bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Screen‐printed Electrochemical Immunosensors for the Detection of Cancer and Cardiovascular Biomarkers
Authors: Rama Estefanía Costa , Costa‐García Agustín
Published: May 2016

Electrochemical immunosensors (EIs) for the determination of disease biomarkers has attracted a wide interest due to its high sensitivity, low cost, and possible integration in compact analytical devices. The use of screen‐printed electrodes (SPEs) to develop EIs contributes to the great potential they have in point of care (POC) test, since SPEs show good electrical properties and allow the reduction of the electrochemical instrumentation down to small pocket‐size devices. Moreover, during the last years, SPEs have gone through significant improvements related to both their design and printing materials. Since cancer and cardiovascular diseases are the major threats of global health, there is a growing demand for the development of portable, rapid, simple and inexpensive devices for the detection of these diseases. This article presents an overview about the main biomarkers of cancer and cardiovascular diseases and the EIs based on SPEs for the detection of these biomarkers.
Innovation Capacity‐Building and Inclusive Development in Informal Settings: A Comparative Analysis of two Interactive Learning Spaces in South Africa and Malawi
Authors: Petersen Il‐haam , Kruss Glenda , Gastrow Michael , Nalivata Patson C.
Published: May 2016

The extent to which innovation can contribute to improving the livelihoods of marginalised communities in informal settings is greatly influenced by the social ‘spaces’ created for interactive learning and problem‐solving, i.e. interactive learning spaces. This paper addresses an important issue: How do different models of inclusion influence the outcomes of innovation capacity‐building interventions? With the use of a network‐institutional approach, the paper analyses and compares two projects—in South Africa and Malawi—aimed at improving the livelihoods of small‐scale farmers through introducing new farming practices and organisational arrangements. The research raises important questions for assessing the impact of innovation for inclusive development. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Sorption, Release and Forms of Mercury in Contaminated Soils Stabilized with Water Treatment Residual Nanoparticles
Authors: Elkhatib Elsayed , Moharem Mohamed , Mahdy Ahmed , Mesalem Mohamed
Published: May 2016

This study was carried out to assess, for the first time, the effect of water treatment residual nanoparticles (nWTR) on mobility, fractionation and speciation of Hg in two arid zone soils. Nanoscale water treatment residual application markedly reduced cumulative Hg released from soils studied, with the effect increasing as the nWTR application rate increases. The power function kinetic model well described the desorption process from soils and soils with nWTR. Meanwhile, application of nWTR greatly increased the association of Hg with the residual fraction and increased the most stable Hg species (Hg (OH)2amor), which in turn enhanced Hg immobilization in the studied soils. Fourier transmission infrared spectroscopy analysis indicated the involvement of nWTR in the retention of Hg (II) and revealed that sorption occurred mainly through OH groups, which suggest inner‐sphere adsorption of Hg ions to surface functional groups on nWTR. These results demonstrated the feasibility of using a green and low‐cost nWTR as best management practice to retain and immobilize excess Hg in contaminated soils. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A novel design of 0.8 GHz – 1.2 GHz negative impedance series capacitor circuit
Authors: Au NgocDuc , Seo Chulhun
Published: May 2016

Negative impedance converter (NIC) is a broadband matching technique in radio frequency (RF) based on the non‐Foster theory. This technique in conjunction with the effect of negative impedance has been proven to achieve a wider impedance matching bandwidth than other techniques. However, it still has problems in the areas of flexible connectivity, and mismatch in the real part of negative impedance and power consumption. Those problems have led to non‐Foster circuits (NFC) not being trusted as much as high unload Q module for broadband matching. In this paper, we propose a new idea for NFC that uses balun transformers to achieve negative reactance in 0.8 GHz to 1.2 GHz with the real part of the impedance is matched to 50 Ω when the imaginary part (normally, it is the reactance of negative impedance circuit) does not change. Finally, we show and compare our results with the ideal impedance of negative lump components in both the Smith Chart and reactance. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 58:1801–1806, 2016
Two‐arm Archimedean spiral antenna fed by broadband double sided parallel strip line
Authors: Oh Seongwon , Ahn Chihyung
Published: May 2016

This paper is intended to introduce a two‐arm Archimedean spiral antenna fed by a novel feed structure based on DSPSL (Double Sided Parallel Strip Line). A DSPSL provides an ease perpendicular matching network and an impedance transition between input impedance of a spiral antenna and system's impedance of 50 Ω in broadband frequency range. Measured and simulated VSWR and radiation pattern results show a good performance over ultra‐wide band from 2 to 20 GHz. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 58:1879–1883, 2016
Antenna and RF system for fly‐away satellite terminal communication applications on Ka‐band
Authors: Park Byung Jun , Kim Chun Won , Lee Deok Woo , Lee Sung Jae
Published: May 2016

Antenna and RF system for fly‐away satellite terminal communication applications on ka‐band is presented in this article. Fly‐away satellite terminals 1 or 2 people is fixed by installing motion terminal, movement and installation of equipment, and ease of operation to the user's for low‐power consumption, small size, and light weight is important. For low‐power consumption and compact and light‐weight, dual‐reflector antenna system volume using dual‐offset Gregorian antenna structure is minimized, magnesium by weight is minimized. Transmitter part of RF systems has low‐power consumption and compact light weight using the pHEMT MMIC compound devices. For harmonic rejection, the photonic band‐gap low‐pass‐filter is designed. In receiver part, low‐noise amplifier and down converter rolled into one function of the low‐noise block converter structure is designed for compact and light weight. In this article, fly‐away satellite terminal with low‐power consumption and compact light weight is described by antenna system and RF system performances. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 58:2020–2025, 2016
20 years experience with appendicovesicostomy in paediatric patients: Complications and their re‐interventions
Authors: Reuvers Sarah H.M. , van den Hoek Joop , Blok Bertil F.M. , de Oliveira Barbosa Telma C. , Wolffenbuttel Katja P. , Scheepe Jeroen R.
Published: May 2016

Aims

To evaluate the long‐term outcome of appendicovesicostomies and to present the frequency and timing of complications needing re‐intervention.

Methods

In this retrospective study we included patients in whom an appendicovesicostomy was created at our institution between 1993 and 2011. Patients with a follow‐up less than 1 year were excluded. Patient characteristics and conduit‐related complications requiring re‐intervention were collected.

Results

One hundred and twenty‐eight patients were included with mean age at initial surgery of 10.1 ±  3.9 years. Two thirds of the children had underlying neurogenic disease. The mean follow‐up was 10.1 ± 4.8 years. All but one patient continued to use the catheterizable channel. Re‐intervention for conduit‐related complications was necessary in 32.0% of the patients. A second, third, and fourth re‐intervention was required in respectively 10.9%, 2.3%, and 1.6%. The commonest complications were cutaneous/fascial stenosis in 14.8%, stenosis at conduit‐bladder level in 9.4%, and stomal incontinence in 6.3% of the patients. The most performed re‐interventions were stoma revision (in 16.4% of the patients), conduit revision (10.2%), and dilatation of a stenotic tract (4.7%). 63.3% of the re‐interventions was superficial and/or endoscopic. The peak incidence of re‐interventions was in the 1st year after conduit construction and decreased yearly.

Conclusions

Our study gives an overview of patients and their conduits developing from prepubertal children to young adults. During a mean follow‐up of 10.1 years, roughly one third of the patients needed a re‐intervention. We conclude that an appendicovesicostomy is an effective and durable treatment for whom transurethral clean intermittent catheterization is not feasible. Neurourol. Urodynam. 36:1325–1329, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Characteristics of starch‐based films produced using glycerol and 1‐butyl‐3‐methylimidazolium chloride as combined plasticizers
Authors: Ren Jiawei , Zhang Weijian , Lou Feipeng , Wang Yuming , Guo Weihong
Published: May 2016

The structure and property of cassava starch‐based films, produced by using 1‐butyl‐3‐methylimidazolium chloride ([BMIM]Cl) and glycerol as combined plasticizers, were investigated. The combined plasticizers exhibited a stronger effect on the disruption of starch granules compared with glycerol as observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). When the mass ratio of [BMIM]Cl/glycerol used was 15/15, all the starch granules were disrupted and transferred to a continuous phase. Due to the strong plasticization effect of [BMIM]Cl, the combined plasticizers contributed to a lower water content, crystallinity, and glass‐transition temperature, as well as a higher flexibility when compared with glycerol. Additionally, in spite of the slight decrease in the elongation at break, the combined plasticizers contributed to a higher thermal stability, higher tensile strength, and a lower cost relative to [BMIM]Cl alone, showing excellent potential for practical applications. Therefore, using [BMIM]Cl and glycerol as combined plasticizers to plasticize starch film is effective, practical, and economical, and opens up a new perspective for the plasticization of starch.
Addressing Hydrogen Bonding Motifs by Suited Substitution of Thioureas
Authors: Hollmann Katharina , Oppermann Alexander , Amen Maike , Flörke Ulrich , Egold Hans , Hoffmann Alexander , Herres‐Pawlis Sonja , Henkel Gerald
Published: May 2016

The possibility to form hydrogen bonds with different motifs is an interesting aspect of the chemistry of thioureas especially regarding catalysis. We present nine new thioureas with different unsymmetric substitution patterns involving aromatic and aliphatic substituents including the structural characterization of four of them. Herein, three different hydrogen bond patterns could be realized. Moreover, DFT calculations were performed to investigate the strength of the hydrogen bonds. Hereby, we show that we can selectively address different hydrogen bonding motifs by the choice of substituents. This enables a correlation of the molecular structure and the bonding motifs. Additionally, by natural resonance theory, we show that the contribution of the thiolate resonance form dominates the electronic structure, which is important for coordination chemistry.
Amniocentesis
Authors: Dimri Nandita , Baijal Ashok
Published: May 2016

Amniocentesis is the most common invasive prenatal diagnostic procedure worldwide. It is a technique of withdrawing amniotic fluid from the uterine cavity using a needle, via a transabdominal approach, under continuous ultrasound guidance, in order to obtain a sample of fetal exfoliated cells, transudates, urine, or secretions. The amniotic fluid contains amniocytes and fetal epithelial cells. Amniotic fluid can be tested directly or grown in culture for various chromosomal, bio-chemical, molecular, and microbial studies. Amniocentesis for genetic testing is generally performed between the gestational age of 16 and 20 weeks. Diagnostic amniocentesis is commonly used for prenatal diagnosis of chromosomal abnormalities, single gene disorders, fetal infection, and intra-amniotic inflammation. Common indications cited are advanced maternal age, positive maternal screening results for aneuploidy, structural abnormality on ultrasound, and inconclusive or positive noninvasive prenatal testing. Pre-procedure counseling and screening ultrasound should always be done before subjecting a woman to amniocentesis. Complete procedure is performed under ultrasound guidance with continuous visualization of the needle under proper aseptic conditions. Post-procedure follow-up includes documentation of fetal viability immediately after the procedure by ultrasound studies, anti-D immunoglobulin (300 g) to be administered to RhD negative women, and house rest for 24 h.
Prediction of Pre-eclampsia
Authors: Gujral Kanwal , Nayar Sakshi
Published: May 2016

Pre-eclampsia (PE) is a disease of high maternal, fetal, and neonatal mortality and morbidity. Early recognition, ideally in the first trimester of women at risk for PE will enable prophylaxis and help reduce associated adverse outcomes. No single test is supported by robust evidence to predict PE and no single test has emerged as a front runner. Screening based on risk factors has low sensitivity. Uterine artery Doppler is the primary screening modality for prediction of PE. Individually, no biomarker has shown to have sufficient clinical value in prediction of PE. However, sFlt-1/PlGF ratio performs better than others. A combination of uterine artery Doppler, maternal serum biomarkers, and maternal characteristics offers best predictive power at the moment.
Big data to smart data in Alzheimer's disease: The brain health modeling initiative to foster actionable knowledge
Authors: Geerts Hugo , Dacks Penny A. , Devanarayan Viswanath , Haas Magali , Khachaturian Zaven S. , Gordon Mark Forrest , Maudsley Stuart , Romero Klaus , Stephenson Diane ,   Brain Health Modeling Initiative (BHMI)
Published: May 2016

Massive investment and technological advances in the collection of extensive and longitudinal information on thousands of Alzheimer patients results in large amounts of data. These “big‐data” databases can potentially advance CNS research and drug development. However, although necessary, they are not sufficient, and we posit that they must be matched with analytical methods that go beyond retrospective data‐driven associations with various clinical phenotypes. Although these empirically derived associations can generate novel and useful hypotheses, they need to be organically integrated in a quantitative understanding of the pathology that can be actionable for drug discovery and development. We argue that mechanism‐based modeling and simulation approaches, where existing domain knowledge is formally integrated using complexity science and quantitative systems pharmacology can be combined with data‐driven analytics to generate predictive actionable knowledge for drug discovery programs, target validation, and optimization of clinical development.
Protagonisten? Die Rolle der Zeugen Jesu in der Apostelgeschichte
Authors: Lang Maria B.
Published: May 2016

At first glance, the apostles and the other messengers of the Gospel appear to be the protagonists in the plot of Acts. However, seen within the context of Greco-Roman modes of characterisation, their roles prove to be a subtle reference to the divine guidance. An analysis of how Peter, Paul and the other witnesses enter and leave the narrative stage, how they interact and how their appearance is depicted leads to the insight that their roles are meant to be relative, functional and transparent. They thus refer to the Risen Lord as the real protagonist of Acts.
Real Person Interaction in Visual Attention Research
Authors: Cole Geoff G. , Skarratt Paul A. , Kuhn Gustav
Published: May 2016

Abstract. An important development in cognitive psychology in the past decade has been the examination of visual attention during real social interaction. This contrasts traditional laboratory studies of attention, including “social attention,” in which observers perform tasks alone. In this review, we show that although the lone-observer method has been central to attention research, real person interaction paradigms have not only uncovered the processes that occur during “joint attention,” but have also revealed attentional processes previously thought not to occur. Furthermore, the examination of some visual attention processes almost invariably requires the use of real person paradigms. While we do not argue for an increase in “ecological validity” for its own sake, we do suggest that research using real person interaction has greatly benefited the development of visual attention theories.
Work Engagement and Research Output Among Female and Male	Scientists
Authors: Dubbelt Lonneke , Rispens Sonja , Demerouti Evangelia
Published: May 2016

Abstract. Women have a minority position within science, technology, engineering, and mathematics and, consequently, are likely to face more adversities at work. This diary study takes a look at a facilitating factor for women’s research performance within academia: daily work engagement. We examined the moderating effect of gender on the relationship between two behaviors (i.e., daily networking and time control) and daily work engagement, as well as its effect on the relationship between daily work engagement and performance measures (i.e., number of publications). Results suggest that daily networking and time control cultivate men’s work engagement, but daily work engagement is beneficial for the number of publications of women. The findings highlight the importance of work engagement in facilitating the performance of women in minority positions.
Vitamin k3 inhibits protein aggregation: Implication in the treatment of amyloid diseases
Authors: Alam Parvez , Chaturvedi Sumit Kumar , Siddiqi Mohammad Khursheed , Rajpoot Ravi Kant , Ajmal Mohd Rehan , Zaman Masihuz , Khan Rizwan Hasan
Published: May 2016

Protein misfolding and aggregation have been associated with several human diseases such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and familial amyloid polyneuropathy etc. In this study, anti-fibrillation activity of vitamin k3 and its effect on the kinetics of amyloid formation of hen egg white lysozyme (HEWL) and Aβ-42 peptide were investigated. Here, in combination with Thioflavin T (ThT) fluorescence assay, circular dichroism (CD), transmission electron microscopy and cell cytotoxicity assay, we demonstrated that vitamin k3 significantly inhibits fibril formation as well as the inhibitory effect is dose dependent manner. Our experimental studies inferred that vitamin k3 exert its neuro protective effect against amyloid induced cytotoxicity through concerted pathway, modifying the aggregation formation towards formation of nontoxic aggregates. Molecular docking demonstrated that vitamin k3 mediated inhibition of HEWL and Aβ-42 fibrillogenesis may be initiated by interacting with proteolytic resistant and aggregation prone regions respectively. This work would provide an insight into the mechanism of protein aggregation inhibition by vitamin k3; pave the way for discovery of other small molecules that may exert similar effect against amyloid formation and its associated neurodegenerative diseases.
Efficacy of Indian polyvalent snake antivenoms against Sri Lankan snake venoms: lethality studies or clinically focussed in vitro studies
Authors: Maduwage Kalana , Silva Anjana , O’Leary Margaret A. , Hodgson Wayne C. , Isbister Geoffrey K.
Published: May 2016

In vitro antivenom efficacy studies were compared to rodent lethality studies to test two Indian snake antivenoms (VINS and BHARAT) against four Sri Lankan snakes. In vitro efficacy was tested at venom concentrations consistent with human envenoming. Efficacy was compared statistically for one batch from each manufacturer where multiple vials were available. In binding studies EC50 for all VINS antivenoms were less than BHARAT for D. russelii [553 μg/mL vs. 1371 μg/mL;p = 0.016), but were greater for VINS antivenoms compared to BHARAT for N. naja [336 μg/mL vs. 70 μg/mL;p < 0.0001]. EC50 of both antivenoms was only slighty different for E. carinatus and B. caeruleus. For procoagulant activity neutralisation, the EC50 was lower for VINS compared to BHARAT - 60 μg/mL vs. 176 μg/mL (p < 0.0001) for Russell’s viper and 357 μg/mL vs. 6906μg/mL (p < 0.0001) for Saw-scaled viper. Only VINS antivenom neutralized in vitro neurotoxicity of krait venom. Both antivenoms partially neutralized cobra and didn’t neutralize Russell’s viper neurotoxicity. Lethality studies found no statistically significant difference in ED50 values between VINS and BHARAT antivenoms. VINS antivenoms appeared superior to BHARAT at concentrations equivalent to administering 10 vials antivenom, based on binding and neutralisation studies. Lethality studies were inconsistent suggesting rodent death may not measure relevant efficacy outcomes in humans.
Genome-wide differential expression of genes and small RNAs in testis of two different porcine breeds and at two different ages
Authors: Li Yao , Li Jialian , Fang Chengchi , Shi Liang , Tan Jiajian , Xiong Yuanzhu , Bin Fan  , Li Changchun
Published: May 2016

Some documented evidences proved small RNAs (sRNA) and targeted genes are involved in mammalian testicular development and spermatogenesis. However, the detailed molecular regulation mechanisms of them remain largely unknown so far. In this study, we obtained a total of 10,716 mRNAs, 67 miRNAs and 16,953 piRNAs which were differentially expressed between LC and LW pig breeds or between the two sexual maturity stages. Of which, we identified 16 miRNAs and 28 targeted genes possibly related to spermatogenesis; 14 miRNA and 18 targeted genes probably associated with cell adhesion related testis development. We also annotated 579 piRNAs which could potentially regulate cell death, nucleosome organization and other basic biology process, which implied that those piRNAs might be involved in sexual maturation difference. The integrated network analysis results suggested that some differentially expressed genes were involved in spermatogenesis through the ECM–receptor interaction, focal adhesion, Wnt and PI3K–Akt signaling pathways, some particular miRNAs have the negative regulation roles and some special piRNAs have the positive and negative regulation roles in testicular development. Our data provide novel insights into the molecular expression and regulation similarities and diversities of spermatogenesis and testicular development in different pig breeds at different stages of sexual maturity.
Improve sensitization and corrosion resistance of an Al-Mg alloy by optimization of grain boundaries
Authors: Yan Jianfeng , Heckman Nathan M. , Velasco Leonardo , Hodge Andrea M.
Published: May 2016

The sensitization and subsequent intergranular corrosion of Al-5.3 wt.% Mg alloy has been shown to be an important factor in stress corrosion cracking of Al-Mg alloys. Understanding sensitization requires the review of grain boundary character on the precipitation process which can assist in developing and designing alloys with improved corrosion resistance. This study shows that the degree of precipitation in Al-Mg alloy is dependent on grain boundary misorientation angle, adjacent grain boundary planes and grain boundary types. The results show that the misorientation angle is the most important factor influencing precipitation in grain boundaries of the Al-Mg alloy. Low angle grain boundaries (≤15°) have better immunity to precipitation and grain boundary acid attack. High angle grain boundaries (>15°) are vulnerable to grain boundary acid attack. Grain boundaries with adjacent plane orientations near to {100} have potential for immunity to precipitation and grain boundary acid attack. This work shows that low Σ (Σ ≤ 29) coincident site lattice (CSL) grain boundaries have thinner β precipitates. Modified nitric acid mass loss test and polarization test demonstrated that the global corrosion resistance of sputtered Al-Mg alloy is enhanced. This may be attributed to the increased fractions of low Σ (Σ ≤ 29) CSL grain boundaries after sputtering.
High Production of 3-Hydroxypropionic Acid in Klebsiella pneumoniae by Systematic Optimization of Glycerol Metabolism
Authors: Li Ying , Wang Xi , Ge Xizhen , Tian Pingfang
Published: May 2016

3-Hydroxypropionic acid (3-HP) is an important platform chemical proposed by the United States Department of Energy. 3-HP can be converted to a series of bulk chemicals. Biological production of 3-HP has made great progress in recent years. However, low yield of 3-HP restricts its commercialization. In this study, systematic optimization was conducted towards high-yield production of 3-HP inKlebsiella pneumoniae. We first investigated appropriate promoters for the key enzyme (aldehyde dehydrogenase, ALDH) in 3-HP biosynthesis and found that IPTG-inducibletacpromoter enabled overexpression of an endogenous ALDH (PuuC) inK. pneumoniae. We optimized the metabolic flux and found that blocking the synthesis of lactic acid and acetic acid significantly increased the production of 3-HP. Additionally, fermentation conditions were optimized and scaled-up cultivation were investigated. The highest 3-HP titer was observed at 83.8 g/L with a high conversion ratio of 54% on substrate glycerol. Furthermore, a flux distribution model of glycerol metabolism inK. pneumoniaewas proposed based onin silicoanalysis. To our knowledge, this is the highest 3-HP production inK. pneumoniae. This work has significantly advanced biological production of 3-HP from renewable carbon sources.
Disclosing the essentiality of ribose-5-phosphate isomerase B in Trypanosomatids
Authors: Faria Joana , Loureiro Inês , Santarém Nuno , Cecílio Pedro , Macedo-Ribeiro Sandra , Tavares Joana , Cordeiro-da-Silva Anabela
Published: May 2016

Ribose-5-phosphate isomerase (RPI) belongs to the non-oxidative branch of the pentose phosphate pathway, catalysing the inter-conversion of D-ribose-5-phosphate and D-ribulose-5-phosphate. Trypanosomatids encode a type B RPI, whereas humans have a structurally unrelated type A, making RPIB worthy of exploration as a potential drug target. Null mutant generation in Leishmania infantum was only possible when an episomal copy of RPIB gene was provided and the latter was retained both in vitro and in vivo in the absence of drug pressure. This suggests the gene is essential for parasite survival. Importantly, the inability to remove the second allele of RPIB gene in sKO mutants complemented with an episomal copy of RPIB carrying a mutation that abolishes isomerase activity suggests the essentiality is due to its metabolic function. In vitro, sKO promastigotes exhibited no defect in growth, metacyclogenesis or macrophage infection, however, an impairment in intracellular amastigotes’ replication was observed. Additionally, mice infected with sKO mutants rescued by RPIB complementation had a reduced parasite burden in the liver. Likewise, Trypanosoma brucei is resistant to complete RPIB gene removal and mice infected with sKO mutants showed prolonged survival upon infection. Taken together our results genetically validate RPIB as a potential drug target in trypanosomatids.
Normative equations for central augmentation index: assessment of inter-population applicability and how it could be improved
Authors: Jeroncic Ana , Gunjaca Grgo , Mrsic Danijela Budimir , Mudnic Ivana , Brizic Ivica , Polasek Ozren , Boban Mladen
Published: May 2016

Common reference values of arterial stiffness indices could be effective screening tool in detecting vascular phenotypes at risk. However, populations of the same ethnicity may differ in vascular phenotype due to different environmental pressure. We examined applicability of normative equations for central augmentation index (cAIx) derived from Danish population with low cardiovascular risk on the corresponding Croatian population from the Mediterranean area. Disagreement between measured and predicted cAIx was assessed by Bland-Altman analysis. Both, cAIx-age distribution and normative equation fitted on Croatian data were highly comparable to Danish low-risk sample. Contrarily, Bland-Altman analysis of cAIx disagreement revealed a curvilinear deviation from the line of full agreement indicating that the equations were not equally applicable across age ranges. Stratification of individual data into age decades eliminated curvilinearity in all but the 30–39 (men) and 40–49 (women) decades. In other decades, linear disagreement independent of age persisted indicating that cAIx determinants other than age were not envisaged/compensated for by proposed equations. Therefore, established normative equations are equally applicable to both Nordic and Mediterranean populations but are of limited use. If designed for narrower age ranges, the equations’ sensitivity in detecting vascular phenotypes at risk and applicability to different populations could be improved.
The length of the bridging chain in ansa-metallocenes influences their antiproliferative activity against triple negative breast cancer cells (TNBC)
Authors: Beauperin Matthieu , Top Siden , Richard Marie-Aude , Plażuk Damian , Pigeon Pascal , Toma Stefan , Poláčková Viera , Jaouen Gérard
Published: May 2016

[n]Ferrocenophane and [n]ruthenocenophane derivatives have been synthesized and their antiproliferative activity evaluated against MDA-MB-231 cells.
Halogen bonding enhances activity in a series of dual 5-HT6/D2 ligands designed in a hybrid bioisostere generation/virtual screening protocol
Authors: Staroń Jakub , Warszycki Dawid , Kurczab Rafał , Satała Grzegorz , Bugno Ryszard , Hogendorf Adam , Bojarski Andrzej J.
Published: May 2016

A hybrid bioisostere generation/virtual screening method combined with narrowing of chemical space through similarity to compounds that are active at the second target was successfully applied for the development of dual 5-HT6/D2 receptor ligands.
Strong optical absorption of LaMn0.6Al0.4O3 thin films in the mid-infrared atmospheric window
Authors: Wang Hongguang , Wang Lei , Hu PengFei , Ren Wei , Xu Jinbao , Zhao Pengjun , Chang Aimin
Published: May 2016

Strong light absorption in the mid-infrared atmosphere window (3–5 μm) was reported for complete (100)-oriented LaMn0.6Al0.4O3 thin film.
Natural ionization orbitals for interpreting electron detachment processes
Authors: Thompson Lee M. , Harb Hassan , Hratchian Hrant P.
Published: May 2016

A compact orbital representation of ionization processes is described utilizing the difference of calculated one-particle density matrices. Natural orbital analysis involving this difference density matrix simplifies interpretation of electronic detachment processes and allows differentiation between one-electron transitions and shake-up/shake-off transitions, in which one-electron processes are accompanied by excitation of a second electron into the virtual orbital space.
Ultralow-frequency Raman system down to 10 cm−1 with longpass edge filters and its application to the interface coupling in t(2+2)LGs
Authors: Lin M.-L. , Ran F.-R. , Qiao X.-F. , Wu J.-B. , Shi W. , Zhang Z.-H. , Xu X.-Z. , Liu K.-H. , Li H. , Tan P.-H.
Published: May 2016

Ultralow-frequency (ULF) Raman spectroscopy becomes increasingly important in the area of two-dimensional (2D) layered materials; however, such measurement usually requires expensive and nonstandard equipment. Here, the measurement of ULF Raman signal down to 10 cm−1 has been realized with high throughput by combining a kind of longpass edge filters with a single monochromator, which are verified by the Raman spectrum of L-cystine using three laser excitations. Fine adjustment of the angle of incident laser beam from normal of the longpass edge filters and selection of polarization geometry are demonstrated how to probe ULF Raman signal with high signal-to-noise. Davydov splitting of the shear mode in twisted (2+2) layer graphenes (t(2+2)LG) has been observed by such system in both exfoliated and transferred samples. We provide a direct evidence of twist-angle dependent softening of the shear coupling in t(2+2)LG, while the layer-breathing coupling at twisted interfaces is found to be almost identical to that in bulk graphite. This suggests that the exfoliation and transferring techniques are enough good to make a good 2D heterostructures to demonstrate potential device application. This Raman system will be potentially applied to the research field of ULF Raman spectroscopy.
Waves transmission and amplification in an electrical model of microtubules
Authors: Ndjomatchoua Frank T. , Tchawoua Clément , Kakmeni Francois M. M. , Le Ru Bruno P. , Tonnang Henri E. Z.
Published: May 2016

Inspired by standard electrophysiological models of microtubules, a discrete nonlinear equation for ionic wave propagation that incorporates a negative nonlinear resistance is presented. The conditions for wave propagation in forbidden band gap are analyzed without and with dissipation. The nonlinear response manifold method is used to determine the supratransmission threshold of the case of study without dissipation. This threshold is found to be similar to the value obtained by analytical methods. With the dissipation, the monitoring of the accumulated energy is used to estimate the infratransmission threshold. It appears that the value of the supratransmission threshold can be lower than the value of the infratransmission threshold. The system is found to amplify significantly the amplitude of the input signal, thus confirming known experimental results. Nevertheless, a proper choice of the parameter of the nonlinear resistance is required for further validation of our results. A possible biological implication of the obtained results is presented.
Susceptibility of Australian Redfin Perch Perca fluviatilis Experimentally Challenged with Epizootic Hematopoietic Necrosis Virus (EHNV)
Authors: Becker Joy A. , Tweedie Alison , Gilligan Dean , Asmus Martin , Whittington Richard J.
Published: May 2016

The ranavirus epizootic hematopoietic necrosis virus (EHNV) is endemic to Australia and is listed by the Office International des Epizooties. Clinical outbreaks have only been observed in wild populations of Redfin Perch Perca fluviatilis (also known as Eurasian Perch) and farmed populations of Rainbow Trout Oncorhynchus mykiss. The initial outbreaks of EHNV describe all age-classes of Redfin Perch as being susceptible and can lead to epidemic fish kills. Subsequently, experimental challenge studies using either cohabitation with the virus or injection exposures resulted in mixed susceptibilities across various age-groupings of Redfin Perch. We used an experimental bath challenge model to investigate the susceptibility of Redfin Perch collected from areas with and without a history of EHNV outbreaks. The median survival time for fish from Blowering Dam in New South Wales, a zone with a history of EHNV outbreaks, was 35 d, compared with fish from other areas, which had a median survival between 12 and 28 d postexposure. Redfin Perch from Blowering Dam demonstrated an increased mortality associated with epizootic hematopoietic necrosis up to approximately day 14 after exposure, and then there was a significantly reduced risk of mortality until the end of the trial compared with all other fish. Redfin Perch from Blowering Dam had markedly decreased susceptibility to EHNV, and less than 40% became infected following a bath challenge. In contrast, Redfin Perch from neighboring (e.g., Bethungra Dam and Tarcutta Creek) and distant water bodies (e.g., in Western Australia) with no previous history of EHNVdisplayed moderate to high susceptibility when given a bath challenge. Potential factors for the observed changes in the host–pathogen relationship include intense positive selection pressure for resistant fish following epizootic hematopoietic necrosis outbreaks and subsequent attenuation of the virulence of the virus in resistant fish.

Received August 22, 2015; accepted February 13, 2016
From Control through Command to the Control of Discretion: Labour Time, Labour Property and the Tools of Managerial Control in Early Twentieth Century Ontario
Authors: Mummé Claire
Published: May 2016

The common law contract of employment is often described as the ‘original’ form of modern work regulation, and tales of its origins feature in many historical narratives about the development of modern labour law. But despite its reputed pedigree and normative centrality, the historical development of the common law of employment contracts has not received significant attention. This paper begins to address this gap by investigating the evolution of the common law of employment contracts in the early twentieth century in one common law jurisdiction, the Canadian province of Ontario. Between the 1890s and 1930s the courts of Ontario applied a newly emerging legal paradigm from England, constructed around changing notions of property in employment, employment duration and the tools of managerial control. These ideas served to reorganise the common law of employments by simultaneously placing limits on the content of the exchange in an employment contract, while expanding employers’ rights of control so as to permit them to regulate workers’ exercise of discretion. Together these developments solidified Ontario’s first modern common law paradigm regarding work, ideas that would remain more or less in place until the early 1960s.
Sarcopenia and two types of presarcopenia in Japanese patients with chronic liver disease
Authors: Hiraoka Atsushi , Michitaka Kojiro , Ueki Hidetaro , Kaneto Miho , Aibiki Toshihiko , Okudaira Tomonari , Kawakami Takamasa , Yamago Hiroka , Suga Yoshifumi , Tomida Hideomi , Miyamoto Yuji , Azemoto Nobuaki , Mori Kenichiro , Miyata Hideki , Tsubouchi Eiji , Ninomiya Tomoyuki , Hirooka Masashi , Abe Masanori , Matsuura Bunzo , Hiasa Yoichi
Published: May 2016

Background/aim

The frequency of sarcopenia, defined as loss of both muscle volume and strength, was analyzed in chronic liver disease (CLD).

Methods and materials

From April to September 2015, 807 Japanese CLD patients treated as outpatients were enrolled (67.1±10.0 years, men : women=466 : 341, hepatitis C virus : hepatitis B virus : hepatitis B and C virus : alcohol : other=511 : 134 : 3 : 45 : 114). Sarcopenia was diagnosed when the patient showed muscle volume loss and reduced handgrip strength, whereas those with only muscle volume loss were classified as ‘v-presarcopenia’ and those with only reduced handgrip strength were classified as ‘s-presarcopenia’. Muscle volume loss was determined using computed tomography findings and a previously reported index (psoas index), and cut-off values for reduced handgrip strength presented by the Asia Working Group for Sarcopenia (AWGS) (AWGS/grip criteria) and European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People (EWGSOP) (EWGSOP/grip criteria) (men; 26 and 30 kg, women; 18 and 20 kg, respectively) were used. Clinical features were analyzed for diagnoses of chronic hepatitis (CH, n=381), liver cirrhosis Child-Pugh A (n=330), and liver cirrhosis Child-Pugh B/C (n=96).

Results

When the AWGS/grip criteria were used, the frequencies of sarcopenia, v-presarcopenia, and s-presarcopenia in CH were 3.9, 7.9, and 19.4%, whereas those in Child-Pugh A were 4.8, 17.6, and 21.8% and those in Child-Pugh B/C were 16.7, 11.5, and 39.6%, respectively. When the EWGSOP/grip criteria were used, these frequencies were 7.1, 4.7, and 33.1%, in CH, 11.8, 10.6, and 32.7%, in Child-Pugh A, and 21.9, 6.3, and 49.0%, in Child-Pugh B/C, respectively. The incidence rates of sarcopenia and both types of presarcopenia increased with progression of CLD.

Conclusion

Evaluation of handgrip strength and psoas index is an easy and effective method for the detection of sarcopenia and presarcopenia.
Pitfalls of Sonographic Imaging of Uterine Leiomyoma
Authors: Early Heather M. , McGahan John P. , Scoutt Leslie M. , Revzin Margarita , Lamba Ramit , Corwin Michael , Fananapazir Ghaneh , Sekhon Simran
Published: May 2016

Leiomyomas are the most common uterine tumor and the most common cause of uterine enlargement in the nonpregnant patient. Sonography is the imaging modality of choice for the initial diagnosis and imaging workup of uterine leiomyomas and is also extremely helpful in determining the etiology of a broad range of pelvic symptoms in the female patient. Although the classic sonographic appearance of uterine leiomyomas is well established and easily recognizable, other pelvic masses may occasionally be confused with uterine leiomyomas, and the ability to distinguish between these entities is crucial in optimizing appropriate patient care. This article will review pelvic abnormalities that can be confused on ultrasound with uterine leiomyomas and potential methods that can be used to avoid these pitfalls.
The influence of hexamethylenetetramine on the structure and corrosion resistance of phosphate coating on AZ31 magnesium alloy
Authors: Li Jiansan , Li Yali , Chen Yanqin , Sun Jiawei , Wang Chunxiao , Zheng Yingcai , Zhong Huiting
Published: May 2016

Purpose

This paper aims to report the influence of hexamethylenetetramine (HMTA) on phosphate coatings formed on AZ31 magnesium alloys.

Design/methodology/approach

These phosphate coatings were obtained by immersing magnesium alloys in phosphate baths with HMTA. The morphology and composition of the phosphate coatings were investigated via scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive spectrometry and X-ray diffraction.

Findings

The phosphate coatings were mainly composed of CaHPO4·2H2O. The HMTA concentration in the phosphate bath influenced the crystallization and corrosion resistance of the phosphate coating.

Originality/value

The polarization curve shows that the anti-corrosion qualities of the phosphate coating were optimal when the HMTA concentration was 1.0 g/L in the phosphate bath. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) shows that the electrochemical impedances increased gradually when the HMTA concentration varied from 1.0 to 3.0 g/L.
The effect of product placements on the evaluation of movies
Authors: Meyer Jeffrey , Song Reo , Ha Kyoungnam
Published: May 2016

Purpose

When advertising is provided in the form of product placements – the inclusion of branded products within media programming – it can increase or decrease the consumer’s utility. This paper aims to investigate the relationship between product placements and the evaluation of media programming by consumers. The authors hypothesize that consumers do not necessarily consider them as traditional advertising because placements of real brands can enhance realism even if placements sometimes interrupt consumption experience. Thus, the authors believe the relationship between product placements and consumer evaluation is overall positive. However, too many product placements in a single program may reverse this relationship. In addition, the relationship might differ based on the nature of programming, such as art versus entertainment films.

Design/methodology/approach

Empirical analyses were conducted on 134 movies released between 2000 and 2007 using a generalized method of moments instrumental variable approach.

Findings

The estimation results from product placement data on 134 movies released between 2000 and 2007 show that product placements have a significant positive effect on consumer ratings, but when used in excess, the effect becomes negative. In addition, a significant interaction exists between the nature of the film (mainstream vs independent) and the number of placements, such that consumers of independent films are much less likely to view product placements positively.

Originality/value

This research is the first empirical paper that demonstrates the effect of product placements on the evaluation of the media using secondary data.
How alternative consumer markets can build community resiliency
Authors: Ozanne Lucie K. , Ozanne Julie L.
Published: May 2016

Purpose

Time banking is a form of alternative consumer market where members trade services, non-reciprocally creating a local marketplace for services. Time Banks facilitate dyadic exchanges, meeting members’ practical needs and building diverse skills. The purpose of this research was to determine the broad capabilities developed in the Time Bank economy, and to demonstrate how these capabilities were mobilised following a series of earthquakes, contributing to the larger community’s resiliency.

Design/methodology/approach

Taking an ethnographic approach, data were collected using a variety of methods including interviews, focus groups, participant observation and secondary research.

Findings

Over time, this alternative consumer market developed a significant communication and social network that members activated to solve diverse practical problems facing the community. Similar to other exchange communities, the Time Bank also fostered a strong sense of community based on reciprocity and egalitarian values. Although the Time Bank was created as a marketplace to exchange local services, during a series of devastating earthquakes, it galvanised adaptive capacities, increasing the resiliency of the local community during disaster relief and reconstruction.

Research limitations/implications

The data were drawn from one alternative exchange system in New Zealand.

Practical implications

The study shows how grassroots alternative consumer markets like Time Banks build community capacities alongside the formal economy. During normal times, this system meets consumer needs, but in extraordinary times, this system provides community shock absorbers, thereby enhancing community resiliency.

Social implications

The Time Bank was particularly adept at leveraging local knowledge to provide social support to those residents who were most vulnerable.

Originality/value

Data were collected before, during, and after the earthquakes, providing a rare opportunity to explore the process of community resiliency in action. This research extends existing theories of community resiliency explaining the development and activation of capacities by a local alternative consumer market.
Web-based GIS technologies for monitoring and analysis of spatio-temporal processes
Authors: Gitis Valery , Derendyaev Alexander , Weinstock Arkady
Published: May 2016

Purpose

This paper aims to describe two Web-based technologies of geographic information systems (GIS) to be used in monitoring and analysis of environmental processes, proposed by the authors. The technologies analyze the temporal aspect of the process together with the spatial aspect, which defers them from most other works on environmental processes, as these are usually limited either to spatial statistics or to temporal statistics. The approach is instrumental in dynamically finding the relationships between the processes and predicting critical incidents.

Design/methodology/approach

Often, the study of natural processes is limited to the analysis of their spatial properties presented by individual time series. The principal idea of this approach consists in supplementing this traditional analysis with the analysis of time fields. In this way, the authors are able to analyze temporal and spatial properties of environmental processes together.

Findings

The paper presents two technologies which provide the analysis of spatial and temporal data obtained in natural environment monitoring. The discussed spatio-temporal data mining methods are shown to enable the research into environmental processes, and the solution of practical issues of critical situation forecasts.

Originality/value

The paper discussed Web-based GIS technologies for the analysis of the temporal aspect of the environmental process together with the spatial aspect. Application examples demonstrate the ability of this approach to find the relationships in dynamics of the processes and to predict critical incidents.