bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genomic and transcriptomic analysis of imatinib resistance in gastrointestinal stromal tumors
Authors: Takahashi Tsuyoshi , Elzawahry Asmaa , Mimaki Sachiyo , Furukawa Eisaku , Nakatsuka Rie , Nakamura Hiromi , Nishigaki Takahiko , Serada Satoshi , Naka Tetsuji , Hirota Seiichi , Shibata Tatsuhiro , Tsuchihara Katsuya , Nishida Toshirou , Kato Mamoru
Published: December 2016

Gastrointestinal stromal tumors represent the most common mesenchymal tumor of the digestive tract, driven by gain‐of‐function mutations in KIT. Despite its proven benefits, half of the patients treated with imatinib show disease progression within 2 years due to secondary resistance mutations in KIT. It remains unclear how the genomic and transcriptomic features change during the acquisition of imatinib resistance. Here, we performed exome sequencing and microarray transcription analysis for four imatinib‐resistant cell lines and one cell line briefly exposed to imatinib. We also performed exome sequencing of clinical tumor samples. The cell line briefly exposed to imatinib exhibited few single‐nucleotide variants and copy‐number alterations, but showed marked upregulation of genes related to detoxification and downregulation of genes involved in cell cycle progression. Meanwhile, resistant cell lines harbored numerous genomic changes: amplified genes related to detoxification and deleted genes with cyclin‐dependent kinase activity. Some variants in the resistant samples were traced back to the drug‐sensitive samples, indicating the presence of ancestral subpopulations. The subpopulations carried variants associated with cell death. Pre‐existing cancer cells with genetic alterations promoting apoptosis resistance may serve as a basis whereby cancer cells with critical mutations, such as secondary KIT mutations, can establish full imatinib resistance. © 2017 The Authors Genes, Chromosomes and Cancer Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
New therapeutic concepts in bile acid transport and signaling for management of cholestasis
Authors: Trauner Michael , Fuchs Claudia Daniela , Halilbasic Emina , Paumgartner Gustav
Published: December 2016

The identification of the key regulators of bile acid (BA) synthesis and transport within the enterohepatic circulation has revealed potential targets for pharmacological therapies of cholestatic liver diseases. Novel drug targets include the bile BA receptors, farnesoid X receptor and TGR5, the BA‐induced gut hormones, fibroblast growth factor 19 and glucagon‐like peptide 1, and the BA transport systems, apical sodium‐dependent bile acid transporter and Na+‐taurocholate cotransporting polypeptide, within the enterohepatic circulation. Moreover, BA derivatives undergoing cholehepatic shunting may allow improved targeting to the bile ducts. This review focuses on the pathophysiological basis, mechanisms of action, and clinical development of novel pharmacological strategies targeting BA transport and signaling in cholestatic liver diseases. (Hepatology 2017;65:1393‐1404).
Novel splice‐switching oligonucleotide promotes BRCA1 aberrant splicing and susceptibility to PARP inhibitor action
Authors: Smith Lindsay D. , Leme de Calais Flávia , Raponi Michela , Mellone Massimiliano , Buratti Emanuele , Blaydes Jeremy P. , Baralle Diana
Published: December 2016

Tumors carrying hereditary mutations in BRCA1, which attenuate the BRCA1 DNA damage repair pathway, are more susceptible to dual treatment with PARP inhibitors and DNA damaging therapeutics. Conversely, breast cancer tumors with nonmutated functional BRCA1 are less sensitive to PARP inhibition. We describe a method that triggers susceptibility to PARP inhibition in BRCA1‐functional tumor cells. BRCA1 exon 11 is a key for the function of BRCA1 in DNA damage repair. Analysis of the BRCA1 exon 11 splicing mechanism identified a key region within this exon which, when deleted, induced exon 11 skipping. An RNA splice‐switching oligonucleotide (SSO) developed to target this region was shown to artificially stimulate skipping of exon 11 in endogenous BRCA1 pre‐mRNA. SSO transfection rendered wild‐type BRCA1 expressing cell lines more susceptible to PARP inhibitor treatment, as demonstrated by a reduction in cell survival at all SSO concentrations tested. Combined SSO and PARP inhibitor treatment increased γH2AX expression indicating that SSO‐dependent skipping of BRCA1 exon 11 was able to promote DSBs and therefore synthetic lethality. In conclusion, this SSO provides a new potential therapeutic strategy for targeting BRCA1‐functional breast cancer by enhancing the effect of PARP inhibitors.
Current sights for mechanisms of deoxynivalenol‐induced hepatotoxicity and prospective views for future scientific research: A mini review
Authors: Peng Zhao , Chen Liangkai , Nüssler Andreas K. , Liu Liegang , Yang Wei
Published: December 2016

Deoxynivalenol (DON) belongs to the group B trichothecenes, which are the most common mycotoxins in cereal commodities. It is very stable within the temperature range 170–350 °C, showing no reduction in its concentration after 30 min at 170 °C. This chemical property is a very dangerous factor for human and animal health. Liver is also responsible for the detoxification and formation of DON‐glucuronide in both human and animals. Some studies already demonstrated that DON could induce liver damage remarkably through DON altering expressions of p53, caspase‐3, caspase‐7, caspase‐8 and Bax in different cell lines. At the same time, other publications illustrated some opposite results. At present, a full and systematic discussion of the hepatic toxicity of DON is still lacking. Therefore, the aim of the present review is to summarize and update the prominent evidence, regarding DON effects on liver tissues and cell lines. Moreover, based on the current studies we outline some of the identified molecule targets or pathways involved in DON‐induced hepatotoxicity, and put forward our opinions and suggest an hypothesis for future research. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Nanogel‐based scaffolds fabricated for bone regeneration with mesoporous bioactive glass and strontium: In vitro and in vivo characterization
Authors: Zhang Qiao , Chen Xiaohui , Geng Shinan , Wei Lingfei , Miron Richard J. , Zhao Yanbing , Zhang Yufeng
Published: December 2016

The delivery of novel bioactive scaffolds for the repair of bone defects remains a prominent challenge worldwide. Currently osteoporosis, a disease caused by low bone mineral density affects over 200 million people worldwide with up to half of this population experiencing at least one fracture within their lifetime. Recently temperature‐sensitive p(N‐isopropylacrylamide‐co‐butyl methylacrylate) nanogel (PIB nanogel) scaffolds have emerged as biomaterial candidate for regenerative therapies. It has the advantage of being injected from syringes as a soluble gel form (capable of delivering growth and/or living progenitor cells) yet hardens once it reaches body temperatures. Although this material demonstrates optimal clinical delivery of scaffolds, its main drawback is its low osteoconductivity and bioactivity. Recently we have demonstrated that mesoporous bioactive glass (MBG) loaded with strontium was able to regenerate osteoporotic defects in vivo and enhance osteoblast differentiation in vitro. The aim of this study was to combine the advantages of these two therapies and prepare PIB‐nanogel scaffolds containing Sr‐MBG and investigate their ability to regenerate femur defects created in ovarectamized rats. The results demonstrate that groups containing Sr‐MBG within the nanogel formulation had significantly higher new bone formation when compared with other modalities. We further demonstrate that although nanogel demonstrated poor osteogenic ability, the addition of osteoblasts worked synergistically with Sr‐MBG particles to enhance the regeneration of the created femur defects in osteoporotic animals. In conclusion, PIB nanogel scaffolds are a viable treatment modality for bone tissue engineering and may serve as a carrier‐scaffold for osteogenic cells and/or bioactive scaffolds such as Sr‐MBG. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 105A: 1175–1183, 2017.
Study of IL4‐590C/T and IL6‐174G/C Gene Polymorphisms in Type 2 Diabetic Patients With Chronic Kidney Disease in North Indian Population
Authors: Neelofar Km , Ahmad Jamal , Ahmad Arif , Alam Khursheed
Published: December 2016

To explore the associations between potential functional promoter polymorphisms in pro‐inflammatory and anti‐inflammatory (IL‐4(‐590C/T) and IL‐6(‐174G/C) cytokine genes, and kidney dysfunction in North Indian type 2 diabetic subjects with chronic kidney disease. A total of 150 subjects aged 25–75 year were included in this study. The glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and serum creatinine were estimated. PCR was performed to analyse genotype distribution in IL‐4 (‐590T/C) and IL‐6 (‐174G/C) among healthy, type 2 diabetic patients with or without CKD. The genotype distributions were determined by Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium. CKD patients showed lower GFR (59.36 ± 1.33 ml/min/1.73 m2) and higher serum creatinine (1.93 ± 0.99% mg) level in comparison to diabetic patients without CKD and healthy subjects. Genotypic distribution of the different genotypes among the study groups in IL‐4 gene was genotype CC = 30, TC = 12, and TT = 8 in CKD patients. In type 2 diabetic patients without CKD, genotype distribution was CC = 38, TC = 10, and TT = 2. In healthy subjects, distribution of genotype was CC = 35, TC = 14, and TT = 1. The distribution of different genotype among the study groups for IL‐6 gene was GG = 27, GC = 20, and CC = 3 in healthy subjects; GG = 28, GC = 19, and CC = 3 in diabetic patients without CKD and GG = 38, GC = 11, and CC = 1 in diabetic patients with CKD. There was no significant difference in the distribution of genotype frequencies between healthy subjects and diabetic patients without CKD but a significant difference was found in diabetic patients with CKD. The functional promoter polymorphisms IL4‐590C/T and IL6‐174G/C, which affect the IL‐4 and IL‐6 levels in north Indian subjects, were associated with kidney dysfunction and CKD. J. Cell. Biochem. 118: 1803–1809, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Eco‐friendly biorefractory films of gelatin and TEMPO‐oxidized cellulose ester for food packaging application
Authors: Zhuang Chen , Tao Furong , Cui Yuezhi
Published: December 2016

BACKGROUND

In recent years, many types of food‐packaging films and composites have been prepared using gelatin because of its good film‐forming ability, non‐toxic nature and cost‐effectiveness. However, the relatively weak thermal stability, poor mechanical properties and easily‐degradable quality limit the potential application of gelatin as a practical material. Microcrystalline cellulose (MCC), which comprises one of the most abundant biomass resources, has been regarded as a safe and reliable food additive because it has the same ingredients as the cellulose in people's daily intake. Food‐packaging films with the excellent properties provided by gelatin and oxidized‐cellulose represent a topic of great interest.

RESULTS

MCC was modified by 2,2,6,6‐tetramethylpiperidine‐1‐oxyl (TEMPO)‐mediated oxidation and chosen as the base of the macromolecule cross‐linker (TMN). After modification of gelatin film by TMN, the minimum amount of free ‐NH2 in solution was 4.8 × 10−4 mol g−1). The thermal property obviously increased (from 322.31 oC to 352.63 oC) and was crucial for usage in the food industry. The highest water contact value 123.09° (η = 25%) indicated a better surface hydrophobicity. The higher Eab (58.88%) and lower Em (77.16%) demonstrated that a more flexible and shatter‐proof material was obtained. Water vapor uptake studies suggested increased moisture absorption and greater swelling ability.

CONCLUSION

The film material obtained in the present study was safe, stable, eco‐friendly and biorefractory and could also be decomposed completely by the environment after disposal as a result of the properties of the ingredients gelatin and cellulose. The incorporation of a cellulosic cross‐linker to gelatin‐based films was an ideal choice with respect to developing a packaging for the food industry. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry
The Key Role of Sulfation and Branching on Fucoidan Antitumor Activity
Authors: Oliveira Catarina , Ferreira Andreia S. , Novoa‐Carballal Ramon , Nunes Cláudia , Pashkuleva Iva , Neves Nuno M. , Coimbra Manuel A. , Reis Rui L. , Martins Albino , Silva Tiago H.
Published: December 2016

There is an urgent need for antitumor bioactive agents with minimal or no side effects over normal adjacent cells. Fucoidan is a marine‐origin polymer with known antitumor activity. However, there are still some concerns about its application due to the inconsistent experimental results, specifically its toxicity over normal cells and the mechanism behind its action. Herein, three fucoidan extracts (FEs) have been tested over normal and breast cancer cell lines. From cytotoxicity results, only one of the extracts shows selective antitumor behavior (at 0.2 mg mL−1), despite similarities in sulfation degree and carbohydrates composition. Although the three FEs present different molecular weights, depolymerization of selected samples discarded Mw as the key factor in the antitumor activity. Significant differences in sulfates position and branching are observed, presenting FE 2 the higher branching degree. Based on all these experimental data, it is believed that these last two properties are the ones that influence the cytotoxic effects of fucoidan extracts.

image
Influence of Social Media over the Stock Market
Authors: Piñeiro‐Chousa Juan , Vizcaíno‐González Marcos , Pérez‐Pico Ada María
Published: December 2016

This research analyzes investors’ activity through social media and these media's influence over the Chicago Board Options Exchange Market Volatility Index (VIX) using a logit model and a fuzzy‐set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA). The logit results show that social media sentiment influences stock markets. Meanwhile, the fsQCA results show that the investors’ profile is important for explaining how social media influence the stock market. Particularly, holding period combined with experience in technical investors contributes to avoiding a raise in market risk, whereas for nontechnical investors message sentiment and experience form the combination that contributes to avoid a raise in market risk.
α‐enolase promotes tumorigenesis and metastasis via regulating AMPK/mTOR pathway in colorectal cancer
Authors: Zhan Panpan , Zhao Shihu , Yan Hua , Yin Chunli , Xiao Yi , Wang Yunshan , Ni Ruoxuan , Chen Weiwen , Wei Guangwei , Zhang Pengju
Published: December 2016

The α‐enolase (ENO1) plays pivotal roles in several types of cancer, but its clinical significance, functional role, and possible mechanism in colorectal cancer (CRC) have remained unclear. Expression level of ENO1 in CRC tissues was examined by qRT‐PCR, Western blot, and immunohistochemistry. The effects of ENO1 on cell growth were investigated by MTT, colony formation, flow cytometry assays, and in vivo tumorigenic capacity analysis. The impacts of ENO1 on cell migration and invasion were also explored by scratch‐healing, Transwell or Matrigel chamber assays, and in vivo metastatic capacity analysis. Our results showed that the expression level of ENO1 was significantly elevated in CRC tissues. High expression level of ENO1 was associated with disease progression in CRC patients. Overexpression of ENO1 in HCT116 cell line promoted cell proliferation, migration, and invasion in vitro as well as tumorigenesis and metastasis in vivo. In other hand, ablation of ENO1 in HCT116 cells led to totally reverse effects. Mechanistically, we revealed ENO1 could regulate AMPK/mTOR signaling pathway. AMPK pathway activation or mTOR pathway suppression blocked these ENO1 induced alterations. Together, our results demonstrated that ENO1 is a potent promoter of CRC genesis and metastasis at least in part though regulating AMPK/mTOR pathway. These findings also suggested that ENO1 may be a promising therapeutic target in CRC patients.
Proper performance of autonomic function testing
Authors:   Policy Department, American Association of Neuromuscular & Electrodiagnostic Medicine, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
Published: December 2016

Introduction

The aim of this position statement is to provide a recommendation from experts at the American Association of Neuromuscular & Electrodiagnostic Medicine (AANEM) on the proper performance of autonomic testing.

Methods

The AANEM Professional Practice Committee and selected AANEM members reached a consensus based on expert opinion on the training required to perform autonomic testing and the appropriate performance of such tests.

Results

Individuals without sufficient medical education in autonomic disorders are unqualified to interpret the data generated or to coordinate the findings with other clinical information in order to reach a clinical diagnosis.

Conclusions

The AANEM strongly recommends that autonomic testing procedures be performed by physicians with comprehensive knowledge of neurologic and autonomic disorders to ensure precise interpretation and diagnosis at the completion of the testing. The same physician should obtain a relevant history and physical examination and should directly supervise and interpret the data on‐site and in real time. Muscle Nerve 55: 3–4, 2017
Genetic ablation of P65 subunit of NF‐κB in mdx mice to improve muscle physiological function
Authors: Yin Xi , Tang Ying , Li Jian , Dzuricky Anna T. , Pu Chuanqiang , Fu Freddie , Wang Bing
Published: December 2016

Introduction

Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a genetic muscle disease characterized by dystrophin deficiency. Beyond gene replacement, the question of whether ablation of the p65 gene of nuclear factor‐kappa B (NF‐κB) in DMD can improve muscle physiology function is unknown. In this study, we investigated muscle physiological improvement in mdx mice (DMD model) with a genetic reduction of NF‐κB.

Methods

Muscle physiological function and histology were studied in 2‐month‐old mdx/p65+/−, wild‐type, mdx, and human minidystrophin gene transgenic mdx (TghΔDys/mdx) mice.

Results

Improved muscle physiological function was found in mdx/p65+/− mice when compared with mdx mice; however, it was similar to TghΔDys/mdx mice. The results indicate that genetic reduction of p65 levels diminished chronic inflammation in dystrophic muscle, thus leading to amelioration of muscle pathology and improved muscle physiological function.

Conclusions

The results show that inhibition of NF‐κB may be a promising therapy when combined with gene therapy for DMD. Muscle Nerve 56: 759–767, 2017
Loperamide Trends in Abuse and Misuse Over 13 Years: 2002–2015
Authors: Lasoff Daniel R. , Koh Cynthia H. , Corbett Bryan , Minns Alicia B. , Cantrell F. Lee
Published: December 2016

Study Objective

With the increasing amount of information available on the Internet describing techniques for using loperamide either for self‐treatment of opioid withdrawal syndromes or for recreational use (so‐called legal highs), the objective was to describe a statewide poison control system's experience with loperamide misuse and abuse, with specific interest in cases of cardiotoxicity, and to determine if reported loperamide misuse or abuse cases have recently increased.

Design

Retrospective review.

Data Source

Statewide poison control system electronic database.

Patients

A total of 224 adults who presented or were referred to a health care facility between January 1, 2002, and November 10, 2015, for intentional ingestions of loperamide, and whose cases were reported to the poison control system by either physicians or nurses at the bedside.

Measurements and Main Results

Between 2002 and 2013, the number of yearly calls to the poison control system regarding loperamide cases ranged from 12–19 (mean 16.4, median 17.5 calls). In 2014, a sharp increase to 41 calls was noted. On completion of the study (November 10, 2015), 27 calls had been recorded. Medical outcomes of loperamide exposure for each patient were classified in accordance with the American Association of Poison Control Center's classification system as minor, moderate, or severe. For those patients with known outcomes, 3 resulted in death, 9 had major effects, 49 had moderate effects, and 36 had minor effects. We identified nine reports of patients who developed cardiotoxicity, with eight of them occurring between 2012 and 2015. A spike in the number of cases of loperamide toxicity reported in 2014 and 2015 coincided with an abundance of online instructions on how to abuse this drug. Almost all cases of recorded cardiotoxicity occurred over the last 3 years. Cardiotoxicity from loperamide abuse has only recently been recognized as a potential complication during the last few years, so earlier cases of cardiotoxicity resulting from loperamide abuse were likely missed.

Conclusion

Our data suggest that loperamide may be increasing in popularity as a drug of abuse and for treatment of opioid withdrawal symptoms. Given the potential for significant toxicity with loperamide exposure, including life‐threatening cardiac dysrhythmias, clinicians should consider obtaining a screening electrocardiogram for patients presenting after acute or chronic high‐dose ingestions of loperamide. In addition, increased control over the availability of loperamide may be warranted.
Drying of multicomponent thin films on substrates with topography
Authors: Pham Truong , Cheng Xiang , Kumar Satish
Published: December 2016

Drying of multicomponent thin liquid films is an important step in coating and printing processes. In many cases, the substrate on which the film rests may possess topography, either intended or unintended. We present a lubrication‐theory‐based model describing the fundamentals of drying on such substrates. The film consists of volatile solvent and additional nonvolatile components such as colloidal particles, surfactants, and nonvolatile solvents. A system of one‐dimensional partial differential equations accounting for the film height, depth‐averaged concentration of bulk nonvolatile components, and interfacial concentration of insoluble surfactant is derived. Evaporation is included using the well‐known one‐sided description, and the governing equations are solved with finite‐difference methods to study various limiting cases. The results highlight the influence of evaporation rate, and thermal, surfactant, and solutal Marangoni flows on the film thickness and colloidal particle distribution. We find that, in a realistic region of parameter space, the addition of a nonvolatile solvent yields a film that conforms to the substrate topography. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2017, 55, 1681–1691
A Simulative and Experimental Approach for the Design and Optimization of Atmospheric Pressure Low Power RF Thermal Plasma Processes
Authors: Traldi Enrico , Boselli Marco , Gherardi Matteo , Colombo Vittorio
Published: December 2016

Based on the comparison of simulative and experimental data, an approach is presented for the design and optimization of processes assisted by low power atmospheric pressure Radio Frequency (RF) thermal plasmas. High Speed Imaging (HSI), Schlieren Imaging (SI), and temperature measurement on the surface of the substrate are performed to characterize the effect of the interaction of the RF torch effluent with a substrate placed downstream of the torch outlet. The related processes are simulated in 2‐D axisymmetric and 3‐D domains for different operating conditions, for the plasma generation region and for the downstream region, respectively. The comparison of numerical and experimental results is used to in depth characterize and investigate the behavior of the effluent of the RF torch.
Sputter‐deposited Ni/Ti double‐bilayer thin film and the effect of intermetallics during annealing
Authors: Behera Ajit , Suman R. , Aich S. , Mohapatra S. S.
Published: December 2016

In the present study, a double bilayer of a Ni/Ti thin film was investigated. A nanoscale NiTi thin film is deposited in a Ni–Ti–Ni–Ti manner to form a double‐bilayer structure on a Si(100) substrate. Ni and Ti depositions were carried out by using d.c. and r.f. power, respectively, in a magnetron sputtering chamber. Four types of bilayers are formed by varying the deposition time of each layer (i.e. 15, 20, 25, and 30 min). The as‐deposited amorphous thin films were annealed at 300, 400, 500, and 600 °C for 1 h to achieve the diffusion in between the layers. Microstructures were analyzed using field‐emission scanning electron microscope and high‐resolution transmission electron microscope. It was found that, with the increase in annealing temperature from 300 to 600 °C, the diffusion at the interface and atomic migration on the surface increase. Cross‐sectional micrographs exhibited the interdiffusion between the two‐layer constituents, especially at higher temperatures, which resulted in diffusion patches along the interface. Phase analyses, performed by grazing incidence X‐ray diffraction, showed the formation of intermetallic compounds with some silicide phases that enhance the mechanical properties. Nanoindentation and atomic force microscopy were carried out to know the mechanical properties and surface profiles of the films. The surface finish is better at higher annealing temperatures. It was found that for annealing temperatures varying from 300 to 600 °C, the increase in annealing temperature resulted in a gradual increase in atomic‐cluster coarsening with improved adatom mobility. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Inhibitors of oxidative and hydrolytic endocannabinoid degradation do not enhance depolarization‐induced suppression of excitation on dorsal cochlear nucleus glycinergic neurons
Authors: Zugaib João , Leão Ricardo M.
Published: December 2016

Neurons from the dorsal cochlear nucleus (DCN) present endocannabinoid (EC) dependent short‐term synaptic plasticity in the form of depolarization‐induced suppression of excitation (DSE). Postsynaptic calcium influx promotes EC synthesis and depression of neurotransmission. ECs can be degraded by a hydrolytic and an oxidative pathway, the latter via the enzyme cyclooxygenase 2 (COX‐2). Hyperactivity in the DCN is related to the development of tinnitus, which can be induced by high doses of salicylate, a COX‐2 inhibitor. Since EC‐dependent plasticity in the DCN can affect its excitation‐inhibition balance, we investigated the impact of inhibitors of both oxidative and hydrolytic EC metabolism on the DSE from the synapses between the parallel fibers and cartwheel neurons (PF‐CW) in the DCN. We found that inhibitors of COX‐2 (ibuprofen and indomethacin) did not alter DSE at the PF‐CW synapse. Salicylate also did not alter DSE. However, we found that inhibitors of the hydrolytic pathway did not affect DSE magnitude, but surprisingly speeded DSE decay. We conclude that oxidative EC degradation in the PF‐CW synapse is not relevant for termination of DSE and are probably not important for controlling this form of synaptic plasticity in the DCN PF‐CW synapse. The lack of effect on DSE of high doses of salicylate also suggests that it is not acting by increasing DSE in the PF‐CWC synapse. However, the counter intuitive effect of the hydrolytic inhibitors shows that increasing EC on this synapse have more complex effects on DSE.
Reliability evaluation of the centralized substation protection system in smart substation
Authors: Xiao Fan , Zhang Zhe , Yin Xianggen
Published: December 2016

The centralized substation protection (CSP) system is one of the novel protection systems in a smart substation. The configuration mode of the CSP system is quite different from that of the traditional protection systems. According to the configuration mode and the operational characteristics of the CSP system, the overall reliability models are established in this paper. Then, the equivalent reliability models of the CSP system in a bay are also established. A novel approach is used to compute the reliability indices of the CSP system based on fault tree and the Monte Carlo method. The proposed method also takes into account the fault‐tolerant function and repair characteristic of the CSP system. Simulation results show that reliability of the CSP system is much better than that of the traditional protection system. The results of this study will be helpful for engineering the CSP system in a smart substation. © 2016 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
First‐principles modeling of molecular crystals: structures and stabilities, temperature and pressure
Authors: Hoja Johannes , Reilly Anthony M. , Tkatchenko Alexandre
Published: December 2016

The understanding of the structure, stability, and response properties of molecular crystals at finite temperature and pressure is crucial for the field of crystal engineering and their application. For a long time, the field of crystal‐structure prediction and modeling of molecular crystals has been dominated by classical mechanistic force‐field methods. However, due to increasing computational power and the development of more sophisticated quantum‐mechanical approximations, first‐principles approaches based on density functional theory can now be applied to practically relevant molecular crystals. The broad transferability of first‐principles methods is especially imperative for polymorphic molecular crystals. This review highlights the current status of modeling molecular crystals from first principles. We give an overview of current state‐of‐the‐art approaches and discuss in detail the main challenges and necessary approximations. So far, the main focus in this field has been on calculating stabilities and structures without considering thermal contributions. We discuss techniques that allow one to include thermal effects at a first‐principles level in the harmonic or quasi‐harmonic approximation, and that are already applicable to realistic systems, or will be in the near future. Furthermore, this review also discusses how to calculate vibrational and elastic properties. Finally, we present a perspective on future uses of first‐principles calculations for modeling molecular crystals and summarize the many remaining challenges in this field. WIREs Comput Mol Sci 2017, 7:e1294. doi: 10.1002/wcms.1294

This article is categorized under:

Structure and Mechanism > Computational Materials Science

Electronic Structure Theory > Ab Initio Electronic Structure Methods

Electronic Structure Theory > Density Functional Theory
The alienation of affection toward parents and influential factors in Chinese left-behind children
Authors: Dai Q. , Yang G. , Hu C. , Wang L. , Liu K. , Guang Y. , Zhang R. , Xu S. , Liu B. , Yang Y. , Feng Z.
Published: December 2016

Objective

Although alienation toward parents is important for children (for current mental health status or later interpersonal relationships in adulthood), it is undervalued and even lacks a standardized tool of assessment. Moreover, the large number of left-behind children in China is a cause of public concern. However, their experienced alienation toward their parents remains unclear, which may be important for early detection or intervention for behavioral problems in this population. Hence, the current study aimed to develop an alienation inventory for children and then use it to investigate the experienced alienation toward parents in Chinese left-behind children.

Methods

Two studies were carried out. Study 1 was designed to develop a standard inventory of alienation toward parents (IAP). In study 2, 8361 children and adolescents (6704 of them were left-behind status) of the Chongqing area, aged between 8 and 19 years old, were recruited for investigation. All participants were surveyed with a standard sociodemographic questionnaire, children's cognitive style questionnaire, children's depression inventory, adolescent self-rating life events checklist, and newly built IAP in study 1.

Results

In study 1, we developed a two-component (communication and emotional distance) and 18-item (9 items for maternal or paternal form, respectively) IAP questionnaire. In study 2, exploratory factor analysis indicated an expected two-factor structure of IAP, which was confirmed by confirmatory factor analysis. The Cronbach's alpha coefficients showed a good reliability (0.887 and 0.821 for maternal and paternal form, respectively). Children with absent mother experienced the highest alienation toward parents. Boys as well as children aged 8–10 years old experienced higher alienation toward parents. Poor communication with parents (sparse or no connection), level of left-behind condition (parents divorced, been far away from parents), and psychosocial vulnerability (stressful life events, negative cognitive style) were risk factors of alienation toward parents.

Conclusions

The current study develops a two-factor (communication and emotional distance) IAP, which offers a reliable tool to assess experienced alienation of affection toward parents in children aged between 8 and 19 years old. Our result is the first investigation of experienced alienation and potential influential factors in Chinese left-behind children. The findings that children with absent mother experience higher alienation toward parents, as well as three recognized risk factors for alienation of affection toward parents (poor communication with absent parents, worse left-behind condition, and psychosocial vulnerability), give valuable guidance for parents who intend to leave or who are already leaving as well as for government policymaking.
Profiles of Cyberpornography Use and Sexual Well-Being in Adults
Authors: Vaillancourt-Morel Marie-Pier , Blais-Lecours Sarah , Labadie Chloé , Bergeron Sophie , Sabourin Stéphane , Godbout Natacha
Published: December 2016

Introduction

Although findings concerning sexual outcomes associated with cyberpornography use are mixed, viewing explicit sexual content online is becoming a common activity for an increasing number of individuals.

Aim

To investigate heterogeneity in cyberpornography-related sexual outcomes by examining a theoretically and clinically based model suggesting that individuals who spend time viewing online pornography form three distinct profiles (recreational, at-risk, and compulsive) and to examine whether these profiles were associated with sexual well-being, sex, and interpersonal context of pornography use.

Methods

The present cluster-analytic study was conducted using a convenience sample of 830 adults who completed online self-reported measurements of cyberpornography use and sexual well-being, which included sexual satisfaction, compulsivity, avoidance, and dysfunction.

Main Outcomes Measures

Dimensions of cyberpornography use were assessed using the Cyber Pornography Use Inventory. Sexual well-being measurements included the Global Measure of Sexual Satisfaction, the Sexual Compulsivity Scale, the Sexual Avoidance Subscale, and the Arizona Sexual Experiences Scale.

Results

Cluster analyses indicated three distinct profiles: recreational (75.5%), highly distressed non-compulsive (12.7%), and compulsive (11.8%). Recreational users reported higher sexual satisfaction and lower sexual compulsivity, avoidance, and dysfunction, whereas users with a compulsive profile presented lower sexual satisfaction and dysfunction and higher sexual compulsivity and avoidance. Highly distressed less active users were sexually less satisfied and reported less sexual compulsivity and more sexual dysfunction and avoidance. A larger proportion of women and of dyadic users was found among recreational users, whereas solitary users were more likely to be in the highly distressed less active profile and men were more likely to be in the compulsive profile.

Conclusion

This pattern of results confirms the existence of recreational and compulsive profiles but also demonstrates the existence of an important subgroup of not particularly active, yet highly distressed consumers. Cyberpornography users represent a heterogeneous population, in which each subgroup is associated with specific sexual outcomes.
Situations de tort dans la vie quotidienne : quelle régulation?
Authors: Vanhamme Françoise
Published: December 2016

La présente contribution explore les logiques et modes de régulation des situations de tort dans la vie quotidienne. Sur la base d’entretiens, elle vise à dégager un sens social aux choix de réaction opérés par les personnes dans de telles situations. Ce faisant, elle pose l’hypothèse que les modes de régulation informelle ne seraient ni inconsistants ni informes et qu’ils contribueraient, comme les institutions formelles le font, à l’organisation, à la facilitation et au maintien de la vie collective et de sa cohésion. Les principes normatifs et les modes pratiques de régulation qui se dégagent effectivement de la recherche suggèrent une perception de la vie collective dont la cohésion se fabrique et se renouvelle sans cesse vu sa nature conflictuelle, et dont la responsabilité de la contenir dans des limites viables revient à chacun de ses membres.
Experience With a Novel, Global, Open-Access Template for Major Incidents: Qualitative Feasibility Study
Authors: Fattah Sabina , Agledahl Kari Milch , Rehn Marius , Wisborg Torben
Published: December 2016

Objective

The transfer of experiences gained after prehospital medical responses to major incidents has largely been nonsystematic, and better-structured reporting methods have been advocated. A consensus-based template was recently created and implemented as an open-access website. This qualitative study assessed the feasibility of using the template and reporting site.

Methods

Informants who had used or who had been asked to use the template were interviewed. The semi-structured interviews were transcribed verbatim, and the transcripts were analyzed by using an inductive approach based on grounded theory methodology.

Results

The major theme identified was a need for “defining purpose” as explained by the minor themes “relevance,” “scope,” “resources,” and “usefulness.” Informants reported that the template content needed to be revised and that the scope and rationale behind each question should be conveyed to the user. Resources necessary for reporting and clarity regarding the aim and outcome also need to be communicated to users and policy-makers. The interface between informants and the template is critical.

Conclusions

Informants considered the template and website useful but reported that the workload exceeded their expectations. Despite pilot testing of the template before implementation, early revision of the template is recommended. (Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2017;11:403–406)
Sparrows of Despair: Migration as a Signalling Device for Dysfunctional States in Europe
Authors: Moses Jonathon W.
Published: December 2016

This article considers the utility of emigration figures for signalling political dysfunction in Europe. If given a choice, most people would prefer not to leave friends, family and homes in order to find work. By assuming that international migration is more of a burden than a freedom, international migration patterns can help us distinguish between politically successful and politically dysfunctional states. This approach is first applied to international refugees and migrants to the EU, then used to study internal EU migrant flows. In doing this, it creates two sets of rankings (in overall and per capita terms) for Europe’s most and least successful states. Included among the most dysfunctional states in Europe are Romania, Lithuania, Ireland, Croatia and Latvia. It would seem as though policymakers in these states are unable to satisfy their constituents’ needs.
Importance of basal boundary conditions in transient simulations: case study of a surging marine-terminating glacier on Austfonna, Svalbard
Authors: GONG YONGMEI , ZWINGER THOMAS , CORNFORD STEPHEN , GLADSTONE RUPERT , SCHÄFER MARTINA , MOORE JOHN C.
Published: December 2016

We assess the importance of basal boundary conditions for transient simulations of Basin 3, Austfonna ice cap between January 1995 and December 2011 and for the surge starting in 2012 by carrying out simulations with the full-Stokes model Elmer/Ice and the vertically-integrated model BISICLES. Time-varying surface mass-balance data from the regional climate model HIRHAM5 are downscaled according to elevation. Basal friction coefficient is varied through time by interpolating between two data-constrained inversions of surface velocity fields, from 1995 and 2011. Evolution of the basal boundary condition appears to be much more important for mass discharge and the dynamic response of the fast flowing unit in Basin 3 than either model choice or the downscaling method for the surface mass balance. In addition, temporally linear extrapolation of the evolution of basal friction coefficient beyond the 2011 distribution could not reproduce the expansion of the acceleration observed in southern Basin 3 between January 2012 and June 2013. This implies that changes in basal friction patterns, and in turn basal processes that are not currently represented in either model, are among the most important factors for the 2012 acceleration.
SmokefreeTXT Behaviour Change Technique Analysis
Authors: Stoyneva Iva , Coa Kisha , Pugatch Jillian , Sanders Amy , Schwarz Mary , Cole-Lewis Heather
Published: December 2016

Mobile text-messaging smoking cessation interventions have demonstrated their efficacy in increasing cessation rates. These interventions tend to be multifaceted and there is a need to specify their building blocks. The purpose of this study was to use the Behavioural Change Techniques Taxonomy V1 (BCTTv1) to systematically analyse the behaviour change techniques present in the SmokefreeTXT (SFTXT) adult programme. The entire SFTXT library was coded using the BCTTv1. Frequencies were calculated to assess the presence of BCT groups and unique BCTs in the entire programme. The mix of BCTs was also examined by programme week and during periods of high user dropout. Of the 16 groups of behavioural techniques, 14 were present in SFTXT. Of the 93 distinct BCTs, 41 were present in the full SFTXT message library. The most prevalent BCT groups were Feedback and Monitoring, Natural Consequences, Social Support, and Shaping Knowledge. There were differences in the mix of BCTs across the duration of the intervention. The results will enable us to test how changes in the use of specific BCTs and their frequency of use over time, impact (1) engagement with the programme (particularly during the days with high dropout rates), and (2) smoking cessation outcomes over time.
Protecting cultural heritage during armed conflict: the Italian contribution to ‘cultural peacekeeping’
Authors: Foradori Paolo
Published: December 2016

World cultural heritage is under systemic attack on several crisis fronts, most notably in Mesopotamia, where ISIS is practising a deliberate and highly sophisticated strategy of ‘cultural cleansing’. Through its newly established Task Force, Italy is leading the international community’s efforts to strengthen the protection regime by including a cultural component in the mandates of peacekeeping interventions. The Italian contribution distinguishes itself, thanks to its capacities and capabilities, in fulfilling the military, police and cultural tasks of ‘cultural peacekeeping’ and in meeting the needs of the international intervention in the crucial entry and exit phases. Moreover, Italy’s commitment to protecting cultural heritage fits perfectly with the distinctive features of Italy’s international identity and role while at the same time serving the country’s national interests by increasing its standing and visibility in world affairs.
GEOSPATIAL ASSESSMENT BASED ON FERTILITY AND MORTALITY DIFFERENTIAL INDICES OF NATURAL SELECTION IN NORTH-WEST AND EASTERN HIMALAYAN POPULATIONS
Authors: Sharma Krishan
Published: December 2016

There is contradictory evidence of having fewer live births and higher embryonic mortality among high-altitude populations than their counterparts at lower altitude. This study explores the geospatial differences in selection intensities among human populations living in different ecological settings. Reproductive data from post-menopausal women were collected from 75 women from near Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, at an altitude of 2150 m above sea level and 100 women from Jind, Haryana, at an altitude of 227 m. Secondary data were taken from 85 women from the Kinnaur district of Himachal Pradesh at an average altitude of 3420 m. A comparison of the study data was made with similar data from different populations living in the western and eastern Himalayas. The total selection intensity index based on Johnston and Kensinger’s index was highest in Shimla and lowest in Kinnaur. The fertility selection component was highest in Shimla and lowest in Kinnaur. The prenatal mortality contribution to the total selection was highest in Shimla (30.76%) and lowest in Kinnaur (2.14%), while the contributions of normalized postnatal mortality were 16.39% and 57.80% in Shimla and Kinnaur, respectively. The fertility component of selection was higher than the mortality component in Shimla, while in the other two places the reverse was observed. Hypoxic conditions at high altitude seem to have little effect on the fertility and embryonic mortality rates of indigenous people. The geospatial differences in the selection intensities may be due to differences in ethnic, behavioural ecology, environmental, cultural and socioeconomic factors.
CRASH AND GETTING ME STARTED: HOW ROBERT ASHLEY CHANGED MY MIND
Authors: Mailman Joshua Banks
Published: December 2016

The recent loss of composer Robert Ashley (1930–2014) prompted in some of us a grab-bag of reflections – private but perhaps peculiarly shareable. My first encounter with Ashley's music was when I was working in college radio in Chicago. We used to receive CDs from the label Lovely Music Ltd., among others. I suppose it was my first full-blown exposure to what we now call post-minimalist music, although these CDs did include earlier sound-art minimalism such as Alvin Lucier's. I'm not sure whether I got to hear William Duckworth's, Joan LaBarbara's, David Behrman's, Robert Ashley's, or ‘Blue’ Gene Tyranny's music first, but despite some scepticism, I did find all of this music strangely attractive in ways I didn't expect.
BBC Promenade Concerts: Jörg Widmann, Armonica, BBC Philharmonic/Storgårds 1.8.16; Mark Simpson, Israfel, BBC Philharmonic/Mena 9.8.16; Emily Howard, Torus, RLPO/V Petrenko 25.8.16.
Authors: Stein Robert
Published: December 2016

Jörg Widmann is a German composer who is acutely conscious but certainly not in awe of his musical forebears. His best-known string quartet, no. 3 ‘The Hunt’ makes dramatic use of – and has great fun with – Schumann. His 2011 concerto Flûte en suite, performed at the 2014 Proms, more than nods to Bach and baroque elegance. In Armonica, commissioned by the International Mozarteum Foundation to celebrate Mozart's 251st birthday in 2007, Widmann surprisingly and yet unsurprisingly features the glass harmonica, the distinctive instrument that Mozart featured in his own last chamber piece, the Adagio and Rondo for glass harmonica, flute, oboe, viola and cello, K617. Mozart teamed the instrument with the quieter representatives from the wind and string families; Widmann places it against the whole orchestra.
Why Is There Always Energy for Dancing?
Authors: Foster Susan Leigh
Published: December 2016

This essay undertakes to illuminate the work of Randy Martin by surveying a range of theories offering hypothetical answers to the question of why dance seems to generate more energy than it demands, an experience often reported by those who engage in it. Coming from the disparate disciplines of social history, psychology, neurobiology, phenomenology, and aesthetics, these theories do not necessarily conflict with one another nor do they agree about dance's energizing capacity. Taken together, however, they lend greater insight into Martin's concept of “mobilization,” and the analysis of them answers Martin's call to evaluate dance from within the presumption of conditions of abundance rather than scarcity.