bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bypassing the Δ6‐desaturase enzyme and directly providing n‐3 and n‐6 PUFA pathway intermediates reduces the survival of two human breast cancer cell lines
Authors: Yu Howe‐Ming , Newell Marnie , Subedi Kalpana , Weselake Randall J. , Mazurak Vera , Field Catherine J.
Published: April 2015

The n‐3 long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), eicosapentaenoic (EPA), and docosahexaenoic (DHA) acid, and in some studies, the n‐6 long chain PUFA arachidonic acid (AA), inhibit survival of breast cancer cells in vitro and in vivo. Less is known about the intermediates synthesized from the dietary 18 carbon fatty acids. The objective of this study was to determine the survival and phospholipid (PL) fatty acid composition of tumorigenic (MDA‐MB‐231, MCF‐7) and non‐tumorigenic (MCF‐12A) breast cells treated with intermediates in the n‐3 and n‐6 pathway. N‐3 intermediates, stearidonic acid (SDA) and eicosatetraenoic acid (ETA), and n‐6 intermediates, γ‐linolenic acid (GLA) and dihomo γ‐linolenic acid (DGLA), reduced (P < 0.05) the growth of tumorigenic but not MCF‐12A cells. All treatments resulted in a higher PUFA and saturated content and a lower monounsaturated content in tumorigenic cells (P < 0.05). For MDA‐MB‐231 PL, treatment with SDA and ETA increased ETA, EPA, and docosapentaenoic acid (DPA) and lowered AA, while treatment with GLA and DGLA primarily increased DGLA with only a small decrease in the DPA and DHA (P < 0.05). For MCF‐7 PL, due to low desaturase activity, the n‐3 intermediates increased ETA and the n‐6 increased DGLA (P < 0.05). Our findings suggest that the less studied n‐6 (GLA and DGLA) and n‐3 (SDA and ETA) fatty acids could serve as alternative dietary sources of bioactive lipids targeted at breast cancer.

Practical applications: There is a growing body of literature suggesting that consumption of EPA and DHA can prevent and extend the life of the millions of women affected with breast cancer. This research explored the effect of treatment with fatty acid intermediates on the lipid composition and survival of human breast cancer cell lines. These intermediates bypass the rate limiting enzymes involved in desaturation of the dietary essential fatty acids. We provide evidence in vitro in two well‐established human breast cancer cell lines that providing intermediates in the n‐3 and n‐6 PUFA pathways reduce the survival of tumor cells. The resulting fatty acid composition of tumor phospholipids suggests that the mechanism of these fatty acids is unlikely due to increasing the content of the 20 and 22 carbon PUFA in the membrane. As few dietary sources of these intermediates exist, this study provides a rational to explore the development of novel animal and plant sources for their anti‐cancer activity. Further work is needed in animal models using patient derived xenographs to confirm that these changes occur in vivo.

Providing MDA‐MB‐231, MCF‐7, and MCF‐12A cells with n‐3 and n‐6 pathway intermediates after the Δ6 desaturase reduced growth of the two tumor cell lines and resulted in elongation of the intermediate fatty acids. Δ5 de‐saturation of fatty acids occurred in the n‐3 pathway.
Sodium chloride compared to talc as processing aid has similar impact on volatile compounds but more favorable on ortho‐diphenols in virgin olive oil
Authors: Koprivnjak Olivera , Brkić Bubola Karolina , Kosić Urška
Published: April 2015

The possibility of improvement of olive paste extractability by addition of talc or NaCl (1, 2, and 3% mass ratio in olive paste), or their combinations (“talc 1.5% + NaCl 1.5%”; “talc 1% + NaCl 2%”; “talc 2% + NaCl 1%”), was investigated on a laboratory scale. Volatiles in oil samples were determined by headspace solid‐phase micro‐extraction with GC‐MS, while ortho‐diphenols were assessed by solid phase extraction and UV‐VIS spectrophotometer. Significantly higher extractability of oil (from 25 to 29% compared to control, p < 0.05) was obtained by 3% of talc or NaCl and their combinations in mass ratio 1:2 or 2:1. At 3% addition level, no significant decrease of C6 aldehydes was observed, while significant increase of C6 alcohols (talc or salt) as well as of C5 compounds and terpenes (salt) occurred. Mass ratio of ortho‐diphenols in oil was not influenced by talc, while NaCl led to significantly higher values compared to control (by 10–15%, p < 0.05).

Practical applications: The influence of processing aids on characteristics of virgin olive oil has mainly been evaluated through the standard chemical quality parameters, while limited information about desirable volatile compounds of thus obtained extra virgin olive oils has been published so far. The results of this research show that NaCl can be used not only as a tool for enhancing the extractability, but also as a means for improving the nutritional value of virgin olive oils from cultivars which generally show low levels of hydrophilic phenols.

The efficiency of talc and NaCl (processing aids acting on the basis of physical principles) in improvement of so‐called difficult olive paste extractability is similar, but the advantages of NaCl are less pronounced changes of compounds responsible for fruity aroma, as well as increase of ortho‐diphenols, compounds known for their antioxidant activity and health‐promoting properties.
A Dinuclear (bpy)PtII‐Decorated Crownophane
Authors: Stengel Ilona , Götz Günther , Weil Matthias , Bäuerle Peter
Published: April 2015

Functionalized [13.3.3](1,2,4)crownophane 1 was designed and synthesized with the intention to switch the distance between PtII centers by external stimuli when incorporated as a backbone into the ligand of a dinuclear PtII complex. Two benzene rings linked by two propylene bridges build up the cyclophane scaffold of 1. An additional crown ether bridge introduces the feature of varying the opening angle of the cyclophane triggered by cation complexation. The structure and breathing function of crownophane 1 were studied, and it was utilized as backbone ligand in dinuclear PtII complex 2.
Umpolung Pd‐Catalyzed α‐Arylation Reactions in Natural Product Synthesis: Syntheses of (+)‐Xestodecalactone A, (–)‐Curvularin, (+)‐12‐Oxocurvularin and (–)‐Citreofuran
Authors: De Joarder Dripta , Jennings Michael P.
Published: April 2015

The syntheses (total and formal) of four phenylacetic acid lactone (PAL) natural products have been accomplished by utilizing a unified strategy of an umpolung Pd‐catalyzed α‐arylation of complex α‐bromo esters and boronic acids under mild reaction conditions. As part of the synthetic approaches to these natural products, it was observed that the mild coupling reaction conditions readily tolerated terminal alkenes, other labile ester functionalities, an α,β‐unsaturated ester moiety, and a protected allylic alcohol, while chemoselectively engaging the α‐bromo ester. The completion of (+)‐xestodecalactone A and (–)‐curvularin coupled with the formal syntheses of (+)‐12‐oxocurvularin and (–)‐citreofuran highlight the umpolung Pd‐catalyzed α‐arylation strategy as a key convergent tactic in complex natural product synthesis.
Characterization of Iranian Obsidian Artifacts by PIXE and Multivariate Statistical Analysis
Authors: Agha‐Aligol Davoud , Lamehi‐Rachti Mohammad , Oliaiy Parvin , Shokouhi Farah , Farahani Mohammad Farmahini , Moradi Mahmoud , Jalali Fatemeh Farshi
Published: April 2015

It had long been thought that obsidian found in Iranian sites originated from Anatolia and Armenia, but new research has challenged this assumption. In this study, 68 samples of obsidian obtained from an archaeological survey of Nader‐Tepe Aslanduz were analyzed by Proton Induced X‐ray Emission (PIXE). Nader‐Tepe Aslanduz is a tell site west of the city of Aslanduz in the Parsabad county of the Ardebil province in northern Iran. The site was inhabited from the first millennium B.C. to A.D. 17, and its history may extend back to the third or fourth millennium B.C. Our chemical composition results have been combined with obsidian composition data from Turkey and Armenia and subjected to Principal Component Analysis (PCA). This analysis shows that obsidian from each location can be grouped into distinctive classes—the obsidian from Nader‐Tepe Aslanduz is therefore probably derived from volcanic outcrops of the Sahand and Sabalan region. This study has been unable to assign a known source from Anatolia and Armenia for the obsidian of Nader‐Tepe Aslanduz.
Sulfate Chemistry for High‐Voltage Insertion Materials: Synthetic, Structural and Electrochemical Insights
Authors: Barpanda Prabeer
Published: April 2015

Rechargeable batteries based on Li and Na ions have been growing leaps and bounds since their inception in the 1970s. They enjoy significant attention from both the fundamental science point of view and practical applications ranging from portable electronics to hybrid vehicles and grid storage. The steady demand for building better batteries calls for discovery, optimisation and implementation of novel positive insertion (cathode) materials. In this quest, chemists have tried to unravel many future cathode materials by taking into consideration their eco‐friendly synthesis, material/process economy, high energy density, safety, easy handling and sustainability. Interestingly, sulfate‐based cathodes offer a good combination of sustainable syntheses and high energy density owing to their high‐voltage operation, stemming from electronegative SO42− units. This review delivers a sneak peak at the recent advances in the discovery and development of sulfate‐containing cathode materials by focusing on their synthesis, crystal structure and electrochemical performance. Several family of cathodes are independently discussed. They are 1) fluorosulfates [AMSO4F], 2) bihydrated fluorosulfates [AMSO4F ⋅ 2H2O], 3) hydroxysulfate [AMSO4OH], 4) bisulfates [A2M(SO4)2], 5) hydrated bisulfates [A2M(SO4)2 ⋅ nH2O], 6) oxysulfates [Fe2(SO4)2O] and 7) polysulfates [A2M2(SO4)3]. A comparative study of these sulfate‐based cathodes has been provided to offer an outlook on the future development of high‐voltage polyanionic cathode materials for next‐generation batteries.
Fractional Integration and Asymmetric Volatility in European, American and Asian Bull and Bear Markets: Application to High‐frequency Stock Data
Authors: Yaya Ola Oluwa S. , Gil‐Alana Luis A. , Shittu Olanrewaju I.
Published: April 2015

This paper is a follow‐up to another paper by the same authors. In that paper, fractional integration and symmetric volatility modelling were considered on monthly frequency data, while the present paper considers high‐frequency data on an asymmetric volatility model. The data were first identified within the respective bull and bear phases following earlier results in the previous paper. Then, fractional integration and the asymmetric volatility model of Glosten, Jaganathan and Runkle were applied on the stock returns. Long‐range dependence was detected in the squared stock returns at each market phase, and they were more persistent than those obtained in the monthly frequency data. The estimates of asymmetry of the Glosten, Jaganathan and Runkle model actually detected the different patterns of the bad news (bear phases) and the good news (bull phases). Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Free energetics of carbon nanotube association in aqueous inorganic NaI salt solutions: Temperature effects using all‐atom molecular dynamics simulations
Authors: Ou Shu‐Ching , Cui Di , Wezowicz Matthew , Taufer Michela , Patel Sandeep
Published: April 2015

In this study, we examine the temperature dependence of free energetics of nanotube association using graphical processing unit‐enabled all‐atom molecular dynamics simulations (FEN ZI) with two (10,10) single‐walled carbon nanotubes in 3 m NaI aqueous salt solution. Results suggest that the free energy, enthalpy and entropy changes for the association process are all reduced at the high temperature, in agreement with previous investigations using other hydrophobes. Via the decomposition of free energy into individual components, we found that solvent contribution (including water, anion, and cation contributions) is correlated with the spatial distribution of the corresponding species and is influenced distinctly by the temperature. We studied the spatial distribution and the structure of the solvent in different regions: intertube, intratube and the bulk solvent. By calculating the fluctuation of coarse‐grained tube‐solvent surfaces, we found that tube–water interfacial fluctuation exhibits the strongest temperature dependence. By taking ions to be a solvent‐like medium in the absence of water, tube–anion interfacial fluctuation shows similar but weaker dependence on temperature, while tube–cation interfacial fluctuation shows no dependence in general. These characteristics are discussed via the malleability of their corresponding solvation shells relative to the nanotube surface. Hydrogen bonding profiles and tetrahedrality of water arrangement are also computed to compare the structure of solvent in the solvent bulk and intertube region. The hydrophobic confinement induces a relatively lower concentration environment in the intertube region, therefore causing different intertube solvent structures which depend on the tube separation. This study is relevant in the continuing discourse on hydrophobic interactions (as they impact generally a broad class of phenomena in biology, biochemistry, and materials science and soft condensed matter research), and interpretations of hydrophobicity in terms of alternative but parallel signatures such as interfacial fluctuations, dewetting transitions, and enhanced fluctuation probabilities at interfaces. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Theoretical and experimental investigation of crown/ammonium complexes in solution
Authors: Achazi Andreas J. , von Krbek Larissa K. S. , Schalley Christoph A. , Paulus Beate
Published: April 2015

The Gibbs energies of association
between primary alkyl ammonium ions and crown ethers in solution are measured and calculated. Measurements are performed by isothermal titration calorimetry and revealed a strong solvent‐dependent ion pair effect. Calculations are performed with density functional theory including Grimme's dispersion correction D3(BJ). The translational, rotational, and vibrational contributions to the Gibbs energy of association
are taken into account by a rigid‐rotor‐harmonic‐oscillator approximation with a free‐rotor approximation for low lying vibrational modes. Solvation effects
are taken into account by applying the continuum solvation model COSMO‐RS. Our study aims at finding a suitable theoretical method for the evaluation of the host guest interaction in crown/ammonium complexes as well as the observed ion pair effects. A good agreement of theory and experiment is only achieved, when solvation and the effects of the counterions are explicitly taken into account.
Relations Among Suicidality, Recent/Frequent Alcohol Use, and Gender in a Black American Adolescent Sample: A Longitudinal Investigation
Authors: Tomek Sara , Hooper Lisa M. , Church Wesley T. , Bolland Kathleen A. , Bolland John M. , Wilcox Katherine
Published: April 2015

Objective

Examine longitudinally select factors that may contribute to suicide ideations and attempts in adolescents.

Method

Using a multiple cohort research design, surveys were administered to a longitudinal sample of Black American adolescents aged 11–18 years.

Results

Two logistic growth models were tested with the probability of a suicide ideation (n = 977) and identified suicide attempt (n = 457) as the outcome variables and the recency and frequency of alcohol use and gender as the predictor variables. The recency and frequency of alcohol use was significantly related to suicide ideations and identified attempts in both females and males. These findings were differentiated based on the age effects for recency and frequency of alcohol use. More recent and frequent alcohol use among younger adolescents exacerbated probabilities of suicide ideations and identified suicide attempts compared to older adolescents.

Conclusion

Results indicate that early systematic assessment of suicidal behavior and alcohol use in Black American adolescents can inform developmentally and culturally responsive prevention and intervention efforts.
Polyphenol‐rich grape pomace extracts protect against dextran sulfate sodium‐induced colitis in rats
Authors: Boussenna Ahlem , Cholet Juliette , Goncalves‐Mendes Nicolas , Joubert‐Zakeyh Juliette , Fraisse Didier , Vasson Marie‐Paule , Texier Odile , Felgines Catherine
Published: April 2015

BACKGROUND

Several studies have reported that polyphenols may exert beneficial effects on inflammatory bowel disease. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of preventive consumption of polyphenol‐rich red grape pomace extracts (GPEs) on dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)‐induced colitis in rats. Rats were fed for 21 days with a semi‐synthetic diet enriched with a GPE (Alicante‐S, Alicante‐P or Pinot‐S) and colitis was induced by DSS administration in drinking water (40 g L−1) during the last 7 days of experimentation.

RESULTS

GPEs attenuated clinical signs and colon shortening and Alicante GPEs limited histological lesions induced by DSS. GPEs curbed the increase in myeloperoxidase activity and modulated antioxidant enzyme activities. Moreover, GPEs prevented the DSS‐induced increase in pro‐inflammatory cytokine levels and the up‐regulation of various genes implicated in colitis such as intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM‐1) and matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP‐9).

CONCLUSION

These results suggest that polyphenol‐rich red GPEs could provide prevention against colon inflammation. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry
Esophageal anastomotic leak does not affect ability to receive adjuvant treatment
Authors: Martin Robert C.G. , Farmer Russell W. , Hill R. Charles St. , McMasters Kelly M. , Scoggins Charles R.
Published: April 2015

Background

Esophageal anastomotic leak is associated with high morbidity and mortality and potentially lethal if not recognized promptly and treated aggressively. While many studies have attempted to delineate the surgical techniques associated with lower rates of anastomotic leak, few have attempted to determine its long term effects on adjuvant therapy and patient quality of life.

Methods

We reviewed our prospective 350 patient esophageal‐gastric database and found 194 esophageal anastomoses performed from 1994 to 2013. Leaks were classified based on timing, severity, and location. We then compared their postoperative courses of adjuvant treatment, morbidity/mortality, and quality of life measured by Karnofsky performance status and EORTC score. Statistical correlations were calculated with χ2, T‐test, Kaplain–Meier, ANOVA, and Cox Regression analyses as appropriate.

Results

Of 194 patients receiving esophageal anastomoses for cancer, 35 (18%) developed clinically diagnosed anastomotic leak 27 from esophagogastric and 8 from esophagojejunal. These groups were similar in preoperative history, preoperative staging, and type of tumor. Type of operation and variations in operative technique did not significantly affect leak rate. Patients with a leak were more likely to require intraoperative transfusion (47.1% vs. 24.1%, P = 0.013). As expected, they had a greater prevalence of perioperative complications to include pneumonia (38.6% vs. 16.3%, P = 0.001), pulmonary embolus (11.3% vs. 4.3%, P = 0.043), ileus (11.4% vs. 1.6%, P = 0.006%), empyema (11.4% vs. 0%, P > 0.001), and catheter related blood stream infections (8.6% vs. 0%, P = 0.001). Despite this increase in perioperative morbidity, there was no statistically significant difference in 90 day peri‐operative mortality (2.8% vs. 2.3%) with similar ability to receive adjuvant therapy (38.6% vs. 48.0%, P = 0.303), quality of life scores (93.2 vs. 93.1, P = 0.9), and survival at 12 months (93% vs. 94%, P = 0.3).

Conclusion

Anastomotic leak after oncologic resection does not preclude adjuvant therapy and, when managed appropriately, does not affect long term performance status or survival. J. Surg. Oncol. 2015 111:855–861. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Long‐term survival in patients with metastatic gastric and gastroesophageal cancer treated with surgery
Authors: Badgwell Brian , Roy‐Chowdhuri Sinchita , Chiang Yi‐Ju , Matamoros Aurelio , Blum Mariela , Fournier Keith , Mansfield Paul , Ajani Jaffer
Published: April 2015

Background

The purpose of this study was to determine the survival of patients with metastatic gastric cancer treated with surgery.

Methods

We reviewed the medical records of 7,404 patients with gastric or gastroesophageal cancer seen from January 1995 to August 2012 at MD Anderson Cancer Center and identified patients with stage IV disease treated with surgery. Kaplan–Meier curves were created to compare overall survival (OS) between groups.

Results

Of the 82 patients who met inclusion criteria, sites of metastatic disease included peritoneum (N = 34, 42%), positive cytology only (N = 17, 21%), distant lymph nodes (N = 12, 15%), and distant organs (N = 19, 23%). The median time from initial cancer diagnosis to surgery for metastatic disease was 10 months (range, 0–70). Surgery included exploratory surgery only (N = 16, 20%), primary tumor resection with or without resection of distant disease (N = 50, 61%), and distant disease resection only (N = 16, 20%). Median follow‐up for living patients was 3 years (range, 0.1–14). Median survival for all patients was 1.5 years (range, 0.1–14). Five year OS for patients with peritoneal metastases, positive cytology only, distant lymph nodes, and distant organ involvement was 13, 42, 20, and 34%, respectively.

Conclusions

Surgery in the setting of metastatic disease is an uncommon clinical scenario and has a considerable risk of exploration without resection, although long‐term survival is possible. J. Surg. Oncol. 2015 111:875–881. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Comparing high‐resolution microscopy techniques for potential intraoperative use in guiding low‐grade glioma resections
Authors: Meza Daphne , Wang Danni , Wang Yu , Borwege Sabine , Sanai Nader , Liu Jonathan T. C.
Published: April 2015

Background and Objectives

Fluorescence image‐guided surgery (FIGS), with contrast provided by 5‐ALA‐induced PpIX, has been shown to enable a higher extent of resection of high‐grade gliomas. However, conventional FIGS with low‐power microscopy lacks the sensitivity to aid in low‐grade glioma (LGG) resection because PpIX signal is weak and sparse in such tissues. Intraoperative high‐resolution microscopy of PpIX fluorescence has been proposed as a method to guide LGG resection, where sub‐cellular resolution allows for the visualization of sparse and punctate mitochondrial PpIX production in tumor cells. Here, we assess the performance of three potentially portable high‐resolution microscopy techniques that may be used for the intraoperative imaging of human LGG tissue samples with PpIX contrast: high‐resolution fiber‐optic microscopy (HRFM), high‐resolution wide‐field microscopy (WFM), and dual‐axis confocal (DAC) microscopy.

Materials and Methods

Thick unsectioned human LGG tissue samples (n = 7) with 5‐ALA‐induced PpIX contrast were imaged using three imaging techniques (HRFM, WFM, DAC). The average signal‐to‐background ratio (SBR) was then calculated for each imaging modality (5 images per tissue, per modality).

Results

HRFM provides the ease of use and portability of a flexible fiber bundle, and is simple and inexpensive to build. However, in most cases (6/7), HRFM is not capable of detecting PpIX signal from LGGs due to high autofluorescence, generated by the fiber bundle under laser illumination at 405 nm, which overwhelms the PpIX signal and impedes its visualization. WFM is a camera‐based method possessing high lateral resolution but poor axial resolution, resulting in sub‐optimal image contrast.

Conclusions

Consistent successful detection of PpIX signal throughout our human LGG tissue samples (n = 7), with an acceptable image contrast (SBR >2), was only achieved using DAC microscopy, which offers superior image resolution and contrast that is comparable to histology, but requires a laser‐scanning mechanism to achieve optical sectioning. Lasers Surg. Med. 47:289–295, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
On the Chern‐Ricci flow and its solitons for Lie groups
Authors: Lauret Jorge , Rodríguez Valencia Edwin Alejandro
Published: April 2015

This paper is concerned with Chern‐Ricci flow evolution of left‐invariant hermitian structures on Lie groups. We study the behavior of a solution, as t is approaching the first time singularity, by rescaling in order to prevent collapsing and obtain convergence in the pointed (or Cheeger‐Gromov) sense to a Chern‐Ricci soliton. We give some results on the Chern‐Ricci form and the Lie group structure of the pointed limit in terms of the starting hermitian metric and, as an application, we obtain a complete picture for the class of solvable Lie groups having a codimension one normal abelian subgroup. We have also found a Chern‐Ricci soliton hermitian metric on most of the complex surfaces which are solvmanifolds, including an unexpected shrinking soliton example.
Analytical approximate solutions of Riesz fractional diffusion equation and Riesz fractional advection–dispersion equation involving nonlocal space fractional derivatives
Authors: Ray S. Saha , Sahoo S.
Published: April 2015

In this paper, we consider the analytical solutions of fractional partial differential equations (PDEs) with Riesz space fractional derivatives on a finite domain. Here we considered two types of fractional PDEs with Riesz space fractional derivatives such as Riesz fractional diffusion equation (RFDE) and Riesz fractional advection–dispersion equation (RFADE). The RFDE is obtained from the standard diffusion equation by replacing the second‐order space derivative with the Riesz fractional derivative of order α∈(1,2]. The RFADE is obtained from the standard advection–dispersion equation by replacing the first‐order and second‐order space derivatives with the Riesz fractional derivatives of order β∈(0,1] and of order α∈(1,2] respectively. Here the analytic solutions of both the RFDE and RFADE are derived by using modified homotopy analysis method with Fourier transform. Then, we analyze the results by numerical simulations, which demonstrate the simplicity and effectiveness of the present method. Here the space fractional derivatives are defined as Riesz fractional derivatives. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Overactive bladder in adults with sickle cell disease
Authors: Anele Uzoma A. , Morrison Belinda F. , Reid Marvin E. , Madden Wendy , Foster Shara , Burnett Arthur L.
Published: April 2015

Aims

To characterize the prevalence and impact of nocturnal enuresis and overactive bladder (OAB) symptomatology in the adult sickle‐cell disease (SCD) population.

Methods

We performed a single‐center, cross‐sectional study of adult SCD patients from October 2012 to February 2014, using the validated Pfizer OAB short form questionnaire and brief voiding history surveys. Patient responses and scores were compared to that of controls having normal or sickle cell trait hemoglobin genotypes.

Results

A group of 239 SCD patients (116 males, 123 females) were compared with 104 normal and 57 sickle cell trait patients. Seven of 239 (2.9%) SCD patients compared to none of the 161 patients without SCD (P = 0.04) reported current nocturnal enuresis. The median age of nocturnal enuresis cessation was higher in SCD patients (12.0, IQR 9.0–15.0 years) compared to that of both normal (7.5, IQR 6.0–9.8 years) and sickle cell trait (7.5, IQR 6.0–8.8 years) groups (P < 0.0001). Ninety‐three of 239 (38.9%) SCD patients compared to 17 of 104 (16.3%) normal and 11 of 57 (19.3%) sickle cell trait had scores indicating OAB symptomatology (P < 0.0001). Patients with SCD had higher OAB symptom severity and lower health‐related quality of life (HRQL) scores compared to the normal and sickle cell trait groups (P < 0.0001 and P < 0.0001, respectively).

Conclusions

We demonstrate an elevated rate of nocturnal enuresis and OAB symptoms in the adult SCD population. An OAB phenotype may be an under‐recognized complication of SCD irrespective of age. Neurourol. Urodynam. 35:642–646, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Identification of elastoplastic microscopic material parameters within a homogenization scheme
Authors: Schmidt U. , Mergheim J. , Steinmann P.
Published: April 2015

A two‐scale parameter identification approach is investigated. The microscopic material parameters of a two‐scale model are identified by comparing macroscopic simulation data with macroscopic full‐field measurements of the micro‐structured specimen. Gradient‐based solution strategies are employed for the optimization problem of the two‐scale parameter identification. In particular, two approaches for the gradient calculation are investigated: the finite difference method is compared with a newly introduced semi‐analytical scheme. The focus lies on the identification of microscopic elastoplastic material parameters. The presented identification example with artificial data confirms a reduced computational effort and advantageous convergence for the semi‐analytical approach within the two‐scale parameter identification. A drawback is the increase in memory requirement. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Structure/reactivity/photoinitiation ability relationships in novel benzo pyrazolo (or imidazo) isoquinolinone derivatives upon visible light LEDs
Authors: Xiao Pu , Dumur Frédéric , Zhang Jing , Bouzrati‐Zerelli Mariem , Graff Bernadette , Gigmes Didier , Fouassier Jean Pierre , Lalevée Jacques
Published: April 2015

Isoquinolinone derivatives bearing amino‐ or nitro‐ substituent (IQNs) have been synthesized as photoinitiators and combined with various additives (i.e., iodonium salt, N‐vinylcarbazole, amine or 2,4,6‐tris(trichloromethyl)−1,3,5‐triazine) to initiate ring‐opening cationic polymerizations (CP) or free radical polymerizations under exposure to visible LEDs (e.g., LEDs at 405 nm or 455 nm, or cold white LED) or a halogen lamp. Compared to the well‐known camphorquinone‐based systems, the novel IQNs‐based combinations employed here demonstrate higher efficiencies for the CP of epoxides. The photochemically generated reactive species (i.e., cations and radicals) from the IQNs‐based systems have been investigated by steady state photolysis, cyclic voltammetry, fluorescence, laser flash photolysis, and electron spin resonance spin trapping techniques. The structure/reactivity/photoinitiating ability relationships of IQNs‐based combinations are also discussed; the crucial role of the excited state lifetimes of the photoinitiators to ensure efficient quenching by additives is clearly underlined. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2015, 53, 1806–1815
Modulation of optical and electronic properties of quinoxailine‐based conjugated polymers for organic photovoltaic cells
Authors: Kim Ji‐Hoon , Song Chang Eun , Shin Won Suk , Kim BongSoo , Kang In‐Nam , Hwang Do‐Hoon
Published: April 2015

The synthesis of donor–acceptor type semiconducting copolymers is described. Quinoxaline (QX) or difluorinated quinoxaline (DFQX) derivatives serve as electron acceptors, while thiophene (T) or selenophene (Se) serve as electron donors. Alternating polymers are synthesized through Stille cross‐coupling, and their thermal stability, optical and electrochemical properties, field‐effect carrier mobilities, film crystallinities, and photovoltaic performances are investigated. The intramolecular charge transfer between the electron‐donating and electron‐accepting units in the backbone induces absorption from 450 to 750 nm. The optical band‐gap energies of the polymers are between 1.65 and 1.73 eV, and depend on the polymer structure. Organic photovoltaic cells fabricated using a polymer composed of DFQX and selenophene (PSe‐DFQX) exhibit a power conversion efficiency of 5.14% with an open‐circuit voltage of 0.78 V, a short‐circuit current density of 11.71 mA/cm2, and fill factor of 0.57 under AM 1.5 G irradiation (100 mW cm−2). © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2015, 53, 1904–1914
Three‐Dimensional Fluid Model for Atmospheric Pressure Dielectric Barrier Discharge Plasma
Authors: Iqbal Muhammad M. , Turner Miles M.
Published: April 2015

We developed a three‐dimensional fluid model to investigate the evolution of filamentation during the breakdown phase in an atmospheric pressure DBD plasma. Filamentation is a major source of instability in DBD plasma and it develops frequently under distinct conditions. In this study, we explore the dynamic behavior of filaments under the influence of overvoltage and driving frequency. The filamentary profile of atmospheric pressure dielectric barrier discharge is suppressed in the breakdown phase when the frequency varies in the specified domain (2.5–25 kHz) in He‐N2 gas mixture. In particular, we contrast the spatial profiles of discharge parameters in the case of uniform and non‐uniform discharge plasma. The trapping mechanism of electrons is identified only at higher frequencies (>50 kHz) than small frequencies in the uniform DBD plasma. This simulation study describes the importance of three‐dimensional modeling for the understanding of the filamentary and uniform discharge plasmas in the breakdown phase.
Deposition of PETN Following the Detonation of Seismoplast Plastic Explosive
Authors: Thiboutot Sonia , Brousseau Patrick , Ampleman Guy
Published: April 2015

Many nation’s armed forces are undertaking efforts to minimize the environmental impacts of live‐fire military training. Based on this, the Canadian Department of National Defence has undertaken a project to examine potential alternatives to the use of Composition C4, an RDX‐based plastic explosive. Plastic explosives are widely used by all armed forces for both military engineering tasks and explosive ordnance disposal and their use may lead to the deposition of explosives in the environment, namely RDX, in the case of C4. RDX is very stable in the environment, water soluble, and moves relatively rapidly towards surface and groundwater bodies. One option identified as a potential RDX‐free formulation is a pentaerythritol tetranitrate (PETN) based plastic explosive, commercially available in Germany and referred to as Seismoplast. In order to measure the environmental impacts of this formulation, a deposition rate study was conducted. These tests consist of evaluating the detonation efficiencies of munitions during detonation scenarios representative of military training. Data generated from these tests are the deposition masses of the energetic components in the explosive filler, which in this case is PETN. To achieve this objective, seven blocks of Seismoplast were open detonated over a surface of pristine snow, and post‐detonation surface samples were collected to measure residual PETN. The trial demonstrated that less than 1×10−7 % of PETN is deposited upon detonation of Seismoplast. The energetic material deposition rates obtained in this trial are much lower than rates obtained for the RDX‐based C4 currently in‐service within Canada. Switching from a RDX‐based plastic explosive to one based on PETN may be an interesting option through which the Department of National Defence can reduce the environmental impact of its activities.
Cyclopentapeptides from Dianthus chinensis
Authors: Han Jing , Huang Maobo , Wang Zhe , Zheng Yuqing , Zeng Guangzhi , He Wenjun , Tan Ninghua
Published: April 2015

A new cyclopentapeptide dianthin I (1), together with two known ones pseudostellarin A (2) and heterophyllin J (3), was isolated from the aerial parts of Dianthus chinensis. The structure of 1 was elucidated as cyclo‐(Gly1– l–Phe2– l–Pro3– l–Ser4– l–Phe5) on the basis of extensive spectroscopic analyses and chemical methods. Copyright © 2015 European Peptide Society and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Blue phosphor synthesized with Eu‐containing strontium aluminate by reaction on single crystalline magnesia
Authors: Komatsu Keiji , Nakamura Atsushi , Kato Ariyuki , Ohshio Shigeo , Saitoh Hidetoshi
Published: April 2015

The luminescence properties of strontium aluminate (Sr‐Al‐O) phosphors change strongly depending on the starting metal composition ratio of strontium oxide (SrO) and alumina (Al2O3). In this study, the starting metal composition effect on blue Sr‐Al‐O:Eu2+ phosphor synthesized on single crystalline magnesia (MgO) was investigated. The crystal structure and the emission property of the obtained Sr‐Al‐O:Eu2+ blue phosphors, were independent of the Al2O3/SrO ratio in the raw material. In addition, the obtained emission phases were not contained Al atom. These results indicated the correct starting metal composition for the blue phosphor synthesized on MgO is SrO:Eu. (© 2015 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Semiconducting asphaltene thin films: preparation and characterization
Authors: Nassar Ibrahim M. , Mamiyev Zamin , Khalilova Khuraman , Mammadov Eldar , Aliyeva Yegana , Alekperov Oktay , Bayramov Ayaz , Mamedov Nazim
Published: April 2015

Asphaltene thin films of 100‐500 nm thicknesses were deposited on soda lime glass substrates from toluene solution by spray pyrolysis method. Atomic force microscopy (AFM), photoluminescence (PL), spectroscopic ellipsometry (SE), and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) methods were used for characterization of the films. The obtained films were found to be broad band semiconducting material with band gap energy ∼ 3.1 eV and exhibited n‐type conductivity with resistivity ρ ∼ 8·102Ω·cm. Concentration of free radicals and g‐factor were about of ∼ 1018 spin/g and 2.00307, respec­tively. (© 2015 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Role of Hydroxytyrosol‐dependent Regulation of HO‐1 Expression in Promoting Wound Healing of Vascular Endothelial Cells via Nrf2 De Novo Synthesis and Stabilization
Authors: Zrelli Houda , Kusunoki Miki , Miyazaki Hitoshi
Published: April 2015

Hydroxytyrosol (HT), an olive plant (Olea europaea L.) polyphenol, has proven atheroprotective effects. We previously demonstrated that heme oxygenase‐1 (HO‐1) is involved in the HT dependent prevention of dysfunction induced by oxidative stress in vascular endothelial cells (VECs). Here, we further investigated the signaling pathway of HT‐dependent HO‐1 expression in VECs. HT dose‐ and time‐dependently increased HO‐1 mRNA and protein levels through the PI3K/Akt and ERK1/2 pathways. Cycloheximide and actinomycin D inhibited both increases, suggesting that HT‐triggered HO‐1 induction is transcriptionally regulated and that de novo protein synthesis is necessary for this HT effect. HT stimulated nuclear accumulation of nuclear factor E2‐related factor 2 (Nrf2). This Nrf2 accumulation was blocked by actinomycin D and cycloheximide whereas HT in combination with the 26S proteasome inhibitor MG132 enhanced the accumulation. HT also extended the half‐life of Nrf2 proteins by decelerating its turnover. Moreover, HO‐1 inhibitor, ZnppIX and CO scavenger, hemoglobin impaired HT‐dependent wound healing while CORM‐2, a CO generator, accelerated wound closure. Together, these data demonstrate that HT upregulates HO‐1 expression by stimulating the nuclear accumulation and stabilization of Nrf2, leading to the wound repair of VECs crucial in the prevention of atherosclerosis. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Visuanimation in statistics
Authors: Genton Marc G. , Castruccio Stefano , Crippa Paola , Dutta Subhajit , Huser Raphaël , Sun Ying , Vettori Sabrina
Published: April 2015

This paper explores the use of visualization through animations, coined visuanimation, in the field of statistics. In particular, it illustrates the embedding of animations in the paper itself and the storage of larger movies in the online supplemental material. We present results from statistics research projects using a variety of visuanimations, ranging from exploratory data analysis of image data sets to spatio‐temporal extreme event modelling; these include a multiscale analysis of classification methods, the study of the effects of a simulated explosive volcanic eruption and an emulation of climate model output. This paper serves as an illustration of visuanimation for future publications in Stat. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Multinational Corporations and the Transforming Operational Environment in China
Authors: Das Dilip K.
Published: April 2015

China and the multinational corporations (MNCs) have had a long period of close relationship. In locating operations in China, MNCs beneficially followed the principle of least‐cost location. However, China's economic and business environment has been undergoing a striking transformation. The Chinese economy is losing some of its beneficial emerging‐market traits. Many foreign business enterprises and MNCs have experienced deep erosion of profits. This article first focuses on the growing importance of China and the Chinese markets for foreign business firms and MNCs. The sheer size of the market naturally draws them in. Next, it dwells on the challenges that have evolved over the years and the budding new business environment, often referred to as “the new normal.” Many MNCs realize the need to adapt to the new operating environment in China. This article proposes a list of adaptive and coping measures for the foreign enterprises and MNCs. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Insights from the everyday: implications of reframing the governance of water supply and demand from ‘people’ to ‘practice’
Authors: Browne Alison L.
Published: April 2015

While the emerging shift to ‘people‐oriented’ water management could be applauded, existing conceptual and methodological approaches limit understandings of consumer behavior and linked social, cultural, and infrastructural changes. Using the example of water demand throughout, ‘people oriented’ approaches are shown to deny complexity and homogenize ideas of the consumer and supply systems. The way in which this is enacted in current, dominant forms of water management and water demand is discussed. New and more responsive conceptual and methodological approaches are needed to address the existing and future uncertainties facing water sectors worldwide. ‘Practice‐oriented’ approaches are explored and shown to open up understandings of current diversities and complexities of demand and the patterns of these demands across populations. Such a conceptual and methodological reorientation reflects a need—potentially counter intuitively for those in the water industry—to let go of the focus on water and to instead focus on the services such resources provide in everyday lives and how these services could be more sustainably provisioned. Such an approach will assist in understanding current demand profiles, potentially improve the forecasting of future trajectories of change, and open up new routes for intervention to both water demand and water supply systems at various scales. Through the example of water demand, the implications of moving to a practice‐oriented approach for the governance of water systems more generally are considered. WIREs Water 2015, 2:415–424. doi: 10.1002/wat2.1084

This article is categorized under:

Engineering Water > Planning Water

Human Water > Water Governance
Hydrological drought explained
Authors: Van Loon Anne F.
Published: April 2015

Drought is a complex natural hazard that impacts ecosystems and society in many ways. Many of these impacts are associated with hydrological drought (drought in rivers, lakes, and groundwater). It is, therefore, crucial to understand the development and recovery of hydrological drought. In this review an overview is given of the current state of scientific knowledge of definitions, processes, and quantification of hydrological drought. Special attention is given to the influence of climate and terrestrial properties (geology, land use) on hydrological drought characteristics and the role of storage. Furthermore, the current debate about the use and usefulness of different drought indicators is highlighted and recent advances in drought monitoring and prediction are mentioned. Research on projections of hydrological drought for the future is summarized. This review also briefly touches upon the link of hydrological drought characteristics with impacts and the issues related to drought management. Finally, four challenges for future research on hydrological drought are defined that relate international initiatives such as the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) and the ‘Panta Rhei’ decade of the International Association of Hydrological Sciences (IAHS).WIREs Water2015, 2:359–392. doi: 10.1002/wat2.1085

This article is categorized under:

Science of Water > Hydrological Processes

Science of Water > Water and Environmental Change

Science of Water > Water Extremes
Double Cationic‐Anionic Ordering in Ba‐Based Oxygen‐­Deficient Perovskites
Authors: Raveau Bernard , Caignaert Vincent , Kundu Asish K.
Published: April 2015

Complex cationic‐anionic ordering in barium‐based oxygen deficient perovskites is reviewed. Considering the parent ABO3 structure, the ordering between barium and a rare earth cation in the A site generates three classes of oxides, called double, triple and nanoscale ordered quintuple perovskites. From the ordering between a transition element (Fe, Co) and a larger cation on the B site two structural families are obtained, containing calcium and yttrium respectively. These oxides offer a vast playground for the investigation of magnetic and transport properties.
Synergistic Geometrical and Electronic Features in the Intermetallic Phases Ca2AgM2, Ca2MgM2, and Ca2GaM2 (M = Pd, Pt)
Authors: Ponou Siméon , Miller Gordon J.
Published: April 2015

Six new analogous phases, Ca2AgM2, Ca2MgM2, and Ca2M2Ga (M = Pd, Pt), were rationally prepared by direct combination of the respective elements at high temperature, allowing us to clarify the factors controlling the structural selection between the orthorhombic W2CoB2‐type structure (Immm) and its distorted monoclinic Gd2AlGe2‐type derivative (C2/c), as well as to investigate the mechanism and the extent of the electronic flexibility of the W2CoB2‐type structure. All crystal structures were refined from single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction data. Two pairs of compounds Ca2AgM2 (5 ve/f.u) and Ca2MgM2 (6 ve/f.u) adopt the orthorhombic W2CoB2 type, whereas the pair of Ga analogues Ca2M2Ga (7 ve/fu) crystallize in the monoclinic Gd2AlGe2‐ or Ca2Ir2Si‐type structure, confirming the valence electron count (vec) as the dominant factor controlling the structural selection in this series. The stability factors and chemical bonding features behind the similarities and differences of these closely related structures were theoretically investigated using first‐principles density functional calculations. They provide additional evidences of the decisive influence of the vec as well as the electronegativity differences between constituent elements, on the structural trends. In addition, the cooperative roles of the geometrical and electronic flexibility associated with the inherent anisotropy of the orthorhombic symmetry of the W2CoB2 type are emphasized.
Sr2P7X (X = Cl, Br, and I): Synthesis, Crystal and Electronic Structures of Double Zintl Salts Containing Heptaphosphanortricyclane, P73–
Authors: Dolyniuk Juli‐Anna , Tran Nhon , Lee Kathleen , Kovnir Kirill
Published: April 2015

Three new strontium phosphide‐halides, Sr2P7X (X = Cl, Br, and I) were synthesized and structurally characterized by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. In the crystal structure of all three compounds, strontium cations and halogen anions are present together with heptaphosphanortricyclane, P73–, clusters. Sr2P7Br and Sr2P7I are isostructural and crystallize in a new structure type in the chiral cubic space group P213 (No. 198). Sr2P7Cl crystallizes in a new structure type in the centrosymmetric monoclinic space group C2/c (No. 15). According to the Zintl concept, quantum‐mechanical calculations, and UV/Vis spectroscopy, Sr2P7X compounds are all electron‐balanced wide‐bandgap semiconductors. The bonding in the P73– clusters was analyzed by means of electron localization function.