bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ChemInform Abstract: Iridium‐Catalyzed Intermolecular Dehydrogenative Silylation of Polycyclic Aromatic Compounds Without Directing Groups.
Authors: Murai Masahito , Takami Keishi , Takai Kazuhiko
Published: July 2015

Selective mono‐ and bis‐silylation can be achieved by adjusting the molar ratio of the reactants.
ChemInform Abstract: Synthesis of C6‐Pyridylpurine Nucleosides by Reaction of Nebularine N1‐Oxide with Pyridinyl Grignard Reagents.
Authors: D'Errico Stefano , Oliviero Giorgia , Borbone Nicola , Nici Fabrizia , Piccialli Vincenzo , Pinto Brunella , D'Alonzo Daniele , Mayol Luciano , Piccialli Gennaro
Published: July 2015

The synthesis of the title compounds in moderate to good yields is reported.
ChemInform Abstract: Syntheses of a Pyrrolidine Analogue of a Tetrahydrofuran Containing Acetogenin, cis‐Solamin.
Authors: Hattori Yasunao , Ohnishi Kouji , Sakurai Haruka , Kobayashi Kazuya , Makabe Hidefumi , Teruya Kenta , Akaji Kenichi
Published: July 2015

The synthesis of aza‐cis‐solamin (III) is achieved using a palladium‐catalyzed diastereoselective cyclization of compound (I) as the key step to obtain the pyrrolidine fragment (II).
ChemInform Abstract: Synthesis of Many Different Types of Organic Small Molecules Using One Automated Process.
Authors: Li Junqi , Ballmer Steven G. , Gillis Eric P. , Fujii Seiko , Schmidt Michael J. , Palazzolo Andrea M. E. , Lehmann Jonathan W. , Morehouse Greg F. , Burke Martin D.
Published: July 2015

Small‐molecule synthesis usually relies on procedures that are highly customized for each target.
ChemInform Abstract: High‐Temperature Piezoelectrics with Large Piezoelectric Coefficients
Authors: Shinekumar K. , Dutta Soma
Published: July 2015

Review: 130 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Utility of 4,6‐Diacetylresorcinol in Heterocyclic Synthesis
Authors: Abdel‐Rahman Reda M. , Salem Mounir A. I. , Ali Tarik E. , Ibrahim Magdy A.
Published: July 2015

Review: 78 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Recent Advances in Heterobimetallic Catalysis Across a “Transition Metal—Tin” Motif
Authors: Das Debjit , Mohapatra Swapna Sarita , Roy Sujit
Published: July 2015

Review: [46 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Reusable Directing Groups [8‐Aminoquinoline, Picolinamide, Sulfoximine] in C(sp3)—H Bond Activation: Present and Future
Authors: Rit Raja K. , Yadav M. Ramu , Ghosh Koushik , Sahoo Akhila K.
Published: July 2015

Review: [47 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Development of Thiol‐Independent Peptide Ligations for Protein Chemical Synthesis
Authors: Chow Hoi Yee , Li Xuechen
Published: July 2015

Review: [37 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Beyond Stereoselectivity, Switchable Catalysis: Some of the Last Frontier Challenges in Ring‐Opening Polymerization of Cyclic Esters
Authors: Guillaume Sophie M. , Kirillov Evgueni , Sarazin Yann , Carpentier Jean‐Francois
Published: July 2015

Review: [37 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Recent Advances in the Total Synthesis of Prenylflavonoid and Related Diels—Alder Natural Products
Authors: Han Jianguang , Jones Alexander X. , Lei Xiaoguang
Published: July 2015

Review: [29 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Comparison of Supported and Unsupported Proline Derivatives in Asymmetric Aminocatalytic Transformations
Authors: Srivastava Vivek
Published: July 2015

Review: 105 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Synthesis of Pyrido‐Anellated Seven‐Membered N‐Containing Heterocycles
Authors: Muylaert Koen , Jatczak Martyna , Mangelinckx Sven , Stevens Christian V.
Published: July 2015

Review: 71 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Short Review on Processes Involved in Development of Generic Solid Oral Products
Authors: Kapadia Rakhee , Sawant Krutika K.
Published: July 2015

Review: 26 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Self‐Immolative Spacers: Kinetic Aspects, Structure—Property Relationships, and Applications
Authors: Alouane Ahmed , Labruere Raphael , Le Saux Thomas , Schmidt Frederic , Jullien Ludovic
Published: July 2015

Review: 150 refs.
Emotional attention for erotic stimuli: Cognitive and brain mechanisms
Authors: Sennwald Vanessa , Pool Eva , Brosch Tobias , Delplanque Sylvain , Bianchi‐Demicheli Francesco , Sander David
Published: July 2015

It has long been posited that among emotional stimuli, only negative threatening information modulates early shifts of attention. However, in the last few decades there has been an increase in research showing that attention is also involuntarily oriented toward positive rewarding stimuli such as babies, food, and erotic information. Because reproduction‐related stimuli have some of the largest effects among positive stimuli on emotional attention, the present work reviews recent literature and proposes that the cognitive and cerebral mechanisms underlying the involuntarily attentional orientation toward threat‐related information are also sensitive to erotic information. More specifically, the recent research suggests that both types of information involuntarily orient attention due to their concern relevance and that the amygdala plays an important role in detecting concern‐relevant stimuli, thereby enhancing perceptual processing and influencing emotional attentional processes. J. Comp. Neurol. 524:1668–1675, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Lineage sorting in multihost parasites: Eidmanniella albescens and Fregatiella aurifasciata on seabirds from the Galapagos Islands
Authors: Rivera‐Parra Jose L. , Levin Iris I. , Johnson Kevin P. , Parker Patricia G.
Published: July 2015

Parasites comprise a significant percentage of the biodiversity of the planet and are useful systems to test evolutionary and ecological hypotheses. In this study, we analyze the effect of host species identity and the immediate local species assemblage within mixed species colonies of nesting seabirds on patterns of genetic clustering within two species of multihost ectoparasitic lice. We use three genetic markers (one mitochondrial, COI, and two nuclear, EF1‐α and wingless) and maximum likelihood phylogenetic trees to test whether (1) parasites show lineage sorting based on their host species; and (2) switching of lineages to the alternate host species depends on the immediate local species assemblage of individual hosts within a colony. Specifically, we examine the genetic structure of two louse species: Eidmanniella albescens, infecting both Nazca (Sula granti) and blue‐footed boobies (Sula nebouxii), and Fregatiella aurifasciata, infecting both great (Fregata minor) and magnificent frigatebirds (Fregata magnificens). We found that host species identity was the only factor explaining the patterns of genetic structure in both parasites. In both cases, there is evident genetic differentiation depending on the host species. Thus, a revision of the taxonomy of these louse species is needed. One possible explanation of this pattern is extremely low louse migration rates between host species, perhaps influenced by fine‐scale spatial separation of host species within mixed colonies, and low parasite infrapopulation numbers.
Basic Investigation of Brain–Computer Interface Combined with Augmented Reality and Development of an Improvement Method Using the Nontarget Object
Authors: UNO KOSUKE , NAITO GENZO , TOBISA YOHEI , YOSHIDA LUI , OGAWA YUTARO , KOTANI KIYOSHI , JIMBO YASUHIKO
Published: July 2015

Brain–computer interfaces (BCI) have been studied to allow handicapped people to communicate and control their environments. However, conventional BCIs require a determination of what objects are displayed as targets in advance. BCI combined with augmented reality (AR) can display suitable choices with consideration of real space and can allow users to control devices intuitively. However, little is known about how AR systems affect the accuracy of BCIs; significant factors that may be affected include the background of AR‐BCI derived from scenery and the change of the number of target choices. In this research, üwe confirm these two effects and develop a new method using a nontarget object when there is a small number of possible targets. The results show that the background has no effect, and that changing the target decreases the accuracy. However, the proposed method improves the accuracy of AR‐BCI.
Applying Component‐Based Technologies to Model‐Driven Software Development
Authors: MIZUNO TOMOKI , MATSUMOTO KEINOSUKE , MORI NAOKI
Published: July 2015

Improving the reusability of models and increasing automatic code generation efficiency are problems in model‐driven development. In order to solve these problems, we apply component‐based development technologies that have mainly been developed at the software implementation level to the modeling level. In the proposed approach, functionally relevant model elements are packaged as a component, and the modeling of software is performed by associating them with the model components. The role of a model becomes clear by introducing the concept of a component, and the reusability of model components is improved by externalizing the dependencies between the components. In addition, flexible model transformation rules united with the roles of models can be designed. As a result, the proposed method is able to generate more source code automatically. The validity of the proposed approach is verified through application experiments.
Evaluation of the presence of streambed vegetation on storage and run‐off in hillslope streams in a High Arctic environment
Authors: Miller Elizabeth A. , Young Kathy L.
Published: July 2015

Polar Bear Pass, located on Bathurst Island (75°40′N, 98°30′W) in the Canadian High Arctic, is a large ecologically important, low‐lying wetland that receives water inputs from streams in the surrounding hillslopes. Most of these hillslope streams are gravel‐bed streams; however, some streambeds are moss lined. One of these vegetated streams was selected to determine how vegetation influences run‐off processes (e.g. water storage and streamflow) in comparison with a similar‐sized gravel‐bed hillslope stream. During the 2009 and 2010 field seasons, snow cover, melt and streamflow measurements were collected in both streams. Frost table and soil moisture conditions were monitored weekly along four cross‐sectional transects in each stream basin, and vegetation inventories were conducted in July 2010. The active layer developed more quickly in 2010 than in 2009, yet the thaw depth remained thinner in the vegetated stream in both years. In 2009, prolonged rainfall of low intensity and meltwater inputs from long‐lasting valley snowbeds maintained streamflow. Warmer and drier conditions in 2010 caused the stream to eventually cease flow, only regenerating after intense rainfall. Moss plays an important role in modifying streamflow later in the season when low‐flow conditions persist, acting as a barrier to streamflow as the moisture deficit of the vegetation must be satisfied before streamflow can regenerate. Results indicate that there is a threshold that determines whether vegetation promotes or hinders streamflow and that this factor will have important implications in response to changing climate conditions for this site and other arctic landscapes. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Distributions of phenolic acid antioxidants between the interfacial and aqueous regions of corn oil emulsions—a commentary
Authors: Genot Claude
Published: July 2015

Being capable of optimizing the usage of antioxidants is a challenge for any industry concerned with formulating food and non‐food products because it will affect its competitiveness and the product's attractiveness in response to consumer demand. This is also a challenge for scientists who remain puzzled by the unpredictable oxidative behavior of real, complex food, and non‐food matrices. Laurence Romsted and Carlos Bravo‐Diaz have developed some years ago a pseudophase kinetic model to determine the partitioning of chain‐breaking antioxidants in micellar systems and emulsions stabilized by surfactants. In this article, with Sonia Lasada‐Barreiro they used the pseudophase model to determine the partitioning of two phenolic antioxidants (gallic acid and caffeic acid) in a model oil‐in‐water emulsion with increasing surfactant concentrations and at different pH values. This commentary underlines the importance of the pseudo‐phase model and the present work to achieve a better use of antioxidants. It is also suggested that the enigma of antioxidant efficiency in complex systems is far from completely solved.
Corrole‐Decorated Porphyrin Dendrimer and Its Selective Metallation
Authors: Semenishyn Nikolay , Mahammed Atif , Gross Zeev
Published: July 2015

Utilization of 4‐formylbenzaldehyde in the 2+1 approach for synthesis of corroles was regulated as to lead to either the one‐pot synthesis of meso‐meso′‐linked dimeric corrole or to a monomeric corrole with a free formyl group. The latter was used as synthon for the preparation of a dendritic porphyrin with four corroles. The different chelating properties of the similar macrocycles allow for selective insertion of zinc(II) into the central porphyrin and cobalt(III) into the peripheral corroles.
Selectfluor–Bu4NI‐Mediated C(sp3)–H Oxidation in Aqueous Media: Synthesis of Δ2‐Isoxazolines from Oximes
Authors: Shi Di , Qin Hai‐Tao , Zhu Chen , Liu Feng
Published: July 2015

The direct functionalization of an aliphatic C–H bond within a complex molecule through a free‐radical pathway is a valuable tool in synthetic chemistry. Herein, we developed an efficient transition‐metal‐free approach to generate Δ2‐isoxazolines from oximes by radical‐mediated C(sp3)–H oxidation. Investigation of the mechanism suggested that in the presence of Selectfluor and Bu4NI, the homolysis of the in situ formed O–I bond generated an iminoxyl radical that facilitated subsequent 1,5‐H transfer and C(sp3)–H oxidation.
Fabrication of a Dendritic Heteropolyacid as Self‐Separated, Water‐Resistant Catalyst for Biodiesel Fuel Production
Authors: Duan Xixin , Sun Zhong , Li Xiangyu , Wang Xiaohong , Wang Shengtian , Li Shiwu
Published: July 2015

A novel dendritic heteropolyacid (HPA)‐based ionic liquid has been prepared from the interaction between H3PW12O40 (HPW) and a multi‐SO3H dendritic ionic liquid (IL). This HPA IL exhibited strong Brønsted acidity and a dendritic structure, which was efficient for the esterification and transesterification reactions with excellent water‐ and acid‐resistant stability. The good performance was attributed to the dendritic arrangement with many catalytic sites, porous structure, and hydrophobic surroundings. The catalyst was insoluble in the organic phase resulting easy separation for reuse.
Ecological risk assessment of herbicides in Japan: Integrating spatiotemporal variation in exposure and effects using a multimedia model and algal density dynamics models
Authors: Hayashi Takehiko I. , Imaizumi Yoshitaka , Yokomizo Hiroyuki , Tatarazako Norihisa , Suzuki Noriyuki
Published: July 2015

Application of herbicides to paddy fields in Japan has strong seasonality, and their environmental concentrations exhibit clear spatiotemporal variation. The authors developed an approach that combines a multimedia environmental exposure model (Grid-Catchment Integrated Modeling System) and density dynamics models for algae. This approach enabled assessment of ecological risk when the exposure concentration shows spatiotemporal variation. First, risk maps of 5 herbicides (pretilachlor, butachlor, simetryn, mefenacet, and esprocarb) were created from the spatial predictions of environmental concentrations and 50% inhibitory concentrations of the herbicides. Simulations of algal density dynamics at high-risk sites were then conducted by incorporating the predicted temporal dynamics of the environmental concentration of each herbicide at the sites. The results suggested that the risk of pretilachlor was clearly the highest of the 5 herbicides, in terms of both the spatial distributions and the temporal durations. The present study highlights the importance of integrating exposure models and effect models to clarify spatial and temporal risk and to develop management plans for chemical exposure that shows high spatiotemporal variation. Environ Toxicol Chem 2016;35:233–240. © 2015 SETAC
You Can Avoid Substantial Costs Through PSD Netting
Authors: Andracsek Robynn
Published: July 2015

The most basic goals of the Clean Air Act (CAA) are to define “clean air” standards, to keep clean areas in attainment with those standards, and to improve the air in nonattainment (non‐clean‐air) areas.
Decrease in Electricity Intensity From Increased Efficiency and Changed Product Mix
Authors: Pickenpaugh Gavin , Balash Peter
Published: July 2015

In this article, we examine the determinants of improvements in US manufacturing electricity intensity 1998–2010, via decomposition and regression analysis. Decomposition analysis finds both structural change and efficiency improvements played important roles in intensity improvements, with results varying by region. One implication is that improvements in electricity intensity should not be assumed to come only from efficiency improvements: it is important to attempt to understand what drives efficiency improvements and structural change.
Comparison of continuously acquired resting state and extracted analogues from active tasks
Authors: Ganger Sebastian , Hahn Andreas , Küblböck Martin , Kranz Georg S. , Spies Marie , Vanicek Thomas , Seiger René , Sladky Ronald , Windischberger Christian , Kasper Siegfried , Lanzenberger Rupert
Published: July 2015

Functional connectivity analysis of brain networks has become an important tool for investigation of human brain function. Although functional connectivity computations are usually based on resting‐state data, the application to task‐specific fMRI has received growing attention. Three major methods for extraction of resting‐state data from task‐related signal have been proposed (1) usage of unmanipulated task data for functional connectivity; (2) regression against task effects, subsequently using the residuals; and (3) concatenation of baseline blocks located in‐between task blocks. Despite widespread application in current research, consensus on which method best resembles resting‐state seems to be missing. We, therefore, evaluated these techniques in a sample of 26 healthy controls measured at 7 Tesla. In addition to continuous resting‐state, two different task paradigms were assessed (emotion discrimination and right finger‐tapping) and five well‐described networks were analyzed (default mode, thalamus, cuneus, sensorimotor, and auditory). Investigating the similarity to continuous resting‐state (Dice, Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), R2) showed that regression against task effects yields functional connectivity networks most alike to resting‐state. However, all methods exhibited significant differences when compared to continuous resting‐state and similarity metrics were lower than test‐retest of two resting‐state scans. Omitting global signal regression did not change these findings. Visually, the networks are highly similar, but through further investigation marked differences can be found. Therefore, our data does not support referring to resting‐state when extracting signals from task designs, although functional connectivity computed from task‐specific data may indeed yield interesting information. Hum Brain Mapp 36:4053–4063, 2015. © 2015 The Authors Human Brain Mapping Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A novel “humanized mouse” model for autoimmune hepatitis and the association of gut microbiota with liver inflammation
Authors: Yuksel Muhammed , Wang Yipeng , Tai Ningwen , Peng Jian , Guo Junhua , Beland Kathie , Lapierre Pascal , David Chella , Alvarez Fernando , Colle Isabelle , Yan Huiping , Mieli‐Vergani Giorgina , Vergani Diego , Ma Yun , Wen Li
Published: July 2015

Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) in humans is a severe inflammatory liver disease characterized by interface hepatitis, the presence of circulating autoantibodies, and hyper‐gammaglobulinemia. There are two types of AIH, type 1 (AIH‐1) and type 2 (AIH‐2), characterized by distinct autoimmune serology. Patients with AIH‐1 are positive for anti–smooth muscle and/or antinuclear autoantibodies, whereas patients with AIH‐2 have anti–liver kidney microsomal type 1 and/or anti–liver cytosol type 1 autoantibodies. Cytochrome P4502D6 is the antigenic target of anti–liver kidney microsomal type 1, and formiminotransferase cyclodeaminase is the antigenic target of anti–liver cytosol type 1. It is known that AIH, both types 1 and 2, is strongly linked to the human leukocyte antigen (HLA) alleles ‐DR3, ‐DR4, and ‐DR7. However, direct evidence of the association of HLA with AIH is lacking. We developed a novel mouse model of AIH using the HLA‐DR3 transgenic mouse on the nonobese‐diabetic background by immunization of HLA‐DR3– and HLA‐DR3+ nonobese‐diabetic mice with a DNA plasmid, coding for human cytochrome P4502D6/formiminotransferase cyclodeaminase fusion protein. Immunization with cytochrome P4502D6/formiminotransferase cyclodeaminase leads to a sustained elevation of alanine aminotransferase, development of antinuclear autoantibodies and anti–liver kidney microsomal type 1/anti–liver cytosol type 1 autoantibodies, chronic immune cell infiltration, and parenchymal fibrosis on liver histology in HLA‐DR3+ mice. Immunized mice also showed an enhanced T helper 1 immune response and paucity of the frequency of regulatory T cells in the liver. Moreover, HLA‐DR3+ mice with exacerbated AIH showed reduced diversity and total load of gut bacteria. Conclusion: Our humanized animal model has provided a novel experimental tool to further elucidate the pathogenesis of AIH and to evaluate the efficacy and safety of immunoregulatory therapeutic interventions in vivo. (Hepatology 2015;62:1536–1550)
‘Mommy, You are the Princess and I am the Queen’: How Preschool Children's Initiation and Language Use During Pretend Play Relate to Complexity
Authors: Melzer Dawn K. , Palermo Cori A.
Published: July 2015

The present study investigated the relationship between complexity of pretend play, initiation of pretense activities, and mental state utterances used during play. Children 3 to 4 years of age were videotaped while engaging in pretend play with a parent. The videotapes were coded according to mental state utterances (i.e. desire, emotion, cognitive, and modulations of assertion), and pretend play complexity (i.e. interaction with parent, object use, theme, and role transformation). Children who initiated the pretend activities exhibited more complex play behaviours than those whose parents initiated the activities. Children's increased use of cognitive mental state terms was related to increased pretend play complexity, while parents' increased use of cognitive terms was related to decreased levels of complexity. The results provide support for using a guided participation approach to interacting with preschool children to enhance independence and complexity in play. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cross‐talk between bile acids and gastrointestinal tract for progression and development of cancer and its therapeutic implications
Authors: Kundu Somanath , Kumar Sandeep , Bajaj Avinash
Published: July 2015

Increasing incidences of gastrointestinal (GI) cancer are linked to changes in lifestyle with excess of red meat/fat consumption, and elevated secretion of bile acids. Bile acids are strong signaling molecules that control various physiological processes. Failure in bile acid regulation has detrimental effects, often linked with development and promotion of cancer of digestive tract including esophagus, stomach, liver, and intestine. Excessive concentration of bile acids especially lipophillic secondary bile acids are cytotoxic causing apoptosis and reactive oxygen species‐mediated damage to the cells. Resistance to this apoptosis and accumulation of mutations leads to progression of cancer. Cytotoxicity of bile acids is contingent on their chemical structure. In this review, we discuss the chemistry of bile acids, bile acid mediated cellular signaling processes, their role in GI cancer progression, and therapeutic potential of synthetic bile acid derivatives for cancer therapy. © 2015 IUBMB Life, 67(7):514–523, 2015
Protein profiles of cardiomyocyte differentiation in murine embryonic stem cells exposed to perfluorooctane sulfonate
Authors: Zhang Ying‐Ying , Tang Lei‐Lei , Zheng Bei , Ge Ren‐Shan , Zhu Dan‐Yan
Published: July 2015

Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) is a persistent organic contaminant that may affect diverse systems in animals and humans, including the cardiovascular system. However, little is known about the mechanism by which it affects the biological systems. Herein, we used embryonic stem cell test procedure as a tool to assess the developmental cardiotoxicity of PFOS. The differentially expressed proteins were identified by quantitative proteomics that combines the stable isotope labeling of amino acids with high‐performance liquid chromatography‐electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry. Results of the embryonic stem cell test procedure suggested that PFOS was a weak embryotoxic chemical. Nevertheless, a few marker proteins related to cardiovascular development (Brachyury, GATA4, MEF2C, α‐actinin) were significantly reduced by exposure to PFOS. In total, 176 differential proteins were identified by proteomics analysis, of which 67 were upregulated and 109 were downregulated. Gene ontology annotation classified these proteins into 13 groups by molecular functions, 12 groups by cellular locations and 10 groups by biological processes. Most proteins were mainly relevant to either catalytic activity (25.6%), nucleus localization (28.9%) or to cellular component organization (19.8%). Pathway analysis revealed that 32 signaling pathways were affected, particularly these involved in metabolism. Changes in five proteins, including L‐threonine dehydrogenase, X‐ray repair cross‐complementing 5, superoxide dismutase 2, and DNA methyltransferase 3b and 3a were confirmed by Western blotting, suggesting the reliability of the technique. These results revealed potential new targets of PFOS on the developmental cardiovascular system. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Duplex ultrasonography findings are not related to menstrual cycle phases in women with early symptoms of lower extremity chronic venous disease
Authors: Gulcu Aytac , Ozutemiz Can , Ugurlu Baran , Kose Timur
Published: July 2015

Purpose

To investigate if duplex ultrasonography findings change according to the menstrual cycle phases in women with early symptoms of lower extremity chronic venous disease.

Methods

Thirty women (60 extremities) aged 18–50 years with regular menstrual cycles who presented with complaints of telangiectasia and/or trunk varices with accompanying leg pain were evaluated prospectively by duplex ultrasonography at three different times of a single menstrual cycle. Previous DVT or menstrual irregularities were exclusion criteria. All exams were performed by the same radiologist, under the same conditions. Reflux was provoked in the deep veins, great saphenous vein (GSV), and small saphenous vein (SSV) using the Valsalva maneuver. Reflux times in each vein and average diameters of the GSV and SSV were recorded.

Results

Reflux times showed no significant differences in any of the vein segments and the diameters of GSV and SSV were similar in the different menstrual phases (p > 0.05). Reflux was not predominant at any specific phase, and its presence was independent of menstrual phase.

Conclusions

Reflux was not specific to a particular phase of menstrual cycle in women with early symptoms of chronic venous disease. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound 44:85–91, 2016
The Middle Class and Democratic Consolidation in Zambia
Authors: Resnick Danielle
Published: July 2015

Using Zambia's 2008 Governance Survey, this paper examines the relationship between class, political participation, trust and values. Three notable findings emerge. First, Zambia's middle class is less likely to vote or demonstrate but more distrusting of political institutions and more likely to oppose bridewealth. Secondly, the conceptualization of the middle class makes a difference depending on the outcome of interest, especially in Africa where correlates of class found elsewhere may not necessarily move in the same direction. Thirdly, the results suggest that the main difference is between wealthier Zambians and the poor instead of the middle class and everyone else. © 2015 The Authors.Journal of International Developmentpublished by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Matching Concepts With Measurement: Who Belongs to Africa's Middle Class?
Authors: Thurlow James , Resnick Danielle , Ubogu Dumebi
Published: July 2015

This paper advocates for a conceptualization of the African middle class that would be universally valid: security from economic vulnerability and prospects for social mobility. We suggest three minimum criteria that are jointly necessary and sufficient to reflect this conceptualization: secondary schooling completion, decent housing amenities and skilled employment. Using household surveys for nine African countries, we then demonstrate how measures of the middle class based on expenditure thresholds refer to households with vastly different abilities to meet these three criteria. This cautions against overreliance on expenditure‐based definitions, which may obscure qualitative differences among the middle class across African countries. © 2015 The Authors. Journal of International Development published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Varieties of Capitalists? The Middle–Class, Private Sector and Economic Outcomes in Africa
Authors: Handley Antoinette
Published: July 2015

Recent increases in the size of African middle classes have excited speculation about the economic implications of these developments. This review paper argues that to understand these, we must first interrogate our analytic assumptions about the middle class and its relationship to the private sector across the continent. Africa's middle classes are born out of a different relationship with the private sector than classical theories suggest. Rather than one, homogenous middle class (or private sector), there are multiple kinds, and hence, many of our universalizing analytic assumptions about the character of that class—and its likely economic impact—may not hold. © 2015 The Authors.Journal of International Developmentpublished by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cement augmentation of implants—no general cure in osteoporotic fracture treatment. A biomechanical study on non‐displaced femoral neck fractures
Authors: Hofmann‐Fliri Ladina , Nicolino Tomas I. , Barla Jorge , Gueorguiev Boyko , Richards R. Geoff , Blauth Michael , Windolf Markus
Published: July 2015

Femoral neck fractures in the elderly are a common problem in orthopedics. Augmentation of screw fixation with bone cement can provide better stability of implants and lower the risk of secondary displacement. This study aimed to investigate whether cement augmentation of three cannulated screws in non‐displaced femoral neck fractures could increase implant fixation. A femoral neck fracture was simulated in six paired human cadaveric femora and stabilized with three 7.3 mm cannulated screws. Pairs were divided into two groups: conventional instrumentation versus additional cement augmentation of screw tips with 2 ml TraumacemV+ each. Biomechanical testing was performed by applying cyclic axial load until failure. Failure cycles, axial head displacement, screw angle changes, telescoping and screw cut‐out were evaluated. Failure (15 mm actuator displacement) occurred in the augmented group at 12,500 cycles (± 2,480) compared to 15,625 cycles (± 4,215) in the non‐augmented group (p = 0.041). When comparing 3 mm vertical displacement of the head no significant difference (p = 0.72) was detected between the survival curves of the two groups. At 8,500 load‐cycles (early onset failure) the augmented group demonstrated a change in screw angle of 2.85° (± 0.84) compared to 1.15° (± 0.93) in the non‐augmented group (p = 0.013). The results showed no biomechanical advantage with respect to secondary displacement following augmentation of three cannulated screws in a non‐displaced femoral neck fracture. Consequently, the indication for cement augmentation to enhance implant anchorage in osteoporotic bone has to be considered carefully taking into account fracture type, implant selection and biomechanical surrounding. © 2015 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 34:314–319, 2016.
Local delivery of zoledronate from a poly (D,L‐lactide)—Coating increases fixation of press‐fit implants
Authors: Jakobsen Thomas , Bechtold Joan E. , Søballe Kjeld , Jensen Thomas , Greiner Stefan , Vestermark Marianne T. , Baas Jørgen
Published: July 2015

Early secure fixation of total joint replacements is crucial for long‐term survival. Antiresorptive agents such as bisphosphonates have been shown to increase implant fixation. We investigated whether local delivery of zoledronate from poly‐D, L‐lactide (PDLLA)‐coated implants could improve implant fixation and osseointegration. Experimental titanium implants were bilaterally inserted press‐fit into the proximal tibiae of 10 dogs. On one side the implant was coated with PDLLA containing zoledronate. The contralateral implant was uncoated and used as control. Observation period was 12 weeks. Implant fixation was evaluated with histomorphometry and biomechanical push‐out test. We found an approximately twofold increase in all biomechanical parameters when comparing data from the zoledronate group with their respective controls. Histomorphometry showed increased amount of preserved bone and increased bone formation around the zoledronate implants. This study indicates that local delivery of zoledronate from a PDDLA coating has the potential to increase implant fixation. © 2015 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 34:65–71, 2016.
Development and use of an animal model to study post‐traumatic stiffness and contracture of the elbow
Authors: Lake Spencer P. , Castile Ryan M. , Borinsky Stephanie , Dunham Chelsey L. , Havlioglu Necat , Galatz Leesa M.
Published: July 2015

Post‐traumatic joint stiffness (PTJS) of the elbow is a debilitating condition that poses unique treatment challenges. While previous research has implicated capsular tissue in PTJS, much regarding the development and progression of this condition remains unknown. The objective of this study was to develop an animal model of post‐traumatic elbow contracture and evaluate its potential for studying the etiology of PTJS. The Long‐Evans rat was identified as the most appropriate species/breed for development due to anatomical and functional similarities to the human elbow joint. Two surgical protocols of varying severity were utilized to replicate soft tissue damage seen in elbow subluxation/dislocation injuries, including anterior capsulotomy and lateral collateral ligament transection, followed by 6 weeks of unilateral joint immobilization. Following sacrifice, flexion‐extension mechanical joint testing demonstrated decreased range‐of‐motion and increased stiffness for injured‐immobilized limbs compared to control and sham animals, where functional impact correlated with severity of injury. Histological evaluation showed increased cellularity, adhesion, and thickness of capsule tissue in injured limbs, consistent with clinical evidence. To our knowledge, this is the first animal model capable of examining challenges unique to the anatomically and biomechanically complex elbow joint. Future studies will use this animal model to investigate mechanisms responsible for PTJS. © 2015 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 34:354–364, 2016.
Demutualization of Stock Exchanges: A Corporate Blessing in Disguise for Stock Market Growth
Authors: Sial Abdul Wahid , Talib Nadeem , Ashkanani Fayqa Abdullah , Alam Muhammad Aftab
Published: July 2015

Changes in ownership, governance, and objectives of stock exchanges significantly impact on stock market growth indicators such as number of listed companies, number of transactions in equity market, stock index, and market capitalization.
Lipid‐lowering and anti‐inflammatory effects of palmitoleic acid: Evidence from human intervention studies
Authors: Morse Nancy
Published: July 2015

Although preclinical and human epidemiological studies report anti‐inflammatory and lipid lowering effects of palmitoleic acid that are linked to prevention of metabolic syndrome [1], confirming randomised, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trials are needed to substantiate these findings. With the exception of one well designed trial including purified palmitoleic acid, studies to date provide uncertain associations between palmitoleic acid treatment specifically, and significant consistent benefits relevant to metabolic syndrome. Results of all studies and recommendations for further urgently needed investigations are discussed to ensure future exploitation of this potentially revolutionary approach to disease risk prevention.
Utility‐based criteria for selecting patients with hepatocellular carcinoma for liver transplantation: A multicenter cohort study using the alpha‐fetoprotein model as a survival predictor
Authors: Vitale Alessandro , Farinati Fabio , Burra Patrizia , Trevisani Franco , Giannini Edoardo G. , Ciccarese Francesca , Piscaglia Fabio , Rapaccini Gian Lodovico , Di Marco Mariella , Caturelli Eugenio , Zoli Marco , Borzio Franco , Cabibbo Giuseppe , Felder Martina , Sacco Rodolfo , Morisco Filomena , Missale Gabriele , Foschi Francesco Giuseppe , Gasbarrini Antonio , Svegliati Baroni Gianluca , Virdone Roberto , Chiaramonte Maria , Spolverato Gaya , Cillo Umberto ,   for the Italian Liver Cancer group
Published: July 2015

The lifetime utility of liver transplantation (LT) in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is still controversial. The aim of this study was to ascertain when LT is cost‐effective for HCC patients, with a view to proposing new transplant selection criteria. The study involved a real cohort of potentially transplantable Italian HCC patients (n = 2419 selected from the Italian Liver Cancer group database) who received nontransplant therapies. A non‐LT survival analysis was conducted, the direct costs of therapies were calculated, and a Markov model was used to compute the cost utility of LT over non‐LT therapies in Italian and US cost scenarios. Post‐LT survival was calculated using the alpha‐fetoprotein (AFP) model on the basis of AFP values and radiological size and number of nodules. The primary endpoint was the net health benefit (NHB), defined as LT survival benefit in quality‐adjusted life years minus incremental costs (US $)/willingness to pay. The calculated median cost of non‐LT therapies per patient was US $53,042 in Italy and US $62,827 in the United States. On Monte Carlo simulation, the NHB of LT was always positive for AFP model values ≤ 3 and always negative for values > 7 in both countries. A multivariate model showed that nontumor variables (patient's age, Child‐Turcotte‐Pugh [CTP] class, and alternative therapies) had the potential to shift the AFP model threshold of LT cost‐ineffectiveness from 3 to 7. LT proved always cost‐effective for HCC patients with AFP model values ≤ 3, whereas the cost‐ineffectiveness threshold ranged between 3 and 7 using nontumor variables. Liver Transpl 21:1250‐1258, 2015. © 2015 AASLD.
Crosslinked Polypropylenimine Dendrimers With Bioreducible Linkages for Gene Delivery Systems and Their Reductive Degradation Behaviors
Authors: Lee Gyeong Jin , Ryu Kitae , Kim Kyunghwan , Choi Ji‐yeong , Kim Tae‐il
Published: July 2015

Crosslinked bioreducible polypropylenimine‐cystaminebisacrylamides (PPI‐CBAs) were synthesized for gene delivery systems. They formed nano‐sized polyplexes with high stability even in reducing condition probably due to the re‐crosslinking. PPI‐CBAs displayed high transfection efficiency comparable to PEI25k in serum condition. However, cytotoxicity increase, glutathione (GSH) decrease, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) increase were observed in cells with the elevation of PPI‐CBAs concentration and crosslinking degree. These results suggest that the cytotoxicity of bioreducible polymers may be closely related with their structures and that reduction of GSH by degradation of re‐crosslinked bioreducible polymers and the following increase of ROS may induce cytotoxicity by oxidative stress.
Colonic bacterial composition in Parkinson's disease
Authors: Keshavarzian Ali , Green Stefan J. , Engen Phillip A. , Voigt Robin M. , Naqib Ankur , Forsyth Christopher B. , Mutlu Ece , Shannon Kathleen M.
Published: July 2015

Introduction

We showed that Parkinson's disease (PD) patients have alpha‐synuclein (α‐Syn) aggregation in their colon with evidence of colonic inflammation. If PD patients have altered colonic microbiota, dysbiosis might be the mechanism of neuroinflammation that leads to α‐Syn misfolding and PD pathology.

Methods

Sixty‐six sigmoid mucosal biopsies and 65 fecal samples were collected from 38 PD patients and 34 healthy controls. Mucosal‐associated and feces microbiota compositions were characterized using high‐throughput ribosomal RNA gene amplicon sequencing. Data were correlated with clinical measures of PD, and a predictive assessment of microbial community functional potential was used to identify microbial functions.

Results

The mucosal and fecal microbial community of PD patients was significantly different than control subjects, with the fecal samples showing more marked differences than the sigmoid mucosa. At the taxonomic level of genus, putative, “anti‐inflammatory” butyrate‐producing bacteria from the genera Blautia, Coprococcus, and Roseburia were significantly more abundant in feces of controls than PD patients. Bacteria from the genus Faecalibacterium were significantly more abundant in the mucosa of controls than PD. Putative, “proinflammatory” Proteobacteria of the genus Ralstonia were significantly more abundant in mucosa of PD than controls. Predictive metagenomics indicated that a large number of genes involved in metabolism were significantly lower in the PD fecal microbiome, whereas genes involved in lipopolysaccharide biosynthesis and type III bacterial secretion systems were significantly higher in PD patients.

Conclusion

This report provides evidence that proinflammatory dysbiosis is present in PD patients and could trigger inflammation‐induced misfolding of α‐Syn and development of PD pathology. © 2015 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Altered brain network centrality in depressed Parkinson's disease patients
Authors: Lou Yuting , Huang Peiyu , Li Dan , Cen Zhidong , Wang Bo , Gao Jixiang , Xuan Min , Yu Hualiang , Zhang Minming , Luo Wei
Published: July 2015

Background

Depression is a relatively common and serious nonmotor symptom of Parkinson's disease (PD), which reduces the quality of patients' life. Although disturbances in some related brain networks have been reported, the pathophysiology of depression in PD is still unclear. Here, we aim to investigate whole‐brain functional connectivity patterns in depressed PD patients.

Methods

We recruited 17 PD patients diagnosed with major depressive disorder, 17 PD patients without depression, and 17 healthy control subjects. Resting‐state functional MRI and eigenvector centrality mapping were used to identify functional connectivity alterations among these groups.

Results

Results showed that depressed PD patients had decreased functional connectivity in the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and right superior temporal gyrus and increased functional connectivity in the right posterior cingulate cortex, compared to nondepressed patients. In addition, there was a significant negative correlation between functional connectivity and depression scores in the posterior cingulate cortex.

Conclusions

This study suggests that functional connectivity changes in certain nodes of brain networks might contribute to depression in patients with PD. © 2015 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Basic science breaks through: New therapeutic advances in Parkinson's disease
Authors: Brundin Patrik , Atkin Graham , Lamberts Jennifer T.
Published: July 2015

Parkinson's disease (PD) is the second most common neurodegenerative disease and is typically associated with progressive motor dysfunction, although PD patients also exhibit a variety of non‐motor symptoms. The neuropathological hallmark of PD is intraneuronal inclusions containing primarily α‐Synuclein (α‐Syn), and several lines of evidence point to α‐Syn as a key contributor to disease progression. Thus, basic research in the field of PD is largely focused on understanding the pathogenic properties of α‐Syn. Over the past 2 y, these studies helped to identify several novel therapeutic strategies that have the potential to slow PD progression; such strategies include sequestration of extracellular α‐Syn through immunotherapy, reduction of α‐Syn multimerization or intracellular toxicity, and attenuation of the neuroinflammatory response. This review describes these and other putative therapeutic strategies, together with the basic science research that led to their identification. The current breadth of novel targets for the treatment of PD warrants cautious optimism in the fight against this devastating disease. © 2015 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Effects of multi‐walled carbon nanotubes and conductive carbon black on electrical, dielectric, and mechanical properties of epoxidized natural rubber composites
Authors: Matchawet Suradet , Kaesaman Azizon , Bomlai Pornsuda , Nakason Charoen
Published: July 2015

The influence of multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) and conductive carbon black (CCB) on cure, electrical, dielectric, and mechanical properties of epoxidized natural rubber (ENR) composites was investigated. It was found that short MWCNTs (S‐MWCNTs) with low loading significantly affected the cure characteristics in a way similar to high loading of CCB. Moreover, the ENR/S‐MWCNTs composites exhibited high AC conductivity, dielectric constant, and dielectric loss tangent (tan δ) compared to the ENR/CCB and ENR/L‐MWCNTs (long MWCNTs) composites. In addition, the S‐MWCNTs composites showed the lowest percolation threshold concentration, defined as the lowest loading to form conductive paths in the insulating ENR matrix. This might be attributed to the comparatively high interfacial polarization, with good dispersion and distribution, of the S‐MWCNTs in ENR matrix. These characteristics were confirmed by TEM imaging and by a high bound rubber content, corroborating strong filler–rubber interactions in the ENR/S‐MWCNTs composites. However, the L‐MWCNTs composites showed the lowest electrical and other related properties, despite the highest aspect ratio and specific surface area of this filler. This might be because of the flocculation of nanotubes by mutual entanglement, leading to a poor uneven distribution in the ENR matrix. POLYM. COMPOS., 38:1031–1042, 2017. © 2015 Society of Plastics Engineers