bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Side‐Chain Amino‐Acid‐Derived Cationic Chiral Polymers by Controlled Radical Polymerization
Authors: Bauri Kamal , Roy Saswati Ghosh , De Priyadarsi
Published: December 2015

There is an increased interest in incorporation of naturally occurring amino acid/peptide moieties into the synthetic polymeric chain. Because of functional group diversity in amino acids, it is possible to synthesize a large variety of well‐defined functional amino‐acid/peptide‐based optically active polymers with varied polymer length, composition, and architectures using available controlled/living polymerization techniques. The amino acid inclusion into the synthetic polymer chains may offer several advantages such as (a) functional group availability which not only results in improved hydrophilicity and possible interactions with proteins and genes but also facilitates further modification with bioactive molecules, (b) introduces chirality, and (c) makes room for noncovalent interactions to form hierarchical superstructures. From the long past, amino acids have been extensively incorporated in the main chain of biodegradable polymers, and their biological importance have been evaluated. Besides, various side‐chain amino‐acid/peptide‐bearing polymers have been synthesized and used for different purposes. In this article, utilization of different controlled/living polymerization methods to prepare various side‐chain amino acid/peptide pendant polymers will be discussed, mainly focusing on cationic chiral polymeric architectures and 3D gel networks by reversible addition–fragmentation chain transfer polymerization.

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Amphiphilic Hyperbranched Polymers: Synthesis and Host‐Guest Supermolecular Coloring Application
Authors: Zheng Yaochen , Tang Aijin , Weng Zhulin , Cai Shengying , Jin Yu , Gao Zhengguo , Gao Chao
Published: December 2015

A novel kind of amphiphilic hyperbranched poly(propargyl quaternary ammomium methacrylate)‐co‐polymethyl methacrylate (HPPrAM‐co‐PMMA) is facilely synthesized via a combination of self‐condensing vinyl polymerization (SCVP), reversible addition‐fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization, and a highly efficient Menschutkin reaction. With water soluble quaternary ammonium salt moieties and hydrophobic PMMA segments, the amphiphilic HPPrAM‐co‐PMMA is further employed as the host molecule for anionic dye supermolecular encapsulation. Due to the strong electrostatic interaction and large polar difference between the HPPrAM and PMMA moieties, the AHP exhibits a high loading capability of water soluble dyes (Cdyes) (such as rose bengal, methyl orange, and fluorescein sodium). Furthermore, the AHP‐dye complex is used as a coloring additive for common polymers, such as styrene‐block‐butadiene‐block‐styrene copolymer (SBS) and poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA). A sample colored with the AHP‐dye complex shows good dye dispersion, uniformity, and coloring stability.

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Disparities in female urologic case distribution with new subspecialty certification and surgeon gender
Authors: Liu Joceline S. , Dickmeyer Laura Jo , Nettey Oluwarotimi , Hofer Matthias D. , Flury Sarah C. , Kielb Stephanie J.
Published: December 2015

Aims

To examine surgical case volume characteristics in certifying urologists associated with common female urologic procedures to evaluate the practice patterns, given the recent establishment of subspecialty certification in Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery (FPMRS) and changes in urologist gender composition.

Methods

Six‐month case log data of certifying urologists (2003–2013) was obtained from the American Board of Urology (ABU). We examined case logs for 26 CPT codes for common female urologic procedures focused on four procedure groups: incontinence, prolapse, vesicovaginal fistula (VVF), and revision/removal of vaginal mesh/graft.

Results

Among 4802 urologists logging at least one female urology case, 43,949 (55.6% of all cases) incontinence, 30,983 (39.2%) prolapse, 451 (0.6%) VVF, and 3643 (4.6%) revision of mesh/graft surgeries were identified. While 90.8% logging at least one female CPT code were men, women surgeons (9.2%) accounted for a disproportionate volume (22.6%) of cases. With initiation of the FPMRS subspecialty certification in 2011, 225 FPMRS candidates (out of 1716 certifying urologists) were identified, compared to 367 (out of 3828 certifying urologists) female subspecialists prior to 2011. FPMRS accounted for 56.7% of prolapse, 62.9% VVF, 59.0% mesh/graft revisions, and 41.9% of incontinence surgeries, compared to female specialists before 2011 (39.1%, 42.4%, 41.5%, and 21.6% respectively (all P < 0.001)).

Conclusions

A growing proportion of female urologic cases are performed by female subspecialists, with a significant increase since initiation of FPMRS subspecialty certification. Women surgeons account for a disproportionate volume of these cases despite remaining a minority of certifying urologists and female subspecialists. Neurourol. Urodynam. 36:399–403, 2017. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Circling Back: A Look at a PLR Reclassifying an HMO
Authors: Hyatt Thomas K.
Published: December 2015

In a recent private letter ruling, the IRS issued an adverse determination to McLaren Health Plan, a nonprofit health maintenance organization (HMO), revoking its favorable determination letter recognizing its status as a tax‐exempt charitable organization (IRC § 501(c)(3)) and recognizing it going forward as an exempt social welfare organization (IRC § 501(c)(4)). (Priv. Ltr. Rul. 201538027). In so doing, it declined to adopt the conclusions of a lengthy report of examination of the HMO that advocated denial of recognition of exemption under either section of the Code.
Measuring Large Non‐planar Optics
Authors: Richters Jan‐Peter , Wolfgramm Florian , Schuhmann Rainer
Published: December 2015

The evaluation of the surface form quality of large‐scale optical components in general and large cylindrical components in particular is most challenging. Such surfaces can be measured with planar Fizeau‐type interferometers equipped with computer generated holograms. This article provides an overview of the measurement process using sub‐aperture stitching techniques, the degrees of freedom of the measuring system, the requirements on input data and the importance of error‐corrected holograms.
Ridge Waveguides — Tailored Components for a Wide Range of Applications
Authors: Stolze Mareike , Weigand Benjamin , L'huillier Johannes A.
Published: December 2015

Guiding light is an essential issue in telecommunication or sensor applications, in optical metrology and integrated optic circuits. Each application has different demands on waveguide dimensions, properties, electromagnetic field distribution, and transmission characteristics. Here, we present an overview on different waveguide designs and design criteria, fabrication technologies, as well as selected applications.
Get the Picture!
Authors: Briggs Stephan
Published: December 2015

The power of today's high‐resolution fluorescence imaging brings new capabilities to bear on everything from serum analysis to water quality inspection. Fluorescence filter cubes help scientists and engineers develop and create powerful new systems. Tight control over chromatic bands and optical wavefront, coupled with infinity‐corrected optical train design, brings unprecedented interchangeability and performance to new form factors for analytical instrumentation.
Integrative methods for analyzing big data in precision medicine
Authors: Gligorijević Vladimir , Malod‐Dognin Noël , Pržulj Nataša
Published: December 2015

We provide an overview of recent developments in big data analyses in the context of precision medicine and health informatics. With the advance in technologies capturing molecular and medical data, we entered the area of “Big Data” in biology and medicine. These data offer many opportunities to advance precision medicine. We outline key challenges in precision medicine and present recent advances in data integration‐based methods to uncover personalized information from big data produced by various omics studies. We survey recent integrative methods for disease subtyping, biomarkers discovery, and drug repurposing, and list the tools that are available to domain scientists. Given the ever‐growing nature of these big data, we highlight key issues that big data integration methods will face.
“I sit to sleep”—Spirometry as a clue to diagnosis
Authors: Yaacoby‐Bianu Karin , Shaul Ron , Ilivitzki Anat , Bentur Lea
Published: December 2015

A 15‐year‐old patient presented with a 4‐month history of choking while sleeping that necessitated sleeping in a sitting position. Flow‐volume curve demonstrating fixed upper airway obstruction led to further workup and to the diagnosis of childhood achalasia as a cause of unusual symptoms and fixed upper airway obstruction. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2016;51:E13–E15. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Infection and inflammation in induced sputum from preschool children with chronic airways diseases
Authors: Jochmann Anja , Artusio Luca , Robson Karen , Nagakumar Prasad , Collins Nicola , Fleming Louise , Bush Andrew , Saglani Sejal
Published: December 2015

Background: We hypothesized airway inflammation can be detected non‐invasively by induced sputum (IS) or peripheral blood eosinophilia, and IS can detect bacterial and viral infection in preschool children with airway disease, with results comparable to broncho‐alveolar lavage (BAL). Methods: Preschool children with cystic fibrosis, recurrent wheeze, or wet cough underwent IS with nebulized hypertonic saline, chest physiotherapy, and oropharyngeal suction. Samples were analyzed for inflammation by cytology and bacterial culture, viral detection by PCR. Results were compared to BAL and blood in a sub‐group undergoing clinically indicated bronchoscopy. Results: 64 children (median age 33 [7–76] months) underwent IS without adverse events. IS was obtained from 61/64. Twenty out of sixty‐four underwent BAL and IS, no IS was obtained in 2/23. Thirteen out of twenty‐one (62%) had matching bacteria and viruses, 4/21 had positive BAL bacterial growth with negative IS, and 3/21 had negative BAL growth with positive IS. 67% of sputum samples were processed for cytology, 46% had <80% squamous cells; the proportion of squamous cells reduced with increasing age (r = −0.55, P < 0.01). IS was significantly more neutrophilic and less eosinophilic than BAL; 2/21 IS samples contained eosinophils compared to 17/23 BAL. There was a positive correlation between blood and BAL eosinophilia (r = 0.75, P < 0.01). Conclusion: IS from preschool children can be used to assess infection. BAL and IS culture concurred in approximately two‐thirds. However, inflammation was measureable in only one‐third of IS samples and the cell differential was predominantly neutrophilic compared to BAL. Blood eosinophils may provide a better reflection of lower airway eosinophilia in this age group. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2016;51:778–786. © 2015 WileyPeriodicals, Inc.
Recent Advances in Conjugated Polymer Materials for Disease Diagnosis
Authors: Lv Fengting , Qiu Tian , Liu Libing , Ying Jianming , Wang Shu
Published: December 2015

The extraordinary optical amplification and light‐harvesting properties of conjugated polymers impart sensing systems with higher sensitivity, which meets the primary demands of early cancer diagnosis. Recent advances in the detection of DNA methylation and mutation with polyfluorene derivatives based fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) as a means to modulate fluorescent responses attest to the great promise of conjugated polymers as powerful tools for the clinical diagnosis of diseases. To facilitate the ever‐changing needs of diagnosis, the development of detection approaches and FRET signal analysis are highlighted in this review. Due to their exceptional brightness, excellent photostability, and low or absent toxicity, conjugated polymers are verified as superior materials for in‐vivo imaging, and provide feasibility for future clinical molecular‐imaging applications. The integration of conjugated polymers with clinical research has shown profound effects on diagnosis for the early detection of disease‐related biomarkers, as well as in‐vivo imaging, which leads to a multidisciplinary scientific field with perspectives in both basic research and application issues.
Zoledronate Attenuates Accumulation of DNA Damage in Mesenchymal Stem Cells and Protects Their Function
Authors: Misra Juhi , Mohanty Sindhu T. , Madan Sanjeev , Fernandes James A. , Hal Ebetino F. , Russell R. Graham G. , Bellantuono Ilaria
Published: December 2015

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) undergo a decline in function following ex vivo expansion and exposure to irradiation. This has been associated with accumulation of DNA damage and has important implications for tissue engineering approaches or in patients receiving radiotherapy. Therefore, interventions, which limit accumulation of DNA damage in MSC, are of clinical significance. We were intrigued by findings showing that zoledronate (ZOL), an anti-resorptive nitrogen containing bisphosphonate, significantly extended survival in patients affected by osteoporosis. The effect was too large to be simply due to the prevention of fractures. Moreover, in combination with statins, it extended the lifespan in a mouse model of Hutchinson Gilford Progeria Syndrome. Therefore, we asked whether ZOL was able to extend the lifespan of human MSC and whether this was due to reduced accumulation of DNA damage, one of the important mechanisms of aging. Here, we show that this was the case both following expansion and irradiation, preserving their ability to proliferate and differentiate in vitro. In addition, administration of ZOL before irradiation protected the survival of mesenchymal progenitors in mice. Through mechanistic studies, we were able to show that inhibition of mTOR signaling, a pathway involved in longevity and cancer, was responsible for these effects. Our data open up new opportunities to protect MSC from the side effects of radiotherapy in cancer patients and during ex vivo expansion for regenerative medicine approaches. Given that ZOL is already in clinical use with a good safety profile, these opportunities can be readily translated for patient benefit.
SCO2 Mediates Oxidative Stress-Induced Glycolysis to Oxidative Phosphorylation Switch in Hematopoietic Stem Cells
Authors: Du Wei , Amarachintha Surya , Wilson Andrew F. , Pang Qishen
Published: December 2015

Fanconi anemia (FA) is an inherited bone marrow (BM) failure syndrome, presumably resulting from defects in hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs). Normal HSCs depend more on glycolysis than on oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) for energy production. Here, we show that FA HSCs are more sensitive to the respiration inhibitor NaN3 treatment than to glycolytic inhibitor 2-deoxy-d-glucose (2-DG), indicating more dependence on OXPHOS. FA HSCs undergo glycolysis-to-OXPHOS switch in response to oxidative stress through a p53-dependent mechanism. Metabolic stresses induce upregulation of p53 metabolic targets in FA HSCs. Inactivation of p53 in FA HSCs prevents glycolysis-to-OXPHOS switch. Furthermore, p53-deficient FA HSCs are more sensitive to 2-DG-mediated metabolic stress. Finally, oxidative stress-induced glycolysis-to-OXPHOS switch is mediated by synthesis of cytochrome c oxidase 2 (SCO2). These findings demonstrate p53-mediated OXPHOS function as a compensatory alteration in FA HSCs to ensure a functional but mildly impaired energy metabolism and suggest a cautious approach to manipulating p53 signaling in FA.
Tumor Specific Recruitment and Reprogramming of Mesenchymal Stem Cells in Tumorigenesis
Authors: Berger Liron , Shamai Yeela , Skorecki Karl L. , Tzukerman Maty
Published: December 2015

Non-neoplastic stromal cells harvested from patient tumors were identified as tumor-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) by their multipotential capacity to differentiate into adipocytes, osteoblasts, and chondrocytes and by the expression of MSC specific cell surface markers. These procedures yielded also epithelial cancer cells and their counterpart MSC from gastric carcinoma (GSC1) and lung carcinoma (LC2). While the LC2 cancer cell growth is independent of their LC-MSC, the GSC1 cancer cell growth is critically dependent on the presence of their counterpart GSC-MSC or their conditioned medium (CM). The fact that none of the various other tumor-derived MSCs was able to restore the specific effect of GSC-MSC on GSC1 cancer cell growth suggests specificity of tumor-derived MSC, which are specifically recruited and “educated”/reprogrammed by the cancer cells to support tumor growth. Using cytokine array analysis, we were able to demonstrate that GSC1 cell growth is mediated through hepatocyte growth factor (HGF)/c-MET signaling pathway which is activated exclusively by HGF secreted from GSC-MSC. An innovative approach demonstrates GSC1-mediated specific tropism of “naïve” MSC from the adjacent tissue in a tumor specific manner to support tumor progression. The results suggest that specific tumor tropic “naïve” MSC are reprogrammed in a tumor-specific manner to support gastric tumor progression. Understanding the mechanisms involved in the interactions of the tumor cancer cells and tumor-derived MSC will constitute the basis for developing multimodal anticancer therapeutic strategies that will also take into account the specific tumor tropism properties of MSC and their reprogramming.
Phenethyl isothiocyanate alters the gene expression and the levels of protein associated with cell cycle regulation in human glioblastoma GBM 8401 cells
Authors: Chou Yu‐Cheng , Chang Meng‐Ya , Wang Mei‐Jen , Liu Hsin‐Chung , Chang Shu‐Jen , Harnod Tomor , Hung Chih‐Huang , Lee Hsu‐Tung , Shen Chiung‐Chyi , Chung Jing‐Gung
Published: December 2015

Glioblastoma is the most common and aggressive primary brain malignancy. Phenethyl isothiocyanate (PEITC), a member of the isothiocyanate family, can induce apoptosis in many human cancer cells. Our previous study disclosed that PEITC induces apoptosis through the extrinsic pathway, dysfunction of mitochondria, reactive oxygen species (ROS)‐induced endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, and intrinsic (mitochondrial) pathway in human brain glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) 8401 cells. To the best of our knowledge, we first investigated the effects of PEITC on the genetic levels of GBM 8401 cells in vitro. PEITC may induce G0/G1 cell‐cycle arrest through affecting the proteins such as cdk2, cyclin E, and p21 in GBM 8401 cells. Many genes associated with cell‐cycle regulation of GBM 8401 cells were changed after PEITC treatment: 48 genes were upregulated and 118 were downregulated. The cell‐division cycle protein 20 (CDC20), Budding uninhibited by benzimidazole 1 homolog beta (BUB1B), and cyclin B1 were downregulated, and clusterin was upregulated in GBM 8401 cells treated with PEITC. These changes of gene expression can provide the effects of PEITC on the genetic levels and potential biomarkers for glioblastoma. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol 32: 176–187, 2017.
Cli‐fi on the screen(s): patterns in the representations of climate change in fictional films
Authors: Svoboda Michael
Published: December 2015

Fictional works about climate change, or cli‐fi, have been hailed as a new genre. As a complement to previousWIREsstudies of novels and plays, this article focuses on cli‐fi films, providing an overview of some 60 films, including major theatrical releases, smaller festival films, and made‐for‐TVmovies. Of the many possible impacts of climate change predicted by scientists, this study finds that filmmakers have focused on extreme weather events and the possibility of Earth slipping into a new ice age. These choices reflect filmmakers’ predispositions more than any scientific consensus and thus demonstrate the challenge that cli‐fi films pose to climate change communicators. Finally, noting the recent emergence of films that parody concerns about climate change or that depict attempts to mitigate its causes or ameliorate its effects as possibly more disastrous than climate change itself, this study recommends that researchers in the humanities and social sciences look beyondThe Day After Tomorrow, which has received far more attention than any other film.WIREs Clim Change2016, 7:43–64. doi: 10.1002/wcc.381

This article is categorized under:

Trans‐Disciplinary Perspectives > Humanities and the Creative Arts
Zur Kenntnis des dreiwertigen Mangans. VII
Authors: Meyer Julius , Kanters Robert
Published: December 2015

Es wurde eine neues Verfahren aur Darstellung von MnO2ṁH2O angegeben.
Waiting for Godot by Samuel Beckett
Authors: Birkett Jennifer
Published: December 2015

Waiting for Godot is Beckett’s translation of his own original French-language play, En attendant Godot, and is subtitled (in English only) “a tragicomedy in two acts”. The original French text was composed between 9 October 1948 and 29 January 1949.
MicroRNA deregulation and chemotaxis and phagocytosis impairment in Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Guedes Joana R. , Santana Isabel , Cunha Catarina , Duro Diana , Almeida Maria R. , Cardoso Ana M. , de Lima Maria C. Pedroso , Cardoso Ana L.
Published: December 2015

Introduction

Mononuclear phagocytes play a critical role during Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathogenesis due to their contribution to innate immune responses and amyloid beta (Aβ) clearance mechanisms.

Methods

Blood‐derived monocytes (BDMs) and monocyte‐derived macrophages (MDMs) were isolated from blood of AD, mild cognitive impairment (MCI) patients, and age‐matched healthy controls for molecular and phenotypic comparisons.

Results

The chemokine/chemokine receptor CCL2/CCR2 axis was impaired in BDMs from AD and MCI patients, causing a deficit in cell migration. Changes were also observed in MDM‐mediated phagocytosis of Aβ fibrils, correlating with alterations in the expression and processing of the triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells 2 (TREM2). Finally, immune‐related microRNAs (miRNAs), including miR‐155, ‐154, ‐200b, ‐27b, and ‐128, were found to be differentially expressed in these cells.

Discussion

This work provides evidence that chemotaxis and phagocytosis, two crucial innate immune functions, are impaired in AD and MCI patients. Correlations with miRNA levels suggest an epigenetic contribution to systemic immune dysfunction in AD.
Pain-related factors associated with lost work days in nurses with low back pain: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Sharma Saurab , Shrestha Nischal , Jensen Mark P.
Published: December 2015

Background and aims

Chronic low back pain is known to contribute to lost work days (LWDs) in nurses. However, there is a limited understanding of the factors that moderate the impact of low back pain (LBP) on LWDs – in particular factors that are modifiable and that could therefore be the treatment targets of interventions designed to help nurses more effectively manage LBP.

This study aims to identify pain-related factors that are associated with LWDs in nurses with LBP, in order to inform the development of interventions that could reduce LBP-related work dysfunction and improve patient care.

Methods

A cross sectional study was conducted on 111 female nurses who were asked to answer questions regarding demographic information, work history, presence or absence of LBP, number of LWDs due to illness, and a number of factors that could potentially be related to LWDs including: (1) average and worst pain intensity; (2) the temporal pattern of LBP (constant versus intermittent); (3) pain aggravating factors (lifting, bending, walking, and standing); and (4) pain alleviating factors (medications, rest, exercise).

Results

Sixty-five percent (n = 72) of the sample reported LBP. Constancy of pain and having a LBP problem that was alleviated by rest were significantly associated with the number of LWDs, while maximum and average LBP intensity were only weakly associated.

Conclusion

The findings provide important new information regarding whatis (and of equal importance) what is not associated with LWDs in nurses with LBP.

Implications

To effectively reduce LBP-related work disability, interventions may need to teach nurses how to better manage constant pain and remain active despite pain, rather than focus on pain reduction. Research to examine the potential efficacy of such treatment approaches for nurses with LBP is warranted.
Mindfulness: Creating the Space for Compassionate Care
Authors: Blewitt Larissa , Wang Karyn , Nguyen Helena , Johnson Anya , Pidial Kreshma , Yu Nickolas
Published: December 2015

Hyland, Lee, and Mills (2015) open a door for discussing the benefits, utility, and challenges of mindfulness at work. Although it is evident from Hyland and colleagues that mindfulness can minimize negative employee outcomes (such as the experience of stress, strain, and burnout) and promote cognitive functioning, there seems to be limited consideration of how mindfulness actively promotes employee growth, development, high performance, and engagement. In this commentary, we speak to how mindfulness can encourage positive well-being at work in a hospital context. Specifically, we consider how mindfulness programs are currently being used in the ongoing training and development of nurses to cultivate patient-centered compassionate care. We propose that mindfulness can encourage positive well-being and compassionate care via the cultivation of resources and the creation of resource gain spirals, and we provide preliminary evidence for the utility of mindfulness training in hospital care settings.
Big Data and the Challenge of Construct Validity
Authors: Braun Michael T. , Kuljanin Goran
Published: December 2015

One important issue not highlighted by Guzzo, Fink, King, Tonidandel, and Landis (2015) is that simply establishing construct validity will be significantly more challenging with big data than ever before. One needs to only look as far as the other social sciences analyzing big data (e.g., communications, economics, industrial engineering) to observe the difficulty of making valid claims as to what measured variables substantively “mean.” This presents a significant hurdle in the application of big data to organizational research questions because of the critical importance of demonstrating validity in the organizational sciences as highlighted by Guzzo et al.
Wanted: A Better Psychological Understanding of How Individuals Integrate “Big Data” Into Their Decision Making
Authors: Sleesman Dustin J.
Published: December 2015

Businesses, governments, universities, hospitals, law enforcement agencies, and other organizations are increasingly collecting and analyzing data to inform decision making. This “big data” movement has benefited from the contributions of a number of academic disciplines, including mathematics, statistics, and computer science. The technical advances involved in big data have grown exponentially in recent years, thus contributing to its growing use by organizations, the experience of which contributes to further refinements and so forth. This cycle of technical advancement is likely to continue into the foreseeable future.
Big Data in I-O Psychology: Privacy Considerations and Discriminatory Algorithms
Authors: Illingworth A. James
Published: December 2015

The “big data” movement is forcing many fields to establish best practices for the collection, analysis, and application of big data, and the field of industrial–organizational (I-O) psychology is not exempt from this disruptive influence. Over the last several years, I-O scientists and practitioners have grappled with questions related to the definition, application, and interpretation of big data (e.g., Doverspike, 2013; Maurath, 2014; Morrison & Abraham, 2015; Poeppelman, Blacksmith, & Yang, 2013). The focal article by Guzzo, Fink, King, Tonidandel, and Landis (2015) continues this discussion and represents one of the first attempts to establish a formal set of recommendations for working with big data in ways that are consistent with I-O psychology's professional guidelines and ethics requirements.
q-analogues of Ehrhart polynomials
Authors: Chapoton F.
Published: December 2015

We consider weighted sums over points of lattice polytopes, where the weight of a point v is the monomial qλ(v) for some linear form λ. We propose a q-analogue of the classical theory of Ehrhart series and Ehrhart polynomials, including Ehrhart reciprocity and involving evaluation at the q-integers. The main novelty is the proposal to consider q-Ehrhart polynomials. This general theory is then applied to the special case of order polytopes associated with partially ordered sets. Some more specific properties are described in the case of empty polytopes.
Challenging the links between seafood and human health in the context of global change
Authors: Lloret Josep , Rätz Hans-Joachim , Lleonart Jordi , Demestre Montserrat
Published: December 2015

Living marine resources have strong links with human health and well-being that are complex, still not well understood and that are being modified by global change. This review attempts to illustrate how fishing activities, aquaculture and climate change are challenging these connections and the consequent health risks and benefits posed to citizens. Although global change may provide some positive aspects for human health locally, such as new sources of omega-3, overall it will exacerbate existing seafood security and safety concerns. Unsustainable fishing and aquaculture practices, and climate change, particularly sea warming, ocean acidification and changes in riverine runoff, are threatening not only the protein and fish oil/omega-3 supplies available for consumers, but also raising ecological and health concerns associated with the increase of contaminants, microbes and biotoxins. In this context, we propose a number of management measures that could mitigate the negative effects of global change on seafood, and hence on human health and well-being.
Humanitarian Medical Response to the Syrian Arab Republic (April 7, 2013 to April 23, 2013)
Authors: Mahomed Zeyn , Motara Feroza , Bham Ahmed
Published: December 2015

The Syrian Arab Republic is entrenched in a deadly civil war, plunging the country into a state of chaos. With 3.2 million refugees abroad, 7.6 million internally displaced persons, and more than 200,000 killed, humanitarian assistance and international intervention are in dire need.

This report outlines the response to the Syrian humanitarian crisis by a South African-based nongovernmental organization (NGO). It describes the experiences of a health care worker, the patient profiles, and the lessons learned in a war zone.

Responding to a nation in need is of paramount importance. In order to maximize the benefit conferred, the team should always attempt to implement measures that leave a lasting legacy.

MahomedZ, MotaraF, BhamA. Humanitarian medical response to the Syrian Arab Republic (April 7, 2013 to April 23, 2013). Prehosp Disaster Med. 2016;31(1):114–116.
OPTIMAL PUBLIC INVESTMENT, GROWTH, AND CONSUMPTION: EVIDENCE FROM AFRICAN COUNTRIES
Authors: Fosu Augustin Kwasi , Getachew Yoseph Yilma , Ziesemer Thomas H.W.
Published: December 2015

This paper develops a model positing a nonlinear relationship between public investment and growth. The model is then applied to a panel of African countries, using nonlinear estimating procedures. The growth-maximizing level of public investment is estimated at about 10% of GDP, based on System GMM estimation. The paper further runs simulations, obtaining the constant optimal public investment share that maximizes the sum of discounted consumption as between 8.1% and 9.6% of GDP. Compared with the observed end-of-panel mean value of no more than 7.26%, these estimates suggest that there has been significant public underinvestment in Africa.
T7 replisome directly overcomes DNA damage
Authors: Sun Bo , Pandey Manjula , Inman James T. , Yang Yi , Kashlev Mikhail , Patel Smita S. , Wang Michelle D.
Published: December 2015

Cells and viruses possess several known ‘restart’ pathways to overcome lesions during DNA replication. However, these ‘bypass’ pathways leave a gap in replicated DNA or require recruitment of accessory proteins, resulting in significant delays to fork movement or even cell division arrest. Using single-molecule and ensemble methods, we demonstrate that the bacteriophage T7 replisome is able to directly replicate through a leading-strand cyclobutane pyrimidine dimer (CPD) lesion. We show that when a replisome encounters the lesion, a substantial fraction of DNA polymerase (DNAP) and helicase stay together at the lesion, the replisome does not dissociate and the helicase does not move forward on its own. The DNAP is able to directly replicate through the lesion by working in conjunction with helicase through specific helicase–DNAP interactions. These observations suggest that the T7 replisome is fundamentally permissive of DNA lesions via pathways that do not require fork adjustment or replisome reassembly.
PERK regulated miR-424(322)-503 cluster fine-tunes activation of IRE1 and ATF6 during Unfolded Protein Response
Authors: Gupta Ananya , Hossain Muhammad Mosaraf , Read Danielle E. , Hetz Claudio , Samali Afshin , Gupta Sanjeev
Published: December 2015

The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) responds to changes in intracellular homeostasis through activation of the unfolded protein response (UPR). UPR can facilitate the restoration of cellular homeostasis, via the concerted activation of three ER stress sensors, namely IRE1, PERK and ATF6. Global approaches in several cellular contexts have revealed that UPR regulates the expression of many miRNAs that play an important role in the regulation of life and death decisions during UPR. Here we show that expression of miR-424(322)-503 cluster is downregulated during UPR. IRE1 inhibitor (4 μ8C) and deficiency of XBP1 had no effect on downregulation of miR-424(322)-503 during UPR. Treatment of cells with CCT030312, a selective activator of EIF2AK3/PERK signalling, leads to the downregulation of miR-424(322)-503 expression. The repression of miR-424(322)-503 cluster during conditions of ER stress is compromised in PERK-deficient MEFs. miR-424 regulates the expression of ATF6 via a miR-424 binding site in its 3′ UTR and attenuates the ATF6 transcriptional activity during UPR. Further miR-424 had no effect on IRE1-XBP1 axis but enhanced the regulated IRE1-dependent decay (RIDD). Our results suggest that miR-424 constitutes an obligatory fine-tuning mechanism where PERK-mediated downregulation of miR-424(322)-503 cluster regulates optimal activation of IRE1 and ATF6 during conditions of ER stress.
Nature of low-frequency noise in homogeneous semiconductors
Authors: Palenskis Vilius , Maknys Kęstutis
Published: December 2015

This report deals with a 1/f noise in homogeneous classical semiconductor samples on the base of silicon. We perform detail calculations of resistance fluctuations of the silicon sample due to both a) the charge carrier number changes due to their capture–emission processes and b) due to screening effect of those negative charged centers and show that proportionality of noise level to square mobility appears as a presentation parameter, but not due to mobility fluctuations. The obtained calculation results explain well the observed experimental results of 1/f noise in Si, Ge, GaAs and exclude the mobility fluctuations as the nature of 1/f noise in these materials and their devices. It is also shown how from the experimental 1/f noise results to find the effective number of defects responsible for this noise in the measured frequency range.
The aglycone of ginsenoside Rg3 enables glucagon-like peptide-1 secretion in enteroendocrine cells and alleviates hyperglycemia in type 2 diabetic mice
Authors: Kim Ki-Suk , Jung Yang Hea , Lee In-Seung , Kim Kang-Hoon , Park Jiyoung , Jeong Hyeon-Soo , Kim Yoomi , Seok Ahn Kwang , Na Yun-Cheol , Jang Hyeung-Jin
Published: December 2015

Ginsenosides can be classified on the basis of the skeleton of their aglycones. Here, we hypothesized that the sugar moieties attached to the dammarane backbone enable binding of the ginsenosides to the sweet taste receptor, eliciting glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) secretion in the enteroendocrine L cells. Using the human enteroendocrine NCI-H716 cells, we demonstrated that 15 ginsenosides stimulate GLP-1 secretion according to the position of their sugar moieties. Through a pharmacological approach and RNA interference technique to inhibit the cellular signal cascade and using the Gαgust−/− mice, we elucidated that GLP-1 secreting effect of Rg3 mediated by the sweet taste receptor mediated the signaling pathway. Rg3, a ginsenoside metabolite that transformed the structure through a steaming process, showed the strongest GLP-1 secreting effects in NCI-H716 cells and also showed an anti-hyperglycemic effect on a type 2 diabetic mouse model through increased plasma GLP-1 and plasma insulin levels during an oral glucose tolerance test. Our study reveals a novel mechanism where the sugar moieties of ginsenosides Rg3 stimulates GLP-1 secretion in enteroendocrine L cells through a sweet taste receptor-mediated signal transduction pathway and thus has an anti-hyperglycemic effect on the type 2 diabetic mouse model.
Functional tooth restoration utilising split germs through re-regionalisation of the tooth-forming field
Authors: Yamamoto Naomi , Oshima Masamitsu , Tanaka Chie , Ogawa Miho , Nakajima Kei , Ishida Kentaro , Moriyama Keiji , Tsuji Takashi
Published: December 2015

The tooth is an ectodermal organ that arises from a tooth germ under the regulation of reciprocal epithelial-mesenchymal interactions. Tooth morphogenesis occurs in the tooth-forming field as a result of reaction-diffusion waves of specific gene expression patterns. Here, we developed a novel mechanical ligation method for splitting tooth germs to artificially regulate the molecules that control tooth morphology. The split tooth germs successfully developed into multiple correct teeth through the re-regionalisation of the tooth-forming field, which is regulated by reaction-diffusion waves in response to mechanical force. Furthermore, split teeth erupted into the oral cavity and restored physiological tooth function, including mastication, periodontal ligament function and responsiveness to noxious stimuli. Thus, this study presents a novel tooth regenerative technology based on split tooth germs and the re-regionalisation of the tooth-forming field by artificial mechanical force.
Identification of a highly efficient stationary phase promoter in Bacillus subtilis
Authors: Yu Xiaoxia , Xu Jiangtao , Liu Xiaoqing , Chu Xiaoyu , Wang Ping , Tian Jian , Wu Ningfeng , Fan Yunliu
Published: December 2015

A promoter that enabled high-level expression of the target gene during the stationary phase in the absence of an inducer would facilitate the efficient production of heterogeneous proteins at a low cost. In this study, a genome-scale microarray-based approach was employed to identify promoters that induced high-level expression of the target genes in Bacillus subtilis from the late log phase to the stationary phase without an inducer. Eleven candidate promoters were selected based on B. subtilis microarray data and the quantitative PCR analysis. Among the selected promoters, Pylb exhibited the highest activity with the reporter bgaB during the stationary phase. Compared with P43 (a commonly used constitutive promoter), promoter Pylb could express two reporter genes (egfp and mApple) and the expression levels of EGFP and RFP were 7.8- and 11.3-fold higher than that of P43, respectively. This finding was verified by overexpression of the genes encoding pullulanase and organophosphorus hydrolase, the activities of which were 7.4- and 2.3-fold higher, respectively, when driven by Pylb compared with P43. Therefore, our results suggest that the Pylb promoter could be used to overexpress target genes without an inducer; this method could facilitate the identification and evaluation of attractive promoters in the genome.
Treating Colon Cancer Cells with FK228 Reveals a Link between Histone Lysine Acetylation and Extensive Changes in the Cellular Proteome
Authors: Wang Tian-yun , Jia Yan-long , Zhang Xi , Sun Qiu-li , Li Yi-Chun , Zhang Jun-he , Zhao Chun-peng , Wang Xiao-yin , Wang Li
Published: December 2015

The therapeutic value of FK228 as a cancer treatment option is well known and various types of cancer have been shown to respond to this drug. However, the complete mechanism of FK228 and the affect it has on histone lysine acetylation and the colon cancer cell proteome are largely unknown. In the present study, we used stable isotope labeling by amino acids in cell culture (SILAC) and affinity enrichment followed by high-resolution liquid chromatograph-mass spectrometer (LC-MS)/MS analysis to quantitate the changes in the lysine acetylome in HCT-8 cells after FK228 treatment. A total of 1,194 lysine acetylation sites in 751 proteins were quantified, with 115 of the sites in 85 proteins being significantly upregulated and 38 of the sites in 32 proteins being significantly downregulated in response to FK228 treatment. Interestingly, 47 histone lysine acetylation sites were identified in the core histone proteins. We also found a novel lysine acetylation site on H2BK121. These significantly altered proteins are involved in multiple biological functions as well as a myriad of metabolic and enzyme-regulated pathways. Taken together, the link between FK228 function and the downstream changes in the HCT-8 cell proteome observed in response to FK228 treatment is established.
Direct Observation of Photoinduced Charge Separation in Ruthenium Complex/Ni(OH)2 Nanoparticle Hybrid
Authors: Tang Yu , Pattengale Brian , Ludwig John , Atifi Abderrahman , Zinovev Alexander V. , Dong Bin , Kong Qingyu , Zuo Xiaobing , Zhang Xiaoyi , Huang Jier
Published: December 2015

Ni(OH)2 have emerged as important functional materials for solar fuel conversion because of their potential as cost-effective bifunctional catalysts for both hydrogen and oxygen evolution reactions. However, their roles as photocatalysts in the photoinduced charge separation (CS) reactions remain unexplored. In this paper, we investigate the CS dynamics of a newly designed hybrid catalyst by integrating a Ru complex with Ni(OH)2 nanoparticles (NPs). Using time resolved X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XTA), we directly observed the formation of the reduced Ni metal site (~60 ps), unambiguously demonstrating CS process in the hybrid through ultrafast electron transfer from Ru complex to Ni(OH)2 NPs. Compared to the ultrafast CS process, the charge recombination in the hybrid is ultraslow (≫50 ns). These results not only suggest the possibility of developing Ni(OH)2 as solar fuel catalysts, but also represent the first time direct observation of efficient CS in a hybrid catalyst using XTA.
Monitoring dissolved carbon dioxide and methane in brine environments at high pressure using IR-ATR spectroscopy
Authors: Schädle Thomas , Pejcic Bobby , Mizaikoff Boris
Published: December 2015

An on-line infrared sensor system for monitoring greenhouse gases in brine environments is demonstrated. Evident changes of distinctive infrared signatures of dissolved methane and carbon dioxide under conditions relevant for greenhouse gas storage are shown, which are of particular relevance for understanding their subsurface behaviour after injection during carbon capture and storage (CCS) processes.
A biphenyl containing two electron-donating and two electron-accepting moieties: a rigid and small donor–acceptor–donor ladder system
Authors: Greulich Tobias W. , Suzuki Naoya , Daniliuc Constantin G. , Fukazawa Aiko , Yamaguchi Eriko , Studer Armido , Yamaguchi Shigehiro
Published: December 2015

A small ladder-type donor–acceptor–donor π-system, a biphenyl furnishing two phosphine oxide bridges and two amino groups, showed significantly red-shifted absorption and fluorescence.
Morinda citrifolia edible leaf extract enhanced immune response against lung cancer
Authors: Lim Swee-Ling , Goh Yong-Meng , Noordin M. Mustapha , Rahman Heshu S. , Othman Hemn H. , Abu Bakar Nurul Ain , Mohamed Suhaila
Published: December 2015

In the search for functional foods as complementary therapies against lung cancer, the immuno-stimulatory properties of the vegetable Morinda citrifolia leaves were investigated and compared with the anti-cancer drug erlotinib.
Eco-friendly production of high quality low cost graphene and its application in lithium ion batteries
Authors: Kamali Ali Reza
Published: December 2015

A green method is discussed in which hydrogen exfoliates industrial grade graphite materials into high quality graphene with impressive properties for advanced lithium-ion batteries.
Formation of DPM ethers using O-diphenylmethyl trichloroacetimidate under thermal conditions
Authors: Howard Kyle T. , Duffy Brian C. , Linaburg Matthew R. , Chisholm John D.
Published: December 2015

Alcohols are effectively converted to their corresponding diphenylmethyl (DPM) ethers by reaction with O-diphenylmethyl trichloroacetimidate in refluxing toluene without the requirement of a catalyst or other additives.
A CuO–ZnO nanostructured p–n junction sensor for enhanced N-butanol detection
Authors: Chen Yalu , Shen Zhurui , Jia Qianqian , Zhao Jiang , Zhao Zhe , Ji Huiming
Published: December 2015

Herein, a novel CuO–ZnO nanostructured p–n junction composite is prepared via the hydrothermal method.
Radiosynthesis and characterisation of a potent and selective GPR139 agonist radioligand
Authors: Kuhne Sebastiaan , Nøhr Anne Cathrine , Marek Aleš , Elbert Tomáš , Klein Anders Bue , Bräuner-Osborne Hans , Wellendorph Petrine , Pedersen Daniel Sejer
Published: December 2015

Compound 1 is a selective and potent agonist of the G protein-coupled receptor GPR139 (EC50 = 39 nM).
Synthesis of selenium nanoparticles with mesoporous silica drug-carrier shell for programmed responsive tumor targeted synergistic therapy
Authors: Yu Bo , Zhou Yang , Song Meifang , Xue Yanan , Cai Ning , Luo Xiaogang , Long Sihui , Zhang Han , Yu Faquan
Published: December 2015

Exposure of folate by de-coating in a tumor microenvironment enhanced the in situ targeting. The integrated nanoplatform provides a promising way to programmed responsive tumor targeted synergistic therapy.
A comprehensive strategy to monitor quality consistency of Weibizhi tablets based on integrated MIR and UV spectroscopic fingerprints, a systematically quantified fingerprint method, antioxidant activities and UPLC-Q-TOF-MS chemical profiling
Authors: Liu Yingchun , Sun Guoxiang , Luan Jiayao , Ling Junhong , Zhang Jing , Yang Fangliang
Published: December 2015

A combination strategy of MIR and UV spectroscopic fingerprinting was applied to monitor HM quality consistency in Weibizhi tablets.
Thiacalix[4]arene-supported heterodinuclear NiII–LnIII complexes: slow magnetic relaxation behavior in the dysprosium analogue
Authors: Ge Jing-Yuan , Xie Jia-Ze , Zhao Zhuang-Yu , Ru Jing , Song You , Zuo Jing-Lin
Published: December 2015

Three thiacalix[4]arene-supported ferromagnetic NiII–LnIII complexes have been isolated. The dysprosium analogue exhibits field-induced SMM behavior and diamagnetic dilution can efficiently influence the dipole–dipole interaction between magnetic centers.
Highly effective Ru/CMK-3 catalyst for selective reduction of nitrobenzene derivatives with H2O as solvent at near ambient temperature
Authors: Hu Jun , Ding Yue , Zhang Haidong , Wu Peng , Li Xiaohong
Published: December 2015

Ru nanoparticles entrapped in ordered mesoporous carbon exhibit superior efficiency in the reduction of nitroarenes in water with hydrazine monohydrate.
Kinetic molecular sieving, thermodynamic and structural aspects of gas/vapor sorption on metal organic framework [Ni1.5(4,4′-bipyridine)1.5(H3L)(H2O)3][H2O]7 where H6L = 2,4,6-trimethylbenzene-1,3,5-triyl tris(methylene)triphosphonic acid
Authors: Zhao Xuebo , Bell Jon G. , Tang Si-Fu , Li Liangjun , Thomas K. Mark
Published: December 2015

A phosphonate based MOF was synthesized, the structure determined and gas/vapor adsorption characteristics studied.