bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Temporal changes in physiology and haematology in response to high‐ and micro‐doses of recombinant human erythropoietin
Authors: Clark Brad , Woolford Sarah M. , Eastwood Annette , Sharpe Ken , Barnes Peter G. , Gore Christopher J.
Published: February 2017

There is evidence to suggest athletes have adopted recombinant human erythropoietin (rHuEPO) dosing regimens that diminish the likelihood of being caught by direct detection techniques. However, the temporal response in physiology, performance, and Athlete Biological Passport (ABP) parameters to such regimens is not clearly understood. Participants were assigned to a high‐dose only group (HIGH, n = 8, six rHuEPO doses of 250 IU/kg over two weeks), a combined high micro‐dose group (COMB, n = 8, high‐dose plus nine rHuEPO micro‐doses over a further three weeks), or one of two placebo control groups who received saline in the same pattern as the HIGH (HIGH‐PLACEBO, n = 4) or COMB (COMB‐PLACEBO, n = 4) groups. Temporal changes in physiology and performance were tracked by graded exercise test (GXT) and haemoglobin mass assessment at baseline, after high dose, after micro‐dose (COMB and COMB‐PLACEBO only) and after a four‐week washout. Venous blood samples were collected throughout the baseline, rHuEPO administration, and washout periods to determine the haematological and ABP response to each dosing regimen. Physiological adaptations induced by a two‐week rHuEPO high‐dose were maintained by rHuEPO micro‐dosing for at least three weeks. However, all participants administered rHuEPO registered at least one suspicious ABP value during the administration or washout periods. These results indicate there is sufficient sensitivity in the ABP to detect use of high rHuEPO doping regimens in athletic populations and they provide important empirical examples for use by anti‐doping experts. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Protease/peptidase (Flavourzyme) pretreatment on palm kernels improves the aroma of resultant palm kernel oil after kernel roasting
Authors: Zhang Wencan , Zhao Fangju , Yang Tiankui , Liu Shaoquan
Published: February 2017

The aroma of palm kernel oil (PKO) affects its application. Aiming to improve its aroma quality, the effects of protease/peptidase (Flavourzyme) pretreatment on the palm kernels (PK) before kernel roasting were investigated. The results showed that more pyrazines (6.7‐, 10‐, 3.4‐fold) were found in PKO derived from treated PK after light, medium, and dark kernel roasting, respectively, compared to the corresponding control, as detected by headspace (HS) – solid phase microextraction (SPME) coupled with gas chromatography (GC) – mass spectrometer (MS), and flame ionisation detector (FID) (HS‐SPME‐GC‐MS/FID). Principal component analysis (PCA) based on aroma‐active compounds revealed that after kernel roasting, the control oil was more correlated with O‐heterocyclic compounds while the oil from treated PK was more closely related to N‐heterocyclic compounds. Sensory evaluation further indicated that after Flavourzyme pretreatment, the obtained PKO (with medium kernel roasting degree) possessed more nutty, roasty, and caramelic flavor notes. These aroma changes could be attributed to the altered aroma precursors in PK due to Flavourzyme treatment, of which 1.5‐ and 20.7‐fold increments of soluble sugars and free amino acids were found. This study demonstrated that by enriching thermal reaction reactants, Flavourzyme is capable of positively modifying the aroma of PKO after kernel roasting.

Practical applications: Flavourzyme pretreatment followed by roasting rendered the resultant PKO a more nutty, roasty, and caramelic aroma. Such improvement in aroma would not only be beneficial for the current utilization of PKO especially in bakery and confectionery areas, but also widen the scope of its applications. Besides, enzyme pretreatment combined with the thermal reactions, which was the first time applied in the aroma modification of seeds oils, was demonstrated to be an effective approach for aroma modulation.

Flavourzyme pretreatment of palm kernel (PK) was proved to be able to significantly increase the content of pyrazine in the resultant palm kernel oil (PKO) after different degrees of kernel roasting. As expected, more nutty, roasty, and caramelic sensory notes were found in PKO produced by enzyme treated PK than that of the control.
Controllable rotating behavior of individual dielectric microrod in a rotating electric field
Authors: Liu Weiyu , Ren Yukun , Tao Ye , Li Yanbo , Chen Xiaoming
Published: February 2017

We report herein controllable rotating behavior of an individual dielectric microrod driven by a background rotating electric field. By disposing or removing structured floating microelectrode, the rigid rod suspended in electrolyte solution accordingly exhibits cofield or antifield rotating motion. In the absence of the ideally polarizable metal surface, the dielectric rod rotates opposite to propagation of electric field, with the measured rotating rate much larger than predicted by Maxwell–Wager interfacial polarization theory incorporating surface conduction of fixed bond charge. Surprisingly, with floating electrode embedded, a novel kind of cofield rotation mode occurs in the presence of induced double‐layer polarization, due to the action of hydrodynamic torque from rotating induced‐charge electroosmosis. This method of achieving switchable spin modes of dielectric particles would direct implications in constructing flexible electrokinetic framework for analyzing 3D profile of on‐chip biomicrofluidic samples.
Separation of hydroxynorketamine stereoisomers using capillary electrophoresis with sulfated β‐cyclodextrin and highly sulfated γ‐cyclodextrin
Authors: Sandbaumhüter Friederike A. , Theurillat Regula , Thormann Wolfgang
Published: February 2017

The racemic N‐methyl‐d‐aspartate receptor antagonist ketamine is used in anesthesia, analgesia and the treatment of depressive disorders. It is known that interactions of hydroxylated norketamine metabolites and 5,6‐dehydronorketamine (DHNK) with the α7‐nicotinic acetylcholine receptor and the α‐amino‐3‐hydroxy‐5‐methyl‐4‐isoxazolepropionic acid receptor are responsible for the antidepressive effects. Ketamine and its first metabolite norketamine are not active on these receptors. As stereoselectivity plays a role in ketamine metabolism, a cationic capillary electrophoresis based method capable of resolving and analyzing the stereoisomers of four hydroxylated norketamine metabolites, norketamine and DHNK was developed. The assay is based on liquid/liquid extraction of the analytes from the biological matrix, electrokinetic sample injection across a buffer plug and analysis of the stereoisomers in a phosphate background electrolyte (BGE) at pH 3 comprising a mixture of sulfated β‐cyclodextrin (5 mg/mL) and highly sulfated γ‐cyclodextrin (0.1%). The method was used to analyze samples of an in vitro study in which ketamine was incubated with equine liver microsomes and in plasma samples of dogs and horses that were collected after an i.v. bolus injection of racemic ketamine.
Create an enrollment management structure to support recruitment, retention goals
Authors: Hope Joan
Published: February 2017

SAN ANTONIO, Texas — Until recently, California State University, Dominguez Hills didn't have a strategic enrollment management plan in place. Enrollment targets came from the Chancellor's Office, and officials reacted to requirements imposed by outside.
Follow 5 steps to create elegant and accessible design
Authors: Sutton Halley
Published: February 2017

ANAHEIM, Calif. — Keeping your campus technologically connected is not as simple as placing handouts online. Avoid costly fines and sanctions by creating accessible content for your university, but satisfy the needs of your students and your own aesthetic interests by making that accessible design elegant.
What every leader needs to know to thrive in a new role
Authors: Potts Hilary
Published: February 2017

A leader's entry into a new role is often overlooked or shortchanged because of the multitude of business initiatives aimed at achieving results. Now more than ever, leaders require a clear game plan to excel in the transition and make meaningful contributions in the new role.
Improving the Overall Characteristics of Proton Exchange Membranes via Nanophase Separation Technologies: A Progress Review
Authors: Hu Y. , Li X. , Yan L. , Yue B.
Published: February 2017

Proton exchange membrane (PEM) is one of the essential materials for proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMCF). The improvement of comprehensive characteristics of proton exchange membrane represents one of the most critical challenges for the large scale commercialization of proton exchange membrane fuel cells. In this paper, we review the recent developments of proton exchange membrane via nanophase separation technologies.
The experiences of people with dementia and their carers participating in individual cognitive stimulation therapy
Authors: Leung Phuong , Yates Lauren , Orgeta Vasiliki , Hamidi Fara , Orrell Martin
Published: February 2017

Background

The carer‐delivered individual cognitive stimulation therapy (iCST) was developed to improve cognition and quality of life of people with dementia. This study aims to explore people with dementia and family carers' concepts of mental stimulation and experiences of participating in the iCST intervention.

Methods

A sub‐sample of 23 dyads of people with dementia and their family carers who completed the iCST intervention took part in semi‐structured in‐depth interviews. Data were analysed using framework analysis.

Results

Three main themes emerged, ‘Concepts of mental stimulation’, ‘Experiencing changes in everyday life as a result of participating in iCST’ and ‘Carer adherence to the intervention’ along with 10 sub‐themes. The overall experience of participating in iCST was described as having opportunities to engage in enjoyable mentally stimulating activities, motivation to stay active and bringing people with dementia and their carers ‘together’. Family carers mentioned that finding time to do the sessions and their relatives being reluctant to engage in the activities could hinder their participation in the intervention.

Conclusions

People with dementia and their family carers found iCST stimulating and enjoyable, but many had difficulty delivering all the sessions as planned. Family carers suggested that providing extra support by involving other people in delivering the intervention may help to improve adherence to the intervention. iCST may be a useful tool to encourage people with dementia and their carers to communicate. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Development of cortical motor circuits between childhood and adulthood: A navigated TMS‐HdEEG study
Authors: Määttä Sara , Könönen Mervi , Kallioniemi Elisa , Lakka Timo , Lintu Niina , Lindi Virpi , Ferreri Florinda , Ponzo David , Säisänen Laura
Published: February 2017

Motor functions improve during childhood and adolescence, but little is still known about the development of cortical motor circuits during early life. To elucidate the neurophysiological hallmarks of motor cortex development, we investigated the differences in motor cortical excitability and connectivity between healthy children, adolescents, and adults by means of navigated suprathreshold motor cortex transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) combined with high‐density electroencephalography (EEG). We demonstrated that with development, the excitability of the motor system increases, the TMS‐evoked EEG waveform increases in complexity, the magnitude of induced activation decreases, and signal spreading increases. Furthermore, the phase of the oscillatory response to TMS becomes less consistent with age. These changes parallel an improvement in manual dexterity and may reflect developmental changes in functional connectivity. Hum Brain Mapp 38:2599–2615, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Do Financial Incentives Influence GPs' Decisions to Do After‐hours Work? A Discrete Choice Labour Supply Model
Authors: Broadway Barbara , Kalb Guyonne , Li Jinhu , Scott Anthony
Published: February 2017

This paper analyses doctors' supply of after‐hours care (AHC), and how it is affected by personal and family circumstances as well as the earnings structure. We use detailed survey data from a large sample of Australian General Practitioners (GPs) to estimate a structural, discrete choice model of labour supply and AHC. This allows us to jointly model GPs' decisions on the number of daytime‐weekday working hours and the probability of providing AHC. We simulate GPs' labour supply responses to an increase in hourly earnings, both in a daytime‐weekday setting and for AHC. GPs increase their daytime‐weekday working hours if their hourly earnings in this setting increase, but only to a very small extent. GPs are somewhat more likely to provide AHC if their hourly earnings in that setting increase, but again, the effect is very small and only evident in some subgroups. Moreover, higher earnings in weekday‐daytime practice reduce the probability of providing AHC, particularly for men. Increasing GPs' earnings appears to be at best relatively ineffective in encouraging increased provision of AHC and may even prove harmful if incentives are not well targeted. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Water and nitrogen movement through a semiarid dryland agricultural catchment: Seasonal and decadal trends
Authors: Kelley Christopher J. , Keller C. Kent , Brooks Erin S. , Smith Jeffrey L. , Huyck Orr Cailin , Evans R.D.
Published: February 2017

Water and nutrient budgets in dryland agroecosystems are difficult to manage for efficiency and water quality. This is particularly true where complex terrain and soilscapes interact with pronounced hydrologic seasonality. The purpose of this research was to understand water and hydrologic nitrogen (N) export from a hillslope dryland agroecosystem in a semiarid region where most precipitation occurs outside the growing season. We studied 13 years (2001–2013) of records of water and N inputs and outputs from a 12 ha no‐till artificially drained catchment in the semiarid Palouse Basin of eastern Washington State, USA. Fall‐ and winter‐dominated annual precipitation averaged 462 mm. About 350 mm went to evapotranspiration; crops used ~160 mm from stored soil water during the summer dry‐down season. Soil water replenishment after crop senescence, during the fall wet‐up season, delayed the threshold onset of the high‐discharge season until December. Winter‐dominated drainage fluxes averaged 111 mm or 24% of annual precipitation. Nitrate export in drainage averaged 15 kg·N·ha−1·year−1, which was about 10 times the average rate of dissolved organic N export and 15% of the average rate of N application in chemical fertilizer. Fertilizer applications to the catchment were reduced, due to cropping changes, by 1/3 during the last 5 years of the study; however, no corresponding reduction was observed in the nitrate export flux. This lack of change could not be attributed to mineralization of the soil‐organic N legacy of fertilization nor to hydrologic lag of the catchment. Likeliest explanations are (a) despite the reduction, N application continued to exceed crop uptake and accumulation in organic matter; (b) seasonal and interannual variability of catchment connectivity resulted in year‐to‐year field‐scale nitrate storage and carryover. Water and N use efficiencies observed here may be near maximum obtainable for existing crops in this climate. Substantial improvements that would also address multiple environmental issues associated with the N cascade may involve shifts to perennial systems and/or rotations in which N is fixed biologically.
Nitrogen Utilization under Drip Irrigation with Sewage Effluent in the North China Plain
Authors: Guo Lijun , Li Jiusheng , Li Yanfeng , Xu Di
Published: February 2017

Field experiments were performed on maize (Zea mays L.) to explore the impacts of water quality and nitrogen (N) application rate on soil N balance and nitrate leaching in the North China Plain. N application rates ranging from 0 to 180 kg ha−1 were tested, applying either secondary sewage effluent (SW) or groundwater (GW). Increasing the N application rate from 120 to 180 kg ha−1 did not significantly increase N uptake but substantially enhanced the apparent N loss (ANL) and nitrate leaching. Compared with GW irrigation, SW irrigation increased N uptake by 8% and soil residual N by 9% on average, whereas the ANL increased by 18%, suggesting that the detrimental impacts of SW irrigation may outweigh the benefits. The ANL values were enhanced mostly with increasing N application rates, followed by increasing initial soil N and nitrogen contained in irrigation water (irrigation N). Additionally, the ranking of factors increasing the leaching of nitrate was fertilizer N, deep percolation, irrigation N and initial soil N. Thus, SW irrigation combined with a high N application rate amplified the ANL and nitrate leaching losses. This study recommends N application rates ranging from 116 to 132 kg ha−1 to minimize the N losses when maize is irrigated with SW under drip irrigation in the North China Plain. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Abnormally High and Heterogeneous Bone Matrix Mineralization After Childhood Solid Organ Transplantation: A Complex Pathology of Low Bone Turnover and Local Defects in Mineralization
Authors: Fratzl-Zelman Nadja , Valta Helena , Pereira Renata C , Misof Barbara M , Roschger Paul , Jalanko Hannu , Wesseling-Perry Katherine , Klaushofer Klaus , Mäkitie Outi
Published: February 2017

Chronic renal, liver, and heart failure in children associates with multiple skeletal complications. Increased fracture incidence often persists after transplantation and could be related to alterations in bone material properties. In the present cohort study we evaluated bone mineralization density distribution (BMDD) by quantitative backscattered electron imaging (qBEI) in 23 pediatric solid organ allograft recipients with suspected osteoporosis. We measured BMDD in the entire cross-sectional area of transiliac bone biopsies obtained from kidney (n = 9), liver (n = 9), and heart (n = 5) transplant recipients (aged 7.6 to 19.7 years; 6.0 ± 5.6 years posttransplantation, patients with a history of clinical fractures: n = 14). The BMDD findings were compared with age-appropriate references and with a previously presented cohort of children with chronic kidney disease on dialysis (CKD5D, n = 18). Furthermore, we related the BMDD parameters with patients’ clinical and bone histomorphometric outcomes. Compared to healthy children, qBEI results for cancellous and cortical bone in transplant recipients revealed an increase in the most frequently occurring calcium concentration (+2.9%, p = 0.001; +3.5%, p = 0.014), in the portion of fully mineralized bone (fivefold; 10-fold, both p < 0.0001) and in heterogeneity of mineralization (+26,5% and +27.8%, both p < 0.0001), respectively. Moreover, the BMDD parameters were nonsignificantly distinct from CKD5D cohort except that the heterogeneity in mineralization was higher posttransplantation. There was a strong inverse correlation between the average calcium content of the bone matrix and patients’ biochemical ALP levels, histomorphometric indices of bone formation and resorption. The abnormally high bone matrix mineralization in transplant recipients, consistent with serum and histomorphometric outcomes, suggests a history of low bone turnover with accumulation of fully mineralized bone packets. Additionally, the increased heterogeneity of mineralization suggests local alterations in mineralization kinetics, which may be linked to dysfunctional osteocytes that were recently shown to accumulate within the bone matrix during organ failure and concomitant glucocorticoid and immunosuppressive medication. © 2017 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Captopril apparently increase and cisplatin apparently decrease human albumin concentration in artificial urinary solutions
Authors: Kuzioła Rafał , Marczewska Barbara , Marczewski Krzysztof
Published: February 2017

Background

Measurement of urinary albumin (HSA) is very important in diagnostic of kidney diseases. Much less is known about the possible impact of substances present in urine together with albumin on the results of measurements.

Methods

We investigated the effect of the presence of captopril and cisplatin in the solution on the result of the determination of HSA by native polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Protein conformation in the absence and presence of the drugs was examined using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR).

Results

The presence of captopril apparently increases HSA concentration while cisplatin causes an apparent decrease in the HSA concentration. The presence of both drugs also influence the secondary structure forms of HSA albumin investigated by FTIR.

Conclusion

Both drugs tested in the concentration of human use can have an impact on the results of determination of albumin in urine which can influence clinical decision.
Glucose adsorption to chitosan membranes increases proliferation of human chondrocyte via mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 and sterol regulatory element‐binding protein‐1 signaling
Authors: Chang Shun‐Fu , Huang Kuo‐Chin , Cheng Chin‐Chang , Su Yu‐Ping , Lee Ko‐Chao , Chen Cheng‐Nan , Chang Hsin‐I
Published: February 2017

Osteoarthritis (OA) is currently still an irreversible degenerative disease of the articular cartilage. Recent, dextrose (d‐glucose) intraarticular injection prolotherapy for OA patients has been reported to benefit the chondrogenic stimulation of damaged cartilage. However, the detailed mechanism of glucose's effect on cartilage repair remains unclear. Chitosan, a naturally derived polysaccharide, has recently been investigated as a surgical or dental dressing to control breeding. Therefore, in this study, glucose was adsorbed to chitosan membranes (CTS‐Glc), and the study aimed to investigate whether CTS‐Glc complex membranes could regulate the proliferation of human OA chondrocytes and to explore the underlying mechanism. Human OA and SW1353 chondrocytes were used in this study. The experiments involving the transfection of cells used SW1353 chondrocytes. A specific inhibitor and siRNAs were used to investigate the mechanism underlying the CTS‐Glc‐regulated proliferation of human chondrocytes. We found that CTS‐Glc significantly increased the proliferation of both human OA and SW1353 chondrocytes comparable to glucose‐ or chitosan‐only stimulation. The role of mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) signaling, including mTOR, raptor, and S6k proteins, has been demonstrated in the regulation of CTS‐Glc‐increased human chondrocyte proliferation. mTORC1 signaling increased the expression levels of maturated SREBP‐1 and FASN and then induced the expressions of cell cycle regulators, that is, cyclin D, cyclin‐dependent kinase‐4 and ‐6 in human chondrocytes. This study elucidates the detailed mechanism behind the effect of CTS‐Glc complex membranes in promoting chondrocyte proliferation and proposes a possible clinical application of the CTS‐Glc complex in the dextrose intraarticular injection of OA prolotherapy in the future to attenuate the pain and discomfort of OA patients.
Optimizing the analysis of dental enamel microstructure in intact teeth
Authors: Arrieta Zulieth López , Line Sergio Roberto Peres
Published: February 2017

In most mammalian species enamel prisms are regularly arranged in layers of alternating directions forming an angle of approximately 90°. These successive layers of prisms are known as Hunter–Schreger bands (HSBs). The analysis of HSBs may provide valuable information regarding the species life history, taxon and personal identification, with evident applicability in physical anthropology and forensics. Obtaining good quality digital images of HSBs in intact specimens is not always a feasible task. The major problems are the low contrast of images; the reflection of incident light, which may create areas of intense shine in digital images; and the abrupt decrease in the degree of illumination that occurs after light crosses the vertical cracks, frequently present in enamel. We show here that the area of intense shine can be minimized by a polarizing filter coupled to the camera objective, and the filling of enamel cracks with corn oil can reduce refraction of light in enamel cracks. These procedures can significantly increase the quality and the area of HSBs that can be recorded in intact teeth.
An Evo‐Devo Perspective on Multicellular Development of Myxobacteria
Authors: Arias Del Angel Juan A. , Escalante Ana E. , Martínez‐Castilla León Patricio , Benítez Mariana
Published: February 2017

The transition to multicellularity, recognized as one the major transitions in evolution, has occurred independently several times. While multicellular development has been extensively studied in zygotic organisms including plant and animal groups, just a few aggregative multicellular organisms have been employed as model organisms for the study of multicellularity. Studying different evolutionary origins and modes of multicellularity enables comparative analyses that can help identifying lineage‐specific aspects of multicellular evolution and generic factors and mechanisms involved in the transition to multicellularity. Among aggregative multicellular organisms, myxobacteria are a valuable system to explore the particularities that aggregation confers to the evolution of multicellularity and mechanisms shared with clonal organisms. Moreover, myxobacteria species develop fruiting bodies displaying a range of morphological diversity. In this review, we aim to synthesize diverse lines of evidence regarding myxobacteria development and discuss them in the context of Evo‐Devo concepts and approaches. First, we briefly describe the developmental processes in myxobacteria, present an updated comparative analysis of the genes involved in their developmental processes and discuss these and other lines of evidence in terms of co‐option and developmental system drift, two concepts key to Evo‐Devo studies. Next, as has been suggested from Evo‐Devo approaches, we discuss how broad comparative studies and integration of diverse genetic, physicochemical, and environmental factors into experimental and theoretical models can further our understanding of myxobacterial development, phenotypic variation, and evolution.
Fast determination of codeine, orphenadrine, promethazine, scopolamine, tramadol, and paracetamol in pharmaceutical formulations by capillary electrophoresis
Authors: Cunha Rafael R. , Ribeiro Michelle M. A. C. , Muñoz Rodrigo A. A. , Richter Eduardo M.
Published: February 2017

Paracetamol is an active ingredient commonly found in pharmaceutical formulations in combination with one of the following compounds: codeine, orphenadrine, promethazine, scopolamine, and tramadol. In this work, we propose a unique analytical method for determination of these active ingredients in pharmaceutical samples. The method is based on capillary electrophoresis with capacitively coupled contactless conductivity detection. The separation was achieved on a fused silica capillary (50 cm total length, 40 cm effective length, and 50 μm id) using an optimized background electrolyte composed of 20 mmol/L β‐alanine/4 mmol/L sodium chloride/4 μmol/L sodium hydroxide (pH 9.6). Each sample can be analyzed in a single run (≤2 min) and the limits of detection were 2.5, 0.62, 0.63, 2.5, 15, and 1.6 μmol/L for scopolamine, tramadol, orphenadrine, promethazine, codeine, and paracetamol, respectively. Recovery values for spiked samples were between 94 and 104%.
Indirect ultraviolet detection of alkaline earth metal ions using an imidazolium ionic liquid as an ultraviolet absorption reagent in ion chromatography
Authors: Liu Yong‐qiang , Yu Hong
Published: February 2017

A convenient and versatile method was developed for the separation and detection of alkaline earth metal ions by ion chromatography with indirect UV detection. The chromatographic separation of Mg2+, Ca2+, and Sr2+ was performed on a carboxylic acid base cation exchange column using imidazolium ionic liquid/acid as the mobile phase, in which the imidazolium ionic liquid acted as an UV‐absorption reagent. The effects of imidazolium ionic liquids, detection wavelength, acids in the mobile phase, and column temperature on the retention of Mg2+, Ca2+, and Sr2+ were investigated. The main factors influencing the separation and detection were the background UV absorption reagent and the concentration of hydrogen ion in ion chromatography with indirect UV detection. The successful separation and detection of Mg2+, Ca2+, and Sr2+ within 14 min were achieved using the selected chromatographic conditions, and the detection limits (S/N = 3) were 0.06, 0.12, and 0.23 mg/L, respectively. A new separation and detection method of alkaline earth metal ions by ion chromatography with indirect UV detection was developed, and the application range of ionic liquids was expanded.
Temporal Variation of Hydro‐Physical Properties of Paddy Clay Soil under Different Rice‐Based Cropping Systems
Authors: Linh Tran Ba , Ghyselinck Titus , Khanh Tran Huynh , Van Dung Tran , Guong Vo Thi , Van Khoa Le , Cornelis Wim
Published: February 2017

Spatial variability of hydro‐physical properties has long been observed, whereas temporal variation is much less documented and considered in studies and applications, particularly of paddy clay soils under different cropping systems. The objective of this study was therefore to assess the seasonal‐ and inter‐seasonal variation of selected hydro‐physical properties of a paddy clay soil under different rice‐based cropping systems with contrasting tillage. In a long‐term experiment, plots were arranged in a randomized complete block design with four treatments and four replications: (i) rice–rice–rice; (ii) rice–maize–rice; (iii) rice–mung bean–rice; and (iv) rice–mung bean–maize. Soil samples were collected at three depths (0–10, 10–20 and 20–30 cm) at three times during two cropping seasons, i.e., 15 days after soil preparation (DASP), 45 DASP and 90 DASP during the winter–spring and spring–summer seasons. Results show that temporal variability of soil bulk density, macro‐porosity (MacP) and matrix‐porosity within both seasons and between seasons was limited for cropping systems with upland crop rotations, whereas within season variation was significant for rice monoculture system. Observed variation in bulk density, matrix‐porosity and MacP was mainly associated with cropping system and soil depth. Field saturated hydraulic conductivity of topsoil showed great temporal variability, both seasonal and inter‐seasonal, in correspondence with MacP (r = 0·58). These results highlight the need of depth differentiated soil sampling and time consideration when evaluating management practices on soil physical properties and modeling the hydrological behavior of paddy soil. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Coming Soon: A New (NLRB) Labor World Order
Authors: DeMaria Alfred T.
Published: February 2017

The biggest topic in the labor management world since November has been what changes the election of President Donald Trump will engender at the National Labor Relations Board. Does Trump's election mean the Board's many controversial decisions over the past eight years will be undone? There is no doubt that Trump will move to change the composition of the Board to a Republican—and thus more pro‐employer—majority. However, a change in the Board does not mean a change in immediate law, since prior Board rulings stand until overturned via the litigation process. Disputes regarding specific NLRB rulings will have to work their way through the lengthy NLRB process before cases can be overturned. However, change will occur.
Human influence and biotic homogenization drive the distribution ofEscherichia colivirulence genes in natural habitats
Authors: Cabal Adriana , Vicente Joaquin , Alvarez Julio , Barasona Jose Angel , Boadella Mariana , Dominguez Lucas , Gortazar Christian
Published: February 2017

Cattle are the main reservoirs for Shiga‐toxin‐producingEscherichia coli(STEC), the only known zoonotic intestinalE. colipathotype. However, there are other intestinal pathotypes that can cause disease in humans, whose presence has been seldom investigated. Thus, our aim was to identify the effects of anthropic pressure and of wild and domestic ungulate abundance on the distribution and diversity of the main humanE. colipathotypes and nine of their representative virulence genes (VGs). We used a quantitative real‐timePCR(qPCR) for the direct detection and quantification of the genus‐specific geneuidA, nineE. coliVGs (stx1,sxt2,eae,ehxA,aggR,est,elt,bfpA,invA), as well as four genes related to O157:H7 (rfbO157,fliCH7) and O104:H4 (wzxO104,fliCH4) serotypes in animals (feces from deer, cattle, and wild boar) and water samples collected in three areas of Doñana National Park (DNP), Spain. Eight of the nine VGs were detected, beinginvA,eae, andstx2 followed bystx1,aggR, andehxA the most abundant ones. In quantitative terms (gene copies per mg of sample),stx1 andstx2 gave the highest values. Significant differences were seen regarding VGs in the three animal species in the three sampled areas. The serotype‐related genes were found in all but one sample types. In general, VGs were more diverse and abundant in the northern part of the Park, where the surface waters are more contaminated by human waste and farms. In the current study, we demonstrated that human influence is more relevant than host species in shaping theE. coliVGs spatial pattern and diversity in DNP. In addition, wildlife could be potential reservoirs for other pathotypes different from STEC, however further isolation steps would be needed to completely characterize thoseE. coli.
p16INK4A enhances the transcriptional and the apoptotic functions of p53 through DNA‐dependent interaction
Authors: Al‐Khalaf Huda H. , Nallar Shreeram C. , Kalvakolanu Dhananjaya V. , Aboussekhra Abdelilah
Published: February 2017

p16INK4A and p53 are two important tumor suppressor proteins that play essential roles during cell proliferation and aging through regulating the expression of several genes. Here, we report that p16INK4A and p53 co‐regulate a plethora of transcripts. Furthermore, both proteins colocalize in the nucleus of human primary skin fibroblasts and breast luminal cells, and form a heteromer whose level increases in response to genotoxic stress as well as aging of human fibroblasts and various mouse organs. CDK4 is also present in this heteromeric complex, which is formed only in the presence of DNA both in vitro using pure recombinant proteins and in vivo. We have also shown that p16INK4A enhances the binding efficiency of p53 to its cognate sequence presents in the CDKN1A promoter in vitro, and both proteins are present at the promoters of CDKN1A and BAX in vivo. Importantly, the fourth ankyrin repeat of p16INK4A and the C‐terminal domain of p53 were necessary for the physical association between these two proteins. The physiologic importance of this association was revealed by the inability of cancer‐associated p16INK4A mutants to interact with p53 and to transactivate the expression of its major targets CDKN1A and BAX in the p16‐defective U2OS cells expressing either wild‐type or mutated p16INK4A. Furthermore, the association between p16INK4A and p53 was capital for their nuclear colocalization, the X‐ray‐dependent induction of p21 and Bax proteins as well as the induction of apoptosis in various types of cells. Together, these results show DNA‐dependent physical interaction between p16INK4A and p53.
The role of lipid raft translocation of prohibitin in regulation of Akt and Raf‐protected apoptosis of HaCaT cells upon ultraviolet B irradiation
Authors: Wu Qiong , Wu Shiyong
Published: February 2017

Prohibitin (PHB) plays a role in regulation of ultraviolet B light (UVB)‐induced apoptosis of human keratinocytes, HaCaT cells. The regulatory function of PHB appears to be associated with its lipid raft translocation. However, the detailed mechanism for PHB‐mediated apoptosis of these keratinocytes upon UVB irradiation is not clear. In this report, we determined the role of lipid raft translocation of PHB in regulation of UVB‐induced apoptosis. Our data show that upon UVB irradiation PHB is translocated from the non‐raft membrane to the lipid rafts, which is correlated with a release of both Akt and Raf from membrane. Overexpression of Akt and/or Raf impedes UVB‐induced lipid raft translocation of PHB. Immunoprecipitation analysis indicates that UVB alters the interactions among PHB, Akt, and Raf. Reduced expression of PHB leads to a decreased phosphorylation of Akt and ERK, as well as a decreased activity of Akt, and increased apoptosis of the cells upon UVB irradiation. These results suggest that PHB regulates UVB‐induced apoptosis of keratinocytes via a mechanism that involves detachment from Akt and Raf on the plasma membrane, and sequential lipid raft translocation.
A low‐frequency variant in SMAD7 modulates TGF‐β signaling and confers risk for colorectal cancer in Chinese population
Authors: Li Jiaoyuan , Zou Li , Zhou Ying , Li Lu , Zhu Ying , Yang Yang , Gong Yajie , Lou Jiao , Ke Juntao , Zhang Yi , Tian Jianbo , Zou Danyi , Peng Xiating , Chang Jiang , Gong Jing , Zhong Rong , Zhou Xiaobo , Miao Xiaoping
Published: February 2017

The TGF‐β pathway plays an essential role in regulating cell proliferation and differentiation. GWASs and candidate approaches have identified a battery of genetic variants in the TGF‐β pathway contributing to colorectal cancer (CRC). However, most of the significant variants are common variants and their functions remain ambiguous. To identify causal variants with low‐frequency in the TGF‐β pathway contributing to CRC susceptibility in Chinese population, we performed targeted sequencing of 12 key genes in TGF‐β signaling in CRC patients followed by a two‐stage case‐control study with a total of 5109 cases and 5169 controls. Bioinformatic annotations and biochemical experiments were applied to reveal the potential functions of significant variants. Seven low‐frequency genetic variants were captured through targeted sequencing. The two stage association studies showed that missense variant rs3764482 (c. 83C>T; p. S28F) in the gene SMAD7 was consistently and significantly associated with CRC risk. Compared with the wild type, the ORs for variant allele were 1.37 (95%CI: 1.10‐1.70, P = 0.005), 1.55 (95%CI: 1.30‐1.86, P = 1.15 × 106), and 1.48 (1.29‐1.70, P = 2.44 × 10;8) in stage 1, stage 2, and the combined analyses, respectively. Functional annotations revealed that the minor allele T of rs3764482 was more effective than the major allele C in blocking the TGF‐β signaling and inhibiting the phosphorylation of receptor‐regulated SMADs (R‐SMADs). In conclusion, low‐frequency coding variant rs3764482 in SMAD7 is associated with CRC risk in Chinese population. The rs3764482 variant may block the TGF‐β signaling via impeding the activation of downstream genes, leading to cancer cell proliferation, thus contributing to CRC pathogenesis.
Tetrabenazine Versus Deutetrabenazine for Huntington's Disease: Twins or Distant Cousins?
Authors: Rodrigues Filipe B. , Duarte Gonçalo S. , Costa João , Ferreira Joaquim J. , Wild Edward J.
Published: February 2017

Background

Tetrabenazine is the only US Food and Drug Administration‐approved drug for Huntington's disease, and deutetrabenazine was recently tested against placebo. A switching‐trial from tetrabenazine to deutetrabenazine is underway, but no head‐to‐head, blinded, randomized controlled trial is planned. Using meta‐analytical methodology, the authors compared these molecules.

Methods

RCTs comparing tetrabenazine or deutetrabenazine with placebo in Huntington's disease were searched. The authors assessed the Cochrane risk‐of‐bias tool, calculated indirect treatment comparisons, and applied the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) framework.

Results

The evidence network for this report comprised 1 tetrabenazine trial and 1 deutetrabenazine trial, both against placebo. Risk of bias was moderate in both. Participants in the tetrabenazine and deutetrabenazine trials did not differ significantly on motor scores or adverse events. Depression and somnolence scales significantly favored deutetrabenazine.

Conclusion

There is low‐quality evidence that tetrabenazine and deutetrabenazine do not differ in efficacy or safety. It is important to note that these results are likely to remain the only head‐to‐head comparison between these 2 compounds in Huntington's disease.
Existence of one non‐trivial anti‐periodic solution for second‐order impulsive differential inclusions
Authors: Hadjian Armin , Heidarkhani Shapour
Published: February 2017

The existence of one non‐trivial solution for a second‐order impulsive differential inclusion is established. More precisely, a recent critical point result is exploited, in order to prove the existence of a determined open interval of positive eigenvalues for which the considered problem admits at least one non‐trivial anti‐periodic solution. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Sciatic neuropathy due to popliteal fossa nerve block
Authors: Aubuchon Adam , Arnold W. David , Bracewell Anna , Hoyle J. Chad
Published: February 2017

Introduction: Sciatic neuropathy after popliteal nerve block (PNB) for regional anesthesia is considered uncommon but has been increasingly recognized in the literature. We identified a case of sciatic neuropathy that occurred after bunionectomy during which a PNB had been performed. Methods: To understand the frequency of PNB‐related sciatic neuropathy, we performed a retrospective review of sciatic neuropathies at our center over a 5‐year period. Results: Forty‐five cases of sciatic neuropathy were reviewed. Similar to earlier reports, common etiologies of sciatic neuropathy, including compression, trauma, fractures, and hip arthroplasty, were noted in the majority of our cases (60%, n = 27). Unexpectedly, PNB was the third most common etiology (16%, n = 7). Conclusions: Our results suggest PNB is a relatively common etiology of sciatic neuropathy and is an important consideration in the differential diagnosis. These findings should urge electromyographers to assess history of PNB in sciatic neuropathies, particularly with onset after surgery. Muscle Nerve 56: 822–824, 2017
The influence of steric effects on the kinetics and mechanism of SNAr reactions of 1‐phenoxy‐nitrobenzenes with aliphatic primary amines in acetonitrile
Authors: Isanbor Chukwuemeka
Published: February 2017

Rate constants are reported for the reactions of 1‐phenoxy‐dinitrobenzenes, 3, 1‐phenoxy‐dinitrotrifluoromethylbenzenes, 4, with n‐propylamine, and 1‐methylheptylamine in acetonitrile as solvent. The results are compared with results reported previously for n‐butylamine, pyrrolidine, and piperidine. Decreasing ring activation leads to lower values of k1 for nucleophilic attack although this may be mediated by reduced steric congestion around the reaction centre. Specific steric effects, leading to rate retardation, are noted for the ortho‐CF3 group. In general, reactant‐bearing ortho‐CF3 group were subject to base catalysis irrespective of the amine nucleophile and values of kAm/k−1 are reduced as the size of the amine get bulkier. This is likely to reflect increases in values of k−1 coupled with decreases in values of kAm as the proton transfer from zwitterionic intermediates to catalysing amine becomes less thermodynamically favourable.
Generation and Evolution of Surface Oxide Layer of Amorphous Boron during Thermal Oxidation: A Micro/nanofabricated Slice Measurement
Authors: Liang Daolun , Liu Jianzhong , Li Heping , Zhou Junhu , Cen Kefa
Published: February 2017

The generation and evolution of the surface oxide layer of boron were thoroughly investigated due to the key role of the oxide layer in ignition and combustion of amorphous boron (B). Samples in different oxidation degrees were obtained by heating B particles until 600, 650, and 700 °C, using a temperature programmed thermobalance. A dual beam focused ion beam micro/nanofabricator was used to etch and cut the samples into thin slices (ca. 327 nm). The slices were observed under a scanning transmission electron microscope, accompanied with energy dispersive X‐ray analysis. During the thermal oxidation process, B particles initially lost mass through dehydration. Then they began to get oxidized and gain weight markedly. The sample surface became more rough as the final temperature increased. Two different reaction modes took place in sequence during the thermal oxidation of the samples. Below 650 °C, the oxidation reaction occurred only on the surface of the particle (the surface reaction mode). However, when the samples were heated to 700 °C, the particle interior was also involved in the reaction (the global reaction mode), and a large number of pores were formed. The O content of the initial surface oxide layer was fairly high. The thickness distribution was uniform (average thickness 148.1 nm) and the two edges were both smooth. During the heating, the oxygen content of the surface oxide layer increased after an initial decrease. The average oxide layer thickness increased and the thickness distribution became irregular and unequal. The sample heated until 700 °C had an average surface oxide layer thickness of 379.3 nm, and the thickness span reached 354.3 nm. During the global reaction process (700 °C), the oxidation degree within the interior of the particle was lower than that on its surface. In the particle interior, pores near the center were smaller than those close to the edge, whereas the oxidation degree was uniformly distributed. Results in this work provide a deeper understanding of the surface oxide layer, which can potentially help improve the ignition and combustion features of B.
Effect of ionized impurity screening on spin decoherence at low and intermediate temperatures in GaAs
Authors: Marchetti Gionni , D'Amico Irene
Published: February 2017

We study the effect of charged impurity screening on spin decoherence in bulk n‐type GaAs, and analyze in details the effect of the use of different Born approximations applied to a linearized Thomas–Fermi screening theory. The spin relaxation times are calculated by ensemble Monte Carlo techniques, including electron–electron, electron–impurities, and electron–phonons scattering. We carefully choose a parameter region so that all the physical approximations hold, and, in particular, a Yukawa‐type potential can be used to describe the screened Coulomb interaction and the Born series converges. Our results show that including the second order Born approximation yields much shorter spin relaxation times compared to the commonly implemented first Born approximation: spin relaxation times may be reduced by hundreds of picoseconds, with the first Born approximation overestimating results by 30% or more for a large region of parameters. Though our ensemble Monte Carlo simulations include electron–electron and electron‐phonon interactions, when considering low to intermediate carrier densities and T > 50 K, but T smaller than the Fermi temperature, our results are in good agreement with Dyakonov–Perel theory when this includes electron‐impurity interactions only, which supports this to be the most relevant scattering mechanism for bulk GaAs in this low‐intermediate temperature regime.
Fast model predictive control for linear periodic systems with state and control constraints
Authors: Nguyen Hoai‐Nam , Bourdais Romain , Gutman Per‐Olof
Published: February 2017

The design of stabilizing model predictive control laws for discrete‐time linear periodic systems with state and control constraints is considered. Two algorithms are presented. The first one is based on interpolation between several unconstrained periodic controllers. Among them, one controller is chosen for the performance while the rest are used to extend the domain of attraction. The second algorithm aims to improve the performance by combining model predictive control and interpolating control. The proposed approaches not only guarantee recursive feasibility and asymptotic stability but also are optimal for states near the origin. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.