bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Concentrations and spatial patterns of organic contaminants in tree swallow (Tachycineta bicolor) eggs at United States and binational Great Lakes Areas of Concern, 2010–2015
Authors: Custer Christine M. , Custer Thomas W. , Dummer Paul M. , Goldberg Diana , Franson J. Christian
Published: May 2016

Tree swallows, Tachycineta bicolor, were sampled across the Great Lakes basin in 2010 through 2015 to provide a system-wide assessment of current exposure to organic contaminants. The results provide information identified as critical by regulators to assess the “bird or animal deformity or reproductive problems” beneficial use impairment. Eggs were collected from 69 sites across all 5 Great Lakes, including 27 Areas of Concern (AOCs), some with multiple sites, and 10 sites not listed as an AOC. Concentrations of organic contaminants in eggs were quantified and compared with background and reproductive effect thresholds. Approximately 30% of AOCs had geometric mean concentrations of total polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) at or below average background exposure (0.34 μg/g wet wt). Exposure to polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) was minimal, and only 3 of 27 AOCs and 1 non-AOC had geometric mean concentrations that exceeded background for tree swallows (96 ng/g wet wt). Concentrations of both PCBs and PBDEs were 10 to 20 times below the lower limit associated with impaired hatching success. In contrast, geometric mean concentrations of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxin and furan (PCDD-F) toxic equivalents (TEQs) at the Saginaw River and Bay AOC and Midland, Michigan, USA (a non-AOC site), exceeded the lower limit for hatching effects (181 pg/g PCDD-F TEQs). The rest of the sites had geometric mean concentrations of PCDD-F TEQs below background levels (87 pg/g PCDD-F TEQs). Other organic contaminants, including p,p′-dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene, mirex, heptachlor, and chlordane, were at or below background or adverse effect concentrations. Environ Toxicol Chem 2016;35:3071–3092. Published 2016 Wiley Periodicals Inc on behalf of SETAC. This article is a US government work and, as such, is in the public domain in the United States of America.
The reduced‐order hybrid Monte Carlo sampling smoother
Authors: Attia Ahmed , Ştefănescu Răzvan , Sandu Adrian
Published: May 2016

Hybrid Monte Carlo sampling smoother is a fully non‐Gaussian four‐dimensional data assimilation algorithm that works by directly sampling the posterior distribution formulated in the Bayesian framework. The smoother in its original formulation is computationally expensive owing to the intrinsic requirement of running the forward and adjoint models repeatedly. Here we present computationally efficient versions of the hybrid Monte Carlo sampling smoother based on reduced‐order approximations of the underlying model dynamics. The schemes developed herein are tested numerically using the shallow‐water equations model on Cartesian coordinates. The results reveal that the reduced‐order versions of the smoother are capable of accurately capturing the posterior probability density, while being significantly faster than the original full‐order formulation. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Seismic study of the mud diapir structures in the Okinawa Trough
Authors: Xing Junhui , Jiang Xiaodian , Li Deyong
Published: May 2016

In the Okinawa Trough, a number of mud diapirs were observed by the seismic datasets from several different cruises. In this paper, based on the seismic profiles, we separated three different types of mud diapirs according to their configuration. All the mud diapirs are associated with free gas or gas hydrates, indicating that the mud diapirs could sever good migration pathways for free gas migrating upwards. Mud diapirs are distributed in the middle and south of the Okinawa Trough. Most of them are located to the south of the Miyako Fault zone. The triggering mechanisms were discussed in a large scale, which suggests the mud diapirs might be triggered by the collision between the Eurasian Plate and the northward subducting Philippine Luzon arc. The distribution of mud diapirs was mainly controlled by the compression during the Late Miocene and the Miyako Fault zone. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A clear and present danger: Ladakh's increasing vulnerability to flash floods and debris flows
Authors: Ziegler Alan D. , Cantarero Sebastian I. , Wasson Robert J. , Srivastava Pradeep , Spalzin Sonam , Chow Winston T. L. , Gillen Jamie
Published: May 2016

This preliminary investigation of the recent spate of deadly flash floods and debris flows in Ladakh (India) over the last decade identifies uncontrolled development in hazardous locations as an important factor contributing to loss of life and property damage in this high mountain desert. The sediments exposed in the channel banks and on the alluvial fans of several mountain streams in the area indicate a long history of flash floods and debris flows resulting from intense storms, which appear to have increased in frequency within the last decade. The signposts of these recurrent hazards are being ignored as a growing economy, which is boosted by a well‐established tourism industry, is now driving development onto lands that are susceptible to floods and debris flow hazards. In this science briefing we argue that the increasing vulnerability in Ladakh should be addressed with sound disaster governance strategies that are proactive, rather than reactionary. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
INTERFACING INFANT MENTAL HEALTH KNOWLEDGE SYSTEMS: REFLECTIONS ON THE NARRATIVES OF LAY HOME VISITORS’ EXPERIENCES OF LEARNING AND APPLYING RELATIONAL CONCEPTS OF DEVELOPMENT IN A SOUTH AFRICAN INTERVENTION PROGRAM
Authors: Baradon Tessa , Bain Katherine
Published: May 2016

The question of interfacing research and clinically generated knowledge in the field of infant mental health (IMH) with local cultural knowledge and belief systems has provoked extended discussion in recent years. This article explores convergences and divergences between current research‐based, relational IMH mental health models and “community” knowledge held by a group of South African lay home visitors from a socioeconomically deprived township. These women were trained in a psychoanalytic and attachment‐informed infant mental health program that promotes a relational model of infant development. They provide an intervention that supports high risk mother–infant relationships in the same locality. A two‐tiered approach was taken to the analysis of the home visitor interviews and focused on the home visitors’ constructed narratives of infant development posttraining as well as the personal impact of the training and work on the home visitors themselves. The study found that psychoanalytic and attachment‐informed thinking about development makes sense to those operating within the local South African cultural context, but that the accommodation of this knowledge is a complex and challenging process.
Effect of Water Regimes and Palm Coefficient on Growth Parameters, Date Yield and Irrigation Water Use of Tissue Culture‐Regenerated ‘Barhee’ Date Palms Grown in a Newly Established Orchard
Authors: Al‐Qurashi Adel D. , Ismail Saleh M. , Awad Mohamed A.
Published: May 2016

A field experiment was carried out at the Agriculture Experimental Station of King Abdulaziz University during the 2013 and 2014 seasons to study the effect of water regimes and palm coefficient on growth parameters, yield and irrigation water use (IWU) of tissue culture‐derived ‘Barhee’ date palm cultivars in a newly established orchard. Four water regimes T1, T2, T3 and T4 representing 70, 85, 100 and 115% of water requirement were studied to select the best water regime that maximizes yield and IWU. Water requirement in 2013 was calculated based on the FAO palm coefficient (Kp) but based on measured Kp during 2014. Results revealed that using measured Kp reduces water requirements in the summer season and increases date yield. It saves about 12% of irrigation water compared to FAO Kp. Increasing the water regime increased yield per palm, where the highest yield was obtained from T4 (16.5 kg per tree), and the least from T1(12.4 kg per tree). IWU is increased by decreasing the water regime. However, the differences between T4 and T3 were not significant, indicating that giving the highest water regime produces the highest yield. It is concluded that increasing water supply maximizes yield production of young tissue culture‐derived ‘Barhee’ date palms in a newly established orchard. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Dibutyltin‐induced alterations of interleukin 1beta secretion from human immune cells
Authors: Brown Shyretha , Tehrani Shahin , Whalen Margaret M.
Published: May 2016

Dibutyltin (DBT) is used to stabilize polyvinyl chloride plastics (including pipes that distribute drinking water) and as a de‐worming agent in poultry. DBT is found in human blood, and DBT exposures alter the secretion of tumor necrosis factor alpha and interferon gamma from lymphocytes. Interleukin (IL)‐1β is a proinflammatory cytokine that regulates cellular growth, tissue restoration and immune response regulation. IL‐1β plays a role in increasing invasiveness of certain tumors. This study reveals that exposures to DBT (24 h, 48 h and 6 days) modify the secretion of IL‐1β from increasingly reconstituted preparations of human immune cells (highly enriched human natural killer cells, monocyte‐depleted [MD] peripheral blood mononuclear cells [PBMCs], PBMCs, granulocytes and a preparation combining both PBMCs and granulocytes). DBT altered IL‐1β secretion from all cell preparations. Higher concentrations of DBT (5 and 2.5 μm) decreased the secretion of IL‐1β, while lower concentrations of DBT (0.1 and 0.05 μm) increased the secretion of IL‐1β. Selected signaling pathways were examined in MD‐PBMCs to determine if they play a role in DBT‐induced elevations of IL‐1β secretion. Pathways examined were IL‐1β converting enzyme (caspase 1), mitogen‐activated protein kinases and nuclear factor kappa B. Caspase 1 and mitogen‐activated protein kinase pathways appear to be utilized by DBT in increasing IL‐1β secretion. These results indicate that DBT alters IL‐1β secretion from human immune cells in an ex. vivo system utilizing several IL‐1β regulating signaling pathways. Thus, DBT may have the potential to alter IL‐1β secretion in an in vivo system. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Use of αv Integrin Linked to GFP to Image Molecular Dynamics in Trafficking Cancer‐Cell Emboli
Authors: Tome Yasunori , Yano Shuya , Sugimoto Naotoshi , Mii Sumiyuki , Bouvet Michael , Tsuchiya Hiroyuki , Kanaya Fuminori , Hoffman Robert M.
Published: May 2016

Human osteosarcoma cells with an αv integrin green fluorescent protein (GFP) fusion gene were previously established and imaged in vitro and in vivo. In the present study, we imaged the interaction of αv integrin‐GFP in osteosarcoma cells and collagen fibers in vascular‐trafficking osteosarcoma emboli in nude mice. Human 143B osteosarcoma cells, expressing αv integrin‐GFP, were injected by a vascular route in an abdominal skin flap in nude mice. Osteosarcoma cells were fluorescently imaged in the epigastric cranialis vein in the abdominal skin flap by confocal microscopy. Collagen fibers were imaged in reflectance mode. At early stages of tumor embolus‐formation, cancer cells adhered firmly to each other, diffusely expressing αv integrin‐GFP. Two weeks after injection, collagen fiber scaffolds were visualized at the margins of tumor emboli or within them. Four weeks after injection, cancer cells invading from emboli were strongly expressing αv integrin‐GFP, and were aligned along collagen fibers. The results suggest αv integrin and collagen fiber scaffolds are important for tumor embolus formation, which are potential seeds of metastasis. J. Cell. Biochem. 118: 26–30, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Anti‐Diabetic Agent Sodium Tungstate Induces the Secretion of Pro‐ and Anti‐Inflammatory Cytokines by Human Kidney Cells
Authors: Bertinat Romina , Westermeier Francisco , Silva Pamela , Shi Jie , Nualart Francisco , Li Xuhang , Yáñez Alejandro J.
Published: May 2016

Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is the major cause of end stage renal disease. Sodium tungstate (NaW) exerts anti‐diabetic and immunomodulatory activities in diabetic animal models. Here, we used primary cultures of renal proximal tubule epithelial cells derived from type‐2‐diabetic (D‐RPTEC) and non‐diabetic (N‐RPTEC) subjects as in vitro models to study the effects of NaW on cytokine secretion, as these factors participate in intercellular regulation of inflammation, cell growth and death, differentiation, angiogenesis, development, and repair, all processes that are dysregulated during DKD. In basal conditions, D‐RPTEC cells secreted higher levels of prototypical pro‐inflammatory IL‐6, IL‐8, and MCP‐1 than N‐RPTEC cells, in agreement with their diabetic phenotype. Unexpectedly, NaW further induced IL‐6, IL‐8, and MCP‐1 secretion in both N‐ and D‐RPTEC, together with lower levels of IL‐1 RA, IL‐4, IL‐10, and GM‐CSF, suggesting that it may contribute to the extent of renal damage/repair during DKD. Besides, NaW induced the accumulation of IκBα, the main inhibitor protein of one major pathway involved in cytokine production, suggesting further anti‐inflammatory effect in the long‐term. A better understanding of the mechanisms involved in the interplay between the anti‐diabetic and immunomodulatory properties of NaW will facilitate future studies about its clinical relevance. J. Cell. Physiol. 232: 355–362, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Intricate Functions of Matrix Metalloproteinases in Physiological and Pathological Conditions
Authors: Mittal Rahul , Patel Amit P. , Debs Luca H. , Nguyen Desiree , Patel Kunal , Grati M'hamed , Mittal Jeenu , Yan Denise , Chapagain Prem , Liu Xue Zhong
Published: May 2016

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are a diverse group of proteolytic enzymes and play an important role in the degradation and remodeling of the extracellular matrix (ECM). In normal physiological conditions, MMPs are usually minimally expressed. Despite their low expression, MMPs have been implicated in many cellular processes ranging from embryological development to apoptosis. The activity of MMPs is controlled at three different stages: (1) transcription; (2) zymogen activation; and (3) inhibition of active forms by tissue inhibitor metalloproteinases (TIMPs). They can collectively degrade any component of ECM and basement membrane, and their excessive activity has been linked to numerous pathologies mainly including, but not limited to, tumor invasion and metastasis. The lack of information about several MMPs and the steady stream of new discoveries suggest that there is much more to be studied in this field. In particular, there is a need for controlling their expression in disease states. Various studies over the past 30 years have found that each MMP has a specific mode of activation, action, and inhibition. Drugs specifically targeting individual MMPs could revolutionize the treatment of a great number of health conditions and tremendously reduce their burden. In this review article, we have summarized the recent advances in understanding the role of MMPs in physiological and pathological conditions. J. Cell. Physiol. 231: 2599–2621, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Construction and optimization of trans‐4‐hydroxy‐L‐proline production recombinant E. coli strain taking the glycerol as carbon source
Authors: Wang Jinxia , Zhang Zhenyu , Liu Hedong , Sun Fubao Fuelbiol , Yue Chun , Hu Jinguang , Wang Chundi
Published: May 2016

BACKGROUND

Trans‐4‐hydroxy‐L‐proline (Hyp) is a value‐added amino acid that is an applicable chiral building block in some industries, such as the pharmaceutical, cosmetic and healthcare industries. Given that glycerol is a good carbon source for microbial fermentation and a large amount of glycerol is produced by the biodiesel industry, this study investigated a value‐added Hyp fermentation from glycerol using an engineered Escherichia coli strain.

RESULTS

By optimizing the proline‐4‐hydroxylase (P4H) gene codons and vectors, a constructed recombinant Escherichia coli BL21 strain successfully converted L‐proline to Hyp. With a chemo‐physical combination mutagenesis, a high Hyp production strain that can grow with glycerol as a sole carbon source, NA45 was isolated, yielding 1.24 g L−1 from 20 g L−1 glycerol at 12 h in a 30 mL/250 mL conical flask fermentation. With further systemic optimization of nutritional elements, the output was enhanced to 1.62 g L−1. In a 5 L fermentator, the strain achieved a surprisingly high output of 25.4 g L−1 at 48 h in fed batch mode.

CONCLUSION

A high Hyp production strain growing well on glycerol as carbon source was successfully engineered, which is a promising candidate for the industrial Hyp production. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry
Synthesis of Thiazolinone, Aminopyrazole, Pyrazolopyrimidine, and Pyrazolotriazine Derivatives Starting from 1‐Naphthyl‐2‐Cyanoacetamide
Authors: Fadda Ahmed A. , Rabie Ramy , Etman Hassan A.
Published: May 2016

Efficient and suitable methods for the synthesis of novel class of simple and fused heterocyclic compounds were prepared starting with 1‐naphthyl‐2‐cyanoacetamide and commercially available reagents. The cyclocondensation of 1‐naphthyl‐2‐cyanoacetamide with sulfanylacetic acid furnished phenylthiazolinone derivative. Stirring of the starting compound with PhNCS afforded thiocarbamoyl derivative which underwent heterocyclization with chloroacetyl chloride to give thiazolinone derivative. 5‐Aminopyrazole derivative was prepared by following mild procedures via refluxing the last thiocarbamoyl with hydrazine hydrate. Different synthetic approaches were discussed to obtain the novel fused pyrazolo[1,5‐a]pyrimidine, 4H‐pyrazolo[3,4‐d]pyrimidin‐4‐one moieties involving the reaction of the prepared 5‐aminopyrazole with a) 1, 3‐dielectrophilic centers (acetylacetone, acetoacetanilide), b) arylidines of malononitrile, and c) isothiocyanate derivatives. The action of iced sodium nitrite solution in acidic medium on the last 5‐aminopyrazole gave pyrazolo[3,4‐d][1,2,3]triazine. All novel structure were elucidated by different spectroscopic data (IR, MS, 1H, and 13C NMR) and elemental analysis.
Comparing three different measures of frailty in medical inpatients: Multicenter prospective cohort study examining 30‐day risk of readmission or death
Authors: Belga Sara , Majumdar Sumit R. , Kahlon Sharry , Pederson Jenelle , Lau Darren , Padwal Raj S. , Forhan Mary , Bakal Jeffrey A. , McAlister Finlay A.
Published: May 2016

BACKGROUND

Multiple tools are used to identify frailty.

OBJECTIVE

To compare the global Clinical Frailty Scale (CFS) with more objective phenotypic tools (modified Fried score and the Timed Up and Go Test [TUGT]).

DESIGN

Prospective cohort study.

SETTING

General medical wards in Edmonton, Canada.

PARTICIPANTS

Adults being discharged back to the community.

MEASUREMENTS

All frailty assessments were done within 24 hours of discharge. Patients were classified as frail if they scored ≥5 on the CFS and/or ≥3 on the modified Fried score, and/or had reduced mobility (>20 seconds on the TUGT). The main outcome was readmission or death within 30 days.

RESULTS

Of 495 patients, 211 (43%) were frail according to at least 1 assessment, 46 (9%) met all 3 frailty definitions, and 17% died or were readmitted to the hospital within 30 days. Although patients classified as frail on the CFS exhibited significantly higher 30‐day readmission/death rates (23% vs 14% for not frail, P = 0.005; 28% vs. 12% in the elderly, P < 0.001), even after adjusting for age and sex (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 2.02, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.19‐3.41 for all adults; aOR: 3.20, 95% CI: 1.55‐6.60 for the elderly), patients meeting either of the phenotypic definitions for frailty but not the CFS definition were not at higher risk of 30‐day readmission/death (aOR: 0.87, 95% CI: 0.34‐2.19 for all adults and aOR: 1.41, 95% CI: 0.72‐2.78 for the elderly).

CONCLUSIONS

Frailty has a significant impact on postdischarge outcomes, and the CFS is the most useful of the frequently used frailty tools for predicting poor outcomes after discharge. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2016;11:556–562. © 2016 Society of Hospital Medicine
Magnetization transfer as a potential tool for the early detection of acute graft rejection after lung transplantation in mice
Authors: Kenkel David , Yamada Yoshito , Weiger Markus , Jungraithmayr Wolfgang , Wurnig Moritz C. , Boss Andreas
Published: May 2016

Purpose

To investigate the value of magnetization transfer (MT) measurements for assessment of acute rejection (AR) in a murine lung transplantation model.

Materials and Methods

Thirty mice including 15 C57BL/10 mice serving as donors and 15 C57BL/6 mice as recipients were examined in this study. MT imaging datasets were acquired on a 4.7 Tesla small animal MR scanner using a three‐dimensional zero echo time sequence with a Gaussian‐shaped MT prepulse with 1000° or 3000° flip angle and systematic variation of off‐resonance frequencies between 1000 and 15,000 Hz. After image acquisition, the images were qualitatively assessed, magnetization transfer ratio (MTR) values were calculated and lungs were taken for histologic examination including staining with hematoxylin/eosin, Masson's trichrome (collagen), and α‐smooth muscle (fibroproliferative tissue) staining.

Results

Lung transplantation was successfully performed in all 15 mice. All animals showed AR characterized by the presence of interstitial mononuclear cell infiltrates. There were significant differences of MTR in lungs with and without AR (P = 0.007). With a flip angle of 1000°, the largest differences between the MTR of healthy lungs and lungs with AR were observed for an off‐resonance frequency of 10,000 Hz (difference MTR 1.80%) and 15,000 Hz (1.91%) and with a flip angle of 3000° at off‐resonance frequencies of 6000 Hz (1.37%) and 8000 Hz (1.70%).

Conclusion

MT measurements may provide a tool for the quantitative assessment of AR. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2016;44:1091–1098.
Deployment Experiences, Social Support, and Mental Health: Comparison of Black, White, and Hispanic U.S. Veterans Deployed to Afghanistan and Iraq
Authors: Muralidharan Anjana , Austern David , Hack Samantha , Vogt Dawne
Published: May 2016

Compared to their White counterparts, Black and Hispanic Vietnam‐era, male, combat veterans in the United States have experienced discrimination and increased trauma exposure during deployment and exhibited higher rates of postdeployment mental health disorders. The present study examined differences in deployment experiences and postdeployment mental health among male and female Black, Hispanic, and White veterans deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan and Operation Iraqi Freedom in Iraq. Data were drawn from a national survey of veterans (N = 924) who had returned from deployment within the last 2 years. Ethnoracial minority veterans were compared to White veterans of the same gender on deployment experiences and postdeployment mental health. The majority of comparisons did not show significant differences; however, several small group differences did emerge (.02 < η2 < .04). Ethnoracial minority veterans reported greater perceived threat in the warzone and more family‐related concerns and stressors during deployment than White veterans of the same gender. Minority female veterans reported higher levels of postdeployment symptoms of anxiety than their White counterparts, which were accounted for by differences in deployment experience. These differences call for ongoing monitoring.
Chemical Sensors Based on New Polyamides Biobased on (Z) Octadec‐9‐Enedioic Acid and β‐Cyclodextrin
Authors: Duarte Lisday , Nag Sananda , Castro Mickaël , Zaborova Elena , Ménand Mickaël , Sollogoub Matthieu , Bennevault Véronique , Feller Jean‐Francois , Guégan Philippe
Published: May 2016

The synthesis of new biobased polyamides from different β‐cyclodextrin monomers and the (Z) octadec‐9‐enedioic acid is investigated. The aim of this study is to design different sensors, having different sensibilities and selectivities to a set of various volatile organic compounds (VOC) relevant in the early detection of lung cancer. The sensors are obtained from the synthesized polyamides, using multiwalled carbon nanotubes as conductive nanofillers and a layer by layer process. The conductive polymer nanocomposites (CPC) designed from the heptakis‐6‐amino β‐cyclodextrin and 6A,6D diamino β‐cyclodextrin have a high affinity for polar protic solvents, while the CPC having a matrix based on 6A,6D diamino 2A‐G,3A‐G,6B,6C,6E,6F,6G nonadeca‐O‐benzyl‐β‐cyclodextrin develops hydrophobic interactions with nonpolar solvents. Due to a higher accessibility of cyclodextrin, the chemoresistive response of the hydrophilic linear polyamide CPC is larger than one of the hydrophilic branched polyamide CPC. As required, the VOC diffusion/desorption phenomenon is reversible for all the sensors.

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Characterization of Clusters and Unimers in Associating Solutions of Chitosan by Dynamic and Static Light Scattering
Authors: Skorik Yury A. , Petrova Valentina A. , Okatova Olga V. , Strelina Irina A. , Gasilova Ekaterina R.
Published: May 2016

Association of two chitosans of different degrees of acetylation (DA) is studied in dilute water/acid/salt solutions by combined analysis of static and dynamic light scattering. The influence of sodium salt anions Cl−and CH3COO−on conformation of macromolecules and properties of clusters was studied. At DA = 15 mol%, the macromolecules exist either in rigid‐rod (Rg/Rh= 2.7) or in coil (Rg/Rh= 1.8) conformations in the solvents containing NaCl and CH3COONa, respectively. Chitosans with higher DA = 28% dissolved in the solvent containing CH3COONa are in the collapsed state (Rg/Rh< 0.8), predicted by Dobrynin (Macromolecules, 2004). The clusters are of spherical form (0.8 <Rg/Rh< 1.2). CH3COONa promotes higher fractal dimensionality of clusters (2.2–2.4) than NaCl (1.9). Higher critical aggregation concentration is observed in NaCl. The other hydrodynamic methods (capillary viscometry, velocity sedimentation, and Tsvetkov diffusometry) do not detect the clusters, probably, because of their disruption during flow.

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Repair of small damages in steel pipes with composite patches
Authors: Ayaz Y. , Çitil Ş. , Şahan M. F.
Published: May 2016

The temperature change, internal pressure and corrosion are main reason of cracks in pipes. Removal of damaged pipes with new ones gives rise to major disruption during operation. This causes loss of time and cost. This study aims to prevent crack propagation and to obtain fast repair in damaged area, at the beginning of the damage. Repair of small cracks in steel pipes using composite patches has been studied in this work. The aim of the study is to repair small cracks less than 8 mm length. For this purpose, holes with 8 mm diameters were drilled in 170 mm long pipes and composite patches with 2, 2.6 and 3.2 mm thickness and 35, 40 and 45 mm overlap lengths with 60, 90 and 120° overlap angles were attached with an adhesive of 0.2 mm thickness. The repaired pipes were subjected to internal pressure until damage occurred. A finite element model was developed and the numerical results were verified based on experiments. The repair of steel pipe with adhesive bonding was successfully achieved under high pressure with composite patches.

The results show that the increase in overlap angle results in an increased surface area, and consequently an increase in failure load. Furthermore, the failure load increased with an increase in patch thickness. Additionally, it is seen that the failure load does not change significantly with increasing patch thickness.
Recurrence of Solid Pseudopapillary Neoplasms of the Pancreas: Results of a Nationwide Study of Risk Factors and Treatment Modalities
Authors: Irtan Sabine , Galmiche‐Rolland Louise , Elie Caroline , Orbach Daniel , Sauvanet Alain , Elias Dominique , Guérin Florent , Coze Carole , Faure‐Conter Cécile , Becmeur François , Demarche Martine , Galifer René Benoît , Galloy Marie Agnès , Podevin Guillaume , Aubert Didier , Piolat Christian , De Lagausie Pascal , Sarnacki Sabine
Published: May 2016

Background

Solid pseudopapillary neoplasms of the pancreas (SPPN) can relapse very late, but little is known about risk factors for recurrence and optimal treatment. We aimed to identify risk factors for recurrence and to analyze treatment modalities in all French pediatric cases of SPPN over the past 20 years.

Material and methods

Data were collected from pediatric oncologists and surgeons, and also from adult pancreatic surgeons in order to identify late recurrences.

Results

Fifty‐one patients (41 girls) were identified. Median age at diagnosis was 13.1 years [8.7–17.9]. Abdominal pain was the commonest presenting symptom (32/49, 65%). The tumor was located in the pancreatic head in 24 patients (47%). Preoperative biopsy or cytology was performed in 14 cases (28%). All patients were operated with a median of 23 days [0–163] after diagnosis. The rate of postoperative morbidity was 29%. With a median follow‐up of 65 months [0.3–221], the overall and event‐free survival was 100% and 71%, respectively. Seven patients (13.7%) relapsed with a median of 43 months [33–94] after initial surgery. Six were treated surgically, either alone (n = 3) or with perioperative chemotherapy (n = 2) or hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (n = 1). One patient in whom further treatment was not feasible was still alive at last news. Risk factors for recurrence were positive surgical margins (P = 0.03) and age less than 13.5 years at diagnosis (P = 0.03).

Conclusions

SPPN recurrence in this pediatric series was a rare and late event that did not undermine overall survival. Complete surgical removal of recurrent tumors appears to be the best option.
The Feasibility of Physical Activity Interventions During the Intense Treatment Phase for Children and Adolescents with Cancer: A Systematic Review
Authors: Grimshaw Sarah L. , Taylor Nicholas F. , Shields Nora
Published: May 2016

Background

Physical activity may have benefits for children undergoing intense treatment for cancer, but such programmes are challenging to implement. This systematic review aimed to investigate the feasibly of physical activity interventions during intense cancer treatment for children and adolescents.

Procedure

A systematic search of seven electronic databases (Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online, Public/Publisher MEDLINE, Psychological Information Database, Sportsdiscuss, Excerpta Medica Database, Allied and Complementary Medicine Database) from 2005 to August 2015 was completed. The risk of bias was assessed using the Downs and Black Checklist and The Critical Review Form–Qualitative Studies. Results were summarised descriptively across eight domains of feasibility: acceptability, demand, implementation, adaptation, practicality, integration, expansion and limited efficiency testing (including effectiveness).

Results

Eleven quantitative studies and one qualitative study were identified for inclusion. Physical activity interventions were typically supervised, individualised programmes that prescribed a variety of activity types for hospital inpatients. There was evidence that physical activity interventions during the intense phase of cancer treatment were acceptable to parents and children, safe and successfully implemented. A trend of positive effects across all aspects of functioning was noted. Data were unavailable documenting feasibility for the domains of integration, adaptation and expansion.

Conclusion

There is preliminary evidence that physical activity interventions are feasible, in that they are acceptable, safe and potentially beneficial for children with cancer but more work needs to be done to understand the most effective ways to implement these types of programmes.
Osteosarcoma After Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation in Children and Adolescents: Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Kebudi Rejin , Ozger Harzem , Kızılocak Hande , Bay Sema Buyukkapu , Bilgiç Bilge
Published: May 2016

Osteosarcoma as a secondary malignancy after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is very rare. We present a case and review of 18 other cases reported to date. Our patient underwent HSCT for myelodysplastic syndrome at the age of 4 years. She developed osteosarcoma 13 years later. She underwent surgery after three courses of neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by chemotherapy and mifamurtide. She has no evidence of disease 28 months after termination of chemotherapy. In 18 other cases of secondary osteosarcoma in the literature, 15 had received total body irradiation, eight had received alkylating agents, and six had received etoposide. The median interval from HSCT to the onset of osteosarcoma was 6.5 years (range 2.5–15.3), which confirms that children undergoing HSCT should be followed up for many years. In conclusion, osteosarcoma must be included in the differential diagnosis among solid tumors that may develop following HSCT.
Decorating wood flour/HDPE composites with wood veneers
Authors: Guo Li‐Min , Wang Wei‐Hong , Wang Qing‐Wen , Yan Ning
Published: May 2016

The low surface free energy makes wood plastic composites difficult to bond with traditional adhesives, such as urea formaldehyde resin (UF). This study investigates the decoration of wood flour/high‐density‐polyethylene composite (WF/HDPE) board with poplar wood veneers. High‐density polyethylene (HDPE) or maleic anhydride grafted polyethylene (MAPE) film was introduced between the veneer and the WF/HDPE composite board as an intermediate component to strengthen the bond. Surface bonding strength, hot water resistance, and bending performance of the composites were then evaluated. Contact angle, Attenuated total reflection‐Fourier transform infrared (ATR‐FTIR) spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were used to analyze the interface of the wood veneer and the WF/HDPE composites. The addition of MAPE film enhanced the polar characteristic of the WF/HDPE composite surface and increased the number of functional groups reacting with the –OH groups present in the wood veneer. A MAPE intermediate film increased the surface bonding strength of the wood veneer to WF/HDPE composite surface, and also endured boiling water without delimitation failure. After being covered with the wood veneer, the flexural strength and modulus of WF/HDPE composite panels increased four times comparing to that of the uncovered composites. POLYM. COMPOS., 39:1144–1151, 2018. © 2016 Society of Plastics Engineers
Microcrystalline cellulose reinforced polylactic acid biocomposite filaments for 3D printing
Authors: Murphy Caroline A. , Collins Maurice N.
Published: May 2016

The aim of this study was to produce a novel microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) reinforced polylactic acid (PLA), fully degradable biocomposites for 3D printing applications. The biocomposites were produced in filament form by solvent casting and twin screw extrusion to achieve final concentrations of 1, 3, and 5 wt% of cellulose. In order to improve compatibility with the PLA, the cellulose was surface‐modified using a titanate coupling agent. Influence of cellulose content and modification on the morphological, mechanical, and thermal properties of the biocomposites were studied. Differential scanning calorimetry results reveal an increase in crystallinity for all biocomposites, with 3 wt% surface‐modified cellulose displaying highest values. Dynamic mechanical thermal analysis results show that storage modulus increased for all biocomposites when compared with neat PLA, with the most significant increase associated with the 3 wt% modified cellulose. The surface modification of cellulose shifted the tan delta peak of the 1 and 3 wt% biocomposite toward lower temperatures, indicating an increased mobility of the PLA chains. Finally, the extruded cellulose reinforced PLA filaments were successfully 3D printed using a fused deposition modeling technique. POLYM. COMPOS., 39:1311–1320, 2018. © 2016 Society of Plastics Engineers
Influence of functionalized polypropylene on polypropylene/graphene oxide nanocomposite properties
Authors: Sánchez‐Valdes S. , Zapata‐Domínguez A.G. , Martinez‐Colunga J.G. , Mendez‐Nonell J. , Ramos de Valle L.F. , Espinoza‐Martinez A.B. , Morales‐Cepeda A. , Lozano‐Ramirez T. , Lafleur P.G. , Ramirez‐Vargas E.
Published: May 2016

Graphene oxide (GO) derived from oxidation of natural graphite contains many active groups that can interact with a great variety of polar moieties. In this work, polypropylene (PP)/graphene oxide nanocomposites using polypropylene (PP) grafted with amine‐alcohol (PPgDMAE) as compatibilizer were prepared by two different methods. Maleic anhydride grafted PP (PPgMA) was reacted with 2‐[2‐(dimethylamine)‐ethoxy] ethanol (DMAE) in the melt for forming amine‐alcohol functionalized polypropylene (PPgDMAE). Nanocomposites were prepared by two methods. In one method, PP/GO nanocomposite was prepared by direct melt mixing in an internal batch mixer using PPgDMAE as compatibilizer. In another method, a previous mixing of PPgDMAE with GO in hot Xilene was done and then, once the solvent was evaporated, it was incorporated into PP by melt‐mixing. The microstructure and interface enhancement of the prepared composites were analyzed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Raman, X‐ray difraction (DRX) contact angle, scanning and transmission electron microscopy (STEM), mechanical, thermal, and electrical properties measurements. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) revealed the interaction between GO and PPgDMAE. The loading of GO conducted to enhance the composite mechanical properties attributed to the strong interfacial interactions between GO and PPgDMAE. A significant improvement in mechanical thermal stability and electrical properties was observed when nanocomposites were prepared by the solution blending method compared with melt mixing method. This work suggests a potential application of GO in preparation of high performance PP composites. POLYM. COMPOS., 39:1361–1369, 2018. © 2016 Society of Plastics Engineers
Evidence generation from healthcare databases: recommendations for managing change
Authors: Bourke Alison , Bate Andrew , Sauer Brian C. , Brown Jeffrey S. , Hall Gillian C.
Published: May 2016

There is an increasing reliance on databases of healthcare records for pharmacoepidemiology and other medical research, and such resources are often accessed over a long period of time so it is vital to consider the impact of changes in data, access methodology and the environment. The authors discuss change in communication and management, and provide a checklist of issues to consider for both database providers and users. The scope of the paper is database research, and changes are considered in relation to the three main components of database research: the data content itself, how it is accessed, and the support and tools needed to use the database. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synthesis, characterization and self‐assembly of well‐defined linear heptablock quaterpolymers
Authors: Ntaras Christos , Polymeropoulos George , Zapsas George , Ntetsikas Konstantinos , Liontos George , Karanastasis Apostolos , Moschovas Dimitrios , Rangou Sofia , Stewart‐Sloan Charlotte , Hadjichristidis Nikos , Thomas Edwin L. , Avgeropoulos Apostolos
Published: May 2016

Two well‐defined heptablock quaterpolymers of the ABCDCBA type [Α: polystyrene (PS), B: poly(butadiene) with ∼90% 1,4‐microstructure (PB1,4), C: poly(isoprene) with ∼55% 3,4‐microstructure (PI3,4) and D: poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS)] were synthesized by combining anionic polymerization high vacuum techniques and hydrosilylation/chlorosilane chemistry. All intermediates and final products were characterized by size exclusion chromatography, membrane osmometry, and proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy was used to further verify the chemical modification reaction of the difunctional PDMS. The self‐assembly in bulk of these novel heptablock quarterpolymers, studied by transmission electron microscopy and small angle X‐ray scattering, revealed 3‐phase 4‐layer alternating lamellae morphology of PS, PB1,4, and mixed PI3,4/PDMS domains. Differential scanning calorimetry was used to further confirm the miscibility of PI3,4 and PDMS blocks. It is the first time that PDMS is the central segment in such multiblock polymers (≥3 chemically different blocks). © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2016, 54, 1443–1449
The protonation state of histidine 111 regulates the aggregation of the evolutionary most conserved region of the human prion protein
Authors: Fonseca‐Ornelas Luis , Zweckstetter Markus
Published: May 2016

In a group of neurodegenerative diseases, collectively termed transmissible spongiform encephalopathies, the prion protein aggregates into β‐sheet rich amyloid‐like deposits. Because amyloid structure has been connected to different prion strains and cellular toxicity, it is important to obtain insight into the structural properties of prion fibrils. Using a combination of solution NMR spectroscopy, thioflavin‐T fluorescence and electron microscopy we here show that within amyloid fibrils of a peptide containing residues 108–143 of the human prion protein [humPrP (108–143)]—the evolutionary most conserved part of the prion protein ‐ residue H111 and S135 are in close spatial proximity and their interaction is critical for fibrillization. We further show that residues H111 and H140 share the same microenvironment in the unfolded, monomeric state of the peptide, but not in the fibrillar form. While protonation of H140 has little influence on fibrillization of humPrP (108–143), a positive charge at position 111 blocks the conformational change, which is necessary for amyloid formation of humPrP (108–143). Our study thus highlights the importance of protonation of histidine residues for protein aggregation and suggests point mutations to probe the structure of infectious prion particles.
Polymer‐modified solution‐processed metal oxide dielectrics on aluminum foil substrate for flexible organic transistors
Authors: Sun Qi‐Jun , Zhuang Jiaqing , Yan Yan , Zhou Li , Zhou Ye , Han Su‐Ting , Wu Wei , Peng Hai‐Yan , Li Robert K. Y. , Vellaisamy A. L. Roy
Published: May 2016

Field‐effect transistors (FETs) employing the solution‐processed metal oxides as dielectrics have shown excellent performance on rigid silicon substrate. However, there have been very limited reports on FETs with solution‐processed, thermal‐annealed metal oxide dielectrics on low‐cost flexible substrates. To date, to our knowledge there is almost no report on flexible FETs having the similar or better performance than the FETs on Si substrate with solution‐processed, thermal‐annealed metal oxides as dielectrics. Herein, flexible pentacene‐based organic FETs have been demonstrated with polystyrene (PS)‐modified, solution‐processed yttrium oxide (Y2O3), hafnium oxide (HfO2), or aluminum oxide (Al2O3) as dielectrics on commercially available aluminum (Al) foil substrates. The transistors exhibit a good carrier mobility (µ), a large on/off current ratio (Ion/off), a low threshold voltage (VT), and a small subthreshold swing (SS) at a low‐operation voltage (−4 V), which is comparable with the device performance on rigid Si substrate. Therefore, the excellent electrical performance of the FETs on commercially available Al foil substrate, together with the virtue of light‐weight, makes the devices possess the promising potential for various electronic system applications.
An escrow‐free online/offline HIBS scheme for privacy protection of people‐centric sensing
Authors: Chen Peixin , Su Jinshu , Zhao Baokang , Wang Xiaofeng , You Ilsun
Published: May 2016

People‐centric sensing (PCS), which collects information closely related to human activity and interactions in societies, is stepping into a flourishing time. Along with its great benefits, PCS poses new security challenges such as data integrity and participant privacy. Hierarchical identity‐based signature (HIBS) scheme can efficiently provide high‐integrity messaging, secure communication, and privacy protection to PCS. However, key escrow problem and low computation efficiency primarily hinder the adoption of HIBS scheme. In this paper, we propose an escrow‐free online/offline HIBS scheme for securing PCS. By utilizing user‐selected‐secret signing algorithm and splitting the signing phase into online and offline procedures, our scheme solves the key escrow problem and achieves high scheme performance. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Psychological Vulnerability and Subjective Happiness: The Mediating Role of Hopelessness
Authors: Satici Seydi Ahmet , Uysal Recep
Published: May 2016

The current study examined the mediating role of hopelessness on the relationship between psychological vulnerability and subjective happiness. It was anticipated that hopelessness may act as a mediator in the relationship between psychological vulnerability and subjective happiness. Two hundred sixty‐nine (150 women and 119 men) university students completed the Psychological Vulnerability Scale, the Subjective Happiness Scale and the Beck Hopelessness Scale. Data have been collected in the 2013–2014 academic year. The present study was designed as a cross‐sectional study. Correlational results indicated that psychological vulnerability and hopelessness were significantly negatively associated with subjective happiness. Results using structural equation modelling showed that hopelessness fully mediated the relationship between psychological vulnerability and subjective happiness. Implications for future research and limitations of the present study are discussed. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Anchorage of composite dowels
Authors: Classen Martin , Hegger Josef
Published: May 2016

In steel‐concrete composite beams, lifting effects between the steel section and the concrete slab usually occur incidentally and have comparatively small load ordinates compared with the shear forces transferred. For this reason, lifting forces are generally irrelevant for the dimensioning of the composite joint. Nevertheless, this statement does not apply if shear connectors are used for the systematic anchorage of pull‐out forces. Although the anchorage behaviour of conventional shear connectors, e.g. headed studs, has already been studied extensively, appropriate investigations into the anchorage behaviour of concrete composite dowels are lacking, especially for composite dowels in slender or cracked concrete slabs. In this paper, the anchorage behaviour of a puzzle‐shaped concrete composite dowel is investigated in cracked and uncracked concrete. To this end, particular test setups were developed. All tests were simulated using a three‐dimensional, non‐linear finite element model. Finally, an engineering model for calculating the anchoring capacity of single composite dowels and composite dowel groups in reinforced and unreinforced concrete is presented.