ and anionic‐stabilized multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs). The open‐celled foam is coated using layer‐by‐layer (LbL) assembly to produce uniform protective layers up to 600 nm thick, comprised of cationic polyethylenimine modified with pyrene (PEI‐Py), anionic poly(acrylic acid) (PAA), and MWCNT. Film thickness is found to rely heavily on the PAA‐stabilized MWCNT solution. Coatings of only six [PEI‐Py/PAA+MWCNT] bilayers (BL) show tremendous reductions in peak heat release rate (up to 67%) and total smoke release (up to 80%) for the polyurethane foam. This same coating significantly improves the performance of the polyurethane when exposed to horizontal and vertical flame tests. With 9 BL, the foam successfully withstands a vertical burn test, self‐extinguishing immediately after removal of the test flame. These dramatic reductions in foam flammability are unprecedented and are attributed to the protective nature of the carbon‐based char formed from the coating that acts as a protective barrier.

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DRUM‐PD: The Use of a Drum Circle to Improve the Symptoms and Signs of Parkinson's Disease (PD)
Authors: Pantelyat Alexander , Syres Candace , Reichwein Suzanne , Willis Allison
Published: December 2015

Background

Physical therapy can improve motor function in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD). Music performance may be used to improve motor skills by rhythmic entrainment. Drumming has long been a part of traditional healing rituals worldwide and is increasingly being utilized as a therapeutic strategy.

Methods

This pilot controlled prospective and cohort trial assessed feasibility and effects of twice‐weekly group West African drum circle classes for 6 weeks on PD patients’ quality of life, symptoms, motor findings, cognition, and mood. Ten patients with PD were recruited into the drum circle group. Ten patients with PD were matched pairwise to each of the drum circle participants and enrolled in a no‐intervention control group. Both groups completed the PD‐specific Parkinson Disease Questionnaire (PDQ)‐39 quality of life assessment and the Geriatric Depression Scale and underwent motor and cognitive assessments by a rater blinded to group at baseline, 6 weeks, and 12 weeks.

Results

Drummers had significantly improved PDQ‐39 scores from baseline to 6 weeks (−5.8; P = 0.042), whereas the control group's scores were unchanged. Walking performance was significantly faster at baseline for controls; after 6 weeks of drumming, this difference was no longer significant and remained nonsignificant at 12 weeks. The drummers trended (P = 0.069) toward improvement in walking from baseline to 12 weeks. Other outcomes did not significantly change from baseline to 6 or 12 weeks.

Conclusions

Drum circle classes significantly and reversibly improved quality of life in patients with PD. This pilot trial's findings merit larger controlled investigations comparing drumming classes to established interventions in PD, such as physical therapy.
The pathogenicity of genetic variants previously associated with left ventricular non‐compaction
Authors: Abbasi Yeganeh , Jabbari Javad , Jabbari Reza , Yang Ren‐Qiang , Risgaard Bjarke , Køber Lars , Haunsø Stig , Tfelt‐Hansen Jacob
Published: December 2015

Background

Left ventricular non‐compaction (LVNC) is a rare cardiomyopathy. Many genetic variants have been associated with LVNC. However, the number of the previous LVNC‐associated variants that are common in the background population remains unknown. The aim of this study was to provide an updated list of previously reported LVNC‐associated variants with biologic description and investigate the prevalence of LVNC variants in healthy general population to find false‐positive LVNC‐associated variants.

Methods and Results

The Human Gene Mutation Database and PubMed were systematically searched to identify all previously reported LVNC‐associated variants. Thereafter, the Exome Sequencing Project (ESP) and the Exome Aggregation Consortium (ExAC), that both represent the background population, was searched for all variants. Four in silico prediction tools were assessed to determine the functional effects of these variants. The prediction results of those identified in the ESP and ExAC and those not identified in the ESP and ExAC were compared. In 12 genes, 60 LVNC‐associated missense/nonsense variants were identified. MYH7 was the predominant gene, encompassing 24 of the 60 LVNC‐associated variants. The ESP only harbored nine and ExAC harbored 18 of the 60 LVNC‐associated variants. In total, eight out of nine ESP‐positive variants overlapped with the 18 variants identified in ExAC database.

Conclusions

In this article, we identified 9 ESP‐positive and 18 ExAC‐positive variants of 60 previously reported LVNC‐associated variants, suggesting that these variants are not necessarily the monogenic cause of LVNC.
Powder‐XRD and 14N magic angle‐spinning solid‐state NMR spectroscopy of some metal nitrides
Authors: Kempgens Pierre , Britton Jonathan
Published: December 2015

Some metal nitrides (TiN, ZrN, InN, GaN, Ca3N2, Mg3N2, and Ge3N4) have been studied by powder X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and 14N magic angle‐spinning (MAS) solid‐state NMR spectroscopy. For Ca3N2, Mg3N2, and Ge3N4, no 14N NMR signal was observed. Low speed (νr = 2 kHz for TiN, ZrN, and GaN; νr = 1 kHz for InN) and ‘high speed’ (νr = 15 kHz for TiN; νr = 5 kHz for ZrN; νr = 10 kHz for InN and GaN) MAS NMR experiments were performed. For TiN, ZrN, InN, and GaN, powder‐XRD was used to identify the phases present in each sample. The number of peaks observed for each sample in their 14N MAS solid‐state NMR spectrum matches perfectly well with the number of nitrogen‐containing phases identified by powder‐XRD. The 14N MAS solid‐state NMR spectra are symmetric and dominated by the quadrupolar interaction. The envelopes of the spinning sidebands manifold are Lorentzian, and it is concluded that there is a distribution of the quadrupolar coupling constants Qcc's arising from structural defects in the compounds studied. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Sugar‐ and artificially sweetened beverages and intrahepatic fat: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Campos Vanessa , Despland Camille , Brandejsky Vaclav , Kreis Roland , Schneiter Philippe , Chiolero Arnaud , Boesch Chris , Tappy Luc
Published: December 2015

Objective

To test the hypothesis that substituting artificially sweetened beverages (ASB) for sugar‐sweetened beverages (SSB) decreases intrahepatocellular lipid concentrations (IHCL) in overweight subjects with high SSB consumption.

Methods

About 31 healthy subjects with BMI greater than 25 kg/m2 and a daily consumption of at least 660 ml SSB were randomized to a 12‐week intervention in which they replaced SSBs with ASBs. Their IHCL (magnetic resonance spectroscopy), visceral adipose tissue volume (VAT; magnetic resonance imaging), food intake (2‐day food records), and fasting blood concentrations of metabolic markers were measured after a 4‐week run‐in period and after a 12‐week period with ASB or control (CTRL).

Results

About 27 subjects completed the study. IHCL was reduced to 74% of the initial values with ASB (N = 14; P < 0.05) but did not change with CTRL. The decrease in IHCL attained with ASB was more important in subjects with IHCL greater than 60 mmol/l than in subjects with low IHCL. ALT decreased significantly with SSB only in subjects with IHCL greater than 60 mmol/l. There was otherwise no significant effect of ASB on body weight, VAT, or metabolic markers.

Conclusions

In subjects with overweight or obesity and a high SSB intake, replacing SSB with ASB decreased intrahepatic fat over a 12‐week period.
Preparation and application of a monoclonal antibody against the isoflavone glycoside daidzin using a mannich reaction‐derived hapten conjugate
Authors: Yusakul Gorawit , Sakamoto Seiichi , Juengwatanatrakul Thaweesak , Putalun Waraporn , Tanaka Hiroyuki , Morimoto Satoshi
Published: December 2015

Introduction

Daidzin and its aglycone daidzein are major pharmacologically active compounds of soybean (Glycine max), kudzu (Pueraria lobata), and kwao kruea khao (P. mirifica). Pharmacological activities of daidzin are mediated by its more potent metabolites daidzein and equol; however, daidzin is the predominant compound found in these medicinal plants, and the efficacy and safety of equol depend on the amount of daidzin consumed.

Objective

To develop a specific monoclonal antibody (MAb)‐based indirect competitive enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (icELISA) for standardisation of daidzin content in herbal medicines or nutraceuticals.

Methodology

The Mannich reaction was used for the synthesis of a highly immunogenic conjugate between daidzin and a cationised carrier protein. Splenocytes of hyperimmunised mice were fused with myeloma cells to generate a hybridoma secreting antibody against daidzin.

Results

The icELISA showed high selectivity and acceptable sensitivity for daidzin determination (1.56–100 ng/mL) with high reproducibility (coefficients of variation were < 5%). The icELISA was a reliable analytical method for daidzin in Glycine max, Pueraria lobata and P. mirifica, for which daidzin recoveries from spiked samples were 98.99–104.94%. Daidzin content of these plant‐derived products determined using the icELISA were in close agreement with those determined by a HPLC‐UV method.

Conclusion

The icELISA is useful for specific daidzin determination because of its reliability, low cost, speed and high throughput. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Estimating time‐varying drug adherence using electronic records: extending the proportion of days covered (PDC) method
Authors: Bijlsma Maarten J. , Janssen Fanny , Hak Eelko
Published: December 2015

Purpose

Accurate measurement of drug adherence is essential for valid risk‐benefit assessments of pharmacologic interventions. To date, measures of drug adherence have almost exclusively been applied for a fixed‐time interval and without considering changes over time. However, patients with irregular dosing behaviour commonly have a different prognosis than patients with stable dosing behaviour.

Methods

We propose a method, based on the proportion of days covered (PDC) method, to measure time‐varying drug adherence and drug dosage using electronic records. We compare a time‐fixed PDC method with the time‐varying PDC method through detailed examples and through summary statistics of 100 randomly selected patients on statin therapy.

Results

We demonstrate that time‐varying PDC method better distinguishes an irregularly dosing patient from a stably dosing patient and demonstrate how the time‐fixed method can result in a biassed estimate of drug adherence. Furthermore, the time‐varying PDC method may be better used to reduce certain types of confounding and misclassification of exposure.

Conclusions

The time‐varying PDC method may improve longitudinal and time‐to‐event studies that associate adherence with a clinical outcome or (intervention) studies that seek to describe changes in adherence over time. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
THE ROLE OF PARENTAL ATTITUDES IN CHILDREN'S MOTIVATION TOWARD HOMEWORK ASSIGNMENTS
Authors: Madjar Nir , Shklar Nitzan , Moshe Limor
Published: December 2015

Completing homework assignments is part of students' daily routine. Because this task is embedded within the home environment, parents play an important role in homework‐related attitudes and behaviors. Recent findings have demonstrated that effort and cognitive engagement while doing homework are better proximal predictors of positive outcomes than merely the time spent on it. The purpose of the current study was to examine whether parental goal emphasis explains children's motivational orientation toward homework and the perceived dissonance between home and school. Participants included parent–child dyads (N = 220), who completed surveys adapted from the Patterns of Adaptive Learning Scales. Path analysis using structural equation modeling indicated that parents’ emphasis on mastery goals was associated with children's mastery goals, which was in turn linked with higher achievement in school. Parents’ emphasis on performance goals was associated with children's performance goals and a higher sense of dissonance between home and school.
Translational value of mechanical and vasomotor properties of mouse isolated mesenteric resistance‐sized arteries
Authors: Outzen Emilie M. , Zaki Marina , Abdolalizadeh Bahareh , Sams Anette , Boonen Harrie C. M. , Sheykhzade Majid
Published: December 2015

Mice are increasingly used in vascular research for studying perturbations and responses to vasoactive agents in small artery preparations. Historically, small artery function has preferably been studied in rat isolated mesenteric resistance‐sized arteries (MRA) using the wire myograph technique. Although different mouse arteries have been studied using the wire myograph no establishment of optimal settings has yet been performed. Therefore, the purposes of this study were firstly to establish the optimal settings for wire myograph studies of mouse MRA and compare them to those of rat MRA. Second, by surveying the literature, we aimed to evaluate the overall translatability of observed pharmacological vasomotor responses of mouse MRA to those obtained in rat MRA as well as corresponding and different arteries in terms of vessel size and species origin. Our results showed that the optimal conditions for maximal active force development in mouse MRA were not significantly different to those determined in rat MRA. Furthermore, we found that the observed concentration‐dependent vasomotor responses of mouse MRA to noradrenaline, phenylephrine, angiotensin II, sarafotoxin 6c, 5‐hydroxytryptamine, carbachol, sodium nitroprusside, and retigabine were generally similar to those described in rat MRA as well as arteries of different sizes and species origin. In summary, the results of this study provide a framework for evidence‐based optimization of the isometric wire myograph setup to mouse MRA. Additionally, in terms of translational value, our study suggests that mouse MRA can be applied as a useful model for studying vascular reactivity.
Bioengineering and functional characterization of arenicin shortened analogs with enhanced antibacterial activity and cell selectivity
Authors: Panteleev Pavel V. , Bolosov Ilia A. , Ovchinnikova Tatiana V.
Published: December 2015

New bioengineering approaches are required for development of more active and less toxic antimicrobial peptides. In this study we used β‐hairpin antimicrobial peptide arenicin‐1 as a template for design of more potent antimicrobials. In particular, six shortened 17‐residue analogs were obtained by recombinant expression in Escherichia coli. Besides, we have introduced the second disulfide bridge by analogy with the structure of tachyplesins. As a result, a number of analogs with enhanced activity and cell selectivity were developed. In comparison with arenicin‐1, which acts on cell membranes with low selectivity, the most potent and promising its analog termed ALP1 possessed two‐fold higher antibacterial activity and did not affect viability of mammalian cells at concentration up to 50 μM. The therapeutic index of ALP1 against both Gram‐positive and Gram‐negative bacteria was significantly increased compared with that of arenicin‐1 while the mechanism of action remained the same. Like arenicin‐1, the analog rapidly disrupt membranes of both stationary and exponential phase bacterial cells and effectively kills multidrug‐resistant Gram‐negative bacteria. Furthermore, ALP1 was shown to bind DNA in vitro at a ratio of 1:1 (w/w). The circular dichroism spectra demonstrated that secondary structures of the shortened analogs were similar to that of arenicin‐1 in water solution, but significantly differed in membrane‐mimicking environments. This work shows that a strand length is one of the key parameters affecting cell selectivity of β‐hairpin antimicrobial peptides. Copyright © 2015 European Peptide Society and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Codonopsis lanceolata: A Review of Its Therapeutic Potentials
Authors: Hossen Muhammad Jahangir , Kim Mi‐Yeon , Kim Jong‐Hoon , Cho Jae Youl
Published: December 2015

Codonopsis lanceolata (Campanulaceae) is dicotyledonous herbaceous perennial plant, predominantly found in Central, East, and South Asia. This plant has been widely used in traditional medicine and is considered to have medicinal properties to treat diseases and symptoms such as bronchitis, coughs, spasm, psychoneurosis, cancer, obesity, hyperlipidemia, edema, hepatitis, colitis, and lung injury. C. lanceolata contains many biologically active compounds, including polyphenols, saponins, tannins, triterpene, alkaloids, and steroids, which contribute to its numerous pharmacological activities. Through systematic studies, the pharmacological actions of these compounds have been revealed. Therapeutic potentialities of C. lanceolata and its previously reported molecular mechanisms are described in this review. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Valproate‐associated hyperammonemia in elderly psychiatric inpatients
Authors: Lam Y. W. Francis
Published: December 2015

Valproate is frequently used in the management of various neuropsychiatric disorders, particularly mania. One of the side effects associated with its use is idiosyncratic hyperammonemia in the setting of normal liver enzyme levels, including the aminotransferases and bilirubin.
Extremes in June rainfall during the Indian summer monsoons of 2013 and 2014: observational analysis and extended‐range prediction
Authors: Joseph Susmitha , Sahai A. K. , Chattopadhyay R. , Sharmila S. , Abhilash S. , Rajeevan M. , Mandal R. , Dey A. , Borah N. , Phani R.
Published: December 2015

The onset/progression phase of theIndian summer monsoon (ISM) is very crucial for the agricultural sector of the country as it has strong bearing on the sowing of kharif crops, which in turn affects overall food grain production and hence food security. The recent ISMs of 2013 and 2014 exhibited quite distinct progression phases. While 2013 had one of the fastest advancement in the last 70 years, 2014 witnessed a comparatively lethargic progression phase. The major difference was felt in the early monsoon month of June, with 2013 (2014) monthly rainfall being +34% (−43%) of its long period average. Observational investigations reveal that, during June 2013, the monsoon trough was very active in its normal position favouring low‐level positive vorticity generation and moisture convergence, whereas the absence of monsoon trough during June 2014 facilitated the prevalence of a strong low‐level anticyclonic circulation over central India hampering the northward progression of the ISM. It is found that June 2013 (2014) was associated with (i) stronger (weaker) north‐south tropospheric temperature (TT) gradient with positive (negative) TT anomalies over Eurasia and north of 60°N; (ii) negative (positive) SST anomalies over the equatorial Indian Ocean, northwestern Arabian Sea and equatorial eastern Pacific; (iii) stronger (weaker) monsoonal Hadley circulation; and (iv) stronger (weaker) Walker circulation in response to the negative (positive) SST anomalies over the equatorial Pacific. The study also examines the skill of an Ensemble Prediction System (EPS) in predicting the observed contrasting behaviour during June 2013/2014 on extended range (∼15–20 days in advance) in real time. The EPS not only forecasted the observed discrepancy, but also predicted the influential role of the large‐scale meteorological conditions prevalent during June 2013 (2014), thus demonstrating the remarkable skill of the EPS in predicting June extremes.
Determination of triacylglycerol regioisomers using differential mobility spectrometry
Authors: Šala Martin , Lísa Miroslav , Campbell J. Larry , Holčapek Michal
Published: December 2015

Rationale

Triacylglycerols (TG) contain three fatty acyls attached to the glycerol backbone in stereochemically numbered positions sn‐1, 2 and 3. Isobaric TG with exchanged fatty acyl chains in positions sn‐1/3 vs. sn‐2 are referred to as regioisomers and the determination of their regioisomeric ratios is important for nutrition purposes.

Methods

Differential mobility spectrometry (DMS) coupled to electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI‐MS) is applied for the separation of simple unsaturated TG regioisomers extracted from porcine adipose tissue using their silver‐ion molecular adducts.

Results

Four pairs of TG regioisomers containing combinations of unsaturated and saturated fatty acyl chains are successfully separated using DMS with 1‐butanol or 1‐propanol as the chemical modifier. Various experimental parameters are carefully optimized, such as the separation and compensation voltages applied to DMS electrodes, the type and flow rate of chemical modifier and the dwell time of analyte ions in the DMS cell. The optimized DMS approach is used for the characterization of TG regioisomers in less than one minute, compared to tens of minutes typical for silver‐ion or reversed‐phase high‐performance liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry approaches.

Conclusions

The application of this method for the characterization of TG regioisomers in porcine adipose tissue shows the method suitability for analyses of other animal fats. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Parental homework involvement improves test scores? A review of the literature
Authors: Ariës Roel J. F. J. , Cabus Sofie J.
Published: December 2015

This review specifically focuses on the correlations between various parent strategies and student achievements in compulsory education. Therefore, Hoover‐Dempsey's framework on parental involvement in homework will be updated with more recent findings from the international scientific literature. When parents facilitate, structure or emotionally support the homework process and, as such, are not actively involved in assisting in homework tasks, then the literature indicates indecisive or negative results. However, when parents are directly involved in assisting their children during homework tasks, then positive correlations were found throughout the literature, in particular when parents engage in meta‐strategies or support the child's understanding of homework. While policy is primarily focused on providing instruments for parents to facilitate or structure the homework process, the current review suggests that parents need to be better informed on specific strategies that accommodate the student's need when assisting in homework tasks in order to improve achievements.
A study on degradation of germanium coating on Kapton used for spacecraft sunshield application
Authors: Esther A. Carmel Mary , Dey Arjun , Sridhara N. , Yougandar B. , Bera Parthasarathi , Anandan Chinnasamy , Rangappa Dinesh , Sharma Anand Kumar
Published: December 2015

Sunshield membranes made of germanium‐coated black polyimide (GBP) or Kapton are often used on the reflector/transmitter antenna of satellites for thermal control applications. However, the germanium top layer is prone to degrade during ground storage and implementation. Hence, vacuum/inert gas‐sealed packaging is required for storing the membranes, followed by a staggered fabrication schedule as the shelf‐life of the GBP is identified as only ~6 months. In the present study, microstructural, thermo‐optical, and electrical properties along with X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) studies for evaluating oxidation states of the as‐received and degraded GBP films have been investigated thoroughly. The radio frequency (RF) loss behavior of both the films has also been studied for S band (2.5–3.5 GHz), Ku band (10.5–14.5 GHz), and Ka band (30–35 GHz). Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Correlation‐free reflection diagnostics of graphene‐like surface layers in the infrared region
Authors: Adamson Peep
Published: December 2015

New diagnostics possibilities for graphene‐like (two‐dimensional absorbing) ultrathin films on dielectric substrates by integrating ellipsometric and reflectance measurements are analyzed. The analysis is based on the analytical theory which has been developed in the framework of a long‐wavelength approximation. Importantly, the new method allows simultaneously (without correlation) to determine the thickness and optical constants of two‐dimensional materials in the infrared region. Another interesting feature of this reflection technique lies in the fact that for data handling the traditional model‐based regression analysis is not in use. The inversion problem is resolved on the basis of an analytical approach which has no need of initial guesses for the desired parameters. The results are also of interest as suitable starting points for non‐approximated numerical iterative methods where the proper choice of the initial data plays a crucial role. The presented method is tested using a numerical simulation. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Quantitative determination of carbon concentration profiles by GD‐OES for the study of decarburization in low‐carbon steels
Authors: Alvarenga Henrique Duarte , Van Steenberge Nele , Xhoffer Chris , Steegstra Patrick , Sietsma Jilt , Terryn Herman
Published: December 2015

In this study, the quantification of decarburization induced during the annealing process for the fabrication of electrical steels was carried out using glow discharge optical emission spectroscopy (GD‐OES). Different calibration methods, based on external and internal standard references, were examined to optimize the quantification of carbon concentration. Accurate calibration curves for carbon at low concentration ranges were achieved by the use of carbon intensity calibrated by the internal reference, i.e. iron intensity line. This methodology was found to be beneficial for long GD‐OES measurements, providing a better correction over changes in the overall emission intensity with the sputter time. The good depth resolution obtained by the GD‐OES technique enabled the identification of specific features in the steel microstructure related to carbide coarseness. Quantitative carbon concentration profiles were obtained by GD‐OES to evaluate the decarburization effect on the microstructure of low‐carbon steels considering different initial microstructures. The effect of the spatial distribution of carbides in these microstructures on the decarburization kinetics was also studied. Through quantitative determination of carbon elemental profiles by GD‐OES, information about the morphology of the cementite in the microstructure and its development in relation to decarburization was acquired. The depth of decarburization can accurately be determined. On the basis of the global results, GD‐OES thus emerged as being a fast and reliable technique for a better understanding of decarburization kinetics. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Growth of cerium tungstate epitaxial layers: influence of temperature
Authors: Skála Tomáš , Matolín Vladimír
Published: December 2015

Thin films of cerium tungstate prepared in situ by cerium deposition in oxygen atmosphere onto the W(100) single‐crystal were investigated by means of photoelectron spectroscopy and low‐energy electron diffraction (LEED). The studied temperature range was 173–1073 K. It was found that the temperature necessary for the oriented growth of Ce6WO12(100) was 673 K, and at higher temperatures, the LEED pattern improved. Photoemission data revealed the partial formation of CeO2 on the surface at preparation temperatures below 473 K due to limited diffusion of tungsten atoms from the substrate. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Oral Reading Fluency Testing
Authors: Howland Karole , Scaler Scott Kathleen
Published: December 2015

As school districts nationwide have moved toward data driven intervention, oral reading fluency measures have become a prevalent means to monitor progress by assessing the degree to which a child is becoming a fast (and therefore fluent) reader. This article reviews results of a survey of speech‐language pathologists (SLPs) working with children who stutter. The survey found that children on SLP caseloads are being referred for reading services when they do not actually have any trouble with reading fluently, but instead have trouble with any task that involves speaking fluently. The purpose of this article is to outline potential challenges in the use of oral reading fluency measures for children with speech disorders, and to provide practical solutions to those challenges.
Fetal lower urinary tract obstruction: proposal for standardized multidisciplinary prenatal management based on disease severity
Authors: Ruano R. , Sananes N. , Wilson C. , Au J. , Koh C. J. , Gargollo P. , Shamshirsaz A. A. , Espinoza J. , Safdar A. , Moaddab A. , Meyer N. , Cass D. L. , Olutoye O. O. , Olutoye O. A. , Welty S. , Roth D. R. , Braun M. C. , Belfort M. A.
Published: December 2015

Objective

To present a single center experience of a standardized prenatal multidisciplinary management protocol for fetal lower urinary tract obstruction (LUTO) and to propose a classification of fetal LUTO based on disease severity.

Methods

This was a retrospective cohort study of 25 consecutive fetal patients with prenatal diagnosis of primary LUTO. Fetal intervention was offered after evaluation by a multidisciplinary team. Analyses were conducted using Bayesian methodology to determine predictors of survival at 6 months postpartum. Odds ratios (ORs) with 95% credibility intervals are reported.

Results

Fifteen (60.0%) of the 25 patients referred for assessment survived to postnatal evaluation. Fetal vesicoamniotic shunt was placed in 14 (56.0%) patients with 12 survivors. Multivariable analysis suggested that fetal intervention (OR, 6.97 (0.88–70.16), Pr(OR > 1) = 96.7%), anhydramnios (OR, 0.12 (0.04–0.35), Pr(OR < 1) = 99.9%), favorable fetal urine analysis (OR, 3.98 (0.63–25.15), Pr(OR > 1) = 92.7%) and absence of renal cortical cysts (OR, 3.9 (0.66–24.2), Pr(OR > 1) = 93.3%) were predictors of survival.

Conclusions

Fetal intervention and fetal renal function were independently associated with postnatal survival of fetuses with LUTO. A classification based on the severity of disease is proposed. Copyright © 2015 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Neural, cognitive, and evolutionary foundations of human altruism
Authors: Marsh Abigail A.
Published: December 2015

This article considers three forms of altruism from both a psychological and a neural perspective, with an emphasis on homologies that can be observed across species and potentially illuminate altruism's evolutionary origins. Kin‐based altruism benefits biological relatives and, according to the theory of inclusive fitness, is ultimately beneficial to the altruist from a genetic standpoint. Kin selection adequately explains some altruistic behavior, but it is not applicable to much human altruism. Little is known about the neural processes that support it, but they may include cortical regions involved in processing autobiographical memory and the identities of familiar others. Reciprocity‐based altruism is performed in expectation of future rewards and is supported by dopaminergic cortico‐striatal networks that guide behavior according to anticipated rewards. Care‐based altruism is aimed at improving the well‐being of distressed and vulnerable individuals and is closely linked to empathic concern. This form of altruism is thought to rely on the subcortical neural systems that support parental care, particularly structures densely populated with receptors for the hormones oxytocin and vasopressin, including the amygdala, stria terminalis, and striatum. The amygdala may be a particularly important convergence point for care‐based altruism because of its dual role in responding both to cues that signal infantile vulnerability and those that signal distress. Research on altruism continues to converge across disciplines, but more research linking molecular‐level neural processes to altruistic behavior in humans and other species is needed, as is research on how various forms of altruism intersect.WIREs Cogn Sci2016, 7:59–71. doi: 10.1002/wcs.1377

This article is categorized under:

Psychology > Emotion and Motivation
On basic problems for elastic prismatic shells with microtemperatures
Authors: Jaiani George , Bitsadze Lamara
Published: December 2015

In the present paper on the basis of the linear theory of thermoelasticity of homogeneous isotropic bodies with microtemperatures the zeroth order approximation of hierarchical models of elastic prismatic shells with microtemperatures in the case of constant thickness (but, in general, with bent face surfaces) is considered. The existence and uniqueness of solutions of basic boundary value problems when the projections of the bodies under consideration are bounded and unbounded domains with closed contours are established. The ways of solving boundary value problems in explicit forms and of their numerical solution are indicated.
Outcome of stand-alone thoracoscopic epicardial left atrial posterior box isolation with bipolar radiofrequency energy for longstanding persistent atrial fibrillation
Authors: Compier M. G. , Braun J. , Tjon A. , Zeppenfeld K. , Klautz R. J. M. , Schalij M. J. , Trines S. A.
Published: December 2015

Introduction

Catheter ablation of longstanding (> 1 year) persistent atrial fibrillation (AF) is associated with poor outcome. This might be due to remodelling and fibrosis formation, mainly located in the posterior left atrial (LA) wall. Therefore, we adopted a thoracoscopic epicardial box isolation of the posterior left atrium using bipolar RF energy with intraoperative testing of conduction block.

Methods and results

Bilateral thoracoscopic box isolation was performed with a bipolar RF clamp. Entrance block was defined as absence of a conducted electrogram within the box, while exit block was confirmed by pacing at 10.0 V/2 ms. Ablation outcome was evaluated after 3, 6, 12 and 24 months with 12-lead ECGs and 24-hour Holter recordings.

Twenty-five consecutive patients were included (58 ± 7 years, persistent AF duration 1.8 ± 0.9 years). Entrance block was achieved in all patients and exit block confirmed if sinus rhythm was achieved. After 17 ± 7 months, 76 % of the patients (n = 19) were free of AF recurrence. One patient died within 1 month and was considered an ablation failure. Four patients with AF recurrences regained sinus rhythm with additional catheter ablation or antiarrhythmic drugs.

Conclusions

Treatment of longstanding persistent AF with thoracoscopic epicardial LA posterior box isolation using bipolar RF energy with intraoperative testing of conduction block is feasible and highly effective.