bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Threshold dynamics of a nonlinear multi‐group epidemic model with two infinite distributed delays
Authors: Feng Xiaomei , Wang Kai , Zhang Fengqin , Teng Zhidong
Published: October 2016

The global stability of equilibria is investigated for a nonlinear multi‐group epidemic model with latency and relapses described by two distributed delays. The results show that the global dynamics are completely determined by the basic reproduction number
under certain reasonable conditions on the nonlinear incidence rate. Moreover, compared with the results in Michael Y. Li and Zhisheng Shuai, Journal Differential Equations 248 (2010) 1–20, it is found that the two distributed delays have no impact on the global behaviour of the model. Our study improves and extends some known results in recent literature. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Stability of the superposition of rarefaction wave and contact discontinuity for the non‐isentropic Navier–Stokes–Poisson system
Authors: Ruan Lizhi , Yin Haiyan , Zhu Changjiang
Published: October 2016

This paper is devoted to the study of the nonlinear stability of the composite wave consisting of a rarefaction wave and a viscous contact discontinuity wave of the non‐isentropic Navier–Stokes–Poisson system with free boundary. We first construct the composite wave through the quasineutral Euler equations and then prove that the composite wave is time asymptotically stable under small perturbations for the corresponding initial‐boundary value problem of the non‐isentropic Navier–Stokes–Poisson system. Only the strength of the viscous contact wave is required to be small. However, the strength of the rarefaction wave can be arbitrarily large. In our analysis, the domain decomposition plays an important role in obtaining the zero‐order energy estimates. By introducing this technique, we successfully overcome the difficulty caused by the critical terms involved with the linear term, which does not satisfy the quasineural assumption for the composite wave. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Translation and reliability and validity testing of a Japanese version of the Intermittent Self‐Catheterization Questionnaire among disposable and reusable catheter users
Authors: Yoshida Mikako , Igawa Yasuhiko , Higashimura Shiho , Suzuki Motofumi , Niimi Aya , Sanada Hiromi
Published: October 2016

Aims

Quality of life in the context of intermittent self‐catheterization varies depending on the type of catheter used. This study translated into Japanese, evaluated the feasibility, reliability, and validity of the Intermittent Self‐Catheterization Questionnaire (ISC‐Q) among users of both reusable and disposable catheters, and examined the differences of it between them.

Methods

Seventy patients (age mean ± SD: 62.8 ± 17.7 years) completed the Japanese version of the ISC‐Q (J‐ISC‐Q) at baseline and 4 weeks later. Spearman's correlation coefficients between the J‐ISC‐Q, and Qualiveen® and the SF‐12 were used for the translated scale's discriminant and convergent validity. Reliability was evaluated by intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC), the Bland–Altman method, and Cronbach's alpha.

Results

Participants answered all questionnaire items with no difficulties. Scores on the convenience domain were significantly higher among reusable compared to disposable catheter users (P = 0.039). The J‐ISC‐Q had significantly strong correlations with the Qualiveen® total scale (ρ = −0.712 to −0.237), but weak correlations with the SF‐12 total scale (ρ = −0.231 to 0.474). Internal consistency was good (Cronbach's alphas > 0.706), and test–retest reliability was acceptable (ICC > 0.6) for the total scale and the four J‐ISC‐Q domains. The Bland–Altman analysis showed no systematic error between scores at baseline and 4 weeks later for the total scale and four domains of the J‐ISC‐Q.

Conclusions

The J‐ISC‐Q has acceptable reliability and validity for assessing both reusable and disposable catheter users, and can be used to promote tailored individualized interventions based on the impact of catheter use.
Incontinence in persons with Down Syndrome
Authors: Niemczyk Justine , von Gontard Alexander , Equit Monika , Medoff David , Wagner Catharina , Curfs Leopold
Published: October 2016

Aims

To assess the rates of incontinence and associated psychological problems in children, adolescents and adults with Down Syndrome, a genetic syndrome caused by partial or complete triplication (trisomy) of chromosome 21 and characterized by typical facial features, a physical growth delay and mild or moderate intellectual disability.

Methods

Three hundred and seventeen persons with Down Syndrome (4‐51 years) were recruited through a German parent support group (59.6% male, mean age 19.2 years). The Parental Questionnaire: Enuresis/Urinary Incontinence, the Incontinence Questionnaire‐Pediatric Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms, as well as the Developmental Behavior Checklist (DBC) for parents or for adults were filled out by parents or care‐givers.

Results

17.2% of the sample had nocturnal enuresis, 15.9% had daytime urinary incontinence, and 14.2% had fecal incontinence. Incontinence was present in 64.0% of young children (4‐12 years), 10.3% of teens (13‐17 years), 12.8% of young adults (18‐30 years) and in 22.4% of older adults (>30 years). 13.6% of children and 8.4% of adults had a DBC score in the clinical range. 19.5% of children and 27.8% of adults with incontinence had behavioral problems. There was a significant association between nocturnal enuresis, daytime urinary incontinence and clinical DBC scores in adults.

Conclusions

Incontinence in Down Syndrome is mainly present in young children and increases in older adults. Behavioral comorbidity is associated with incontinence only in adults with Down Syndrome. Screening and treatment of incontinence in individuals with Down Syndrome is recommended.
Impact of intravesical onabotulinumtoxinA on sexual function in women with OAB
Authors: Miotla Pawel , Cartwright Rufus , Skorupska Katarzyna , Bogusiewicz Michal , Markut‐Miotla Ewa , Futyma Konrad , Rechberger Tomasz
Published: October 2016

Aims

Urgency urinary incontinence (UUI), and the symptoms of overactive bladder (OAB) have a negative impact on female sexual function. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of intravesical onabotulinumtoxinA (Botox) injection on sexual function in women with OAB, using the multi domain Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) questionnaire.

Methods

Sixty‐eight sexually active women with idiopathic OAB with at least one episode of UUI and ≥8 micturitions per 24 h were recruited. Patients completed the FSFI questionnaire before and 12 weeks after treatment with intravesical onabotulinumtoxinA injections. Baseline scores were compared with a control group of age‐matched healthy women.

Results

Fifty‐six women completed the study. At baseline OAB patients reported decreased quality of sexual function in all domains measured with FSFI, in comparison to healthy women (median 21.8 vs. 26.3, P < 0.001). Over 90% of participants reported clinically relevant improvements in sexual function, with statistically significant changes in mean scores in all six domains.

Conclusions

Intravesical Botox injections provide improvement in sexual function in women with OAB. Neurourol. Urodynam. 9999:XX–XX, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Effects of an alpha1A/D‐adrenoceptor antagonist, naftopidil, and a phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitor, tadalafil, on urinary bladder remodeling in rats with spinal cord injury
Authors: Kadekawa Katsumi , Majima Tsuyoshi , Kawamorita Naoki , Okada Hiroki , Yoshizawa Tsuyoshi , Mori Kenichi , Tyagi Pradeep , Sugaya Kimio , Yoshimura Naoki
Published: October 2016

Aims

In order to clarify whether an alpha1A/D‐adrenoceptor (α1A/D‐AR) antagonist, naftopidil, or a phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitor, tadalafil, prevents bladder wall remodeling after spinal cord injury (SCI), we examined the bladder and urethral activity as well as ischemic and fibrotic changes in the bladder using SCI rats with or without naftopidil or tadalafil treatment.

Methods

Adult female Sprague‐Dawley rats were divided into four groups: (1) normal (spinal cord intact); (2) vehicle SCI; (3) naftopidil SCI; and (4) tadalafil SCI groups. In SCI groups, rats underwent Th9‐10 spinal cord transection followed by oral application of vehicle, naftopidil (20 mg/kg/day) or tadalafil (2 mg/kg/day) for 1, 2, 4, 8, and 12 weeks. Bladder and urethral pressures, mRNA levels of fibrosis‐related molecules and ischemia markers and the composition of bladder collagen and elastin were evaluated.

Results

Naftopidil treatment reduced the upregulation of mRNA levels of ischemia and fibrosis markers at the early phase of SCI, and ameliorated the decrease of bladder compliance and voiding efficiency, and the increase of urethral pressure and collagen concentration in the bladder wall at the late phase of SCI. Tadalafil treatment reduced the upregulation of mRNA levels of fibrosis markers, the decrease of bladder compliance and the increase of collagen concentration at the late phase of SCI.

Conclusions

These results suggest that naftopidil and tadalafil treatments improved the bladder remodeling shown by increased bladder collagen contents after SCI in a different time course. Thus, these treatments could be effective for reducing the SCI‐related tissue remodeling in the bladder. Neurourol. Urodynam. 9999:XX–XX, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Free‐slip boundary conditions for simulating free‐surface incompressible flows through the particle finite element method
Authors: Cerquaglia Marco Lucio , Deliége Geoffrey , Boman Romain , Terrapon Vincent , Ponthot Jean‐Philippe
Published: October 2016

The possibility of using free‐slip conditions within the context of the particle finite element method (PFEM) is investigated. For high Reynolds number engineering applications in which tangential effects at the fluid–solid boundaries are not of primary interest, the use of free‐slip conditions can alleviate the need for very fine boundary layer meshes. Two novel ways for the imposition of free‐slip conditions in the framework of the PFEM are presented. The proposed approach emphasizes robustness and simplicity, while retaining a sufficient level of generality. These two methods are then tested in the case of dam break and sloshing problems, and their respective advantages and drawbacks are discussed. It is also shown how the use of free‐slip conditions can indirectly improve mass conservation properties of the PFEM, even when coarse meshes are employed. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Unfitted finite element methods for the heat conduction in composite media with contact resistance
Authors: Ji Haifeng , Wang Feng , Chen Jinru
Published: October 2016

This article is concerned with the heat conduction problem in composite media. In practical applications, the composite materials often do not contact well and there exist gaps between the contacting materials. This leads to the thermal contact resistance effect which results in a discontinuity of the temperature across the interface. In this article, an unfitted finite element method is proposed to solve the problem. Different from the traditional finite element method, the proposed method uses structured meshes that allow the interface to cut through. To avoid integrating on curved domains and interfaces, the interface is approximated by a broken line/plane corresponding to the triangulation. In addition, a ghost‐penalty is added to recover the condition number of the stiffness matrix to
with a hidden constant independent of the mesh‐interface geometry. A rigorous analysis is provided. Finally, numerical tests are presented to verify the theoretical findings. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Numer Methods Partial Differential Eq 33: 354–380, 2017
Oncostatin m impairs brown adipose tissue thermogenic function and the browning of subcutaneous white adipose tissue
Authors: Sánchez‐Infantes David , Cereijo Rubén , Peyrou Marion , Piquer‐Garcia Irene , Stephens Jacqueline M. , Villarroya Francesc
Published: October 2016

Objective

Since oncostatin m (OSM) is elevated in adipose tissue in conditions of obesity and type 2 diabetes in mice and humans, the aim of this study was to determine whether this cytokine plays a crucial role in the impairment of brown adipose tissue (BAT) activity and browning capacity that has been observed in people with obesity.

Methods

C57BL/6J mice rendered obese by high‐fat diet, their lean controls, and C57BL/6J mice fed a standard diet and implanted subcutaneously with a mini pump through a surgical procedure to deliver OSM or placebo were used. Preadipocytes or fully differentiated brown adipocytes were treated with OSM or vehicle with or without norepinephrine before harvesting. RNA was extracted and processed for qPCR analysis. Media from mature adipocytes was also collected to measure glycerol levels.

Results

Studies demonstrated that OSM gene expression was increased in BAT of mice fed a high‐fat diet. In addition, exogenous OSM impaired BAT activity and the browning capacity of white adipose tissue in vitro and in vivo.

Conclusions

Overall, the results reveal a negative role for OSM on BAT and on the browning of white adipose tissue. Therefore, further studies are necessary to demonstrate whether OSM inhibition is a potential treatment for metabolic disorders.
Molecular pathology of paediatric central nervous system tumours
Authors: Chiang Jason CH , Ellison David W
Published: October 2016

Advances in our understanding of the biology of paediatric central nervous system (CNS) tumours have encouraged pathologists to use molecular markers alongside histopathological analysis for disease classification or prognostication and treatment stratification. In this article, we review molecular genetic alterations in paediatric CNS tumours, including those in low‐grade and high‐grade gliomas, ependymomas, and embryonal tumours. Some of these molecular changes with clinicopathological utility have been used for the first time in the most recent edition of the World Health Organization (WHO) classification of CNS tumours to define entities like ependymoma, RELA fusion‐positive or diffuse midline glioma, H3 K27M‐mutant. The classification of paediatric CNS tumours is entering a new era when histopathologists must work with molecular genetic data and their molecular pathology colleagues to provide an optimal diagnostic evaluation for their patients and clinical colleagues. Copyright © 2012 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Interleukin‐33 regulates tissue remodelling and inhibits angiogenesis in the eye
Authors: Theodoropoulou Sofia , Copland David A , Liu Jian , Wu Jiahui , Gardner Peter J , Ozaki Ema , Doyle Sarah L , Campbell Matthew , Dick Andrew D
Published: October 2016

Age‐related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of central vision loss worldwide. Loss of retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) is a major pathological hallmark in AMD with or without pathological neovascularization. Although activation of the immune system is implicated in disease progression, pathological pathways remain diverse and unclear. Here, we report an unexpected protective role of a pro‐inflammatory cytokine, interleukin‐33 (IL‐33), in ocular angiogenesis. IL‐33 and its receptor (ST2) are expressed constitutively in human and murine retina and choroid. When RPE was activated, IL‐33 expression was markedly elevated in vitro. We found that IL‐33 regulated tissue remodelling by attenuating wound‐healing responses, including reduction in the migration of choroidal fibroblasts and retinal microvascular endothelial cells, and inhibition of collagen gel contraction. In vivo, local administration of recombinant IL‐33 inhibited murine choroidal neovascularization (CNV) formation, a surrogate of human neovascular AMD, and this effect was ST2‐dependent. Collectively, these data demonstrate IL‐33 as a potential immunotherapy and distinguishes pathways for subverting AMD pathology. © 2016 The Authors. The Journal of Pathology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.
Glucose oxidase deoxygenation−redox initiation for RAFT polymerization in air
Authors: Lv Yue , Liu Zhifen , Zhu Anqi , An Zesheng
Published: October 2016

A new methodology based on glucose oxidase (GOx) deoxygenation and hydrogen peroxide/vitamin C (H2O2/Vc) redox initiation for conducting RAFT polymerization at low temperature in air is reported. GOx catalyzes reduction of oxygen in the presence of glucose to generate hydrogen peroxide, which is directly used to constitute a redox pair with Vc for the efficient generation of hydroxyl radicals to initiate RAFT polymerization in air. Various experimental parameters including temperature, stirring speed, prepolymerization incubation time, and concentrations of Vc, glucose, and GOx were evaluated with respect to monomer conversion, molecular weight, and dispersity. Efficient removal of oxygen is typically realized within 10 min before polymerization is initiated by addition of Vc, and high conversions are achieved within 5 h. Well‐defined homopolymers and block copolymers have been efficiently synthesized with high monomer conversions and low dispersities (< 1.2). Using this new methodology, it is possible to conduct controlled RAFT polymerizations in both open and sealed vessels, though lower conversions but less termination by oxygen are typically observed for the sealed systems. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2017, 55, 164–174
A multicenter study on the validation of the Burnout Battery: a new visual analog scale to screen job burnout in oncology professionals
Authors: Deng Yao‐tiao , Liu Jie , Zhang Jie , Huang Bo‐yan , Yi Ting‐wu , Wang Yu‐qing , Zheng Bo , Luo Di , Du Pei‐xin , Jiang Yu
Published: October 2016

Objectives

The objective of the study is to develop a novel tool—the Burnout Battery—for briefly screening burnout among oncology professionals in China and assessing its validity.

Methods

A multicenter study was conducted in doctors and nurses of the oncology departments in China from November 2014 to May 2015. The Burnout Battery was administered with the Maslach Burnout Inventory‐Human Services Survey (MBI‐HSS) and the Doctors' Job Burnout Questionnaire.

Results

Of 538 oncology doctors and nurses who completed all the survey, using MBI‐HSS as the standard tool for measuring burnout, 52% had emotional exhaustion, 39.4% had depersonalization, and 59.3% had a low sense of personal accomplishment. Receiver operating characteristic curve analyses showed that the best cut‐off of the Burnout Battery was the battery with 3 bars, which yielded best sensitivity and specificity against all the 3 subscales of MBI‐HSS. With this cut‐off, nearly half of Chinese oncology professionals (46.8%) had burnout. The Burnout Battery correlated significantly with subscales of the MBI‐HSS and the Doctors' Job Burnout Questionnaire. In multiple logistic regression analysis, those who worked more than 60 hours per week and who thought clinical work was the most stressful part of their job were more likely to experience burnout.

Conclusion

Chinese oncology professionals exhibit high levels of burnout. The Burnout Battery appears to be a simple and useful tool for screening burnout. Working long hours and perceiving clinical work as the most stressful part of the job were the main factors associated with burnout.
On the interpretation of electron microscopic maps of biological macromolecules
Authors: Wang Jimin , Moore Peter B.
Published: October 2016

The images of flash‐frozen biological macromolecules produced by cryo‐electron microscopy (EM) can be used to generate accurate, three‐dimensional, electric potential maps for these molecules that resemble X‐ray‐derived electron density maps. However, unlike electron density maps, electric potential maps can include negative features that might for example represent the negatively charged, backbone phosphate groups of nucleic acids or protein carboxylate side chains, which can complicate their interpretation. This study examines the images of groups that include charged atoms that appear in recently‐published, high‐resolution EM potential maps of the ribosome and β‐galactosidase. Comparisons of simulated maps of these same groups with their experimental counterparts highlight the impact that charge has on the appearance of electric potential maps.
pyDock scoring for the new modeling challenges in docking: Protein–peptide, homo‐multimers, and domain–domain interactions
Authors: Pallara Chiara , Jiménez‐García Brian , Romero Miguel , Moal Iain H. , Fernández‐Recio Juan
Published: October 2016

The sixth CAPRI edition included new modeling challenges, such as the prediction of protein–peptide complexes, and the modeling of homo‐oligomers and domain–domain interactions as part of the first joint CASP–CAPRI experiment. Other non‐standard targets included the prediction of interfacial water positions and the modeling of the interactions between proteins and nucleic acids. We have participated in all proposed targets of this CAPRI edition both as predictors and as scorers, with new protocols to efficiently use our docking and scoring scheme pyDock in a large variety of scenarios. In addition, we have participated for the first time in the servers section, with our recently developed webserver, pyDockWeb. Excluding the CASP–CAPRI cases, we submitted acceptable models (or better) for 7 out of the 18 evaluated targets as predictors, 4 out of the 11 targets as scorers, and 6 out of the 18 targets as servers. The overall success rates were below those in past CAPRI editions. This shows the challenging nature of this last edition, with many difficult targets for which no participant submitted a single acceptable model. Interestingly, we submitted acceptable models for 83% of the evaluated protein–peptide targets. As for the 25 cases of the CASP–CAPRI experiment, in which we used a larger variety of modeling techniques (template‐based, symmetry restraints, literature information, etc.), we submitted acceptable models for 56% of the targets. In summary, this CAPRI edition showed that pyDock scheme can be efficiently adapted to the increasing variety of problems that the protein interactions field is currently facing. Proteins 2017; 85:487–496. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
High‐resolution patterning of organohalide lead perovskite pixels for photodetectors using orthogonal photolithography
Authors: Lyashenko Dmitry , Perez Aureliano , Zakhidov Alex
Published: October 2016

Organohalide lead perovskite (CH3NH3PbI3) is a novel material with promising applicability for visible light photo‐detectors. The ability to develop perovskite photo‐detector devices using a low temperature solution based process allows straightforward combinations with other materials, including traditional crystalline semiconductors, with minimal contributions to cost and process complexity. There is, however, a need for high‐resolution structuring of the perovskite film to minimize cross‐talk between neighboring detectors (pixels) for imaging purposes. This work presents a method to develop Ch3NH3PbI3 thin films possessing high‐resolution patterning, using lithography processing with hydrofluoroether solvents. The results presented herein confirm that, unlike the majority of traditional solvents utilized in conventional photolithography, hydrofluoroethers do not adversely affect CH3NH3PbI3 films, enabling photolithographic processing. Transfer of the resist pattern is achieved using a SF6 plasma functionalization process which extracts iodine and organic components from the film, converting the perovskite into PbF2. This work also demonstrates that isolation of perovskite photodetecting pixels with a 20 μm‐wide stripe of PbF2 leads to a 4.5‐fold reduction in the cross‐talk between neighboring pixels. It is believed that our method will facilitate simple monolithic integration of perovskite photodiodes to the silicon backplane chip utilized in active‐pixel sensor and charge‐coupled device applications.
Origin of unintentional gallium incorporation into AlN spacer layer grown by metalorganic vapor phase epitaxy
Authors: Yamada Atsushi , Ishiguro Tetsuro , Kotani Junji , Tomabechi Shuichi , Nakamura Norikazu
Published: October 2016

This article presents the origin of unintentional gallium (Ga) incorporation into AlN spacer layers grown by metalorganic vapor phase epitaxy (MOVPE). We systematically investigated the impacts on the growth layer caused by the reactor inner walls condition, under‐layer compositions and growth temperature. The Ga incorporation is not influenced by the GaN deposits on the inner walls of the reactor, but is strongly affected by the underlying GaN layer. We found that the AlN spacer layer incorporates Ga atoms that originate from the underlying GaN layer, and the amount of Ga incorporation decreases with decreasing growth temperature. We conclude that the dominant source of unintentional Ga incorporation into an AlN spacer layer is the underlying GaN layer. Furthermore, we successfully achieved a Ga composition below 0.05, almost without unintentional Ga incorporation, by growing the AlN layers at a low temperature of 805 °C.
Growth parameter enhancement for MoS2 thin films synthesized by pulsed laser deposition
Authors: Serna Martha I. , Moreno Salvador , Higgins Marissa , Choi Hyunjoo , Minary‐Jolandan Majid , Quevedo‐Lopez Manuel A.
Published: October 2016

Two‐dimensional materials such as graphene and MoS2 have been the main focus of intense research efforts over the past few years. The most common method of exfoliating these materials, although efficient for lab‐scale experiments, is not acceptable for large area and practical applications. Here, we report the deposition of MoS2 layered films on amorphous (SiO2) and crystalline substrates (sapphire) using a pulsed laser deposition (PLD) method. Increased substrate temperature (∼700 °C) and laser energy density (>530 mJ /cm2) promotes crystalline MoS2 films < 20 nm, as demonstrated by fast Fourier transform (FFT) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The method reported here opens the possibility for large area layered MoS2 films by using a laser ablation processes. (© 2016 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Synthesis and luminescent properties of magnesium gallate spinel doped with Mn2+ and Eu3+ ions
Authors: Luchechko Andriy , Kravets Oleh
Published: October 2016

Ceramic samples of pure MgGa2O4, MgGa2O4: 0.05 mol.% Mn and MgGa2O4: 0.05 mol.% Mn, 5 mol.% Eu were synthesized via high‐temperature solid state reaction method. X‐ray diffraction measurements confirmed formation of spinel structure with Fd3m space group in all investigated samples. Clearly polycrystalline nature of ceramic samples with grain distribution from 1 to 5 μm was confirmed with SEM investigations. An intense broad band that excites in fundamental absorption edge has a maximum around 505 nm and corresponds to emission of Mn2+ ions. A charge transfer band (from O2– to Eu3+) with maximum at about 260 nm was found in the excitation spectra of Mn2+ and Eu3+ co‐doped samples. Luminescence band around 430 nm that corresponds to emission from host defects was found in all investigated samples. Excitation and emission of Eu3+ ions is presented by sharp lines with the most intense at 393 and 617 nm which are associated with 7F0→5L6 and 5D0→7F2 transitions in Eu3+ ions, respectively.
Plants as Antileishmanial Agents: Current Scenario
Authors: Ullah Nazif , Nadhman Akhtar , Siddiq Sumaira , Mehwish Shaila , Islam Arshad , Jafri Laila , Hamayun Muhammad
Published: October 2016

Leishmaniasis is a clinical manifestation caused by the parasites of the genus Leishmania. Plants are reservoirs of bioactive compounds, which are known to be chemically balanced, effective and least injurious as compared with synthetic medicines. The current resistance and the toxic effects of the available drugs have brought the trend to assess the antileishmanial effect of various plant extracts and their purified compound/s, which are summarized in this review. Moreover, it also highlights various traditional remedies used by local healers against leishmaniasis. A systematic cross‐sectional study for antileishmanial activity of natural products was carried out using multiple literature databases. The records retrieved since 2000 till year 2016 were analysed and summarized in the form of comprehensive tables and graphs. Natural products are potential source of new and selective agents that can significantly contribute to primary healthcare and probably are promising substitutes of chemicals for the treatment of protozoan diseases like leishmaniasis. Where the researchers prefer to use alcoholic solvents for the extraction of antileishmanial agents from plants, most of the studies are limited to in vitro conditions majorly on using promastigote forms of Leishmania. Thus, there is a need to carry out such activities in vivo and in host macrophages. Further, there is a need of mechanistic studies that can help taking few of the promising pure compounds to clinical level. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Towards process‐level representation of model uncertainties: stochastically perturbed parametrizations in the ECMWF ensemble
Authors: Ollinaho Pirkka , Lock Sarah‐Jane , Leutbecher Martin , Bechtold Peter , Beljaars Anton , Bozzo Alessio , Forbes Richard M. , Haiden Thomas , Hogan Robin J. , Sandu Irina
Published: October 2016

Ensemble forecasts depend on representations of model uncertainties. Here, we introduce a model uncertainty representation where a novel approach is taken to the established methodology of perturbing model parameters. The Stochastically Perturbed Parametrizations (SPP) scheme applies spatially and temporally varying perturbations to 20 parameters and variables in the ECMWF IFS model. The perturbed quantities are chosen from the IFS parametrizations of (a) turbulent diffusion and subgrid orography, (b) convection, (c) clouds and large‐scale precipitation, and (d) radiation. The perturbations are drawn from prescribed distributions.

Numerous configurations of SPP are compared in experiments with the ECMWF ensemble forecasts at TL399 resolution up to 15 day lead times. Halving the standard deviations of the perturbations considerably reduces the ensemble spread. Smaller variations of the standard deviations lead to minor changes to the ensemble spread. Experiments with different space and time correlations for the perturbations suggest optimal correlation scales of 2000 km and 72 h. SPP displays a lower skill for upper‐air variables in the medium range than the current operational model uncertainty scheme Stochastically Perturbed Parametrization Tendencies (SPPT) for a given set of fixed initial‐state perturbations. However, in short ranges the two schemes display similar skill. Moreover, verification against surface observations shows SPP is more skilful than SPPT in 2 m temperature for the first couple of forecast days. We show that the direct perturbation of cloud (and radiation) processes in SPP has a greater impact on radiative fluxes than the indirect perturbation via SPPT. SPP also produces a better model climate for a range of variables when comparing long model integrations with the two schemes, indicating the potential advantage of a physically consistent model uncertainty representation. A comparison of the tendency perturbations introduced by SPP and SPPT suggests that the two schemes represent different aspects of model uncertainty.
A unified view of tropical cyclogenesis and intensification
Authors: Kilroy Gerard , Smith Roger K. , Montgomery Michael T.
Published: October 2016

Idealized high‐resolution numerical simulations of tropical cyclogenesis are presented in a model that represents deep convection by a warm rain process only. Starting with an initially weak, cloud‐free, axisymmetric warm‐cored vortex (maximum wind speed 5 m s−1 at a radius of 100 km), rapid vortex intensification begins after a gestation period on the order of 2 days. From a three‐dimensional perspective, the genesis process is similar to that in the rotating convection paradigm for vortex intensification starting with a much stronger initial vortex (Vmax = 15 m s−1). The patterns of deep convection and convectively amplified cyclonic relative vorticity are far from axisymmetric during the genesis period. Moreover, the organization of the cyclonic relative vorticity into a monopole structure occurs at relatively low wind speeds, before the maximum local wind speed has increased appreciably. Barotropic processes are shown to play an important role in helping to consolidate a single‐signed vorticity monopole within a few hours near the intensification begin time.

The rotating convection paradigm appears adequate to explain the basic genesis process within the weak initial vortex, providing strong support for a hypothesis of Montgomery and Smith that the genesis process is not fundamentally different from that of vortex intensification. In particular, genesis does not require a ‘trigger’ and does not depend on the prior existence of a mid‐level vortex.
A Hybrid Approach for Forecasting Patient Visits in Emergency Department
Authors: Xu Qinneng , Tsui Kwok‐Leung , Jiang Wei , Guo Hainan
Published: October 2016

An accurate forecast of patient visits in emergency departments (EDs) is one of the key challenges for health care policy makers to better allocate medical resources and service providers. In this paper, a hybrid autoregressive integrated moving average–linear regression (ARIMA–LR) approach, which combines ARIMA and LR in a sequential manner, is developed because of its ability to capture seasonal trend and effects of predictors. The forecasting performance of the hybrid approach is compared with several widely used models, generalized linear model (GLM), ARIMA, ARIMA with explanatory variables (ARIMAX), and ARIMA–artificial neural network (ANN) hybrid model, using two real‐world data sets collected from hospitals in DaLian, LiaoNing Province, China. The hybrid ARIMA–LR model is shown to outperform existing models in terms of forecasting accuracy. Moreover, involving a smoothing process is found helpful in reducing the interference by holiday outliers. The proposed approach can be a competitive alternative to forecast short‐term daily ED volume. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Fragmentation pathways and structural characterization of organophosphorus compounds related to the Chemical Weapons Convention by electron ionization and electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Hosseini Seyed Esmaeil , Saeidian Hamid , Amozadeh Ali , Naseri Mohammad Taghi , Babri Mehran
Published: October 2016

Rationale

For unambiguous identification of Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC)‐related chemicals in environmental samples, the availability of mass spectra, interpretation skills and rapid microsynthesis of suspected chemicals are essential requirements. For the first time, the electron ionization single quadrupole and electrospray ionization tandem mass spectra of a series of O‐alkyl N‐[bis(dimethylamino)methylidene]‐P‐methylphosphonamidates (Scheme 1, cpd 4) were studied for CWC verification purposes.

Methods

O‐Alkyl N‐[bis(dimethylamino)methylidene]‐P‐methylphosphonamidates were prepared through a microsynthetic method and were analyzed using electron ionization and electrospray ionization mass spectrometry with gas and liquid chromatography, respectively, as MS‐inlet systems. General EI and ESI fragmentation pathways were proposed and discussed, and collision‐induced dissociation studies of the protonated derivatives of these compounds were performed to confirm proposed fragment ion structures by analyzing mass spectra of deuterated analogs.

Results

Mass spectrometric studies revealed some interesting fragmentation pathways during the ionization process, such as McLafferty rearrangement, hydrogen rearrangement and a previously unknown intramolecular electrophilic aromatic substitution reaction.

Conclusions

The EI and ESI fragmentation routes of the synthesized compounds 4 were investigated with the aim of detecting and identifying CWC‐related chemicals during on‐site inspection and/or off‐site analysis and toxic chemical destruction monitoring. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The effect of lipid extraction on carbon and nitrogen stable isotope ratios in oyster tissues: Implications for glycogen‐rich species
Authors: Patterson H. K. , Carmichael R. H.
Published: October 2016

Rationale

Extraction of lipids from tissues prior to carbon stable isotope analysis (SIA) has become a common practice, despite a lack of species‐specific data to indicate when lipid extraction is needed. Marine invertebrates, including bivalves, are known to store carbon as glycogen and less in the form of lipids than other species, potentially reducing the need for lipid extraction even when C:N values are above 3.5, a value that previous studies suggest indicates a need for lipid extraction of animal tissues.

Methods

We investigated the need for lipid extraction on individual tissues (adductor muscle, gut gland, gill) and whole tissue of a glycogen‐storing species, the oyster Crassostrea virginica. Bulk and lipid‐extracted samples were analyzed for their C and N stable isotope ratios by continuous flow isotope ratio mass spectrometry (IRMS). Samples were analyzed on a 20–20 isotope ratio mass spectrometer (PDZ Europa) after combustion in an elemental analyzer (PDZ Europa Automatic Analyzer‐Gas Solid Liquid).

Results

Although the C:N values for most bulk (unextracted) tissue samples were greater than 3.5, the lipid‐extracted δ13C values did not differ from the bulk values. Lipid extraction, however, affected δ15N values in all tissue types except adductor muscle, indicating that separate SIA may be required when tissues are lipid extracted.

Conclusions

These data demonstrate that it is not necessary to lipid extract oyster tissues in all cases, and that C:N thresholds for lipid extraction in other species may not be reliable for organisms such as oysters that store glycogen. Our data indicate that minimizing unnecessary lipid extraction through preliminary testing will save researchers time and expense by avoiding superfluous sample handling, reducing concern over secondary effects on data quality, and reducing the costs of reagents and additional separate stable isotope analysis to ensure analytical accuracy. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Overlay tunneling as a policy tool for defending mobile ad hoc networks
Authors: Liu Xiruo , Trappe Wade
Published: October 2016

Mobile ad hoc networks face many challenges when they are deployed, particularly problems associated with security and network failures arising from the dynamics of their network topologies. To address these issues, there have been many efforts to introduce security into the actual network protocols, most of which unfortunately struggle with the trade‐off between security and network overhead. Consequently, it is often desirable to have a lightweight approach to introduce security and robustness, where one employs conventional and well‐understood network protocols, and attempts to achieve the assurability of the network through higher‐layer, overlay mechanisms. This paper explores a lightweight overlay tunneling scheme operating at the Internet protocol layer as a policy tool that can mitigate network failures and attacks directed at the network without involving the redesign of the underlying routing protocols. Moreover, two optimizations are proposed that lead to improved performance when additional information is available. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Investigation of Asian lacquer films using ToF‐SIMS and complementary analytical techniques
Authors: Lee Jihye , Doh Jung‐Mann , Hahn Hoh‐Gyu , Lee Kang‐Bong , Lee Yeonhee
Published: October 2016

Lacquer has been used in Asian countries for thousands of years as a natural coating material owing to its durable, adhesive, decorative, and protective properties. Protection and restoration of lacquer‐coated cultural remains has become an important subject, and identification of the lacquer types in old lacquer‐wares has also become very important for conservation and restoration research. This paper provides identification of several molecular species of vegetal‐source Asian lacquers with the aim of providing a methodology for application in the field of cultural heritage. Several chemical markers of the vegetal species in Asian lacquers were identified using a methodology consistent with the sampling restrictions required for cultural‐heritage objects. Surface analytical methods such as time‐of‐flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (ToF‐SIMS), X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy were used to characterize Korean, Chinese, and Vietnamese lacquers; avoiding time‐consuming and destructive extraction processes. These ToF‐SIMS results provided the structural characterization of a series of catechol derivatives. The ToF‐SIMS spectra of Rhus vernicifera from Korea and China, and Rhus succedanea from Vietnam indicated a series of urushiol and laccol repeat units, respectively, in the mass range of m/z 0–1800. Because of its sensitivity, specificity, and speed of analysis, the ToF‐SIMS technique can be used to investigate cultural lacquer‐coated treasures as well as to discriminate among different Asian lacquer coatings or binding mediums for the conservation or restoration of lacquer‐ware. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Investigating the work–family conflict and health link: Repetitive thought as a mechanism
Authors: Davis Kelly D. , Gere Judith , Sliwinski Martin J.
Published: October 2016

Research is needed to investigate mechanisms linking work–family conflict to poor health in working adults. We took a novel approach to build on extant studies by testing a potential mechanism in these associations – repetitive thought. Data came from a sample of 203 partnered working adults. There were significant direct effects of work–family conflict with lower life satisfaction, positive affect, and perceived health as well as greater fatigue. As for total effects, work–family conflict was significantly associated with all health outcomes – life satisfaction, positive affect, negative affect, fatigue, perceived health, and chronic health conditions – in the expected directions through repetitive thought. This study provides support that repetitive thought is one potential mechanism of how work–family conflict can take a toll on psychological and physical health. Findings are discussed in relation to improving workplace policies to improve the health of working adults managing work–family conflict.
Lithography‐Free Fabrication of Silica Nanocylinders with Suspended Gold Nanorings for LSPR‐Based Sensing
Authors: Thilsted Anil Haraksingh , Pan Jesper Yue , Wu Kaiyu , Zór Kinga , Rindzevicius Tomas , Schmidt Michael Stenbæk , Boisen Anja
Published: October 2016

Tunable plasmonic platforms are important for a variety of applications such as photovoltaics, LED's, optoelectronics, medical research, and biosensors. In particular, development of label‐free plasmonic biosensors is one of the key research areas that utilizes plasmonic nanostructures for detection of biologically relevant molecules at low concentrations. The authors have developed a cost‐effective, fast, and lithography‐free method to fabricate transparent fused silica nanocylinders. The technique allows tuning of nanocylinder height, diameter, and density and can be scaled to large surface areas, such as 8 in. wafers. The authors demonstrate that gold coated nanocylinders support localized surface plasmon resonances (LSPR) from visible to near infrared wavelengths. The plasmonic platform can be characterized as suspended gold nanorings and exhibits a sensitivity of 658 nm RIU–1 with a figure‐of‐merit of 10, comparable to other state‐of‐the‐art LSPR sensing platforms that utilize more complex nanofabrication pathways. It was observed that the LSPR peak positions can be controlled by varying the geometry of the nanocylinders. The authors illustrate surface functionalization, biosensing, and surface regeneration properties of the platform using thiols and detection of bovine serum albumin (BSA). The observed LSPR shifts for 11‐mercaptoundecanoic acid and BSA was 12 and 26 nm, respectively.
A model for assessing and re‐assessing the value of software reuse
Authors: Svahnberg Mikael , Gorschek Tony
Published: October 2016

Background

Software reuse is often seen as a cost avoidance rather than a gained value. This results in a rather one‐sided debate where issues such a resource control, release schedule, quality, or reuse in more than one release are neglected.

Aims

We propose a reuse value assessment framework, intended to provide a more nuanced view of the value and costs associated with different reuse candidates.

Method

This framework is constructed based on findings from an interview study at a large software development company.

Results

The framework considers the functionality, compliance to standards, provided quality, and provided support of a reuse candidate, thus enabling an informed comparison between different reuse candidates. Furthermore, the framework provides means for tracking the value of the reused asset throughout subsequent releases.

Conclusions

The reuse value assessment framework is a tool to assist in the selection between different reuse candidates. The framework also provides a means to assess the current value of a reusable asset in a product, which can be used to indicate where maintenance efforts would increase the utilized potential of the reusable asset.
Two new species of Ichthyosaurus from the lowermost Jurassic (Hettangian) of Somerset, England
Authors: Lomax Dean R. , Massare Judy A.
Published: October 2016

All specimens of Ichthyosaurus from the Lower Jurassic of Somerset were previously identified as I. communis, an abundant and extremely variable species. Here, two new species of Ichthyosaurus are recognized from multiple specimens. The species are assigned to Ichthyosaurus on the basis of the humerus, pectoral girdle and forefin morphologies. I. larkini sp. nov. is distinguished by a broad jugal with a blunt anterior end that extends as far forward as the middle of the external naris, separating the maxilla and lacrimal; and a unique combination of other features. I. somersetensis sp. nov. is distinguished by a jugal with a nearly straight dorsal ramus that lacks a right‐angle dorsal bend; a high, narrow, crescentic postorbital that forms almost all of the posterior margin of the orbit and separates the jugal dorsal ramus from the orbit; and an ilium that is wide relative to its length, more oblong than rib‐like. The identifications are supported by a phylogenetic analysis which finds the new species more closely related to each other than to other species of the genus. We also identify a squamosal in both species, which confirms that it is present in the genus. This study suggests that hindfin morphology has some taxonomic utility, at least within the genus. The new species increases the diversity of Ichthyosaurus to six species, three of which are found in the Hettangian of Somerset.
Morita–Baylis–Hillman (MBH) Reaction Derived Nitroallylic Alcohols, Acetates and Amines as Synthons in Organocatalysis and Heterocycle Synthesis
Authors: Huang Wan‐Yun , Anwar Shaik , Chen Kwunmin
Published: October 2016

The Morita–Baylis–Hillman (MBH) reaction is one of the most useful and efficient protocols for constructing new carbon–carbon bonds between an activated olefin and electrophiles in the presence of a tertiary amine/phosphine. Herein, we present the use of MBH alcohols, which are obtained from the reaction of nitrostyrenes with aldehydes, as well as acetates and amines derived thereof in several organocatalytic transformations. Densely functionalised MBH adducts can also be used to synthesise substituted heteroaromatic compounds, such as furan, pyrrole, pyrazole and imidazole derivatives.